Van payload explained: what can you actually carry?

Every van has a gross vehicle weight or GVW. That is the most the vehicle is allowed to weigh, fully loaded, with everything and everyone on board. A common figure is 3.5 tonnes, because that is the limit you can drive on an ordinary car licence. Payload is simply the GVW minus the kerb weight and the kerb weight is what the van weighs empty, with fuel and fluids but nothing else.

Put simply: payload equals gross vehicle weight minus kerb weight.

Why 3.5 tonnes does not mean 3.5 tonnes of load

Here is what that looks like on a real van. A 3.5 tonne Luton might weigh around 2,300kg empty before you add anything, which leaves you roughly 1,200kg of payload. Now fit a tail lift, put a driver and a mate in the cab and fill up the tank, and you can easily lose another 300kg or more. All of a sudden the van that says 3.5 tonnes on the sticker will carry you, one passenger and about 900kg of goods before it is over the limit.

What you need to factor into your payload

• The driver and any passengers.
• A tail lift, ply lining, roof rack, tow bar or racking.
• A full tank of fuel.
• The tools and materials you leave in the van permanently.

Add all of that up and your usable payload can be a fair bit lower than the headline figure suggests. Tippers, Lutons and crew vans feel it most, because heavy bodies, crews and equipment all come off the top before you load a single thing into the vehicle.

How to stay on the right side of the payload

Check the payload on the exact van and specification in front of you, not the model in general, because two vans that look identical can actually differ by hundreds of kilos. Make sure you do your sums with a realistic load and realistic passengers and if you regularly run close to the limit, it could be worth stepping up to a van with a higher payload or choosing a lighter body.

Overloading affects your braking, your handling, your tyres and your insurance. Knowing your real payload is basic but essential and it keeps you legal and safe.

Every van on Vangoo's platform shows its specification and condition upfront, so you can check the payload before you buy.