Let's dive deep into the Ford Transit Extended, focusing on its dimensions and cargo space. For those of you considering this van for your business, conversion project, or simply for hauling a lot of gear, understanding the interior and exterior measurements is crucial. We’ll break down everything from the overall length to the height, width, and most importantly, the cargo capacity. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

The Ford Transit Extended is essentially the longest version of the popular Ford Transit van, offering maximum cargo space. This makes it a favorite among tradespeople, delivery services, and van conversion enthusiasts. The beauty of the Extended model lies in its ability to accommodate large amounts of equipment, materials, or even serve as a comfortable living space on wheels. When we talk about dimensions, we need to consider both the exterior and interior measurements. Exterior dimensions dictate how easily you can maneuver the van in city traffic and parking spaces. Interior dimensions determine what you can fit inside and how comfortably you can arrange your cargo or living space. The Extended Transit comes in various configurations, including different roof heights (low, medium, and high roof), which further affect the interior cargo volume and standing height. Understanding these variations is key to choosing the right van for your specific needs.

Moreover, the Ford Transit Extended's design prioritizes functionality. The van's boxy shape maximizes cargo space, while the low floor height makes loading and unloading easier. The rear doors open wide, allowing for easy access with forklifts or pallet jacks. The sliding side door is also generously sized, providing convenient access to the cargo area. The availability of different wheelbase lengths and roof heights means you can customize the van to perfectly match your requirements. Whether you need to transport long pipes, bulky furniture, or create a comfortable camper van, the Ford Transit Extended offers the versatility and space you need. Keep reading to get the specifics on all of the important dimensions.

Exterior Dimensions

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of Ford Transit Extended's exterior dimensions. Knowing these measurements is essential for navigating city streets, parking garages, and even your own driveway! The overall length of the Ford Transit Extended is where it really stands out. Compared to the regular Transit, the Extended version boasts a significantly longer wheelbase and rear overhang, resulting in a much greater overall length. This extra length translates directly into more cargo space, but it also means you'll need to be more mindful when maneuvering in tight spaces. The width of the van, excluding the mirrors, remains fairly consistent across the Transit lineup. However, it's still important to be aware of the overall width, especially when driving in narrow lanes or parking in compact spots. The height of the Transit Extended varies depending on the roof configuration. The low-roof model is the shortest, while the high-roof model offers significantly more headroom inside. Keep in mind that the high-roof version may not be able to clear all low-clearance bridges and parking garages. Below is a quick rundown of typical exterior dimensions:

• Overall Length: Expect the Extended version to be around 236 inches (5994 mm). This is a significant increase compared to the standard length Transit.
• Width (excluding mirrors): Approximately 83 inches (2108 mm).
• Height (Low Roof): Around 82 inches (2087 mm).
• Height (Medium Roof): Around 99 inches (2515 mm).
• Height (High Roof): Approximately 108 inches (2743 mm).

These measurements are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific model year and configuration. Always double-check the manufacturer's specifications for the exact dimensions of the van you are considering. Remember that the Ford Transit Extended is a sizable vehicle, so take your time getting used to its dimensions before tackling challenging driving situations. Practice parking in an empty lot and be mindful of your surroundings when making turns. With a little practice, you'll be navigating the streets like a pro in no time.

Turning Radius

While we're discussing exterior dimensions, let's briefly touch on the turning radius. This is a crucial factor to consider, especially if you'll be driving in urban environments. The Extended Transit, due to its longer wheelbase, will naturally have a larger turning radius than the shorter models. This means you'll need more space to make U-turns and navigate tight corners. Be sure to factor this into your driving strategy, especially when maneuvering in crowded areas or parking lots. A larger turning radius isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but it's something to be aware of. Practice makes perfect, so spend some time getting comfortable with the van's turning capabilities in a safe environment. With experience, you'll learn to anticipate turns and adjust your driving accordingly.

