Look no further… This van size guide outlines every potential panel van in the United Kingdom that you may choose from when building your camper conversion. Unless you already know what model of van you require, then it can be difficult to research all the various sizes across the different manufacturers.
This guide collates all that information into one blog post with two informative tables (interior load space & exterior dimensions). With each wheelbase of the van make and model listed, it allows you to easily make comparisons between lengths, widths and heights. It’s recommended that you print these tables of dimensions so that you can later cross off, compare and highlight any that tick the appropriate boxes for you.
Table of Contents
- The Panel Van Size Guide: Terminology
- Printable Panel Van Size Guide Comparison List (UK)
- Quick Recap of the Van Dimensions
- What is the widest van in the UK?
- Which van has the largest interior?
- Which van has the longest load length?
- Which van fits inside a typical parking space?
- Which panel van is the thinnest?
- What vans are tall enough to stand in?
- Which van is the tallest inside?
- Which van has the largest payload?
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The Panel Van Size Guide: Terminology
You will most definitely come across some lingo during your research that is specific to panel vans. Continue reading to gain an understanding of what each of these various words and terms means so that you can find the perfect van for you.
What is the Wheelbase?
The wheelbase of a van is the distance between the centre point of the front wheels and the centre point of the back wheels. This is not to be confused with the overall length of the vehicle.
Each wheelbase size has an abbreviation that is commonly used when van sizes are being described:
SWB stands for the short wheelbase.
LWB stands for long wheelbase.
XLWB, or sometimes ELWB, is self-explanatory from there.
What does L1, L2, L3, H1, H2 and H3 mean?
These abbreviations are used to describe the overall size of each vehicle. It’s necessary to understand this terminology before you begin your search:
H1, H2 and H3 are the various height points that the manufacturer has built the van model in.
L1, L2 and L3 are the different length options that the manufacturer has built the van model in.
Printable Panel Van Size Guide Comparison List (UK)
This panel van size guide is based on the latest models of 2021, so other models may vary in size. The measurements are in metres to the nearest decimal point. Consequently, please double-check any dimensions before buying any vehicle because this guide is for approximate comparison purposes only.
Interior Load Area Dimensions
| Length | Width | Height | |
| Citroen Relay (SWB) | 2.7 | 1.9 | 1.7 |
| Citroen Relay (MWB) | 3.1 | 1.9 | 1.7, 1.9 |
| Citroen Relay (LWB) | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.9, 2.2 |
| Citroen Relay (XLWB) | 4.1 | 1.9 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Fiat Ducato (SWB) | 2.7 | 1.9 | 1.7, 1.9 |
| Fiat Ducato (MWB) | 3.1 | 1.9 | 1.7, 1.9 |
| Fiat Ducato (LWB) | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.9, 2.2 |
| Fiat Ducato (XLWB) | 4.1 | 1.9 | 1.9, 2.2 |
| Ford Transit Custom (SWB) | 2.6 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Ford Transit Custom (LWB) | 2.9 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Ford Transit (SWB) | 3.0 | 1.8 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Ford Transit (MWB) | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Ford Transit (LWB) | 4.2 | 1.8 | 2.0 |
| Iveco Daily (SWB) | 2.6 | 1.7 | 1.5 |
| Iveco Daily (MWB) | 3.1, 3.5 | 1.7 | 1.5, 1.9, 2.1 |
| Iveco Daily (LWB) | 4.7, 5.1 | 1.7 | 2.1 |
| Mercedes Sprinter (SWB) | 2.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
| Mercedes Sprinter (MWB) | 3.4 | 1.8 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Mercedes Sprinter (LWB) | 4.4 | 1.8 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Mercedes Sprinter (XLWB) | 4.8 | 1.8 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Peugeot Boxer (SWB) | 2.7 | 1.9 | 1.7 |
| Peugeot Boxer (MWB) | 3.1 | 1.9 | 1.7, 1.9 |
| Peugeot Boxer (LWB) | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.9 |
| Peugeot Boxer (XLWB) | 4.0 | 1.9 | 1.9, 2.2 |
| Renault Master (SWB) | 2.6 | 1.8 | 1.7, 1.9 |
| Renault Master (MWB) | 3.1 | 1.8 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Renault Master (LWB) | 3.7 | 1.8 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Trafic, Vivaro, Primastar (SWB) | 2.5 | 1.7 | 1.4, 1.9 |
| Trafic, Vivaro, Primastar (LWB) | 2.9 | 1.7 | 1.4, 1.9 |
| Vauxhall Movano (SWB) | 2.6 | 1.8 | 1.7, 1.9 |
| Vauxhall Movano (MWB) | 3.0 | 1.8 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Vauxhall Movano (LWB) | 3.7 | 1.8 | 1.9, 2.1 |
| Vauxhall Movano (XLWB) | 4.4 | 1.8 | 1.8, 2.0 |
| Volkswagen Crafter (SWB) | 2.6 | 1.8 | 1.7, 1.9 |
| Volkswagen Crafter (MWB) | 3.3 | 1.8 | 2.1 |
| Volkswagen Crafter (LWB) | 4.3 | 1.8 | 2.1 |
| Volkswagen Transporter (SWB) | 2.6 | 1.7 | 1.4, 1.6 |
| Volkswagen Transporter (LWB) | 3.0 | 1.7 | 1,4, 1.6, 1.9 |
Exterior Dimensions
The following sizes have been noted in metres. Width dimensions do not include the side mirrors.
