Updated at: 17-08-2021 - By: micdot

The van is a vehicle that has both passenger and cargo space. The most popular type of van is the cargo van, which includes an area for passengers in the front of the vehicle. They are often used by companies to transport items or people. If you’re looking for a new way to transport your goods, then it’s time to consider some other types of vans!

This article will introduce you to all major types of vans so that you can find one that meets your needs best.

Cargo Van

Cargo Van

A cargo van is a vehicle that has both passenger and cargo space. The most popular type of van is the cargo van, which includes an area for passengers in the front of the vehicle. They are often used by companies to transport items or people.

Cargo vans are typically equipped with a sliding door on one side and have high rooflines so they can accommodate tall loads like furniture or building materials.

In some cases, these vehicles may also be outfitted with shelving units to make them more efficient for large-scale deliveries.

They are designed with a passenger area in the front and can still carry large loads in their spacious storage areas. These vehicles are often used as moving vans or shuttle buses.

Cab and Chassis Van

Cab and Chassis Van

A cab and chassis is a type of van without an enclosed area for passengers. It includes only the metal frame on which to mount accessories, such as beds in businesses, medical equipment, storage units or shelving.

Cab and chassis vehicles are popular in the trucking industry, specifically for businesses that transport cargo.

Step Van

Step Van

A step van is a type of van that has an enclosed cargo area usually with two or three steps for access to the vehicle.

Step vans are very similar to passenger vans in that they both have seats and shelving systems. However, they also come with steps on the side of the vehicle so that drivers can climb into the cab from the side rather than through the front doors.

These vehicles are often used for deliveries or as shuttles to move people from place to place.

Depending on how you customize your vehicle, it can be used as a delivery, an ambulance, or even a mobile office. Step vans offer ample room and storage for all of your business needs.

Passenger Van

Passenger Van

Passenger vans are similar to cargo vans in that they can carry passengers as well as cargo.

However, passenger vans tend to be less practical for transporting items and more convenient for carrying people. They have larger storage areas and seats compared to a regular car but are not equipped with sliding doors or shelving systems.

These vehicles are often used in business to transport employees from place to place, or for local shuttle services.

Minivan

Minivan

As the largest type of passenger van, minivans are equipped with either seven or eight seats and a sliding door for easy loading/unloading. 

These vans are used for transporting large groups of people from one place to another, such as work commuters or schoolchildren.

If you have small children that need to be transported regularly, then a minivan may be just the right vehicle for you.

In addition to being used as passenger vehicles, minivans can also be outfitted with shelving and storage units or converted into mobile offices for more personalized transportation needs.

Diesel Van

Diesel Van

Diesel vans are similar to gasoline-driven vans but are more fuel efficient. They often have increased power and torque, depending on the size of the engine.

Diesel engines are also known for their longevity and reliability. Diesel vans are often preferred by businesses that rely on large vehicles to transport their goods.

While diesel engines were more expensive in the past, this technology has become more efficient and affordable over time.

Minibus (also known as a school bus)

minibus  

A minibus is a type of passenger van that has been modified to look like a school bus. They come in both full or half-size, and can carry up to fifty passengers at once.

Minibuses are used as both public transportation vehicles and for private use. Tour companies, resorts, churches, and schools often have minibuses for transporting larger groups of people. 

In addition to being used as passenger vehicles, minivans can also be outfitted with shelving and storage units or converted into mobile offices for more personalized transportation needs.

Camper Van

Camper Van

Camper vans are much like RVs. They have a living room, a kitchen, and some even come with beds for sleepers.

Camper vans can be either permanent or temporary dwellings, depending on the user’s needs and preferences.

Any van that has been converted into an RV-style camper is considered to be a camper van. If you have a camper van, then it can be used to go camping and sleep in at night, but it’s also mobile enough for use as your own car.

Panel Van

Panel Van

 

If you’re looking for a vehicle that is similar to a passenger van, then you may want to consider a panel style instead. Panel vans are usually smaller and cheaper than their passenger van counterparts, but they still have more space and versatility than an SUV or minivan.

Panel vans are made of the rear section of a regular van, with a metal sheet attached in place of regular windows. They are usually used for storage purposes or as mobile offices and delivery vehicles.

Panel vans can carry loads of up to 2,500 lbs., which is plenty enough space for any business that needs to make quick deliveries.

The inside of panel vans can be customized depending on the needs of your business. Shelving units, storage cabinets, and even desks can be found inside panel vans to get work done on the go.

Box Van

Box Van

If you need a very large van that can carry a lot of materials or weight, then you may want to consider getting a box van. Box vans have a flat metal roof with no windows, and they are usually more expensive than panel vans but offer plenty of space for storage.

Box vans can be customized with shelving and cabinets so that you can load them up with all the materials your business may need.

If you’re interested in a larger vehicle but want to ensure that it’s as efficient as possible, then box vans are an excellent option. 

They have more storage capacity than most panel vans, and they also have more space for up to two passengers.

Box vans are usually larger than panel vans (and they’re from the rear section of a van), but smaller in size than other types of vehicles.

Box vans can be customized with shelving and cabinets so that you can load them up with all the materials your business may need.

Straight Truck

Straight Truck

A straight truck is a vehicle that only has one axle and can’t turn on tight corners or maneuvers tricky roads very well.

Straight trucks do have the advantage of being able to carry more weight than other kinds of vehicles because the axles are closer together to support the weight. Straight trucks also have large rear doors that can be opened for easy access to their contents.

