So you've realised that you need to hire a van? Possibly it's because you've decided to move house the D.I.Y. way, or you've just got some furniture to move, or maybe you need a larger vehicle for a short while for work. Whatever the reason it can be hard to decide on exactly what type of hire van you need, and as prices vary greatly according to the type of van you hire it's important to consider exactly what type you need before you compare van hire prices. So here's a short introduction to the types of van that are commonly available for hire to help you find the right one.

Small Vans for example these are the Ford Transit Connect or Vauxhall Combo.

These are the smallest vans available (not much bigger than an estate car, though slightly taller) and as a result the easiest types of van to drive, particularly as they often have good rear visibility. Such vans are ideally suited to carrying box goods, washing machines or small items of furniture. Their carrying capacity is normally around 800kg or so, and their dimensions of the load area is typically around 1.7 metres Long by 1.5m Wide and 1.2m tall. Often used for small flat moves (be prepared for multiple trips), or by plumbers, electricians and others.

Medium Vans for example the Ford Transit, Volkswagen Transporter or Renault Traffic.

These are typically classed as SWB (short wheel base) vans, and offer the next step up from combo type vans. As a result they are still fairly easy to drive and manoeuvre, but offer more substantial load capacity, typically up to 1.2 tons and a load area of around 2.4 meters long by 1.7 meters wide and 1.4 meters high. Such vans are popular with courier companies and D.I.Y. chains, a good choice if you need more room than a combo van but aren't used to driving large vehicles, along with good fuel consumption they are fairly cheap to hire as well.

Long Vans (Long Wheel Base Vans) for example the LWB Ford Transit and Renault Master.

These are the traditional large vans (often owned by "white van" men), they normally offer the best payload capacity at around 1.5 tons and a generous load area of around 3.4 meters long by 1.7 meters wide and 1.4 meters high. However these are large vehicles to drive and as a result are less manoeuvrable and with poor fuel consumption (larger engines to pull the weight). This is probably the largest size van that a "car driver" should consider driving, really your best option if you need a large van suited to almost any task. But remember to take it easy on bends and secure your load.

Extra Long Wheel Base Vans for example the Mercedes Sprinter XLWB or Transit Jumbo.

Think of this as a stretched LWB van, the largest traditional panel van available. However it's generous dimensions of 4.1 meters long by 1.7 meters wide and up to 1.8 meters high (large enough to carry a roll of carpet - part of the design specification), mean terrible manoeuvrability and poor visibility. These are more expensive to rent due to the increased insurance costs and their own weight means a reduced payload of 1.4 tons. Only rent this type of van if you really need that extra length, maybe you've got a lot of carpets to move!

Luton Vans

These are a completely different type of van altogether, and unlike traditional vans are more like a small flat bed truck that has had a box fitted that stretches over the driver's cab. You've most likely seen these used for smaller house moves which is a task that they are perfectly suited to, as well as for

larger or numerous deliveries. They generally have a load area of 4 meters long by 2 meters wide and 2 meters or more high though their size means their payload is only around 1.4 tons along with poor fuel consumption. If you are planning a full size house move this is the van you will need, however remember this is almost a small truck you are driving.

All the above types of vans can be driven on a standard UK driver's licence, so now you know what type of van you need start by going to a comparison site for van hire and shop around for the best deal as there are over 600 van rental depots in the UK it' is well worth checking prices.