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====== Cargo van comparo ======

[[rv:cargo_van|Cargo vans]] come in various sizes, shapes, and capacities.  Narrowing it down to one or two models can help you avoid [[lifestyle:analysis paralysis|analysis paralysis]].  These page attempts to collect specifications which you can consider (or not) based on your own needs.

Footnotes are in place so you can check sources for yourself.  [frater says:  don't trust anyone else's judgement on what van //you// need.  It's your life, and it's your house!]

There are basic sections on [[rv:cargo_van|American cargo vans]], [[rv:eurovan|eurovans]], and [[rv:minicargo_van|minicargo vans]] on other wiki pages.

[[https://www.adriansteel.com/resources/vehicle-dimensions.php|Useful diagram for factory interior dimensions.]]
===== Living area comparison =====


^ Model                                             ^ Cargo height((at ribs))                                                                                                                                                                                                     ^ Cargo length                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ^ Cargo width at belt line                                                                                          ^ Width between wheelwells                                                                                ^ Cargo volume                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ^ Overall length                                                       |   |
| **NV**((full size))                               | 75" High \\ ---- \\ 55.8" Low                                                                                                                                                                                               | 120"                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | 70.2"                                                                                                             | 54"                                                                                                     | 323.1'((http://www.trucktrend.com/truck-reviews/163-1212-full-size-van-numbers/)) High \\ ---- \\ 234' Low                                                                                                                           |                                                                      |   |
| **[[rv:ram_promaster|Promaster]]**                | **86"** Super High \\ ---- \\ 76" High \\ ---- \\ **65.4"** Low((http://www.thecarconnection.com/specifications/ram_promaster_2016_1500-low-roof-118-wb))                                                                                                 | 123"((136WB)), 144"((159WB)), 160"((159WB Extended))                                                                                                                                                                               | **74"**                                                                                                           | **56"**                                                                                                 | **406'**((136WB high roof)), 459'((159WB high roof)), 529.7'((159WB Extended high roof)) High \\ ---- \\ **304'**((136WB low)), 353 159WB Low                                                                                        |                                                                      |   |
| **[[rv:sprinter|Sprinter]]**                      | 77.8"((high roof)),  66.5"((low roof))((https://www.waltersmercedesbenzofriverside.com/how-tall-is-the-mercedes-benz-sprinter-van/)).  87.3"((super high roof, if available))                                               | **128.5"**((144WB)), 169.3((170WB, longest non-extended body)), **185.3"**((170WB Extended))                                                                                                                                       | 70.1"((http://www.iseecars.com/car/2006-dodge-sprinter-dimensions))                                               | 53.1"                                                                                                   | 371'((144WB high roof)), **494'**((171WB high roof, largest volume non-extended body)), **547'**((171WB Extended high roof))                                                                                                         |                                                                      |   |
| **[[rv:ford_transit|Transit]]**                   | 81.5"/79""((To sheet metal/To the spar)) High \\ ---- \\ 72"/70.5"((To sheet metal/To the spar)) Mid \\ ---- \\  56.9" Low((http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/brochures/2015/2015_Transit_PIB.pdf))  | 118"((130WB)) 129"((148WB)), 158"((148WB Extended)) \\ (Measured from the driver's seat when fully back, to the rear cargo doors when closed)                                                                                      | 70.2((http://www.caranddriver.com/ford/transit/specs/2015/ford-transit/366434))                                   | 54.8" SRW, 44.5" DRW ((http://www.trucktrend.com/truck-reviews/163-1212-full-size-van-numbers/))        | 411.4'((148WB high roof)), 496.0'((148WB Extended high roof)) High \\ ---- \\ 317.3'((130WB medium roof)), 363.9'((148WB medium roof)) Medium \\  ---- \\ 247' ((130WB Low)), 278"((148WB low roof)) Low                             |                                                                      |   |
| **[[rv:express|Express]]**                        | 52.9"((135WB, http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html)), 53.4"((155WB, http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html))      | 124.6"((135WB, http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html)), 146.2"((155WB, http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html))           | 72"((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/attachment.php?aid=11229))                                               | 52.7"((http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html))     | 239.7'((135", http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html)),  284.4'((155WB EXT, http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html))         |                                                                      |   |
| **[[rv:ford_e-series|Ford E-Series]]**                     | 52.5"                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | 122"((138WB, https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2014/14_ESeries_Van_Cutaway_SB_Updates_093013.pdf)), 142"((138WB EXT, https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2014/14_ESeries_Van_Cutaway_SB_Updates_093013.pdf))     | 72.4"((at floor, https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2014/14_ESeries_Van_Cutaway_SB_Updates_093013.pdf))  | 52.5"((https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2014/14_ESeries_Van_Cutaway_SB_Updates_093013.pdf))  | 237.8' ((138WB, https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2014/14_ESeries_Van_Cutaway_SB_Updates_093013.pdf)), 278.3"((138WB EXT, https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2014/14_ESeries_Van_Cutaway_SB_Updates_093013.pdf))  |                                                                      |   |
