Ford E-Series Dimensions: Interior and Exterior

  • By Kate Moore
  • on 
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The Ford E-Series (formerly known as the Econoline) make excellent budget campers for van life and travel. If you’re looking to convert an E-Series into a camper, this is the place to start!

We’ve put together this comparison table of interior and exterior dimensions of the Ford E-Series and Econoline so you can decide if these vehicles have the space you need to start your build. Let’s go!

Ford E-Series Comparison Table

Below you’ll find a comparison table containing interior and exterior dimension of the Ford Transit vans. Measurements included in the table are taken from the brochures and spec sheets linked below. Here are some tips for using the chart:

  • We recommend using a desktop to view this chart.
  • You can filter vans by year, style, body length, and roof height. By default, 10 entries are shown–and you can expand the table to show more.
  • When entering a year, you must include a number in both “from” and “to” fields, then hit “search.”
  • Making a selection will restrict the other available options.
  • Click “details” on the left column of each row to see all known dimensions. Click the red “columns” button to show or hide additional columns for comparison between models.
  • Click the top header of each column to sort by ascending or descending order.
  • If the chart appears blank, try refreshing the page or de-selecting all filters. (Make sure a year between 1992 and 2014 is selected).

Ford E-Series Dimensions

E-Series History

The Ford E-Series is the fourth generation of full-size Ford vans. It was manufactured from 1992-2014 when it was discontinued and replaced with the current Ford Transit.

Prior to the year 2000, the Ford E-Series was known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon.

These vehicles have been around for over 60 years making it one of Ford’s longest-running model lines.

  • First Generation (1961-1967)
  • Second Generation (1968-1974)
  • Third Generation (1975-1991)
  • Fourth Generation (1992-2014)
  • Ford Transit (2014+)

Models

Ford E-Series vans all come with a 138″ wheelbase. There are two length options (regular and extended) and one roof height (standard).

You can choose from three different nameplates (E-150, E-250, E-350). The E-150 is the standard option, and the E-250 and E-350 are super-duty models. The super duty models have a higher towing capacity and more robust suspension system.

Dimensions

Ford E-SeriesExterior LengthInterior Length (cargo floor)
Regular216.7″121.4″
Extended236.7″142.4″
Ford E-SeriesWidth
Exterior97.5″
Exterior (excluding mirrors)79.3″
Interior (cargo floor)72.4″
Interior (between wheelhouses)52.8″
Ford E-SeriesExterior (ground to roof)Interior (cargo floor to ceiling)
Height82.3″53.9″

The following are general interior and exterior dimensions you can expect to see on a fourth generation Ford E-Series van. For specific model years, refer to the official brochures below.

  • Exterior width (including mirrors): 97.5″
  • Exterior width (excluding mirrors): 79.3″
  • Cargo width (at floor): 72.4″
  • Cargo width (between wheelhouses): 52.8″
  • Exterior height: 82.3″
  • Cargo height: 53.9″
  • Standing height: 4 feet, 5 inches
  • Load height (unloaded): 29.7″
  • Side-door opening height: 47.2″
  • Side-door opening width (sliding): 45″
  • Rear cargo door opening height: 48″
  • Rear cargo door opening width: 54.4″
  • Head room: 42″
  • Shoulder room: 68.1″
  • Hip room: 65.6″
  • Leg room: 40″
  • GVWR: 5,500-9,500
  • Cargo capacity: 230.6-309.4 cu.ft.
ford e-series and econoline camper conversion

Brochures and Tech Sheets

How To Read Dimensions

Car companies pack a lot of data into their spec sheets. To make sense of them, there are a few things to consider:

Wheelbase

The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles of a vehicle. It’s important for interior space planning since it affects the overall length of the vehicle, as well as its turning radius.

The Ford Econoline and Ford E-Series only came in one 138″ wheelbase size. The extended body style adds an additional 20 inches in overall length.

Roof Height

Ford E-Series vans only came with one standard roof height, and it is not tall enough for an average person to stand upright (5 feet, 5 inches). Shorter roof heights may seem like a disadvantage for van life, but they make the vehicle easier to drive under short tunnels, drive-throughs, and low-hanging branches.

With a short roof, you can also more easily access solar panels or roof boxes. And these vans tend to be less expensive and more discreet.

Here are some tips for dealing with short camper van roofs.

Doors

Side-door opening height: This is the height of the side door opening from the ground.

Side-door opening width: The width of the sliding door when it’s fully open.

Rear cargo door opening width: The width of the rear cargo door when it’s fully open.

Cargo Capacity

Cargo volume: The cargo volume is total cubic feet available for gear using the length, height, and width of the cargo area. This number is measured behind the drivers seat and is heavily affected by the roof height and length of the vehicle.

Passenger vans (also known as the Ford Club Wagon) have extremely small cargo volumes because they do not include the space available when you take out the seats.

Cargo length, front (at floor): The cargo length is the distance from the front of the vehicle, measured at floor level, to the back of it.

Cargo length, front (at belt): The cargo length is the distance from the front of the vehicle, measured at belt level, to the back of it.

Max floor width: The max floor width is the widest point of the cargo area.

Cargo width between wheelhouses: This is the width of the cargo area between the left and right wheel arches.

Other Numbers

Load height (unloaded): The load height is the distance from the ground to the cargo floor when the vehicle is empty. It so you know how high you’ll have to lift an object to get it into the camper.

Maximum payload: This is the maximum amount of weight (in pounds) that can be safely loaded into the vehicle.

GVWR: The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating gives you an idea of the maximum weight that the Sprinter can handle. This is a combination of vehicle weight and cargo weight.

Van Life in an E-Series

The Ford Econoline is an attractive vehicle for van life on a budget. The vehicles are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

The Econoline comes with several engine options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. It also has rear-wheel drive which is great for towing and off-roading. The cargo area is quite spacious and the roof height is about average when it comes to small camper vans.

In our opinion, the Ford E-Series is one of the best vans to live in.

FAQs

What is the last year of the Ford E-Series van?

In 2014, the Ford E-Series passenger and cargo vans were discontinued and replaced with the Ford Transit van. The cutaway versions of the van are still being produced today.

Can you add a pop-top to the Ford E-Series?

Yes, you can add a pop-top to most Ford E-Series vans. If you’re looking for more headroom, this is an option that can give you up to 6 feet or more of standing room inside the van.

How much does it cost to add a high-top to a van?

The cost of adding a high-top to your E-Series van will vary depending on the style and size of the top you choose. However, you can expect to spend between $7,500-$12,000 for a basic installation.

Ford E-150 vs E-350 which is best for van life?

The E-150 is the standard option, and it’s ideal for those just looking to build out a van to live in. If you plan to do a lot of towing, the E-350 might be a better choice as it has a higher tow rating and more robust suspension system.

Kate is the lead content creator for ParkedInParadise.com and has spent over two years living in a camper van conversion. She has traveled through 48 US states and writes about van life, camping and RV living.

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