How high off the ground is a Dodge Caravan?
Ground clearance for a Dodge Caravan is typically in the mid-range for minivans, roughly 5.5 to 6.0 inches (140–152 mm) from the road to the undercarriage. The exact clearance depends on year, trim, and tire size.
Representative ground clearance range
Ground clearance varies somewhat by year and configuration, but most Caravans sit within a common range suitable for everyday driving and light curb impacts.
- Typical range across most Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan models: about 5.5 inches to 6.0 inches (140–152 mm) of ground clearance.
- Some older generations or certain tire-and-rim setups may fall slightly outside this range, by roughly ±0.5 inch (12–13 mm).
In practice, you can expect a Dodge Caravan to sit around the 5.5–6.0 inch mark, with small deviations based on tires, suspension wear, and load in the vehicle.
Factors that can affect actual clearance
Several practical factors can alter the measured height under real-world conditions.
- Tire size and profile: larger wheels or lower-profile tires can change the overall vehicle height by a few millimeters to a fraction of an inch.
- Vehicle load: passengers and cargo compress suspension slightly, reducing clearance at the front or rear crossmembers.
- Suspension condition and trim: worn shocks or different suspension tuning across trims can influence how high the body sits when at rest.
- Modifications: aftermarket wheels, lifts, or other alterations can increase or decrease ground clearance.
For practical purposes, the quoted range remains a useful baseline, but always check your specific vehicle if you need precise clearance for navigating rough roads or tall driveways.
How to measure your own Caravan’s ground clearance
Measuring accurately helps you verify the clearance on your particular vehicle, especially if you’ve changed tires or are evaluating parking and driveway access.
- Park on a level surface with the vehicle on a flat, solid ground.
- Ensure the tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Chock the wheels to prevent movement.
- Place a ruler or measuring tape on the ground at a consistent reference point (for example, the underside of the front bumper or crossmember) and record the distance to the ground.
- Repeat at the rear clearance point to compare front vs. rear sag, and note any differences under load if you plan to carry passengers or cargo.
Documenting both front and rear measurements under typical loading conditions can give you a practical sense of true clearance for daily use.
Summary
The Dodge Caravan generally sits about 5.5 to 6.0 inches (140–152 mm) off the ground, with variations based on year, trim, tires, and how the vehicle is loaded. Always verify on your specific vehicle if precise clearance is critical to your driving routes or parking situations.
What is a standard caravan height?
Caravan heights can vary depending on the make and model, but standard caravan height typically ranges from around 2.5 to 3.5 metres. Ask the van manufacturer for specifics, take a handy tape measure with you when you go to buy a secondhand caravan from a reseller or check online listings for details.
Will a 4x8 sheet of plywood fit in a Dodge Grand Caravan?
Yes, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Dodge Grand Caravan, especially if you have the seats folded down or removed, though a single sheet can be a tight fit with the seats in. A longer version of the van will fit a sheet with the tailgate closed, while a standard-length model may require the tailgate to be open or partially open.
This video demonstrates how to fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Dodge Grand Caravan: 1mhoohoohoblinYouTube · Sep 22, 2019
Tips for fitting a 4x8 sheet
- Remove or fold the seats: The most crucial step is to fold down or remove the second and third rows of seats to maximize the flat cargo space.
- Adjust the front seats: You may need to move the front seats forward to create more room at the front of the van.
- Mind the length: A standard 4x8 sheet is exactly 8 feet long, which will be a tight fit. The exact fit can depend on the model year and any interior trim or seat mounts that may protrude.
- For long trips: Consider securing the sheet to prevent it from shifting or to protect the vehicle's interior from damage.
- Be aware of other vehicles: Some people have found that a Grand Caravan's interior space is longer and wider than some pickup truck beds, making it a more practical option for transporting 4x8 sheets.
What to consider
- Model year: Some model years may have slightly different interior dimensions.
- Seat configuration: Check your van's specific seat configuration before you start loading to ensure you have enough space.
- Weight limit: Be mindful of the van's payload capacity to avoid overloading it.
If you are not planning to remove or fold the seats, a 4x8 sheet of plywood may not fit at all. If you are transporting multiple sheets, you will likely need to fold or remove the seats and potentially open or partially open the tailgate.
This video shows how to fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a minivan: 15sMatt’s VanYouTube · Oct 17, 2018
How high is a Dodge Grand Caravan?
The height of a Dodge Grand Caravan varies by model year, but is generally around 68 to 69 inches (approximately 5.7 to 5.8 feet). For example, the 2017 model is 67.9 inches, the 2018 is 69.0 inches, and the 2020 model is also 69.0 inches tall.
- 2017: 67.9 inches
- 2018: 69.0 inches
- 2020: 69.0 inches
What is the ground clearance of a Dodge Caravan?
Dimensions
| Height | 68.9 in. |
|---|---|
| Turning circle | 39.1 ft. |
| Ground clearance | 5.8 in. |
| Angle of approach | 13.7 degrees |
| Angle of departure | 18.5 degrees |
