Real, tape‑measure interior heights for the Ford Transit medium roof
If you’re sizing a layout or wondering whether you can stand up in a medium‑roof Transit after a build, OEM tables only tell part of the story. We measured dozens of Transits (cargo and crew), tape to metal, and then measured again after common Vansmith build layers—subfloor, insulation, and slim headliner—to show the real usable standing clearance. Below you’ll find exact numbers, what’s eating headroom in a conversion, and practical guidance for people from 5'6" to 6'4".
See our Transit conversion collection for layout ideas and standard packages
What the factory specs say — and why that’s not the whole story
Ford’s published interior height for a 2023 medium‑roof Transit is measured from the bare cargo floor to the lowest point of the roof bows (about 76–77 inches depending on wheel size and chassis). Those tables are authoritative for raw geometry, but they don’t account for conversion realities: subfloors, electrical channels, insulation, and cabinetry take real inches off the top. For reference, Ford’s spec page is useful for baseline tech details (Ford Transit specs).
How we plan headroom with wet‑bath layouts (case study)
Measured numbers: bare deck vs. Vansmith build clearances
Here are the numbers you’ll see on a typical Vansmith medium‑roof build (2020–2024 Transits): measured to the lowest roof bow on an OEM bare deck, then after our standard build stack.
- OEM bare deck to lowest bow: ~76.0–76.6 in (varies by wheelbase & tire size).
- After 3/4" Baltic birch subfloor + 1" closed‑cell insulation + slim headliner: ~74.2–74.8 in.
- Crew van (factory subfloor reinforcement): subtract ~0.4–0.6 in additional clearance vs cargo van.
- Alternate thinner floor package (composite 1/2" + 1/2" insulation): we commonly preserve an extra 0.5–1.0 in.
Put simply: expect roughly 1.5–2.5 inches of lost headroom from a normal conversion stack. That’s why we always tape and model before final cabinetry layout—those two inches change cabinet placement above the kitchen counter or vertical clearance at the shower curb.
How we factor real headroom into layout decisions—Transit vs. Sprinter
Standing clearance in real life: shoes, floor build, and insulation details
“Can I stand up?” is the most common question. Standing clearance depends on three small things that add up: the thickness of your shoes, any subfloor build, and ceiling treatments.
- Shoe soles: hiking boots add ~0.75–1.25 in; low‑profile sneakers add ~0.25–0.5 in. We always test with the client’s typical footwear when sizing headroom.
- Subfloor options: our standard 3/4" Baltic birch + 1" foam is durable and comfortable. A lightweight composite subfloor and thinner insulation can reclaim up to 1 in of headroom if you need it.
- Ceiling systems: recessed wiring channels, slim headliners, and flush LED strips help preserve height—bulky headliners and vented ducting eat inches quickly.
With our standard stack (3/4" + 1" insulation + slim headliner), most people up to 6'2" can comfortably stand in a medium‑roof Transit wearing low‑profile shoes. For taller clients we recommend the alternate floor package or upgrading to the high roof to keep comfortable headroom with boots and a shower curb.
Medium roof vs. high roof: who needs what?
Deciding between medium and high roof comes down to how you use the van. Medium roof is a sweet spot for low center of gravity, better fuel economy, and garage/driveway clearance. High roof buys more standing freedom—typically another 5 in of OEM height—so tall people and shower users often choose high roof.
If you’re 6'3"–6'4" and plan to wear hiking boots or include a full interior shower, the high roof provides comfort margin without complicated floor shaving. If you’re under ~6'2" and prioritize stealth and exterior clearance, a medium roof with a careful build is usually fine.
Layout choices that preserve headroom
Small design choices save inches. Flush ceiling fixtures, recessed storage pockets, and low‑profile vent fans keep the line between comfortable and cramped. We also recommend:
- Placing taller cabinets where you don’t need to stand beneath them (over the wheel wells, behind the cab).
- Using compact shower curbs or cassette toilets that don’t require extra floor buildup.
- Routing wiring and ducting in the cavity between roof bows rather than under the headliner when possible.
These are the same practical tradeoffs we discuss with clients on every Transit build—small decisions up front avoid cramped spaces later.
Final checks before you commit to a layout
Never finalize cabinet heights without a mockup or a test measurement in the exact vehicle you’ll build. We bring owners to the shop for tape‑measure walkthroughs when possible and always model the final stack (subfloor + insulation + headliner + cabinetry) in our CAD before cuts go on plywood.
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Book a consultFrequently Asked Questions
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How tall is the interior of a Ford Transit medium roof?
OEM interior height on a 2020–2024 medium‑roof Transit typically measures ~76.0–76.6 inches from bare deck to the lowest roof bow. With Vansmith’s standard 3/4" Baltic birch subfloor + 1" closed‑cell insulation and a slim headliner, real usable clearance is usually ~74.2–74.8 inches. -
Can you stand up in a Ford Transit medium roof?
Yes—most people up to about 6'2" can stand comfortably in a Vansmith medium‑roof build when wearing low‑profile shoes. Taller users or boot wearers should consider a thinner floor stack, a different flooring spec, or the high roof for extra margin. -
What is the crew van interior height vs. cargo van?
The roof bow geometry is the same between crew and cargo Transits, but factory crew subfloor reinforcements raise the floor slightly. In practice a crew van will have ~0.4–0.6 in less standing clearance than the same model in cargo form after an identical conversion stack. -
How much headroom do you lose with insulation and wiring?
Typical wall/ceiling insulation and a slim headliner reduce OEM interior height by roughly 1.5–2.5 inches. Routing wiring in recessed channels and choosing low‑profile fixtures can limit that to the lower end of the range. -
What’s the exterior height of a Transit medium roof with racks?
Factory exterior height for a medium‑roof Transit is about 8' (96 in) depending on wheel size. Add a roof rack, solar panels, or an awning and you should plan for 8'4"–8'6" clearance—measure before fitment and route to avoid low garages.
