What is the Purpose of a Cargo Van?
According to the company, many people use U-Haul vans for “self-delivery and small jobs around town.” An example of this is the delivery of an order from a company (for example, furniture stores that deliver furniture) or collection and return of large equipment. Cargo vans are also often used for smaller trips, such as when moving studio apartments.
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Cargo vans are similar to passenger vans in that they have an opening between the driver and passenger seats to allow access to the van’s cargo. They are used in various industries such as supply, construction and engineering companies.
These vans typically have a rear door to access the cargo area and a sliding door for additional access. The driver’s seat is often positioned above the front axle so that the front of the vehicle is flatter.
Cutaway vans, on the other hand, are often called panel vans. The passenger compartment is completely separate from the cargo area and can seat the driver and no more than 1 or 2 passengers. The front end of the vehicle looks like a truck with the driver sitting behind the engine.
Second-tier manufacturers often make cutaway vans available for use as ambulances, recreational vehicles, or small school buses.
Cargo vans tend to have better visibility and front clearance. These vehicles are extremely versatile and come in a variety of sizes. It features an internal cargo space that can be easily customized to suit nearly any business, and can be used to organize and store many aftermarket items.
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These vehicles typically do not have windows to provide ample space to advertise your business, so they may be suitable for large commercial purposes.
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Ask a Mechanic Live NowHow Big is a U-Haul Cargo Van?
According to U-Haul, all dimensions are approximate and may vary depending on the van you rent. However, in general, U-Haul van rentals are about 9 feet long. These are company-specific measurements.
Inside dimension: 9 feet 6 inches x 5 feet 7 inches x 4 feet 8 inches
Backdoor opening: 5 feet 1 inches x 4 feet 1 inches
Deck height from ground: 2 feet 5 inches
Load capacity: 4,030 lbs
Vehicle total weight: 9,070 lbs. maximum
Vehicle weight: 4,985 lbs
Volume: 246 cubic meters feet
Can a couch fit in a U-Haul cargo van?
Cargo van rentals are usually best for small moves, such as moving to a student dormitory or studio apartment. You should be able to fit a mattress (twin or queen) and box springs into the van. In addition to the mattress, a bedside table, a sofa and some boxes should fit nicely.
If you have a lot of furniture in your apartment, you may need to move it around in a van a lot, or rent a U-Haul truck if it’s large.
How Does It Cost to Rent a U-Haul Cargo Van?
The first step in calculating mileage charges is knowing your destination. Transfer van rental fees vary depending on origin and destination. Most car rental companies charge different rates for city and one-way trips.
Prices for intercity or local transfers are based on a flat rate for the vehicle plus a charge per kilometer. Smaller trucks have lower standard and mileage charges. However, if you’re moving from an apartment rather than a house, a bigger truck is recommended. This is where the mileage factor comes into play. Large trucks allow for his one move, while smaller trucks require several moves and charge per kilo.
However, it is important to note that certain truck sizes can only be used for inter-city travel. For example, U-Haul generally does not offer pickup trucks or vans for out-of-state or long-distance transfers.
Long-distance travel prices are usually determined by a combination of truck size and travel date. U-Haul defines this as a one way trip as the pick up and drop off locations are different.
A truck rental might be all you need to get around, but that’s usually not the case. Car rental companies also offer truck insurance at low prices. There are also moving materials such as boxes, tape, packing paper, and furniture pads. Trailers and anything else that puts extra load on the truck will force the truck to use more gas.
For intra city travel, U-Haul charges less than $0.99 per mile, depending on the track you choose. A one-way movement that travels long distances is different.
U-Haul will set a specific number of miles included in the prepaid rate. Additional miles can be added for $1.00 per mile.
As an additional information, U-Haul vans rented are typically rated at 18 miles per gallon. The fuel tank size is 25 gallons. For small local trips, these vans are fairly fuel efficient and should get you from point A to point B without stopping at a gas station.
Vans are also much more economical than the company’s truck rentals. Normally you can only get 10 miles per gallon.
Why Choose a U-Haul Van Rental Over Other Truck Rental Options?
There are three advantages to renting a U-Haul over a large truck.
Cargo vans are easy to drive. If you have driven a large panel van before, then you know how difficult it can be to navigate the roads with these large vehicles. Luckily, vans tend to be easier to drive. If you’re nervous about driving a bulky lorry, you should opt for a van instead.
Parking a rental U-Haul van is much easier than parking a moving lorry. Not only does the van fit in most parking spaces, it’s also easy to maneuver into tight spaces.
If you live in a city with limited parking spaces, cargo vans will be especially helpful. When parallel parked, luggage can be accessed through both the side door and the back. This makes unloading on busy roads easier.
If you are traveling in a large van, you may run into trouble on bridges and parking lots. Often these trucks are too tall to fit under short overhangs. Not only does this limit travel routes, but it can also increase the risk of the truck being stuck or damaged.
On the other hand, cargo vans should easily fit under most overhangs. So, you don’t have to worry about bridges.
Max Anthony
Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.
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