Why do construction companies choose double cab vans?

Construction companies often opt for a double-cab van because this type of vehicle combines passenger transport and material transport in one practical solution. You can take your entire team to the construction site and transport all the necessary tools and materials at the same time. This not only saves costs by reducing the number of vehicles in your fleet, but also makes logistics on projects much easier. In this article, we answer the most important questions about why a double cab is so well suited to construction work.

What makes a double cab van so practical for construction companies?

A double cab van combines a spacious cabin for several people with a separate loading area for materials and tools. This means you can transport your entire work crew and all the necessary equipment to the construction site in a single trip. You no longer need to use a separate passenger car and van, which greatly simplifies logistics.

This is particularly useful for construction companies. Your team can drive to the workplace together, discuss the work on the way and get straight to work as soon as you arrive. All tools, building materials and personal protective equipment are safely stored in the load compartment. This prevents items from lying around loose in the cab and ensures a clean, comfortable working environment for your employees.

The flexibility of a double cab is also a major advantage. On days when you need fewer staff, you can use the extra seats to transport larger materials. Conversely, on large projects, you can make maximum use of all the seats to transport your entire team efficiently.

By operating with one vehicle instead of several, you save on fuel costs, insurance and maintenance. You also have fewer parking problems at busy construction sites where space is often scarce. This makes the double cab a smart choice for companies that value practical and cost-efficient solutions.

How many people and how much equipment can you carry in a double cab?

A standard double cab van can accommodate five to seven people, depending on the configuration. Most models have three seats in the front and a rear bench seat for another three to four people. This means you can comfortably transport an entire construction crew without anyone having to ride in a second vehicle.

The load space behind the double cab is smaller than that of a single cab, but still spacious enough for a construction team's daily essentials. You can store toolboxes, power tools, ladders, smaller building materials and personal protective equipment in it. Typical load compartment dimensions vary between 1.5 and 2.5 metres in length, with a width of approximately 1.2 to 1.5 metres.

The load capacity is usually between 500 and 1000 kilograms, depending on the specific model and how many people you are transporting. This is sufficient for a standard working day in construction. Think of multiple toolboxes, a compressor, smaller quantities of cement or plaster, and various hand tools.

Compared to a single cab, you do have less loading space, but the big advantage is that you don't need a second vehicle for passenger transport. For many construction companies, this more than compensates for the slightly smaller loading platform. You can also choose different configurations, such as a longer loading platform or a higher body, depending on what you need most for your specific work.

What advantages does a double cabin offer in terms of safety and comfort?

A double-cab van completely separates the passenger compartment from the load compartment, which is important for safety. In the event of an emergency stop or collision, loose materials and tools cannot shoot forward and hit the occupants. All persons are safely seated in the cab, while materials remain securely fastened in the load compartment.

Modern double cabins are equipped with the same safety features as passenger cars. These include airbags for all occupants, ABS, stability control and, in many cases, lane assist. This makes transporting your team not only more comfortable, but also safer than in older commercial vehicles that lack these systems.

Comfort is another important aspect for construction crews who travel long distances to different project sites every day. The seats in a double cab are similar to those in a passenger car, with good legroom and adjustable backrests. Many models have air conditioning, so your team will arrive at the workplace feeling refreshed, even on hot summer days.

For employees who spend hours a day in the vehicle, these ergonomic aspects really make a difference. Comfortable seats reduce fatigue and physical complaints, which contributes to the productivity and well-being of your team. Modern double cabins also have sufficient storage space in the cabin itself for personal belongings, drinks and small tools that you want to have quickly at hand.

What are the costs and is a double cabin financially attractive?

The purchase price of a double cab van is higher than that of a single cab, usually several thousand pounds more. This is due to the extra space, seats and safety features. However, this investment can quickly pay for itself if you regularly need to transport several employees.

Operating costs such as fuel, insurance and maintenance are comparable to those of a single cab with the same engine power. Fuel consumption may be slightly higher due to the extra weight, but this difference is usually minimal. Insurance companies often do not charge significantly higher premiums for double cabs, especially when compared to insuring two separate vehicles.

The major financial advantage lies in the fact that one vehicle suffices where you would otherwise need two. Suppose you would otherwise need a delivery van for materials and a passenger car for your team. In that case, you save considerably on purchase costs, insurance, road tax, maintenance, and depreciation of that second vehicle. These savings can amount to thousands of euros per year.

For companies that find it difficult to make the investment in one go, there are flexible financing options such as financial leasing. This allows you to spread the costs over several years and retain financial scope for other investments. You pay a fixed monthly amount and at the end of the lease period you can choose whether to take over the vehicle or trade it in for a newer model.

When considering the total cost of ownership over several years, a double cab is the most cost-effective solution for many construction companies. You can combine passenger and material transport, keep your fleet compact and benefit from modern, fuel-efficient engines that keep fuel costs under control.

How we help you find the right double cab van

At Van den Hurk, we understand that every construction company has different requirements for a double cab van. That is why we take the time to work with you to determine exactly what you need for your specific situation.

Our offering for construction companies includes:

• Large stock double cabins from reliable brands, both new and used models
• Personal advice about the best configuration for your type of construction projects
• Flexible financing with financial lease options that suit your business operations
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs, so you know exactly where you stand
• Support in choosing the correct load compartment layout and any accessories
• Stock alert service that automatically alerts you when a van that meets your requirements becomes available

You can view our complete range in our showroom in Helmond, where our advisors will be happy to help you. Do you have specific questions about which double cab best suits your construction company? Please contact us or view our current stock at www.vdhurk.nl. We are happy to help you find the perfect commercial vehicle for your situation.