Van - definition & overview

What is a van?

A van is a type of vehicle that is larger than a car but smaller than a truck, designed for transporting people, cargo, or a combination of both.

What is a cargo van?

A cargo van is a type of van specifically designed for transporting goods, tools, and equipment rather than passengers. It has a spacious, enclosed cargo area in the back, often with no windows, making it secure for transporting items. Unlike passenger vans, cargo vans have minimal seating and are optimized for maximizing cargo capacity.

What is a Sprinter van?

A Sprinter van is van manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. Sprinter vans are commonly used for commercial, recreational, and personal purposes. They come in various sizes and configurations, including passenger, cargo, and crew models.

What is a dry van?

A dry van is a type of enclosed trailer used in freight transportation. Primarily used for hauling non-perishable goods. It is fully enclosed to protect cargo from weather, theft, and damage. A dry van is not related to passenger or cargo vans; it is a trailer typically pulled by a semi-truck, not a vehicle that drives on its own.

What is a step van?

A step van, also known as a delivery van or walk-in van, is a box-shaped commercial vehicle designed for easy access to the cargo area. These vans have a distinctive design with a flat front, a high roof, and a door that allows the driver to step in and out easily. Step vans are commonly used by delivery services like UPS, DHL, and FedEx. They are not typically used for personal transport but are built for commercial purposes, such as package delivery and mobile vending.

What is a conversion van?

A conversion van is a standard van that has been modified or customized to suit specific needs, such as traveling, camping, or luxury transport. These vans often include features like comfortable seating, beds, entertainment systems, storage spaces, and sometimes a small kitchen or bathroom, depending on the conversion. To convert a van, people can use services provided by specialized van conversion companies, purchase van conversion kits, or undertake the project as a DIY effort.

How much does a van cost?

The cost of a van varies widely based on type, size, and features:

New Cargo Vans: Prices for new cargo vans like the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Ram ProMaster generally range from $35,000 to $60,000, with electric models like the Ford E-Transit starting around $55,930.
Passenger Vans: New passenger vans, such as the Ford Transit Passenger Van, typically cost between $40,000 and $65,000, depending on the configuration and features.
Used Vans: Used vans can vary significantly in price, generally ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on age, condition, and mileage.