Shopper of Secondhand Vans: Budget-Friendly Leisure Vehicles
Lightweight Vehicles: A Guide to Finding the Right Option
For those in search of a lightweight vehicle, the options may seem limited, especially when it comes to vans. However, understanding the reasons behind this can help in making an informed decision.
The Weight of Typical Vans
It's rare to find a commonly sold used van with an overall weight less than 1200 kg. This is primarily due to the size and structure of vans, which tend to be significantly heavier. For example, a 2016 Ford Transit panel van weighs approximately 3100 kg overall.
Lightweight Caravans and Trailers
What you might be seeing instead are lightweight caravans or small travel trailers. These vehicles have overall weights under 1200–1500 kg but are not vans—they are towed by vans or cars. Examples of such lightweight used caravans include the Lunar Quasar 462 (1190 kg MTPLM), Fleetwood Colchester 450-2EB (1185 kg MTPLM), Swift Celeste Challenger 480 (1303 kg MTPLM), and Bailey Phoenix 440-4 (1316 kg MTPLM).
Lightweight Vans: A Rarity
Smaller commercial vans, such as the Ford Transit range, start at around 3000 kg gross vehicle weight and up. Compact electric vans like the Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Mercedes-Benz eCitan have gross weights around 2000-2500 kg, still well above 1200 kg. Therefore, if your goal is a lightweight van, the best you can find is a compact panel van or city van with a gross weight around 2000 to 3000 kg, but under 1500 kg overall weight for a van is not typical or practical.
Lightweight Caravan Options
If you specifically want a vehicle with a gross or overall weight below 1200 kg, caravans or trailers are the available options. For instance, the Xplore 304 SE is a lightweight caravan with a Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) of 1043kg and a payload of 135kg. It offers features such as an L-shaped front lounge, side dinette, and end washroom, making it suitable for touring for two people, with the occasional break with the grandchildren.
In conclusion, while lightweight vans may be hard to come by, lightweight caravans and trailers provide viable alternatives for those seeking a vehicle with a lower overall weight. It's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right vehicle for your travels.
- In the world of travel, lightweight caravans and trailers could be a suitable alternative for those seeking a lightweight vehicle, as they offer lower overall weights than most vans.
- The finance sector might show more interest in the automotive industry when it comes to supporting the development of lightweight vans for a lifestyle that values fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
- For sports enthusiasts who enjoy traveling with their gear, lightweight caravans or trailers could be an excellent choice due to their lighter weight compared to typical vans, making towing easier.
