When building out a campervan some decisions must be made. First, it is important to know which brand/chassis you’d like to build on. Then, you have to decide what height and length Sprinter van, Transit, or Promaster will suit your use case for the vehicle. In this blog, we will weigh in on the pros and cons of mid and high-roof Ford Transit vans, as well as long and extended models of vans to discuss how the needs of some crowds, such as cyclists, vary from use cases of full time campervans.
What is the Difference Between Mid Roof and High Roof Ford Transit?
The vans are created by Ford with the same factory body, however, in the hi roof extra height is welded to the structure of the van giving it a taller interior ceiling for cargo loads and extra space to convert a van. This extra height needs to be accounted for when creating van interior wall panels for the Ford Transit. Also, high roof vans allow for a more comfortable build that may include Murphy beds. Taller heights will accommodate people entering your van with heights above six feet. The additional height is ideal for future van owners that plan on living in their van for extended periods of time.
What is the Ford Transit 250 Clearance Height?
The Ford Transit 250 High Roof clearance height is right around 9’2”. The most noticeable difference between mid roof and high roof Ford Transit vans is their clearance height. The high roof option provides significantly more headroom both inside the cargo area and the passenger compartment. This added vertical space is ideal for tasks that require standing, such as loading and unloading cargo or converting the van into a mobile workspace.
On the other hand, the mid roof Ford Transit offers a compromise between headroom and overall height. It strikes a balance that allows for comfortable movement within the van while still fitting into most standard garages and parking structures.
Ford Transit High Roof Interior Height:
The interior height of the high roof Ford Transit can vary slightly depending on the specific model, but it generally ranges from around 6'4" to 6'6". The interior height allows for standing while the mid roof Transit model only allows up to 5’9”. We recommend that anyone over six foot chooses a Ford Transit high roof. However, a mid roof option may be ideal to create a less expensive van conversion if you are a traveling cyclist or a day time adventurer.
This ample height is a game-changer for those who need to stand, walk, or even install shelving or equipment within the van. The high roof's spacious interior makes it a popular choice for tradespeople, contractors, and delivery services. This also makes hi-roof transits, sprinters, and promasters the most popular style of van for a campervan conversion.
What Are the Disadvantages of a High Roof Van?
The most significant disadvantage is the increased overall height, which can limit access to low-clearance areas such as parking garages or tunnels. A typical drive-thru and parking garage clearance is 9” which the van will exceed by about two inches and then some once you add roof racks, solar panels, and KC lights. Hi-roof vans are slightly more challenging to drive than the mid-roof Transit. Fortunately, the high roof versions do have wind resistance features to help the driver with the top-heaviness of the vehicle. Additionally, the higher roof results in slightly increased fuel consumption due to added wind resistance.
Can You Stand Up in a Medium Roof Transit?
The mid-roof Ford Transit provides sufficient interior height for most individuals to stand up comfortably. With an interior height ranging from approximately 5'9" to 6'2", it offers a balance between headroom and practicality. This makes it an excellent choice for various applications, from cargo vans to camper conversions. If you are below six feet tall a mid-roof may be an excellent choice for you.
What is a Ford Transit Medium Roof 148?
The Ford Transit medium roof is a versatile option that strikes a balance between the low roof and high roof models. It provides enough interior height for most people to stand while maintaining a manageable overall height. The medium roof Ford Transit is becoming a popular choice for those interested in a campervan with budget as a consideration. Many Ford Transit campervan builders choose their personal van to be a mid roof because of its affordability and campervan potential.
What is the Difference Between Ford Transit Extended Length and Long?
Ford offers both long and extended Ford Transit vans, the difference from the Transit 148 and the Extended van is 238” length and 264” in length, respectively. The extended versions are longer than the standard cargo van and provide additional cargo space. If you’re looking for the ultimate van and want to integrate RV features like sinks and showers, an extended van model might be right for you.
We feature a gallery of varied length converted vans on our website. Additionally, we have hi roof racks and extended hi roof racks for Transits. Also, we have B pillar lagun mounts and window covers that work in any Ford Transit model.
Conclusion:
If you're ready to explore the world of Ford Transit vans further, visit your nearest dealership to see these models in person and choose the one that best suits your needs. Make your decision with confidence, knowing the differences between mid roof and high roof Ford Transit models.