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Est in 1999
Van Size Guide: What Fits in a Small, SWB, LWB and Luton Van
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The sizes, in plain terms
Van sizes are described in codes that mean nothing until you have stood next to one: SWB, LWB, L3H2, Luton. This guide translates them into what actually fits, using the vans Euro Hire Drive runs from our depot in Livingston, so you can pick the right one before you book. Every size here drives on a standard category B car licence.
The short version: a small van takes a washing machine and boxes, a SWB takes a one-bed flat, a LWB takes a two or three bed home, and a Luton with tail lift takes a full house and does the lifting for you.
- Compact vans
- City vans
- Transit vans
- Luton vans with tail lift
- Crew cab vans
- Small panel vans
- Large panel vans
- Light commercial vans
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SMALL VAN (PEUGEOT PARTNER or Similar)
SWB (Ford Transit Custom or Similar)
LWB (Volkswagen Crafter or Similar)
XLWB VAN (Mercedes Sprinter or Similar)
SWB VAN AUTO (VW Transporter or Similar)
5 SEATER SWB CREW VAN (Ford Transit Custom)
LUTON BOX VAN WITH TAIL LIFT
REFRIGIRATED VAN (Mercedes Sprinter)
LUTON LOW LOADER(Maxus Delivery 9)
For trades, a SWB Transit Custom carries most tool kits and a day’s materials; a LWB carries a full kitchen or bathroom; a dropside carries the long timber and scaffold. For deliveries, the small van does parcels and the Luton does furniture with a tail lift. Business accounts can mix sizes on one invoice.
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Fleet Options
Why Choose Euro Hire Drive?
Every size on one site, a walk-round at handover, honest advice on which van the job needs, and a team that has been matching vans to jobs since 1999. Book online or call 01506 444455.
Van sizes compared
| Size | Typical van | Load length, width, height (approx) | Load space | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Peugeot Partner | 1.8 x 1.2 x 1.2 m | 3 to 4 m³ | 600 to 800 kg |
| SWB | Ford Transit Custom | 2.5 x 1.4 x 1.4 m | about 6 m³ | about 1,000 kg |
| LWB high roof | Volkswagen Crafter, Ford Transit L3H2 | 3.4 to 4.3 x 1.7 x 1.9 m | 11 to 14 m³ | 1,000 to 1,200 kg |
| XLWB | Mercedes Sprinter, Transit L4H3 | 4.3 to 4.8 x 1.7 x 2.0 m | 15 to 17 m³ | about 1,000 kg |
| Luton with tail lift | Mercedes Sprinter Luton | 4.0 x 2.1 x 2.2 m box | 18 to 20 m³ | about 1,000 kg |
Dimensions and payloads are typical for each group and vary by model year; the figures for the exact van are on its plate and confirmed at handover.
What fits in each size
Small van
A washing machine or a fridge freezer, a double mattress folded, ten to fifteen boxes, or a full set of trade tools. Parks in a normal space. The choice for a single room, a student move or a big purchase from the Livingston retail parks.
SWB panel van
A one-bedroom flat in one careful load: a double bed, a two-seater sofa, a wardrobe, a small dining set and twenty to thirty boxes. Three seats in the cab, a side door for awkward pieces. The most hired van in the fleet.
LWB high roof
A two or three bedroom home: two or three beds, a three-piece suite, wardrobes standing upright, white goods and forty to sixty boxes. You can stand up inside, which makes loading faster and safer. Longer than a car space, so plan the parking.
XLWB
The same as the LWB with an extra metre for long items: a large corner sofa, garden furniture, a dismantled shed or a run of kitchen units.
Luton with tail lift
A three or four bedroom house: everything in the LWB list plus the American fridge, the piano and the eighty to a hundred boxes, with a 500 kg tail lift doing the heavy lifting. Watch the height at car park barriers. Full detail on the Luton van hire page.
Three quick rules
- Weight beats volume. A van full of books or tiles hits its payload before it is full. Check the payload for anything dense.
- Height beats length. If the load has a wardrobe in it, a high roof matters more than an extra half metre of floor.
- Distance decides trips. Across town, a smaller van and two trips; across the country, size up and do it once.
Moving home? See van hire for moving house. Ready to book any size by the day? See daily van hire, or call 01506 444455 and describe the job; we will tell you which van it needs.
Van size questions
Do bigger vans need a different licence?
No. Every van on this page is 3.5 tonnes or under, so a standard UK category B car licence covers all of them, including the Luton.
Can I fit a king-size bed in a SWB?
The mattress, yes, standing on its edge. The frame usually needs dismantling for a SWB and goes in whole in a LWB.
What about a sofa?
A two-seater fits a SWB; a three-seater or a corner sofa wants a LWB or a Luton, on its end and wrapped.
Which van is easiest to drive?
The small van drives like a car. The SWB is close to it. The LWB and Luton are longer and taller rather than harder, and we walk you round them at handover.
Customer Reviews
From our happy customers to our growing fleet, we’re here to provide the best car hire experience.
Had a transit van on hire for a day. Hassle free pick-up and drop-off. Vehicle was in good condition. Staff were very friendly and easy to deal with. The price was excellent value compared to competitors. Would definitely use again.
"Hired from hear a few times now and can't rate them enough.clean and new vehicles always and not had any problems anytime that I have used them. Staff are very friendly and are always helpful. Would recommend to anyone."
"Would definitely recommend and hire from them again Friendly staff great service and best in price better then other hire companies been upgraded to larg car with no extra cost Very happy with services. Staff are friendly, flexible and accommodating"
