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Luton vans are among the most popular vehicles for transporting loads. So, if you’re looking for a vehicle for a house move or cargo transportation, it’s likely that many people will recommend this van, known for its cargo area that continues above the cabin. But you can’t just select any Luton. You have to consider various factors during your vehicle hiring process, including the Luton van weight.
You’re probably wondering why you need to ask the van hire company about the weight of the vehicle. While this detail may seem basic and unimportant, it is one of the factors that determine the load weight the van can carry. Whether you’re curious about why the vehicle weight matters or you just want an answer to the question, ‘How heavy is a Luton van?’, you’re in the right place.
Table Of Contents
Different Types Of Luton Van Weight
Before we dive in-depth into details about the weight of a Luton box van, we’ll take some time to understand the various types of vehicle weights.
- Kerb Weight: Also known as unladen weight, this is the weight of the van without the driver, passengers or any cargo. See here if you’re interested in a detailed explanation of what kerb weight is.
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): Gross Vehicle Weight refers to the weight of the van when it’s loaded with cargo and carrying the driver and passengers.
- Payload: The payload is the maximum weight limit of a van from an empty point. It indicates how much weight the van can carry in passengers and cargo.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This refers to the maximum load weight that the van can handle safely, in addition to its own mass. It is the maximum operating mass of the van as specified by the maker.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating: This is the maximum weight that one axle of the Luton van can carry.
Average Weight Of A Luton Van
Luton vans come from various vehicle makers, and the weight of the vehicle varies across models. There are three weight types worth noting when selecting a Luton. They include the kerb weight, gross weight rating and payload.
All Lutons have a gross vehicle weight rating of 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg), but the kerb weight and payload vary from vehicle to vehicle. The kerb weight or unladen weight usually ranges between 2.29 and 2.5 tonnes (2,290 and 2,500 kg), while the payload is between 1 and 1.21 tonnes (1,000 and 1,210 kg).
Breaking van weight restrictions can get you on the wrong side of the law, leading to a fine of between £100 and £300.
Weight Of The Most Popular Luton Van Models
We’ll go over the weight of eight of the most popular Luton vans.
Model | GVWR | Kerb Weight | Payload |
Ford Transit Luton | 3.5 t (3,500 kg) | 2.48 t (2,480 kg) | 1.02 t (1,020 kg) |
Citroen Relay Luton | 3.5 t (3,500 kg) | 2.42 t (2,420 kg) | 1.08 t (1,080 kg) |
Iveco Daily Luton | 3.5 t (3,500 kg) | 2.38 t (2,380 kg) | 1.12 t (1,120 kg) |
Mercedes Sprinter Luton | 3.5 t (3,500 kg) | 2.5 t (2,500 kg) | 1 t (1,000 kg) |
Nissan NV400 Luton | 3.5 t (3,500 kg) | 2.29 t (2,290 kg) | 1.21 t (1,210 kg) |
Renault Master Luton | 3.5 t (3,500 kg) | 2.29 t (2,290 kg) | 1.21 t (1,210 kg) |
Vauxhall Movano Luton | 3.5 t (3,500 kg) | 2.29 t (2,290 kg) | 1.21 t (1,210 kg) |
Volkswagen Crafter Luton | 3.5 t (3,500 kg) | 2.5 t (2,500 kg) | 1 t (1,000 kg) |
In the figures listed, we assume that the van has not been modified in any way or fitted with any attachments.
Does Luton Van Weight Noticeably Differ Across Make And Models?
Yes, Luton van weight differs noticeably across makes and models. Although the gross vehicle weight rating of all Luton box vans is 3.5 tonne (3,500 kg), their kerb weight and payload can differ significantly.
A lot goes into making a van, with the manufacturing process and materials differing across makers. The unladen weight of any Luton depends on factors such as construction materials, engine, low chassis mass, structure and the presence of additional equipment.
Size Of A 3.5 Tonne Luton Van
Although the weight of some 3.5-tonne Luton vans may vary greatly, most models are similar in size and dimensions. You’ll find that differences in length, width and height are often negligible, but the load volume may be very different.
The average external dimensions of a Luton are 6746 mm (265.59 inches) in length, 2140 mm (84.25 inches) in width and 3169 mm (124.76 inches) in height.
Tip: Use a local weighbridge to determine the weight of your van after loading it.
