The ultimate guide to van payload 2021

If you drive a van, you’ve probably found yourself wondering ‘what is a payload capacity?’ You may have heard the terms ‘van payload’ or ‘gross capacity’ being talked about in relation to vans. But what do these words actually mean?

 

In short, there is a legal limit to the amount that can be loaded onto a van at any one time. Because of this, you need to calculate the total payload capacity for your van to make sure you are within the lawful limit. If you’re over the limit, it can cause increased fuel costs and engine strain which can be dangerous for your van, and you can receive a fine. So it isn’t just a practical limit, it’s a legal limit too.

 

Let’s take a look at the van payload in further detail.

 

 

What is gross vehicle weight?

The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum amount of extra weight, or the biggest load, that your van is legally allowed to carry. This includes the van and the fuel, as well as you, any passengers and any other goods that you have packed onto your vehicle.

 

 

What is unladen weight (kerb weight)?

When a van is completely unloaded (without any cargo or passengers), this is referred to as the vehicle’s unladen weight or kerb weight. The unladen weight depends on the van in question. For example, the unladen weight of a Vauxhall Corsa van is 1140kg, while the unladen weight of a Mitsubishi L200 van is 1790kg. Whatever the vehicle’s kerb weight is, there will be a maximum amount of extra weight that you can then add onto it. Essentially, van weights and van weight limit will differ by vehicle.

 

Your vehicle’s axles

It’s important to know about a vehicle’s axles when we’re talking about van payload. Axles are shafts that support the weight of your vehicle. They are major components and play a big part when it comes to calculating the maximum payload capacity of your vehicle.

 

Exceeding the gross vehicle weight

If you exceed your van’s GVW, the vehicle might not immediately break. However, it can make driving dangerous since the vehicle won’t be suited to carrying such a large load. What’s more, you could permanently damage your van as the extra weight can cause its structure to bend. The police have the right to stop you during your journey and assess your payload limit, and you could land yourself a hefty fine if you are over the limit.

 

The current penalties for exceeding gross vehicle weight

The police conduct regular spot checks and can prevent you from continuing with your journey if they find your vehicle exceeds its gross vehicle weight. They can also issue you with a heavy fine. The current penalties (December 2021) are:

 

• 5% to 10% over – £100 fine
• 10% to 15% over – £200
• 15% to 30% – £300
• 30% or more – you could receive a court summon

 

It’s always a good idea to know your restrictions when it comes to van payload. As long as you bear this information in mind, you’ll be able to carry on using your van on the roads as normal.

How can I calculate my van’s payload?

Calculating your van’s payload only takes a small calculation. You simply need to subtract the vehicle’s unladen weight from its gross vehicle weight to get your answer. Let’s look at an example:

 

Let’s say the GVW of your van is 3000kg and the unladen weight is 1750kg. 3000kg minus 1750kg means that the payload of your van would be 1250kg.

 

It’s important to remember that your van’s payload figure is the total weight, including all passengers and goods. So you need to bear in mind the payload figure of the total passengers’ weight before working out the weight of the goods you can safely carry in the van too.

 

Load your van correctly

Once you have worked out your vehicle’s payload, it’s just as important to load and organise your van correctly, as failing to do so can impact the gross vehicle weight. Make sure that the weight of the goods is distributed evenly along with both axles. Your van’s axles have weight limits too, and if the weight of your goods exceeds those limits, you will be breaking the law. To put it simply, the boxes’ weight is what matters most, rather than how full the van is.

 

Van payloads

If you’re looking for a new van for your business, you need one that has the right gross vehicle weight to support the number of goods you plan on transporting. And you might be pleased to know that these days small vans can carry more weight than ever before.

 

So if you fancy driving a van with a small profile but an adequate payload, there are plenty of options available for you. Take a look at our best small vans in 2021 to find a suitable model.

Where can I find a van for my business?

Now you’ve got your head around van payload, it’s time to find the right vehicle for your business. Here at Northgate, we stock a wide range of vans available for commercial vehicle hire.

 

Our fleet consultants make it easy to find a vehicle that offers the right payload for your business needs. But when it comes to choosing a van, there are plenty of other factors to consider too, including the variant of the van and the type of engine you need. So whether you’re transporting a team of people or lots of heavy goods, we have the van for the job.   

 

Our flexible van hire options can be tailored to meet the changing needs of your business. Contact us today  to talk about your requirements and find out more about van payload and the best vans for you.