Interior Dimensions and Cargo Space

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the Ford Transit Extended's interior dimensions and cargo space. This is where the Extended version truly shines, offering a cavernous area to haul your gear, equipment, or even build out a cozy living space. The interior dimensions are directly affected by the roof height. The low-roof model offers the least amount of headroom, while the high-roof model allows most people to stand up comfortably inside. The cargo length, measured from the back of the front seats to the rear doors, is the most significant advantage of the Extended Transit. This extra length provides ample space for carrying long items, such as pipes, lumber, or even kayaks. The width between the wheel wells is another important measurement to consider, as it determines the maximum width of items you can load. The height from the cargo floor to the roof is crucial for determining the maximum height of items you can carry and for planning your interior layout if you're converting the van into a camper. Let's break down some typical interior dimensions:

• Cargo Length (behind front seats): Approximately 172 inches (4369 mm). This is significantly longer than the standard Transit.
• Cargo Width (between wheel wells): Around 54 inches (1372 mm).
• Cargo Height (Low Roof): Approximately 56 inches (1422 mm).
• Cargo Height (Medium Roof): Around 72 inches (1829 mm).
• Cargo Height (High Roof): Approximately 83 inches (2108 mm).

These dimensions are approximate and can vary slightly. Always consult the manufacturer's specifications for the most accurate measurements. Now, let's talk about cargo volume. This is the total amount of space available for carrying your stuff, measured in cubic feet. The Extended Transit offers the most cargo volume of any Transit model. The cargo volume varies depending on the roof height. Here's a rough estimate:

• Cargo Volume (Low Roof): Approximately 305 cubic feet.
• Cargo Volume (Medium Roof): Approximately 404 cubic feet.
• Cargo Volume (High Roof): Approximately 487 cubic feet.

The Ford Transit Extended's impressive cargo space makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. Whether you're a contractor needing to haul tools and materials, a delivery service transporting packages, or a vanlifer building your dream home on wheels, the Extended Transit offers the space and versatility you need.

Payload Capacity

Don't forget about the Ford Transit Extended's payload capacity! While the interior dimensions tell you how much space you have, the payload capacity tells you how much weight you can safely carry. Exceeding the payload capacity can damage your van's suspension, brakes, and other components, so it's crucial to stay within the limits. The payload capacity varies depending on the engine, drivetrain, and other options. Generally, the Extended Transit has a higher payload capacity than the shorter models, but it's still important to check the specific specifications for your van. You can find the payload capacity on a sticker located on the driver's side doorjamb. The payload capacity includes the weight of everything you add to the van, including cargo, passengers, and any aftermarket accessories. So, be sure to factor in all of these things when calculating your load. For example, if you're building a camper van, the weight of the cabinets, appliances, and water tanks will all count towards the payload capacity. Staying within the payload capacity is not only important for the safety of your van but also for the safety of yourself and others on the road. Overloading your van can make it more difficult to control, especially in emergency situations. So, always err on the side of caution and avoid exceeding the payload capacity.

Choosing the Right Configuration

So, you're considering a Ford Transit Extended, but you're not sure which configuration is right for you? The key is to carefully assess your needs and prioritize the features that are most important to you. Start by considering the roof height. If you need to be able to stand up comfortably inside the van, the high-roof model is the obvious choice. However, keep in mind that the high-roof model will have a higher overall height, which may limit your access to some parking garages and low-clearance areas. If you don't need to stand up inside, the low-roof model offers better fuel economy and is easier to maneuver. Next, think about the type of cargo you'll be carrying. If you need to transport long items, such as pipes or lumber, the Extended Transit is the way to go. The extra length provides ample space for these items, while the wide cargo area makes loading and unloading easier. If you're planning to convert the van into a camper, consider the layout and features you want to include. The Extended Transit offers plenty of space for a comfortable living area, but you'll need to plan carefully to maximize the available space. Think about the placement of the bed, kitchen, and bathroom, and consider the storage options that will work best for you. Finally, don't forget to consider your budget. The Extended Transit is more expensive than the shorter models, so be sure to factor that into your decision. Shop around and compare prices from different dealers to get the best deal. By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can choose the right Ford Transit Extended configuration for you.

Conclusion

The Ford Transit Extended is a versatile and capable van that offers a significant amount of cargo space. Its extended length and various roof height options make it a popular choice for businesses, tradespeople, and van conversion enthusiasts. Understanding the exterior and interior dimensions, as well as the payload capacity, is crucial for choosing the right configuration and using the van safely and effectively. Whether you're hauling equipment, transporting passengers, or building your dream camper van, the Extended Transit provides the space and flexibility you need to get the job done. So, do your research, compare your options, and get ready to experience the freedom and versatility of the Ford Transit Extended. Happy travels!