Hiring a van sounds simple—until you start thinking about its dimensions. Too small, and you’ll be cramming everything in like a game of Tetris. Too big, and you’re paying for space you don’t need. Whether moving house, transporting work equipment, or planning a group trip, choosing the right van size is crucial.
Misjudging the dimensions can lead to extra trips, wasted time, or unexpected costs. That’s why we’ve put together this van size guide to help you find the perfect fit, making your rental experience smooth and hassle-free.
Looking for a reliable van rental service provider in Essex? Scenic Self Drive Hire offers a variety of well-maintained vans to suit any need. Call us on 01708 753461 or email us at info@scenicgetaway.co.uk today to find the perfect van for your journey!
At Scenic Self Drive Hire, we make van rental simple, flexible, and affordable—because every journey deserves the right vehicle.
Comparing Different Van Sizes: Which One Is Right For You?
Selecting the right van is essential for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Understanding a van’s interior dimensions and rental space can help prevent unnecessary expenses and logistical issues.
Here’s a breakdown of different rental van size options, their specifications, and ideal use cases.
1. Small Van – Compact And Convenient
Best for: Small household moves, garden waste disposal, or courier deliveries.
Rental price: From £50 per day
- Seats: 2
- Transmission: Manual
- Fuel: Diesel
- Overall length: 4.38m
- Overall width: 1.81m
- Overall height: 1.80m
- Internal load length: 1.75m
- Internal load height: 1.25m
- Internal load width: 1.23m
- Payload: 625kg
The small van is perfect for light loads and city driving with its compact design and easy manoeuvrability. This rental van is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with enough space for small jobs.
2. Short Wheelbase Van (SWB) – Versatile And Spacious
Best for: Moving furniture, office equipment, or medium loads.
Rental price: From £70 per day
- Seats: 3
- Transmission: Manual & Auto
- Fuel: Diesel
- Overall length: 5.33m
- Overall width: 2.27m
- Overall height: 2.38m
- Internal load length: 2.40m
- Internal load height: 1.40m
- Internal load width: 1.57m
- Payload: 900kg
Offering more van capacity than a small van, the short-wheelbase van is a great all-rounder. This van provides additional interior dimensions, making it ideal for small business deliveries and general-purpose vehicle rentals.
3. Crew Van – Move People And Cargo Together
Best for: Transporting work crews and equipment.
Rental price: From £80 per day
- Seats: 6
- Transmission: Automatic
- Fuel: Diesel
- Overall length: 5.34m
- Overall width: 2.27m
- Overall height: 2.00m
- Internal load length: 1.90m
- Internal load height: 1.40m
- Internal load width: 1.77m
- Rear payload: 500kg
This van rental option is ideal for transporting a team and their equipment. The extra seating capacity makes it an efficient choice for work crews, event teams, or outdoor expeditions.
4. Long Wheelbase Van (LWB) – Ideal For Bulkier Loads
Best for: Large furniture, long-distance transport, or trade work.
Rental price: From £85 per day
- Seats: 3
- Transmission: Manual & Auto
- Fuel: Diesel
- Overall length: 5.98m
- Overall width: 2.47m
- Overall height: 2.78m
- Internal load length: 3.10m
- Internal load height: 2.00m
- Internal load width: 1.70m
- Payload: 1360kg
A long-wheelbase rental van is a solid choice for extra space. Its increased van dimensions make it perfect for carrying multiple bulky items without compromising comfort.
5. Jumbo Van – Maximum Load Capacity
Best for: Heavy loads, long-haul transport, and business deliveries.
Rental price: From £90 per day
- Seats: 3
- Transmission: Manual & Auto
- Fuel: Diesel
- Overall length: 6.70m
- Overall width: 2.47m
- Overall height: 2.78m
- Internal load length: 4.20m
- Internal load height: 2.00m
- Internal load width: 1.70m
- Payload: 1150kg
With a rental van size significantly larger than an LWB van, the jumbo van is designed for those who need extra room. This van’s spacious interior dimensions make it perfect for logistics, removals, and business transport.
6. Luton Tail-Lift Van – The Ultimate Moving Van
Best for: House removals and transporting heavy appliances.
Rental price: From £110 per day
- Seats: 3
- Transmission: Manual
- Fuel: Diesel
- Overall length: 6.70m
- Overall width: 2.47m
- Overall height: 3.75m
- Internal load length: 4.00m
- Internal load height: 2.00m
- Internal load width: 1.98m
- Rear payload: 1050kg
Equipped with a tail-lift, this van hire option is ideal for lifting and transporting heavy furniture or large appliances effortlessly. The Luton van is a top choice for professional movers and businesses.
7. Large Van (Including Tow Bar) – Extra Versatile
Best for: Large loads and trailer towing.
Rental price: From £85 per day
- Seats: 3
- Transmission: Manual & Automatic
- Fuel: Diesel
- Overall length: 5.98m
- Overall width: 2.47m
- Overall height: 2.78m
- Internal load length: 3.20m
- Internal load height: 2.00m
- Internal load width: 1.70m
- Payload: 1445kg
This is for those needing a rental van size with additional towing capabilities. It offers superior van rental planning options for construction work or long-distance transport.
8. Flat Bed Dropside LWB Van – Open-Load Transport
Best for: Construction materials and large, awkward loads.
Rental price: From £110 per day
- Seats: 3
- Transmission: Manual
- Fuel: Diesel
- Overall length: 6.70m
- Overall width: 2.47m
- Overall height: 2.78m
- Internal load length: 4.20m
- Internal load height: 2.00m
- Internal load width: 2.10m
- Payload: 1850kg
The flatbed dropside van offers an open platform, making it ideal for transporting oversized construction materials or heavy-duty industrial equipment.
How To Choose The Right Rental Van For Your Needs
1. Consider Van Interior Dimensions
Think about what you’re transporting. Measure your items to ensure they fit within the rental van’s space.
2. Assess The Payload Capacity
Different vans have different weight limits. Overloading a van can cause safety issues and legal problems.
3. Factor In Driving Comfort
Larger vans may require extra confidence when driving, especially for those unfamiliar with big vehicles.
4. Choose A Cost-Effective Option
Bigger isn’t always better. If a small van fits your needs, there’s no need to pay extra for unused van capacity.
Van Rental Tips From Experts For A Smooth Experience
- Book in advance: Secure your van hire early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Check for ULEZ compliance: Ensure your rental van meets emissions standards if driving in London.
- Inspect the van before driving off: Take photos of any existing damage to avoid disputes.
- Understand fuel policies: Some rental companies require vans to be returned with a full tank.
- Plan your route: Consider low bridges and narrow roads, especially for large vans.
Contact Scenic Self Drive Hire
Get A Suitable Rental Van Size From Scenic Self Drive Hire
Now that you have a handy van size guide, choosing the perfect rental van size is easier than ever!
At Scenic Self Drive Hire, we offer high-quality, well-maintained vans for every purpose—small moves, business transport, or long-distance journeys.
Our modern fleet includes small vans, long-wheelbase vans, jumbo vans, crew vans, and Luton tail-lift vans—all ULEZ-compliant and available for short or long-term rental.
As a family-run, female-led business, we prioritise customer satisfaction, affordability, and flexibility. Our team is always on hand to help you find the ideal spacious rental van at an affordable price to match your needs.
Contact us on 01708 753461 or email us at info@scenicgetaway.co.uk to book your van today!
