Best commercial vehicles for tradesmen
Commercial vehicles have come a long way in the past few years. Gone are the days of an inferior driving experience, limited technology and purely functional cabins; vans now come with all sorts of handy features, from Bluetooth to the ability to become a mobile office. Here, we investigate the best vans on the market for tradespeople.
Ford Transit Connect
It’s no real surprise that a variant of the Ford Transit makes the cut. The Transit name is synonymous with a practical van of a certain size, and the Connect is great for a range of trades. As well as a maximum payload of 1,000kg (L2 model), it has the capacity to transport long items such as ladders and pipes. There’s also a sliding side door and a rear cargo door to make loading and unloading simple.
Volkswagen Transporter
The Transporter is perhaps the biggest rival for the Transit and with good reason. Not only is it smart and stylish, it is also available in a range of sizes, with the smallest iteration able to carry 1,331kg. It can comfortably accommodate racking solutions as well as long or tall items thanks to varying roof heights and wheelbases, and there are several seating options too. On-board technology includes Bluetooth and a DAB radio, both of which can be accessed via a touch screen in the central console on selected trims.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Dropside
Again, this is a commercial vehicle that offers choice to meet a range of needs. Alongside the three wheelbase options are four platform lengths, two platform widths, and a couple of cab variations. In terms of load space, there’s up to 9.1 square metres and a payload capacity of over 2,500kg. Up front, there are lots of clever storage spaces and selected models have a folding middle seat that can be used as a desk.
Citroen Relay
The Relay is a reliable option that’s also good value for money. Not only does it come with height and length choices, it also comes with a selection of different body styles to accommodate the needs of different trades. Whether you’re opting for the chassis cab, panel van or chassis crew cab, you’ll find this van efficient and safe, equipped with features such as daytime running lights and large door mirrors. There’s also between 8 and 17 cubic metres of load volume.
Vauxhall Movano
The Vauxhall Movano is another popular choice on the mid-sized van circuit. Again, it comes in a wide variety of bodystyles and can also be specified with front or rear-wheel drive. Its 180-degree opening rear doors are especially useful as they enable you to load up large and awkward items with ease. Meanwhile, the cabin has class-leading comfort features, such as a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth, and air conditioning as an affordable option.
If you’re interested in any of the above models, check out your local dealer for used vans for sale – often pre-owned is a great alternative to new thanks to lower upfront costs.
