How tall is a Chevy conversion van?
Typically, a Chevy conversion van sits about 84 inches tall with a standard roof, or roughly 96–102 inches tall with a raised roof. Exact height depends on roof type, model year, and any aftermarket modifications.
Chevrolet Express-based conversion vans (and their GMC Savana counterparts) come in two primary roof configurations: a regular, standard-height roof and a higher, raised roof used on many camper- and passenger-van conversions. Height can also be affected by roof-mounted equipment and aftermarket modifications, so buyers, renters, and drivers should verify the exact exterior height for their specific vehicle, especially when navigating garages, carports, or drive-throughs.
Roof heights at a glance
Here is a quick summary of how exterior height typically breaks down by roof style. Note that actual figures can vary by year and by aftermarket roof additions.
- Regular/standard roof: about 84 inches tall (roughly 7 feet).
- Raised/high-top roof: about 96–102 inches tall (roughly 8 to 8.5 feet).
- Very tall aftermarket hi-top or custom roofs: can exceed 102 inches, sometimes approaching 110 inches (around 9 feet 2 inches) or more depending on the design.
Height varies with roof design, year, and any additional equipment on top. Always verify the exact exterior height of the specific van you’re considering.
Other factors that can affect exterior height
Beyond the basic roof configuration, several common elements can push the vehicle's top higher or lower than the base roof height. Being aware of these helps prevent clearance issues in garages, parking structures, and toll booths.
- Roof racks, solar panels, vents, or air conditioning units that protrude above the roofline.
- Additional cabinetry or interior roof fixtures added during conversion that might sit atop the roof line when viewed from above (in some designs).
- Suspension changes or aftermarket accessories that interact with the vehicle’s overall profile.
- Antennae, satellite dishes, or other equipment mounted on the roof.
When planning parking or storage, measure the highest point of your van with all exterior equipment in place to ensure adequate clearance.
Measuring and verifying height for safety and planning
To avoid clearance issues, use a simple measurement approach and consult official specifications for your exact vehicle. Start with the base exterior height for the roof type, then add any protrusions such as racks, antennas, or vents. For exact figures, check the factory data plate on the doorjamb or the owner's manual, or contact the dealership or conversion specialist who performed the work.
Additionally, if you’re shopping for a used Chevy conversion van, request the specific exterior height from the seller or review a current spec sheet, as heights can differ significantly between standard and high-top configurations and among different conversion packages.
Summary
In short, the exterior height of a Chevy conversion van largely depends on its roof configuration: about 84 inches for a standard roof, roughly 96–102 inches for a raised roof, and potentially taller for aftermarket hi-top variants. Always verify the exact height for your vehicle, including any roof-mounted equipment, to ensure proper clearance in garages and other low-clearance spaces.
How tall are conversion vans?
Conversion van height varies by model, with low-top versions typically around 82 inches and high-top versions ranging from 94 to 101 inches tall. Specific dimensions depend on the van's make, model, and roof height, with some models offering options like low, mid, or high roof heights. For full-time living, many opt for a high-top van to gain standing room, which can be 6'4" or taller, depending on the vehicle.
Low-top conversion vans
- GMC Savana / Chevy Express: Around 82 inches
- Mercedes Sprinter: Approximately 8'2" or around 67.7 inches for low-roof interior height
- Ford Transit: Starts at 82.2 inches for the low-roof model
High-top conversion vans
- GMC Savana / Chevy Express: Around 94 to 96 inches
- RAM ProMaster: Around 101 inches
- Ford Transit: Up to 110.4 inches for the high-roof model
- Interior Height: Can be 76 inches or taller on high-roof models, with some having interior heights of 6'4" or 6'6"
Factors to consider
- Interior vs. exterior height: A van's overall height may not reflect its interior headroom due to the floor and ceiling build-outs.
- Clearance: Taller vans can present challenges in some areas, such as parking garages or specific roads. Always check height clearances before entering an area.
- Roof modifications: Adding items like solar panels to the roof will increase the overall height of the van, so you must re-measure after modifications.
How tall is a GMC Savana conversion van?
Dimensions
| 7 Passenger | 9 Passenger | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 135.0" | 155.0" |
| Overall Length | 224.1" | 244.1" |
| Overall Height (Low Top) | 82.0" | 82.0" |
| Overall Height (Sport Roof) | 94.0" | 94.0" |
How tall are most camper vans?
The average exterior height of a camper van (Class B RV) is typically between 8 and 11 feet, with many models falling into the 8.5 to 9.5 foot range. This height varies depending on the specific van model, which can be built on different chassis, and can be affected by additions like roof racks, air conditioning, or pop-top sections.
Average height range for camper vans
- 8 to 9.5 feet: Many Class B camper vans fall within this range.
- 8.5 to 11 feet: This is a common range for Class B motorhomes.
- Lower profile: Some models are lower, while others with modifications can be taller.
Factors affecting height
- Standard van chassis: Most camper vans are built on a standard van chassis, so their height is similar to other large vans.
- Add-ons: Antennas, air conditioning units, and roof racks can add to the overall height.
- Pop-tops: Some camper vans have pop-top roofs that increase headroom when open, which can add to the total height.
How tall is a Chevrolet conversion van?
SPECIFICATIONS
| EXTERIOR SPECIFICATIONS | Regular Wheelbase | Extended Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|
| Height, (Low Top / Sport Roof) | 82″ / 94″ | 82″ / 94″ |
| Body Width | 79.4″ | 79.4″ |
| Swing-Out Side Doors – Height | 47.9″ | 47.9″ |
| Swing-Out Side Doors – Width (both doors open | 44.1″ | 44.1″ |
