Do I Need To Hire A Luton Van?
Luton vans offer the largest possible load space on a 3.5t vehicle. Sizes vary but a typical example might be 4m long, 2m wide and 2m high, with additional space in the 'luton' section that sticks out over the driver's cab.
This flexibility means they are widely used for small household removals, house clearances and furniture transport and other such applications.
Having a flat floor and flat, vertical sides means that it's much easier to strap furniture or other loads to the side of the van securely, without wasting any space.
Another attraction is the availability of a tail lift, allowing heavy items to be raised and lowered from the ground up to van level. They are a good choice to hire when moving house yourself.
Maximum load weight is usually in the region of 1000-1200kg. If you need a tail lift, make sure the van you hire is shown as having a tail lift, as not all luton vans do. Alternatively, luton vans without a tail lift usually have a higher payload, as the tail lift itself is quite heavy.
If you're hiring and driving a Luton for the first time, remember that they are wider than a panel van and a little more top heavy when loaded. You'll need to go slower around corners and brake further ahead than you would in a car.
Make sure the mirrors are adjusted properly so that you have a clear view down both sides, and ask someone to help when reversing in tight spaces. Follow these tips and you should have no problems.
Remember to take it easy on the corners too - they are higher and less stable than cars and smaller vans when heavily loaded.
The Luton name is a result of the first ever vans with this kind of body being designed and built at the old Bedford plant in the town of Luton. The name has stuck and today Luton bodies are built and fitted to the chassis of most models of vans:
- Ford Transit
- Mercedes Sprinter
- Renault Master
- Fiat Ducato
- Citroen Relay
Take a look at our what size van? page to work out if a Luton van is the right type of hire van for you.
