November 12, 2009
- Full Size Van Rental Options
So you’ve realized that you need to rent a full size van? Possibly it’s because you’ve decided to move house the D.I.Y. way, or you've just got some furniture to move, or maybe you need a larger vehicle for a short while for work. Whatever the reason it can be hard to decide on exactly what type of full size van rental you need, and as prices vary greatly according to the type of van you rent it's important to consider exactly what type you need before you compare van rental prices. So here's a short introduction to the types of van that are commonly available for rent to help you find the right one.
Small vans for example these are the Ford Transit Connect or Vauxhall Combo.
These are the smallest vans available (not much bigger than an estate car, though slightly taller) and as a result the easiest types of van to drive, particularly as they often have good rear visibility. Such vans are ideally suited to carrying box goods, washing machines or small items of furniture. Their carrying capacity is normally around 800kg or so, and their dimensions of the load area is typically around 1.7 metres Long by 1.5m Wide and 1.2m tall. Often used for small flat moves (be prepared for multiple trips), or by plumbers, electricians and others.Medium vans for example the Ford Transit, Volkswagen Transporter or Renault Traffic.
These are typically classed as SWB (short wheel base) vans, and offer the next step up from combo type vans. As a result they are still fairly easy to drive and maneuver, but offer more substantial load capacity, typically up to 1.2 tons and a load area of around 2.4 meters long by 1.7 meters wide and 1.4 meters high. Such vans are popular with courier companies and D.I.Y. chains, a good choice if you need more room than a combo van but aren't used to driving large vehicles, along with good fuel consumption they are fairly cheap to hire as well.Long Vans (Long Wheel Base Vans) for example the LWB Ford Transit and Renault Master.
These are the traditional large vans (often owned by "white van" men), they normally offer the best payload capacity at around 1.5 tons and a generous load area of around 3.4 meters long by 1.7 meters wide and 1.4 meters high. However these are large vehicles to drive and as a result are less maneuverable and with poor fuel consumption (larger engines to pull the weight). This is probably the largest size van that a "car driver" should consider driving, really your best option if you need a large van suited to almost any task. But remember to take it easy on bends and secure your load.Extra long wheel base vans for example the Mercedes Sprinter XLWB or Transit Jumbo.
Think of this as a stretched LWB van, the largest traditional panel van available. However it's generous dimensions of 4.1 meters long by 1.7 meters wide and up to 1.8 meters high (large enough to carry a roll of carpet - part of the design specification), mean terrible maneuverability and poor visibility. These are more expensive to rent due to the increased insurance costs and their own weight means a reduced payload of 1.4 tons. Only rent this type of van if you really need that extra length, maybe you've got a lot of carpets to move!Luton Vans
These are a completely different type of van altogether, and unlike traditional vans are more like a small flat bed truck that has had a box fitted that stretches over the driver's cab. You've most likely seen these used for smaller house moves which is a task that they are perfectly suited to, as well as for
larger or numerous deliveries. They generally have a load area of 4 meters long by 2 meters wide and 2 meters or more high though their size means their payload is only around 1.4 tons along with poor fuel consumption. If you are planning a full size house move this is the van you will need, however remember this is almost a small truck you are driving.All the above types of vans can be driven on a standard UK driver's license, so now you know what type of van you need start by going to a comparison site for van hire and shop around for the best deal as there are over 600 van rental depots in the UK it' is well worth checking prices.
November 10, 2009
- Popular Vans Among Customers
When people think of hiring a vehicle, they tend to think in terms of daily rental, or short term hire only.
The truth is that there are a wide range of hire options available for business and private users, offering the chance to rent vans for anything from a day to several years.
Vans are becoming more and more popular nowadays. The following types are in big demand:
- Minivan
- Ramped Minivan
- Conversion Van
- Lift-eqp'd Conversion Van
- Maxivan
Also people use different options when they hire van or use man with a van services in UK:
• Short Term Hire / Daily Rental - The most common type of hire. Vehicles are rented on a daily, weekend or weekly rate for a short period - typically not more than a few weeks.
• Long Term Hire - Long term hire is most commonly used by businesses that need an additional vehicle for their operations - perhaps for a couple of months, perhaps longer.
• Contract Hire - it means that you sign up to hire a van for a fixed period - typically 1- 3 years. Your contract will stipulate the maximum mileage you can do during this period, and you will probably have the option of including a maintenance contract.
• Contract Van Rental - it is a short-term alternative to contract hire. It is normally aimed at people who require a rental van for 3-12 months, or just want to use man van London service for 1 day and do not wish to be responsible for maintenance or repair costs during that time.
• Van Leasing - Leases are usually available for periods of up to 5 years and often have no mileage restrictions. During the lease you will have the option of a maintenance contract for the van and at the end of the lease you simply hand it back to the leasing company, with no hassle or obligations.
If you are driving a van for the first time or perhaps drive a van infrequently there are many differences to driving a car which you should be aware of and remember.
Van driving advice
• Be in complete control of your vehicle at all times, losing control means not being able to stop or move your van in a safe manner.
• Be aware of the size of the van you are driving, particularly the height. Take extra caution when approaching bridges and canopies and when driving under overhanging trees. Some petrol stations may not cater for the size of your vehicle.
• Large vehicles need extra room to turn, take this into consideration when approaching a tight corner. Also bear in mind the length of the van and the position of the rear of the vehicle when maneuvering.
