When it comes to hiring a van, not all vans are built the same. At Hire2You, Some of our most popular choices for movers, builders, landscapers, and tradespeople are Lutons, flatbeds and tippers. On the surface, it may be difficult to decipher which van will suit your needs , They are all tough, practical vehicles built for carrying heavy or awkward loads. But depending on the job you’re doing, one might suit you much better than the other.
If you’re not sure whether to hire a Luton, flatbed or a tipper, this guide will help you decide.
What is a Flatbed?
A flatbed is essentially what the name implies, an open back vehicle with a long bed that has no roof or sides. It is perfect for carrying big, heavy or awkward loads, that wouldn’t normally fit in a standard van.
Best for:
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Transporting pallets of bricks, blocks, or timber.
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Moving awkward-shaped equipment or machinery.
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Jobs where loading with a forklift is easier than hand-stacking.
Key advantage: Flatbeds are simple, versatile, and can handle loads of different shapes and sizes. If you’re working on a site where forklifts are available, loading and unloading is quick and easy.
What is a Tipper?
A tipper whilst extremely similar to a flatbed, has minor differences which in turn makes it use cases different too. It has a similar open back flat bed body, However the bed itself is marginally shorter than the normal flatbed, which isn’t ideal for longer loads. The tipper, as the name implies also has the ability to tip its bed allowing for easy removal of the contents.
Best for:
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Landscaping and garden clearance.
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Construction work that involves soil, sand, or hardcore.
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Rubbish and waste removal jobs.
Key advantage: A tipper saves hours of back-breaking work. Instead of shoveling or unloading by hand, the van does the hard work for you.
What is a Luton?
Luton vans are the classic “big box” vans you see helping people move house. They come with tall, enclosed bodies and usually a tail lift at the back to help get heavy items in.
Best for:
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House removals (furniture, appliances, boxes)
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Office moves (desks, chairs, equipment)
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Large, fragile items that need to stay dry and secure
Why hire a Luton?
They’re designed for volume. The box shape means you can stack and pack with ease, making the most of every inch of space. The tail lift is a lifesaver when it comes to loading heavy furniture like fridges or wardrobes. If you’re moving home, a Luton is almost always the best choice – fewer trips, easier loading, and peace of mind that your belongings are protected from the weather.
Choosing the Right Van for the Job
Still not sure which van you need? Here’s a quick guide:
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Flatbed: Best for bulky, awkward items that need open space.
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Tipper: Best for heavy loads where fast unloading is key.
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Luton: Best for big, enclosed moves where protection matters.
The good news is you don’t need to figure it out alone. At Hire2You, we’ll ask what job you’ve got lined up and make sure you get the right van for it.
Whether you’re a tradesperson, a business owner, or just someone planning a big move, Hire2You has the van for you. Get in touch today to book your flatbed, tipper, or Luton, and make your next job a whole lot simpler.