Van Sizes Explained: All Van Dimensions in Detail

The typical load space dimensions of commercial vehicles available in professional movers’ fleets across the UK vary from really small vans, to medium vans to large vans that can accommodate large-scale removals. Additionally, a crew van is ideal for transporting larger work teams while still accommodating tools and equipment. No matter whether you have a full household removal ahead of you, or you just need a couch moved from point A to point B across London, you need to be aware of the van sizes available for rent in your area, and which one will best fit the requirements of your project. In addition to parking arrangements and planning your removal properly, the van size has a direct effect on your budget as well. Small vans are much cheaper to hire than large ones, so you will need to pick the right Luton van carefully.

What are the van dimensions?

There are four distinct sizes of vans depending on the typical load space dimensions available:

• Luton vans – those are also sometimes referred to as Giant Vans. The load area is opened at the back of the vehicle and can accommodate even the largest relocation jobs due to its enormous loading space. In addition, these commercial vans, which resemble trucks, are dropside vans, meaning they have a ramp that can be lowered at the back to accommodate loading heavy objects such as couches, dressers, and other bulky items. They are typically at least 4 meters in length, and 2 meters in width and have a payload of up to 1600 kg.
• Large vans – also referred and known as to as Long Wheel Base vans (LWB) ones are either accommodated by side loading doors or back loading doors and are the most versatile of moving vans out there. They are up to 3.4 meters in length and with a payload capacity of up to 1500 kg they have the loading capacity to accommodate large-scale removals, while at the same time, their overall dimensions make them easier to navigate in traffic and on narrow streets than a Luton van. Large vans are particularly suitable for transporting larger, heavier loads, such as furniture or commercial goods. The side loading door facilitates easy loading and unloading in confined spaces, making them ideal for residential moves and business deliveries.
• Medium vans – widely known as Medium Wheel Base vans (MWB) are up to 2.4 meters in length, and 1.7 meters in width and typically come with a height of 1.4 meters. They have a payload capacity of 1200 kg. These panel vans are easy enough to drive even if you don’t have much experience controlling large vehicles and are suitable for moving between one or two-bedroom apartments. Their rear wheels are not that far away from the front ones as in the case of the larger vehicles. That means that Medium Wheel Base vans can take turns easily on narrow or congested streets, and you can find parking space for them more easily. That makes medium vans the preferred moving vehicle for Central and Inner London. Panel vans are also highly suitable for various practical uses like moving, deliveries, and storage.
• Small vans – they usually have the dimensions of a large car or your typical pickup truck. Their load space dimensions are up to 1.2 meters in length, less than 1.5 meters in width and usually are no more than 1.2 meters high. Small vans are very easy to drive and can go through any relatively moderate traffic, so if you have no more than 600-900 kg of goods to get transported across the city, they would be the perfect choice for your upcoming relocation project.

Is my van LWB or MWB?

To assess whether or not you have a Large Wheel Base van or a Medium Wheel Base van might not always be so easy. The easiest way to determine that is to look at the cargo space. If it is more than 3 meters in length, you are dealing with a LWB van. MWB vans have a cargo area that is up to 2.5 meters. Law Wheel Base vans are often equipped with the much needed tail lifts as well, much like Luton vans. Medium van offers a large load area while maintaining a compact size, making them ideal for transporting personal belongings, furniture, and other sizable items.

How much loading space can you fit in a 3.5-tonne Luton van?

A 3.5-tonne Luton van is capable of accommodating a large number of goods – typically a couple of double beds, a small sofa (or even a large one), and many large boxes with goods. People rent Luton vans when moving multi-bedroom properties. The extra long wheelbase of these vans provides enough room to eliminate the need to make multiple trips to complete your relocation.

It is crucial to choose the right size van based on your specific requirements to ensure all your items fit and the move is efficient.

What size is a 7.5-tonne Luton van?

These are huge vehicles, much more reminiscent of commercial trucks than moving vans. This van type is capable of accommodating the removal of huge properties and might be well above the requirements of a small house or apartment removal. Tipper vans, which utilize a chassis similar to large panel vans but feature an open-top bed like a pickup truck, are particularly suited for transporting bulky loads, making them a favored choice among tradespeople such as gardeners and builders.

Can I drive a Luton van on a car license?

A regular driver’s license permits you to drive any vehicle that is up to 3.5 tons. That means if the Luton van you are renting is under 3.5 you are legally permitted to drive it. Keep in mind, however, that there is a huge difference in the way a Luton van handles on the road than even a LWB van, let alone a small van or a car. If you don’t feel confident enough in your driving skills, you might be better off hiring a professional driver from your local removal firm for the job. Alternatively, consider van hire options for those who prefer not to drive a Luton van themselves.

About the Author:

Kim Jacobs

Kim Jacobs is a removals coordinator with over 11 years of experience as part of the Get man and van team and other firms in the home and office relocation industry in London. Before joining our company, Kim has worked in various logistical and transportation companies and institutions such as Transport for London, The Removals Ombudsman, and has coordinated moving projects with some of the biggest suppliers of various goods such as IKEA, HomeBase, Amazon, Sainsbury's and others. While working as a chief removals coordinator, Kim also enjoys sharing her expertise with others through writing in our blog.