Carrying capacity
Making sure your van can carry all your people and tools is vital. Buying a bigger van than you need will be less cost-effective, but you also need to ensure there’s capacity if your business does grow.
Larger vans, such as the Movano, usually offer a choice of three roof heights: low, medium and high. So measure some of your biggest equipment to get an idea of how high you need your van to be. Smaller vans, such as the Combo or Vivaro, have a fixed roof height.
Weight is important, too. There are multiple reasons not to overload your van – driving an overweight vehicle is not just unsafe, but illegal. Too much weight can also damage or quickly wear out your van’s brakes and suspension, reduce its power and fuel-efficiency, and create more emissions as well.
Seating, space and distance
Whether you’re working solo or with a crew, chances are you’ll need a van with flexible seating options. They can come with one - four bench seat options and additional fold down seats.
Next thing to think about is space. Work out how much you need for tools, long ladders and any wide items you might carry. Many vans come with nifty storage options, too.
Travelling far? If you really clock up the miles on business, you may want a 6-speed transmission, and a higher spec so you can get to work with a little more comfort and entertainment. Or if you’re looking for even more versatility, efficiency and comfort, check out the 8-speed automatic transmissions or diesel engines on Vauxhall vans.
If you frequently travel to new places, an integrated sat nav will be handy, too.
Getting in and out
Safety and security
A secure van is vital to protect your business’s assets, so make sure you think about the vehicle’s safety features.
Fortunately, many vans today are fitted with sophisticated security devices. For example, an anti-theft alarm comes as standard on Vauxhall Combo Sportive and Limited Edition Nav models, and also on Vivaro Sportive and Elite.
But it’s good to take a ‘belt and braces’ approach to security as well. So don’t leave tools or any valuable items in your van overnight.
Think about your employees’ and your own comfort when choosing your van. Do you need lumbar support? Does the vehicle have adjusters that will let you set an optimal driving position? Do you want heated seats for those early winter mornings?
