Top Five Vehicle Choices For Plumbers

Technically speaking, a plumber can use any car, truck, or van to get a job done. However, some vehicle options are better suited for plumbers than others. Plumbers don’t have one specific job site, and hauling supplies between job sites and house calls is all part of the job. A plumber’s vehicle will also have to do extra duty as an office, an indoor workspace, and a storage facility.

Here are five great options which you may want to consider if you’re a plumber and need a van:

• The Ford Transit 150 Cargo Van offers fuel efficiency, different roof heights, and affordability.
• The Ram ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van provides a highly customizable platform that can be upfit with shelving, ladder racks, cab dividers, lighting, etc.
• The Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Van is a robust option for your fleet.
• Box Trucks and Vans provide affordability and extremely customizable storage.
• Utility Vans provide security and a more customized storage space.

Ford Transit 150 Cargo Van for Plumbers

The Ford Transit 150 Cargo Van is a versatile and adaptable cargo van that has become a popular choice for plumbers seeking a reliable and efficient mobile workspace. With its range of configurations, including different roof heights, lengths, and engine options, the Transit 150 can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of plumbing professionals. Whether you're focused on residential service calls or larger commercial projects, the Transit 150 Cargo Van offers a solid foundation for creating a well-organized and productive plumbing work environment on wheels.

Ford Transit 150 Cargo Van Specifications (Various Configurations):

• Engine Options:
• 3.5L PFDi V6: Approximately 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This is the standard engine, offering a balance of power and efficiency.
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: Approximately 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This motor provides increased power and torque for heavier loads or towing.

• Transmission:
• 10-speed automatic: Standard across all engine options.

• Drivetrain Options:
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): Standard.
• All-wheel drive (AWD): Available option for improved traction in various weather conditions.

• Roof Height Options:
• • Low Roof: Interior standing height: Approximately 56.8 inches. With limited interior headroom, the low roof is primarily for applications where overall vehicle height is a critical factor.
  • Medium Roof: Interior standing height: Approximately 67.6 inches. A popular choice for tradespeople, it provides standing room for many individuals.
  • High Roof: Interior standing height: Approximately 77 inches. Offers maximum interior headroom, allowing for comfortable standing and increased cargo volume. Ideal for applications requiring maximum vertical space.

• Van Length Options (Wheelbase):
• Regular Wheelbase (RWB): Overall vehicle length: Approximately 130 inches. Provides a shorter overall vehicle length, enhancing maneuverability. Suitable for applications with moderate cargo volume requirements.
• Long Wheelbase (LWB): Overall vehicle length: Approximately 148 inches. Offers increased cargo floor length and overall cargo volume.

• Payload Capacity: Varies significantly depending on the engine, wheelbase, and roof height configurations. Ranges from approximately 3,148 to 3,668 lbs. It is critical to check the specific payload capacity for your chosen configuration.

• Cargo Volume: Varies significantly depending on the wheelbase and roof height. Ranges from approximately 240+ cubic feet (low roof, regular wheelbase) to over 400+ cubic feet (high roof, extended wheelbase).

Important Notes: These specifications are approximate and can vary based on the specific model year and trim level. Always consult the official Ford website or a Ford dealership for the most accurate and up-to-date specifications.

Ram ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van for Plumbers

The Ram ProMaster 1500 is a compelling option for plumbers seeking a spacious and adaptable cargo van to serve as their mobile workshop. With its tall, boxy design, the ProMaster 1500 offers impressive cargo capacity, making it well-suited for carrying a wide range of plumbing tools, equipment, and materials. Its front-wheel-drive configuration and available high-roof option further enhance its practicality for plumbers who prioritize maneuverability and interior workspace.1 Whether navigating through crowded city streets or tackling demanding plumbing installations, the ProMaster 1500 provides a solid platform for plumbers to efficiently transport their tools and supplies to any job site.

Ram ProMaster 1500 Cargo Van Specifications (Various Configurations):

• Engine Options:
• 3.6L Pentastar V6: Approximately 276 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. This V6 is the only engine offered for the 1500-class ProMaster and offers a balance of power and efficiency.

• Transmission:
• 9-speed automatic: Standard across all ProMaster 1500-class options.

• Drivetrain:
• Rear-wheel drive (FWD): All ProMaster vans are front wheel drive..
• All-wheel drive (AWD): No.