|                                                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                         |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                      |   |
| **NV200**((also sold as Chevrolet City Express))  | 53"((https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/commercial/nv200-compact-cargo/compare-specs.html))                                                                                                                                 | 82.8"((https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/commercial/nv200-compact-cargo/compare-specs.html))                                                                                                                                      | 54.8"((https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/commercial/nv200-compact-cargo/compare-specs.html))                     | 48"((https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/commercial/nv200-compact-cargo/compare-specs.html))             | 127.7 cu ft((https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/commercial/nv200-compact-cargo/compare-specs.html))                                                                                                                                  |                                                                      |   |
| **Transit Connect**                               | 53.7" (first gen)((https://vandimensions.com/database/ford/transit-connect-1)), 49.7"((https://reefertekusa.com/photo-gallery/ford-refrigerated-vans/ford-transit-connect-specifications/)) (2nd gen)                       | 71.5"((SWB https://reefertekusa.com/photo-gallery/ford-refrigerated-vans/ford-transit-connect-specifications/)), 87.3"((LWB, https://reefertekusa.com/photo-gallery/ford-refrigerated-vans/ford-transit-connect-specifications/))  |                                                                                                                   | 48"((https://www.adriansteel.com/pdf/TrConnect-dimensions.pdf))                                         | 103.9 cu ft((RWB, https://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/transit-connect-cargo-van/models/transit-connect-xl/)), 128.6 cu ft((LWB, https://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/transit-connect-cargo-van/models/transit-connect-xlt/))    |                                                                      |   |
| **Nissan Quest**                                  | 40"((https://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-nissan-quest-dimensions))                                                                                                                                                            | 86.5"((https://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-nissan-quest-dimensions))                                                                                                                                                                 | 63.2"((https://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-nissan-quest-dimensions))                                                |                                                                                                         | 108.4 cu ft((https://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-nissan-quest-dimensions))                                                                                                                                                             | 200.8"((https://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-nissan-quest-dimensions))  |   |
| **Promaster City**                                | 50"((https://www.adriansteel.com/pdf/ProMaster-City-dimensions.pdf))                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | 60.4"((https://www.adriansteel.com/pdf/ProMaster-City-dimensions.pdf))                                            | 48.4"((https://www.caranddriver.com/ram/promaster-city))                                                | 131.7 cu ft((https://www.caranddriver.com/ram/promaster-city))                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                      |   |
| **Mercedes-Benz Metris**                          | 55"((https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/metris/specs))                                                                                                                                                              | 105"((https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/metris/specs))                                                                                                                                                                    | 66.3"((https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/metris/specs))                                                  | 50"((https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/metris/specs))                                          | 183 cu ft((126" wb https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/metris/specs))                                                                                                                                                         |                                                                      |   |
| Astro/Safari                                      | 47.2"((https://sites.google.com/site/astrosafariinfo/interior/interior-dimensions))                                                                                                                                         | 97.2"((https://sites.google.com/site/astrosafariinfo/interior/interior-dimensions))                                                                                                                                                | 53.9"((https://sites.google.com/site/astrosafariinfo/interior/interior-dimensions))                               | 50"((https://sites.google.com/site/astrosafariinfo/interior/interior-dimensions))                       | 170.4 cu ft((https://www.iseecars.com/car/2000-chevrolet-astro_cargo_van-dimensions))                                                                                                                                                |                                                                      |   |

During some model years fleet Sprinters have been available with a fiberglass-reinforced plastic 84" Mega / Super High roof.((https://sprinterguy.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/super-high-mega-roof-and-super-single-option-for-sprinter-vans-questions-and-answers/))((https://sprinter-source.com/wiki/index.php/Sprinter#Body))  There is some concern that the Mega roof may be unsuitable for camping due to an inability to support roof vents, A/C, solar mounts, etc.((http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f11/really-high-roof-sprinter-van-modification-13340.html#post131992))  A composite roof would also be susceptible to overhead limb damage in forested areas.


