Jeep Grand Cherokee Cargo Dimensions: Will a 4×8 Sheet of Plywood Fit?
Can a 4×8 Sheet of Plywood Fit in a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
You’ve just loaded up at the home improvement store, and the helpful lumber guy looks at your Grand Cherokee and then at the giant stack of plywood, and you both share that same look of doubt.
It’s the classic DIYer’s dilemma. You need to get the materials home, but will they actually fit inside your SUV? Let’s settle this once and for all.
The short and honest answer is no, a full 4×8-foot sheet of plywood will not fit flat inside a standard Jeep Grand Cherokee . That goes for pretty much any model year you can think of.
Here’s why: the cargo area is just too small. The width between the wheel wells is less than 48 inches, and the length from the back of the front seats to the tailgate is shorter than 96 inches .
Let’s Look at the Numbers
To understand why, it helps to look at the actual dimensions of the cargo area. Here’s what the data tells us:
- A 4×8 Sheet Dimensions: 48 inches wide by 96 inches long. It’s a big piece of wood.
- Cargo Width: The interior width of a Grand Cherokee is around 77.5 inches . However, this is the total width of the cabin, measured at the widest point. The real problem is the space between the rear wheel wells, which is significantly narrower—about 45 inches .
- Cargo Length: With the rear seats up, the cargo length is just over 37 cubic feet of volume . Even with the seats folded down, the maximum cargo volume is around 70.8 cubic feet, which simply isn’t long or wide enough to accommodate an 8-foot board .
So, What Are Your Options?
Don’t worry, you still have a few ways to get your plywood home without having to rent a truck.
Option 1: The Roof Rack
This is a very popular solution. If your Grand Cherokee has factory crossbars, it can carry the weight on top . A roof rack is a great way to move full sheets, but you have to be careful.
Safety First: When carrying large sheets on the roof, the wind can create a lot of lift, turning the plywood into a giant sail . Make sure you use high-quality straps and tie it down securely. Also, be mindful of the roof’s weight limit .
Option 2: Cut It Down
If you only need one or two sheets, you might be able to have the store cut them for you. Many home improvement stores offer cutting services. You could cut a 4×8 sheet into two 4×4 pieces, which would be much easier to fit inside the cargo area.
Option 3: Let It Hang (Not Recommended)
Could you leave the tailgate down and let the wood hang out? This is strongly not recommended. It’s unsafe for the cargo and for other drivers on the road, and you could be fined. Besides, the space between the wheel wells remains the primary obstacle.
Option 4: Use a Trailer
If you frequently haul large materials, investing in a small utility trailer is the safest and most practical solution. It will tow much better than a roof full of plywood and is far more versatile .
The Grand Cherokee L (The Extended Version)
If you have the three-row Grand Cherokee L, the space is slightly larger. The total cargo volume with all seats folded is 84.6 cubic feet, compared to the standard model’s 70.8 . It’s also longer overall, but it still shares the same width restrictions at the wheel wells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the width of the cargo area between the wheel wells?
It’s roughly 45 inches, making it too narrow for a 48-inch-wide piece of plywood to sit flat on the floor .
Is there any Grand Cherokee model that can fit a 4×8 sheet?
Generally, no. This is a common limitation for most midsize SUVs. Even the larger Grand Cherokee L has this same issue .
Can I fit a 4×8 sheet diagonally?
The width restriction from the wheel wells is the primary obstacle, not just the length. Because the wheel wells intrude into the cargo floor, a flat sheet won’t sit level.
Is it safe to put plywood on the roof rack?
Yes, but you must be careful. Ensure your load doesn’t exceed the roof’s weight capacity, and use multiple high-quality ratchet straps to secure it .
What is the cargo volume with the seats down?
In a standard Grand Cherokee, it’s about 70.8 cubic feet . In the Grand Cherokee L, it’s larger at 84.6 cubic feet .
For further reading and official specs:
- Jeep Official Site – Jeep / Mopar Official Site
- Edmunds – Vehicle specs and reviews
- U.S. News & World Report – Specs and comparisons
- iSeeCars – Detailed dimension data
