The van conversions market offers a wide array of solutions for businesses and leisure users seeking more than a standard van can provide. Whether it’s transforming a vehicle into a practical workhorse or a home-on-wheels, conversions can be tailored to suit a variety of requirements.
Why choose a professional van conversion?
While DIY options exist, professionally installed conversions are typically the better choice, especially when buying a new van. Many manufacturers partner with approved converters, ensuring the build meets required standards and preserves the vehicle’s warranty. These conversions are also more likely to be type-approved, streamlining registration and use.
Types of van conversions
Commercial van conversions serve a broad range of industries, with designs focused on utility and efficiency:
- Dropside vans: A common conversion, dropside vans feature an open aluminium bed with hinged side panels for easy loading. Typically built on chassis cab versions of large vans (e.g. Ford Transit, Citroën Relay, Mercedes Sprinter), they offer a simple yet highly functional setup.
- Tippers: Building on the dropside design, tippers incorporate a hydraulic ram that lifts the bed to quickly unload materials. Safety systems prevent operation while driving and ensure secure handling. Three-way tippers add side-tilt capabilities, improving roadside accessibility.
- Box vans: These feature a large, square cargo area mounted to a single cab chassis, ideal for volume-based transport without wheel arch intrusion. Access typically comes via a roller shutter, with optional hydraulic tail lifts. Curtain-side versions replace solid walls with vinyl sheets for faster loading.
- Luton vans: Recognisable by the over-cab extension, Luton vans provide extra cargo space and are popular for removals and high-volume hauling. While some manufacturers (e.g. Ford, Renault) offer these directly, many are built by specialist converters.
- Flatbeds: Designed for transporting large, heavy, or irregular loads, flatbeds are built with reinforced platforms. Some versions include ramps for vehicle recovery or machinery transport, commonly used by breakdown services or plant hire firms.
- Refrigerated vans: Essential for chilled or frozen goods, these conversions feature insulated cargo areas and dedicated cooling systems. Generators ensure temperature control without compromising the van’s electrical system.
- Specialist conversions: Beyond standard setups, some conversions are tailored for emergency services, utility companies, or infrastructure maintenance. These may include firefighting kits, hydraulic platforms, or cherry pickers with stabilising equipment.
Regulatory considerations
Professionally installed conversions from manufacturer-approved partners are typically type approved, meaning they meet national safety and quality standards and can be registered, sold, and used immediately. In contrast, bespoke or one-off builds may require Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) from the UK Vehicle Certification Agency to confirm compliance with all applicable road safety regulations.
Bespoke box van conversions: Tailored leasing solutions for your business
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we specialise in providing custom van conversions designed to meet the unique operational needs of your business. Whether you’re transporting bulky items or require quick, efficient access for deliveries in busy urban environments, our box body van conversions offer the ideal solution.
Why lease a box van conversion with us?
Box vans are a practical, spacious, and reliable choice for businesses handling large or heavy cargo. Their square load area maximises internal capacity, making them ideal for a wide range of commercial applications.
Key benefits of leasing a box van conversion from us include:
- Enhanced storage capacity: Compared to standard panel vans, box vans offer significantly more room, making them perfect for transporting high-volume or awkwardly shaped items.
- Fully customisable designs: Our bespoke conversions allow for tailored interior fittings such as shelving, temperature control units, tail lifts, or other specialist equipment to suit your operations.
- A wide range of chassis options: We work with leading manufacturers to offer a broad selection of chassis cabs, ensuring the right foundation for your customised box van.
Curtain sider van conversions: Flexible solutions for fast-paced operations
When operational speed and side access are crucial, curtain-sider vans provide an ideal solution. Combining the structure of a box or Luton van with side PVC curtains, the curtainsider van conversions offer rapid access to the load area, perfect for urban deliveries or high-frequency loading environments.
What is a curtainsider van?
A curtain sider van features retractable curtain-style sides, supported by a durable aluminium and galvanised steel frame. These curtains slide open easily, offering quick access to any part of the load area, while full-height rear barn doors accommodate bulkier freight.
Why choose a curtain sider conversion?
- Efficient loading and unloading: Side access allows for faster operations, especially in locations without dedicated loading bays, minimising downtime and improving delivery speeds.
- Forklift-friendly design: Easy side access enables safe loading and unloading with a forklift, ideal for palletised freight.
- Versatile cargo capability: Suitable for a range of industries, curtain siders are commonly used for palletised goods, large bags, or any self-contained cargo that benefits from side-loading access.
Bespoke curtain side van leasing: Tailored to your business
If an off-the-shelf curtain van doesn’t meet your requirements, our bespoke conversion service ensures a perfect fit. We offer a variety of chassis cab options including models from Ford, Peugeot, Citroën, Renault, and Maxus.
Our curtain side van conversion process:
- Consultation and needs assessment: We’ll discuss your business operations, typical loads, and any specific requirements such as tail lifts, tow bars, or low loader configurations.
- Fast turnaround: Bespoke curtain sider conversions are typically completed in just 4–6 weeks, typically much faster than ordering a factory-built alternative.