• Roof Height Options:
• Low Roof: Interior standing height: Approximately 65.4 inches. Limited interior headroom. Offers the lowest overall vehicle height. Primarily for applications where overall height is a critical factor.
• Medium Roof: Not available for ProMaster 1500 and 2500-class vans.
• High Roof: Interior standing height: Approximately 76 inches. Offers maximum interior headroom, allowing for comfortable standing and increased cargo volume. Ideal for applications requiring maximum vertical space.
• Super High Roof: Only available on ProMaster 3500 vans. Height spec not available.

• Van Length Options (Wheelbase):
• Regular Wheelbase (RWB): Overall vehicle length: Approximately 118 inches, providing a shorter overall vehicle length and enhanced maneuverability. Suitable for applications with moderate cargo volume requirements.
• Long Wheelbase (LWB): Overall vehicle length: Approximately 136 inches. Offers increased cargo floor length and overall cargo volume. Suitable for applications requiring more extended cargo space.

• Payload Capacity: Ranges from approximately 3,760 to 4,000 lbs. It is critical to check the specific payload capacity for your chosen configuration.
• Cargo Volume: Varies significantly depending on the wheelbase and roof height. Cargo volume specs for ProMaster 1500-class vans not available.

Important Notes:

These specifications are approximate and can vary based on the specific model year and trim level. Always consult the official Ram website or a Ram dealership for the most accurate and up-to-date specifications.

Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Van for Plumber

The Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo van is a robust and dependable workhorse that has long served plumbers and other tradespeople seeking a capable and customizable mobile workspace. With its powerful engine options, generous payload capacity, and readily available upfitting options, the Express 2500 can be tailored to meet the specific demands of plumbing professionals. Whether you're focused on residential service calls or larger commercial projects, the Express 2500 provides a solid foundation for creating a well-equipped and productive plumbing work environment on the go.

Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Van Specifications (Various Configurations):

• Engine Options:
• 4.3L V6: Approximately 276 horsepower and 298 lb-ft of torque. This V6 is standard and offers a balance of power and efficiency.
• 6.6L V8: Approximately 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. The optional V8 is a powerhouse, maximizing load and towing capacity.

• Transmission:
• 8-speed automatic: Standard across all Express Cargo Vans.
• 8-speed heavy-duty automatic: The heavy-duty eight-speed automatic transmission is electronically controlled and has overdrive and tow/haul modes. The HD transmission is an option for the 6.6-liter V-8 engine.

• Drivetrain:
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): Standard.
• All-wheel drive (AWD): No.

• Roof Height Options:
• Low Roof: Interior standing height: Approximately 55.08 inches. Limited interior headroom. Offers the lowest overall vehicle height, primarily for applications where overall height is a critical factor.
• High Roof: Not available for Express Cargo Vans (High Roof options are only available on Express Passenger Vans).

• Van Length Options (Wheelbase):
• Regular Wheelbase (RWB): Overall vehicle length: Approximately 135 inches, providing a shorter overall vehicle length and enhanced maneuverability. Suitable for applications with moderate cargo volume requirements.
• Long Wheelbase (LWB): Overall vehicle length: Approximately 155 inches, providing increased cargo floor length and overall cargo volume. Suitable for applications requiring more extended cargo space.

• Payload Capacity: Ranges from approximately 3,411 to 4,280 lbs. It is critical to check the specific payload capacity for your chosen configuration.
• Cargo Volume: Cargo volume ranges from approximately 239.4 cubic feet to 283.6 cubic feet.

Important Notes:

These specifications are approximate and can vary based on the specific model year and trim level. Always consult the official Chevrolet website or a Chevrolet dealership for the most accurate and up-to-date specifications.

Budget-Friendly Box Trucks

While cargo and utility vans offer practical solutions for many plumbers, some professionals require even greater storage capacity and customization options. In such cases, box trucks and vans emerge as compelling alternatives for interior cargo and storage capacity.

Advantages of Box Trucks and Vans for Plumbers

• Exceptional Internal Cargo Space: Box trucks and vans provide significantly more cargo volume than traditional cargo or utility vans, allowing for the transport of larger equipment, bulkier materials, and specialized tools. With thoughtful planning and upfitting, a box truck or van can be transformed into a comprehensive mobile workshop, complete with workbenches, tool storage, and even onboard power generation for operating tools on-site.
• Customization Flexibility: The open cargo area of a box truck or van provides a blank canvas for plumbers to design and build a truly customized workspace. Shelving, drawers, workbenches, and specialized storage solutions can be tailored to precise needs.
• Increased Payload Capacity: Box trucks, in particular, often boast higher payload capacities than cargo vans, enabling the transport of heavier plumbing equipment like water heaters, boilers, or excavation tools.

