Van

A van is a type of road vehicle used for transporting goods or people. Depending on the type of van, it can be bigger or smaller than a pickup truck and SUV, and bigger than a common car but relatively smaller than a truck/lorry (all types: dry-freight box truck, box truck with liftgate, proscape box truck, furniture mover box truck, mini-mover box truck, citymax box truck, 2-axle half cab chassis truck, 2-axle regular cab chassis truck, 2-axle crew cab chassis truck, 2-axle extended cab chassis truck, 2-axle regular cab chassis truck with wind deflector, 2-axle crew cab chassis truck with wind deflector, 2-axle extended cab chassis truck with wind deflector, 3-axle regular cab chassis truck, 3-axle regular cab chassis truck, 3-axle crew cab chassis truck, 3-axle extended cab chassis truck, 3-axle regular cab chassis truck with wind deflector, 3-axle crew cab chassis truck with wind deflector, 3-axle extended cab chassis truck with wind deflector, curtiansider box truck, MSU box truck, boom truck, rigid ready mix cement truck, rigid mobile concrete mixer truck, grain truck, semi-trailer ready mix cement truck, semi-trailer mobile concrete mixer truck, crane truck, concrete pump truck, cutaway van chassis, crane dump truck, fuel lube truck, rigid tanker truck, non (low) pressure bulk tanker truck, low-pressure bulk tanker truck, cement carrier truck, x-ray truck, ballast tractor truck, stainless steel tanker truck, pneumatic tanker truck, corrosive cargo tanker truck, compressed gas tanker truck, b-double tanker truck, asphalt tanker truck, cryogenic tanker truck, high-pressure tube tanker truck, landscaping dump truck, water tanker truck, milk tanker truck, roll-off truck, dropside truck, dropside truck with tarpaulin cover, dropside truck with crane, RAV box truck, conventional fire engine truck, aerial apparatus fire truck, turntable ladder truck, platform fire truck, airport crash tender truck, wildland fire engine truck, water tender truck, tiller truck, container truck, landscaping box truck, wheel-lift tow truck, pickup truck with tow truck equipment on bed, hook and chain tow truck, wingbody truck, intergrated tow truck, wrecker tow truck, flatbed tow truck, rollback tow truck, KUV utility truck, mechanics crane truck, dual drive/steer truck, logging truck, front-loader garbage truck, side-loader garbage truck, rear-loader garbage truck, refrigerator truck, stakebed truck, vacuum truck, service truck, beverage truck, platform truck, horse truck, bucket truck, flatbed truck, contractor truck, sprinkler truck, car carrier truck, day cab semi-trailer truck (tractor), day cab semi-trailer truck (tractor) with wind deflector, high roof sleeper semi-trailer truck (tractor), low roof sleeper semi-trailer truck (tractor), standard 2-axle dump truck, standard 3-axle dump truck, semi trailer end dump truck, frame and frameless end dump truck, transfer dump truck, truck and pup dump truck, superdump truck, double and triple trailer bottom dump truck, semi-trailer bottom dump truck, side dump truck, bumper pull dump trailer truck, 4 seasons dump truck, and U-shaped dump truck) such as American Lafrance Condor, Agrale 6500, Agrale 8700, Agrale 10000, Agrale 14000, AMW TP Series, Ashok Leyland U-Truck, Ashok Leyland eComet, Avia D, Askam AS 950, Askam 8 Litre, Askam Hi-Ex, Astra HD9, Bedford TK, Bedford TL, Bedford TM, Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana Cutaway, Chevrolet Bison/GMC General, Chevrolet Kodiak, DAF LF, DAF CF, DAF XF, Dodge Bighorn, Dodge LCF series, Dodge Ram 6500/7000, Dongfeng KR, Ford Econoline Cutaway, Ford Transit Mk3 Chassis Cab, Ford Transit Mk4 Chassis Cab, Ford Transit Mk5 Chassis Cab, Ford Transit Mk6 Chassis Cab, Ford Transit Mk7 Chassis Cab, Ford Transit Mk8 Chassis Cab, Ford Cargo, Freightliner Business Class M2 106, Freightliner Business Class M2 112, Freightliner 114SD, Ford L-6000/L-7000, Ford LT-8000/LT-9000, Ford L-8000/L-9000, Ford LTL-9000, Ford AeroMax, Ford LCF, International CF600, Ford F-650, Freightliner FLA, Freightliner FLC 120, Freightliner FLD, Freightliner Coronado, Freightliner Argosy, Freightliner Cascadia, Ford F-MAX, Freightliner FLB, Foton Aumark, Foton Ollin, Foton Auman, GMC Topkick, GAZ-3308, Sadko-NEXT, GAZ-3307/3309, GAZ-3302, GAZelle-NEXT Chassis Cab, GAZ Valdai, GAZon-NEXT, GMC W6/W7 Forward, Hino Dutro, Hino Ranger, Hino Profia, Hino 600, Hyundai HD120/HD210, Hyundai Mighty, Hyundai Mighty II, Hyundai e-Mighty, Hyundai Mega Truck, Hyundai Trago, Hyundai Xcient, Hyundai Pavise, Isuzu Forward, Isuzu H-Series, International 9200i, International 9400i, International 9800i, International 9900i, International LoadStar (2012), Iveco Daily Chassis Cab, Iveco EuroCargo, Iveco Stralis, Iveco Trakker, Iveco T-Way, Iveco S-Way, Isuzu Elf, Isuzu