What is the difference between a double cab and a single cab van?
The difference between a double cab and single cab van is mainly in the number of seats and the ratio of cabin space to cargo space. A single cab accommodates 2-3 people with maximum cargo capacity, while a double cab can carry 5-7 people with a second row of seats, but has less cargo space. Your choice depends on whether you need to transport more people or more equipment.
What is a single cab van?
A single-cab van is a commercial vehicle where the cabin accommodates up to 2 to 3 people. The driver has one row of seats at his disposal, often with a double passenger seat or two separate seats next to the driver's seat. Most of the vehicle consists of cargo space, making this variant ideal for maximum goods transport.
The ratio of cab to cargo space clearly falls in favour of the cargo box. It gives you the largest possible load capacity within a vehicle of up to 3,500 kg. This makes the single cabin perfect for work where you mainly transport materials, tools or products and rarely on the road with a large team.
You see this variant a lot at:
- Couriers and parcel deliverers working solo
- Installers with plenty of tools and equipment
- Construction companies transporting bulk goods
- Gardeners with garden machinery and materials
- Logistics companies focused on freight transport
So the single cab is especially suitable when cargo capacity is more important than passenger transport. You sacrifice seats for more space to carry stuff.
What is a double cab van?
A van double cab has two full rows of seats and can accommodate 5 to 7 people, depending on the model. The second row of seats behind the driver allows you to transport an entire team comfortably. You get a combination of passenger and cargo capacity in one vehicle.
The balance between cabin space and cargo space shifts to more passenger transport in this variant. The cargo bay is shorter than with a single cab, as the extra row of seats takes up space. Still, you retain enough cargo capacity for tools, materials and equipment your team needs on site.
This option is preferable if you regularly drive several people to work sites at once. Instead of using multiple vehicles, transport your team and their belongings in one van. This saves on fuel costs and makes logistics easier.
Companies that benefit most from a double cab:
- Construction crews going to projects with 4-6 people
- Technical service providers with mechanics working together
- Maintenance companies with permanent teams
- Facility services employing multiple employees
- Catering services with staff and equipment
The double cab thus combines the convenience of team transport with practical cargo space. You save on fleet and transport costs when your team is regularly on the road together.
What are the main differences between a double and single cabin?
Choosing between a double and single cab affects several practical aspects of your company car. Below is a direct comparison that will help you make the right choice for your situation.
Number of passengers and seating comfort
A single cab accommodates 2-3 people in one row of seats. Space in the front is often generous, with comfortable seats for longer journeys. A double cabin transports 5-7 people across two rows of seats. The second row offers less legroom than the front seats, but is suitable for daily use.
Loading space and capacity
The cargo space differs considerably between the two variants. A single cab has a cargo box of around 3 to 4 metres in length, while a double cab often ends up around 1.5 to 2.5 metres. This means that with a single cab, you can transport larger objects and have more volume for materials.
Dimensions and manoeuvrability
Both variants usually have the same overall length, but the distribution is different. A double cab feels more compact when manoeuvring because the cargo box is shorter. This makes it slightly more convenient in tight spaces, although the difference in handling is minimal.
Consumption and costs
| Aspect | Single cabin | Double cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | Bearing | Higher (€2,000-€4,000 more) |
| Fuel consumption | Slightly lower due to less weight | Slightly higher due to extra weight |
| Maintenance costs | Similar | Similar |
| Insurance | Similar | Similar |
| Residual value | Good | Often higher due to popularity |
The difference in purchase price is mainly due to the extra cabin space and amenities. Consumption is close between the two variants, with a minimal difference of about 0.2-0.5 litres per 100 km depending on load.
Practical use
A single cab is more efficient when you mainly work solo or with one colleague. The double cab wins as soon as you regularly drive with three or more people. It then saves you the cost of a second vehicle and makes planning easier.
Which cabin best suits your business?
The right choice between a single and double cab depends on how you use the van on a daily basis. Answering some practical questions will quickly reveal which variant best suits your business situation.
Team size and collaboration
Do you usually work alone or with a maximum of one colleague? If so, a single cabin will provide enough seating. Do you regularly travel to projects with a team of three or more? Then a van double cab the logical choice. Also count trainees or temporary staff you occasionally transport.
Type of work and equipment
Look at what you transport on a daily basis. Installers with ladders, pipes and large materials need maximum load length. That argues for a single cab. Do you work with compact tools and smaller materials that your team uses together? Then the shorter cargo bay of a double cab will do just fine.
Examples by sector:
- Construction: Double cab when teams work together, single cab for solo contractors
- Installation: Single cabin for plumbers and electricians with lots of equipment
- Maintenance: Double cab for teams visiting sites
- Transport: Single cabin for maximum cargo space
- Catering: Double cab to transport personnel and equipment together
Daily mileage and routes
Do you drive long distances with your team? Then the comfort of a double cab makes all the difference. Everyone travels together and you save on fuel costs compared to multiple cars. For short journeys within the region, this advantage weighs less heavily.
Frequency of passenger transport
The deciding factor is often how regularly you transport multiple people. Does this happen daily? Choose a double cab. Is it occasional transport of an extra person? Then a single cabin with three seats in the front is usually sufficient.
Budget and future plans
A double cab costs more to buy, but can be cheaper in the long run when you otherwise need a second vehicle. Also consider growth plans: are you taking on staff soon? Then investing in a double cab is wiser now than switching again in a year's time.
How Van Den Hurk helps choose the right cabin
When choosing between a single or double cab van, we look with you at what is really important for your business. With over 60 years of experience, we understand that every entrepreneur has different needs.
What we arrange for you:
- Wide choice of 400 commercial vehicles, including several single and double cabins
- Personalised advice based on your team size, operations and daily use
- Opportunity to test both variants so you experience the difference yourself
- Transparent pricing and clear explanation of costs and financing options
- Flexible leasing options when you don't want to buy right away
- Help in putting together the right equipment and accessories for your cabin
We take the time to discuss your situation. Do you often transport an entire team? Do you need maximum cargo space? Or are you looking for the golden mean? In our showroom in Helmond, we will show you the practical differences and answer all your questions.
Want to know which cabin best suits your business? Contact us for personal advice or directly view our current range of single and double cab vans at www.vdhurk.nl. Is your ideal vehicle not yet among them? Then use our stock alert service and receive a notification as soon as a suitable vehicle arrives.
