Van body types explained: What is the right van for you?

What are the different body types in vans?

Vans come in all shapes and sizes, and depending on your needs, there could be several options that suit you.

But to find the perfect van for you, you need to understand what you need from your next van.

From a Luton van to a Combi, vans can serve very different purposes depending on their shape and size. We've created this helpful guide to point you in the right direction.

What are the different van body types?

There are a few different van body types, so it can get quite confusing. But here is a quick breakdown before we dive into what each body type means:

• Luton
• Pickup 
• Tipper van
• Dropside van
• Panel van
• Crew van/Combi van
• Refrigerated van
• Car-derived van
• Minibus

What is a Luton van?

A Luton van is a style of box van that features a large enclosed cargo space. Inside, they have additional cargo space that extends over the top of the driver's cabin.

Offering unrivalled space for your cargo, Luton vans are perfect if you're constantly carrying larger items or high-quantity loads. These typically come fitted with an electric tailgate, taking all the stress and strain away from lifting heavier items.

If you're looking for a Luton van lease, consider popular models like the Ford Transit, Peugeot Boxer or Citroën Relay.

The perfect van for: Delivery/removal companies and couriers of large items

What is a box van? 

A box van is a chassis cab van with an enclosed cargo space that's detached from the cabin.

They're some of the biggest vans on the road today and offer tremendous flexibility for those carrying larger or longer loads.

Though they look similar to Luton vans, they don't always offer the same overhead storage.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a great example.

A box van lease can be just as practical if you're looking to get heavy, tall or longer items from A to B.

The perfect van for: Delivery/removal companies and couriers

What is a pickup? 

A pickup is best known for its excellent towing capabilities and ability to drive off-road in more challenging conditions. With low-hanging tailgates and large load beds, they're perfect for carrying heavier cargo in rural settings thanks to their all-wheel-drive systems.

Some of the best pickup on the market are available as single or double cab options. So if you want to combine work with family life, you have the option to get that second row for more passengers.

Perhaps less industrial in their design, many modern pickups like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux offer more contemporary designs.

The perfect van for: Agricultural or rural businesses operating in more treacherous conditions

What is a tipper van?

A tipper van is a chassis van with an electric underfloor tipping system installed, allowing you to vertically tip heavy loads out of the rear.

Often popular on construction sites, they come with a large, flat load bed that makes a tipper van lease perfect for moving heavy items or materials.

The perfect van for: Construction/landscape businesses 

What is a dropside van?

A dropside van includes hinged sideboards that can be opened and lowered when loading and unloading for easier access. By dropping these sideboards, you create space for a forklift to access the cargo.

Dropside vans look similar to tippers in their design – they come with a large, open load bed that offers plenty of space for loads or materials.

Take out a dropside van lease with Vanparison and you'll enjoy a van that's incredibly versatile and suitable in many different environments.

The perfect van for: Construction/landscape businesses 

What is a Crew van/Combi van?

A crew van is designed to carry multiple people alongside a sustainable load by fitting a second row of seats in the cabin, accessible through side doors.

Crew vans offer a more efficient option for workers through their ability to carry multiple people at once, without sacrificing too heavily on their load potential.

Sometimes referred to as a 'Combi' or 'Kombi', you can choose from the stylish Mercedes-Benz Vito, Fiat Fiorino, Ford Transit and more from our crew van lease deals. They feature some of the mod-cons we're used to in our cars, as well as the practical space.

The perfect van for: Tradespeople, personal use outside of work

What is a refrigerated van?

A refrigerated van is fitted with similar cooling systems to our household fridges and allows you to carry goods at specific temperatures.

Their high-density insulation and cooling systems ensure the van can maintain a particular temperature on the move.

The perfect van for: Food caterers, fishmongers, pharmaceutical and medical suppliers

What is a car-derived van? 

A car-derived van (CDV) is a van based on a passenger car but adapted to replace the rear seats with a load platform.

They also go without rear side windows by either covering them up or having them replaced by panelled sides.

Legally, a car-derived van cannot exceed a maximum laden weight of two tonnes.

They don't match up with a fully-fledged van when it comes to load potential, but their practical benefits include modern technology that can often match or come very close to their car equivalent, as well as lower running costs and being easier to drive.

The perfect van for: Couriers, small trades businesses, personal use outside of work

Finding the right van for your business

With so many van body types available, choosing the right one comes down to understanding your specific needs.

Consider these key questions:

• What will you be carrying?
• How much space do you need?
• Where will you be driving?
• Do you need to transport people as well as goods?
• Are there any special requirements (temperature control, off-road capability)?

At Vanparison, we work with dealers and funders across the country to bring you the best van lease deals at competitive prices. Our team understands that every business is different, and we're here to help you find the perfect van for your requirements.

Whether you need a compact car-derived van for city deliveries or a robust pickup for challenging terrain, we'll help you navigate the options and secure a deal that works for your budget and business.