Which double cab has the highest cargo space?

The highest cargo space at a double cabin depends on several factors, such as the length of the cargo box, the height of the sides and the width between the wheel arches. Large pickups and chassis cabs generally offer the most cargo space, with volumes that can exceed 2 cubic metres. When comparing models, it is important to look at both cargo volume and payload, as both determine what you can actually transport.

What determines the cargo space of a double cab?

The cargo space of a van double cab is determined by several factors that together make up the usable space. The dimensions of the cargo box are the most decisive: length, width and height together determine the cargo volume in cubic metres. The size of the cab also plays a role, as a larger cab leaves less space for the cargo box behind it.

The construction of the chassis and the suspension also affect cargo space. For example, the width between the wheel arches determines how much width you can really use for pallets or other large items. Some models have wider wheel arches that limit the useful width, while others offer flat loading floors with minimal obstacles.

The difference between interior and exterior dimensions is important to understand. The outside dimensions indicate how big the truck is, but the inside dimensions determine what you can actually fit inside. The thickness of the side walls and the construction of the cargo box can cause the usable space to differ considerably from what you would expect based on the exterior dimensions.

The weight of the cabin itself also plays a role in the available cargo space. A heavier cabin structure means less weight left for cargo before you reach the maximum permitted weight of 3500 kg. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between cargo volume (how much room there is) and payload (how much weight you are allowed to carry).

Which double cabs have the most cargo space in practice?

In practice, there are several categories of double cabs, each with its own cargo space characteristics. Large double-cab pickups often offer the most cargo space, with cargo boxes that can be 1.5 to 2.5 metres long. These vehicles combine spacious seating for five to six people with a sizeable open cargo box suitable for bulk goods and materials.

Compact double cabins are popular in sectors such as construction and technical services. These models usually have a shorter cargo box of around 1.2 to 1.5 metres in length, but offer the advantage of better manoeuvrability in urban environments. The cargo volume here is often between 1 and 1.5 cubic metres, which is sufficient for tools and smaller materials.

Chassis cabs are a separate category where you can decide on the body. These vehicles offer the most flexibility because you can have the body or superstructure tailored exactly to your needs. This allows you to achieve the highest cargo space, sometimes up to 3 cubic metres or more, depending on the body chosen.

The height of the sides varies greatly by model and version. Standard cargo boxes usually have sides of 30 to 50 centimetres high, but with add-on sides you can increase this to 80 centimetres or higher. This makes a big difference to the overall loading volume, especially when transporting lighter but bulky materials.

How do you measure the cargo area of a double cab correctly?

Measuring the cargo area correctly starts with determining the length of the body. Measure from the rear of the cab to the end of the cargo box. Make sure you measure the inside dimension, not the outside, because the thickness of the cab's rear bulkhead and rear door take up space.

The width is best measured between the wheel arches, as this is the practical usable width. The overall width of the cargo box can be wider, but if the wheel arches stick out, you cannot fit europallets or other standard materials over them. Therefore, measure both the overall width and the width between the wheel arches.

For height, measure from the loading floor to the top of the sides. If you want to know how much you can load with a tarpaulin or hood, also measure the maximum height possible before running into legal restrictions. Remember that higher loading affects stability and fuel consumption.

When comparing specifications from different manufacturers, be aware that not everyone measures in the same way. Some manufacturers give the theoretical volume up to the edge of the cargo box, while others take practical limitations into account. Always ask about interior dimensions and check whether wheel arches or other obstacles limit the usable space.

Why is cargo area height important in a double cab?

The height of the loading space largely determines how much volume you can transport, especially for light but bulky materials. For companies in the construction or insulation industry, a difference of 20 centimetres in loading height often makes the difference between one or two trips. Higher sides offer more load volume without the need for a longer cargo box.

Different industries have different needs when it comes to loading height. Gardeners and earth-moving companies benefit from higher sides to transport soil, sand or gravel. Installation companies that mainly transport tools and smaller materials often have enough with standard loading height and prefer a lower centre of gravity.

Higher sides also have drawbacks to consider. They make it more difficult to load and unload goods from the side, which can be tiring when doing regular manual work. Also, a higher load affects aerodynamics and thus fuel consumption, especially on motorway trips.

Fortunately, there are solutions to adapt the effective loading height to your needs. Tops are removable edges that you mount when you need extra volume and remove when you want to load more easily. Hardtops and hoods protect your cargo from weather and theft while also increasing the effective loading height. These accessories make your double cab much more versatile.

How we help find the double cab with the right cargo space

At Van den Hurk, we understand that the right cargo space determines the efficiency of your business. With more than 60 years of experience, every day we help entrepreneurs choose a double cab van that perfectly suits their practical needs. Together, we look at what you transport every day and translate that into concrete requirements for load volume and payload capacity.

Our personal advice includes:

• Practical guidance on how to determine the required loading space based on your work activities
• Explaining the difference between load volume and load capacity for your specific situation
• Understanding which models from our stock of 400 commercial vehicles are the best fit
• Advice on accessories such as attachments and hoods that optimise your cargo space
• Options for customisation and modifications to the cargo box

At our showroom in Helmond, you can view and compare several double cabs side by side. Together, we measure the cargo boxes and discuss how the dimensions relate to your daily practice. We also show how different accessories can increase the usable loading space.

Is the perfect double cab with the right cargo space not currently listed? Then use our handy stock alert function at www.vdhurk.nl. You will automatically receive a notification as soon as a vehicle matching your requirements enters our stock. This way, you are always the first to know and don't have to keep manually checking the website.

Contact us today for personal advice on the double cab with the highest cargo space for your situation. Call us, drop by our showroom or view our current range online directly. We are happy to help you with transparent advice and more than half a century of craftsmanship.