From the VW T5 from 2003 and the VW T6 from 2015 through to the VW T6.1, the Transporter has established itself over many years as a versatile vehicle for trade, service, delivery and leisure use. Although the model generations have changed, one thing remains the same: the two wheel arches project into the usable cargo area and can easily come into contact with tools, boxes or other cargo during everyday loading and unloading.
This set of two wheel arch covers made from 3 mm ABS plastic is designed for the listed VW Transporter generations with a short or long wheelbase. The plastic covers protect the left and right wheel arches and can be installed either on their own or as an addition to existing cargo area lining.
Do these wheel arch covers fit the VW T5, T6 or T6.1?
In short: These wheel arch covers are designed for the VW T5 from 2003, VW T6 from 2015 and VW T6.1. According to the vehicle compatibility information, they can be used with both the short-wheelbase L1 and long-wheelbase L2 versions. The set includes two covers for the left and right wheel arches, made from 3 mm flexible and UV-resistant ABS plastic.
⚠️ Do you already drive the new VW T7 Transporter from 2024?A separate vehicle-specific wheel arch cover is available for the current
VW T7 Transporter from 2024.
T5, T6 or T6.1 – three Transporter generations in one vehicle family
The VW Transporter has been continuously developed over many years. When selecting vehicle-specific cargo area accessories, it is therefore important to check not only the name “VW Transporter” but also the actual vehicle generation.
This product covers the listed versions of the T5, T6 and T6.1. The new VW T7 Transporter from 2024, however, belongs to a different vehicle generation and requires the separate wheel arch covers designed specifically for that model.
VW Transporter – identifying the correct generation
| Vehicle |
Model year / generation |
These wheel arch covers? |
| VW T5 |
From 2003 |
Yes |
| VW T6 |
From 2015 |
Yes |
| VW T6.1 |
Corresponding model generation |
Yes |
| VW T7 Transporter |
From 2024 |
No – separate version |
Short or long wheelbase – L1 and L2 compared
The available vehicle compatibility information includes both the short-wheelbase L1 and the longer L2 version.
Listed vehicle dimensions for VW T5 / T6 / T6.1
| Version |
Wheelbase |
Overall length |
Cargo area height |
Cargo area length |
Vehicle height |
| L1H1 |
3,000 mm |
4,904 mm |
1,410 mm |
2,324 mm |
1,990 mm |
| L2H1 |
3,400 mm |
5,304 mm |
1,410 mm |
2,724 mm |
1,990 mm |
Tip for identifying your vehicle:
For vehicles with German registration documents, the vehicle length can be found under section 18 and the vehicle height under section 20. The relevant date or vehicle information can be found under section 6.
Why the wheel arches of a VW Transporter are easily exposed to cargo
The T5, T6 and T6.1 are frequently used as trade vans, service vehicles, courier vans or leisure vehicles. Especially with regularly changing loads, boxes, tools, machines and transport containers often have to be positioned close together to make efficient use of the available cargo space.
The wheel arches project into this usable space and sit exactly where cargo is frequently pushed past or placed during loading and unloading.
The plastic covers provide an additional protective layer over these areas and can help reduce direct contact between the vehicle and the cargo.
Additional protection against scratches and everyday wear
The wheel arch covers protect the underlying wheel arch areas against typical mechanical contact during loading and unloading. Loose or frequently moved items can otherwise come directly into contact with the vehicle surface.
The covers are not a substitute for proper load securing. Their purpose is to protect the vehicle area, not to secure the transported goods.
3 mm ABS plastic for both wheel arches
The covers are made from 3 mm ABS plastic. The material is flexible and UV-resistant.
Two vehicle-specific covers are supplied – one for the left and one for the right wheel arch.
The covers can be used independently or integrated into a more comprehensive cargo area conversion together with a cargo floor or side wall lining.
Technical specifications – VW T5 / T6 / T6.1 wheel arch covers
VW T5, T6 & T6.1 Wheel Arch Covers – Product Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Vehicles |
VW T5 / VW T6 / VW T6.1 |
| T5 |
From 2003 |
| T6 |
From 2015 |
| Wheelbase |
L1 short / L2 long |
| Material |
ABS plastic |
| Material thickness |
3 mm |
| Material properties |
Flexible and UV-resistant |
| Installation options |
Clamping, screwing or bonding |
| Installation hardware |
Not included |
| Scope of delivery |
2 wheel arch covers – left and right |
Extend an existing cargo area conversion instead of starting again
The wheel arch covers can also be installed as an addition to existing interior lining.
This is particularly useful if a cargo floor or side wall lining has already been installed in the T5, T6 or T6.1 but the two wheel arches remain exposed.
There is therefore no need to replace an existing conversion simply to add wheel arch protection. The covers can be fitted specifically where additional protection is still required.
Installation by clamping, screwing or bonding
Depending on the existing cargo area conversion, the wheel arch covers can be installed by clamping, screwing or bonding.
The most suitable method depends on the individual installation situation. With a new conversion, the covers can be planned together with the floor and side wall lining. When retrofitting, first check how existing components run around the wheel arches.
Installation note:
The required installation hardware is not included. Screws, adhesive or other fixings must be selected to suit the chosen installation method.
Practical tip: check the vehicle length instead of guessing
When distinguishing between the short and long wheelbase, checking the vehicle documents is particularly useful.
The listed L1 and L2 versions differ in overall length by 400 mm. If you are unsure which version you have, the registered vehicle length can therefore provide a useful reference.
That's considerably more reliable than the traditional car-park method: take five steps back, rub your chin thoughtfully and declare, “Well, it does look pretty long.” 😄
Frequently asked questions about VW T5, T6 & T6.1 wheel arch covers
Which VW Transporter models are these wheel arch covers designed for?
The wheel arch covers are designed for the VW T5 from 2003, VW T6 from 2015 and VW T6.1.
Are the covers suitable for short and long wheelbase models?
Yes. The available vehicle compatibility information includes L1H1 with a 3,000 mm wheelbase and L2H1 with a 3,400 mm wheelbase.
Do these wheel arch covers also fit the VW T7 Transporter from 2024?
No. A separate vehicle-specific wheel arch cover is available for the current VW T7 Transporter from 2024.
Where can I find the vehicle length in German registration documents?
In German registration documents, the vehicle length can be found under section 18 and the vehicle height under section 20.
Are both wheel arch covers included?
Yes. The set includes two covers for the left and right wheel arches.
Can the wheel arch covers be retrofitted?
Yes. They can also be added to existing interior lining, provided that the individual installation situation allows suitable fitting.
Is installation hardware included?
No. The required installation hardware is not included.
From T5 to T6.1 – wheel arch protection for the correct Transporter generation
Across the T5, T6 and T6.1 generations, the VW Transporter has undergone several stages of development. This set covers the listed generations as well as the specified short and long wheelbase versions and protects both wheel arches with 3 mm ABS plastic covers.
The new VW T7 Transporter generation from 2024, however, requires a separate version. A quick generation check before ordering is therefore worthwhile.
Once you can also tell L1 from L2 by checking the vehicle length, you have pretty much solved the entire compatibility puzzle.