Giga, International Paystar, International TerraStar, International TranStar, International LoneStar, International WorkStar, International ProStar, International ProStar+, International DuraStar, JAC 4DA1 Series, JAC FHC Series, JAC Shuailing, JAC Tipper, JAC Tractor, JMC Carrying, Kalmar 4x2 off Highway, Kalmar TR-Series, KamAZ-4308, KAMAZ 65224, KAMAZ 6460, KAMAZ 65226, KAMAZ 65117, KAMAZ 65207, KAMAZ 65206, KAMAZ 65226, KAMAZ 65225, KAMAZ 54115, KAMAZ 4326, KAMAZ 43114, KAMAZ 43253, KAMAZ 65201, KamAZ-5308, KAMAZ 44108, KAMAZ 54115, Kenworth W900, Kenworth T-180, Kenworth T-280, Kenworth T-380, Kenworth T-480, Kenworth T-800, Kenworth T-880, Kenworth T-170, Kenworth T-270, Kenworth T-370, Kenworth T-470, KrAZ-6322, KrAZ-6505, KrAZ-6443, KrAZ-5233, KrAZ H12.2, KrAZ H23.2, KrAZ S20.2, KrAZ S26.2M, KrAZ-5401, KrAZ H27.3, Mercedes-Benz Actros, Mercedes-Benz Unimog, Mercedes-Benz T1 Chassis Cab, Mercedes-Benz T2 Chassis Cab, Mercedes-Benz Vario Chassis Cab, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cutaway, Mercedes-Benz Zetros, Mercedes-Benz Atron, Mercedes-Benz Atego, Mercedes-Benz Axor, Mercedes-Benz Arocs, Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter, Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great, Mercedes-Benz Antos, Mack Granite, Mack Pinnacle, Mack Metro-Liner, Mack TerraPro, Mack Titan, Mack MD, Mack Super-Liner, MAN TGA, MAN TGL, MAN F2000, MAN TGS, MAN L2000, MAN G90, MAN F90, MAN M2000, MAN TGX, MAZ-6312, MAZ-5433, MAZ-6440, MZKT – 692371, MZKT – 7402, MZKT – 75165, MAZ-447131, MAZ-5309, MAZ-4370, MAZ-4371, MAZ-4471, MAZ-5440, MAZ-6430, MAN TGM, UD Atlas, Nissan Atleon, Nissan NT500, Nissan Diesel Condor, Nissan Diesel Quon, Nissan Diesel Big Thumb, Peterbilt 337, Peterbilt 325, Peterbilt 330, Peterbilt 359, Peterbilt 379, Peterbilt 389, Peterbilt 537, Renault Master Chassis Cab, Renault Midlum, Renault Premium, Renault Kerax, Renault Magnum, Renault Trucks K, Renault Midliner, Renault Trucks T, Renault Trucks C, Renault Trucks D, Sisu Polar, Scania T-series, Scania L-series, Scania P-series, Scania 4-series, Scania R-series, Roman 12.250 F, Hongyan Cargo Truck, Hongyan Tractor Truck, Hongyan Dump Truck, Hongyan Tanker Truck, Scania G-series, Shaanxi Olong Tractor Truck, Shaanxi Delong Tractor Truck, Shaanxi D'Long F2000, Sinotruk HOWO T7H, Sinotruk HOWO T5G, Sterling A-Line, Sterling 360, Sterling Bullet, Sterling L-Line, Sterling Acterra, Tevva TEV75B, Tata Construck, Tata Novus, Tata Prima, Tatra 810, Tatra T815 TerrN°2, Tatra Phoenix, Tata 407, Tata LPT 613, Tata LPT 1116, Tata LPT 1618, Tata SE, Toyota Dyna, Tatra Jamal, Tatra T 810, Tatra 815, Tatra T 163, Ural-4320, Ural-43206, Ural-4320-3951, Ural-432065, Ural-44202, Ural-5323, Ural-6368, Ural-6370, Ural Next, Volvo VM, Volvo VHD, Volkswagen Constellation, Volkswagen Delivery, Volkswagen Worker, VW LT LKW, VW Crafter LKW, Volvo FH, Volvo VN, Volvo VNX, Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FL, Volvo FE, Western Star 4700, Western Star 4800, Western Star 6900, Yue Loong Homer, Zastava ZK-101, Zastava EuroZeta, ZIL-4334, ZIL-4327, ZIL-4331, and ZIL-5301 and bus (all types: 3-axle Coach bus, 2-axle Coach bus, quad axle coach bus, Half-cab bus, Offroad bus, Training bus, Double-decker Open top bus, Single-decker Open top bus, Gyrobus, semi-trailer bus, full-trailer bus, High-floor bus, Bi-articulated bus, single-deck twin steer bus, double deck twin steer bus, single-deck twin axle bus, double deck twin axle bus, single-deck tri-axle bus, double deck tri-axle bus, single deck quad-axle bus, double deck quad-axle bus, conventional bus, rear-engine flat-nose bus, forward-engine flat-nose bus, presidential bus, safari bus, semi-forward bus, Police bus, rigid bus, cutaway bus, Guided bus, Hybrid bus, Type A School bus, Type B School bus, Type C School bus, Forward-engine Type D School bus, Rear-engine Type D School bus, Shuttle bus, Combination bus, paratransit bus, Neighborhood bus, 2-axle Single-decker bus, 3-axle Single-decker bus, Articulated bus, 2-axle Double-decker bus, 3-axle Double-decker bus, bonnet bus, Minibus, Minicoach, and Low-floor bus). There is some variation in the scope of the word across the different English-speaking countries. The smallest vans, microvans, are used for transporting either goods or people in tiny quantities. Mini MPVs, compact MPVs, and MPVs are all small vans usually used for transporting people in small quantities. Larger vans with passenger seats are used for institutional purposes, such as transporting students. Larger vans with only front seats are often used for business purposes, to carry goods and equipment. Specially equipped vans are used by television stations as mobile studios. Postal services and courier companies use large step vans to deliver packages.

