Van glossary

The wheel base is the measurement between the front and rear axle.

This does not determine the load length. 

SWB  =  Short Wheel Base (also known as L1)

MWB = Medium Wheel Base (also known as L2)

LWB = Long Wheel Base (also known as L3)

XLWB = Extra Long Wheel Base (also known as L4 or Jumbo)

The load length is the measurement from bulkhead to rear doors. 

The measurement given in manufacturer brochures is taken at floor level so it will be shorter / higher up due to bulkhead intrusion.

Load height is the measurement from the floor to the roof. 

Low Roof = H1

Medium Roof = H2

High Roof = H3

Super High Roof = H4

Minimum width is the measurement between wheel arches.

Maximum width is the measurement between side walls.

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum permissible plated weight the van can carry.

The kerb weight is the unladen weight of a vehicle - the weight of the vehicle without any load.

Payload = GVW less the kerb weight

The weight of the driver, fuel consumables etc. must be deducted from the payload.

This is different for each manufacturer, so care must be taken when comparing as not all 3.5t vehicle payloads will be the same.

Maximum permitted weight of the vehicle and trailer load i.e. GVW + a trailer's GVW.

Load volume / load space is the amount of space in the load area of a van, usually described in cubic metres (M³).