- Flexible leasing options: We offer business contract hire, finance lease, and lease purchase on all conversions, whether you choose a ready-bodied vehicle or commission a fully customised build.
Custom dropside van conversions: Built for your business, delivered on your terms
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we understand that one-size-fits-all rarely works in the commercial vehicle world. That’s why we offer bespoke dropside van conversions tailored to meet the specific demands of your business—whether you’re in construction, landscaping, logistics, or any trade that requires strength, flexibility, and fast access to cargo.
If you’re struggling to find a factory-built dropside van in stock, our conversion service is the ideal solution. We work with a wide range of chassis cabs from leading manufacturers, transforming them into purpose-built vehicles—delivered in just 4 to 6 weeks, fully customised and ready for the road.
What is a dropside van, and why choose one?
A dropside van features a flatbed cargo area with low, hinged side panels that fold down for easy access, making loading and unloading quick and efficient. Unlike enclosed vans, dropsides are perfect for transporting heavy, loose, or awkwardly shaped loads like bricks, soil, pallets, or construction materials.
Key features of dropside vans include:
- Open flatbed with folding sides for rapid and flexible loading
- Anchoring points to keep loads secure during transit
- Forklift and manual access from all sides
- Ideal for construction, landscaping, and general trade use
A fully customised dropside leasing experience
While many manufacturers offer factory dropside vans, our bespoke conversion service gives you far greater flexibility. Here’s how the process works:
- Chassis cab selection: Choose from a wide range of chassis cabs—including single or crew cabs, depending on your team size and required load space.
- Specialist conversion: Once your base vehicle is selected, our experienced technicians will build a dropside body to your exact specifications. Optional extras like Chapter 8 chevrons, light bars, or tail lifts can also be added.
- Seamless delivery: After conversion and final quality checks, your customised dropside van is delivered directly to your location—ready for immediate use.
Popular dropside van conversion options
We offer dropside van conversions using chassis cabs from the most trusted brands in the industry. Here are some of our most requested models:
- Citroën Relay dropside: Robust and versatile, with reinforced rear suspension, single and crew cab variants, and generous body widths up to 2200mm
- Ford Transit dropside: A cost-effective, reliable platform with a wide choice of wheelbase lengths (L2 to L5) and dual or single rear-wheel options to suit any configuration.
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dropside: Class-leading reliability and performance, available in chassis cab or crew cab, with outstanding build quality and payload capability.
- Volkswagen Crafter dropside: Two wheelbases and up to 8.7m² of load space, offering strength, space, and German engineering for demanding work environments.
- Vauxhall Movano dropside: Designed for flexibility with multiple GVWs, body lengths, and drivetrain options—including heavy-duty twin rear wheels.
- Iveco Daily dropside: A standout for businesses needing power and connectivity, the Daily supports GVWs up to 7.2 tonnes and body lengths over 6m, ideal for larger operations.
Why lease your dropside van conversion with us?
With over a decade of experience supplying dropside vans, our team brings unmatched industry knowledge and reliable support. We are BVRLA-accredited, giving you peace of mind that your vehicle lease is compliant, transparent, and expertly managed.
Flatbed van conversions – Built to handle the heavy lifting
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we specialise in creating bespoke flatbed van conversions from a wide range of high-quality chassis cabs. Whether you’re in vehicle recovery, construction, or heavy goods transport, our custom-built flatbed trucks are designed to handle your most demanding jobs with ease and efficiency.
What is a flatbed van?
Also referred to as a flatbed truck, this type of vehicle features a flat, level loading area with no sides or roof. This open design makes it ideal for transporting:
- Bulky or oversized items
- Heavy loads
- Irregularly shaped equipment
- Flatbeds are commonly used for vehicle recovery, scaffolding, and transporting heavy machinery or building materials.
Why lease a flatbed van conversion?
If your business requires flexibility and durability, a flatbed van conversion offers a smart and scalable transport solution. Here’s what makes it the right choice for many commercial operators:
- Unrestricted loading space: Easily accommodate oversized or awkwardly shaped items that wouldn’t fit inside a standard van.
- Fast, efficient loading & unloading: With no sides or roof to navigate, you can load and unload goods quickly using forklifts or cranes.
- Tailored to your needs: Choose from custom add-ons such as side rails, toolboxes, winches, ramps, or specialist recovery gear.
- Reliable base vehicles: We convert chassis cabs from top manufacturers like Ford, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and more, so you get both quality and performance.
Luton van conversions – Spacious, practical, and fully customisable
When your business depends on moving bulky items efficiently, a Luton van conversion lease gives you the space and features you need, tailored specifically to your trade. Whether you’re in removals, deliveries, or logistics, our bespoke Luton van conversions are built to handle your daily load with ease.
What is a Luton van?
Named after the town where they were first built, Luton vans feature a distinctive box-shaped body that extends over the cab, creating additional storage space. Unlike most panel vans, they have no intruding wheel arches, meaning you get a perfectly square cargo area—ideal for transporting large or stackable items.
Types of Luton vans available
We offer several types of Luton van conversions to match your operational requirements:
- Standard Luton van: The classic option with maximum vertical storage and clean, square cargo space.
