What load capacity do you require in a double cab?

The cargo space you need in a double-cab van depends on the type of material you transport on a daily basis and the number of employees who need to travel with you. On average, there is between 1.5 and 2.5 metres of loading length remaining after the second row of seats, with a width of approximately 1.2 to 1.6 metres. This is usually sufficient for building materials, tools or small machines, but for longer loads such as pipes or planks, a regular commercial vehicle may be more convenient. You can make the right choice by carefully considering your daily activities and future plans.

What is the difference between a double cab and a regular commercial vehicle?

A double-cab van has a second row of seats behind the driver, allowing you to transport up to six people. This comes at the expense of cargo space, as the extra seats take up physical space that would otherwise be available for materials. A regular commercial vehicle only has a single cab with usually two or three seats, leaving the entire rear available for cargo.

The main difference lies in the trade-off between passenger transport and goods transport. With a double cab, the load space is shorter, but you can transport your entire team and the necessary tools in a single trip. This is practical for construction crews, installation companies and maintenance teams who travel together to project locations. The separate space between the cab and the load compartment ensures that the seats remain clean, even when transporting dirty materials.

For entrepreneurs who regularly travel with several employees, a double cabin often the best choice. You save on fuel costs because you drive one vehicle instead of two, and your team can discuss work matters on the road. On the other hand, if you mainly work alone or with one colleague and regularly transport large volumes or long materials, a regular commercial vehicle offers more practical advantages.

How much cargo space do you have left in a double cab?

With an average double cab van, there remains approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres loading length depending on the make and model. The width between the wheel arches is usually around 1.2 metres, while the total width of the load space is approximately 1.6 metres. The height varies from 1.3 to 1.4 metres in standard models, which is sufficient for toolboxes, small machines and stackable materials.

The exact dimensions vary depending on the manufacturer and model. For example, a Volkswagen Transporter with a double cab has different proportions than a Mercedes-Benz V-Class or Peugeot Expert. Some brands opt for a longer wheelbase to retain more cargo space, while other models remain more compact for better manoeuvrability in urban environments.

In practice, this means that you can easily transport tools, smaller building materials, painting supplies or installation materials. For longer items such as ladders or pipes, you can often use a roof rack or roof carrier. Large volumes such as complete pallets or very long materials are less suitable for a double cab, unless you opt for a model with an extra-long wheelbase.

Practical examples of what fits

The average load space of a double cab can accommodate:

• Toolboxes and power tools for a complete team
• Small to medium-sized machines such as compressors or generators
• Painting supplies including paint tins and ladders up to 2 metres
• Installation materials for plumbing or electrical systems
• Garden tools and small amounts of green waste

What factors determine how much loading space you really need?

You daily activities are the most important indicator for the required loading space. Think about the type of material you transport most often: are these mainly smaller items such as tools and parts, or do you regularly transport large volumes and long materials? Frequency also plays a role. If you can load and unload several times a day, you will need less space than if you have to transport all the material for an entire working day in one go.

The number of employees who regularly travel with you determines whether a double cab is the right choice. If you always travel with three or more people, the extra row of seats is more practical than using two vehicles. If you usually work alone or with one colleague, it is better to opt for maximum load space. Also consider future growth: will you be hiring additional staff soon, or do you expect larger projects that require more materials?

Specific considerations that play a role:

• Dimensions of your standard load (length, width, height)
• Weight of materials and maximum permissible load capacity
• Need to keep materials dry and clean
• Option to use a roof rack or trailer for extra capacity
• Accessibility of the loading area (rear doors, side doors)
• Security requirements for expensive tools or sensitive equipment

Make a realistic estimate by keeping track of exactly what you transport for a week. Measure the dimensions of your standard load and compare this with the specifications of different models. This will prevent you from finding out afterwards that you don't have enough space, or that you have paid unnecessarily for capacity that you don't use.

How Van Den Hurk helps find the right double cab

We understand that choosing a double cab van with the right load space is crucial for your daily work. With over 60 years of experience in commercial vehicles, we help entrepreneurs in Helmond and throughout the United Kingdom find the perfect vehicle to suit their specific needs.

This is how we support you in your choice:

• Extensive range of 400 commercial vehicles, including various double cabins from reliable brands such as Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Peugeot Expert
• Personal advice in our showroom, where we will look at your daily load, number of employees and future growth plans together.
• Practical demonstrations where you can experience for yourself how much loading space remains and how accessible it is for your materials.
• Transparent comparison between models with specific dimensions and load capacities
• Flexible financing options through purchase or lease, tailored to your business situation
• Stock alert service when you have specific requirements that are currently out of stock

Visit our showroom in Helmond or contact us for no-obligation advice. We will take the time to discuss your situation and help you make an informed choice that will help your business move forward. With our years of market knowledge and personal approach, you are guaranteed to find the double cab van that suits you perfectly.