What are the different parts of a van called?

We've all been there. Nodding and smiling along while a mechanic or salesman waxes lyrical about a vehicle, in terms we definitely don't understand.

When it comes to vans, the jargon can be especially confusing for people who normally drive cars in their everyday life. But don't panic! We've put together a simple, easy-to-digest dictionary of van terminology, for folk who'd like to learn the lingo.
 
Barn doors

Two full-length doors at the back of the van that are hinged on the outer sides so they open outwards. Sometimes they only open 90 degrees but, on many vehicles, they'll open to 180 or even 270 degrees.

Body, AKA the "bay" or "cargo bay"

The section of the van that isn't the cab. In other words, the section where you might store products or equipment – or people, if there are seats behind the driver. 

Bulkhead

The panel that divides the cabin from the body. If you come to a sudden halt, it keeps the driver and front passengers safe from any equipment or people behind. Bulkheads can range from mesh grilles to solid steel or plastic. Some include a window so you can use the rear-view mirror. 

Bumper

Does what it says on the tin! A bar at the front or back end of the van that protects it if you bump into something.

Cabin/cab

The bit where you sit. The cabin is your personal kingdom. It's where you'll find everything you need to propel yourself and your kit through space and time. Smaller cabs accommodate the driver plus one passenger, while larger vehicles can fit up to five passengers up front. 

Cab gutter

This helpful length of guttering is all that stands between you and a distinctly drippy ride! Yes, it stops raindrops from falling on your head.

Chassis, AKA the "frame"

The van's "skeleton": a foundational framework of strong metal that bears the weight of all the other internal and external elements of the vehicle (including people!)

Euro pallet

An alternative unit of measurement for vans, which works a bit like hands for measuring horses. In Europe, wooden transport pallets have to be exactly 80 by 120 centimetres. You can measure the van's storage space by figuring out how many of those shapes will jigsaw into it. Larger light commercial vehicles might manage five or six, while many minivans can't fit any.

Frails

Often used by specialists like window fitters, frails are rails that support very shallow racks. They allow flat items to be attached upright to the van's outer side panel.

Grille

A metal grating that lets air enter or exit while protecting the radiator and engine. (Your van's nose hairs, basically.) 

Lashing hooks

Handy little hooks to which you can attach rope or bungee cords. They're there to secure the products or equipment you're transporting. You'll find them in the corners of the load space, and even in the middle of the sides if you're lucky.

Loading bay, AKA the "load space"

The bit where you don't sit. It has a slightly different meaning to "body" because it's just for objects. A loading bay never has seats.

Load-through hatch

A small hole in the wall of the loading bay. It allows you to transport longer poles or ladders by extending them forwards.

Lining

Working vans take a lot of punishment as kit is loaded in and out every day. You'd be surprised how swiftly this wear and tear can add up to serious metalwork damage. The lining is an inner skin of carpet or plywood that covers the floor of the loading bay – and often the sides – to provide extra protection. 

Luton, AKA the "Luton box"

A Luton van's body extends over the top of the cabin to provide extra storage or sleeping space. This extra compartment is called the Luton, or Luton box. 

Racking

Internal storage that's often designed and installed according to the needs of the user. For instance, a home shopping delivery van might have wide shelves fitted up both internal sides, for stacking crates.

Radiator

A heatexchanger that cools the engine, usually by circulating fluid. It sits between the engine and the grille.

Roller door

A big metal roller-blind, which covers the van's whole rear panel and slides up and down with a satisfying clang. (Watch you don't trap your fingers!)

Roof Rack

Extra storage attached to the roof of the van, made up of intersecting bars you can tie stuff to. Ensure you affix them very securely (so they don't fly off at high speed), and check the new height of the van. Make sure to include anything you've tied to the roof rack. 

Splitter

A van whose body is split into two sections, with a passenger area in front of the loading bay. Splitters are popular with touring bands, musicians and performers. 

Tail lift

A metal panel that folds out flat on the floor so you can wheel your heavy load on. It lifts the load up for you, and you wheel it straight off into the loading bay – without ever risking doing your back in by hoiking things up into the van!

Tow hitch

A strong metal knob in the middle of your rear bumper to which you can safely attach a trailer or caravan. Note that many rental contracts don't allow towing.

Wheelbase

Another way to talk about how much space there is in the van. This is the measurement from the middle of the back wheel to the middle of the front wheel.

Wing, AKA the "fender"

This arched panel protects your wheel and can easily sustain damage.

At Metro Vehicle Hire, we speak your language – and we're always here to help. So get in touch today – or find out more about our fleet of high-spec vans for rent in Newcastle.