A new “medium van” (think Ford Transit Custom, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic) can carry a surprising amount of kit, but what you can realistically take is limited by two things: the load space (volume and shape) and, more importantly, the van’s payload (how much weight it’s legally allowed to carry).

Typical load space: what fits physically

Most medium vans offer roughly 5–6.5m³ of load volume in standard wheelbase form, with long-wheelbase versions closer to 6–7m³ (varies by model and roof height). In practical terms that usually means:

  • 2–3 Euro pallets on the floor (depending on wheel arches and load length).
  • Sheet materials: many will take 8x4ft boards flat only in certain configurations (often LWB, or by loading diagonally) — check the quoted load length and width between wheel arches.
  • Trades setup: racking down one or both sides plus a clear central aisle for boxes, tool cases, pipe/ladder storage, and a couple of larger items (e.g. compressor, small generator, wet vac).

Payload: what you can carry legally (often the real limiter)

Payload on new medium vans commonly lands somewhere around 900–1,300kg, but it can be lower once you add options. A diesel automatic, 4×4, high-spec trim, towbar, roof rack, ply-lining and racking can easily knock 100–250kg+ off the usable payload. If you’re looking at an electric medium van, payload can also be tighter due to battery weight, so always check the exact figure on the order form.

Two quick “reality checks” before you choose

1) Weigh your typical day. People often underestimate consumables (cable drums, fixings, pipe, adhesive, water) — they add up fast.

2) Think about shape, not just litres. Wheel arches, bulkhead position, and door opening height can stop awkward kit fitting even when the volume sounds generous.

If you tell me the kind of work you do and your “usual load” (e.g. number of toolboxes, lengths of pipe/ladder, any heavy machines), I can sanity-check whether a standard medium van works or if you’d be better with a long wheelbase, high roof, or a different payload spec.