===== off pavement comparison =====

The [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Approach_and_departure_angles|approach and departure angles]] tells you how steep a grade you can drive onto or off without dragging the front or rear end, usually the bumper.  Receiver hitches will usually reduce departure angle. 

^ Model                ^ Ground clearance                                                                                                                                                                                                  ^ approach angle                                                                 ^ departure angle                                                                                                      ^ turning circle                                                                                                                                                                                                          ^
| **NV**               | **8.1"**((https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/nv-cargo/2015/van/features-specs/))                                                                                                                                      | 17.8°((https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/nv-passenger/2016/van/features-specs/))  | 16.7°((https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/nv-passenger/2016/van/features-specs/))                                        | 45.2'((http://carsort.com/cars/Nissan-NV2500-HD-competitors))                                                                                                                                                           |
| **Express 2500**     | 7.1"((http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html)), 7.7"((3500, http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html))      | °                                                                              | °                                                                                                                    | 49.2'((135WB, http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html)), 54.5'((155WB, http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html))  |
| **E250**             | 7.0"                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 30°((https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/1999/104.pdf))              | 16°((https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/1999/104.pdf))                                                    | 48.6'((https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2014/14_ESeries_Van_Cutaway_SB_Updates_093013.pdf))                                                                                                                  |
| **Promaster**        | 6.9" at rear axle                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 18.6°                                                                          | 20°                                                                                                                  | **36'**((136WB, http://www.allpar.com/trucks/ram/ProMaster.html)), **46.8'**((159WB, https://www.edmunds.com/ram/promaster-cargo-van/2015/features-specs/))                                                             |
| **Sprinter**         | 6.9"((http://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/specs/2016/mercedes-benz-sprinter/380432))                                                                                                               | 19°((https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/2013/features-specs/))     | 13°((https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/2013/features-specs/))                                           | 42'((140WB, http://www.trucktrend.com/truck-reviews/163-0501-2004-dodge-sprinter/)), 47'((158WB, http://www.trucktrend.com/truck-reviews/163-0501-2004-dodge-sprinter/))                                                |
| **Transit**          | 6.0"((RWB)), 6.1"((LWB))((https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2016/16_Transit_SB.pdf)) at rear shock mounts.                                                                                              | ?                                                                              | ~18° or 9° (Ext)((http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/ford-transit-general-discussion/4018-rear-departure-angle.html#post52570))  | 39.2'((https://www.edmunds.com/ford/transit-van/2015/features-specs/)), 56.4'((148WB, https://www.edmunds.com/ford/transit-van/2015/features-specs/))                                                                   |
|                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                |                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| **NV200**            | 6.5"((https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/nv200/2015/features-specs/))                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                |                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| **Transit Connect**  | 6"((SWB, https://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/transit-connect-cargo-van/models/transit-connect-xl/)), 6.3"((LWB, https://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/transit-connect-cargo-van/models/transit-connect-xl/))  |                                                                                |                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| **Promaster CIty**   | 5.1"((https://www.vehiclehistory.com/vehicle-ground-clearance-specifications/ram/promaster-city/2017))                                                                                                            |                                                                                |                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| **MB Metris**        | 4.4"((https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/metris/specs))                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                |                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |


===== capacity comparison =====
^ Model          ^ fuel tank                                                                                                                       ^
| **[[rv:ford_e-series|E-Series]]**      | **33 gal**((https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2014/14_ESeries_Van_Cutaway_SB_Updates_093013.pdf)). Optional aux tap.  |
| **Express**    | 31 gal ((http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/express_cargo_van/2016.tab1.html))                           |
| **NV**         | 28 gal((https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/nv-passenger/2016/van/features-specs/))                                                  |
| **[[rv:ram_promaster|Promaster]]**  | 24.0 gal.((https://www.edmunds.com/ram/promaster-cargo-van/2016/features-specs/)).  Tapped for aux fuel use.                    |
| **Sprinter**   | 26.4 gal.((https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/2013/features-specs/))                                                |
| **[[rv:ford_transit|Transit]]**    | 25.0 gal standard,((https://www.edmunds.com/ford/transit-van/2017/features-specs/)), 31 gal optional for 148" WB. Optional Aux Tap.                   |
|                |                                                                                                                                 |
| **NV200**      | 14.5 gal((https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/commercial/nv200-compact-cargo/compare-specs.html))                                |

===== total Cost of Ownership comparison =====
Some calculations of gas Eurovans based on NADA information, originally from [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/total-cost-of-ownership-vans/|this blog post]].  Sprinter left out but Express included;  it was not a Eurovan-specific post.


