In years gone by your typical plumber would show up in his old white van, most likely a Ford Transit with a rusty wheel arch and a few scratches and scuffs down the side. Things have moved a long way since then, and today’s plumbers are spoilt for choice for well engineered, fully customisable and well priced vans. Plumbers looking for a new van will notice that the competition has brought a wide range of vans which are comfortable, well designed and are easy to drive.

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.

The back of the van can be customized either as a tailgate or a double rear door setting. Another useful customization offered is a reduced angle cab door opening clearance to allow the users to hold on the handle even if the door is fully opened thus minimizing the risk of hitting the wall or other objects.

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.

Similarly to the direct fuel injection for petrol engines, the common rail system for diesel engines has brought in major improvements in the smoothness and quietness of the engine and the respective ride of the vehicle. The common rail system has also improved the engine’s performance and economy and yet increased the torque in low engine revs.

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.

Most modern vans now offer creature comforts that were not available even in luxury cars only a few years ago. Air conditioning, cruise control and satellite navigation are either standard or available as options. The quality and smoothness of the ride has also improved a great deal making long journeys feel less tiring.

Another important improvement is the increased level of safety in modern vans. Most light commercial vehicles now come with a driver’s air bag as standard and some offer passenger airbag or other airbags as options (e.g. curtain and side airbags). Vans are also offered with ABS (Antilock Braking System) and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme). Both of these electronic systems can save lives by keeping the vehicle stable through controlling the power distribution between the wheels or by taking control of the breaking system in difficult breaking conditions (such as icy or wet roads).