At Aspland Self Drive, we have a variety of quality used vans and light commercial vehicles for hire.
However, with such a large range available, it can be difficult to choose the right van for your needs. Our van range includes small, medium and large vehicles, plus tippers and Lutons tail lifts. Add to that our selection of 4x4s and minibuses, and the choice is overwhelming!
Aspland Self Drive are here to help. We have constructed a handy guide to help you make the right decision. Simply follow these steps, and you will find the perfect van that meets all your requirements.
Step 1: The Purpose of the Van
Let’s start with the basics. How will you be using your vehicle? Typically, it will be used to transport loads. Therefore, you need to think about the typical size, weight and volume of your loads. If you are transporting dry sand or baled hay, your van of choice will need to be able to carry heavy loads. However, if you only carry a few tins of paint, you will only require a lighter van.
Next, consider the other load in your van – the people. What is the maximum number passengers the vehicle will need to carry? If you need a vehicle to cater for your team, you will need a larger number of seats than if you are a one-person business. Consider, too, if you will use your van for leisure time, such as at the weekends with family. Also, if you will spend a large period of time in the van, think about your comfort levels: it might be worth spending that little bit extra on luxury seats!
Step 2: The Type of Van
If this is your first time hiring, you probably don’t know types of van are on offer or what purposes they are best suited for. Read on to find out about Aspland’s most popular vans and their potential uses:
Small vans: the clue is in the name – they’re small! All jokes aside, these vans are suited to smaller, lighter loads but are easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient and easy to drive. Generally carry between 600-900kg. Available from £30 + VAT per day.
Short wheel base vans: with enhanced driving flexibility, short wheel base is perfect for three-point turns, narrow streets and busy traffic. It also has tight handling and sharp throttle response, as well as gears that hold for longer on automatic transmissions. Available from £38 + VAT per day.
Medium wheel base vans: sitting square between small and large vans, these vehicles offer a large load compartment not much longer or wider than a large car. Like the smaller van, it also has a good fuel economy. Generally carry between 900-1200kg. Available from £55 + VAT per day.
Long wheel base vans: offering a large load space and often carrying between 1200-1500kgm, large vans are perfect for trades that require the transport of heavy loads; for example, building equipment or machinery. Normally seating up to three people, it offers a smoother ride, good manoeuvrability and good fuel economy. Available from £60 + VAT per day.
4x4s: with four wheels that directly receive power from the engine, the amount of grip in a 4×4 is significantly increased; this is because the power is distributed to all four corners of the vehicle, not just two. Perfect for off-road driving. Available from £69.50 + VAT per day.
Minibuses: we offer nine, twelve, fifteen and seventeen seater minibuses, perfect for group travel. There is plenty of space for everyone, plus additional room for any bags. Available from £69 + VAT per day.
Tippers: used to transport bulk loads, such as building materials, sand, gravel and cement. The tipping functionality is invaluable, due to its ability to speed up operations, ease manual work and doesn’t require other functions to unload the cargo. Available from £69.50 + VAT per day.
Luton vans: these are perfect for transporting large items, such as furniture or crates, due to their excessive width and height. The Luton can carry around 1000-1200kg, though often has a poor fuel economy and can be difficult to park. A tail lift may also be required to lift and lower items from the load compartment. Available from £65 + VAT per day.
Step 3: The Wheelbase
Consider what else you require of your van. Do you need good maneuverability? Or is space your biggest issue? Then answer to all these questions come in the form of the wheelbase. This is the distance between a van’s front and rear wheels. The larger the wheelbase, the more storage you have. Of course, the larger the wheelbase, the poorer the manoeuvrability. Therefore, if you operate in an area with small spaces and tight corners, it may be wise to choose a van with a smaller wheelbase.
Now you’ve read our advice, it’s time to hire your van.
Aspland Self Drive has a variety of vans for hire. Click here to view our selection and to book. If you want to find out more, give us a call on 01603 787811 or email [email protected].