Vans Made Easy by Compare Contract Hire

The following is a simple guide to the many different types of light commercial vans available and an explanation of the jargon used on any van up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.

Microvan
microvan
635
 Good for multi drop work around towns and cities i.e. florists grocers etc.

Car Derived/Small Van
car derived van
600
 Light deliveries i.e. courier firms or small engineering contractors.

Panel Van
panel van
1000 - 1579
 Larger than car derived vans they are commonly used by electricians, plumbers, food industry and delivery firms.

Pickup
pickup
1050 - 1300
 Construction sites, garden centres and anything that needs quick and easy access to local area.

Dropside
dropside
1125 - 1175
 Larger load carriers than pickups and again anything that needs quick and easy access to load area.

Chassis Cab
chassis cab
Varies
 Basic shell of a van that can then be built to your specification.
*All payloads are for guidelines only and will vary by model and make.

Van Jargon Buster

GVW

 Gross Vehicle Weight means the total weight of the vehicle including payload and 75kg for the driver.

Payload

 The amount the vehicle can carry including the driver.

Volume

 The total amount of space available for loading.

Lining kit

 Fitted to the interior of the load area preventing damage to the vehicle bodywork.

Bulkhead

 A dividing unit fitted between the driver and the load area for safety /security usually made from wood or metal.

Width measurements

 Given at the narrowest point (between wheel arches inside vehicle).

SWB

 Short wheelbase.

MWB

 Medium wheelbase.

LWB

 Long wheelbase.

Refrigeration unit

 Cooling system fitment.

Tail lift

 Lifting mechanism fitted to rear of vehicle to assist in lifting.

Chassis cab

 Basic floor plan of a van ready for conversion to your choice.

"O" Licence

 Operators' Licence for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.

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Choosing a van on contract hire or lease from Compare Contract Hire UK

Contract hiring a van can be an attractive option for many van companies. If you do not want the risk of buying, running and disposal this is an option to consider.

Simple guide to vans from Compare Contract Hire Leasing UK

The guide tries to explain the differences in the types of vans and the jargon that is associated with them. You can then compare UK contract hire van lease rentals on line via the quote engine or have a look at the Van Contract Hire Special Offers section. You may be surprised to see some cheap van leasing rentals that are really attractive so choose your van and try the quote engine.

See quotes from all manufacturers including Vaxuall, Peugeot, Ford, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, citroen in fact any make of panel, car derived, pick up's, tippers vans up to 3.5 Tonnes.