Straight trucks usually aren’t customized, and they’re built so that businesses could load them up with materials and travel long distances with little effort.

Truck-up

Truck-up

 

A truck-up van conversion is more like a trailer with a box attached to it instead of the entire body. These units can be customized so that they can be used for transporting employees or materials and equipment, but they cannot carry both at once. These are also called lowboy trucks because they have lower frames than other types of vehicles.

The truck-up is usually attached to a trailer hauler or semi truck, so they’re actually a type of van that can be towed behind larger vehicles.

Truck-ups are less expensive than some other types of cargo vans, so they’re usually the first option that a business considers when looking for their transportation needs.

These units can be difficult to drive on uneven roads and may have trouble turning corners.

Crew Van

Crew Van

A crew van is really just a box van that has been outfitted to carry passengers. They typically have a larger rear door for easier loading and unloading, but they don’t include any of the storage features that you might find on other types of vehicles.

Crew vans are often used as shuttle buses between different facilities and large campuses. Some businesses may also use them as a way to transport employees, but they can’t carry passengers and materials or equipment at the same time.

Crew vans are usually less expensive than other types of cargo vans; however, they’re not likely to have all the features that you want.

City Van

City Van

A city van is designed to carry employees and some materials or equipment, but they’re not well suited for larger groups. These vehicles usually have a small tailgate that doesn’t open as wide as other types of cargo vans.

These units are often used in urban areas because they can easily maneuver around tight corners and narrow roads. They’re not usually equipped for large loads, but you can customize them with additional storage features.

Club Van

Club Van

 

A club van is designed for both cargo and people. These vehicles have a long wheelbase and are tall enough to accommodate taller drivers; however, their larger size makes them slower and more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

These units rarely include windows so small groups can travel in them without being seen; however, they’re usually not well suited for transporting larger groups.

Coach Van

Coach Van

A coach van is designed to transport larger groups over longer distances. These units are much taller than other cargo vans and include large windows for increased visibility.

This design allows you to easily check on your passengers without having to walk back and forth between the front and rear of the vehicle.

The number of seats in these vehicles depends on the model that you choose; however, most units include around six to eight seats. You can also get larger models if you need them for larger groups or long distances.

They’re often difficult to maneuver in smaller areas because they’re equipped with larger tires and wheels, which can further decrease their acceleration.

4*4 Vans

4*4 Vans

4*4 vans have a greater load capacity and are better suited for long distance travel. These units can handle rougher terrain; however, they’re usually not designed for smooth roads.

These types of vehicles include four-wheel drive so you can easily travel through rough conditions like snow or mud. They’re equipped with larger tires that give you greater traction; however, this can make them harder to drive on the road.

These vehicles usually have extra cab space and include comfortable seats so your passengers will enjoy riding in these units.

They’re also designed with a variety of storage features like cupboards and drawers for storing cargo. 

These types of vans are great when you need to transport large groups over long distances; however, they can be difficult to maneuver in small areas.

Electric Van

Electric Van

While electric cargo vans are a relatively recent innovation, they’re quickly becoming more popular for deliveries around town and for local transport.

Electric vans give you the ability to charge your vehicle while you’re at work and then use that power to deliver goods or services during the day. They can also be used in less populated areas where there may not be a charging station nearby.

When you drive an electric cargo van, there are less emissions that enter the atmosphere and this can help reduce your carbon footprint. There’s also a lower risk of injury or death to pedestrians when using these types of vehicles because they’re quieter than traditional models.

However, if you do have a collision while driving then it could be more difficult to remove the vehicle from the accident scene.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional cargo vans, then an electric model might be a good option.

These units give you many of the same features as gas powered vans; however, they’re built with more environmentally friendly components and can help reduce your carbon footprint on a daily basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each type of vehicle has a different class rating. The EPA labels each vehicle with one of three ratings: SULEV, LEV II, or ULEV.

These labels help you understand the overall impact that each vehicle will have on the environment when compared to other types of vans.

Vehicles that are classified as SULEV have the lowest impact on air quality, so they typically receive the highest class rating for overall impact on the environment.

If you’re looking for a new van then consider choosing a vehicle with an LEV II or ULEV label because these models will give you lower emissions.

What are some safety concerns when driving vans?

Each type of vehicle has different safety risks that you should consider before making a purchase.

It’s best to do some safety research before making a purchase. Check with the American Automobile Association (AAA) for crash test ratings and any recalls that have been issued, then talk about your concerns with a service technician at a dealership.

If you’re buying from an online dealer then you can also read customer reviews about the dealer, or check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints that have been filed against them.

What types of cargo vans are available?

When shopping for a custom van there are several different class ratings you should consider.

Class A is similar to your typical passenger vehicle and has seating for up to 12 people.

Class B units are also designed for passengers but have smaller seating.

Class C vans are similar to RV’s and can even include sleeping space, bathrooms, and kitchens. However, these types of vehicles have a sliding door that gives you easy access to the cab area.

If you’re looking for a van with plenty of storage space then a class D vehicle might be just what you need. These vans can vary in size based on the needs and desires of each customer, but they’re generally powered by gas or electric engines.

Conclusion

The types of vans that you need will depend on the situation. If you’re looking for a vehicle to shuttle kids or if your business is more reliant on storing items, then a minivan might be best suited for your needs. On the other hand, if you want an environmentally friendly option with plenty of storage space and power, then choose one from our list.

We hope that this article helps you gain a better understanding of the different types of vans available, so you can choose one for all of your needs.