Everything You Need To Know About Dropside Vans
What are dropside vans? How do they differ from tipper vans? We take you through everything you need to know to decide whether a dropside van is right for you.
- Dropside vans are a type of light commercial vehicle (LCV) often used in the construction industry.
- They feature hinged tailboards and sideboards which can be dropped down below the load bed for easier access.
- Dropside vans are favoured for their exceptional payload offering, capable of carrying up to four pallets.
- Although similar in design, dropside vans have a different purpose to tipper and flatbed vans.
Table of Contents
2. Which businesses typically use dropside vans?
3. What are the benefits of a dropside van?
4. What’s the difference between a dropside and a tipper van?
5. Is a dropside van right for my business?
Looking for a tough workhorse to carry the load? There are many different kinds of large vans available, though it can be hard to know which one you need.
In this article, we focus on dropside vans and how they can be a great help to your business. Read on to become a dropside van expert!
What is a dropside van?
Dropside vans are a type of light commercial vehicle (LCV) that are often used for building and construction.
As their name suggests, they feature hinged sideboards that drop down below the load bed to offer easy access to materials and cargo.
The design is intended to prevent body damage from loading and unloading, especially where a forklift is used.
The sides and tailboard are on hinges which allow them to swing downwards. They can then be raised and secured when transporting large loads.
Which businesses typically use dropside vans?
Thanks to their high payload capacity and easy loading, dropside vans are used in a range of hands-on industries. They can be used to transport large, heavier goods like:
- Furniture
- Plant equipment
- Building materials
- Tools and supplies
- Mixed loads
- Gardening materials
What are the benefits of a dropside van?
Dropside vans have several benefits to your business, such as:
Easy loading and unloading
Dropside vans are incredibly versatile making them a great multi-purpose van. When the sides are lowered, this provides an open flatbed body to enable easy access to the load without obstruction. When raised, the sides act as a secure barrier to keep goods contained within the loading bed.
Keeps goods secure
For extra security, dropside vans can also be fitted with a range of anchor points to help prevent any items from moving around.
Practical design
Designed for heavy-duty tasks, dropside vans feature a durable design to help lighten the load. Many also feature non-slip material on the load bed to prevent any accidents in wet conditions.
Convenient options
If you have more specific loading and unloading needs, there are some great options available with dropside vans. You can get sideboards that integrate fold-out steps when lowered down for even easier access, and some models even feature a tail lift.
Safe handling
Most modern dropside vans bring a host of driver assistance features for your safety. These include Crosswind and Distance Assistance, Autonomous City Emergency Braking, and more.
Another great thing about dropside vans? They can be driven on a standard UK driving licence, unlike other LCVs which require additional licensing.
What’s the difference between a dropside and a tipper van?
They may look pretty similar, but there is a key difference between dropside and tipper vans.
Unlike tipper vans, dropside vans don’t have an under-floor tipping system. This means they need to be unloaded manually. With this function, tipper vans are more useful for unloading loose materials like dirt, gravel, and sand.
Is a dropside van right for my business?
Bearing in mind the key differences covered in the section above, this will depend on your precise needs.
If payload is a priority for you, then a dropside van will be perfect. They tend to offer greater payloads than tipper vans, which usually offer from 3.5 – 32 tonnes maximum.
However, if you need a tipping system handy, tipper vans may be more suited to your business.
If you’re unsure what van to choose, check out our guide to the best vans based on different loading types to help you decide. You may also find our van reviews helpful.
Still have questions? See our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dropside vans.
Frequently Asked Questions about dropside vans
What is a dropside truck used for?
Dropside trucks are used in a wide range of businesses, mostly in the building and construction sector. They are practical for carrying heavy loads like building bricks, pallets, scaffolding poles, and more.
What is the difference between a flatbed and a dropside van?
Flatbed vans differ from dropside vans in the sense that they feature an open-body layout with no sides or roof. Dropside vans however can be converted into a flatbed when needed by simply lowering the sides.
Get more for your business at Vansdirect
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