Last updated: March 2026
What Size Cargo Van Do I Need?
List your items and we'll tell you if a cargo van works — or if you need to step up to a box truck.
1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.
“Confirmed my 65" TV fits in the RAV4 before buying. Would've been stuck at the store.” — Weekend project
Measurements verified by the ItemFits engineering team · Our methodology
Check Your Exact Fit
Standard sizes say it works — but your measurements are what matter.
Get fit verdicts while you shop
Install the free ItemFits extension — it reads product dimensions on IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon and tells you if it fits before you buy.
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What to Measure
- 1Count large items that cannot be stacked (sofas, mattresses, appliances)
- 2Note the longest single item — cargo vans are typically 10–12 ft long inside
- 3Estimate total weight — most cargo vans carry 3,000–3,500 lbs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming a cargo van equals a small truck — vans are typically 8–12 ft of cargo space vs. 10–26 ft for box trucks
- Forgetting the rear door opening is narrower than the cargo bay — Transit vans have ~60" door width
- Ignoring ceiling height — cargo vans are 4.5–6 ft interior, so tall items like wardrobes may not fit upright
Frequently Asked Questions
What fits in a cargo van?
A standard cargo van (Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster) fits roughly a studio apartment: a mattress, small dresser, 2–3 chairs, and 10–15 boxes. Anything beyond one room of furniture usually needs a box truck.
Cargo van vs. 10-foot truck — which should I rent?
A cargo van has ~60% of the floor space of a 10-ft truck. Choose the van for a studio or single-room move; choose the 10-ft truck if you have a sofa plus bedroom furniture.