VW Transporter Dimensions explained
Here we will provide VW Transporter dimensions for T4 T5 and T6 models SWB, LWB and high roof.
Whether booking a ferry, planning a camper conversion or sourcing a rock and roll bed, the dimensions of a VW Transporter are a common topic.
We will look at both external and internal VW Transporter diameters.
Skip to VW Transporter dimension tables:
VW Transporter T26 T28 T30 and T32 dimensions
It is a common misconception that the T26, T28, T30 or T32 determines the dimension of a VW Transporter. These numbers simply determine the payload that the Transporter can safely carry.
The only specification you need to consider to find your diameter is whether your Transporter is SWB, LWB or high roof (and T4 T5 or T6 model as they vary slightly over the years).
VW Transporter dimensions – Terminology
Just like in the case of any other vehicle, it is important to understand the dimensions of a VW Transporter before buying one. Let’s have the common measurements defined before delving deeper
- External Height: Ground to the rooftop of the van
- External Length: The total outer length of the van – from the front tip to the tail.
- Width without mirror: Total width of the broadest area of the van when mirrors are folded
- Width with mirror : Width with mirrors open
- Internal width: Total width of the cargo area, at the widest part, from side to side
- Internal height: Distance between Van’s roof and the seat bottom
- Internal length: Total length of the cargo area from front to back.
VW Transporter external dimensions
The exterior dimensions help you to estimate how your van will handle and whether it will fit a standard parking size or not. There are restrictions in some car parking areas which also includes height.
According to BBC News “the standard parking space in the UK is 15.7ft in length, by 7.8ft in width”. So you should know well in advance what kind of public parking space you have at your disposal.
Similarly, the width of your van with and without mirrors can be tricky for drivers with a narrow garage. A van that is only a few inches narrower than your garage will give you a tighter squeeze than you realize. Even if you fold in the mirrors, you’ll have a few extra inches on each side.
VW Transporter internal dimensions
The internal dimensions which form the total volume or the ‘load space’ decide how many passengers and what kind of material you can fit into your Transporter.
These figures are critical in the case of VW transporters because they are used as camper conversions, passenger vehicles and commercial use.
Whether you can carry all your camping material, 8 passengers, etc and whether you can even fit a Euro pallet will determine the choice of your van.
The knowledge of internal dimensions is also important while converting your van.
With this in mind, let’s look at the measurements of the variants (based on wheel size and roof height) of the three most popular Volkswagen Transporters T4, T5 and T6. All measurements are in millimetres.
VW Transporter dimensions – T4
VW Transporter T4 Internal dimensions
| Model (click link to view on eBay) | Internal width dimension | Internal height dimension | Internal length dimension |
| VW Transporter – T4 SWB | 1620mm | 1415mm | 2485mm |
| VW Transporter – T4 LWB | 1620mm | 1415mm | 2885mm |
| VW Transporter – T4 LWB high roof | 1620mm | 1940mm | 2885mm |
VW Transporter T4 External dimensions
| Model (click to view on eBay) | Width including mirrors dimension | Width excluding mirrors dimension | External Height dimension | External Length dimension |
| VW Transporter – T4 SWB | 2175mm | 1840mm | 1940mm | 4707mm |
| VW Transporter – T4 LWB | 2175mm | 1840mm | 1940mm | 5107mm |
| VW Transporter – T4 LWB high roof | 2175mm | 1840mm | 2430mm | 5107mm |
VW Transporter dimensions – T5
VW Transporter T5 External dimensions
| Model (click to view on eBay) | Width including mirrors dimension | Width excluding mirrors dimension | External Height dimension | External length dimension |
| VW Transporter – T5 SWB | 2297mm | 1907mm | 1990mm | 4904mm |
