Complete Guide to Van Hire vs Truck Hire

Moving day looming? You’re probably already feeling that familiar mix of excitement and stress as you look around at all your belongings, wondering how you’ll transport everything safely to your new location. While friends might suggest “just rent a van,” there’s actually an important choice to make between van hire and truck hire.

While vans offer a familiar driving experience and easy maneuverability, companies like Mobile Truck Rental have changed truck hire by making it just as accessible. Their 3-tonne Pantech trucks, for instance, can be driven on a standard license while offering significantly more space than a van – enough to fit a complete 3-bedroom apartments contents in one trip.

If you’re a student relocating to a new apartment, a family moving to a larger home, or a business owner needing to transport inventory – this guide is perfect for anyone planning a move.

Size and Capacity: The Big Difference

The most obvious difference between vans and trucks is their size and carrying capacity.

Van vs Truck Capacity

A typical cargo van offers around 7-12m³ of space, while a 3-tonne Pantech truck, like those offered by Mobile Truck Rental, provides approximately 20m³ of storage space. To put this in perspective, a van might handle the contents of a small 1-bedroom apartment, while a truck can accommodate a full 3-bedroom home’s contents in a single trip.

This size difference has significant implications:

• With a van, you might need to make multiple trips for larger moves
• Trucks often prove more cost-effective for bigger moves, despite potentially higher hourly rates
• A truck’s larger capacity means less time spent loading and unloading multiple times

Van vs Truck Dimensions

In addition, a truck can more easily fit larger and longer items, or multiple items standing back-to-back. When packing a van, for example, many people start stacking things on top of each other: the fridge goes on top of a couch, which is on top of a mattress. This makes loading a van a lot more complicated than a truck: it is almost like you’re playing Tetris but with bulky and heavy items. Unless you are an expert in loading vans, this can also make it more difficult to secure items. For example, securing a fridge that is lying sideways on top of a couch is quite difficult. With a moving truck, on the other hand, you get plenty of space to put items next to each other and to secure them easily against the truck’s inner rails.

All of our trucks come equipped with a free tailgate lifter and a free trolley and ropes for secure storage.

Van vs Truck Tonnage

One last difference is the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of vans and trucks. GMV is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including the body, payload, fuel and occupants.

Most vans have a 1-tonne (1000kg) carrying capacity. Amongst rental companies, the 1-tonne van is typically the most popular van rental option (though if GMV is a concern it’s worth confirming this number with your provider).

Compared to the 1-tonne van, our 3.5-tonne Pantech trucks give you 3.5x times GMV, giving you plenty of carrying capacity to securely load, move and secure all your belongings!

Accessibility and Ease of Use

Let’s dive into what it’s really like to drive these vehicles. I know that feeling of hesitation when you first look at a truck – it can seem pretty daunting. But here’s the thing: driving a modern truck is far easier than you might expect.

When it comes to vans, you’re working with something that feels familiar. They handle a lot like a larger car, which is reassuring when you’re weaving through city streets or looking for parking.

Now, let’s talk about trucks. The big surprise for most people is just how accessible they are. You don’t need a special license for a 3-tonne truck – your regular car license covers it. Mobile Truck Rental’s fleet is a perfect example of this.

One of the best features of modern trucks is the automatic transmission. No wrestling with manual gears or worrying about hill starts. Just put it in drive and you’re good to go.

Here’s something people don’t often consider until they’re behind the wheel: trucks actually give you fantastic visibility. You’re sitting higher up, which means you can see further down the road and have a better view of what’s happening around you. This elevated position helps immensely with parking and maneuvering, as you can spot obstacles more easily.

So while a truck might look intimidating at first glance, once you’re in the driver’s seat, you’ll likely find yourself thinking, “Hey, this isn’t so different after all.”

Making the Right Choice: When to Use Each Option

When to Choose a Van

A van really shines for those smaller, more manageable moves. Let’s break it down. You’re dealing with a small apartment? Perfect van territory. Moving your home office or clearing out a spare room? A van will handle that beautifully. They’re especially handy when you need to navigate those tricky city streets or squeeze into tight parking spaces.

When to Choose a Truck

Trucks become your best friend when you’re taking on bigger challenges. If you’re moving a family home, you’ll appreciate having all that extra space – no need to play furniture Tetris or make endless trips back and forth. Trucks really prove their worth when you’re dealing with larger furniture pieces like couches, king-size beds, or dining room tables.

Time management is where trucks really shine. Consider this: one trip in a truck versus three or four in a van. When you factor in fuel costs and your valuable time, a truck can actually be more cost-effective for larger moves.

Distance matters too. If you’re moving across state lines or even just a few hours away, a truck means one journey with everything safely packed. This is especially important for delicate items – fewer trips mean less handling and less risk of damage.

Understanding Insurance Options

Insurance is pretty straightforward with both options. Truck rental usually gives you more comprehensive coverage options – Mobile Truck Rental, for example, offers Silver and Gold cover to reduce your liability, plus 24/7 roadside assistance. Van rental insurance tends to be simpler, often with lower excess amounts, and sometimes your personal car insurance might even cover it.

The rental experience is different too. Modern truck rental companies have really stepped up their game. You get door-to-door service, flexible timing, and all the equipment you need. Traditional van rental usually means picking up and dropping off at a depot, but they often have more locations.

Pro Tips for a Successful Move

Finally, here are some helpful tips no matter what you choose:

• Book early, especially during busy moving seasons
• Always check the vehicle’s condition before you start
• Know exactly what your insurance covers
• Plan your route carefully – watch out for low bridges if you’re in a truck!
• Calculate all your costs, including fuel and potential multiple trips

Conclusion: Van Hire vs Truck Hire

Choosing between a van and truck rental doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you break it down, it really comes down to the size of your move, your timeline, and your comfort level behind the wheel.

Trucks really change the game – they’re not just for professional movers anymore. With modern features and the ability to drive them on a standard license, trucks like Mobile Truck Rental’s 3-tonne Pantech have made bigger moves more accessible than ever. One trip, less handling of your precious items, and often better value for larger moves – it’s easy to see why more people are choosing trucks these days.

Remember, there’s no wrong choice here – it’s about finding what works best for your specific situation. Whether you go with the familiar feel of a van or the extra space of a truck, the key is planning ahead. Book early, understand your insurance coverage, and take time to map out your route.