🚒The RV
Recreational Vehicle sizes and types.
On this page, you’ll find every van size used when completing a RV conversion. For every vehicle size category, we take you through everything you need to know about selecting the right van for your RV conversion and detailing all the features you need to look out for.
What are the different types of RV sizes available?
Here are the five main types of RV size and body type configurations available.
Micro RV
What is a Micro RV?
A micro-RV is classified as an M.P.V. (multi-purpose-vehicle) or a car-derived that have a load volume between 3 to 4 cubic meters and has undergone a professional or self-build/D.I.Y RV conversion.
What are the most common Micro RV vehicles based on?
Here are five of the most common micro-RV base vehicles:
Vauxhall Combo (L1H1 & L2H1 Body Variants)
Mercedes-Benz Citan (Long & X-Long Body Variants)
Ford Connect (L1 & L2 Body Variants)
Citroen Berlingo (L1 & L2 Body Variants)
VW Caddy (Standard & Maxi Body Variants)
What are the average Internal Dimensions of a Micro RV?
The average loadspace dimensions of a micro RV are:
Length: 150 cm to 230 cm. Width: 140 to 170 cm. Height: 120 cm to 130 cm. Volume: 3 m3 to 4 m3
The average external dimensions of a micro RV are:
Length: 430 cm to 490 cm Width: 205 cm to 215 cm Height: 180 cm to 190 cm
Micro-RV Dimensions
Here is a list of dimensions of popular micro-sized RV.
*Short wheelbase (SWB) = L1, long wheelbase (LWB) = L2, low roof = H1 and high roof = H2. **Internal cubic meter volume. ***Includes door-mirrors.
Can you stand up in a Micro RV?
Due to the low-height roof, an average adult male will not be able to stand up inside a micro RV. One way to get around this is by installing a pop-top roof.
How many people can sleep Inside a Micro RV?
Depending on the RV build layout, a micro RV should be able to sleep one adult by removing the front passenger seat.
What type of driving-license do I need to drive a Micro-RV?
In the U.K., a micro RV can be driven on a standard car driving license without having to take any additional tests.
Advantages of a Micro RV
Drives like a car.
Excellent fuel economy.
Can be used as your daily driver.
Easy to maneuver and park.
Will fit in all multi-story car-parks and home garage.
Low-cost conversion (fewer materials required).
Very quick to warm the interior.
Reduced campsite fees.
Low vehicle gross weight.
Reduced ferry costs.
Great for stealth camping.
Disadvantages of a Micro RV
Could become a little cramped for adults who are bigger than average.
An average adult will not be able to stand up inside.
Installation of a shower unit and/or toilet is highly improbable.
Lower Storage Capacity. You will only be able to carry the bare essentials.
What we think
A micro-RV is an excellent choice for people who may require a vehicle for the occasional weekend getaway.
They are also great for people who may want to use this vehicle on a daily basis. They fit in all multi-story car parks, easy to manoeuvre, and usually come with excellent fuel economy.
Small RV
Advantages
A little more space compared to a micro RV.
Good fuel economy.
Easy to manoeuvre and park.
Will fit in most multi-storey car-park and home garages.
Reasonably low-cost conversion.
Quick to warm up.
Average campsite fees.
Low vehicle gross weight.
Standard ferry costs.
Disadvantages
May find a little cramped.
A 6-foot adult will not be able to stand up inside.
Installation of a shower unit and/or toilet is highly improbable.
Average Storage Capacity.
What is a Small RV?
A small RV is classified as a van that has a load volume between 4 to 7 cubic meters that have undergone a professional or self-build/D.I.Y RV conversion.
What are the most common Small RV base vehicles?
Here are six of the most common small RV base vehicles
Citroën Dispatch (XS & M Body Variants)
VW Transporter
Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro
Toyota ProAce
Mercedes-Benz Vito (Compact & Long-High Body Variants)
Ford Transit Custom
What is the average size of a Small RV?
The average loadspace dimensions of a small RV are:
Length: 210 cm to 260 cm. Width: 160 cm to 180 cm. Height: 130 cm to 180 cm. Volume: 4 m3 to 7 m3
The average external dimensions of a small RV are:
Length: 460 cm to 500 cm. Width: 190 cm to 230 cm. Height: 190 cm to 240 cm.
Small RV Dimensions
Here is a list of dimensions of popular small-sized RV.
*Short wheelbase (SWB) = L1, long wheelbase (LWB) = L2, low roof = H1 and high roof = H2. **Includes door-mirrors.
Vehicle
Model Year
Body*
Load Volume (m3)
Internal Length
Internal Width
Internal Height
External Length
External Width**
External Height
Can you stand up in a Small-Sized RV?
An average adult male will not be able to stand up inside a small RV. Like the micro RV, one way to get around this is by installing a pop-top roof.
How many people can sleep inside a Small-Sized RV?
Depending on the RV build layout, a small RV should be able to sleep two adults. However, you may find the internal space limiting.
Medium RV
Advantages of a Medium RV
A little more space compared to a small RV.
Installation of a shower unit and/or toilet is possible.
Average fuel economy.
Reasonably low-cost conversion.
Average internal heater warm-up time.
Average campsite fees.
Average gross vehicle weight.
Standard ferry costs.
Disadvantages of a Medium RV
Will not fit in most multi-storey car-park and home garage.
Inexperienced drivers may find a medium-sized RV a challenge to manoeuvre and park.
A 6-foot adult may struggle to stand up inside.
