dongfeng box specs: Complete Buyer’s Guide 2025

If you’re researching dongfeng box specs, you’re likely weighing payloads, cargo dimensions, engine choices, and total cost of ownership. I’ve specced and evaluated multiple Dongfeng box trucks for last‑mile fleets and regional delivery routes, and I know exactly where the spec sheet matters in day-to-day operations. In this guide, I’ll break down the real-world implications of Dongfeng box truck specifications, from GVW and wheelbase to engine and electric options, so you can choose a configuration that fits your routes, regulations, and budget.

What Is A Dongfeng Box Truck?

A Dongfeng box truck typically refers to a light- to medium-duty cab-chassis from Dongfeng (often DFAC/DFSK brands) fitted with a sealed cargo box. Common segments include 3.5‑ton to 12‑ton GVW classes used for parcel delivery, cold-chain, and urban logistics. You’ll see familiar badges such as Dongfeng Captain, Dolica, or EQ series, sold with standardized 4.2‑meter boxes in many markets and longer bodies for regional freight.

Key takeaways:

• Built for urban and regional logistics with tight turning and compact footprints.
• Offered in diesel and electric variants, with market-specific emissions calibrations.
• Boxes customized for dry freight, refrigerated, e-commerce shelving, or tail-lift integration.
  

  

Core Specifications Overview

When comparing dongfeng box specs, focus on the fundamentals first. These headline figures determine what you can legally carry and how the truck behaves.

Typical ranges you’ll encounter by class and market:

• Gross vehicle weight: 3,500 to 12,000 kg
• Payload capacity: Approximately 1,500 to 6,000 kg depending on GVW and body equipment
• Wheelbase choices: 2,800 to 4,500 mm for balancing cabin comfort, maneuverability, and body length
• Overall length: Around 5.6 to 8.5 m depending on box length
• Box length: 3.2 to 6.8 m common; 4.2 m is a widely used standard for city delivery
• Fuel type: Diesel (Euro IV–VI or China VI), CNG in some regions, and battery-electric variants
• Transmission: 5-speed or 6-speed manual, with AMT options increasingly available
• Braking: Hydraulic with ABS in lighter classes; air brakes and exhaust brakes in heavier specs
• Suspension: Leaf spring front and rear; parabolic or air assist upgrades on select models

These figures vary by country due to homologation rules and weight limits. Always confirm the homologated GVW and permissible payload on the VIN plate for your region.

Dimensions And Cargo Box Options

Box dimensions dictate cargo volume, load layout, and route viability in tight streets or low-clearance docks.

Common dry box specifications:

• Internal length: 3.2, 3.8, 4.2, 5.0, 5.2, 5.8, 6.2, and 6.8 m
• Internal width: 1.85 to 2.4 m, dependent on chassis width and body builder
• Internal height: 1.8 to 2.3 m for general freight; 2.4 m for high-cube options
• Cargo volume: Approximately 10 to 30 cubic meters, scaling with length and height
• Floor and door: Anti-slip marine plywood or steel floors; rear roll-up or barn doors; optional side door for urban delivery
• Cold-chain: Insulated panels with 60–100 mm foam thickness; standby electric for dock cooling

Practical tip from the field:

• For e-commerce parcels, a 4.2 m box with 2.1 m internal height and a lightweight shelving kit often maximizes route productivity without hammering payload. For bottled beverages or dense freight, prioritize floor strength and rear axle rating over sheer volume.
  

