Understanding the weight classifications and limits of a minibus is essential for safe driving, legal compliance, and making the right purchasing decision. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Carry Capacity are two questions often asked when looking into buying a Minibus. There’s a common misconception that for GVW and Carrying Capacity the Ford Transit in a 17 Seater configuration is the best vehicle on the market. It’s a great choice; but is it the best?
We’ll outline the facts below on a few manufacturers vehicles to help you find a suitable Minibus with the Carrying Capacity/Gross Vehicle Weight you need.
We manufacture our Ford Transit Minibus conversions on the Ford Transit 350 Model.
Van Weights exc driver (*Manufacturer Website):
If you’re considering a carriage capacity of 17, Driver and for example 16 Teenagers. The average weight of Teenage Boy is 62kg and 55kg for a Teenage Girl. 16 Male Teenage passengers, without any bags or equipment weigh 992kg if we add the average weight of a UK adult (Male – 85.1kg Female – 72.8kg) we’ve a running total of at least 1,077.1kg.
The facts paint a cautionary picture, that some individuals may potentially be operating a Minibus illegally as they’ve unknowingly exceeded the GVW.
The Peugeot Boxer we use for our Minibus Conversions.
Van Weights exc driver (*Manufacturer Website):
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
This is the maximum operating weight/mass of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer including the Minibus, fuel, driver, passengers and cargo.
Unladen Weight (ULW)
Kerb Weight / Unladen Weight (ULW) – is the total weight of the Minibus while not loaded with either passengers or cargo.
Payload
This is the GVW minus the ULW, which gives you a figure of how much weight you can carry in terms of people, fuel and luggage.
Ford Transit 17 Seat Minibus
GVW – 4,600 KG
ULW – 3,113 KG*
Payload – 1,487 KG*
Peugeot Boxer 17 Seat Minibus
GVW – 4,250 KG
ULW – 2,686 KG*
Payload – 1,564 KG*
If you’re interested in a Minibus World minibus, please email sales@minibus-online.co.uk or call 01782 444289 to speak to our friendly sales team.
*Please note the above ULW & Payload weights are approximate and may vary slightly from bus to bus, each bus supplied is weighed individually and labelled with its ULW. Please note conditions apply for driving a minibus on a standard B licence. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure they are legally entitled to drive the vehicle. This is not legal advice and we do not offer legal advice.*