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There are so many types of vans on the market nowadays that it’s hard to make the best choice to fit your needs. SWB vans are becoming more common, especially in dense city areas and areas with tight roads that have rocky terrain. If you’re a business or family person looking to buy a van, this is the article for you.
We’re going to teach you what an SWB van is. Along with that, we’ll compare LWB vs SWB, explain what a wheelbase is and what types of wheelbases exist, discuss the dimensions of an SWB, its advantages and much more. So, what is an SWB van?
Table Of Contents
What Is A Wheelbase?
A wheelbase on a vehicle is the distance between the centre points of the front and rear wheels. These front and rear points are also the points of the front and rear axle. The wheelbase is an essential specification that greatly impacts how well a vehicle functions and drives. A wheelbase affects handling, ride quality and weight distribution, not to mention how well the vehicle operates in tight situations like narrow streets.
There are four different wheelbases by length:
- Short wheelbase (SWB)
- Medium wheelbase (MWB)
- Long wheelbase (LWB)
- Extra-long wheelbase (XLWB)
The two most common wheelbases are SWB and LWB.
What Does SWB Mean?
What SWB means is a short wheelbase. SWB implies that the centre of the front wheels and the centre of the rear wheels are a short (small) distance apart. An SWB vehicle is smaller than the other variants and counterparts in its category. Having the centre of the front wheels and the centre of the rear wheels so close means the vehicle has tighter handling and a much better turning circle. A short wheelbase also means a smaller moving mass than an LWB vehicle.
You can learn what an LWB van is on our site.
SWB Vans vs LWB Vans
Both SWB vans and LWB vans come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Short-Wheelbase Van Benefits
Short-wheelbase vans offer the following benefits:
- Manoeuvrability: The short distance between the vehicle’s front and rear points makes it easier to manoeuvre. You can make three-point turns without the rear wheels hitting bumps or the base colliding with other vehicles.
- Best for traffic-heavy roads: You can also drive through narrow streets filled with traffic far easier in an SWB van than in an LWB vehicle.
- Suitable for various terrains: The tighter handling of a short-wheelbase vehicle also enhances driveability. These vehicles are fun to drive and are less likely to get stuck in a sticky situation when off-roading or driving on rocky terrain.
SWB vans have a more sporty feel which might push drivers to drive in a manner that would increase fuel consumption.
Long-Wheelbase Van Benefits
A long-wheelbase van has more distance between the centre point of the front wheels and the back wheels. This often means driving in narrow streets or making three-point turns with this vehicle can be difficult. However, long-wheelbase vans also have some major advantages over vans with short wheelbases, such as:
- Larger storage space: The longer wheelbase means that there would be more space in the vehicle’s interior for cargo, passengers or both. These vehicles are usually capable of carrying heavier cargo than SWB vans.
- Smoother ride: A long-wheelbase vehicle guarantees a smoother ride when driving on rocky terrain due to the centre point of the front and rear wheels being so far apart. As a result, it takes more time for the rear wheels to hit a bump after the front wheels hit it.
- Better fuel economy: LWB vans have a less sporty feel than SWB vans. Therefore, drivers may use a lighter foot when driving them, which ensures better fuel consumption.
What is a box van? Find out on our site.
Is An SWB Van Better For Me Than An LWB?
An SWB van is better for you than an LWB if you want a vehicle with tighter handling that can drive through narrow roads and make three-point turns easily. SWB vans are also perfect if you prioritise a sporty feel over more storage. On the other hand, a long-wheelbase van guarantees a smoother ride, more space and potentially better fuel consumption. In the end, it boils down to personal preference.
The best SWB vans are the Ford Transit Connect, Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo and Vauxhall Combo Cargo.
Click here to find out what a Transit van is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Considered An SWB?
To be considered an SWB, a vehicle must have a relatively short distance between the centre point of the wheels. Short-wheelbase vans are usually between 4.4 and 5 metres (14.4–16.4 feet) long. An example of this type of vehicle is the Ford Transit Custom Van-270S, which is almost 5 m long. On the other hand, the Van-330L is an LWB model and is 5.3 m (17.4 ft) long, and it’s easy to see how its rear wheel arch is further apart from the front one in comparison to the 270S.
What Is The Maximum Length Of An SWB Van?
The maximum length of an SWB van varies based on the model and manufacturer of the vehicle. Short-wheelbase vans have less distance between the centre point of the front and rear wheels than long–wheelbase vans. Therefore, they are usually not very long. Short-wheelbase vans rarely, if ever, exceed 5 metres, but some particularly large panel van or other types of vans can look really long whilst being an SWB.
How Long Is An Average SWB Van?
An average SWB van is approximately a little longer than 4.4 metres (14.4 feet) and has a 2.6 m (8.5 ft) wheelbase. However, the length greatly varies depending on the make and model, with the longest examples having up to 5 m (16.4 ft) and a wheelbase length of around 3 m (9.8 ft).
How Many Seats Does An SWB Van Have?
The number of seats an SWB van has depends on whether it’s meant to move people or cargo. The cargo version has just three seats, but a passenger vehicle may have far more seats. You can increase the seating capacity in cargo vans by adding more seats to the extra cargo area if you intend to use it to transport only passengers.
Conclusion
Knowing what an SWB van is can help you understand what to expect when using one, but the truth is that vehicles with various features fall into this broad category. SWB vans are suitable for anything from carrying goods and other items to transporting people. Your specific needs and personal preference play critical roles in determining what type of SWB van you select.