  

Powertrain And Emissions

Dongfeng’s box truck lineup commonly pairs proven diesel engines with simple, durable drivelines. Powertrains vary by region, but these trends are consistent:

Diesel engines you’ll often see:

• 2.5–2.8 L class: Approximately 85–115 kW and 300–360 Nm, ideal for 3.5–6.0 t GVW city work
• 3.0–3.8 L class: Approximately 100–125 kW and 350–450 Nm for 7.5–12 t GVW regional distribution

Emissions and aftertreatment:

• Euro IV to Euro VI or China VI calibrations with EGR, DOC, DPF, and SCR depending on standard
• DEF/AdBlue usage in higher-tier emissions markets
• Regular DPF regeneration cycles; plan for route speeds that allow passive regen or schedule stationary regens

Transmissions:

• 5MT common on lighter models, 6MT on heavier; AMT increasingly available for stop-start routes to reduce driver fatigue and clutch wear

Fuel economy expectations:

• Urban parcel routes: 12–16 L/100 km for lighter trucks; 18–24 L/100 km for heavier specs, heavily dependent on load factor and driving style
• Spec to your route: Short, dense drops benefit from torque-rich, smaller displacement engines; longer highway legs reward taller gearing and larger displacement.
  

  

Chassis, Suspension, And Braking

A box truck’s drivability depends on the chassis setup and axle ratings. The right combo protects tires, improves stability, and saves money.

Chassis highlights:

• Ladder-frame construction with cross-member reinforcement to suit body lengths
• Front axle ratings around 1.8–3.6 t; rear axles 3.5–7.5 t depending on GVW
• Leaf springs standard for durability; air-assist or air rear optional on select models for fragile goods

Braking and safety systems:

• ABS standard on most modern units; EBD and ESC increasingly available
• Hydraulic brakes on sub‑7.5 t GVW; air brakes and exhaust brake on heavier variants
• Hill-start assist and rear-view cameras popular for urban fleets

Real-world advice:

• If you run heavy at the tail (beverages, appliances), confirm rear axle GAWR and spring pack capacity. Overloading the rear axle is a common hidden compliance risk even when total GVW is legal.

Cab, Ergonomics, And Safety

Comfort and visibility directly affect driver performance on 80‑stop days.

Cab configurations:

• Single cab standard; double cab available in some markets for crew operations
• Tilt cab for easier maintenance on many models

Ergonomics and amenities:

• Adjustable seats, air conditioning, multi-function steering, and 2-DIN infotainment with Bluetooth
• Optional touchscreen with telematics integration for route planning and fuel monitoring
• Storage cubbies, overhead shelves, and wide door pockets beneficial for parcel paperwork

Safety and visibility:

• LED DRLs, halogen or LED headlamps, large mirrors with spotter mirrors
• Optional camera systems and parking sensors for tight alleys
• Airbags availability varies by market; check local spec sheets if mandated

Electric And New-Energy Variants

Dongfeng’s electric box trucks are increasingly common for zero-emission zones and night deliveries.

Typical EV specs you’ll encounter:

• Battery type: LFP packs for durability; usable capacities often around 50–100 kWh
• Range: Approximately 180–300 km WLTP/CLTC equivalent depending on pack and payload
• Charging: DC fast charging up to 60–100 kW; AC onboard chargers 6–11 kW
• Payload: Generally 200–400 kg lower than a similar diesel due to battery mass
• Regenerative braking with adjustable levels for urban routes

Operational insights:

• If your daily route is under 150 km with depot charging, an EV box truck can cut energy costs by 30–60% versus diesel in many markets, with quieter operation for off-peak deliveries.
• Cold-chain EV builds should budget energy overhead for refrigeration, especially in summer.

Real-World Performance And Ownership Costs

From my fleet evaluations, total cost of ownership hinges on matching the spec to the route profile.

What to monitor:

• Tires: Urban stop-start wears shoulders; spec reinforced steer tires and rotate frequently
• Brakes: Regenerative braking on EVs reduces pad usage dramatically; diesel trucks benefit from engine/exhaust braking on hilly routes
• Fuel and energy: Driver coaching and telematics typically yield 5–12% fuel savings
• Maintenance: Leaf-spring and manual-transmission setups are cost-effective; AMT can pay off with novice drivers

Cost planning:

• Diesel: Budget for DEF, DPF service, and periodic injector cleaning
• EV: Plan for charging infrastructure, off-peak tariffs, and battery warranty terms, typically 5–8 years with capacity retention clauses

How To Read A Dongfeng Spec Sheet

Spec sheets can feel dense. Here’s how I audit them quickly and avoid surprises.

