New Light Commercial Vehicle – Raise Comfort Levels for Plumbers
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.
New vans combine high levels of comfort with commercial focus, offering good combination of space, ruggedness and comfort for the driver. There is a wide array of loading space (from 3 to 17 cubic meters) that can be further tailored to the plumber’s needs. Sliding doors are common, with some vans offering a second sliding door for added flexibility and access to the loading space.
Plumbers can specify whether they prefer double rear doors or a tailgate. Some cab doors are now designed with reduced opening angle to make it easier to grab the handle when the door is fully open, further reducing the risk of the door opening into a wall or other obstacles.
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 new system is being introduced by some auto manufacturers which injects fuel at high pressure levels into the combustion chambers of the diesel engines. Several new vans are offering this technology which offers higher efficiency and engine flexibility.
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.
Van manufacturers have also stepped up the level of safety features to bring vans in line with passenger cars. Most vans now offer a driver’s air bag, and many offer other air bags as options (side and curtain airbags). Other modern safety features include ABS (Antilock Braking System) and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme). Both of these electronic features are effectively active guardians that would correct the vehicle direction or breaking in case of skidding, or breaking in wet conditions.
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