Van hire jargon can feel like a foreign language, yet knowing a few terms saves time and money. Payload, wheelbase, Luton and tail lift all affect which van suits your job. So, this short guide explains each one in plain English. With it, booking van hire in Warrington becomes much easier.
Van Hire Jargon About Weight
Gross vehicle weight is the most a van may weigh when fully loaded. Payload, meanwhile, is how much cargo you can carry. In simple terms, payload equals the gross weight minus the van’s own weight. The official GOV.UK vehicle weights explained page goes into more detail. Every van on our fleet sits within 3.5 tonnes, so a car licence covers it.
Panel Vans and Lutons
A panel van has a metal body built onto the cab, with sliding side and rear doors. It is compact and handy for deliveries. A Luton, by contrast, has a tall box body that often extends over the cab. Consequently, it offers a square load space that suits house moves.
Side Loading Door
Often shortened to SLD, this is the sliding door on the side of most panel vans. It helps when you load from the pavement or lack room to open the rear doors.
Tail Lift
A tail lift is a powered platform at the back of the van. It raises heavy items from the ground to the load floor. As a result, it cuts lifting and the risk of strain. Our Luton van with tail lift is a popular choice for moves.
SWB, LWB and XLWB
These letters describe wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles. A short wheelbase low roof van is nimble in town. A long wheelbase high roof van carries more. Finally, an extra long wheelbase van gives the most length.
Putting the Van Hire Jargon to Use
Now you know the terms, choosing gets simpler. Our guide on how to choose the right van size helps further. We open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm, and most vans need no deposit. Call 01925 396 222, or use our contact us page.
