"Will it fit in a Sprinter?" is perhaps the most common question in transport – followed by "And how heavy can it be?". Here are the answers for all common van classes: load area dimensions, payload, pallet slots, and the overloading trap many underestimate.
The vehicle classes at a glance
Reference values for common models (Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter, Ford Transit, Fiat Ducato, and similar) – individual configurations vary:
| Class | Load area (L × W) | Load height | Volume | Payload | Euro pallets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car / estate | up to 1.9 × 1.0 m (seats folded) | 0.7–0.8 m | 1.5–2 m³ | 400–500 kg | – |
| Compact van (Caddy, Kangoo) | 1.8 × 1.2 m | 1.1–1.25 m | 3–4 m³ | 600–700 kg | 1–2 |
| Mid-size van (Vito, Transporter, Vivaro) | 2.4–2.9 × 1.6 m | 1.3–1.4 m | 5–8 m³ | 800–1,100 kg | 2–3 |
| Sprinter L2H2 | 3.2 × 1.7 m | 1.8 m | approx. 10 m³ | 900–1,200 kg | 3–4 |
| Sprinter L3H2 (long wheelbase) | 4.3 × 1.7 m | 1.8–2.0 m | 13–14 m³ | 800–1,100 kg | 4–5 |
| 3.5-tonne box van | 4.2 × 2.1 m | 2.1–2.3 m | 17–20 m³ | 900–1,400 kg | 8 |
| 3.5-tonne flatbed | 4.2 × 2.1 m | open | – | 1,000–1,500 kg | 8 |
Two measurements that are often overlooked: the width between the wheel arches (approx. 1.35 m on a Sprinter – a euro pallet fits exactly crosswise) and the rear door opening, which on box bodies can be smaller than the cargo space itself.
Payload: the 3.5-tonne trap
The most important number is not on the load floor but in the registration document: the permissible gross weight. For the popular 3.5-tonne class:
Payload = 3,500 kg − curb weight (incl. driver, fuel, fittings)
A 3.5-tonne box van with tail lift easily weighs 2,300–2,600 kg empty – leaving only 900–1,200 kg of payload, not "three and a half tonnes." How to read the curb weight correctly is explained in our glossary entry curb weight in the vehicle registration.
Overloading is no trivial offence in Germany: fines start at 5% over, points on the license at around 20% – and insurers get difficult after accidents. Rule of thumb: with heavy loads, the scale decides, not the space.
Which vehicle for which transport?
- Documents, parcels, small items: car or compact van – cheapest class, fastest in cities.
- Furniture, washing machine, 1–2 pallets: mid-size van or Sprinter L2 – fits any street, takes a small sofa as easily as two euro pallets.
- Boxes of a 2-room flat, 3–4 pallets, long goods: Sprinter L3 – the 4.3 m load floor also takes shelving and pipes.
- 6–8 pallets, trade fair equipment, heavy machine parts: 3.5-tonne box van, ideally with tail lift – but watch the payload.
- Bulky goods, special dimensions, sensitive freight: a special transport with an exclusive vehicle.
When booking via Maxmove you pick the vehicle class right in the form – the transport cost calculator instantly shows what each class costs on your route. For pallets there is the dedicated pallet transport; all dimensions of the load carriers themselves are in the euro pallet guide.
Transporting furniture in a van – what must you observe?
A classic from the German driving-theory exam – and the practical answer: the load must be secured so that it cannot slide, tip, or fall even under emergency braking or a sudden evasive maneuver (§ 22 StVO). In practice: load furniture flush against the front wall, strap it to the lashing points, put heavy pieces at the bottom – and place blankets between items to prevent chafing. Also keep the payload in view (see above) and never block the driver's sight. The fundamentals are covered in our glossary entry on load securing.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a Sprinter's load area? About 3.2 × 1.7 m on the medium wheelbase (L2), about 4.3 × 1.7 m on the long wheelbase (L3) – with 1.8 to 2.1 m load height depending on the roof.
What can a Sprinter carry? 800–1,200 kg depending on configuration. What counts is permissible gross weight minus curb weight – as stated in the registration document.
How many euro pallets fit in a Sprinter? 3–4 (L2) or 4–5 (L3) – though rarely all fully loaded, for weight reasons.
Can I drive a 3.5-tonner with a car license? Yes, class B covers up to 3,500 kg gross weight – exactly why this class is so widespread.
What happens if I overload? Fines from 5% over the limit, a license point from roughly 20%; in an accident you risk your insurance cover. When in doubt, weigh – or book the next class up.
