It used to be a common site. Your plumber used to show up on an old banger van, in most cases a rusty old Ford Transit that has seen better days many years ago. It is very different now with the modern plumber being spoilt for choice. There are numerous makes offering fully customisable cabins and powertrains catering for the trade. Competition in this sector is fierce which has helped to bring new models and new features offering well designed and very comfortable vans.
Modern vans offer car-like comfort along with work-focused measures such as space, ruggedness and durability. They are available in various sizes, from 3 to 17 cubic meters of loading space, and can be customized to meet the plumber's specific needs. Most vans now offer at least one sliding door (some offer a second sliding door as an option), offering excellent access to the loading space.
A buyer can determine whether they would prefer a tailgate or double rear doors. Another interesting recent option is a reduced opening angle for the cab doors, allowing the driver or passengers to grab the handle in its fully open position and reduce the risk of heating the wall or other objects nearby.
Most vans sold to the plumbing & heating industry these days are diesel powered. This is mainly owing to their significantly better fuel economy and their higher torque in lower revs which is important for carrying and towing heavy loads. Recent developments in the diesel engine design and build have passed on major benefits to the consumer of both passenger cars and commercial light vans. The benefits include quieter engines and smoother operation, longer lasting parts, lower maintenance costs and better reliability.
A special mechanical particulate filter is used to clear out carbon particles from the exhaust gases. The filter greatly improves the quality of the exhaust output and reduces the carbon emissions from the engine.
The biggest single improvement in diesel engines in recent years was the development and deployment of the common rail system. Similar in operations to direct injection in petrol engines, the common rail system has improved the smoothness and quietness of the engine and consequently the quality of the ride. Another useful benefit of the common rail system is an improved fuel economy together with an increased torque.
A recent development offers even better performance and flexibility for the engine. There are several new vans that are offered with a new technology which injects the fuel at a much higher pressure than normal, improving the performance of the engine while keeping fuel efficiency levels high.
Most gear boxes now come with five to six gears offering flexibility and a smooth ride. Some manufacturers have started offering an automatic gear box or a semi automatic (some are 'clutchless' gear boxes) options, making it easier to drive in heavily congested areas like town centres.
Comfort levels of modern vans have improved remarkably compared to the old vans. Air conditioning, cruise control and satellite navigation systems were available only on luxury passenger cars until recently, yet are now offered as options and sometimes as standard on commercial vans. With improved ride quality, the new commercial van is becoming an inviting place to be in.
Auto manufacturers have greatly improved the safety levels of modern light commercial vehicles. Most new vans have a driver's airbag as standard with an option for passenger, side and curtain airbags. ABS (Antilock Braking System) and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) are offered on many vehicles improving the safety levels in case of difficult driving conditions. Both systems can be crucial in case of hard breaking or loss of control in water logged roads or icy conditions. - 15431
Modern vans offer car-like comfort along with work-focused measures such as space, ruggedness and durability. They are available in various sizes, from 3 to 17 cubic meters of loading space, and can be customized to meet the plumber's specific needs. Most vans now offer at least one sliding door (some offer a second sliding door as an option), offering excellent access to the loading space.
A buyer can determine whether they would prefer a tailgate or double rear doors. Another interesting recent option is a reduced opening angle for the cab doors, allowing the driver or passengers to grab the handle in its fully open position and reduce the risk of heating the wall or other objects nearby.
Most vans sold to the plumbing & heating industry these days are diesel powered. This is mainly owing to their significantly better fuel economy and their higher torque in lower revs which is important for carrying and towing heavy loads. Recent developments in the diesel engine design and build have passed on major benefits to the consumer of both passenger cars and commercial light vans. The benefits include quieter engines and smoother operation, longer lasting parts, lower maintenance costs and better reliability.
A special mechanical particulate filter is used to clear out carbon particles from the exhaust gases. The filter greatly improves the quality of the exhaust output and reduces the carbon emissions from the engine.
The biggest single improvement in diesel engines in recent years was the development and deployment of the common rail system. Similar in operations to direct injection in petrol engines, the common rail system has improved the smoothness and quietness of the engine and consequently the quality of the ride. Another useful benefit of the common rail system is an improved fuel economy together with an increased torque.
A recent development offers even better performance and flexibility for the engine. There are several new vans that are offered with a new technology which injects the fuel at a much higher pressure than normal, improving the performance of the engine while keeping fuel efficiency levels high.
Most gear boxes now come with five to six gears offering flexibility and a smooth ride. Some manufacturers have started offering an automatic gear box or a semi automatic (some are 'clutchless' gear boxes) options, making it easier to drive in heavily congested areas like town centres.
Comfort levels of modern vans have improved remarkably compared to the old vans. Air conditioning, cruise control and satellite navigation systems were available only on luxury passenger cars until recently, yet are now offered as options and sometimes as standard on commercial vans. With improved ride quality, the new commercial van is becoming an inviting place to be in.
Auto manufacturers have greatly improved the safety levels of modern light commercial vehicles. Most new vans have a driver's airbag as standard with an option for passenger, side and curtain airbags. ABS (Antilock Braking System) and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) are offered on many vehicles improving the safety levels in case of difficult driving conditions. Both systems can be crucial in case of hard breaking or loss of control in water logged roads or icy conditions. - 15431
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, member of Heating Central, publishes content on plumbers, boilers, Chelmsford central heating, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping cut costs by consulting on efficient heating.
