Gorilla Vans Guides & Advice
Straightforward advice for buying and financing a van
Practical guides based on the questions customers ask us every day — from Finance Lease and Hire Purchase to tax considerations, vehicle choice and running a commercial vehicle.
Tax & finance
Latest guide
Finance Lease vs Hire Purchase for a Van: Tax Benefits Explained
Understand the main UK tax and VAT differences between buying a commercial van on Hire Purchase and funding it with a Finance Lease, including a worked £35,000 + VAT example.
Read the guideTax relief
How capital allowances and lease-rental deductions differ.
Commercial-vehicle VAT
Why the VAT cash-flow timing can differ between HP and Finance Lease.
Conversions advice
Payload, dimensions and working-body safety
Technical buying guides for Tippers, Dropsides and chassis conversions — written around the questions that decide whether a vehicle actually works on site.
Van Payload Explained
Understand 3.5t GVW, axle limits and real carrying capacity, with current Interstar Dropside and Tipper examples.
Read guideVan Dimensions Explained
L1, L2, L3, H1 and H2 explained using real working-body and load-bed dimensions.
Read guideSingle vs Twin Rear Wheel
Compare SRW and DRW chassis choices for payload, rear-axle duty and specialist conversions.
Read guideTipper & Dropside Legal Requirements
Load security, working at height, fall arrest, sheeting, weights and safe tipping explained.
Read guideNeed a vehicle-specific answer?
Tax treatment depends on the business and the exact agreement. We can explain the vehicle and finance structure, then your accountant can confirm the tax treatment for your circumstances.