What Size Van Do I Need?
Small Van
Medium Van
LWB Van
XLWB Van
Luton Van
Pickup or TipperClick a van for full dimensions...
Use our quick and easy guide to make sure you won't be left in the lurch with a hire van that's too small, large, narrow or wide for your requirements.
Van hire companies will often indicate the load capacity of vans in cubic metres on their websites. For most people, this isn't very helpful, so we have provided the approximate length, width and height of each van's load compartment instead.
We've also included typical payload (load weight) and fuel economy figures for each type of van - while these vary a little, our figures cover most vans and will give you an idea of what to expect. If you have a specific payload requirement, make sure you check with your rental company when booking.
Remember, these dimensions are approximate and should only be used as an indicator. The space between the rear wheel arches will also be narrower than the load width given - usually about 40cm less.
Small Vans - Ford Transit Connect, Vauxhall Combo or Similar
These vans are ideally suited for boxes of goods, a washing machine or smaller items of furniture.
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These small vans may have a side loading door, but often do not. Externally, they are no bigger than a medium-sized car and are just like a car to drive. Learn more...
Medium Panel Vans - Ford Transit SWB, Volkswagen Transport SWB or Renault Trafic (also Vauxhall Vivaro)
Vans like a short wheel base Ford Transit offer a usefully large load compartment without being much longer or wider than a large car and while still offering good fuel economy.
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Examples of this size of van are Ford Transit SWB, Volkswagen Transporter SWB and Renault Traffic (also Vauxhall Vivaro). Learn more...
Long Wheel Base Vans - Ford Transit LWB or Similar LWB
A LWB van will give you some serious load space without compromising too much on manoeuvrability or fuel consumption.
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Examples of this type of van are the Ford Transit LWB and the Renault Master LWB. Learn more...
Extra Long Wheel Base Vans - Mercedes Sprinter XLWB or Ford Transit Jumbo
For ultimate load carrying in a panel van, you need an extra-long wheel base van. By far the most popular choice is the Mercedes Sprinter.
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Examples of this type of van are the Ford Transit Jumbo (XLWB) and the Mercedes Sprinter XLWB. Learn more...
Luton Van
King of small house removals, a Luton van provides superb flexibility for bulky items such as furniture and large boxes or crates.
Although they don't always offer quite as much length as an extra-long wheel base van, they offer greater width and huge amounts of height.
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Unlike panel vans, the entire load compartment is usually above the rear wheels, so the rear wheel arches don't interfere with your load space. A Luton will have slightly poorer fuel economy and be more awkward to park, but there is no better van for fitting in everything including the kitchen sink.
Remember: Luton vans are quite high off the ground - if you are planning on carrying anything heavy, you may want a tail lift to enable you to lift and lower things from the load compartment to the ground.
Make sure you ask for a tail lift when booking a Luton, as not all have tail lifts. Learn more...
Pickup / Dropside Trucks (Single Cab)
Beloved of builders and anyone else with a bulky or dirty load to transport, dropside vans or trucks offer great practicality and a generous payload. Learn more...
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(Only Sixt & Thrifty offer dropside truck rental)
Pickup / Dropside Trucks (Crew Cab)
If you need the load-lugging practicality of a dropside or pickup but want to carry a few more passengers, why not rent a dropside truck with a crew cab? Learn more...
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(Only Sixt offer crew-cabbed dropside trucks for hire)
Tipper (3.5t)
If you need to carry soil, sand, cement, stone, gravel or anything else that's loose and needs tipping out, a 3.5t van-based tipper could be the ideal choice. Once you get to your destination, you can simply open the tailgate and tip the lot out - saving hours of shovel work! Learn more...
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(Only Sixt offer 3.5t tipper trucks for hire)