Step-by-step:

• Confirm GVW, curb weight, and legal payload with body installed, not chassis-only
• Check wheelbase against box length to avoid excessive rear overhang
• Verify axle ratings exceed your real-world weight distribution
• Compare emissions standard and aftertreatment to your fuel and DEF availability
• Match gear ratios to route speeds; too-short gearing kills highway efficiency
• Inspect electrical provision for tail-lift, fridge, and telematics power draw
• Ensure homologated dimensions comply with local height/width/length limits

Specification Checklist And Buying Tips

Use this checklist before issuing a purchase order or bid spec.

Must-validate items:

• GVW, axle GAWRs, and certified payload with box and options installed
• Box internal L×W×H, door opening size, and floor rating for dense freight
• Engine power and torque curve at typical city speeds
• Transmission type, final drive ratio, and cruise RPM at 90 km/h
• Braking system type, ABS/ESC presence, tire size and load index
• Safety features: airbags, cameras, sensors, lighting
• Electrical: PTO or high-voltage accessory, 12 V/24 V outlets, alternator output
• Warranty and service network coverage, parts lead times
• For EVs: battery capacity usable, DC charge rate, real-world range with payload and HVAC, battery warranty

Buying tips from the field:

• Spec for your heaviest week, not your average day. That’s how you avoid compliance violations.
• A lighter box body pays dividends. Aluminum or composite panels can save 80–200 kg, boosting payload.
• Don’t skimp on visibility tech. Cameras and sensors prevent the one accident that wipes out a year of fuel savings.

Frequently Asked Questions Of dongfeng box specs

What is the typical payload of a Dongfeng 4.2 m box truck?

Payload commonly falls between 1,500 and 3,000 kg depending on GVW, body material, and options. Verify the final certified payload on the VIN plate after body installation.

Are Dongfeng box trucks available with automatic or AMT transmissions?

Yes. Many markets offer AMT options on select models. They reduce clutch wear and driver fatigue on stop-start routes and can improve consistency in fuel economy.

Do Dongfeng box trucks meet Euro VI or China VI standards?

Models are available with Euro VI or China VI calibrations. Aftertreatment typically includes DPF and SCR, requiring periodic regeneration and DEF usage. Confirm the exact emissions standard for your region’s homologation.

How far can the electric Dongfeng box variants drive on a charge?

Expect approximately 180–300 km depending on battery size, payload, route profile, and HVAC use. Cold-chain applications reduce range; plan energy margins accordingly.

What box door configuration is best for urban delivery?

Rear roll-up doors save space in tight alleys and speed curbside drops. Add a curb-side door for e-commerce routes with frequent small parcels.

Can I fit a tail-lift, and how does it affect payload?

Yes, tail-lifts are common. They add roughly 150–300 kg depending on capacity, reducing net payload by the same amount. Ensure electrical provision and rear frame reinforcement.

What maintenance is critical for high-stop routes?

Regular brake inspections, tire rotations, and attention to suspension bushings and spring packs. For diesels, monitor DPF health. For EVs, watch 12 V battery health and HV cooling.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Dongfeng box truck comes down to matching specs to your routes and cargo. Start with GVW, payload, and box dimensions, then tailor engine or battery, gearing, and chassis options to how you actually operate. When you get the fundamentals right, drivers are happier, uptime improves, and total cost of ownership stays predictable. Ready to go deeper? Compare two candidate specs against your heaviest week of deliveries, request demo runs, and track real fuel or energy use before you buy. If this guide helped, subscribe for more hands-on spec and fleet optimization insights, or leave a comment with your route profile and I’ll suggest a baseline configuration.