How tall is the Ford Step Van?
There isn’t a single fixed height for a Ford Step Van. The height depends on the underlying chassis, the body builder’s design, and the chosen roof height; most versions fall into roughly a 3.0 to 3.7-meter range (about 9.8 to 12 feet) tall.
Understanding what a Ford Step Van is
The term refers to a class of delivery and service vans built on Ford chassis with a boxy, raised cargo area designed for quick entry and cargo handling. The most common examples are built by third-party body makers (such as Utilimaster), mounted on Ford cutaway chassis or Transit-based platforms. Because the roof height is a customer option, the external height varies widely from vehicle to vehicle.
Chassis families
The two main chassis families used historically are the Ford E-Series cutaway (older designs) and the more modern Transit-based configurations. Each family offers different roof-height options that change overall vehicle height.
Roof-height options
Body builders typically offer low, medium, and high roof variants. The high-roof option yields the greatest exterior height, while low roofs keep the overall height at the lower end of the range.
Typical height ranges
The following ranges illustrate typical exterior heights by common configurations. They are estimates rather than precise specifications for a given unit.
- Older, E-Series-based step vans with standard roofs: roughly 9 ft 9 in to 11 ft 6 in (about 2.97 to 3.51 m).
- Modern, Transit-based step vans with medium to high roofs: roughly 9 ft 6 in to 11 ft 6 in (about 2.90 to 3.51 m).
- Extra-tall, insulated or refrigerated versions or vehicles with roof equipment may approach 12 ft (about 3.66 m) or slightly higher.
Height will vary by specific model year, manufacturer, and any aftermarket roof equipment or refrigeration units. When planning access to garages, loading docks, or height-restricted routes, verify the exact exterior height from the dealer or the vehicle specification sheet.
What to consider for fleets and drivers
Fleet managers and drivers should check the precise exterior height of the exact vehicle in use, because even within the same model year there can be multiple roof choices. If clearance is critical for routes or facilities, request the roof height specification for the exact unit. Modern fleet sales materials often list the overall height and wheelbase for each roof variant.
Summary
The Ford Step Van does not have a universal height. Height depends on the underlying Ford chassis (older E-Series cutaway vs. newer Transit-based designs), the body builder, and the chosen roof height. Expect a practical exterior height range from about 10 to 12 feet (approximately 3.0 to 3.7 meters), with variations up to around 12 feet in taller roof configurations. Always confirm the exact height for the specific vehicle you’re considering.
