Of all the vehicle types available, the van has perhaps the most colorful associations, at least in the United States. While each country has its own definition for vehicle types, in the US, a van is a box-shaped four wheel vehicle. While usually the same length and width as a large car, vans tend to be higher from the ground and much taller than cars. The North American definition can include any truck that has a rigid cargo body attached to the cab. This can include box-shaped semi-trailers or trailers used to haul goods.
Cargo vans will have front seat and then a large empty space for transportation of goods. A “dry van” is used for hauling most items while a “reefer” or refrigerated van is outfitted to carry cold items.
Passenger vans are furnished with additional seating behind the front seats. In the case of a “Wagon” van, the van is purchased with the seating provided by the manufacturer. A conversion van is outfitted for passengers with comfort items like elaborate entertainment systems and beverage storage. The conversion may be done by a second company or by the van owner.
In the US, the term can also describe a Minivan. These have similar passenger capacity, but their smaller size and powertrain make them more economical to drive. While they get better fuel economy, they do not have the same cargo space or towing capacity of traditional vans.
Conversion vans gained popularity in the decadent 1970s in the US. Used as traveling bedrooms by some, they were also ideal for road trip parties, drive-ins, and outdoor festivals. Vans in the United States also have a nostaglic association with hippies and drug use. Some of these relic can be found at a local used van dealer pretty much anywhere in the US.
