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Only a few vehicles are as efficient as a Luton for transporting goods. Luton vans are more spacious than smaller panel vans, which makes them suitable for transporting bulky objects like furniture and kitchen appliances. However, you should know that the Luton van size matters. It’s not enough to select any van; you must also consider the dimensions of a Luton van.
Lutons, also known as Luton box vans, are available in different dimensions from various manufacturers. Also, these vehicles keep gaining popularity due to their unique design and loading capacity. This article will cover everything you need to know about Luton van dimensions, including the different models and factors you need to consider when selecting one.
The dimensions of a Luton box van vary based on the manufacturer. However, there are general dimensions that give you an estimate of what to expect when seeking van hire services.
- External van dimensions: The average external dimensions of a Luton are 6,746 mm (265.59 inches) in length, 2,140 mm (84.25 inches) in width and 3,169 mm (124.76 inches) in height.
- Internal van dimensions: The average internal dimensions of a Luton are 4,082 mm (160.7 inches) in length, 2,082 mm (81.96 inches) in width and 2,255 mm (88.77 inches) in height.
Lutons also have an average wheelbase length of 4,126 mm (162.44 inches) and a load volume of 18.8 m3 (663.6 ft3). Learn more about Lutons by visiting the article ‘What is a Luton?’
Bedford Vehicles, the company behind the Bedford commercial vehicle plant in Bedfordshire, produced the first Luton.
Wheelbase Length Affecting Overall Size
Wheelbase length is one of the important factors you need to pay attention to when selecting a Luton because it influences the overall size of the vehicle. The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles of a vehicle.
A longer wheelbase means that manufacturers can install a larger Luton body on the chassis of the vehicle. However, the wheelbase is not the only determinant of the van’s size. The design of the cab and the dimensions of the Luton body are also important.
Do Luton Vans Differ Noticeably In Size?
No, Luton vans do not differ noticeably in size. The dimensions of Lutons are usually similar across models. Variations in length, width and height among the vehicles from different manufacturers are not very significant. However, load volume and payload capacity can vary considerably.
Size Of The Most Popular Luton Van Models
Let’s go over the size of three of the most popular Luton box van models.
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is one of the most popular Luton box van models and one of the most spacious.
External: The length is 6,500 mm (255.9 inches), the height is 3,100 mm (122 inches), and the width is 2,250 mm (88.6 inches).
Internal: This model has an internal length of 4,000 mm (157.4 inches), a height of 2,330 mm (91.7 inches) and a width of 2,150 mm (84.6 inches).
Load volume & wheelbase: The load volume for this Ford model is 20 m3 (707.4 ft3), and the wheelbase length is 3,954 mm (155.6 inches).
Iveco Daily
The Iveco Daily doesn’t have as much internal space as the Ford Transit Luton van, despite being larger on the outside.
External: The van has an external length, width and height of 6,673 mm (262.7 inches), 2,100 mm (82.6 inches) and 3,150 mm (124 inches), respectively.
Internal: The loading space measures 4,119 mm (126.1 inches) in internal length, 2,120 mm (83.5 inches) in height and 1,951 mm (76.8 inches) in width.
Load volume & wheelbase: This Luton box van has a load volume of 17 m3 (601.4 ft3) and a wheelbase length of 3,750 mm (174.6 inches).
Lutons have their entire load space above the rear wheels, so the internal wheel arches don’t interfere with the cargo space.
Renault Master
The Renault Master is another popular Luton box van that you may come across frequently.
External: This van is 6,767 mm (266.4 inches) in length, 3,120 mm (122.8 inches) in height and 2,100 mm (82.7 inches) in width.
Internal: The dimensions of the loading space are 4,100 mm (161.4 inches) in internal length, 2,200 mm (86.6 inches) in height and 2,070 mm (81.4 inches) in width.
Load volume & wheelbase: The load volume of the Renault Master Luton is 18.67 m3 (659.32 ft3), with a wheelbase length of 4,035 mm (158.9 inches).
Common Misconception: Is There A 7.5-Tonne Luton Van?
No, there is no 7.5-tonne Luton van. Lutons are 3.5-tonne vehicles that you can drive on a standard car licence with category B entitlement. They are classified as PLG (Private/Light Goods) vehicles in the UK.
