Best Vans for Builders 2024

Welcome to the ultimate guide for builders in 2024, where GB Vehicle Leasing unveil the most robust and reliable vans designed to elevate your construction game! The Best Vans for Builders 2024 is your go-to resource for discovering the perfect blend of power, durability, and functionality. From spacious interiors that accommodate your entire toolkit to advanced safety systems that prioritise your well-being, these vans are not just vehicles. These vans are engineered to meet the demands of the toughest job sites with style and efficiency.

Considerations When Choosing a Work Van

For builders, choosing the right van is a crucial decision that directly influences the efficiency and success of construction projects. Here are some essential factors to keep in mind when choosing the ideal commercial van:

Reliability - Reliability stands as the core of an exceptional work van, constituting an attribute that directly influences the seamless execution of construction projects. A reliable van ensures that it consistently performs at optimal levels, meeting the demands of stringent project timelines. This reliability extends beyond mere transportation, encompassing the van's ability to withstand the tough terrain and tight spaces of construction sites.

Payload Capacity - Evaluate the van's payload capacity to confirm it can accommodate the required weight of your tools, equipment, and materials. A well-matched payload capacity prevents overloading, enhances safety, and contributes to the overall efficiency of your operations.

Fuel Efficiency - Consider the van's fuel efficiency, as it directly impacts operational costs. A fuel-efficient commercial van for builders not only reduces expenses but also minimises the environmental footprint, aligning with sustainable practices.

Size - The size of your van significantly influences its versatility. Tailoring the size to your specific needs ensures that your chosen van complements the scale and requirements of your professional endeavours.

Medium Vans

Typically, medium vans boast up to 1.5-tonne capacity and offer a generous loadspace of up to 7m³. Their versatility makes them well-suited for a range of jobs, transporting essential equipment for businesses and individuals. Builders, in particular, favour mid-sized vans due to their optimal balance of load-carrying capacity and compactness. This popularity stems from the van's ability to accommodate substantial cargo while remaining sufficiently agile. The medium van achieves a seamless combination of functionality and practicality, rendering it an ideal choice for many builders.

Ford Transit Custom

The Ford Transit Custom emerges as a top preference among medium vans for builders, solidifying its position as one of the UK's most popular vans for several decades. Available in both short and long wheelbase configurations, this van offers builders the flexibility to choose the size that best suits their operational needs. Boasting a commendable max. loadspace of 8.3m³, the Transit Custom excels in providing ample room for tools, equipment, and construction materials.

Builders will find the Ford Transit Custom to be particularly accommodating with various bodystyles to choose from. Notably, the van bodystyle takes the lead in cargo space with a full-height, full-width bulkhead, ensuring secure and efficient organisation of cargo. Renowned for its robust structure and functionality, the Transit Custom has earned its stripes as a dependable companion for builders facing the rigors of construction work.

The Transit Custom offers further customisation with two available heights (L1 and L2) and different lengths. With a substantial max. gross payload ranging from 686 to 1459kg, builders can trust the Transit Custom to handle diverse and heavy loads effectively. Also, its max. length of 5340mm allows for the transportation of lengthy materials, while a tight turning circle of just 10.9m contribute to its manoeuvrability.

In summary, the Ford Transit Custom stands as an exemplary choice for builders seeking a medium van that seamlessly combines durability, functionality, and reliability. Its versatility in configurations and substantial cargo space, make it a top-notch commercial vehicle for construction professionals undertaking a wide array of projects.

Volkswagen Transporter

The Volkswagen Transporter stands as an excellent choice for builders seeking a reliable and versatile medium van, offering an abundance of space and cutting-edge technology. Available in various sizes, this Volkswagen van caters to the diverse needs of builders, providing payloads of up to 1,278kg, a substantial load volume ranging from 5.8 to 6.7m³, and a flexible load length of up to 2,975 mm, depending on the chosen configuration.

The latest version of the VW Transporter boasts three distinct trims—Startline, Highline, and Sportline. This providers builders with options to align with their specific preferences and requirements. With a host of storage solutions, including upper and lockable low gloveboxes, cup holders, and under-seat storage, the Transporter ensures that builders can keep their tools and equipment organised and readily accessible.

Furthermore, safety is paramount, and the Transporter T6.1 has earned recognition with a Euro NCAP gold medal, emphasising its commitment to high safety standards. The van offers a wide array of driver assist systems, enhancing both safety and ease of use. Additionally, the Euro 6 compliant drivetrains, including the option for 4MOTION, underscore the Transporter's commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient performance. You can expect a fuel efficiency of approximately 35-40mpg, varying based on your driving conditions and habits.

In conclusion, the Volkswagen Transporter emerges as an outstanding medium van choice for builders, combining spacious interiors, advanced technology, and a commitment to safety. Its versatile configurations, thoughtful storage solutions, and modern features make it a compelling commercial vehicle.

Large Vans

For builders and those engaged in heavy-duty tasks, large vans with a 3.5-tonne capacity emerge as a formidable choice. It's noteworthy that these large vans represent the upper limit of what you can legally drive with a regular UK car license. Builders often find large vans to be necessary for their substantial load-carrying capabilities, tailored to accommodate sizable tools, equipment, and construction materials. These vans are not only adept at transporting heavy loads but also excel in providing additional loadspace when compared to their mid-sized counterparts. This extra capacity proves invaluable when dealing with oversized or lengthy construction materials.

