Deciding Between a Chevy Van or Truck

Chevy vans and Commercial trucks are a special breed of vehicle that are meant for more performance, more cargo space, and better reliability. If you are a working professional with tough jobs and a lot of equipment/materials to carry around with you, the right Chevy van or truck can be a lifesaver. More importantly, a great commercial vehicle can also take your business to the next level. There’s no better way to meet the high demands of customers than knowing you have a vehicle capable of getting you, your equipment, and your materials to the job site on time.

So, what do you choose? Is a truck the ultimate commercial vehicle? Or is the van more suited to your particular needs? There’s no right or wrong answer from the start. Instead, you have to think about a few important details regarding your specific job requirements to know which type of vehicle will be the better choice.

To know whether a Chevy van or truck will be right for you as your next commercial vehicle, consider these important points before searching for that perfect option.

General Performance And Reliability

First and foremost, you have to think about the general level of performance and reliability you need from a commercial vehicle. Different makes and models come with different levels of capability and longevity. In other words, some models will last you much longer through the daily commute and abuse of your profession. If you don’t have a commercial vehicle that can stand up to this abuse, you’re looking at money lost to costly repairs in the future.

Some manufacturers are more well-known for their commercial vehicles than others. For example, Chevy and GMC are two of the top commercial vehicle manufacturers around the globe. Both owned by GM, the two companies share the same philosophy on professional vehicle design. This philosophy touches everything bumper-to-bumper to create something that will last for years if not decades.
When you’re looking for a particular model, think about the cargo hauling and towing capability you need. Larger vehicles require more powerful engines to tow heavier equipment and loads. This is where a truck really shines. If you have a lot of trailering to move heavy equipment, for example, a heavy-duty truck like the Silverado will be a better choice since it is designed to handle a higher towing capacity.

Vans, on the other hand, tend to be more limited in this regard. While some heavy-duty vans do offer a decent amount of towing capacity, the real advantage comes in the form of cargo space.

Interior Capacity

Beyond pulling a separate trailer, a good commercial vehicle needs to have enough cargo space to meet your needs for equipment, materials, and even other people besides the driver. This is a big point of difference between most trucks and vans.

A typical full-size truck comes with several different bed and cabin options. From a single row interior to a full cabin, truck interiors usually hold up to five or six people. Some trucks include rear folding seats to take advantage of the extra floor space for small items and equipment.

The bed size comes in average lengths of 5 to 8 feet. Longer bed lengths will obviously hold more equipment at the sacrifice of some maneuverability. Short beds are a great option to consider if you use a lot of small power tools and other lightweight equipment.

Vans are all about interior space. Since they lack a dedicated cargo bed, you will be restricted to whatever interior space the van offers. The good news is large vans can have dedicated interior cargo holds that rival or even surpass most average midsize and full-size trucks. This is also a better way to lock and protect your equipment when leaving the vehicle unoccupied.

Additional Features And Accessories

No commercial vehicle is ever the same compared to others unless it’s in a company fleet. Both trucks and vans offer a lot of customization and modification possibilities when it comes to making the vehicle suit your particular needs and challenges.

On average, trucks tend to be more adaptable in this area since they can accommodate a wide variety of exterior accessories such as racks, camper shells, and toolbox organizers. The truck bed, in particular, is the best place to add some organization or extra cargo space using some affordable aftermarket upgrades.

Vans can be more limited in the accessory department. While there are plenty of toolboxes and interior dividers you can use for dedicated cargo vans, the best way to add extra space is with a rooftop rack. Adding some cross loading bars to support a cargo rack will give you an additional level of space to put smaller tools and equipment.

Making The Choice For Yourself

The only way to truly decide if you need a truck or van for your next commercial vehicle is to weigh your specific needs and requirements. All jobs are different. Even two people with the same job may require different levels of performance, reliability, cargo space, towing capacity, and more from their vehicles. As a result, you should take some time to reflect on your own particular requirements before deciding on a truck or van.

For some general guidance, choose a truck if you have heavier, larger equipment to haul around. A truck is also a better option if you want more aftermarket accessories and customization. Vans, on the other hand, are the better choice if you want to protect your cargo by locking it in a secured enclosure. You may even find a van that offers more interior space than an average sized pickup.
To help you out, come down to the McCluskey Chevy dealership to speak with one of our expert sales staff. They can help you check out what Chevy vans for sale we have available in our new and used inventory to see what types of vehicles, truck or van, will meet your particular needs. Give us a call, send us an email, or visit us in person today to see how we can help you find that next perfect commercial vehicle.