Buying a Cargo Van Ramp
How to Measure Your Cargo Van for a Cargo Van Ramp (CVR)
20
May
May
Looking to add a ramp to your cargo van? Whether you’re driving a Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, or Ram ProMaster, a cargo van ramp (CVR) is one of the most efficient tools to make loading and unloading heavy equipment safer, easier, and faster.
But before you can purchase the perfect ramp, you’ll need to make sure it fits your van. That’s where measuring comes in.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to measure your cargo van for a ramp, so you can order with confidence—whether you’re looking for Ford Transit van ramps, Sprinter van ramps, or a ramp for a smaller model like the Ford Transit Connect.
Why Proper Measurements Matter
Ordering the wrong size ramp for your van isn’t just an inconvenience—it can also be unsafe. A ramp that’s too short will be too steep, and one that’s too long might not fit inside your van. Getting the right fit ensures:
- That the ramp will actually fit!
- Safe loading angles
- Proper folding and storage
- Easy installation and daily use
Let’s break down the key measurements you’ll need.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you get measuring, grab:
- A tape measure (25 ft is plenty)
- A notebook or phone to jot down your numbers
- Your van parked on level ground
If you have a ramp style or brand in mind (like HandiRamp’s CVRs), keep those product specs handy to reference while measuring.
Key Measurements for a Cargo Van Ramp
1. Load Height (Height from Ground to Cargo Floor)
This is the most important measurement, as it determines the necessary ramp length for a safe and manageable incline.
How to Measure:
- Place one end of the tape measure on the ground directly next to the van’s rear or side door.
- Measure straight up to the cargo floor level (not to the top of the bumper).
Why It Matters:
Ramp length and incline are directly related to this height. A higher floor means a longer ramp is needed to keep the slope reasonable.
It’s important to note that this is not an accessibility ramp and the slope of commercial van ramps can be fairly steep. For example, a medium length ramp that’s 9 feet (108 inches) long placed in a Transit or Sprinter with a load height of 28” equates to a 3.9” of ramp for every inch of rise.
2. Door Opening Width
This tells you how wide your ramp can be to fit through the doors when installed or folded.
How to Measure:
- Open the rear (or side) doors of your van.
- Measure the narrowest point of the opening, typically near the top of the doors where the body of the van arches in..
Minimum Requirement:
Most cargo van ramps come in widths of 36 to 45 inches. Make sure your opening can accommodate both the ramp and any brackets or mounting hardware.
3. Door Opening Height (Vertical Clearance)
This is a critical measurement that often determines the longest bi-fold ramp that you can purchase. It’s a limiting factor.
How to Measure:
- Measure from the cargo floor to the top of the door frame where the top corners of your folding ramp would land. Because the highest point on a folding ramp is the half-circle pinch guards, you must measure where these guards will potentially touch the door opening. For example, for a 36” wide ramp, you would measure 18” from the center of the door opening to each side. For a 52” ramp, you’d measure 26” from the center of the door opening to each side. Some vans, like Sprinters and Transits, have curved sides near the roof which means that if you install a 52″ wide ramp, the pinch point for the ramp may be on the sloping side of the van, several inches below the actual door opening.
Why It Matters:
A taller ramp or a mounted ramp needs enough vertical space to be deployed and used safely.
4. Distance from Cargo Floor to Roof Structural Ribs (Interior Height)
Your folding ramp, when stowed in its upright position, will need clearance above the pinch guards. This means that the top of the pinch guards will need overhead clearance of approximately 11” to 15” towards the front of the van. Often, the lowest obstruction isn’t the roof itself, but a structural rib that supports the roof.
How to Measure:
- Measure from the floor to the lowest part of the ceiling, paying special attention to the roof structural ribs which are often the lowest obstruction just above the pinch guards.
This will determine if a bi-fold or tri-fold ramp will fit vertically inside when stowed.
Special Considerations by Van Type
Ford Transit Van Ramps
Ford Transits are a top choice for service and delivery vehicles. They come in multiple roof heights and lengths.
- Typical rear door opening height: 49″–77″
- Rear door width: 60″–73″
- Typical load height: 28″–32″
If you’re shopping for Ford Transit van ramps, the HandiRamp CVR fits most models—especially the mid and high-roof options. One key consideration is that if you’re ordering the Long 10.5’ ramp you MUST measure from the floor to the structural roof rib where the top corners of the ramp – the pinch guards – may touch.
Sprinter Van Ramps
Sprinter vans (Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner) are slightly taller, offering more interior headroom.
- Rear door opening height: Up to 72″
- Typical load height: 28″–32″
Sprinter van ramps need to accommodate the slightly higher floors, so choosing the right ramp length is key.
ProMaster Ramp Options
Ram ProMaster vans are known for their low load floors and wide cargo spaces and because the door area is largely rectangular and the roof flat, can fit the tallest ramps.
- Typical load height: 21″–23″
- Extra-wide cargo area is great for cargo van loading ramps with larger equipment
When choosing a ProMaster ramp, take advantage of the low step-in height to go with a shorter ramp, if desired.
Ramp for Ford Transit Connect
The Transit Connect is smaller and more compact, making it ideal for local deliveries or mobile services.
- Load height: 21″–23″
Interior space is limited, so compact bi-fold ramps work best
Choosing the Right Ramp After Measuring
Once you have your measurements, you can use tools like the Cargo Van Ramp Configurator to match your van with the correct ramp size and type.
Ramp Styles to Consider:
- Standard folding ramps (1,000 lb capacity) – bi-fold or tri-fold options
- Heavy-duty ramps (1,500 lb capacity) – for heavy cargo or equipment
- Wide ramps – for larger wheelbases or carts
- Side-door compatible ramps – available for some van models
Make sure to check:
- The ramp’s folded dimensions (for storage)
- Weight capacity (for your typical loads)
- Ramp mounting options ( fixed position, or swivel mount)
Need Help Choosing the Right Fit?
We get it—there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to choosing the perfect cargo van ramp. That’s why the team at HandiRamp is always here to help. Whether you’re comparing Ford Transit van ramps or looking for the right fit for your Sprinter, we’ll walk you through everything you need.
Start with accurate measurements and check out our ramp configurator tool. It’ll point you in the right direction based on your van model, floor height, and loading needs.
Final Thoughts
Measuring your van for a cargo ramp doesn’t have to be complicated—but it’s essential. With the right prep, you’ll get a ramp that fits like a glove, functions beautifully, and keeps your crew and cargo moving safely.
Whether you’re hauling equipment, making deliveries, or working mobile jobs, a cargo van loading ramp can seriously boost productivity and protect your back.
Looking to outfit your van today? Explore our full lineup of Ford Transit van ramps, Sprinter van ramps, and ProMaster ramp options at CargoVanRamps.com.
