You need a new work truck, but you’re having a hard time deciding between a cargo van vs pickup truck. The pickup feels rugged and versatile while the cargo van seems organized and secure. What do you really need? Let’s try and weigh the benefits of each to help you make your decision.

Advantage Van: Free Advertising Space

One simple thing many people may not consider is the blank canvas the side panel of a van gives you. Advertising and exposure are important for any business. A van’s side panel can give companies a big space to paste their logo that is effectively a moving billboard. If your company is in need of some low-cost advertising, the free advertising space available on the side of a van is something to consider.

Consider Tool Accessibility, Safety and Storage

When comparing a cargo van vs pickup truck, pickups have one big convenience factor advantage, the open flat bed. It’s much easier to reach in over the side of your truck to grab a tool then it is to have to hop in the back of your van. If your work involves a lot of tool swapping, you’ll save a considerable amount of time with the easy in and out access of a pickup’s flatbed. Conversely, it’s also very easy for thieves to grab your tools when you’re not looking, or for mother nature to get your stuff wet.

Cargo vans offer a level of security and peace of mind that you won’t get with a pickup truck. If you leave your work vehicle(s) unattended in outdoor public areas for prolonged periods of time on a regular basis, knowing your tools are securely locked away and protected from the elements in a van will help relieve your worries over possible theft or water damage. Cargo vans also offer racks and shelves that will help you organize your tools more effectively compared to piling all your stuff into a pickup’s flat bed. Pickups have speed and convenience while vans have security and organization.

Advantage Pickup: Transportation of Large Equipment, Loose materials and Personnel

Cargo vans hold the edge when it comes to organizing and securing tools within the vehicle. But when it comes to towing large pieces of equipment that won’t fit in the back, pickups hold the advantage with their more powerful engines. Every vehicle will have its own specs, but generally speaking pickups have more available towing capacity. The flatbed of course also has the ability to transport loose materials like gravel or dirt. Pickups have bench seating and or crew cabs making them a better option for transporting employees to work sites. If your work involves moving a lot large equipment, loose materials and personnel, it’s definitely advantage pickup.

Consider Vehicle Features and Usage

Heavy duty pickups have an independent chassis and rugged suspension, making them much more reliable if your work takes you to locations off the paved roads. Because pickup trucks are sought after by the general public as well as by professionals, they tend to have more innovation when it comes to fuel economy and features, unlike cargo vans that tend to use more traditional fuel thirsty engines and have pretty basic features sets.

That being said, cargo vans are growing in popularity and many new models are bucking the trend of the plain old gas guzzling van. Pick ups are versatile and are generally better suited to those looking to use it as a multi purpose vehicle as opposed to a pure single type of work truck.

Cargo Van vs Pickup Truck: Choose What’s Right for You

Ultimately, the type of work you do and whether you would like to use your vehicle for work as well as personal use, will dictate which type of vehicle you get. Hopefully these points will help you make your decision on choosing a cargo van vs pickup truck. Pickup trucks are cool and make for a good personal vehicle, but depending on your specific situation, a van might be the more practical choice.