Which van should I buy?
Compare popular Australian van life platforms — mattress sizes, solar capacity, fitment notes and build tips for each.
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Popular
Toyota HiAce LWB
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Toyota HiAce Granvia
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Popular
Ford Transit LWB
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Popular
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
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Mercedes-Benz Vito
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Fiat Ducato / Peugeot Boxer
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Ram ProMaster (US import)
🚐 Toyota HiAce LWB
| Length | 5.38m (internal ~4.2m) |
| Width | 1.88m (internal ~1.7m) |
| Height | 1.85m standing |
| Payload | ~1,000kg |
| Engine | 2.8L diesel (most common) |
🛏️ Mattress size
1.4m × 1.9m
☀️ Max solar
600W
🔋 Battery location
Under seat / under bed
🛏️ Bed & Sleeping
Max mattress width: 1.55m crossways, or 1.9m lengthways (tight). A 1.4m × 1.9m mattress fits perfectly.
☀️ Solar
2–3 × 200W panels fit comfortably on roof. Max ~550–600W on a standard roof.
⚡ Electrical
Fuse box under driver seat. Main battery under bonnet — easy DC-DC charger install.
🧱 Insulation
Corrugated walls are tricky — Thinsulate fills gaps better than foam boards.
📝 Key Notes
Most popular van in Australia. Great parts availability. LWB essential for standing room (diesel models).