Renault Master

The Renault Master emerges as a great choice for builders in need of a reliable and versatile large van, presenting an extensive range that includes both front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) options. The panel van is available in various heights and lengths, allowing builders to select a configuration that aligns seamlessly with their operational requirements.

Under the hood, the Renault Master boasts an impressive 2.3-litre diesel engine with multiple power outputs up to 180hp, providing builders with the flexibility to choose a level of performance that suits their needs. The Renault Master's official fuel economy rating hovers around the 30mpg, although the most efficient FWD models can achieve slightly higher, depending on driving conditions and habits. Despite its size, this large van surprises with its economic efficiency, offering an economical solution for builders conscious of fuel costs.

The Renault Master E-Tech variant goes a step further, introducing an electric option with a driving range of up to 126 miles (WLTP). This electric van also has advanced technologies like regenerative braking and eco-mode to optimise driving range and efficiency.

Internally, the Renault Master elevates the builder's experience with abundant storage options and a superior quality compared to its predecessor. The large van offers a max. load capacity of up to 17m³ depending on the configuration, ensuring ample space for tools, equipment, and construction materials. With a starting price of around £37,000 exc. VAT, the Master panel van provides an attractive option amongst commercial vehicles. However, the electric variant is rather expensive, starting from around £45,000.

Citroen Relay

Last but certainly not least, we’ve chosen the Citroen Relay as an exceptional large van for builders. As expected, this large van is available in an array of configurations to suit diverse needs. Offering versatility, the Relay comes in 4 lengths and 3 heights, providing builders with the flexibility to choose the dimensions that align perfectly with their work. With a commendable payload capacity of up to 1870kg and an expansive loading volume of up to 17m³, this van ensures ample space for transporting tools, equipment, and construction materials efficiently.

Inside the Citroen Relay, builders can expect a comfortable and spacious environment. The seating is designed with the occupant's comfort in mind, fostering a positive and ergonomic experience during extended drives to and from construction sites. The emphasis on interior comfort complements the van's purpose, creating an environment favourable to productivity.

Additionally, safety takes priority in the Citroen Relay, including up to 11 driving aids to enhance overall safety during transit. Builders have the flexibility to select from various Diesel BlueHDi engine options, delivering power outputs ranging from 120 to 165hp, allowing them to align the engine configuration with their performance preferences. Fuel economy is subject to various influencing factors, but the Citroen Relay consistently achieves around an average of 35mpg. As with any commercial vehicle, the actual fuel efficiency may vary slightly, leaning towards higher or lower values, depending on driving conditions and other variables. Moreover, the Citroen e-Relay, a fully electric variant, boasts an impressive range of up to 154 miles depending on the battery, making it an eco-friendly option for builders. With a max. speed of 80mph for a 3.5-tonne load, the Citroen e-Relay combines performance, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Have you considered a pickup truck instead?

In the realm of construction work, the traditional choice for professionals has often been a van due to its cargo capacity and enclosed storage. However, considering a pickup truck instead of a van can offer a set of advantages that may be particularly appealing for builders and tradespeople.

One primary advantage of pickup trucks is their versatility. They seamlessly blend the benefits of a personal vehicle and a utility vehicle, providing a comfortable cabin for transportation along with an open cargo bed for hauling equipment and materials. The open bed design allows for easy loading and unloading of oversized items, making pickups especially well-suited for handling bulky construction materials likes lengthy pipes.

Additionally, pickup trucks often come with robust towing capabilities. This feature can be crucial for builders who need to haul additional equipment or trailers for specialised tasks. Whether it's transporting heavy machinery, a trailer with construction tools, or even another vehicle, the towing capacity of a pickup expands its utility beyond the confines of its bed.

Off-road capability is another significant factor that makes pickups an attractive option for builders. Construction sites can often be situated in areas with challenging terrains, and a pickup's robust design and four-wheel-drive capability make it better equipped to handle rough or uneven surfaces. This attribute is especially beneficial for construction projects in rural or construction sites with less developed access.

While vans have their merits, pickup trucks bring a unique set of advantages to the table for builders. The combination of versatility, towing capacity and off-road capability, makes pickups a compelling choice for those in the construction industry. Ultimately, the decision between a van and a pickup comes down to the specific needs and preferences of the builder and the demands of their projects.

In conclusion, it’s clear that the array of vans available to builders is more diverse and tailored than ever. Each model discussed in this overview caters to specific needs, providing a blend of practicality, reliability, and innovation. The choice between medium and large vans, or even considering the unique benefits of a pickup truck, depends on the nuanced requirements of individual projects. The decision-making process should involve a careful consideration of the unique demands of your business, balancing factors such as payload capacity, manoeuvrability, and technological features.

For the latest and most competitive van lease deals and pickup lease deals, consider reaching out to GB Vehicle Leasing. Whether you're a business owner looking to upgrade your fleet or an individual in need of a reliable work vehicle, GB Vehicle Leasing specialises in providing leasing solutions tailored to your specific requirements. We have an extensive range of commercial vehicles to choose from and our team is committed to delivering exceptional customer service. So, to initiate the process and enquire about the latest van lease deals and pickup lease deals, please call us on 0161 667 5338 or email [email protected]

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