Should I Buy a Pickup Truck or Cargo Van?

You’ve decided you need a new work vehicle. So you ask yourself, should I buy a pickup truck or cargo van?

The easy answer is, whatever works best for you as it depends on the type of work you do. But we know that isn’t the answer you want, so we have done our best to do an unbiased comparison and advise in which circumstances you should choose one over the other.

Pickup Truck or Cargo Van – Let’s Look at a Pickup Truck

Pros

• Cost Effective 4 x 4
• Passenger Capacity – 5-6 passengers in Crew Cab Versions
• More Cabin Area Luxuries
• Towing Capacity is around 2-3x more than Cargo Vans
• Better Driver Visibility (assuming the lack of a canopy or truck cap)
• The manliness, of course. Let’s be honest they do look much better.

Cons

• Covered Cargo Area is lacking – you can add a canopy which often limits your cargo space and isn’t 100% waterproof anyways or you can invest in Full Size Truck Cap. This is often a good long-term choice when requiring the benefits of a truck but does require an upfront investment.

Pickup Truck or Cargo Van – Let’s Look at a Cargo Van

Pros

• Covered Stand Up Cargo Area. This is big and can be beneficial in many ways including equipment security, equipment protection from weather.
• Ergonomic Entry. Can be done so through a sliding door partition or through the back or side doors which are still a lower and safer entry than climbing up the back of a pickup truck
• Better maneuverability
• Brand Exposure. Adding a graphic wrap to your cargo van can transform it into a travelling billboard

Cons

• Lack of a cost effective 4 x 4 option
• Passenger capacity – with the exception of the Sprinter Crew version package
• Limited Driver Visibility – Back up Camera’s and other technology do assist in this.

To whom would we recommend a Pickup Truck?

• You are required to carry several passengers.
• Your work takes you to rural or off road areas.
• Towing a trailer is a requirement. (Often people tow trailers for more capacity, if this is really your only reason for choosing a truck take a look at why a truck cap may be better for you.)
• We often see those in telecommunications, Fiber Optic Splicing, heavy machinery service work, natural resources, or those who work in extreme weather conditions (anywhere in Canada except BC in the winter months). For those in extreme weather conditions we often see the addition of a Truck Cap for protection from the elements.

To whom would we recommend a Cargo Van?

• Those carrying a lot of valuable tools and equipment. It’s obviously imperative that you keep this secure from theft and safe from the weather.
• Your work is in urban or downtown areas
• Most of those in the common trades including Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC Technicians, and Couriers.

The final decision on whether a pickup truck or cargo van is best for you is totally dependent on what your circumstances and requirements are. We trust that this assessment has added some value to your decision making process.

Take Care!