On the inside, a Luton box van measures 4082 mm (160.7 inches) in length, 2082 mm (81.96 inches) in width and 2255 mm (88.77 inches) in height on average.
We also have the wheelbase length, which is around 4126 mm (162.44 inches) on average and the load volume, which measures up to a respectable 18.79 m3 (663.56 ft3).
Check out our article ‘Can I drive a Luton van’ to learn about the driving licence requirements for Lutons.
Importance Of Knowing Van Weight Information
Now let’s get into why knowing the van’s weight and maximum weight limit is so important.
- Safety: The main reason you have to look out for the van’s weight is that it helps you prevent overloading, which can put you at risk and get you on the wrong side of the law. When driving an overloaded van, you’ll notice that braking and handling are much more difficult, which can lead to accidents.
- Prevents Damage: Loading a Luton over its weight limits can put excessive pressure on its axles and tyres, which can damage them.
- Performance and Fuel Consumption: Exceeding the maximum weight limit can affect the van’s performance on the road, increasing its fuel consumption and causing it to move slower.
Relations Between Luton Van’s Weight And Category
The weight of a vehicle is closely tied to its category as it determines the licence you need to drive it. Lutons have a maximum weight limit of 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg), and as such, they belong in the class of private or light goods (PLG). The PLG class covers vehicles with gross weights of up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg).
You can drive a Luton with the same driving licence (Category B) as a regular car because they both belong to the same weight class, under 3.5 tonnes.
Most van makers indicate the vehicle’s gross weight rating on its VIN plate.
How Size Affects Payload Capacity?
Size affects payload capacity because large vehicles are better at carrying weight than smaller ones. A larger vehicle will likely have more load volume or interior space for cargo, which ensures more payload capacity.
While the size of a Luton van matters, it isn’t the only thing you should look for when determining the payload limit. Other factors, such as the chassis and suspension system, also matter.
How Weight Affects Handling?
Weight affects handling because uneven weight distribution of heavy loads or going above weight restrictions can cause a shift in the vehicle’s centre of gravity. This, in turn, leads to instability and causes the vehicle to sway, especially when you’re making a sharp turn. Also, too much load weight affects the vehicle’s responsiveness, making it more difficult to steer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A Luton Van Weigh?
A Luton van weighs 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg) at its maximum gross weight. However, the average kerb weight ranges between 2.29 and 2.5 tonnes (2,290 and 2,500 kg). The kerb weight, also known as the unladen weight, is the van’s weight without the driver, passengers or cargo. It varies across models and manufacturers.
For context, the Volkswagen Crafter’s unladen weight is 2.5 t (2,500 kg), while the Renault Master Luton leaves the Renault factory weighing 2.29 t (2,290 kg).
Is A Luton Van 7.5 Tonne?
No, a Luton van is not 7.5 tonnes. A Luton has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes, which puts it in the same category as regular cars. Cargo vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 7.5 tonnes are considered lorries, not Lutons. You need a C or C1 licence to drive such vehicles.
What’s The Weight Limit Of A Luton Van?
The weight limit of a Luton van is 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg). All Luton vans have maximum weight limits of 3.5 tonnes, which puts them in the private or light goods (PLG) category. However, the payload capacity, which is how much the van can carry in passengers and cargo, varies across models.
For example, Ford Transits have a payload of 1.02 t (1,020 kg), while a Renault Master Luton allows you to carry up to 1.21 t (1,210 kg).
What Does Unladen Weight Mean?
Unladen weight is the weight of a vehicle when it’s empty. The unladen weight, which is often also known as the kerb weight, is its total mass without goods, passengers or any additional attachments. Luton vans have an average unladen weight of between 2.29 and 2.5 tonnes (2,290 and 2,500 kg).
How Much Does A Luton Van With A Tail Lift Weigh?
A Luton van with a tail lift weighs between 2.44 and 2.6 tonnes (2,440 and 2,600 kg). The tail lifts fitted to Lutons are often made to be as light as possible without compromising safety. This ensures that the vehicle doesn’t have to sacrifice much of its payload capacity and meets weight restrictions.
Conclusion
So, how heavy is a Luton van? A lot of factors determine the unladen weight of a Luton van, so it varies across models. However, you can expect the average Luton van weight to fall between 2.29 and 2.5 tonnes (2,290 and 2,500 kg) when it’s empty. So, now you have a good idea of how much a Luton van weighs, which makes hiring one a lot easier.