A vehicle of this kind with a permissible gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes is classified as a truck or a lorry. So, what you know as a 7.5-tonne Luton is actually a 7.5-tonne box lorry. Hence, we are talking about 3.5-tonne Luton van dimensions when talking about the size. You need a class C driving licence to drive heavy trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tonnes.
You can drive a Luton van at 17 in the UK, but most van rental companies require you to be much older to hire one.
Choosing The Ideal Van Size For Your Needs
You have to pay attention to several factors when choosing a van size. Here are three key points that can help you select the correct van size.
- Storage capacity: Consider the weight and quantity of goods and ensure that it is below the van’s cargo capacity.
- Length and height: Check the dimensions of the Luton box van to be sure that it is wide and high enough to accommodate your cargo.
- Manoeuvrability: Take into account the size of the Luton in relation to areas you’ll be driving through. Larger vans are usually more difficult to manoeuvre.
How Size Affects Payload Capacity?
Size affects payload capacity because larger vans are typically capable of carrying extra weight or a greater volume of goods. However, volume isn’t the only factor that determines payload capacity. The layout and wheelbase length of the van are also important.
A longer wheelbase and larger loading area allow for better weight distribution, ensuring no part of the vehicle becomes overloaded. In this regard, visit our article to learn about the capacity of a Luton van.
Is Bigger Luton Van Always A Heavier One?
No, a bigger Luton van isn’t always a heavier one. The weight of a van depends on several other factors, such as the materials used to construct it, the chassis and the engine. You also have to look for any other attachments or modifications to the vehicle, like a tail lift or liftgate (see here). Most manufacturers aim to make their vehicles fuel-efficient by ensuring they are as light as possible.
Relations Between Luton Van Size And Category
There is no relationship between Luton box van sizes and vehicle categories. The United Kingdom categorises vans based on their gross vehicle weight rather than their dimensions. Lutons fall under the 3.5-tonne category of vehicles, and you need a Category B driving licence to drive them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big Is A Luton Van?
A Luton van is as big as a shipping container with an average area of 40 m3 on the outside and 18.79 m3 on the inside. The average external dimensions of the vehicle are 6,746 mm (265.59 inches) in length, 2,140 mm (84.25 inches) in width and 3,169 mm (124.76 inches) in height.
The loading area of the Luton is 4,082 mm (160.7 inches) long, 2,082mm (81.96 inches) wide and 2,255 mm (88.77 inches) high.
How Tall Is A Luton Van?
A Luton van is 3,169 mm (124.76 inches) tall on average when you measure it from the outside. However, the loading space is usually smaller. The internal height of a Luton is 2,255 mm (88.77 inches). However, it’s worth noting that this is only a general average, and the actual height of any Luton you buy depends on the model.
How Long Is A Luton Van?
A Luton van is 6,746 mm (265.59 inches) long for overall length and 4,082 mm (160.7 inches) for internal length on average. However, the actual length of the vehicle you’ll get from a van hire company may vary depending on the model.
For example, a Ford Transit has an overall length of 6,500 mm (255.9 inches) and an internal length of 4,000 mm (157.4 inches). A Renault Master, on the other hand, is 6,767 mm (266.4 inches) long outside with a 4,100 mm (161.4 inches) internal length.
How Wide Is A Luton Van?
A Luton van is 2,140 mm (84.25 inches) wide on the outside and 2,082 mm (81.96 inches) wide inside. However, this is just the average width, and the dimensions of the van that you get when buying or hiring may differ slightly.
While looking out for the dimensions, also pay attention to the payload of the vehicle, because it is one of the factors that determines how much cargo it can carry.
How Much Can You Fit In A 3.5-Tonne Luton Van?
You can fit a cargo volume of around 18.79 m3 (663.56 ft3) into a 3.5-tonne Luton van. The exact storage volume varies across models, but it is usually between 15 and 20 m3. You also have to pay attention to the van’s payload. Most 3.5-tonne vans will allow you to transport between 1,000 and 1,300 kg.
Conclusion
When it comes to Luton van size, there is no clear answer. The exact dimensions of a Luton van depend on the model and its manufacturer. However, most Lutons only vary in size by a few inches. You should also pay attention to the payload of the van you’re getting because it also plays a role in determining how much cargo it can move.