| VW Transporter – T5 LWB | 2297mm | 1907mm | 1990mm | 5304mm |
| VW Transporter – T5 SWB high roof | 2297mm | 1907mm | 2477mm | 4904mm |
| VW Transporter – T5 LWB high roof | 2297mm | 1904mm | 2477mm | 5304mm |
VW Transporter T5 Internal dimensions
| Model (click to view on eBay) | Internal width dimension | Internal height dimension | Internal length dimension |
| VW Transporter – T5 SWB | 1700mm | 1410mm | 2572mm |
| VW Transporter – T5 LWB | 1700mm | 1410mm | 2724mm |
| VW Transporter – T5 SWB high roof | 1700mm | 1940mm | 2572mm |
| VW Transporter – T5 LWB high roof | 1700mm | 1940mm | 2975mm |
VW Transporter dimensions – T6 SWB
VW Transporter T6 External dimensions
(High roof in T6 SWB was discontinued in 2018)
| Model (click to view on eBay) | Width including mirrors dimension | Width excluding mirrors dimension | External Height dimension | External length dimension |
| VW Transporter – T6 SWB | 2297mm | 1904mm | 1990mm | 4892mm |
| VW Transporter – T6 LWB | 2297mm | 1904mm | 1990mm | 5292mm |
| VW Transporter – T6 SWB high roof | 2297mm | 1904mm | 2477mm | 4892mm |
| VW Transporter – T6 LWB high roof | 2297mm | 1904mm | 2477mm | 5292mm |
VW Transporter T6 Internal dimensions
(High roof in T6 SWB was discontinued in 2018)
| Model (click to view on eBay) | Internal width dimension | Internal height dimension | Internal length dimension |
| VW Transporter – T6 SWB | 1700mm | 1410mm | 2575mm |
| VW Transporter – T6 LWB | 1700mm | 1410mm | 2975mm |
| VW Transporter – T6 SWB high roof | 1700mm | 1940mm | 2575mm |
| VW Transporter – T6 LWB high roof | 1700mm | 1940mm | 2975mm |
Conclusion
Ever since the first VW transporter T1 rolled out in the 50s, the successive generations have become bigger and boxier.
The focus is on making the van more spacious and comfortable. But since the launch of T3, the external dimensions haven’t changed much.
The T4 offered more practical load space while the T5 brought better interiors on the table.
The T6 became more hi-tech. It looks leaner but has the same load space as the T5. The next transporter, expected to be launched is the T7 and is reportedly concentrating on people carrying capacity rather than cargo.
Frequently asked questions
Below are frequently asked questions that we will try to address. You may also find the guide on VW Transporter models useful.
What are the dimensions of a VW camper van?
Assuming your VW Campervan is a T4, T5 or T6 you will find the dimensions your need on this page. First find which model your camper van is and then scroll up to that section on the page.
VW T5 camper van dimensions
Your VW T5 camper van will either be a SWB or LWB, some also are the high roof variant. Check these against the dimensions listed above under T5.
VW Transporter kombi load length
The Kombi load length varies by Transporter model. First find if your Transporter is a T4, T5 or T6 and SWB or LWB. Using that information you can find the internal boot dimension on this page.
VW Transporter boot dimensions
The boot dimensions varies by Transporter model. First find if your Transporter is a T4, T5 or T6 and SWB or LWB. Using that information you can find the internal boot dimension on this page.
VW Transporter Shuttle dimensions
The name Shuttle is simply the internal specification of the Transporter and doesn’t determine it’s dimensions. The Shuttle is the same size as the T4, T5 or T6.
You first need to determine which base model your Shuttle is and whether it is SWB or LWB and then you can find your dimensions on this page under the specific model.
VW Transporter kombi dimensions
The name Kombi is simply the internal specification of the Transporter and doesn’t determine it’s dimensions. The Kombi is the same size as the T4, T5 or T6.
You first need to determine which base model your Kombi is and whether it is SWB or LWB and then you can find your dimensions on this page under the specific model.
VW Transporter Caravelle dimensions
The Caravelle is the same size as the T4, T5 or T6. You first need to determine which base model your Caravelle is and then you can find your dimensions on this page under the specific model.
