Renting and using vans has become very popular for various transportation needs. Whether for moving to a new home, buying furniture or making business deliveries - renting a van solves transport problems that would not be possible with your own car. But before those interested get behind the wheel of such a vehicle, there are some important considerations and preparations that need to be taken into account.
Small vans offer the advantage of being able to transport heavy objects comfortably. However, their dimensions differ from conventional cars, which can make driving and parking difficult. To familiarize yourself with the dimensions, it is recommended to practice driving and parking on quiet streets, remote parking lots or off-road sites. It can be helpful to have a second person supporting the person driving, for example to check parking from outside.
The question of a valid driving license is crucial. People with a Class 3 driving license are allowed to drive vans and light trucks up to 7.5 tonnes. On the other hand, the newer Class B driving license only allows you to drive vans up to a maximum of 3.5 tonnes, although Class BE is required for trailers. Trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons require a class C driving license. In addition, the minimum age of the driver must be taken into account when renting, which can be 21 years for small vans and 25 years for trucks. In addition, it is not uncommon for drivers to be required to have had their driving license for at least one year.
Driving in a van requires a rethink as it differs in size and weight from a conventional car. The longer braking distance, the lack of a rear window and often no interior mirrors require a forward-looking driving style. In particular, turning into curves and starting off should be done carefully to avoid the possibility of the vehicle rolling.
Especially those who are used to small vehicles should remember that a small van takes up significantly more space on the road. Before driving, you should also familiarize yourself with the functions within the vehicle and adjust the seat and steering wheel appropriately. In addition, the generally higher seating position in a van takes some getting used to, as the perspective of the traffic is different.
Correct loading of the transporter is crucial for stability and safety while driving. Heavy items should be distributed at the bottom of the loading area and secured securely with transport straps. Small items, such as books, can be packed in boxes in order to make optimal use of the storage space in the van with a uniform pack size. Long items such as lamps or mirrors should be secured to the wall of the moving truck and heavy items such as refrigerators or washing machines should be loaded last to secure boxes and furniture.
It is also important to ensure that the permissible total mass of the vehicle is not exceeded in order to avoid overloading. Attention: For small vans weighing 3.5 tons or more, a maximum speed of 80 km/h applies in Germany.
When renting a van, it is important to make sure you have comprehensive insurance. Many car rental companies offer packages with comprehensive insurance, which covers damage to the vehicle in the event of an accident. It is advisable to compare the conditions of different providers and look for offers with free kilometers to avoid unexpected costs.
Renting a small van opens up possibilities for a wide variety of transports. Thorough preparation, observing the valid driving license regulations, carefully packing and securing the items in the hold and understanding the driving characteristics of the vehicle are crucial to making the journey safe and problem-free.
Further information on the topic of “buying, renting or leasing commercial vehicles new or used” can be found here.
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