[[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/total-cost-of-ownership-vans/|{{https://boondockplan.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/5ytco.png}}]]


===== annual repair costs =====

Compiled from [[https://repairpal.com/|repairpal]] data, Jan 2020.

**3/4 ton vans:**

  - Nissan NV1500, $825/yr
  - Ford Transit 150 , $963/yr
  - Chevy Express 1500, $972/yr
  - Ford E-250, $1070/yr
  - RAM Promaster 1500, $1072/yr
  - (no figures available for Sprinter)


**minicargos:**
  - Nissan NV200, $645/yr
  - RAM Promaster City, $795/yr
  - Ford Transit Connect, $926


**minivans:**
  - Honda Odyssey, $547/yr
  - Toyota Sienna, $554/yr
  - Dodge Grand Caravan / Chrysler T&C, $646/yr
  - Nissan Quest, $659/yr




===== warranty comparison =====
^Model^Basic^Powertrain^Misc^Transferable^Roadside Assistance^Towing to nearest service^
|**NV**|**5yr/100,000mi**((http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/media/pdf/2016-Nissan-NV-WIB.pdf))|**5yr/100,000mi**((http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/media/pdf/2016-Nissan-NV-WIB.pdf))  on gas powertrain|**5yr/unlimited body rust**((http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/media/pdf/2016-Nissan-NV-WIB.pdf))|yes((http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/media/pdf/2016-Nissan-NV-WIB.pdf))|3yr/36,000mi((http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/media/pdf/2016-Nissan-NV-WIB.pdf))|yes((http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/media/pdf/2016-Nissan-NV-WIB.pdf))|
|**Promaster**|3yr/36,000mi|5yr/60,000mi on gas powertrain.  5yr/100,000mi on diesel powertrain.|n/a|Yes((https://www.ramtrucks.com/en/warranty/))|5yr/100,000mi|yes((https://www.ramtrucks.com/shared/pdf/warranty/2016-RAM_ProMaster_Gas_5_60-Generic_Warranty-3rd.pdf))|
|**Sprinter**|3yr/36,000mi|5yr/100,000mi on diesel powertrain.((http://www.mbvans.com/sprinter/owners-resources/warranty-and-maintenance))|5yr/100,000mi on body rust|yes((http://assets.mbvans.com/Mercedes-Benz-Vans/Warranty-Maintenance/MY2016-MB-Sprinter-Service-and-Warranty-Guide.pdf))|3yr/36,000mi|yes((http://assets.mbvans.com/Mercedes-Benz-Vans/Warranty-Maintenance/MY2016-MB-Sprinter-Service-and-Warranty-Guide.pdf))|
|**Transit**|3yr/36,000mi|5yr/60,000mi on gas powertrain.  5yr/100,000mi on diesel powertrain.((http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/brochures/2016-Car-Lt-Truck-Warranty-version-3_frdwa_EN-US_10_2015.pdf))|n/a|Yes((https://www.ramtrucks.com/en/warranty/))|5yr/100,000mi|up to 35mi((http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/brochures/2016-Car-Lt-Truck-Warranty-version-3_frdwa_EN-US_10_2015.pdf))|
|**Express**|3yr/36,000mi|5yr/60,000mi on gas powertrain.|3yr/36,000mi corrosion \\ 5yr/100,000mi rust-through|Yes((http://www.chevrolet.com/owners/warranty))|5yr/60,000mi|yes|
|**Ford E-series**((up to 2014))|3yr/36,000mi|5yr/60,000mi on gas powertrain((.  5yr/100,000mi on diesel powertrain.))|5yr/unlimited rust-through||||

===== further reading =====


We're the Russos has [[https://weretherussos.com/van-chassis-camper-van-conversion/|an excellent article on eurovan pro/con]].
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