You can expect an average van weight to be about 4,374 pounds (1,984 kg).
When looking at the specs for different vans, the weight will be typically listed as the curb weight (or kerb weight in the UK). This stands for the weight of a vehicle without occupants or baggage.
Generally, the lighter the van, the better the fuel economy. This does vary depending on the van and its engine. However, the more weight you add, the heavier it will be and the more strain you place on the engine, resulting in a lower mpg. According to the EPA, for every 100 lbs (45 kg), you can expect to reduce gas mileage by about 1%.
For pulling a van, it’s recommended to use a vehicle that can tow at least 5,000 pounds for the lightest vans. This would account for the additional weight of passengers and cargo. The average F-150 truck can handle a towing capacity of 5,000 to 8,000 pounds depending on your model.
Make sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity. This can be found in your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website as your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
7 Example Van Weights
The following chart features example van weights of specific models ranging from the lightest to the heaviest used on the road. Additional details can be found on the manufacturer’s websites. Here’s the van weight chart:
| Van Model | Estimated Curb Weight |
| 1963 Volkswagon Bus | 2,314 lbs (1,050 kg) |
| 1985 Volkswagon T3 Westfalia Camper | 3,075 lbs (1,395 kg) |
| 2005 Chevy Astro | 4,272 lbs (1,938 kg) |
| 2020 Honda Odyssey | 4,474 lbs (2,029 kg) |
| 2020 Toyota Sienna | 4,590 lbs (2,082 kg) |
| 2020 Ford Transit-350 Cargo Extended Cargo Van | 5,799 lbs (2,630 kg) |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 High Roof V6 | 6,097 lbs (2,766 kg) |
Sources: Autoblog, Wikipedia, Bustopia
Additional Weight and Things to Consider
The additional weight you will encounter with a van will come from a few areas. Those areas being seats, add-ons, handicap lifts, additional storage, and fuel or propane gas (wet weight). This creates an additional weight to consider when towing and traveling with a van.
If you plan on using your van for a camper or van conversion, you’ll also need to account for the weight of the conversion. This includes appliances, lumber, batteries, outdoor gear, water tanks, and everything else. This could range anywhere from an additional 500 to 2,000 lbs of added weight.
Make sure to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual and read the section on payload capacity. It’s always safer to leave some extra wiggle room to not damage your engine.
To Conclude
Vans can provide a great mode of transport out on the road, whether that’s for transporting kids, or a buildout for a van conversion for van life. Each make, model, and size comes along with its own weight based on use and if any mods are installed. The key factors to consider the weight of a van come down to:
- Length
- Seats
- Construction/material
- What’s stored inside
- Fuel tank/gas propane
It’s important to know the correct weight when looking to tow and transport your van. If you’re unsure and want specific weights, you can always check the manufacture’s website or go to a local cat scale to get a more accurate weight.