What Is A SWB Van? Kent Van Hire Guide

Before thinking about wheelbase labels at all, work out the size and shape of the largest item you need to move, and how it needs to go in, whether that's through a side door, rear doors or a ramp. This is what actually determines whether a van will work for you: the load area's length, width, height and the loading opening, not just a wheelbase description.

SWB stands for short wheelbase, which refers to the distance between the front and rear axles, not a fixed body length, load volume or payload. Two vans both labelled SWB can have different overall lengths, load area shapes and rear doors, depending on the manufacturer and model. The label is a starting point for identifying a range, not a guarantee of specific dimensions.

Don't assume an SWB van is simply the smaller option and everything else scales up proportionally. Check the actual dimensions and rear opening of the specific van you're offered against what you need to load, whether that's for a move near Hawkinge or a delivery run through Bearsted.

Wheelbase tells you about axle spacing, not how much weight the van can carry. Payload is a separate figure specific to the individual vehicle, affected by its build, fitted equipment and fuel load.

Always check the actual payload of the van you're being offered rather than assuming it from a wheelbase label alone. This matters just as much as the load area's shape when you're deciding whether a van suits the job.