A double-cab commercial van is a versatile vehicle that is appealing to an increasing number of business owners. Whether you run a construction company, work in the healthcare sector or have a growing team that\u2019s out and about every day, the combination of passenger transport and cargo space makes this type of van particularly practical. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions, so you know exactly what a double-cab van is, what benefits it offers and what you need to look out for.<\/p>\n
From choosing the right model to weighing up the pros and cons of buying versus leasing: we\u2019ll guide you step by step through everything you need to know about a double-cab commercial van.<\/p>\n
A double-cab commercial van is a van with two rows of seats and a separate load compartment. The vehicle can accommodate four to six people whilst still having a fully usable load compartment at the rear. This makes it a combination of a passenger van and a commercial van in a single vehicle.<\/p>\n
The main difference compared to a standard van is the extra row of seats. In a standard van, you have a single row of seats at the front and maximum load space. With a double cab, you add a second row of seats, allowing you to transport crews or teams at the same time without having to use a separate vehicle. The load space is smaller than in a standard van, but still spacious enough for tools, materials or equipment.<\/p>\n
In practice, double cabs are often seen as pick-ups or as closed vans. Both variants have the same basic layout: a double cab at the front and a load area at the rear. The choice between an open and a closed load area depends on what you\u2019re transporting and how you want to secure it.<\/p>\n
There are three main types of double-cab commercial vans: the closed double-cab van, the double-cab pick-up and the combi van. Each type has a different body style and is suited to different uses.<\/p>\n
The closed-body variant is the most commonly used model in the Netherlands. The load compartment is fully enclosed, offering protection against the weather and theft. This type is popular with fitters, painters and other tradespeople who transport tools and materials on a daily basis. Well-known models include the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in double-cab versions.<\/p>\n
The double-cab pick-up has an open load bed at the rear. This type is useful if you\u2019re transporting large or irregularly shaped loads, such as pipes, planks or machinery. Pick-ups are also popular with businesses that regularly drive off-road, as many models are fitted with four-wheel drive.<\/p>\n
The combibus combines a spacious passenger compartment with a load area and is particularly suitable for healthcare transport or group transport. Think of a bus where the rear row of seats can be removed, allowing you to use the vehicle flexibly. This type is sometimes classified as a wheelchair-accessible bus or a minibus, depending on the model.<\/p>\n
The main advantage of a double-cab commercial van is that it combines passenger transport and load capacity in a single vehicle. You can drive to the job site with your entire team and have all your equipment to hand, without needing two separate vehicles.<\/p>\n
This results in immediate cost savings. One vehicle means lower fuel costs, lower insurance premiums and lower maintenance costs than two separate cars. What\u2019s more, you\u2019ll save on travel costs and planning time, as your team and your equipment travel together.<\/p>\n
Other benefits of a double cabin<\/a> are:<\/p>\n One point to bear in mind is that the load space is smaller than in a standard van. If you transport large quantities of goods on a daily basis, this could be a limitation. However, for businesses where the transport of people and materials goes hand in hand, this advantage more than makes up for the disadvantage.<\/p>\n A double-cab commercial van is best suited to businesses where staff and materials need to be transported to a site together. Examples include construction firms, installation companies, landscaping firms, healthcare transport providers and logistics service providers that manage small teams.<\/p>\n In the construction and engineering sectors, the double cab has almost become the norm. A team of four fitters travels together to a project site, with all the necessary tools and materials in the back. This significantly reduces the need for planning and coordination, as well as fuel costs.<\/p>\n For healthcare transport, the double-cab or combi van is the ideal solution when you need to transport several passengers at once. Some models can be adapted for wheelchair users, making them suitable for specialist healthcare transport providers as well.