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If you’re in the transport industry, you’re probably familiar with the convenience that a 3.5-tonne van can offer you. Perhaps you’ve been eyeing a charming Luton box van or wanted to hire a famous panel van for your business. But how big is a 3.5-ton van? You’ll find out in this blog post.
We’ll cover the average dimensions you can expect in the most popular van types, as well as the common uses of vehicles of this size. You’ll learn how to determine the exact dimensions of your van and what factors affect its capacity.
A 3.5-ton van is big enough for most basic cargo transport tasks. It typically has the following dimensions on average: length of 6000 mm, width of 2200 mm and height of 2600 mm, but this varies based on the model and type of van.
Note that 1 ton is 0.9 tonnes, so while they are similar and may be used interchangeably, they’re not exactly the same. The latter is more commonly used for vehicle weight measurement.
The payload capacity of a 3.5-ton van ranges from 1000 to 1500 kg (1.1 to 1.65 tons). A 3.5-tonne van has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3500 kg. While the dimensions can vary, every model has the same GVW.
Detailed Dimensions Of A 3.5-Ton Van
There are all kinds of vans with a 3.5-tonne capacity. Here are the most famous ones:
Luton Box Van
A true classic among 3.5-tonne vans here’s everything to know about a Luton van size.
- Dimensions – Most Luton box vans will have the following average dimensions: length of 6700mm, width of 2250 mm and height of 3300mm.
- Payload – With a significant amount of loading space, you can expect a payload capacity of 1000 kg – 1200 kg in a Luton box van.
- Wheelbase length – A 3.5-tonne Luton box van usually has a wheelbase that is about 4000 mm long.
Panel Van
With a panel van, you get:
- Dimensions – You can expect a length of 6967 mm, a width of 2345 mm and a height of 2616mm.
- Payload – It has an impressive payload capacity of up to 1500 kg.
- Wheelbase length – The average length of a wheelbase is 4325 mm.
Dimensions and payload are important things to remember if you are planning on adding racks to your van.
Dropside, Tipper and Flatbed Van
Although these vehicle designs are more prominent in lorries, you can still find them as vans. You can expect:
- Dimensions – Most of them come with an average length of 6900 mm, width of 1900 mm and height of 2600 mm.
- Payload – They have a great payload capacity of 1200 to 1400 kg.
- Wheelbase length – The length of the wheelbase averages around 4200 mm.
Factors That Determine The Capacity Of A 3.5-Ton Van
Here are the several factors that can determine the capacity of a van:
- Payload – A van with a higher payload is naturally designed to carry larger and heavier loads.
- Cargo volume – The interior cargo volume of the van plays a significant role in determining its capacity. Vans with larger cargo volumes can accommodate more goods and materials.
- Van type – Different models will be able to carry different load amounts. The capacity of vans varies from the Luton to a panel van and a dropside van.
- Weight distribution – This can affect both capacity and stability. Properly distributing the weight of cargo and passengers ensures that the van remains balanced and safe to drive. Plus, you’ll be able to fit more things.
- Suspension and chassis strength – The van’s suspension system and chassis strength influence its capacity to carry heavy loads.
To learn all about van towing limit, make sure to check out our blog post.
How To Determine Van Dimensions
You typically won’t need to determine the dimensions of the van body for yourself since this information is available in the vehicle’s specifications. However, you can still measure them manually from the rear to the front with tape to be certain. Make sure to measure all the important dimensions such as width, length and height.
A VIN plate, typically located on the driver’s side door frame, provides important information about the van, including its dimensions, gross vehicle weight and manufacturing specifications. To find out the van’s payload capacity, subtract the kerb weight (the weight of the vehicle when it’s empty) from the GVW.
If you’re interested in taking a deep dive into the measures of different vans, our comprehensive van dimensions guide is available to make that job easy.
Common Uses Of 3.5-Ton Vans
The 3.5-tonne vans are frequently used for local and regional delivery of goods and packages by courier companies and e-commerce businesses. Trades people such as plumbers and electricians also use this vehicle to transport tools and equipment. Retail businesses rely on 3.5-tonne vans for replenishing stock at retail outlets. They are often used by moving companies as well.
A box van or panel van is a perfect choice to transport furniture, appliances and belongings from one location to another. Sometimes event planners, caterers and food vendors utilise these vans to transport food to event venues and festivals.
Contact SDVH to explore our 3.5-tonne vans for hire or other convenient van rental options and unlock endless transport possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Weight Can A 3.5-Ton Van Carry?
A 3.5-ton van can carry between 1000 and 1200 kg (1.1 and 1.3 tons). A 3.5-ton panel van can sometimes carry up to 1500 kg. The load space will vary depending on the model, but you can count on being able to transport larger amounts of goods, equipment, furniture, etc. You can also hire 3.5-ton vans with a tail lift for seamless cargo loading.
What Are The Most Popular 3.5-Ton Vans?
The Luton box van, panel van, dropside and tipper van are the most popular 3.5-ton vans. These van types cater to different transportation needs and industries, offering varying levels of versatility, convenience and payload capacity. The panel van and Luton box van are widely used by many businesses for general cargo transportation.
What Licence Is Required For A 3.5-Ton Van?
A category B licence is required for a 3.5-ton van. This standard licence allows you to drive a vehicle whose gross vehicle weight doesn’t exceed 3500 kg. It’s one of the reasons why these vans are so popular since you can use them for a wide range of domestic tasks without seeking additional driving qualifications.
Are There Luton Vans Bigger Than 3.5 Tons?
Yes, there are Luton vans bigger than 3.5 tons. You can find a really high-quality 7.5-tonne Luton box van. Luton vans are known for their distinctive box-shaped bodies that extend over the driver’s cab. Since the gross vehicle weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes, it’s more similar to a lorry. Keep in mind that you’ll need a C1 entitlement on your licence to drive it.
What Can 3.5-Ton Vans Be Used For?
A 3.5-ton van can be used for delivery services, trades and retail businesses. These vehicles have a body type that offers just the right space to move larger amounts of items. Some of them come with a tail lift, which will make loading and unloading feel like a breeze. Companies that provide services for removals also tend to use them. Their spacious rear area is big enough to fit all the boxes and necessary furniture.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of just how big a 3.5-ton van is, you’re free to embark on your rental journey. There are plenty of models on the market with modern features and advanced connected technology. But the most important of all is that they will provide you with a lot of space for your goods. Just make sure that you’re informed of the dimensions, payload capacity and kerb weight of the model you end up choosing.
