In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Luton vans: from what makes a Luton van unique, the pros and cons and the best models available at Van Broker UK.
A Luton van (often called a Luton box van) is a large commercial vehicle built for transporting bulky or high-volume loads. Its name comes from the town of Luton, Bedfordshire where the first box-style vans were produced.
Typically built on a 3.5-tonne chassis, a Luton van is easily recognisable thanks to its distinctive “pod” section above the cab, which provides additional storage space.
These vans are especially popular with removal firms, furniture delivery services, logistics operators and other businesses that need maximum carrying capacity and protection for their goods.
Luton vans are designed with practicality in mind. Here are some of their most useful features:
Over-cab storage pod: Adds extra space for lighter items above the driver’s cab.
Tail lift options: Many Lutons include or can be fitted with an electric tail lift for effortless loading of heavy goods.
Roller-shutter or barn-door access: Wide access to the load area makes it easier to handle bulky furniture or palletised goods.
Lightweight box body: Usually built from fibreglass or composite materials to maximise payload capacity.
Low-loader variants: Some models offer a reduced floor height (around 550 mm) to make loading and unloading easier.
Spacious cab: Comfortable seating for up to three people with plenty of storage for paperwork and tools.
Thanks to their generous capacity and secure box body, Luton vans are a popular choice for:
House removals and furniture delivery – ideal for transporting sofas, wardrobes and other bulky household items.
Retail and trade deliveries – perfect for garden centres, appliance retailers or bulky goods suppliers.
Logistics and courier work – suitable for palletised or boxed freight that needs protection from the elements.
Catering and event services – great for moving tables, marquees and equipment between venues.
Clearance or recycling firms – large volume space for lighter but bulky waste loads.
While exact measurements vary between makes and conversions, most Luton vans offer:
Load length: Around 4 metres
Load width: Approximately 2 metres
Internal height: Up to 2.2 metres
Overall volume: Around 20 m³ (cubic metres)
Payload: Typically between 1,000 kg and 1,200 kg (depending on specification and tail-lift option)
If you opt for a tail lift, remember it will reduce the overall payload by roughly 250 kg due to the extra equipment.
Ease of loading is one of the main advantages of a Luton van.
Tail lifts make handling heavy items far safer and more efficient, particularly useful for removals or deliveries involving appliances and furniture.
Low-loader variants remove the need for a tail lift altogether, allowing direct walk-in access.
The flat, square load area means it’s easy to stack boxes, secure pallets, and maximise every inch of space.
Whether you’re running a removals company, delivering furniture or transporting large commercial goods, a Luton van remains one of the most practical and efficient solutions.
With excellent load capacity and flexible configurations with low-loader or tail-lift access, there’s a Luton van to suit every business.
Explore the latest Luton vans for sale in the UK today and find the perfect vehicle to keep your business moving, with flexible finance and leasing options to suit your business such as Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, Contract Hire or Outright Purchase.
Our expert team can help you choose the right make and model for your needs, whether you’re upgrading a delivery fleet or buying your first commercial vehicle.
The Renault Master Luton combines generous capacity, robust build quality and everyday practicality making it a top choice for commercial operation across the UK.
Generous load capacity – Offers up to around 20 m³ of storage and a payload of roughly 1,200 kg, making it ideal for larger deliveries or removals.
Smart design – A completely flat floor with no intruding wheel arches, straight side walls and over-cab storage area maximise usable space, with low step-in height and wide rear access.
Strong and durable – Built with GRP side panels, a fibreglass roof and alloy framing, with rear roller-shutter doors and tail-lift compatibility.
Versatile performance – Available in front- or rear-wheel drive with a choice of efficient diesel engines, ensuring dependable performance for different load and route needs.
The Citroën Relay Luton stands out for its well-rounded mix of load capacity, build quality and driver-friendly features which makes it a top contender.
Ample and adaptable loading space – Offers up to around ~20 m³ of load volume and payloads in the ~1,000kg+ range, making it a viable choice for heavier-duty tasks.
Durable and practical body design – Bodies built with GRP side panels, galvanised framing and options for roller shutter or barn‐doors; suitable for commercial use.
Comfortable and capable driving experience – With efficient 2.2-litre diesel engine options and good manoeuvrability for its size, it works both in town and on longer runs.
Well-equipped for modern work life – Features such as Bluetooth, USB ports, driver-adjustment seats, visibility aids and load-locking rails add practical value.
The Ford Transit Luton stands out thanks to its well-balanced mix of load capacity, robust construction and driver-friendly features.
Generous and practical load space – Offers up to around 22 m³ of volume in Luton box form with payloads over 1,000 kg in many cases.
