What You Need To Know Before Buying a VW Bus

Written By Gabriela Lopes

The VW Type 2 is well known for its spaciousness and versatility. From serving as public transportation back in its glory days, to being a mobile home for adventurous travelers, this iconic van has done it all.

Before you pick up the keys to your newly restored ride, it’s important to ensure you have a dedicated, protected space for it at home.

Why Garage Storage Matters for Your VW Bus

To preserve the charm and longevity of your vintage vehicle, it’s highly recommended to keep it sheltered from the elements—ideally in a garage, carport, or under a fitted cover. By storing your VW Bus in a garage, you protect it from sunlight that can fade the paint, crack rubber seals, and damage interior upholstery. Additionally, safeguarding it from rain and moisture prevents rust and corrosion on older metal parts, while protection from snow and ice reduces the risk of engine issues, battery drain, and bodywork damage.

Storing your VW Bus indoors also shields it from debris and pests. Harmful elements like tree sap, bird droppings, and dust can damage the paint, while rodents and insects can cause significant problems by nesting in the engine bay, chewing on wiring, or damaging the upholstery.

Diagram by dimensions.com

VW Type 2 Dimensions vs. Modern Minivans

While the Volkswagen Type 2 is known for its roomy interior, its overall dimensions are surprisingly similar to modern minivans, with the primary difference being its height.

Type 2 dimensions:

  • Length: 14.5 ft

  • Width: 5.8 ft

  • Height: 6.4 ft (6.8 ft with a luggage rack)

Modern Minivans (Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey) approximate dimensions:

  • Length: 17 ft

  • Width: 6.5 ft

  • Height: 5.7 ft

Despite its taller profile, the VW Type 2 remains compact enough to fit in many standard garages.

Will It Fit in Your Garage?

While garages come in various sizes, here are some common dimensions:

  • Single-Car Garage: 12 ft wide x 22 ft long

  • Two-Car Garage: 18 ft wide x 20 ft long

  • Three-Car Garage: 26-30 ft wide x 22 ft deep

  • Single-Car Garage Door: Typically 8 ft wide x 7 ft tall

What if the Garage Door is Too Short?

If your garage door height is close to the vehicle height, consider removing the rack when storing. Another option is to request a custom height adjustment during the build process to ensure a perfect fit.

Maximizing Space: Interior and Seating Capacity

What can you do with all that space? The VW Bus offers flexible seating configurations to accommodate 8 to 10 people with seatbelts, including three in the front (with the middle seat positioned in front of the gear shift) and five to seven in the back. It also includes a small trunk space integrated with the rear seats, which can convert into a sleeper area for overnight adventures. Unlike modern minivans, the engine is uniquely housed in the back due to the VW's straight-front design.

Ready to begin your VW journey? We can help!

Gabriela Lopes