Tips for Driving Sprinter Vans

-

 

 

Whether you’ve just bought your first van or have been driving a work van for decades, you can apprehensive about getting behind the wheel of a cargo van. Most modern vans - including the Freightliner Sprinter Van - drive and include features similar to cars including ABS brakes, stability control systems, steering-wheel airbags and navigation systems. 

 

However, with some minor tweaks to your current driving habits, you can hit the road with confidence! Follow these tips for driving your Sprinter van:

  • Get Comfortable. One of the main differences between driving a car and a van is the driving position. In a van, you have a higher vantage point giving you a better view of the road. However, many cargo vans do not have a rearview mirror or are panel vans without windows, making it more difficult to see behind you. A comfortable driving position means adjusting your side mirror to optimize your field of vision. Luckily, the all new Sprinter comes equipped with a rear view camera display and enhanced safety features including 360° camera, allowing you to see as much of the road behind you as possible. 

  • Know Your Controls. Getting physically comfortable is important, but being comfortable and confident with the bells and whistles your van has to offer is equally important. When you get behind the wheel of a van (or any new vehicle), familiarize yourself with the controls including lights, wipers, indicators, and hazard warnings. For example, in most vans the gearshift is located on the dashboard adjacent to the steering wheel. 

  • Know Your Van’s Dimensions. While it seems obvious that a van is longer and taller than a car, you should know your van’s dimensions even before you get behind the wheel. Be aware of the height of bridges, tunnels, and underground parking entrances as your van may be too tall to fit under them. Additionally, the size of your van may impose certain parking and driving restrictions in urban areas. 

  • Plan Your Route. If you're travelling to different job sites, you might be driving on unfamiliar roads or need to stay on schedule. Planning and preparation is key so before you hit the road, make sure you have a primary and alternate route mapped in your navigation system. 

  • Load Your Cargo Properly. Not only can a poorly or overloaded van affect how it handles on the road, it can also be dangerous. To ensure your safety as well as other drivers on the road, take note of the van’s maximum load capacity and spread the weight evenly in the cargo area. Make sure all materials are securely loaded; tie down all tall and loose items whenever possible. To ensure your materials and tools stay secure when on the road, consider Master Upfit Solutions for your cargo van. 

  • Watch Your Speed. When it comes to speed, there is a difference between driving an empty van and fully loaded van. The current size of your payload affects all aspects of vehicle performance from acceleration to braking and handling. When driving fully loaded, err on the side of caution by reducing your speed and increasing your following distance. 

  • Consider the weather. When driving a van, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast. Vans handle as well as cars in rainy conditions, but high winds (especially during the severe storm season in Florida) can be dangerous. If high winds are forecast, the best practice is to slow down, keep a safe distance from semi trucks, and keep your eyes on the road. 

 

At Southport Truck Group, we maintain a large inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles for you to choose from. The number one priority of our knowledgeable and experienced staff is providing nothing less than an outstanding experience, whether in sales, service or financing. Call us today at 813 262-0890 (Tampa) / 239-210-9480 (Fort Myers) so we can help you find just the right Sprinter Van to fit your business needs.

 

Southport Truck Group is an authorized Freightliner Sprinter dealership in Southwest Florida.

Sources

https://www.sprinter-rentals.com/sprinter-blog/tips-on-driving-a-large-crew-or-passenger-van 

https://www.foraymotorgroup.co.uk/news/article/top-tips-for-first-time-van-drivers 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Location: 7528 US-301, Tampa, FL 33637, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

-
Image
  When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, even a seemingly minor accident can lead to devastating results. With commercial trucks accounting for 12% of traffic fatalities, this type of collision proves risky for Florida drivers. Southport Truck Group is here to minimize the following occurrences, whether it is routine maintenance, Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections, or selling you the latest trucks with Detroit Assurance safety technology built in. Statistical Overview Every 15 minutes, a person is killed or seriously injured in a commercial truck accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) , more than 439,000 truck accidents occur annually in the United States. In 2020, an estimated 4,965 individuals lost their lives in commercial truck crashes, 63% involving two or more vehicles and 30% of crashes occurring on interstates. Unfortunately, the Florida statistics are just as dismal. According to the Florida Department of
Read more

The Difference Between Driving Cargo Vans & Everyday Vehicles

-
Image
From small sedans to large SUVs, vehicles come in various sizes, each driving and handling a bit differently. If you have driven a smaller vehicle for years, you might be concerned about driving a van.     The fundamentals of driving a cargo van are the same as driving a car. However, a van is larger than a car, and drivers must make minor adjustments to their driving style to accommodate this. This blog will discuss how to adjust your driving to ensure safe driving and peace of mind when behind the wheel.    Van Driving: What to Expect Even if you're an experienced driver, driving a van differs from driving a small- or mid-sized vehicle. Vans are significantly wider, taller, and longer than most cars. You will need to adjust how you place the driver's seat, turn, and park your van. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings. Slowing down and maintaining a steady speed are the best ways to go.   If you've never driven a cargo van, practice in an open area like a park
Read more

Are Sprinter Vans Worth The Money?

-
Image
When it comes to value for the long haul, look no further than Sprinter Vans. From lower fuel and maintenance costs to excellent resale value, Sprinter Vans are among the best in the industry - and worth the sticker price.  The Sprinter Cargo Van surpasses its competition in key categories, ensuring its place as the industry's segment volume leader. Additionally, the Sprinter is loaded with safety features, has a reputation for reliability, and is manufactured by one of the most experienced and competent automotive companies. Here are some of the key features: Powertrain & Performance 188-horsepower engine that outputs up to 325 lb-ft of torque Standard rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option 7-speed automatic transmission ( turbo-diesel V6 engine) 9-speed automatic transmission (4-cylinder gas engine) Towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds  Payload capacity of up to 7,430 pounds Convenience Features Electrically heated windshield Black Artico® man-made leather Electrica
Read more