- Luton van with tail lift: Adds a powered rear lift capable of handling up to 500kg, perfect for businesses dealing with heavy loads. (Note: Payload capacity is reduced by ~250kg with this option.)
- Low loader (low floor) luton van: With a loading height of just 55cm, these are ideal for high-frequency deliveries or businesses requiring easy manual loading. Optional ramps can be fitted for even more convenience.
- Electric Luton vans: Ford eTransit chassis cab (Up to 249-mile range with extended battery). Maxus Deliver 9 chassis cab (Up to 219 miles of range). These EV chassis provide the ideal platform for zero-emission Luton conversions, including tail lifts or low-loader formats.
Why choose a Luton van conversion lease?
Factory-built Luton vans are often in short supply and may not match your exact specifications. By opting for a Luton van conversion, you gain:
- Full customisation – Choose body length, floor height, internal fixtures, and add-ons like racking, shelving, ply lining, load restraint systems, tail lifts, and vehicle branding.
- Faster availability – While factory builds can take 4–6 months, we typically deliver converted Luton vans in just 4–6 weeks.
- Greater flexibility – Build your van around your business needs with chassis options not available in off-the-shelf models.
Best Luton van conversions – Affordable, reliable, and ready to work
Looking for the best value on a Luton van lease? We’ve partnered with one of the UK’s leading converters to offer exclusive deals on the Renault Master Luton van conversion, making it one of the most cost-effective options currently available.
In addition to the Renault Master, we also supply and convert other popular chassis cabs, including:
- Maxus Deliver 9 Luton van – A fantastic value-for-money choice with electric options available.
- Ford Transit Luton van – Known for its reliability and wide availability.
- Citroën Relay Luton van – A flexible platform ideal for heavy-duty commercial use.
- Peugeot Boxer Luton van – Offers excellent payload capacity with a spacious box body.
Tipper van: Versatile load handling
A tipper van features a flat load bed with fold-down aluminium sides and a hydraulic tipping mechanism, making it ideal for transporting and unloading loose materials such as soil, gravel, building waste, or pallets. With the ability to carry up to four pallets, tipper vans offer great versatility.
If you need a van that’s ready to handle heavy-duty loads, our bespoke tipper van conversions provide the ultimate solution. Designed for sectors like construction, landscaping, and waste management, tipper vans offer fast, safe unloading and efficient operation, even under the toughest conditions.
Key benefits of a tipper van include:
- Tipper and caged tipper van conversions – Built for tough jobs
- Easy loading – Flatbed design with fold-down sides
- Quick unloading – Rear or side tipping options
- Damage-resistant – Sides drop below deck height to reduce forklift damage
- Secure transport – Add anchoring points to prevent load shifting
- Caged tipper vans – Secure and spacious – Need to move larger, bulkier materials? Opt for a cage tipper. This modification enhances load security and increases the vehicle’s capacity. Caged tippers are perfect for landscape waste, scrap materials, or council clean-up work, and they can be locked for added security.
1-way vs 3-way tippers
One-way tippers tip only from the rear; therefore, they’re simpler to build and typically cheaper. On the other hand, three-way tippers tip from the rear as well as both sides, making them ideal for flexible site access and tight urban spaces.
What’s the difference between tippers and dropsides?
While dropside vans feature similar flatbed designs, only tipper vans include a hydraulic mechanism for unloading. This makes tippers heavier but more practical for certain industries. If payload capacity is your top priority, a dropside may be a better fit. Talk to our experts for personalised advice.
Bespoke tipper conversions – delivered in 4–6 weeks
Unlike factory-built tipper vans, which often have long lead times, our conversions can be ready in just 4 to 6 weeks, saving you both time and hassle. You’ll have the flexibility to tailor your van exactly how you need it, choosing between a single or crew cab, specifying your ideal body length, adding protective cages, or fitting Chapter 8 signage and light bars for full compliance.
Our team will work with you to select the perfect base vehicle, whether it’s a Ford Transit, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay, or another trusted model, and we’ll handle the entire conversion process from start to finish.
Simple leasing with all costs covered
When you lease a converted vehicle through us, the cost of the conversion is included in your lease payments—no separate invoices or large upfront investments. Your contract terms work exactly like a standard van lease with options including Contract Hire, Finance Lease, or Lease Purchase.
Our streamlined conversion process includes:
- Consultation: Our expert team will assess your needs and recommend the most suitable chassis cab for your business.
- Professional conversion: Skilled technicians carry out the conversion to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
- Nationwide delivery: Once your custom van is ready, we’ll deliver it to your premises, ready for use.
Your ideal van, built around your business
Whether you’re starting a new contract, expanding your fleet, or making the switch to electric, our team is here to support you every step of the way. At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we specialise in helping businesses find the right van and finance solution to match their operational needs.
Every leasing agreement can be fully tailored to suit your requirements—from initial rental and mileage limits to contract length and optional maintenance packages. Our maintenance cover includes servicing, repairs, MOTs, and tyre replacements, ensuring your vehicle stays road-ready with minimal downtime.
