![SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]](https://sdvh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SDVH_logo_concept_4-02.svg){kind=logo}
If you need a vehicle to transport business goods or convey your belongings when moving houses, there aren’t many better options than Luton vans. What is a Luton van, and how can you use it to transport items? We’ll discuss everything you need to know before hiring a Luton in this article.
The first Luton van can be traced back to Luton town in Bedfordshire. The van was originally designed to accommodate the transportation of low-density goods. It had a box-shaped body that extended over the driver’s cabin. Modern Luton vans have similar designs but have been optimised to reduce wind resistance.
A Luton van is a type of box van where the body extends over the cab area, in most cases, to provide more storage space. Instead of additional storage space, some modern Luton vans have a rounded section over the cab area to reduce wind resistance and increase fuel efficiency.
The original Luton van was designed with a large loading space to accommodate high volumes of low-density goods. Companies nowadays use them to transport heavy commercial goods on a regular basis, and some individuals use them when moving house. Most Lutons come with tail lifts. A tail lift is a mechanical device that helps you move heavy items from the ground into the van.
Some low loaders don’t have tail lifts because they are easy to access due to their low loading heights. However, even low loaders sometimes require a tail lift, depending on the nature of the job.
Luton Van Size & Dimensions
When choosing a Luton van, you should be aware of the various dimensions, as there are numerous sizes available. Let’s look at the dimensions of a Luton van so you know what to expect when selecting one.
Luton Van Height: How High Is A Luton Van?
The height of Luton vans ranges from 3.25 metres to 3.35 metres, depending on the size of the vehicle. Heights also differ based on the model and the vehicle’s manufacturer. Let’s examine the height of three different Luton vans below.
| Vehicle | External Height | Internal Load Height |
| Ford Transit (Luton) | 3.30 metres | 2.18 metres |
| Renault Master (Luton) | 3.28 metres | 2.12 metres |
| Iveco Daily (Luton) | 3.28 metres | 2.12 metres |
Luton Van Length: How Long Is A Luton Van?
A Luton van is around 6 metres long, but the length typically varies based on the manufacturer. You should also note that a van with a standard box will have a different length from one fitted with a custom-built box. In reality, you can only tell the length of a Luton by measuring it from one end to another, but here are the lengths of some standard models.
| Vehicle | External Length | Internal Load Length |
| Ford Transit (Luton) | 6.70 metres | 3.93 metres |
| Renault Master (Luton) | 6.76 metres | 4.11 metres |
| Iveco Daily (Luton) | 6.67 metres | 4.11 metres |
Luton Van Width: How Wide Is A Luton Van?
A Luton van is about 2.10 to 2.25 metres wide. Most vehicles have similar dimensions, but they may differ slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer.
The table below shows the widths of three different Luton vans.
| Vehicle | External Width | Internal Load Width |
| Ford Transit (Luton) | 2.25 metres | 1.95 metres |
| Renault Master (Luton) | 2.21 metres | 1.95 metres |
| Iveco Daily (Luton) | 2.10 metres | 1.95 metres |
How Big Is A Luton Van Inside?
How big is a Luton van inside depends on the model. A standard Luton will have a payload capacity between 0.8 and 1.2 tonnes. The Mercedes Sprinter, one of the most popular Luton vans, has a loading capacity of 1 tonne. These vehicles will have an average load length of 4 metres, a width of 2 metres and be about 2 metres tall. On average, Luton should have adequate space for house moving.
Tap into SDVH’s fleet and hire a Luton for your cargo transportation needs. We also have other 3.5-tonne vans for hire in the UK.
Luton Van Capacity: How Much Can You Fit In A Luton Van?
You can fit up to 45 boxes in a Luton van. The van is also large enough to accommodate most home furniture. Expect most Luton vans to have a loading capacity of about 650-880 cubic feet.
Tip: When hiring a Luton van, ask the rental company for the loading capacity to determine if it is big enough to move your items.
Luton Van Weight: How Much Does A Luton Van Weigh?
A Luton van weighs between 2.2 and 2.5 tonnes when empty. Most of these vans have payloads between 0.8 and 1.2 tonnes, which will give a gross weight of about 3.5 tonnes when loaded.
Lutons are great for younger drivers as larger vans that weigh over 3.5 tonnes require a driver to be a minimum of 21 years of age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Category Is A Luton Van?
A Luton van is in the PLG (Private/Light Goods) vehicle category. These vehicles can be driven by anyone over the age of 17 who has a driver’s licence. Vehicles categorised as PLG must not have a gross weight that exceeds 3.5 tonnes. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are classified as HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle).
Why Is A Luton Van Called A Luton?
A Luton van is called a Luton because it has its origins in the town of Luton in Bedfordshire. British vehicle manufacturer Bedford Vehicles created the first model of this van. The name ‘Luton’ was used as a nickname for this vehicle by local straw hat producers. Luton vans may also be known as box vans, even though they differ since standard box vans don’t have an area above the driver’s cabin.
How Much Weight Can A Luton Van Carry?
A Luton van can carry between 0.8 and 1.2 tonnes, depending on the manufacturer and the model. The gross weight, which includes the weight of the van and the weight of the items to be transported, must not exceed 3.5 tonnes. If you need to move items that exceed 1.2 tonnes, use an HGV truck.
Can I Drive A Luton Van On A Car Licence?
Yes, you can drive a Luton van on a car licence. Anyone who is over 17 years of age and has a standard driving licence can drive a Luton van and other PLG (Private/Light Goods) vehicles. However, to drive a van that is over 3.5 tonnes, you must be 21 or older.
Is A Luton Van Big Enough To Move House?
Yes, a Luton van is big enough to move house. Most Luton vans can take a two-bedroom flat or a small house with up to 45 boxes and furniture. If you have to convey more than 50 boxes and two beds, you may need to use two Luton vans or some other type of transport.
Conclusion
After reading our comprehensive guide, you shouldn’t have any more misconceptions about the ‘what is a Luton van’ topic. Now you know those are relatively big, robust vehicles designed to carry all sorts of items and equipment, suited for various businesses, differing from other types of a van by having a manufactured section extending over the cab area. While there are several things to consider when selecting a Luton, you mostly need to pay attention to its weight capacity and storage space.
