Whether you are hiring a local van to move homes, offices, or even businesses, it can be quite a daunting task. There are different sizes, capacities, fuel types, weight limits, levels of manoeuvrability, interior features and mileage.
In this guide, 1st City Van Hire breaks down all of these options for businesses or individuals looking for local van hire. Keep reading to find out more about Long Wheel Base (LWB) vans, car-derived vans (CDV), MWB Vans and many other types of vehicles that justify specific uses for personal and industrial needs.
Understanding Sizes for Delivery Van Hire
When it comes to delivery vans, the “size” guide is based on the “wheelbase” and “roof” of the vehicle, which is characterised in the format of “Length (L)” and Height (H). Now the size range goes something like this:
For Length (L): L1 to L4
- L1 = Short
- L2 = Medium
- L3 = Long
- L4 = Extra-long
For Height (H): H1 to H3
- H1 = Standard
- H2 = High
- H3 = Extra High
The best practice for choosing the perfect vehicle is to calculate the size of the largest boxes with other boxes that will go inside it. Make sure there is enough space to take out the boxes smoothly. Determine whether you’d prefer to stack the boxes in an L2H3 or lay them side by side in an L3 or L4 van. Lastly, you should not forget weight considerations to save from overloading. If you’re unsure, you can always ask the professionals at 1st City Van Hire in London to receive first-hand guidance in choosing the right vehicle.
At 1st Van Hire, we offer Ford Transit van hires in our fleet because this vehicle range has many variants of SWB, LWB and Tail Lift Vans catering to different cargo capacities and versatile applications.
Selecting The Right Model of Delivery Van Hire Based on Wheelbase
For a person looking for local van hire, going by the codes can get confusing, especially when they have not physically seen or inspected the vehicles and are forming perceptions through images. So, browsing specific models or “wheelbase” types makes it easier for the non-savvy to choose categorically.
Now, what is a wheelbase? It is simply the distance between the vehicle’s central point of the front and rear wheels (also referred to as axles). Based on the dimensions of the wheelbase, the vans are categorised.
- Short Wheelbase (SWB): We have the Ford Transit Custom SWB Van for hire in London, which is an L1H1 model, ideal for short-distance trips with a max gross payload of 1,327 kg. You can carry small items and light cargo, tools and electrical or carpeting supplies.
- Medium Wheelbase (MWB): Hire a VW Crafter MWB Van or a Ford Transit L3H2 V3 REF that can move up to 30 cargo boxes, ideal for small office relocations, with printers, photocopy machines and documents.
- Long Wheelbase (LWB): With a Ford Transit L3H2 V3A LWB Van or VW Crafter, you can move heavier and bigger items over long distances. A few pieces of furniture, a refrigerator and microwave, or up to 20 big boxes can be easily transported across Europe.
- Luton Tail Lift Van: This is the biggest in the group. We have the Ford Transit Luton Tail Lift Van of a 3.5-tonne capacity which is ideal for moving bulkier furniture, washing machines, and refrigerators, and delivering large export goods and consignments across Europe.
Other Factors to Consider for Local Van Hires in London
Now that you have a basic understanding of the size options in delivery van hire – of course, we offer all of them – you must also have an idea about the additional considerations for local van hires. We also offer van rentals for travelling abroad and moving across Europe. Below are some factors to bring to your attention:
- Duration of Hire: The size of your delivery van can impact the duration you hire them for. For example, if you are moving from one home to another, it makes more sense to hire a Ford Transit LWB van or a bigger Luton tail lift van. Larger vehicles can fit all your belongings in one go and require fewer trips back and forth.
- Flexible Terms of Use: Determine whether you need the van for a few hours, days, or weeks. Local van hire companies like 1st City Van Hire often provide flexible terms.
- Cost Considerations: Larger vans like LWB or Tail Lift Vans typically have higher rental rates compared to smaller SWB models. If you’re renting for a longer duration, the cost difference becomes more noticeable, making smaller vans more budget-friendly for extended hires.
- Mileage Policy: Cross-check how the size of local van hires in London can impact the mileage policies. Some rental companies offer unlimited mileage for smaller vans within local areas but may restrict this for larger vans or charge extra for exceeding a set limit.
Delivery Van Hire, Make Your Choices Simpler with 1st City Van Hire
At 1st City Van Hire, we have built a proven record of being one of the most reliable providers of delivery van hire. With a wide variety of fleets, from small SWB vans to large Luton Ford Transit van hire, we cater to a wide range of clients with the perfect transporting and logistics solutions with the perfect size and type of vehicle.
We make it easier for you to choose the right van size, especially if this is the first time you are opting for a local van hire in London. You can get expert advice. Make an informed decision with our expert guidance. Plan and book the ideal van, and enjoy stress-free transport arranged to meet you directly at the pickup point. Sounds easy? It is as easy as it sounds!
