Can you order a double-cab commercial van with air conditioning in the back?
When you’re heading out with a team of staff, you want everyone to arrive in comfort. A double-cab van It offers space for several people as well as a load area at the rear, but what do you do when the temperature rises? The question of whether you can order a double-cab commercial van with air conditioning in the rear is more relevant than ever, especially for businesses that transport several people every day.
In this article, we answer all your questions about rear air conditioning in a double-cab commercial van: from what it is and how much it costs to how to have it fitted and when it’s the right choice for you.
What is a double cab company bus?
A double-cab commercial van is a commercial vehicle with two rows of seats in the cab, combined with a load area at the rear. This type of vehicle can accommodate five to seven people and can also be used to transport tools, materials or goods.
You often see this type of vehicle used by construction firms, fitters, gardeners and other tradespeople who drive to a job site with their team whilst also carrying their equipment. The double cab differs from a standard van in that the passenger compartment is considerably larger, whilst the load space at the rear remains unchanged.
What body styles are available?
A double-cab commercial van is available in various models. The most common are:
- Double cab with enclosed load area: the classic delivery van with an extra row of seats and a fully enclosed load compartment
- Double-cab pick-up: open-top rear loading platform, popular in the construction and agricultural sectors
- Double cab with raised roof: more headroom in the load compartment for larger items
- Minibus with a double-cab layout: fully equipped for passenger transport with additional comfort features
The choice of body style partly determines which air-conditioning options are available and how easy it is to retrofit the system. With a closed load compartment, there are the most options for rear air-conditioning.
Can you order a double-cab commercial van with air conditioning in the back?
Yes, it is possible to order a double-cab commercial van with air conditioning in the rear, but availability varies greatly depending on the make and model. For some manufacturers, a separate climate control system for the rear cabin is a factory option. For other models, retrofitting is the only option.
It is important to distinguish between two situations: air conditioning for the rear row of seats in the double cab, and air conditioning for the completely separate rear load area. The first option is available from several manufacturers as a factory or dealer option. The second situation, where the load compartment is cooled, almost always requires a separate installation by a specialist.
Air conditioning for the rear row of seats versus cooling in the boot
If you want your staff to travel in comfort in the rear of the double cab, you’ll need air conditioning that also serves the rear row. This differs from the standard air conditioning, which only cools the front driver’s cab. Manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Ford and Mercedes-Benz offer upgrades for their popular models, whereby the air conditioning system extends to the rear row via additional air vents.
If you want to cool the load compartment yourself – for example, for temperature-sensitive goods – you’ll need a refrigerated lorry system. That’s a whole different technical world, with its own regulations and costs. In this article, we’ll be focusing on air conditioning for the rear passenger compartment.
Which double-cab commercial vans come with rear air conditioning as standard?
Not all commercial vans come with rear air conditioning as standard, but on a number of popular models this is available as a factory option. The Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom and Mercedes-Benz Vito are well-known examples where additional climate control options are available for the rear row of passengers.
The Volkswagen Transporter double cab offers three-zone climate control as an option, with the rear row having its own air vents. Some versions of the Ford Transit Custom feature additional air vents for the second row. Mercedes-Benz supplies the Vito and V-Class with extensive climate control options; the V-Class, in its version more geared towards passenger transport, comes with multiple climate zones as standard.
What do manufacturers say about this option?
When configuring a new company van, it is always a good idea to go through the list of options carefully. Manufacturers sometimes list rear air conditioning as a standalone option, and sometimes as part of a comfort package. Ask the dealer specifically about:
- Separate air outlet for the rear cabin section
- Option for separate temperature control in the rear
- Compatibility with the chosen body style
- Whether this option is also available for lease arrangements involving electric commercial vehicles
At electrical versions the air conditioning’s energy consumption plays a greater role. Air conditioning uses a considerable amount of energy, which affects the range. Bear this in mind if you’re considering an electric company car.
How much does rear air conditioning cost on a double-cab commercial van?
The additional cost for rear air conditioning as a factory option is usually between 500 and 2,500 euros, depending on the make, model and type of system. A full second climate zone with its own control unit is more expensive than a simple air-flow solution using additional air vents.