Better-than-average storage capacity. You will be able to carry the bare essentials plus a selection of additional items.
What is a Medium RV?
A medium RV is classified as a van that has a load volume between 7 to 12 cubic meters that have undergone a professional or self-build/D.I.Y RV conversion. The original base vehicle is generally used by tradespeople (electricians, emergency services, delivery people, etc).
What are the most common Medium RV base vehicles?
Here are four of the most common medium RV base vehicles:
Fiat Ducato/Dodge ProMaster (L2)
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (L1 & L2)
Ford Transit
Renault Trafic
How big is a Medium RV?
The average loadspace dimensions of a medium RV are:
Length: 260 cm to 350 cm. Width: 175 cm to 190 cm. Height: 160 cm to 215 cm Volume: 7 m3 to 12 m3
The average external dimensions of a medium RV are:
Length: 520 cm to 600 cm. Width: 240 cm to 255 cm. Height: 220 cm to 285 cm.
Medium RV Dimensions
Here is a list of dimensions of popular medium RV.
N.B: All sizes are in centimetres. *Short wheelbase (SWB) = L1, Medium wheelbase (MWB) = L2, Long wheelbase (LWB) = L3, low roof = H1, Medium roof = H2. High roof = H3. **Internal cubic meter volume. ***Includes door-mirrors. ¹FWD models.
Can you stand up in a Medium RV?
Depending on the model variant, an average adult male will be able to stand up inside a medium RV. For van models that come with a low roof, one way to add additional headroom is to install a pop-top roof.
How many people can sleep inside a Medium RV?
Depending on the RV build layout, a medium RV should be able to sleep two adults comfortably, with the possibility of one additional child.
What type of driving licence do I need to drive a Medium RV?
In the United Kingdom, provided the maximum authorised mass (M.A.S) does not exceed 3,500 kg, a medium RV can legally be driven on a standard car driving licence (Class B).
Large RV
Advantages
A considerable amount of space. More than enough to house all the vehicle occupants and their gear.
Reasonable fuel economy.
Excellent second-hand market. As a result, base vehicles are relatively low in cost.
You can stand up inside.
Disadvantages
Will not fit in multi-story car-park and most home garages.
You may struggle to find spaces to park that will accommodate this vehicle, especially in residential areas.
Inexperienced drivers may find such a large vehicle a challenge to manoeuvre and park.
High running costs. Both fuel and road tax is usually more compared to a smaller RV.
Longer time to heat up. May require an additional heater/more powerful model.
Can become unstable during high winds.
What is a Large RV?
A large RV is classified as a large-sized van that has undergone a professional or self-build/D.I.Y RV conversion. The original base vehicle is generally used by tradespeople (builders, delivery people, flooring installers, etc.).
What are the most common Large RV base vehicles?
Here are six of the most common large RV base vehicles:
Ford Transit (L3 & L4 Body Variants)
V.W. Crafter
Renault Master
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
MAN TGE
Iveco Daily
What is the average size of a Large RV?
The average internal loadspace dimensions of a large RV are:
Length: 340 cm to 470 cm. Width: 175 cm to 180 cm. Height: 185 cm to 225 cm. Volume: 12 m3 to 17 m3
The average external dimensions of a large RV are:
Length: 590 cm to 740 cm. Width: 240 cm to 255 cm. Height: 260 cm to 310 cm.
Large RV dimensions
Here is a list of dimensions of popular medium RV.
N.B: All sizes are in centimetres. *Short wheelbase (SWB) = L1, Medium wheelbase (MWB) = L2, Long wheelbase (LWB) = L3. Low roof = H1, Medium roof = H2. High roof = H3. Super-High Roof = H4. **Internal cubic meter volume. ***Includes door-mirrors. ¹FWD models.
Can you stand up in a large RV?
An average adult male will comfortably be able to stand up inside a large RV.
How many people can sleep inside a Large RV?
Depending on the RV build layout, a large RV should be able to comfortably sleep between two to four adults (or children) with the possibility of an additional pet dog or cat.
What type pf driving licence do I need to drive a Large RV?
In the United Kingdom, provided the maximum authorised mass (M.A.S) does not exceed 3,500 kg, a large RV can legally be driven on a standard car driving licence (Class B).
Box-Van RV
What is a Box-Van RV?
A box-van RV is classified as a box-van that has undergone a professional or self-build/D.I.Y RV conversion. The original base vehicle is generally used by furniture removal companies.
What are the most common Box-Van RV base vehicles?
Here are five of the most common box-van RV base vehicles:
V.W. Crafter
Renault Master
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
MAN TGE
Iveco Daily
What is the average size of a Box-Van RV?
The average loadspace dimensions of a box-van RV are:
Length: 340 cm to 440 cm. Width: 180 cm to 230 cm. Height: 170 cm to 240 cm. Volume: 11 m3 to 20 m3
The average external dimensions of a box-van RV are:
Length: 610 cm to 780 cm. Width: 210 cm to 250 cm. Height: 300 cm to 350 cm.
Can you stand up in a Box-Van RV?
An average adult male will comfortably be able to stand up inside a box-van RV.
How many people can sleep inside a Box-Van RV?
Depending on the RV build layout, a box-van RV should be able to comfortably sleep between two to four adults (or children) with the possibility of an additional pet dog or cat.
What type of driving licence do I need to drive a Box-Van RV?
In the United Kingdom, provided that the maximum authorised mass (M.A.S) does not exceed 3,500 kg, a box-van RV can legally be driven on a standard car driving licence (Class B).
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