A van can be an invaluable asset, providing a mobile workshop that allows you to work efficiently on the go. In this regard, vans should be adapted to the needs of professionals, but you need to know what to check when buying a van. However, it can be overwhelming sometimes to choose the right one.
Read on if you want to discover how to check a van before buying to help you select the most reliable vans for your professional needs.
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What to Check When Buying a Van? Considering your Requirements
Before you start your search, it’s important to assess your specific needs. You must first ask yourself a few questions:
- What is your budget? You should determine how much you’re willing to spend on a van and associated costs.
- What type of work will you be doing? Will you be transporting tools, equipment, or materials?
- How often will you be using the van? Will it be your primary workspace, or will you only use it occasionally?
Van Size and Load Capacity
The size of your van will directly impact its functionality. When thinking about what to check when buying a van for work, you should consider the following factors:
- Wheelbase: A longer wheelbase provides more interior space for carrying cargo, although larger vans tend to be less manoeuvrable in tight spaces. Consider the types of environments you’ll frequently drive in.
- Height: Ensure the van is tall enough to accommodate your tallest items. If you’re frequently transporting bulky or oversized equipment, a high roof may be necessary to avoid damage to goods or discomfort while loading.
- Payload capacity: Check the van’s maximum weight capacity to ensure it can handle your load. Overloading your van could not only damage the vehicle but also be illegal and dangerous.
Interior Layout and Features
The interior layout of your van should be designed to optimize your workflow. Look for features such as:
- Electrical outlets: Consider vans with built-in electrical outlets for powering tools, light sockets and equipment. This is especially useful if you work within the van organising materials or with documents.
- Storage compartments: Multiple compartments and drawers can help you organise your tools and equipment more efficiently. Well-placed storage options prevent clutter and ensure everything is easily accessible when you need it.
- Shelving: Adjustable shelving provides flexibility, allowing you to customise the interior to suit your needs. Whether you’re carrying small tools or larger items, shelves that can be reconfigured help maximise space.
- Work surfaces: A flat work surface can provide a stable workspace for tasks like repairs or assembly.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider, especially if you’ll be using the van frequently. Look for vans with fuel-efficient engines that offers good fuel economy. A more aerodynamic shape can help improve fuel efficiency.
You should also consider low maintenance costs when making your decision, especially if it’s a used van. Before buying the vehicle, you should check for any knocks it has suffered during use or repairs that the owner has carried out.
Safety Features
Safety should always be a priority of what to check when buying a van. You should look for features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) to helps prevent wheel lockup during braking. Electronic stability control (ESC) helps maintain control during sudden maneuvers and airbags provide protection in case of an accident.
All commercial vehicles and vans currently available for purchase come equipped with well-known ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which feature technologies like:
- pedestrian detection and avoidance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure alerts and correction
- Automatic parking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
However, some older used models might not include these features. Do you need any doubt about what to check when buying a van for work? At Tecnolam based in the UK, we offer racking solutions and provides advice for all van brands for professionals such as carpenters, craftsmen and installers.
