Loading a van safely

By the end of this topic you can

• You can work out a van's payload from its plated weights.
• You can plan where heavy and light items go in the load space.
• You can secure a load with straps, load points and the bulkhead.
• You can adjust your driving for a heavy or tall load.

What you need to know and understand

• MAM is the most the van may weigh fully loaded, including driver, passengers, fuel and cargo.
• Payload is roughly MAM minus the van's actual weight ready to drive. Adding a roof rack, racking or a tow bar reduces it.
• Overloading is an offence and lengthens stopping distances, overheats brakes and can damage tyres and suspension.
• Each axle also has its own plated limit, so an unevenly loaded van can be illegal even under the overall MAM.
• Every load must be secured so it cannot move, fall or shed onto the road.
• Heavier loads may need higher tyre pressures; follow the figures in the van handbook.

How much can this van carry?

Find the MAM and axle limits on the manufacturer's plate. The brochure payload often assumes a bare van with no driver and little fuel, so the real figure is usually lower. If you carry heavy materials such as tiles, cement, water or metal, it is easy to hit the limit long before the van looks full.

When in doubt, weigh it. Public weighbridges at quarries, co-ops and scrapyards can give you a quick reading for a small fee. Weigh both the whole van and, if possible, each axle.

Packing the load space

1. Put the heaviest items on the floor, low down and against the bulkhead behind the cab.
2. Spread the weight evenly from side to side and keep it between the axles where you can.
3. Stack lighter items on top and towards the back.
4. Fill gaps with dunnage, empty pallets or packing so items cannot slide.
5. Strap the load to the van's lashing points with rated straps; never tie to racking or trim that is not designed for it.
6. Close and check every door, and make sure nothing blocks your mirrors or the rear view camera.

Roof racks, ladders and long loads

• Check the roof load limit in the handbook. It is often much lower than people expect.
• Tie ladders and pipes at both ends so they cannot slide forward under braking.
• A roof load raises the centre of gravity, so take bends and roundabouts more slowly and watch for side winds.
• Add the roof load to your vehicle height before you meet a low bridge, car park barrier or drive-through.
• A load sticking out beyond the back of the van must be clearly marked so other road users can see it.

Common mistakes

• Trusting the brochure payload. Weigh the van as you actually use it.
• Leaving loose tools on the floor or seat. In a sudden stop they become missiles; stow them in a secured box.
• Loading everything at the back doors. This lightens the front axle, which hurts steering and braking grip.
• Using old or frayed straps. Check straps before each trip and replace damaged ones.
• Driving a loaded van the same way as an empty one. Brake earlier and corner more gently.

Test yourself: Loading a van safely

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.