• Make use of the increased visibility from a higher driving position and remember to use your exterior mirrors more often.
• Take tight bends slowly as tall vans can tip more easily due to their height and increased centre of gravity.
• Control your speed and never follow other vehicles too closely, vans require a much longer braking distance especially when traveling at speed, carrying a heavy load or in wet or icy weather conditions.
• Pay extra attention when reversing or parking and only attempt to do so if you are confident or when it's necessary. Ask for another person to guide you if your van has blind spots.
As conclusion I’d like to stress that you should be extra careful on the road, especially when changing lanes, the van you are driving may have blind spots. Pay particular attention for motor cyclists. Take a little extra time and care when driving an unfamiliar vehicle.
- Differences Between SUV, Minibus, And Minivan Rental
If you are thinking about a SUV, minibus, or a minivan rental, then you will want to consider a few things first. There are only a few differences between a SUV, a minivan, and a minibus. Knowing the differences will help you make an informed decision when considering what to rent.
Size:
All three options hold more people than a standard car. Minivans and SUVs typically hold the same number of people. It does vary among the make and models but they are comparably the same size. For larger parties, a minibus may be the better option. Minibuses typically hold more people than both the SUV and the minivan.
Storage:
If you are traveling with lots of luggage a minibus may not be the best fit. They tend to have little or no trunk space. However, this can be overcome by simply renting a larger minibus to accommodate the luggage. SUVs and minivans are work horses when it comes to luggage. They both have ample room for large items or tons of smaller items. Basically, if you are traveling with gear a SUV or minivan is probably the safe bet.
Safety:
Generally, the larger the car the safer it performs in accidents. Of course this too varies with individual make and models. SUVs are heavier than minivans and offer more protection in a normal accident. However, SUVs have been known to roll over in fast turns where minivans and minibuses do not. Safety is really not a factor as all cars are built on a base of uniformed standards but if you are concerned bigger is better.
Overall:
Minibuses offer more passenger room but no storage. SUVs and minivans offer a little less passenger room than a minibus but the do offer extensive luggage capability. No matter what you choose, you will get a good car. Choosing is ultimately based on personal needs and preference.
For more information log onto : www.1stforminibushire.com
More on Differences Between SUV, Minibus, And Minivan Rental.
- What Are The Different Sizes Of Rental Trucks Available?
When Canadians travel, they are often concerned if their own cars are suitable for lengthy road trips. To alleviate concerns about having their own car break down on the side of the road, many people will often rent a vehicle for itd safety and comfort. Whether one is taking a vacation and requires a larger vehicle for belongings and other passengers, or they want to rent a larger vehicle to move some personal belongings, or even take their children to College, there are many vehicle rental companies that not only rent cars, but also trucks.
More on What Are The Different Sizes Of Rental Trucks Available?.
November 7, 2009
- Camper Van Rental Across Kiwi Territory
Camper van rentals are a very convenient solution to both accommodation and travel clubbing them as a single expense and including sightseeing and a cross-country trip in the bargain. They do not come cheap. However, but they will cost less than accommodation and traveling expenses calculated separately.
Depending on your budget there are quite a few options open to you. You could rent a luxury, top of the line but highly expensive camper van with facilities such as television, microwave and air conditioning to name a few. You could also rent a more basic, older model with provisions for bedding, linen, cutlery, crockery for a more modest sum. Sometimes a one-way rental fee is charged if you don't plan on a round trip back to the agency (they effectively charge you for relocation)
Camper vans are classified by the number of berths they have. Each berth can sleep a single person. Depending on the size of the group you are traveling with you could choose a camper van with two, three, four or six berths. The more is the number of berths the higher the rent.
A couple of things must be taken into account before you actually do rent a camper van however.
For one thing they can only be driven on well-maintained roads and not through out of the way little forests, woods, etc. Most rental camper vans will not be allowed to travel on unsealed (non bitumen) roads which there are quite a few of in New Zealand though most popular tourist attractions are now accessible through sealed/bitumen roads. A definite itinerary must be therefore chalked out and stuck to. Chalking out an itinerary is also important, as it will aid you in making a decision regarding the campsites you want to stop at. The top rated and most well maintained campsites are absolutely modern and up to date with facilities such as showers, modern toilets and sometimes even working kitchens. The department of conservation also has various campsites under its domain which are beautiful national parks but which have very basic facilities like a water tap and a pit in the ground serving as a toilet. A caravan with a wastewater storage tanker and shower facilities would be advisable if such parks are on the agenda.
You must be over twenty-one years of age to rent a camper van in New Zealand even though the age at which you are allowed an official license is eighteen. Some companies even require you to be over twenty-three or twenty-five. Others ask individuals over the age of seventy-five to produce medical certificates giving them a clean bill of health.
Make sure that the agency has a help line you can contact in case any problems arise. The agency should also provide a good insurance scheme including insurance against damage by a third party.
Most companies charge excess, in the event of damage to their vehicle or a third party's property, which can go from $1000 to $5000.You, should always look for possibilities of excess reduction. Be careful when you give your credit card for the bond you have to pay to cover any incidental liability. While most companies only take a card imprint some secretly debit some of your money possibly jeopardizing you finances! More on Camper Van Rental Across Kiwi Territory.