Guide to Different Types of Vans

When you're looking into buying a new van there are many different things to consider. With a large selection of different vans on the market the decision of which van to buy can be tricky. We'll delve into each van type highlighting each van's unique features, popular manufacturers for each type and the size of the specific vans.

Panel vans are ideal for securely transporting goods and equipment, making them popular among tradespeople, delivery drivers, and small businesses. Their large cargo areas and sliding doors ensure easy access, though they generally do not have rear windows.

These vans are available in various sizes. Small panel vans provide around 3-4 cubic metres of cargo space, medium models accommodate 5-8 cubic metres, and larger vans offer up to 15 cubic metres, catering to different business needs.

Popular models include the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Volkswagen Crafter.

Crew vans are designed for carrying both passengers and cargo. Common among construction workers and tradespeople, these vans typically seat up to six passengers with a separate cargo area at the rear.

Available in different sizes, smaller crew vans offer 4-5 cubic metres of cargo space, making them ideal for smaller teams. Medium-sized vans provide 5-7 cubic metres, while large crew vans offer up to 9 cubic metres, allowing for heavier loads.

Popular models include the Vauxhall Vivaro, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and Volkswagen Transporter.

Box vans, also called Luton vans, are designed for transporting large, bulky items thanks to their extended box-shaped cargo areas. Commonly used by removal companies and furniture delivery services, these vans often come with tail lifts to make loading easier.

The cargo capacity of box vans is maximised, typically offering around 15-20 cubic metres, depending on the van size.

Popular models include the Iveco Daily Luton, Peugeot Boxer Luton, and Volkswagen Crafter Luton.

Tipper vans are built for transporting and offloading loose materials like sand, gravel, or waste and are frequently used by builders and landscapers. Equipped with a hydraulic tipping mechanism, these vans make unloading quick and efficient.

Tipper vans come in various sizes, with larger models offering up to 10 cubic metres of load capacity and increased durability for heavy-duty jobs.

Popular models include the Ford Transit Tipper, Peugeot Boxer Tipper, and Volkswagen Crafter Tipper.

Flatbed vans are designed to transport large or irregularly shaped items, featuring an open, flat cargo area without sides or a roof. Commonly used by construction and delivery companies, they offer ease of loading and unloading.

Flatbed vans come in several sizes. Small models range from 5.2 to 5.5 metres or metres in length with a 3-3.5-metre load bed. Medium vans are between 5.8 and 6.2 metres long, while larger models can extend up to 7 metres with 4.5-5-metre bed lengths, providing versatile options for different cargo needs.

Popular models include the Ford Transit Flatbed, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Flatbed, and Volkswagen Crafter Flatbed.

Pick-ups offer a separate cabin with an open cargo area, ideal for carrying passengers and goods. They are widely used by tradespeople for their robust build and ability to manage heavy loads. With side rails and towing capabilities, pick-ups are highly versatile for both off-road and work purposes.

Though sizes are generally consistent across pick-up models, they offer a standard cargo bed capable of carrying up to 1 ton of load, making them practical for work or leisure.

Popular models include the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Volkswagen Amarok.

Campervans provide the convenience of both transportation and accommodation, making them perfect for road trips and camping. They often feature integrated sleeping areas, kitchenettes, and dining spaces, allowing for comfortable travel.

Campervans come in various sizes depending on the level of amenities required, from compact models that sleep two to larger models designed for families or extended travel.

Popular models include the Ford Transit Custom Nugget, Volkswagen Grand California, and Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

Dropside vans are built for carrying bulky or irregularly shaped items, featuring a flat cargo area with sides that can be lowered or removed. Used by construction, landscaping, and delivery companies, they provide easy loading and unloading access. Many models also come equipped with tail lifts for added convenience.

They are available in a variety of sizes. Smaller dropside vans are around 5–6 metres in length, while larger models can extend up to 7 metres, allowing for flexible load capacities depending on your requirements.

Popular models include the Iveco Daily Dropside, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Dropside, and Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 Dropside.

In the UK, panel vans are the most common type of van, making up a significant portion of the country's van fleet. These vans are widely used for commercial purposes due to their offering of large cargo. About one in five vehicles (22%) on UK roads is a van, reflecting the growing demand.

A large majority of industries rely on vans for their operations, with sectors such as construction and trade businesses (builders, electricians, and plumbers) using them to transport tools and materials. Due to their spacious and flexible design, panel vans have become the go-to choice for many businesses, which explains their popularity across these industries.

A commercial van is mainly designed for transporting goods and equipment. It focuses on providing cargo space with a large, open rear area for storage. These vans usually have little or no seating for passengers, other than the driver and front seat, making them perfect for businesses that need to move tools, products, or materials.

However, a passenger van is built to carry people. It focuses on comfort and can have multiple rows of seats to transport a group of passengers. These vans often come with features such as windows, air conditioning, and seatbelts for everyone.

Passenger vans are commonly used for shuttles, group transport, or minibuses while commercial vans are made for transporting goods.

Find the perfect van for your needs today. Explore our wide range of new Volkswagen vans we have in stock or check out our selection of used vans.