A to Z Van Jargon: A guide to understanding van terminology

With so much jargon around vans, what does it all mean?

Confused by van jargon? We’ve got you covered.

You need a van. You know what size you want. You might even have your dream make and model in mind.

But now comes the tricky part—the jargon.

H1s, L2s, XLWBs… are we talking vans or in a secret code? Don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down in plain English, so you can pick the perfect van lease without a headache.

And yes, I do know my ABCs.

Just don’t expect every letter to have a van-related term (I’m looking at you, Q and Z).

A

Axle – The part that connects the wheels on either side of your van.

Axle weights – The maximum weight each axle can carry, split between the front and rear.

B

Barn doors – Rear doors that open outward like, well, barn doors. Easy.

Box van – A van with a big, cube-shaped cargo space—great for moving lots of stuff.

Braked towing weight – The max weight your van can tow if the trailer has its own brakes.

Bulkhead – A wall that separates the cabin from the loading area, handy for keeping cargo in its place.

C

Cabin – Where you and your passengers sit.

Car-derived van – A van based on a car, but with no back seats. There's just space for cargo.

Chassis cab – A van with just a cab and a chassis, ready for a custom back (think Dropside, Tipper, or Luton).

Conversion van – A regular van that’s been modified for a special use, like a camper or a work van.

Crew van/Combi van – Part people carrier, part cargo van, with extra seats behind the driver.

D

Dropside – A van with side panels that drop down for easy loading.

F

Frails – External racking on the van’s side to carry big things like glass windows.

Fridge van – A van with built-in refrigeration for transporting temperature-sensitive goods.

G

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) - The maximum combined weight of the van, passengers and its load.

Gross train weight (GTW) - The gross vehicle weight, combined with the weight of the trailer that it is towing.

K

Kerb weight – Your van’s weight including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment, but excluding any passengers or extra cargo.

L

Load height – How tall your cargo space is.

Load length – How long your cargo space is.

Load space – The total cargo area, usually measured in cubic feet.

Load width – How wide your cargo area is.

Luton – A large box van with extra space over the driver’s cabin, perfect for big hauls.

P

Payload - The weight that a van can carry safely, not including the weight of the van itself.

Panel van – A van with solid sides instead of windows.

Pickup van – A van with an open, secure load space in the back, great for towing.

Plated weight – The maximum legal weight your van can carry.

T

Tailgate – A rear door that opens upwards.

Tipper – A chassis van with a tipping mechanism for dumping heavy loads.

Towing capacity – The maximum weight your van can tow.

U

Unbraked towing weight - The maximum weight you can tow if the vehicle or trailer you’re towing is unable to brake independently.

W

Wheelbase - The distance between the front and rear wheels. Available in short, medium, long, and extra-long versions.

Common van abbreviations 

Manufacturers will often use abbreviations to describe the height, length and wheelbase of their vans. But what do they mean?

L/R = Low Roof

M/R = Medium Roof

H/R = High Roof

H1 = Low Roof

H2 = Medium Roof

H3 = High Roof

H4 = Extra-High Roof

SWB or L1 = Short wheelbase

MWB or L2 = Medium wheelbase

LWB or L3 = Long wheelbase

XLWB or L4 = Extra-long wheelbase

Now you’re a pro, and those van listings won’t look like a confusing mass of words anymore.

Finding the Right Van for You

Whether you need a compact van for city driving, a spacious Luton for removals, or a pickup for off-road adventures, understanding van jargon helps you make the right choice.

It’s not just about size—it’s about payload, towing limits, and the features that make your life easier. Now you can confidently compare models and find the van that fits your needs.