What is the difference between a double cab and a crew cab?
A double cabin and a crew cab are the same in practice: both terms refer to a van with two rows of seats and space for five to six people, in addition to a cargo area behind the cab. The term “crew cab” is mainly used in English, while “double cab” is the common Dutch term. Both configurations combine passenger transport with material transport, making them ideal for teams travelling together to project sites with tools and materials.
What exactly is a double cab?
A double-cab van is a commercial vehicle with two full rows of seats, allowing you to transport five to six people. Behind the cabin is a separate cargo area for materials and tools. This configuration offers the flexibility of passenger transport combined with practical transport options for business belongings.
The double cabin has a clear separation between the seating area and the cargo area. The rear row of seats offers comfortable seating with sufficient legroom for longer journeys. This keeps the cabin clean and comfortable, while tools, materials and equipment are transported safely and dry in the separated cargo area.
The dimensions of a double cab fall within the standard 3,500 kg category for commercial vehicles. The cargo space is more compact than with a single cab, but still offers enough room for standard tools, materials and equipment that teams need on a daily basis.
This configuration is mainly used when you regularly travel with a team to different locations. Construction crews, installation specialists and maintenance teams benefit from being able to travel together with all the necessary gear on board.
What is the difference between a double cab and a crew cab?
The difference between a double cabin and a crew cab is mainly in the terminology, not the practical implementation. Both terms describe a commercial vehicle with two full rows of seats and a separate cargo area. “Crew cab” is the English-language term mostly used by international brands, while “double cab” is the Dutch term most commonly encountered in practice.
Some manufacturers make subtle differences in the naming of their models. In some brands, “crew cab” refers to a slightly longer wheelbase with more legroom in the rear seat row, while “double cab” designates a more compact variant. However, these differences are not standardised and vary by make and model.
In the Dutch market, the two terms are often used interchangeably. Whether you are looking for a crew cab or a double cab, in both cases you will get a commercial vehicle with space for five to six people and a practical cargo area. The exact dimensions and layout depend more on the specific make and model than on the designation used.
In brands such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot, you will find this configuration under different names. The Volkswagen Transporter, for example, offers a double cab variant, while other brands refer to the same layout as crew cab. The functionality remains the same: team transport with equipment space.
For which companies is a double cab or crew cab suitable?
A double cabin is particularly suitable for companies where teams regularly travel together to project sites with tools and materials. The combination of passenger transport and cargo space makes this configuration ideal for industries where collaboration and mobility are important.
In the construction industry, the double cab is popular for teams travelling together to construction sites. Bricklayers, carpenters and plasterers can travel to different projects with their team and tools in one vehicle. The separate cargo area keeps the cab clean, while materials and equipment are transported safely.
Installation companies in electrical, plumbing and HVAC benefit from flexibility. Technicians travel together to customer sites with all necessary equipment, tools and materials. The extra seats allow new employees to come along for training and mentoring.
The double cab is also a practical choice in the green sector, in landscaping companies and maintenance services. Teams can travel together to different sites with machines, tools and materials. The robust cargo area is suitable for dirty work and transporting garden machinery.
Facility service providers, maintenance companies and technical services use double cabs for their mobile teams. The ability to transport several specialists at once with their tools increases efficiency and reduces the number of vehicles needed.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a double cab?
A double cabin offers specific advantages and disadvantages that you need to weigh up against your business needs. The choice depends on how many people you regularly transport and how much cargo space you need for materials and tools.
Advantages of a double cab
Its biggest advantage is its flexibility in passenger and goods transport. You can comfortably transport five to six team members with their tools and materials in one vehicle. This reduces the number of vehicles you need and lowers overall mobility costs.
The separate seating and cargo area ensures comfort and cleanliness. The cabin stays clean as tools, materials and dirty equipment are transported in the enclosed cargo area. This increases comfort for longer trips and makes the truck suitable for customer visits.
Team transport improves cooperation and communication. Colleagues can discuss projects, coordinate schedules and train each other on the road. This increases efficiency and makes travel time more productive.
The double cab stays within the 3,500 kg category, so you don't need a special driving licence. The car is BPM-free and fiscally attractive for business use, just like other commercial vehicles.
Disadvantages of a double cab
The main drawback is the more limited cargo space compared to a single cab. The second row of seats takes up space that could otherwise be used for cargo. If you regularly transport large quantities of materials or long objects, the cargo space may be too cramped.
The higher weight of the extra cabin and seats reduces the payload. You can carry less weight of materials and tools before reaching the maximum 3,500 kg. This requires careful planning of what you carry.
The purchase price is higher than for a single cabin with similar cargo space. The extra construction, seating and finishing make the car more expensive to buy. Fuel consumption is also slightly higher due to the extra weight.
The length of the truck increases, which can limit manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Parking and manoeuvring in narrow streets or on construction sites requires more attention than with a more compact single cab.
How Van Den Hurk helps choose the right company car
When choosing between a double cab, crew cab or other configurations, we help you with personal advice that suits your specific business situation. With over 60 years of experience, we understand the practical requirements of different industries and can tell you exactly which configuration best suits your operations.
Our approach to finding your ideal commercial vehicle:
- Large stock of 400 commercial vehicles including various double cabin models from reliable brands such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot
- Personal guidance where together we look at how many people you are transporting, what materials you are bringing and what dimensions you need
- Practical comparison in our showroom where you can view various configurations side by side and judge them on space, comfort and practicality
- Flexible financing with buying and leasing options to suit your business and financial situation
- Stock alert service that automatically notifies you when a double cab van that meets your needs becomes available
Want to know which double cab is best for your business? Take a look at our current range at www.vdhurk.nl or make an appointment for a showroom visit. We will take the time to discuss your situation and advise you on the configuration that really suits you.
