How do you choose the right double cab van?

A double-cab van First, determine how many seats and how much cargo space you need for your daily work. Consider the load capacity, the fuel type that suits your driving behaviour, and comfort for longer journeys. It is important to find the right balance between sufficient passenger capacity and enough cargo space for your equipment. These vans are ideal for teams travelling together to project locations with their tools and equipment.

Why choose a double cab van?

A double cab van can accommodate five to six people and has space for materials in a single vehicle. This allows you to combine passenger transport with goods transport, which is practical for teams travelling to work sites together. This setup means you don't need multiple vehicles for your team and their equipment.

For construction companies, installers and maintenance teams, double cabins often the best choice. Your entire team travels together, while tools, materials and equipment remain separate in the load compartment. This keeps the cab clean and comfortable for your employees.

Flexibility is a major advantage. On days when you need to transport fewer people, you can use the extra space for materials. For larger projects, you can take the entire team with you without anyone having to drive a separate car. This saves on fuel costs and makes planning easier.

Compare this to a standard delivery van, which only has two seats. This means that part of your team has to travel separately, which costs time and money. Or you could opt for a large bus without cargo space, which means you have to transport your equipment separately. A double cab solves both problems at once.

How much cargo space do you lose with a double cab?

With a double cab, you lose about a third to half of the load space compared to a standard van. A standard model often has around 5 to 6 square metres of load floor space, while a double cab has 3 to 4 square metres. The load capacity also decreases, usually by 200 to 400 kilograms.

For many companies, this trade-off is not a problem. If your team transports tools, smaller machines or building materials on a daily basis, the remaining load space is often sufficient. Think of installers who work with pipes, fittings and tools, or maintenance companies with their standard equipment.

Calculate in advance what you really need. Make a list of the materials you transport on average and measure the space they take up. Add a margin for unexpected jobs. This will help you determine whether a double cab suits your working method.

Sectors such as construction and landscaping often opt for double cabins despite the smaller load compartment. The ability to transport the entire team together outweighs the extra load space. For transport companies that mainly transport volume, a standard van is often more practical.

Practical examples by sector

Installation companies use double cabins for daily maintenance jobs involving two to four engineers working with toolboxes, small parts and measuring equipment. The more limited load space is not an issue in this case.

Construction crews opt for double cabins when they travel to different locations with a fixed team. Heavy equipment is delivered separately, while the crew takes their daily tools with them in the van.

What are the most important considerations when choosing a double cab van?

Start with the number of seats you need on a regular basis. A double cab usually offers six seats, but some models have five. Think about your average team size and whether you regularly transport varying numbers of people.

The load capacity is at least as important as the cargo space. Check the maximum weight you are allowed to load and subtract the weight of your team and their personal belongings. What remains is available for materials and tools. If you exceed this weight, you risk fines and wear and tear on your vehicle.

Comfort during longer journeys makes a difference to your team. Pay attention to things like legroom, adjustable seats and climate control. Employees who spend an hour or more in the car every day will work more effectively if they can travel in comfort.

Safety features are no longer optional. Modern double cabins often come with ESP, airbags and ABS as standard. Also consider additional options such as blind spot detection, rear view cameras and adaptive cruise control, especially if you drive a lot of kilometres.

Calculate total costs

The purchase price is only part of your investment. You also need to factor in fuel costs, maintenance, insurance and any road tax. A cheaper van with high fuel consumption may end up being more expensive in the long run than a more efficient model.

Your driving pattern determines which factors are more important. If you mainly drive short distances in the city, manoeuvrability and ease of parking are important. If you make long motorway journeys every day, fuel consumption and driving comfort are more relevant.

Which fuel choice is best suited to a double cab van?

Diesel remains the practical choice for many companies when it comes to double cabs. If you drive more than 20,000 kilometres per year, you will recoup the higher purchase price through lower fuel consumption. Modern diesel engines are more economical and quieter than in the past, and refuelling is quick.

Electric double cabins are becoming increasingly available. They are ideal if you mainly work within a fixed region with daily journeys of up to 150 kilometres. Your charging costs are lower than fuel costs, and you drive quietly and without emissions. Do pay attention to the load capacity, because the batteries are heavy and reduce your payload.

Work out what suits you best. Add up your annual mileage and divide it by twelve to get your monthly average. Consider your standard routes and whether you have access to charging stations at your workplace or at home. If you regularly drive in environmental zones, electric vehicles become a more attractive option.

Fuel costs fluctuate, but the differences remain significant. Diesel costs more per litre than petrol, but it takes you further. Electricity is the cheapest per kilometre, especially if you charge outside peak hours. Calculate this for your own situation using current rates.

Taking future-proofing into account

Environmental zones in cities are becoming stricter. Some municipalities already ban older diesel engines, and these rules are being expanded. If you regularly work in urban areas, check the plans for the coming years. An electric or very clean diesel engine will retain access to these zones for longer.

The charging infrastructure is growing rapidly. What may seem impractical for electric driving now may be very different in two years' time. Think about where your company will be in five years' time and whether your working area will be better served by charging stations.

How Van Den Hurk assists in selecting the appropriate double cab van

We understand that choosing the right double cab van is not always easy. That is why we are happy to help you with personalised advice tailored to your specific business situation.

This is how we support you:

Large stock of double cabins from various brands, both new and used models
Personalised advice based on your team size, daily activities, and transport requirements
Flexible purchase and lease options to suit your financial situation
Opportunity to view vehicles and test drive them in our showroom in Helmond
Stock alert service: receive automatic notification when the double cabin you are looking for arrives
Transparent prices and clear delivery packages with no surprises

With over 60 years of experience in the Helmond region and throughout North Brabant, we understand the needs of entrepreneurs. Whether you run an installation company, work in construction or have a maintenance company, we are happy to help you make the best choice.

Visit our showroom for personal advice, view our current range online at www.vdhurk.nl, or contact us. We will be happy to help you find the perfect double cab van for your business.