Which double cabin is best suited to a construction company?

For a construction company, a double-cab van with sufficient load capacity (minimum 1,000 kg) and space for 5-6 people is usually the best choice. Consider the balance between passenger transport and material capacity, the length of the load space (short for urban work, long for large projects), and the material type of the load bed. The right configuration depends on your daily activities and the amount of building materials you transport.

What should you consider when selecting a double cabin for construction?

When selecting a double cab van for construction work, load capacity, number of seats and load space dimensions the most important factors. You want to transport your team comfortably and take sufficient materials to the construction site. The balance between these two aspects determines which configuration suits you best.

The load capacity of your double cab must be realistic for everyday use. Always include the weight of your staff in the calculation. Five people weighing an average of 80 kg will already cost you 400 kg of your total load capacity. Will there still be enough left for your materials and tools?

The type of material used for the loading platform also makes a difference. Steel loading containers are sturdier and more resistant to heavy impacts, which is useful if you regularly work with heavy equipment. Aluminium loading platforms are lighter, which gives you more load capacity, but they dent more easily when used roughly.

Accessibility is more practical than you might think. Can you easily reach your equipment? Are the side flaps easy to open? If you load and unload items ten times a day, you will notice the difference between a well-designed and poorly designed loading compartment.

Some construction companies deliberately opt for a longer wheelbase with more loading space, while others prefer a shorter version for better manoeuvrability in the city. Your daily work locations largely determine which configuration is most practical.

How much load capacity do you really need for building materials?

For building materials, you need minimum 800-1,000 kg effective load capacity required after deducting the weight of your personnel. Typical building materials weigh: a bag of cement 25 kg, a stack of wooden planks 50-100 kg, toolboxes 30-50 kg, and insulation material is relatively light but takes up a lot of space.

Calculate your load capacity realistically. If your double cab has a maximum load capacity of 1,200 kg and you are transporting four mechanics (320 kg), that leaves 880 kg for materials. That sounds like a lot, but consider what you typically carry on an average day: tools, a ladder, building materials, and perhaps a compressor or mixing machine.

Overloading is no trivial matter. You risk a fine, but more importantly, your safety and that of other road users is at stake. An overloaded van brakes less effectively, is harder to steer and wears out more quickly. The MOT test will also pick this up, which could cost you downtime.

A practical tip: weigh your double cab van when fully loaded on a weighbridge. Many construction companies underestimate their daily load and unknowingly drive around overloaded. This way, you know exactly where you stand and can adjust your working methods.

Also take seasonal differences into account. In winter, you may want to take extra material with you because you want to drive less often, or you may load more because certain projects require more material. Plan your load capacity with these variations in mind.

What is the difference between a short and long double cabin?

A short double cab has a wheelbase of approximately 3,000–3,300 mm, while a long version measures 3,450-4,000 mm. The difference lies in manoeuvrability versus load space. A short cab is easier to turn, easier to park and more convenient in narrow streets. A long cab offers more load space but requires more space when manoeuvring.

For urban construction projects, a short double cab is often more practical. You regularly work in cramped city centres, have to park in narrow streets and manoeuvre on small construction sites. Those extra metres of wheelbase really make a difference to your daily working comfort.

Do you mainly work on larger projects outside the city? Then a long double cab is more interesting. You have more loading space for materials, which means you don't have to drive back and forth as often. The longer loading bed also makes it easier to transport long materials such as beams or profiles.

A concrete example: as a painter, you often work in residential areas with limited parking spaces. A short cab fits more easily and you don't load extremely heavy loads anyway. As a contractor with larger renovations, you benefit from that extra loading space for various materials and larger tools.

The manoeuvrability differs noticeably. A short wheelbase has a smaller turning circle, which makes turning and reversing in tight spaces easier. If you regularly work on busy construction sites or in old town centres, you will notice this difference every day.

How Van Den Hurk helps find the right double cab

We understand that every construction company has different requirements for a double cab van. That is why we offer personalised advice based on your specific work activities. Tell us about your daily projects, your team size and the materials you transport. We will then help you find the configuration that really suits you.

Our range double cabins includes:

• Various brands and models, both new and used
• Different wheelbase lengths for urban or larger projects
• Steel and aluminium loading platforms, depending on your preference
• Flexible leasing and financing options for business customers
• Options for modifications and accessories such as roof racks or storage solutions

Can't find your ideal double cab? Then use our stock alert service. You will automatically receive a notification as soon as a van that meets your requirements comes into stock. That way, you'll never miss out on the perfect vehicle for your construction company.

Visit our showroom in Helmond for personalised advice. We will take the time to discuss your situation and show you various configurations. This will enable you to make an informed choice that will make your daily work easier. Contact us today or view our current range online.