Hiace Interior Width & Length Explained | Sideways vs Lengthways Bed Guide

Hiace Interior Width & Length Explained

(Sleeping Sideways vs Lengthways)

When designing a DIY camper kit for Hiace, understanding the interior width and length is crucial — especially when deciding whether you can sleep sideways or must build a lengthways bed.

This guide breaks down real-world Toyota Hiace interior dimensions, how they affect bed layouts, and which option works best for different travel styles across NSW & QLD.

Toyota Hiace Interior Width – What You’re Working With

Key Width Measurements

• Wall-to-wall interior width: ~1,550 – 1,600 mm

• Width between wheel arches: ~1,250 mm

These figures define:

• Maximum bed width

• Storage cabinet depth

• Kitchen placement

⚠️ Important: Wall panels, insulation, and cladding can reduce usable width by 30–50 mm per side.

Can You Sleep Sideways in a Hiace?

Sideways Sleeping Explained

Sideways sleeping means your body lies across the van, from left wall to right wall.

When Sideways Works

• Interior width ≥ 1,580 mm

• Sleeper height ≤ 165–170 cm

• Minimal wall cladding thickness

Pros

• Saves van length

• Leaves room for rear kitchen or storage

• Ideal for compact builds

Cons

• Not suitable for tall sleepers

• Very sensitive to wall thickness

• Less flexible bed sizing

✅ Best for:
Shorter travelers, surf vans, minimalist builds

Lengthways Sleeping – The Most Popular Choice

Lengthways Bed Explained

A lengthways bed runs from the rear doors toward the front of the van.

Required Length

• Comfortable sleeping length: 1,850 – 2,000 mm

• Interior cargo length (LWB Hiace): ~2,400 – 2,800 mm

Pros

• Fits tall sleepers

• More flexible mattress sizing

• Easier to build

Cons

• Uses more interior space

• Requires smarter kitchen/storage placement

✅ Best for:
Full-time travel, couples, Hiace 4WD campervan builds

Comparing Sideways vs Lengthways Beds

Hybrid Bed Designs (Best of Both Worlds)

Many Australian builders use extendable or hybrid beds:

• Day mode: Shortened length

• Night mode: Slide-out or flip extension

Benefits:

• Space-efficient during the day

• Full sleeping length at night

This approach works well with modular DIY camper kits for Hiace.

Layout Planning Based on Width & Length

Compact Layout (Sideways Bed)

• Bed width: 1,550–1,580 mm

• Kitchen: Rear or side

• Storage: Upper cabinets only

Touring Layout (Lengthways Bed)

• Bed length: 1,900 mm

• Storage: Drawers over wheel arches

• Kitchen: Side galley or rear

To see how these layouts look in practice, check:
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsCpPG2m4VU
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eab2iWhGMI

Choosing the Right Hiace for Sleeping Comfort

Not all Hiace models offer the same usable space. Japanese imports often provide better interior geometry.

Explore options from a Toyota Hiace specialist:

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/toyota-hiace.html

Related resources:

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/toyota-hiace-van-for-sale.html

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/campervan-for-sale.html

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/commercial-van-for-sale.html

Sideways or Lengthways – Which Should You Choose?

Choose sideways sleeping if:

• You are under 170 cm

• You want maximum daytime space

• Your build is minimalist

Choose lengthways sleeping if:

• You are tall

• You want under-bed storage

• You plan long trips

For most Australian builds, lengthways beds remain the safest and most comfortable option.