If you opt for a retrofit – that is, having air conditioning fitted in the rear after purchase – the costs will be higher. Expect to pay between 1,500 and 4,000 euros, depending on the complexity of the installation and the type of system. A standalone system with its own compressor is more expensive than an extension to the existing air conditioning system.
Are there any additional costs?
In addition to the installation costs, there are a number of other factors to bear in mind:
- Maintenance: An additional air-conditioning system requires regular maintenance, including topping up the refrigerant
- Fuel or energy consumption: Air conditioning increases fuel consumption; in petrol and diesel vehicles, by a few per cent on average
- MOT test: A replica installation must comply with the applicable vehicle regulations and must not compromise the structure
- Guarantee: Check whether the manufacturer’s warranty remains valid for the vehicle following any modifications
If you’re buying or leasing a small van, it’s worth ordering rear air conditioning as a factory option straight away. In most cases, this is cheaper than having it fitted retrospectively, and it means you retain the manufacturer’s warranty.
How do you have an air-conditioning unit fitted in the rear of an existing commercial van?
To fit rear air conditioning in an existing commercial van, you’ll need to use a specialist bodybuilder or a vehicle maintenance company. The installer will first assess whether the existing air conditioning system can be extended or whether a separate system is required. Additional pipework, air vents and, if necessary, a separate compressor are then fitted.
Broadly speaking, the process involves the following steps:
- Vehicle inspection: The installer assesses the existing air-conditioning system and the available space
- Choice of system: an extension to the existing installation or a stand-alone system
- Fitting of pipes and outlet openings: This requires modifications to the interior panels
- Connection to the electrical system: Independent systems require their own power supply
- Testing and adjustment: Once installed, the system is tested for proper operation and leaks
What should you bear in mind when it comes to post-processing?
Always choose a certified fitter with experience of commercial vehicles. A poorly carried out installation can lead to problems during the MOT test or cause damage to the vehicle. Always ask for a written quote, with a guarantee covering the work carried out.
You should also check whether the modification affects the vehicle’s manufacturer’s warranty. In the case of a relatively new commercial van, it may be wiser to wait until the warranty period has expired or to seek prior approval from the manufacturer or importer.
When is a double cab with rear air conditioning the right choice?
A double-cab company van with air conditioning in the rear is the right choice if you regularly transport several staff members and comfort is a priority. Think of shift work in the summer heat, long journeys to project sites, or sectors such as healthcare, security and construction, where people travel together on a daily basis.
Rear air conditioning is particularly important when:
- Transporting two or more staff members in the back on hot days
- The journeys are longer than thirty minutes
- You work in a sector where staff wellbeing is a priority
- Your vehicle is also used to transport customers or for corporate purposes
- Your staff need to get straight to work after their journey and don’t want to arrive covered in sweat
For short journeys in urban areas, or if the rear seats are rarely occupied, the investment is less likely to be worth the cost. In that case, good ventilation or a side window that can be opened will suffice.
How does this compare to an electric company car?
When leasing an electric commercial vehicle, it’s particularly important to factor in rear air conditioning when planning, as energy consumption has a direct impact on the range. Electric systems cool more efficiently than conventional petrol or diesel air-conditioning systems, but the energy consumption is still noticeable. Always discuss this with your supplier before configuring an electric vehicle with rear climate control options.
How we help you choose the right company bus
At Van den Hurk Commercial Vehicles, we provide practical help in finding a double-cab commercial van that suits your needs, budget and requirements. Whether you’re looking to buy a small van with rear air conditioning or lease an electric commercial vehicle with multiple climate zones, we’ll work with you to find the right solution.
Here's what we can do for you:
- Tailored advice on which models offer rear air conditioning as a factory option
- Insight into post-processing costs via our network of specialists
- Leasing options for double-cab commercial vans, including electric models
- A large stock of used and new commercial vehicles in the Helmond area
- Personal contact with an adviser who understands your sector and your needs
Would you like to find out which double-cab commercial van is best suited to your needs? Please get in touch with us or View our full range of commercial vehicles and pop round to Helmond. We’d be happy to help you with honest advice and a vehicle that really suits your everyday needs.
