Choosing The Right Van

Vans are the workhorses of the modern motoring world.  If you use one for your business then you’re likely to demand a lot from it, and it’s important that you have the right vehicle for the job.  There are a lot of high-performance vans on the market, so here are a few things to think about when choosing the right one for you.


Body type
Vans come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Panel trucks are the most common vans on Tanzanian roads and feature a ‘one-piece’, rigid, non-articulated body. The ‘panel’ part of the name refers to the solid panels in the cargo space where rear side windows would otherwise be.
Box vans have a separate box-shaped cargo hold at the rear while Luton vans are similar but with the box or cargo space extending over the front cab.
Flatbeds and pick-ups are other options with different types of van suited to different purposes.
Space

One of your primary considerations will be how much a particular van can carry. There are two factors to consider; the maximum weight or payload and the volume capacity in cubic metres. The amount of cargo capability required will of course depend on how the van is primarily to be used.
If you are a tradesman who just needs to transport people and tools your requirements will be different than a business that needs to deliver or collect large amounts of stock.
Versatility
Many vans can be turned to different purposes and a vehicle with configurable seating and storage space can be adjusted as required. Some small business owners employ a van for business purposes during the week that can also double as a family-sized people carrier at the weekends.
Chassis cabs, meanwhile, are the most basic van you can buy but are also ready to be converted into a tipper, dropside or box van.
Affordability
Affordability does not just mean the vehicle’s list price. Your mileage will also be important, especially if the van is to be used over long distances. Getting a suitable van with the right capacity can also cut down on fuel costs and man hours; a larger, more powerful van might typically give fewer miles per gallon but you may also be able to complete the same job in fewer trips.
Reliability is also important, as you don’t want to constantly be paying for costly repairs, or have the van break down in the middle of a crucial job.