A TYPICAL van driver will travel 11,440 miles, drink almost 800 mugs of ‘builder’s tea’, and load and unload their vehicle more than 300 times a year.
A poll of 500 people who work trade jobs and own a van found they will work eight hours a day and keep almost 30 different tools in their motor.
On average, they will use their van twice during the week for non-work-related jobs and eat their lunch in their vehicle on four out of five working days.
It also emerged trade workers will own their van for up to five years before replacing it, with white the most common van colour, followed by black.
Sten Saar, CEO of Zego, which commissioned the research, said: “Vans are an essential part of a trade person’s life.
“They serve not only as a mode of transportation but also as a mobile workshop and a place to take a break and have lunch.
“This study has given us great insight into the extent of what goes into a van driver’s life and just how much time they spend in their vehicle.”
IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.
However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.
There could also be restrictions on where you can park up to sleep in your van.
For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.
It could also be unsafe to stop in certain locations, particularly at night-time.
Check the The Highway Code guide for guidance.
The research also found a fifth always leave tools in their van overnight and on average, drivers will spend 27 hours each week in their van.
Delving deeper into what a van owner is like, it was revealed 18% normally have cereal for breakfast, compared to 14& who have a sausage sandwich.
More than seven in 10 are also frequent meat eaters, while just 3% are vegetarian.
And sport, films and comedy shows are the top things they watch on TV.
While Capital FM and TalkSPORT are the most commonly listened to radio stations when driving.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 26% take pride in their van and like to keep it very clean and tidy, which 35% are very proud of.
And 57% are offended that people believe van drivers are aggressive drivers on the road.
With 52% claiming they sometimes feel like they live in their van instead of their own home.
Sten Saar added: “Van drivers have a special job and spend a lot of days on the road between jobs.
“With the right insurance, van drivers can focus on their jobs, knowing they’re covered no matter what happens. This support helps them do their best every day, mile after mile.”
