From gigs to getaways: 5 uses for a crew van
Crew vans are versatile vehicles. Read our blog post to discover 5 uses you might not have thought of.
Crew vans – also known as crew cab vans or kombi vans – are a staple for tradespeople and small businesses. With their extra row of rear seats, large back doors and ample storage space, they can be the ideal way to carry people and cargo.
But crew vans aren't just for small businesses. They're also a great solution for families, musicians, film crews and more – the perfect mid-size option between a car and a minibus.
So, if you're planning a trip with a small group and a lot of cargo, consider the crew van. It could be just the ticket.
1. Family road trips
If you have a big family and no car, you probably rely on public transport. And while trains and coaches can get you where you need to be, they can also be logistically difficult – especially if you have young kids.
Take a holiday, for example. The whole point is to get away and have fun as a family. Shepherding your folks onto a crowded, delayed train will make that difficult before you've even checked in to your accommodation.
One way around this problem is to hire a crew van. The extra seating means that everyone is accommodated, and the storage space lets you transport all your luggage without it going on anyone's lap. Plus, many are fitted with points for clipping in child seats, so you can rest assured that your petite passengers are safe.
2. Musicians
Some musicians can travel light. The harmonica player, for instance, who can fit their instrument into their pocket. Or the singer, who just needs the clothes they're wearing.
But many musicians aren't so lucky. When gigging or touring, they're likely to spend as much time lugging equipment around as actually playing their songs.
For this reason, good transport is essential. This is true whether you're a classic rock combo with guitar, bass, drums and amps, a mariachi band, a house DJ or a whizz on the tubular bells. You're going to need room in the back of the vehicle for your gear.
On top of this, touring acts are likely to clock up the miles. Playing Bristol tonight and Liverpool tomorrow? The worst thing for you is to be cooped up in a vehicle. Your legs need space as well as your equipment.
If this sounds like you, consider hiring a crew van. It will give you the space and comfort you need to get you from gig to gig in good spirits.
3. Street teams and street marketing
Setting up a stall, stand, marquee or display on the high street to drum up interest in your product or service? Chances are you'll have a fair bit of gear to move, as well as your human resources.
In many ways, street marketing teams are the perfect demographic for crew van rentals: a mid-sized operation that has too much stuff for a car but not enough for a van.
Plus, the team gets decent room to stretch out on their way to and from the high street. It's an affordable, practical and comfortable solution that can do wonders for team spirit as well as transportation.
4. Filming
If you've ever been to a film set, you'll have noticed a lot of vehicles parked nearby. That's because a successful film shoot requires a huge amount of resources – both human and technical – and the trucks to match.
But if you're shooting on a low budget, you could do far worse than go for a crew van. They have ample room for personnel, as well as for laptops, cameras, mics and the rest.
Getting a crew van for filming also means more comfort for the crew. Low-budget filmmakers love to share horror stories of getting to the shoot cramped up in a small vehicle. Spending extra on a crew van means that bit more comfort and that bit less stress for the big shoot.
5. Small sports teams
A crew van typically seats between four and six people. This makes it ideal for small sports teams on their way to and from a fixture.
Heading to a five-a-side football, volleyball or polo match and want a bit of extra legroom and a bit more storage in the back? A crew van could be just what you're looking for.
Football teams, rugby teams and hockey teams, look elsewhere. It's
minibus time.
What's the difference between a crew cab and a double cab?
The most important difference between a crew cab and a double cab is that a double cab is smaller than a crew cab. In particular, the rear seating of a crew cab is much more spacious than that of a double cab.
Is a crew cab a van or a car?
HMRC classes some crew cabs as vans rather than cars. If you're a crew cab owner, this could affect your income tax and NICs. You can check HMRC's
list of car-derived vans and combi vans to see how your vehicle is classed.
Who can drive a crew van?
To drive a crew van, you need the right licence. A category B car licence allows you to drive vans weighing up to 3,500 kilograms. Some vans may exceed that weight, so be sure to check before you hire or buy.
There are some other restrictions, which we
covered in another blog post.
Final thoughts
If you need a vehicle that will carry multiple passengers in comfort and provide ample storage for your gear, a crew van could be just what you're looking for.
And if you're in the northeast of England, you're in luck. At Metro Vehicle Hire, we have an extensive range of
van rental options. Check out our crew vans today – or
get in touch to find out more.
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