What can you fit in a Dodge Caravan?
The Dodge Caravan, especially in its Grand Caravan form, is a versatile family minivan that can haul a surprising amount of cargo. In practical terms, you can expect about 32 cubic feet behind the third row, roughly 80–90 cubic feet with the second row folded, and around 140–145 cubic feet when all rear seats are folded flat. It can seat seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration, and its flexible seating (Stow ’n Go) helps maximize load space for long items.
Cargo space by configuration
How much you can carry changes with which seats are in use. The following scenarios reflect typical capacities across many model years of the Caravan lineage.
Space with the third-row seats up (behind the last row)
- Approximately 32 cubic feet of cargo capacity, enough for several suitcases or a large grocery run
- Room for multiple school or sports bags, plus a stroller or two
- Good for everyday family shopping trips with passengers seated in the rear
Conclusion: In this configuration, you’ll balance passenger seating with practical cargo volume for daily tasks and short trips.
Space behind the second row (third row folded)
When the third row is folded flat, the Caravan opens up significantly more room for longer items and bulkier loads.
- Roughly 80–90 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on year and seat configuration
- Room for several large suitcases, appliances, or bulk purchases from big-box stores
- Can accommodate longer items like a folded dining table, rolled-up rugs, or multiple flat-pack boxes
Conclusion: With the third row folded, the minivan becomes a practical small-move vehicle for mid-size furnishings and sizable shopping hauls.
All rear seats folded flat
For maximum cargo, fold all rear seats into the floor. This creates one long, flat load area suitable for large, long items or a bulk moving load.
- About 140–145 cubic feet of cargo space total, a substantial footprint for a family van
- Accommodates long furniture parts, multiple mattresses, or several large boxes in a single trip
- Great for transporting bulky gear, such as bikes with wheels removed, camping gear, or stacked storage containers
Conclusion: This configuration offers the most versatility for big items and helps minimize multiple trips when moving or loading large purchases.
Seating configurations and passenger space
The Caravan is configured to seat seven or eight people, depending on the trim and seating option. The most common layouts involve a mix of captain’s chairs or a bench in the second row and a bench in the third row.
7-passenger versus 8-passenger setups
Two popular configurations are:
- 7-passenger: two front seats, a three-seat second row, and a two-seat rear bench (commonly with second-row captain’s chairs in some trims)
- 8-passenger: two front seats, a three-seat second row, and a three-seat rear bench
Conclusion: The choice between 7- and 8-passenger configurations affects how you arrange people and cargo, but both retain the same general cargo flexibility thanks to fold-flat seats.
Stow ’n Go and load-floor versatility
Many Caravan models include Stow ’n Go seating, allowing the rear seats to fold into the floor. This feature creates a flat load floor and maximizes cargo volume without removing seats.
- Convenient for quick reconfigurations between passengers and cargo
- Supports longer, bulkier items while keeping floors relatively even for loading
Conclusion: Stow ’n Go is a defining feature that enhances practicality for families, deliveries, and weekend projects.
Practical packing tips
To optimize space in a Dodge Caravan, start with the heaviest items on the bottom and use the flat load floor to stack efficiently. Consider loading strategies that prioritize safe weight distribution, especially when transporting children or pets.
- Pack by category: heavy items on the bottom, lighter items on top, and distribute weight evenly sidel-to-sidel
- Use soft bags or boxes that compress to fit irregular spaces instead of rigid crates
- Take advantage of roof storage or hitch-mounted racks for oversized loads when appropriate
Conclusion: Thoughtful arrangement and flexible seating options help you tailor the Caravan to almost any daily need, from groceries to moving day.
Summary
The Dodge Caravan (noting that the model line has seen updates and variations over years) remains a capable cargo and passenger vehicle. With roughly 32 cubic feet behind the third row, 80–90 cubic feet with the second row folded, and about 140–145 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, it supports a wide range of activities—from routine shopping to small moves. Its seating options, including Stow ’n Go floors, provide versatility for families that need both people and gear to travel together.
