What are the dimensions of a double cab van?

A double cab van typically has a length of 5 to 6 metres, a width of about 1.8 to 2 metres and a height that varies depending on the model. The cargo space is shorter than for a single cab (often between 1.5 and 2.5 metres cargo length), as the extra seats take up space. Exact dimensions vary by make, wheelbase and roof height, but these vehicles combine comfortable passenger transport for up to six people with practical loading capacity for materials and tools.

What are the standard dimensions of a double cab van?

The standard dimensions of a double-cab van are usually between 5 and 6 metres in length, with a width of 1.8 to 2 metres and a height of around 1.9 to 2.2 metres. These sizes are fairly consistent between different brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot. The overall length depends heavily on the wheelbase, with short variants being closer to 5 metres and long versions heading towards 6 metres.

With a short wheelbase, you have a more compact van that manoeuvres more easily in town and on tight work sites. This version is ideal for installers or gardeners who regularly work in residential areas. The long wheelbase offers more cargo space and is suitable for industries where you need to transport larger materials or more tools, such as construction or larger technical service providers.

The height of your van double cab determines how much standing room you have in the cargo area. A standard roof height is usually sufficient for toolboxes and materials, while a high roof is useful if you are transporting standing objects or large equipment. Just be aware that a higher roof will affect fuel consumption and parking access.

How much cargo space do you have left with a double cab?

With a double cab, you have considerably less loading space than with a single cab, as the second row of seats takes up space. The load length usually varies between 1.5 and 2.5 metres, depending on the wheelbase. The loading width remains similar to a single cab (about 1.5 to 1.7 metres between the wheel arches), but the overall loading volume can be as much as 30 to 40 per cent smaller.

The load capacity is usually between 500 and 1,200 kilograms, which is sufficient for tools, materials and smaller equipment. For industries such as technical services, maintenance companies or smaller construction projects, this is ample. You can think of toolboxes, ladders, smaller machines and daily necessities for a team of three to six people.

The separate seat and cargo area ensures that your cabin remains clean and comfortable, while tools and materials are transported safely and dry. This is practical for teams who regularly travel together to project sites. You don't have to choose between passenger transport or material transport, but combine both functions in one vehicle.

What factors influence the dimensions of your double cab?

The make and model determine the basic dimensions of your van double cab. Each brand has its own design philosophy, with some focusing on maximum cargo space and others on driving comfort and legroom for passengers. Models such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit or Volkswagen Transporter each have their own proportions between cabin and cargo space.

The wheelbase has the biggest impact on overall length and load capacity. A short wheelbase (usually around 3 metres) results in a compact van that is more manoeuvrable but offers less load length. A long wheelbase (up to 4 metres or more) gives you more cargo space, but makes the vehicle more difficult to park and less suitable for narrow streets.

The roof height determines how much standing room you have in the cargo area. A normal roof is often sufficient for flat materials and toolboxes. A high or extra-high roof is useful if you regularly transport standing objects or want to be able to stand in the cargo space. Specific body variants such as box trucks or refrigerated trucks have different dimensions to suit their function.

How do you choose the right dimensions for your business?

Start with the type of work that you do. An installer has different needs than a construction company or landscaping company. If you work mainly in town with tight parking spaces and narrow streets, choose a short wheelbase with standard roof height. For logistics work or larger projects where you need to transport a lot of materials, a long wheelbase with high roof is more practical.

The number of employees that regularly ride along is important. A double cabin can accommodate five to six people, but if you usually drive with two or three, you have more flexibility. Also consider comfort during longer journeys. Sufficient legroom and seating comfort increase productivity and reduce fatigue in your team.

Consider the parking facilities on your premises and with customers. A 6-metre van will not fit everywhere where a 5-metre variant will. Also check access to work sites such as construction sites, industrial estates or residential areas. A more compact van double cab gives you more freedom, while a larger variant offers more capacity but may have limitations.

Industries like construction often opt for long wheelbase models with high roof for maximum load capacity. Technical service providers such as installers or maintenance companies usually go for a short to medium wheelbase with standard roof height, as they seek a good balance between cargo space and manoeuvrability. Gardeners and facility services have similar preferences, with the emphasis on practical daily use.

How Van Den Hurk helps find the right double cab

We understand that choosing a double cabin with the right dimensions is not easy. That is why we offer personalised advice based on your specific business needs. Our advisers take the time to understand your daily needs, so you can find a vehicle that perfectly suits your operations.

Our services to help you:

• Large stock with various sizes and configurations, from short to long wheelbase and standard to high roof
• Personal advice where we look at your type of work, number of employees and daily routes with you
• Compare in our showroom, where you can see and experience different models side by side
• Test drives To test if the dimensions and handling suit you
• Stock alert service that automatically notifies you when a double cab van with your desired specifications arrives
• Flexible options for both purchasing and leasing, allowing you to make the best financial choice

Stop by our showroom in Helmond or contact us for a no-obligation consultation. With more than 60 years of experience in commercial vehicles, we are happy to help you find a double cab that perfectly suits your business. Also check our current range online and use the handy search function to filter vehicles by size and specifications.