Durable body finish and good access – Features such as polyester/foam-core panel construction, lockable roller-shutter rear doors (and tail-lift compatibility) bolster its commercial credentials.
Comfortable and modern to drive – The cab is roomy and well-equipped, and the driving dynamics are well-regarded for a van this size — especially useful in inner-city environments.
Flexible drivetrain and options – Available with front-wheel or rear-wheel drive and a modern 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, giving you choice depending on your load and route needs.
The Nissan Interstar Luton stands out thanks to its excellent mix of space, versatility and modern features.
Smart load-carrying capability – The Luton version offers up to around 20 m³ of load volume and is available with 3.5 T or 4.0 T gross vehicle weight options.
Good payload and choice of powertrains – The diesel version delivers up to around 1,934 kg payload, while the electric variant offers up to around 1,694 kg payload and a zero-emission option.
Versatile body-style and build quality – Built on a robust chassis with factory-approved conversions (including Luton box) to meet business demands for logistics, removals or specialised use.
Modern driving and business-friendly specs – Includes features such as efficient engines, improved economy (for diesel), EV range option, and a 5-year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty in many cases.
If you’re looking for a Luton van that delivers serious usability, robust build and modern features suited for business use, the Volkswagen Crafter Luton is a top-choice.
Generous payload and usability – Offers an internal load length of around 4,119 mm and width around 1,951 mm with a 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight option and payloads in the region of ~1,500 kg (depending on spec) for strong practical value.
High-quality construction – Built in partnership with a specialist converter, the body uses lightweight sides and bulkhead, a four-tier load-restraint system, a high-strength shutter door and optional tail-lift.
Robust chassis and commercial spec – Comes with uprated suspension, reinforced stabilisers and heavy-duty front axle as standard, making it well up to the demands of daily commercial use.
Modern driving aids and safety features – Features such as Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and other driver-assistance systems are standard, helping to keep the van safer on busy roads.
A Luton van has a large, box-shaped body that extends over the cab, offering maximum load volume and easy access for bulky items. They're perfect for removals, deliveries, logistics and trade use, and often come fitted with a tail lift for safer, faster loading.
Most new Luton vans offer a payload of around 1,000kg, though this can vary by make, model and whether a tail lift is fitted. Models like the Ford Transit Luton and Renault Master Luton are designed to handle large, bulky items while keeping the load secure and stable.
Not always. Many do, but it depends on the specification. We can supply new Luton vans with or without tail lifts, depending on your needs. Our team can help you compare options and quote for a tail lift upgrade if required.
Yes as most Lutons are 3.5-tonne vans, so they can be driven on a standard Category B car licence. If you're looking at heavier 4.5t or 5t conversions, you'll need a higher licence category. We can help you check licence requirements before you buy or finance.
You can choose from Hire Purchase (HP), Finance Lease, Contract Hire, or outright purchase. Each option has different benefits depending on whether you want to own the van or keep payments low, our specialists can tailor a quote to suit your business.
Monthly costs vary depending on deposit, term length, and specification. As a broker, Van Broker UK compares deals from multiple UK funders to get you the lowest possible rate on models like the Ford Transit, Peugeot Boxer, or Renault Master Luton.
Yes. We can arrange customisation options such as signwriting, internal racking or additional lighting through our dealer network before delivery. Just let us know what you need when you enquire.
All of our commercial vehicles include FREE delivery. Delivery times vary depending on the make and model you choose and current stock levels. Many vans are available for quick delivery, typically within 7 to 10 working days. For factory order vehicles, lead times can be up to six months, but our sales team will keep you updated throughout the process.
Simply browse our latest new van deals and send us your enquiry. Whether you fill out a form online or give us a call, our sales team will guide you through the paperless process from quote to order to delivery.
Yes, we accept part exchange on most vehicles. You can trade in your current van or car to reduce the cost of your new van. We will handle all the paperwork and collection as part of your deal.
We use live market data and trade valuation tools to offer a fair and accurate price for your current van. The more detail and photos you provide, the more precise your valuation will be.
As a broker, we do not hold physical stock for test drives, but you can visit your local dealership to view and test drive your chosen new van.
We offer a range of finance options including Contract Hire (BCH), Finance Lease, Hire Purchase (HP), and outright purchase. Each has different benefits depending on whether you would like to own the vehicle or keep monthly payments low.
Absolutely. If you would prefer to purchase a van without finance, we can sell new vans vans for outright sale at competitive prices, always below retail.
While most of our customers are businesses, we also help private individuals find and finance their ideal van. Let us know how you plan to use it and we will tailor the options accordingly.
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