We offer LWB and SWB Volkswagen Transporter vans at Your Camper. Here, we will explain the meaning of these abbreviations and explain the differences between the two to help you decide which option is right for you.

LWB van and SWB van meaning

LWB stands for long wheelbase whereas SWB means short wheelbase. This refers to the distance between the centre of the front wheels and the centre of the rear wheels. LWB vans have a larger gap between the front and rear wheels than SWB versions and are longer overall.

VW Transporter LWB vs SWB

VW Transporter T6.1 vans are available with a long wheelbase or a short wheelbase. The LWB versions are 5.3 metres in length whereas the SWB versions are 4.9 metres in length, so the difference between the two is around 0.4 metres. 

You can identify which type of wheelbase a Volkswagen Transporter van has by looking to see if the sliding door comes right up to the rear wheel arch or whether there is a slight gap between where the door ends and the wheel arch begins. 

So, which wheelbase option should you go for? Here are the pros and cons of LWB and SWB VW Transporter vans.

LWB Volkswagen Transporter camper van pros

• LWB options are longer and have more space inside, which could be used for a larger bed, a bigger kitchen or more storage.

•  Having more storage may mean that you are able to camp out in the middle of nowhere for longer before needing to return to civilization to stock up on essentials!

• A VW Transporter camper van with a LWB also delivers a smoother ride, due to more time between the front wheels and back wheels hitting bumps in the road, which makes the ride more comfortable. This can be a real benefit when travelling long distances.

SWB Volkswagen Transporter camper van pros

• SWB Transporter camper vans are smaller and more agile, which helps them to perform better when driving through towns and cities.
   

•  Due to their smaller turning circle, these vans are easier to manoeuvre in tight areas and parking spaces. This is also useful for meeting situations on narrow country lanes.
   

•  If you like heading off the beaten track and are likely to encounter some rough terrain, a van with a SWB is better suited to helping you through without getting stuck.
   

• Finally, a SWB VW Transporter camper van will be less expensive than its exact LWB counterpart. 

Verdict

Both Volkswagen options have their advantages and the best option for you will depend on your personal circumstances and preferences. If you have a larger family, you are likely to benefit from the additional storage that the LWB has to offer, but if you’ll spend a lot of time on narrow rural roads, city streets or off road, a SWB may be more suitable. Either way, with just a 40cm difference between the two, you can’t go too far wrong with your choice.

New VW campervans for sale in Glasgow

Hopefully this article has given you all of the information that you need to decide whether a LWB or SWB is right for you. When you are happy with your choice, come and visit Your Camper and see our range of campervan conversions and finance options in Scotland or inquire about our campervan conversion service!