With the number of van hire service providers in the country, renting a van has become one of the easiest things to do. However, when it comes to van rentals, most people are unaware of the vehicle choices they have and others are confused about what they really need.
Well, not anymore. Today, we are going to take a look at various aspects that you need to consider before opting for a van hire London service.
By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to be able to choose the most suitable rental van for yourself.
Contents
The Purpose of Van Hire
Well, before you consider anything else, the first thing you need to ask yourself before getting a rental vehicle is the purpose of the van hire.
The answer to this question will solve half your problem and help you to choose the most appropriate van right away.
If you need a van for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods from one location to another, then you require a van with enough cargo capacity.
Moreover, depending on the nature of your goods, you have to decide between a normal cargo van or a refrigerated van for frozen items.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a large vehicle for travelling purposes, you may need to opt for a minibus or an MPV – Multi Seater Vehicle.
Choosing the Right Van
The first step in renting a van is figuring out exactly what you need. It’s like Goldilocks and the Three Bears – you want a van that’s not too big, not too small, but just right. Here’s how to nail down your requirements:
Size Matters: Cargo vs. Passenger Vans
Are you moving stuff or people? This is the first big question you need to answer. Cargo vans are great for transporting goods, furniture, or equipment. They typically have an empty interior with tie-downs to secure your items. On the other hand, passenger vans are designed to move people comfortably, with seating for anywhere from 7 to 15 passengers.
If you’re moving house, a cargo van might be your best bet. But if you’re planning a family road trip or need to transport a youth sports team to their big game, a passenger van is the way to go. And hey, if you’re really ambitious and planning a combination moving-house-and-family-road-trip extravaganza (good luck with that!), you might even want to consider a van with both cargo space and passenger seating.
Size Specifications: How Much Space Do You Really Need?
Once you’ve decided between cargo and passenger, it’s time to get specific about size. Cargo vans typically come in small, medium, and large sizes. A small cargo van might be perfect for delivering flowers or transporting your band’s equipment to gigs. A large cargo van, on the other hand, could handle a studio apartment’s worth of furniture.
For passenger vans, think about how many people you need to transport. A minivan might seat 7, while a full-size passenger van could accommodate up to 15. Remember, more seats usually means less space for luggage or other items, so factor that into your decision.
Pro tip: Always err on the side of a little extra space. It’s better to have room to spare than to be playing real-life Tetris with your belongings (or worse, having to leave Great Aunt Edna behind because there’s no room in the van!).
Special Features: What Else Do You Need?
Beyond basic size considerations, think about any special features you might need. Does the van need to be wheelchair accessible? Do you need a van with a ramp or lift gate for easy loading? Are you going to be driving in winter conditions and need all-wheel drive? Make a list of these requirements before you start shopping around.
The Number of Passengers
Almost every vehicle available for hire will have a different number of seats, which is why calculating the number of passengers is necessary.
Whether you pick a van, a car, a Luton, or an MPV, you need to make sure every passenger in the vehicle has a seat and a seatbelt as required by law.
If you’re travelling with a large number of passengers, you can ask for a minibus to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride for everyone.
The Car Transmission
Some drivers are more comfortable driving vans with an automatic transmission while others are used to using the manual transmission.
Hence, before you rent a van, it’s better to ask for a transmission that you prefer. If you’re not the one who’s going to be driving, you can ask the driver for his or her preference and then request an appropriate vehicle.
This can reduce the effort it would take the driver to drive and make the job faster and more efficient.
The Driving Route
The route to some locations may require passing through low bridges, narrow lanes and various other imperfect roads.
This can cause a lot of trouble to the driver if the vehicle is too large. It may also lead to the vehicle being stuck or damaged.
Therefore, you either need to consider a route that can accommodate a large vehicle or opt for a smaller vehicle that fits better.
While you won’t be able to complete the job at once without a large rental van, you can always make a few more trips with a smaller van, to make the process hassle-free.
Finding the Best Deal
Alright, now that you know what you need and when you need it, it’s time to find the best deal. This is where your inner bargain hunter gets to shine!
Compare Rental Companies: Not All Vans Are Created Equal
Start by making a list of van rental companies in your area. This might include big national chains, local rental agencies, and even car dealerships that offer rentals. Don’t forget to check out truck rental companies too – many of them also rent vans.
Once you have your list, it’s time to start comparing. Look at their available van types, rental rates, and any special offers or discounts they might have. But don’t just focus on the base rental rate. Pay attention to things like mileage limits, fuel policies, and additional fees (more on those later).
Online vs. In-Person: Pros and Cons of Booking Methods
These days, you can book pretty much anything online, including van rentals. Online booking can be convenient, allowing you to compare rates and vehicle types at your leisure. Many companies also offer online-only discounts. Plus, you can often see real-time availability and book your van with just a few clicks.
However, don’t discount the value of an in-person visit or phone call. Speaking directly with a rental agent allows you to ask specific questions about the vehicles and potentially negotiate a better rate. They might also be able to offer suggestions or alternatives based on your specific needs that you might not have considered.
Membership Discounts: Using Your Affiliations
Before you book, check if you’re eligible for any discounts. Many organizations offer rental discounts to their members. This could include AAA, AARP, Costco, or even your employer. Military personnel and veterans often qualify for discounts too. Don’t be shy about asking – those discounts can add up to significant savings, especially for longer rentals.
FAQs
Do I need a special license to drive a rental van?
Can I take my rental van across state lines or into another country?
What should I do if the rental van breaks down?
Can I add extra drivers to my van rental?
How much does it typically cost to rent a van?
Conclusion
Considering these simple tips before picking the right van for hire will save you a lot of time, money and energy in the near future.
This simple system for picking a van can make the driver and the journey more comfortable and prevent any damage or mishappening.
Hence, now that you know all about the process of renting a van that perfectly fits your needs, it’s time you use these tips and get the job done.
