Choosing the Right Van
When leasing a van, we understand that every customer has different requirements. From different payloads, weight and dimensions, it is important to choose the best van for your needs. Not only do you need to consider the type of van, but also the features included. Taking into consideration things such as sliding door access, wheel arches and the best way to secure your loads.
More and more people and businesses now lease rather than buy their van or van fleet. In 2021, nearly 900,000 (or 1 in 5) vans on UK roads are lease vehicles, highlighting the sheer popularity of leasing in the UK today!
Whatever your situation, choosing the right vehicle for your requirements is important. You need the right van with the correct equipment for now and the future. So how do you make your mind up? Take a look at our handy guide to help you through the decision-making process.
Considering your daily business needs will help you decide what size van will suit you best. If you're transporting supplies from your local merchant to site, you need to consider the size, weight & volume of your typical load to decide on the ideal payload for your van. Payload is the maximum load a van can safely carry as specified by the manufacturer, including passengers. An overloaded vehicle could land you a fine & more, so it's vital to consider the size, weight & types of cargo before you choose your van.
There are a selection of vans available to cater to all variations in payload.
- Small van | Average payload 610kg
- Short Wheelbase van | Average payload 900kg
- Long Wheelbase van | Average payload 950kg
- Extended Long Wheelbase van | Average payload 950kg
- Luton Van Hire | Average payload 900kg/Average tail lift payload 500kg
The term 'wheelbase' refers to the distance between the centre point of the front and rear wheels (or axles). A long-wheelbase van is one that has a longer distance between these two points than the ordinary – or short-wheelbase – version. The two terms are often abbreviated to LWB for long-wheelbase van and SWB for short-wheelbase van, making it easy to identify different models. Wheelbase is also sometimes referred to as L1,L2 and so on.
Small Vans
Great around town and they have the performance needed if you venture further afield. They have great fuel economy and their compact size make them perfect for light deliveries or self- employed tradesmen who don't need to carry too many heavy tools. For a small van, load space is surprisingly large. The biggest advantage is items are carried in complete security as they are hidden from view in the back.
Medium Vans
Perfect for getting the job done, medium vans are spacious, comfortable and highly reliable. A medium van with a short wheel base brings the best of both worlds for many businesses. They offer plenty of flexibility and load carrying ability, but have a compact style that’s easy to manoeuvre and can fit into a parking space. This makes them a primary choice for trades of all types as they continue to outsell other sized vans in their thousands.
Popular medium sized vans include the Ford Transit Custom and Vauxhall Vivaro. The Ford Transit Custom is the best-selling medium van in the UK and the Vauxhall Vivaro is MADE in the UK & the latest version of it is the best version by far putting them on a level playing field.
Large Vans
Large vans are built with load capacity, performance and reliability in mind. Large van leasing offers come in various shapes and sizes, including short wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) variants. In addition, choices of roof heights are available.
The best body type will normally be the smallest one to do the job as this will be the most fuel efficient.
Van manufacturers offer three different roof heights; low, medium & high. These and the different wheelbases are not always a standard size. So always double check sizing if you are comparing different vans. Before selecting a low, medium or high roof there are some things to consider:
- How much will your van need to carry?
- Is it likely to run empty or light?
- Are the loads high-volume/low-weight or vice versa?
- Will you need specialist loading/unloading capabilities?
- Are there any height or length limitations where you will use the van?
At Britannia Car Leasing, we have a range of van leasing options to suit you and your business needs.