<\/p>\n A double cab is also an attractive option for the self-employed and small and medium-sized enterprises. If you regularly carry a colleague or an intern and want to have your work equipment with you at the same time, one versatile vehicle is more efficient than two separate cars. Fleet managers sometimes deliberately opt for double cabs to reduce the size of their fleet without compromising on capacity.<\/p>\n The difference between buying and leasing a double-cab pick-up lies in ownership, cash flow and flexibility. When you buy, you pay the full purchase price and the vehicle becomes your property. When you lease, you pay a monthly fee for the use of the vehicle, without actually owning it.<\/p>\n Buying is a good option if you intend to use the vehicle intensively and for the long term. You build up value in the vehicle and can resell it in due course. When buying a small van, you also have no contractual obligations and can customise or convert the vehicle entirely as you see fit. The downside is that you\u2019re investing a larger sum up front or taking out a loan, which puts pressure on your cash flow.<\/p>\n Electric commercial vehicle leasing and operational leasing in general are becoming increasingly popular amongst business owners who want flexibility and predictable costs. With operational leasing, maintenance, insurance and, in some cases, breakdown cover are included in the monthly payment. This makes budgeting easier. A finance lease is more like buying on hire purchase: you pay monthly instalments and eventually become the owner of the vehicle.<\/p>\n The choice depends on your financial situation, how long you intend to use the vehicle, and whether you value flexibility. For start-ups or rapidly growing businesses, leasing is often a more attractive option, as it ties up less capital. For businesses with a stable fleet, buying may prove more cost-effective in the long term.<\/p>\n When buying a double-cab pick-up, you should consider the load capacity, the number of seats, the fuel type, the mileage and the vehicle\u2019s tax category. Together, these factors determine whether the vehicle is suitable for your day-to-day use and business operations.<\/p>\n Check that the load compartment is large enough for your materials. Don\u2019t just look at the volume in cubic metres, but also at the length of the load floor and the width between the wheel arches. If you\u2019re transporting long items, the internal length of the load compartment is an important factor.<\/p>\n Not all double-cab pick-ups offer the same amount of space in the rear seats. In more compact models, rear legroom may be limited. If staff travel long distances every day, comfort is an important consideration. Test the rear seats and check that there is sufficient headroom and legroom.<\/p>\n More and more local authorities and towns are introducing low-emission zones. Check the vehicle\u2019s emission standard so you don\u2019t face any surprises. You might also want to consider a electric or hybrid version<\/a> if you drive a lot in urban areas. Electric commercial vehicles are becoming increasingly affordable and are exempt from most low-emission zones.<\/p>\n A double-cab vehicle may be classified for tax purposes as a passenger car or a van, depending on the ratio of the load space to the vehicle\u2019s overall length. This has direct implications for the additional tax liability and VAT deduction. Make sure you find out more about this before making a decision.<\/p>\n A second-hand double-cab pick-up is cheaper to buy, but you should check the service history, the mileage and the condition of the load bed carefully. A new double-cab pick-up offers greater certainty regarding its technical condition and often comes with a warranty, but requires a higher initial outlay.<\/p>\n At Van den Hurk Commercial Vehicles, we provide practical help in finding a double-cab commercial van that suits your business and budget. With over 60 years\u2019 experience in the Helmond region, we know the business market inside out. Whether you\u2019re looking to buy a small van or are interested in an electric commercial vehicle lease, we\u2019ll work with you to find the right solution and provide honest advice.<\/p>\n What we do for you:<\/p>\n\n
Which businesses is a double cab suitable for?<\/h2>\n
What is the difference between buying and leasing a double cab?<\/h2>\n
Buying: when is it a sensible idea?<\/h3>\n
Leasing: when is it a good option?<\/h3>\n
What should you look out for when buying a double-cab pick-up?<\/h2>\n
Load capacity and dimensions<\/h3>\n
Seating and comfort<\/h3>\n
Fuel type and emission standards<\/h3>\n
Tax classification<\/h3>\n
Used or new double-cab<\/h3>\n
How we can help you find the right double-cab pick-up<\/h2>\n