Van Glossary
Plain-English definitions for every van and commercial vehicle term — from AdBlue to Wheelbase.
A
AdBlue
A diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) used in SCR systems to reduce NOx emissions. Most Euro 6 diesel vans require regular AdBlue top-ups — typically every 5,000–10,000 miles.
B
Box Van
A van with a rigid, enclosed box-shaped cargo area mounted on a chassis cab. Offers maximum weather protection for goods and is commonly used for deliveries and removals.
Browse Box listingsBulkhead
A solid or mesh partition between the cab and cargo area. Protects driver and passengers from shifting loads and reduces cab noise. Available in full-height and half-height versions.
Beacon Bar
A roof-mounted light bar with amber flashing beacons. Required on vehicles working on or near public roads — common on highway maintenance, recovery and utility vans.
C
Chassis Cab
A van sold as a bare cab and chassis with no factory-fitted body. Buyers add a custom body — tipper, Luton box, dropside or specialist conversion — to suit their trade.
Browse Chassis Cab listingsCombi Van
A dual-purpose van with a second row of seats and a separate cargo area behind. Ideal for tradespeople who need to carry both passengers and equipment.
Browse Combi listingsCrew Cab
A van or pickup with an extended cab featuring a second row of seats (typically 3–4 seats). Popular with work crews who need to transport a team plus tools.
Curtainside
A van or truck body with flexible curtain panels on one or both sides instead of solid walls. Allows quick side-loading access for pallets and bulky goods.
D
Dropside
A flatbed van or truck with hinged side panels that fold down for easy loading from the side. Common in construction, landscaping and agricultural use.
Browse Dropside listingsDPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
A filter in the exhaust system that traps soot particles from diesel engines. Requires periodic regeneration — short urban trips can cause blockages if the DPF doesn't reach operating temperature.
E
Euro 6
The current European emission standard for new commercial vehicles, in force since September 2016. Euro 6 vans produce significantly lower NOx and particulate emissions than older Euro 5 models.
Electric Van
A van powered entirely by electric motors and a battery pack, producing zero tailpipe emissions. Ranges typically span 100–200 miles per charge. Exempt from ULEZ charges and eligible for UK government grants.
Browse Electric listingsG
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The maximum permissible weight of a fully loaded van — including the vehicle itself, driver, passengers, fuel and cargo. Also called MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass). Exceeding GVW is illegal and dangerous.
H
High Roof
A van body option with an elevated roof line, offering extra internal height for taller loads or standing upright. Common on large panel vans like the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter.
Hybrid Van
A van using both a conventional combustion engine and an electric motor. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a short electric-only range for city driving before switching to the engine.
Browse Hybrid listingsK
Kerb Weight
The weight of the van with all standard equipment, fluids and a full fuel tank but without passengers or cargo. Subtract kerb weight from GVW to find the payload capacity.
L
Luton Van
A van with a large box body that extends over the cab, offering maximum cargo volume. Often fitted with a tail lift. Widely used for removals, furniture deliveries and courier work.
Browse Luton listingsLWB (Long Wheelbase)
A van with an extended wheelbase and longer cargo area compared to the standard (SWB) version. Offers more load length at the expense of manoeuvrability in tight spaces.
Load Lashing
Anchor points, rails and straps inside the cargo area for securing loads during transit. Proper load lashing is a legal requirement under road safety regulations.
M
Minibus
A commercial vehicle designed to carry between 8 and 17 passengers. Available in standard, low-floor and wheelchair-accessible configurations.
Browse Minibus listingsMWB (Medium Wheelbase)
A van wheelbase option between SWB and LWB. Offers a balance of cargo length and urban manoeuvrability — available on popular models like the Ford Transit Custom.
P
Panel Van
The most common van type — an enclosed cargo area with solid side panels, a bulkhead separating the cab and rear loading doors. Used across virtually every trade and industry.
Browse Panel listingsPayload
The maximum weight of cargo, passengers and equipment a van can legally carry. Calculated as GVW minus kerb weight. A critical spec for any commercial van buyer.
Pick Up
A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the rear. Popular for construction, farming and off-road work. Most modern pickups are double-cab with 4WD capability.
Browse Pick Up listingsPLY Lining
Plywood panels fitted to the interior walls and floor of a van's cargo area. Protects the bodywork from dents and scratches and provides a smooth, professional finish.
R
Refrigerated Van
A van fitted with an insulated cargo compartment and a refrigeration unit to maintain cold-chain temperatures. Used for transporting food, pharmaceuticals and perishable goods.
Browse Refrigerated listingsS
SWB (Short Wheelbase)
The shortest wheelbase option for a van model. Easier to park and manoeuvre in city streets, but offers less cargo length than MWB or LWB variants.
Small Van
A compact commercial vehicle — typically car-derived — suited to urban deliveries and light loads. Examples include the Ford Transit Connect, VW Caddy and Citroën Berlingo.
Browse Small listingsT
Tail Lift
A hydraulic or electric lifting platform fitted at the rear of a van or truck. Raises heavy goods from ground level to the load floor — essential for deliveries without loading docks.
Tipper
A van or truck with a cargo body that can be hydraulically tilted to dump its load. Available in single-cab and crew-cab configurations for construction and landscaping.
Browse Tipper listingsTraction Control
An electronic system that prevents wheel spin by reducing engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels. Helps maintain grip on wet, icy or loose surfaces.
U
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)
A designated area (most notably in London) where vehicles must meet minimum emission standards or pay a daily charge. Most Euro 6 diesel and Euro 4 petrol vans are compliant.
V
Van Conversion
Modifying a standard panel van into a specialist vehicle — campervan, mobile workshop, welfare unit, etc. Conversions range from simple racking to full custom builds.
VAT Qualifying
A vehicle where the VAT element of the sale price can be reclaimed by a VAT-registered buyer. Common on nearly-new ex-fleet vans sold by dealers.
W
Wheelbase
The distance between the front and rear axle centres. A longer wheelbase provides more cargo length; a shorter one improves turning circle and urban agility.