Driving a fully loaded van: what changes

Driving a fully loaded van mainly changes braking

Driving a fully loaded van means you're carrying more than a tonne more weight than on the way to pick up the load. Depending on the model, the payload usually ranges between 1 100 and 1 450 kilograms, and you'll notice this difference in the van's behaviour immediately. The engine and chassis can handle it — you just need to allow differently for time and distance. Most unpleasant situations arise because the driver drives the same way as on the way to the load, just with a van a tonne heavier.

The braking distance gets longer

A full van stops over a longer distance than an empty one. The simplest defence is to increase your following distance. Where you used to drive two seconds behind the car in front, drive three to four. Brake earlier and more smoothly — braking hard with a load means the weight shifts forward and the rear gets lighter.

Pulling away needs higher revs

With a full van, pull away in first gear and release the clutch more slowly. A diesel engine has its power at low revs, but a loaded vehicle is sluggish to get going from a standstill. So don't pull into a junction at the last moment — a gap that would be enough for an empty van may not be enough with a load.

Change gear at higher revs

With a load, change up later than you're used to. If you change up too early, the engine labours and the drive becomes jerky, especially up a gentle slope. A diesel engine does have power at low revs, but a loaded vehicle needs more than just idle pulling power. In town, where you stop and start frequently, it pays to stay one gear lower.

Bends and body roll

A load stacked high raises the centre of gravity, and the van leans more in bends. So go into a bend more slowly than seems necessary, and only accelerate after the apex. Take roundabouts and slip roads onto main arterial roads with particular care — that's where the lean is most noticeable.

Crosswinds

The tall body of a van acts like a sail. On bridges, in dips and when passing a lorry, expect a sudden gust. Keep both hands on the wheel and ease off in such places. A full van is more resistant to wind than an empty one, but you'll still feel a gust. On open stretches of motorway, it pays to drive a little slower and leave more room from the crash barriers and the neighbouring lane.

Climbs, descents and long stretches

Change down earlier uphill

Change down before the engine starts to labour. A full van loses speed quickly on a long climb, and changing gear when the vehicle is already crawling tends to be jerky. Stay in the right-hand lane, expect to be overtaken and don't let yourself be pushed into driving faster.

Downhill, brake with the engine, not the brakes

On a long descent, select a lower gear and let the engine do the work. Constant light braking heats up the brakes, and their effectiveness drops just when you need them. Keep your speed so that you descend calmly and don't have to brake in a bend.

Bumps and speed bumps

Go over speed bumps and potholes slowly and straight. The load bounces on impact and may shift, even if you've secured it. After a significant bump, it's worth taking a look in the cargo area at the next stop to check that everything is still in place.

Before and during the drive

Watch the total weight, not just the volume. You can fill a van's full volume with building materials before you run out of space. Sand, paving, plasterboard or books are heavy and use up the payload quickly. You'll find the figures for each model in our fleet.

Check the tyre pressure. Manufacturers give higher values for a loaded vehicle, and they're usually on the label in the door. An underinflated tyre heats up more under a full load and holds its line less well.

Listen to what's happening in the back. Noise from the cargo area is the best warning light. If you hear the load shifting when you brake, stop in a safe place and secure it again while it's a matter of a few centimetres and not an overturned washing machine.

Allow more time for the journey. With a full van you'll drive more smoothly and a little more slowly, so the route will take longer than usual. So don't cut your booking too fine — add some spare time instead, especially when you also need to refuel before returning the van.

Set off thoughtfully. Drive carefully for the first few kilometres after loading and test your braking on a clear stretch so you know how the van reacts with a load. You'll find answers to organisational questions in the FAQ section.