Cargo vans[]

A cargo van, like the Ram Promaster, is more like a traditional vehicle because the cargo area and cab are connected as a single piece. From the outside, a cargo van looks a lot like a passenger van and typically has a sliding side door, as well as large rear doors for loading and unloading cargo.

Passenger vans[]

Passenger Vans are larger than minivans. They can seat up to 16 (small) passengers including the driver. A person needs special privilege, the P endorsement, on their drivers license to be able to drive more than a set number of passengers. What that amount is depends on the laws where you’ll be driving a full passenger van - and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, SUV, or station wagon smaller than a bus (all types: Coach bus, Offroad bus, Training bus, Open top bus, Gyrobus, semi-trailer bus, full-trailer bus, High-floor bus, Bi-articulated bus, Police bus, Guided bus, Hybrid bus, Type A School bus, Type B School bus, Type C School bus, Type D School bus, Shuttle bus, Combination bus, paratransit bus, Neighborhood bus, Single-decker bus, Articulated bus, Double-decker bus, Minibus, Minicoach, Double-decker bus, Single-decker bus, and Low-floor bus).

Word usage and etymology[]

The word van is a shortened version of the word caravan which originally meant a covered vehicle.

The word van has slightly different, but overlapping, meanings in different forms of English. While the word always applies to boxy cargo vans, the most major differences in usage are found between the different English-speaking countries.

United Kingdom[]

British English speakers will generally refer to a passenger minivan as a people-carrier or MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), and a larger passenger van as a minibus. Ford makes a distinct line of vans with short hoods and varying body sizes. Minivans are the same Vans but smaller.

United States[]

In the United States, a van can also refer to a box-shaped trailer or semi-trailer used to carry goods. In this case there is a differentiation between a dry van, used to carry most goods, and a refrigerated van (a reefer) used for cold goods. A railway car used to carry baggage is also called a van.

The term van is also used to refer to a Minivan. However, minivans are usually distinguished by their smaller size (190 to 200 in long), unibody architecture, and front wheel drive powertrains. Minivans have essentially replaced the large family station wagon, many luxury family sedans, and short wheelbased full-size vans that do not require extreme volume, towing, or passengers beyond 7. By comparison with full sized vans, they get good gas mileage, do not require overheight parking, have comfortable flexible seating accommodations such as folding middle or 3rd row seats, lowering windows on passenger doors on left and right side, and power hatch.

However, when it is necessary to tow a large mass, such as a camper, a full size van may be preferred for its larger engine, converted from cargo form to a family vehicle, referred to as a conversion van. A conversion van receives a full interior, extra seats, and comfort options such as air conditioning, indirect lighting, premium sound system, and a video screen system. While a minivan can tow between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds, a full size van can tow in excess of 8,000 pounds, as well as its own weight.

Full size vans are noted for their short nose, which creates a unique engine location. The engine block is located between the two front seats, next to the legs of passengers. An enclosure known as a doghouse covers the engine, and often has an inner padding, as the engine produces a lot of heat.

