If you are in the market for a Welfare Van have you considered a used one? You could save thousands off the price of a new Welfare Van and if you buy from a reputable manufacturer like Van World, rest assured your vehicle has been checked and prepared for action.

Welfare Vans – A Summary

Also called a Welfare Unit, Mess Van or Crew Van. The Welfare Van is a combination of mobile office, incident room or event hut, hugely versatile. Basic specifications include seating for seven, hot and cold water, toilet with sink, independent heating and lighting, desk/dining table, charging points, microwave for cooking and ample storage space.

These are built for a variety of environments and industries including Building and Construction sites, Event Management, Field Engineering, Mobile Incident Rooms and temporary office space. A Welfare Van is smaller and more mobile than a Portacabin, so it can be moved and stored with ease.

Benefits of Buying A Used Welfare Van?

A new one can cost upwards of £45,000+VAT, a significant investment for any business. Although available on contract hire and leasing, these vehicles often have a hard life and therefore return charges may impact on the overall lease cost.

A used welfare van can often be a shrewd choice with prices starting at £15,000+VAT for a four-year-old vehicle. Welfare vans are built to operate in demanding environments including construction, security, civil engineering etc, and as such have hard-wearing interiors and fixtures.

Based on a proven platform from a commercial van, the total package should be reliable and provide years of service.

So on the face of it, buying a used mess van could save you thousands of pounds.

What To Look For When Buying A Used Welfare Van?

There are a number of tips to buying a used welfare van which will help you select the best vehicle. In no particular order:

• Base Vehicle – ensure the base vehicle is from a manufacturer with pedigree, for example Ford, Peugeot, Vauxhall and that is has been serviced and maintained according to the manufacturers recommendations.
  
  
• Converter – is the vehicle ‘type approved’ which ensures the vehicle has passed checks with the VCA. Check out the converter online, do they have good ratings? How long have they been established? At Van World our welfare vans are type approved and since 2007 we have been producing high quality vehicle conversions.
  
  
• Interior Condition – check every fixture and fitting works as it should and is intact. Create a checklist for when you review a vehicle. Tests should include the microwave (use a cold cup of water), hot water function (in both sinks), toilet flushing, independent heating and lighting, auxiliary battery integrity, and charging sockets. Make sure nothing leaks, water leads to rust!
  
  
• Warranty – make sure your used welfare van comes with a warranty that covers the conversion and all the fixtures. Quite often the warranty will only cover the mechanical aspects of the vehicle and not expensive commodities like the independent heating, microwave and hot water. At Van World we not only manufacture welfare vans but recondition every used one we sell, ensuring it is sold in full working order.

As with any car, van, minibus, motorhome or commercial vehicle; check the history and previous owners to get an understanding of any potential hidden issues, including outstanding finance or previous accidents.

Potential Challenges

The biggest challenge is availability. That is, finding the right vehicle, at the right price and in the right location. It is therefore important to qualify any potential purchase fully on the phone, by email or by video call prior to placing a deposit or making the decision to drive any distance to view.

At Van World we offer a full video walk-around, provide vehicle details and history, plus we can offer a fully refundable deposit.

Finding A Reliable Used Welfare Van

There are a number of marketplaces where you can find a welfare van. A quick search engine query will lead you to a number of websites. However, to find a reliable welfare van we recommend following our advice above to help avoid making mistakes.

Always take out a warranty (whether included or optional) even if you have the benefit of mechanical experience. Modern vehicles are complicated and Welfare Vehicles are no different.

In Conclusion

Buying a used welfare van can offer big savings over a new vehicle and if you pursue the advice from Van World it doesn’t have to be a gamble. Follow our simple guide and avoid the pitfalls which may otherwise occur.

Remember, Welfare Vehicles are built to last, they are a tough vehicle which should give years of reliable service if looked after. Visit Van World for our current stock list of used welfare vans for sale or call our sales team if you don’t find what you are looking for.