Which cab layout suits a painting company best?
As a painter, you are on the road every day with your team, tools, ladders and paint materials. Choosing the right commercial vehicle directly affects how efficiently you work, how comfortably your employees travel and how much space you have for all your gear. The wrong cabin layout can greatly complicate your daily work, while the right choice will increase your productivity.
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about booth layouts for painting companies. Whether you are looking for a small van for a sole proprietorship or a double-cab van for a larger team, you will find concrete answers that will help you make the right decision.
What are the different cab layouts for commercial vehicles?
Commercial vehicles are available in three main layouts: single cab, double cab and single cab with extended space (also called “extra cab” or “club cab”). Each layout offers a different balance of seating and cargo space, depending on how many people you take with you and how much material you transport.
Single cabin
The single cab offers space for two to three people and gives maximum cargo space in the cargo area or on the loading floor. This type is suitable for entrepreneurs who mainly drive alone or with one employee and carry a lot of material.
Double cabin
The double cab has a full rear seat and can accommodate four to six people. The cargo space is smaller than with a single cab, but you do drive your whole team in one vehicle. This is a popular choice for teams travelling together to a job.
Extra cab or club cab
This is intermediate: a small rear seat with limited legroom, but more cargo space than a full double cab. Ideal if you sometimes take an extra person with you, but cargo space is a priority. It is also useful to know that all three layouts are now available in electrical versions.
How many employees does an average painting company drive?
An average painting company drives with one to four employees per vehicle. Small companies and self-employed workers often drive alone or with one companion. Medium-sized painting companies regularly work in shifts of two to four people travelling together to a location.
Team size largely determines which cab layout is most practical. A one-man company will not benefit much from a double cabin, as it will lose cargo space without using the extra seats. A company with permanent teams of three or four people, on the other hand, benefits from the double cabin, as it allows you to make do with fewer vehicles and saves on travel costs.
Also consider growth scenarios. If you drive alone now but want to hire employees in two years, it may be smart to choose a cab layout now that grows with your business. A buy a small van that you can't use later is ultimately an expensive solution.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a single booth for painters?
The single cab offers maximum cargo space and a lower purchase price, but limits you to two or three seats. For painters who transport a lot of material and work mainly alone or with one colleague, this is the most practical and cost-efficient choice.
Advantages of the single cabin
- Maximum loading space for ladders, rollers, paint buckets and tools
- Lower purchase price compared to a double cab
- Lower fuel costs due to lower weight
- Easier to manoeuvre in cities and on narrow driveways
- Good choice if small van for self-employed persons
Disadvantages of the single cabin
- A maximum of two to three people can ride along
- Not suitable if you want to transport an entire team to one location
- Less comfortable for long journeys with several people
- As your business grows, you may need to buy a second vehicle soon
For a painter working alone or with one companion every day, the single cab is the smartest choice in most cases. You load everything you need, drive smoothly around town and pay less for purchase and use.
When is a double cab the best choice for a painting company?
A double cab is the best choice for a painting company when you regularly drive three or more people to the same location. You will save on fuel and vehicle costs because one vehicle will transport several employees instead of several separate vehicles.
The double-cab van is also useful if you transport employees who do not have a driving licence themselves, or if you are an employer responsible for transporting your crew. In the construction and painting trades, this is a common situation, especially on larger remote projects.
Situations where a double cab fits well
- Fixed shifts of three to five people driving together to jobs
- Remote projects where your employees cannot or do not want to drive themselves
- Companies that have one central point of departure, such as a business premises or depot
- Employers looking to minimise employee travel time
Do pay attention to the cargo space. A double cab has less space for materials. If you carry a lot of stuff besides employees, you may need to use a trailer or mount extra storage on the roof. Some painting companies therefore opt for a combination: a double cab for the team and a separate small van or trailer for materials.
How do you combine enough cargo space with enough seats?
You combine cargo space with seating by choosing a double cab with a cargo box or trailer, an extra cab as an intermediate form, or by clever use of roof racks and built-in systems. The right combination depends on how big your team is and what equipment you carry on a daily basis.
Practical solutions for painters
Roof racks are one of the most widely used solutions in the painting profession. Ladders and scaffolding parts go on the roof, leaving the cargo space available for paint materials, tools and protective equipment. This works well for both single and double cabs.
Built-in systems in the load compartment help you use the available space more efficiently. With fixed drawers, shelves and brackets, you keep everything organised and accessible, and use every inch of the loading floor. This is especially useful if you drive a double cab, where the cargo space is smaller.
Trailer as a supplement
A trailer offers extra cargo space without the need for a larger vehicle. For painting companies doing large projects and carrying a lot of equipment, a trailer behind a double cab is a good solution. Do keep in mind parking options at the work site and city driving.
When choosing a leased electric company car it is useful to know that electric double cab models are increasingly available. Range and charging capabilities are improving rapidly, making electric driving with a larger team increasingly practical for painting companies as well.
Which cab layout suits a painting company best?
The best cab layout for a painting company depends on the team size and type of work. For sole traders and small companies driving alone or with one employee, a single cab with plenty of cargo space is the most practical choice. For companies with permanent shifts of three or more people, a double cab is often more economical and efficient.
Use the following rule of thumb to make your choice:
- 1 to 2 people: Opt for a single cabin with maximum cargo space
- 2 to 3 people: Consider an extra cab as an intermediate form
- 3 to 5 people: A double cab with trailer or roof racks is the most logical choice
- Changing team compositions: Opt for flexibility with a double cab and a good installation system
Also think about the future of your business. If you are growing now or plan to hire more people, it may be smart to invest now in a cab layout that suits your growth strategy. A vehicle you won't be able to use in two years anyway will end up being more expensive than a slightly higher investment now.
How we help you find the right company car
With us you will find a wide range of commercial vehicles for painting companies, from compact single-cab vans to spacious double-cab vehicles. We are happy to think with you about which layout best suits your working method, team size and budget. Our approach is concrete and personal, without complicated jargon.
We can do this for you:
- Customised advice on cabin layouts and cargo space solutions
- A wide range of used and new commercial vehicles, including electric variants
- Flexible leasing options, also for sole traders and small painting companies
- Personal assistance from advice to delivery
- Stock alerts so you don't miss a suitable car
Are you looking for a small van, you want a double-cab van Compare or consider a leased electric company car? Contact us or take a look at our current range and find out which commercial vehicle best suits your painting business.
