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The Average Length of a Standard Van in Metres

31 January 2022

The choice of a commercial standard van on the market can be overwhelming for business owners. How do you know which model is best suited to your business needs? What size van is most economical?

To help you make an informed decision, we intend to discuss which features you should look for. The key considerations when buying a commercial van for a business are: 

  • Fuel economy
  • Payload
  • Manoeuvrability

However, all of these factors are affected by its dimensions. Therefore, you need to know how long a standard van is. For example, medium-sized vans are best suited for most businesses. They can load in more cargo than small vans, but have a better fuel economy than large vans. 

Most models also have a sliding side door, as well as a rear door. This is useful for providing access and makes life convenient for tradesmen and manual workers. 

On the other hand, the length of a standard van naturally differs from one model to the next. At a push, we would say the average length of standard vans is around 2.5 metres and the average height is around 1.5 metres. Typical payloads range between 600 – 1200kg.

When you’re browsing the internet for a manufacturer’s brochure, you will be able to determine how long their standard vans are. Length is indicated by a series of L-codes as follows: 

L1 – Short length 

L2 – Medium length 

L3 – Long length 

L4 – Extra-long

How Long Is A Standard Van? External and Internal Length

There are two reasons why you need to know the dimensions of a van. The first reason is to avoid damaging your van (i.e low bridge, narrow entrance). Secondly, the length will enable you to determine if you can safely load long items in the rear of your work’s van. 

The exterior dimensions give you some idea of how the van will handle on the road. It’s in your best interests to invest in a van that is easy to park and will fit in a narrow or low space. Bear in mind that the length given for standard vans is with the wing mirrors folded. 

Gauging a van’s load space is more difficult to determine how long a standard van is. Load space is measured in square metres or volume. The numbers include height as well as length. 

It’s also worth noting that the space where the wheel arches protrude into the interior side of the van makes the space 40cm narrower. Whilst this may not matter in most cases, if you’re loading flat items into the van such as wooden boards, they may not fit.

You can avoid these issues by installing a false floor above the wheel arch. This enables you to utilise the entire width of your van. You can also add drawers to utilise storage space underneath the false floor. 

How High Is A Standard Van?

Van racking solutions enable you to maximise the space in your van. This can offer huge benefits for drivers that carry large quantities of cargo. The height dimensions of commercial vans are indicated with an H-code. H1 is standard. 

To maximise your laid space, make the best use of a van’s height. You can do this by installing van false floor drawers or try with our van shelving ideas and van ladder storage ideas.Obviously, before you know whether you can fit in longer items, you need to know how long a standard van is.

Now you know what to consider before investing in a works van, you should be able to decide whether a standard van is your best option. Or do you need a small or large van? If you need more advice, give us a call and speak to one of our specialists. 

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