You might have asked yourself in the past, “how much does a van weigh”? I’m not totally sure why you would need to know that, but somebody did ask us recently and to be honest, we didn’t know. We actually had to check.
The weight of a van is referred to as its unladen, or dry weight. It’s also known as kerb weight (UK) or curb weight (USA). It is the total mass of the vehicle including standard equipment + secondary weight such as engine oil, brake fluid, a full tank of fuel and transmission fluid as well as any other consumables required for the vehicle to function, but are not a part of the vehicle itself.
Let’s Take A Look At The Unladen Weight Of The Most Popular Vans
The weight of any van will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and then again from model to model. Even vans of the same make and model will differ in kerb weight depending on optional factory extras such as an air conditioning unit or a tail lift.
It isn’t an exact science either but it’s worth keeping in mind that the less dry weight you have, the higher payload weight you’re able to carry. At least legally.
Ford Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW
Ford Transit Courier Van
Kerb Weight: 1132 kg
Payload: 650 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 1782 kg
Ford Transit Connect Van
Kerb Weight: 1415 kg
Payload: 625 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2040 kg
Ford Transit Custom Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 1556–2761 kg
Payload: 759–2724 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2,900-3500 kg
*There are so many models of Ford Transit available it’s next to impossible to list each definitively. Again, if you would like to know the GVW of your particular model, see your vehicle’s VIN plate.
Ford Transit Flatbed Van
Kerb Weight: 1689 kg
Payload: 1111 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2800 kg
Ford Transit Luton Box Van
Kerb Weight: 2484 kg
Payload: 1016 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3500 kg
Iveco Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW
Iveco Daily Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 2080 kg
Payload: 1420 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3500 kg
Iveco Daily Luton Box Van
Kerb Weight: 2380 kg
Payload: 1120 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3500 kg
Mercedes Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW
Mercedes Citan Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 1566 kg
Payload: 434 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2000 kg
Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 1995 kg
Payload: 1005 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3000 kg
Mercedes Sprinter Crew Van
Kerb Weight: 1975–2356 kg
Payload: 834–1215 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3190 kg
Mercedes Vito Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 1756 kg
Payload: 1044 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2800 kg
Renault Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW
Renault Trafic Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 1678 kg
Payload: 1092 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2770 kg
Renault Master Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 1964 kg
Payload: 1536 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3500 kg
Renault Master Luton Box Van
Kerb Weight: 2288 kg
Payload: 1212 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3500 kg
Toyota Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW
Toyota Proace Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 1735 kg
Payload: 1020 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2755 kg
Vauxhall Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW
Vauxhall Vivaro Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 1725-1770 kg
Payload: 1330-1375 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3100 kg
Vauxhall Vivaro Luton Box Van
Kerb Weight: 2288 kg
Payload: 1212 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3500 kg
Volkswagen Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW
Volkswagen Transporter Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 1798
Payload: 1002 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 2800 kg
Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van
Kerb Weight: 2014 kg
Payload: 986 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3000 kg
Volkswagen Crafter Luton Van
Kerb Weight: 2500 kg
Payload: 1000 kg
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3500kg
Determining The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Of A Van
The question “how much does a van weigh?” is determined by the kerb weight + payload which then = GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). The information above is based on the manufacturer’s specifications of standard models in their range of vans.
It’s worth noting that the kerb weight of any given van differs…
- From year to year
- From model to model
- From manufacturer to manufacturer
This of course determines how much weight you’re legally allowed to carry and penalties for exceeding the legal payload of your van can be steep.
Although not an issue for smaller, lighter cargo, it is definitely worth keeping in mind if you’re running a collection orientated business such as a junk clearance service where loads vary wildly and payload accumulates quickly.
You can find more info on the legal description of vehicle weight regulation here.
You can find more info about penalties for overloading a van here.
It is your responsibility to check the unique weight of the vehicle you’re driving and determine your legal payload limit based on those figures.
The Legal Weight Limit Of Your Own Van
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is the maximum weight you’re legally permitted to carry as a payload + the kerb weight of your van. The GVW of any van is determined on that vehicle’s VIN plate which can be found in either the passenger side or the driver side door well.
FAQ For Vans, Payloads & Weight
How Do I Find The Unladen Kerb Weight Of My Van
You can find the kerb weight of your van in the owner’s manual or your vehicle’s registration document. You can also find out your vans unladen weight by checking with the manufacturer on either their website or by giving them a call.
How Do I Find The Maximum Payload For My Van
The maximum payload or load weight for your van will be displayed on your VIN plate.
This is usually located in either your passenger or driver’s door well.
How Do I Find The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) For My Van
The GVW for your van is also displayed on your vehicle’s VIN plate.
It’s worth noting that your gross vehicle weight can drift + – a few kilos depending on added factory extras or fittings installed or removed by a previous owner.
How Much Can My Van Weigh Before I’m Exceeding The Legal Limit
Again, how much does a van weigh? It’s a very obscure question with a different answer for each respective vehicle.
In short, you’re exceeding the legal limit as to how much your van can weigh once your payload (cargo weight + passengers) exceeds the weight stated on your vehicle’s VIN plate.
Luckily, if your van is checked for weight, most traffic safety enforcement officers will allow a +5% over the maximum GVW but this is at their discretion.
How Can I Tell If My Van Is Exceeding Its Maximum Allowed Payload Weight
The only way to know for sure how much your van will weigh once you have a load in the back is to take it to a weighbridge.
You won’t be able to tell just by looking at whether or not your van is overloaded or if you’re exceeding the maximum allowed payload.
If you’re loading boxes and other smaller items then you can of course weigh each item as it goes into the van. If you’re loading larger items then this is clearly impractical.
To locate a weighbridge local to you, you can find either find one on the gov.uk website here: https://www.gov.uk/find-weighbridge
Or, as most weighbridges are operated by private businesses, you can also find your local weighbridge by Googling “Weighbridge Near Me“.
Your Van, Your VIN, Your GVW
So, how much does a van weigh? I’m not sure it really even matters. The only legal requirement is to know how much of a payload you’re carrying but, at least the next time we’re asked, we’ll be able to answer.