| Length | Width | Height | |
| Citroen Relay (SWB) | 5.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Citroen Relay (MWB) | 5.4 | 2.3 | 2.3, 2.5 |
| Citroen Relay (LWB) | 6.0 | 2.3 | 2.5, 2.8 |
| Citroen Relay (XLWB) | 6.3 | 2.3 | 2.5, 2.8 |
| Fiat Ducato (SWB) | 5.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Fiat Ducato (MWB) | 5.4 | 2.3 | 2.3, 2.5 |
| Fiat Ducato (LWB) | 6.0 | 2.3 | 2.5, 2.8 |
| Fiat Ducato (XLWB) | 6.4 | 2.3 | 2.5, 2.8 |
| Ford Transit Custom (SWB) | 5.0 | 2.0 | 2.0, 2.4 |
| Ford Transit Custom (LWB) | 5.3 | 2.0 | 2.0, 2.3 |
| Ford Transit (SWB) | 5.5 | 2.4 | 2.5, 2.8 |
| Ford Transit (MWB) | 6.0 | 2.4 | 2.5, 2.8 |
| Ford Transit (LWB) | 6.7 | 2.4 | 2.8 |
| Iveco Daily (SWB) | 5.1 | 2.0 | 2.3 |
| Iveco Daily (MWB) | 5.7, 6.0 | 2.0 | 2.3, 2.7, 2.9 |
| Iveco Daily (LWB) | 7.2, 7.6 | 2.0 | 2.7, 2.9 |
| Mercedes Sprinter (SWB) | 5.2 | 2.4 | 2.4, 2.7 |
| Mercedes Sprinter (MWB) | 5.9 | 2.4 | 2.4, 2.8 |
| Mercedes Sprinter (LWB) | 7.0 | 2.4 | 2.8, 3.0 |
| Mercedes Sprinter (XLWB) | 7.3 | 2.4 | 2.8, 3.0 |
| Peugeot Boxer (SWB) | 5.0 | 2.1 | 2.3 |
| Peugeot Boxer (MWB) | 5.4 | 2.1 | 2.3, 2.5 |
| Peugeot Boxer (LWB) | 6.0 | 2.1 | 2.5 |
| Peugeot Boxer (XLWB) | 6.4 | 2.1 | 2.8 |
| Renault Master (SWB) | 5.1 | 2.3 | 2.3, 2.5 |
| Renault Master (MWB) | 5.6 | 2.3 | 2.5, 2.7 |
| Renault Master (LWB) | 6.2 | 2.3 | 2.5, 2.8 |
| Trafic, Vivaro, Primastar (SWB) | 5.0 | 2.0 | 2.0, 2.5 |
| Trafic, Vivaro, Primastar (LWB) | 5.4 | 2.0 | 2.0, 2.5 |
| Vauxhall Movano (SWB) | 5.0 | 2.1 | 2.3, 2.5 |
| Vauxhall Movano (MWB) | 5.5 | 2.1 | 2.5, 2.7 |
| Vauxhall Movano (LWB) | 6.2 | 2.1 | 2.5, 2.7 |
| Vauxhall Movano (XLWB) | 6.8 | 2.1 | 2.6, 2.8 |
| Volkswagen Crafter (SWB) | 5.2 | 2.0 | 2.4 |
| Volkswagen Crafter (MWB) | 5.9 | 2.0 | 2.7 |
| Volkswagen Crafter (LWB) | 6.9 | 2.0 | 2.9 |
| Volkswagen Transporter (SWB) | 4.9 | 1.9 | 2.0, 2.2 |
| Volkswagen Transporter (LWB) | 5.3 | 1.9 | 2.0, 2.1, 2.5 |
ALSO: The Best Vans to Turn into Campers
Quick Recap of the Van Dimensions
Below are questions that are frequently asked about panel van dimensions. The answers are based upon the above information within this van size guide.
What is the widest van in the UK?
The Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay are the UK’s widest panel vans available. Each has a maximum load width of approximately 1.9 metres.
Which van has the largest interior?
The panel van with the largest load space is the Iveco Daily 4100L H3. This van is capable of a whopping 19.6 cubic metres! In joint second place are the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter XLWB (Super High), Vauxhall Movano L4H3 and the Citroen Relay L4H3, all of which can load up to 17 cubic metres.
Which van has the longest load length?
The Iveco Daily 4100 L has the longest load length, with the maximum being 5.1 metres. However, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (XLWB) is a popular choice amongst those looking for, not the longest panel van, but one of the longer load spaces. This has a load length of approximately 4.8 metres.
Which van fits inside a typical parking space?
A typical parking space in the UK is approximately 2.4m x 4.8m. Therefore, the following vans will fit comfortably into a parking space:
- Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro and Nissan Primastar
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Ford Transit Custom
Which panel van is the thinnest?
The Volkswagen Transporter has the smallest width. Perfect for those small country roads!
SEE: The Campervan Wiring Diagram for Induction Hobs
What vans are tall enough to stand in?
These would include the high-roof models only.
- Ford Transit
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Volkswagen Crafter
- Peugeot Boxer
- Iveco Daily
- Fiat Ducato
- Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro and Nissan Primastar
- Citroen Relay
- Ford Transit Custom
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Renault Master
Which van is the tallest inside?
The Citroen Relay, Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer all offer the highest ceiling height in a panel van. If you require something bigger, look into Luton vans.
Which van has the largest payload?
The Vauxhall Movano L1H1 has the highest maximum payload of any 3.5-tonne panel van. It’s capable of carrying 1620kg. However, because it has a small load space, you will be limited in size to what you can carry.
The Renault Master (SWB) with the higher roof has a decent maximum payload of 1610kg.
Additionally, Fiat Ducato’s are also a good choice when selecting a panel van with a higher payload capacity.
Ready to commit to a specific van model and wheelbase? Read this, Beginner's Guide to Buying a Van.
Let’s go!
@katie.maree
Van Conversion Plumbing Diagram
This ready-planned basic water system will save you many valuable hours of research! The plumbing setup is so simple to put together, and even more simple to source the parts for.
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