Japan[]

Early Japanese vans include the Mazda Bongo (see Bongovan.com) and the Subaru 360 van. The Japanese also produced many vans based on the American flat nose model, but also mini-vans which for the American market have generally evolved to the long-wheelbase front wheel drive form factor first pioneered by the Dodge Caravan. These are also popular around the world.

Examples[]

The first generation of American vans were the 1960s Compact vans which were patterned in size after the Volkswagen Bus. The Corvair based entry even aped the rear mounted air cooled engine design. The Ford Econoline had a flat nose with engine mounted between and behind the front seats. The Dodge A100 had a similar layout using Dart components and could accommodate a V-8. Chevrolet also switched to this layout. The Ford, Dodge and Corvair vans were also produced as pickup trucks.

The standard or full size vans appeared with Ford's innovation of moving the engine forward under a short hood and using pickup truck components and taillights. The engine cockpit housing is often called a dog house. Over time, they evolved longer noses and sleeker shapes. The Dodge Sportsman added a plug to the rear of a long wheelbase to create the 15 passenger van. They have been sold as both cargo and passenger models to the general public and as cutaway van chassis versions for second stage manufacturers to make box vans, ambulances, campers and other vehicles. Second stage manufacturers also modify the original manufacturer's body to create custom vans for the general public.

In the 1970s, songs like "Chevy Van" and nicknames like "sin bin" became part of the culture as owners transformed them into rolling bedrooms and lounges. Conversion vans became a large market with plusher accommodations than factory seats.

Dodge, now part of Daimler-Chrysler quit making their model in June of 2002 and replaced it with the Dodge Sprinter, which is based on a narrower, more fuel efficient European design pattern with a 150 hp diesel turbo I5. Typical versions of the Sprinter are taller than other unmodified vans (tall enough to stand in), with a more slanted (aerodynamic) profile in front. They have been adopted primarily for delivery and lightweight Class-C van cab motorhome applications.

Usage[]

In urban areas of the United States full-size vans have been used as commuter vans since 1971, when Dodge introduced a van that could transport up to 15 passengers. Commuter vans are used as an alternative to carpooling and other ride sharing arrangements.

Many mobile businesses use a van to carry almost their entire business to various places where they work. For instance, there are those who come to homes or places of business to perform services or to install or repair appliances.

Vans are also used to shuttle people and their luggage between hotels and airports, to transport commuters between parking lots and their places of work, and along established routes as minibuses.

Rollover safety[]

Recently, the larger passenger versions have appeared in news stories for having a tendency to roll over, particularly in the case of inexperienced operators. The van body is taller than the cab and bed of the pickup that uses the same style frame and powertrain resulting in the basic van having a higher center of gravity than a similarly loaded pickup from which it is derived. The suspension is also higher because of the extreme weight capacity of 15 passengers of between 150 and 200 lb each which may be over one ton of passengers alone. The seats in the passenger version raise the load, passengers, above the floor, further raising the center of gravity (and often shifting it rearward). The bench seats allow passengers to slide if safety belts are not used. In the United States it is common for only the front seat passengers to use their safety belts, perhaps because belted passengers feel they can still lean and shift a large amount. However, the NHTSA, cited below, has determined that belted passengers are about 4 times more likely to survive in rollover crashes.

Safety can be greatly improved by understanding the unique characteristics of 12- & 15-passenger vans and by following a special set of guidelines developed for drivers, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A summary of this information is available at Reducing The Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans.Among other things, this document advises that carrying 10 or fewer passengers (preferably towards the front of the van) greatly reduces the risk of rollover crashes, and it suggests that repeated operation by the same drivers tends to increase their ability to handle these vehicles more safely over time. Items should not be added to a roof rack of an already top-heavy vehicle.

Alternatives[]

Vans have been optimized to provide maximum cargo carrying capacity. With this comes certain tradeoffs such as increased fuel consumption (because of greater air resistance and increased vehicle mass) and a greater requirement for other resources such as steel, brake blocks, oil, etc. Modular vehicle concepts (eventually using semi-trailers) and low-energy vehicles may help reduce those compromises in the future. Today, some vans are available in versions using more environmentally friendly fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or high-ethanol mixtures (such as E85).

Depending on the application, towing a trailer may make it possible to transport bulky goods without the need to propel a large vehicle all the time. Of course there are tradeoffs with trailers as well, such as increased difficulty in parking, possibly reduced security of the cargo, and extra engine/transmission wear in lighter vehicles not designed to routinely tow cargo.

For craftsmen in cities, workers may be able to arrive via public transit, to use bulky or heavy materials which is delivered for them separately and perhaps stored at the worksite from day to day. Thus costs such as parking fees, tolls, and fuel may be reduced.

For carrying smaller loads over shorter distances, some people use human-powered transportation, such as freight bicycles with trailers.