Considerations for Customizing a Box Truck or Van for Plumbers:

• Size and Maneuverability: Box trucks come in various sizes, from smaller cutaway models to larger commercial trucks. Consider the maneuverability needed for your typical job sites and routes.
• Upfitting Costs and Customization Time: The initial cost of a box truck or van may be higher than a cargo van, and significant upfitting expenses must also be factored into the budget. Although the customization options are endless, planning and building require a significant time commitment. Some box trucks already have some add-ons installed, so do your due dilligence and find the box truck that’s right for you.
• Fuel Efficiency: Larger box trucks generally have lower fuel economy compared to cargo vans.
• Licensing Requirements: Depending on the size and weight of the box truck, different licensing classifications may be required.

Popular Box Truck and Van Options for Plumbers

• Ford E-Series Cutaway: Offers a robust chassis cab platform for custom box bodies.
• Ram ProMaster Cutaway: Provides a range of configurations and powertrain options for various needs.
• Isuzu NPR Cab Chassis: Known for their reliability and fuel efficiency in the medium-duty truck segment.
• Freightliner Sprinter Cutaway: Offers a versatile platform with advanced safety and technology features.

By carefully considering their needs and investing in thoughtful upfitting, plumbers can leverage the versatility of box trucks and vans to create a truly customized mobile workshop that enhances their productivity and professionalism.

Utility Vans for Plumbers

Utility Vans come at a higher price point than cargo vans but offer extensive secure external storage and interiors already upfit with shelving, cabinets, a work bench, and lighting. In other words, plenty of storage and organization for all the various parts and tools a plumber needs. With a high-roof option, these units are top-of-the-line vehicles.

Utility body manufacturers like Knapheide and Reading offer high-quality ergonomic solutions for organization and security.

Here is just one example of a major OEM utility van suitable for electricians;

Chevy Express 3500 Utility Van

The Chevrolet Express 3500 Utility Van is a workhorse known for its power and durability. The Chevy Express 3500 Utility Van is highly customizable, catering to a wide range of commercial needs. Here's a breakdown of its key technical specifications:

Chevy Express 3500 Utility Van Specs

Engine Performance:

• Engine: 4.3L V6 (standard)
• Horsepower: 276 hp @ 5200 rpm
• Torque: 298 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
• Engine: 6.6L V8 (optional)
• Horsepower: 401 hp @ 5200 rpm
• Torque: 464 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (standard) or four-wheel drive (available)

Interior Space:

• Cargo Volume (behind front seats): Around 283 cu. ft. (This can vary slightly depending on the configuration)
• Cargo Length (max): Approximately 127 inches (This can vary slightly depending on the configuration)
• Cargo Width (max): Approximately 72 inches
• Cargo Width (between wheelhouses): Approximately 52 inches
• Cargo Height: Approximately 50 inches

• Fuel economy is not a primary focus for heavy-duty trucks. Expect significantly lower MPG than light-duty trucks. The EPA does not provide official ratings.

Customizable Options:

• GVWR: Multiple options available, significantly impacting payload and towing capacity. This is a critical consideration for commercial users.
• Wheelbase: Regular or extended wheelbase.
•  Body Styles/Configurations: Specialized bodies can be fitted to the chassis, including utility bodies with tool compartments and other custom configurations designed for specific trades and applications. These upfitted bodies are typically sourced from third-party manufacturers.

• Doors: Various door configurations are available, including sliding side doors, rear cargo doors (with or without windows), and different window arrangements.
• Seating: Options for driver and front passenger seats, including cloth or vinyl upholstery.
• Cargo Management: Numerous upfitting options are available through third-party vendors, including shelving, racks, drawers, and other storage solutions.
• Technology: Options include upgraded infotainment systems, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and driver-assistance features.
• Trailering: The Express 3500 is often used for towing, and various trailering packages and equipment are available.

Important Notes:

• Because of the wide range of configurations and upfitting possibilities, it is crucial to consult with a Chevrolet dealer or upfitter to get precise specifications and ensure the van meets your exact requirements. Payload capacity, in particular, is heavily dependent on the chosen GVWR.
• Specifications can change from year to year. Always refer to the official  Chevrolet website or a dealership for the most current information.

Choosing The Best Vehicle

So many choices can be overwhelming, especially if you are just starting out. Think about your needs and prioritize which ones are most important. What do you require on a daily basis? Fuel efficiency is important if you live in a rural area that requires lots of long drives to worksites. If you want to be able to stand up inside your workspace, consider getting a high-top van or even a box truck. If you need to haul extra-long pipes or ladders, carefully consider which storage systems can accommodate your needs. There’s a reliable work truck for every plumber.

UPDATED ON: MARCH 13, 2025