You’ve seen the various awe-inspiring van lifers on Instagram. You’ve most likely seen their magazine-worthy Sprinter van conversions. And now you’re able to ditch your 9-5, personal a house mortgage-free and journey the nation. Step one in beginning your van life journey begins with selecting the right van for a camper conversion.
So the place do you start? There are such a lot of completely different roof heights, wheelbases, and fashions accessible which will all look related. However, it provide completely different professionals and cons relying in your life-style and wishes.
This information offers you the lowdown on what to search for. Why this stuff matter when selecting the most effective conversion van campers? We’ll undergo a number of the high choices for vans in North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand. Let’s check out what makes these vans so well-liked.
We did a great deal of analysis when purchasing for our camper van, Benji. All of those concerns helped us resolve on what was most necessary to us. It helped us perceive how every one affected the van conversion course of.
What to Search for When Selecting the Finest Van for Tenting Conversion
Looking for the most effective conversion van for tenting might be overwhelming. It’s important to ensure that the van is in good condition mechanically. You additionally want to think about many elements that may have an effect on van life-style. Some mechanics or dealerships would possibly stare at you such as you’re loopy for asking questions on becoming a mattress inside or if there’s room for a bathe, however choosing the best van to camper conversion begins with evaluating some key components.
Top
The peak of your van conversion will have an effect on you in additional methods than you suppose. First, you want to work out in the event you can arise in your potential van and resolve how necessary that is to you.
You is perhaps pondering, “in fact I need to have the ability to arise!” which is completely comprehensible, however completely different roof heights have completely different benefits too.
Excessive Roof/Excessive Prime Van
Professionals:
- Can provide you extra headspace and extra space for storing
- The most suitable choice for full-time van life. It’s ergonomically extra sensible and it maximizes the tiny sq. footage that you’ve
Cons: Could make driving in robust winds trickier and restrict your choices for indoor parking and drive-throughs.
Customary Roof Van
Professionals:
- Assist you to park and drive anyplace a daily car can, whereas excessive high vans are thought of outsized in some cities and on ferries.
- Good for weekend journeys or stealth tenting – if you wish to mix in a metropolis setting
(we’ll dive deeper into the “stealth issue” afterward)
Cons:
- Too low to face inside, which might make full time residing harder, particularly when there is no such thing as a choice to go outdoors because of unhealthy/chilly climate
To determine what roof top it is best to go for, think about the way you’ll be utilizing your van.
Our excessive high Sprinter campervan, Benji, on the Cyprus Lake Campground in bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park
Gasoline Sort
Relating to gasoline, most vans run on both gasoline or diesel. Fuel stations around the globe provide each for comparatively related costs, so what’s the distinction? Similar to roof heights, gasoline kind is essentially depending on the way you’ll be utilizing your van.
Gasoline is all about getting essentially the most energy out of each drop of gasoline, which is nice for horsepower and brief hauls with lots of stop-and-go driving. Gasoline engines are rather more frequent, making them simpler to repair with extra accessible and reasonably priced components. Merely put, fuel is the most suitable choice for a van to campervan conversion in the event you’ll be doing numerous metropolis driving and shorter distance journeys.
Diesel, alternatively, is all about torque and lengthy hauls. For those who’re seeking to do a bunch of cross-country highway journeys or is perhaps towing a trailer, diesel is the most suitable choice. Simply take into consideration semis, they run on diesel as a result of they’re designed to be pushed for lengthy distances at regular speeds. With these hearty engines comes dearer restore and upkeep prices, but when pushed in optimum situations, a diesel engine is constructed to final and may have higher gasoline financial system.
Wheelbase
Your wheelbase is the distance between your entrance and rear wheels. This impacts the size of your van and its weight distribution. The most typical cargo van for van conversions, the Mercedes Sprinter, is available in a 144” or 170” wheelbase. The 170” wheelbase additionally provides prolonged our bodies, the place the again of the van extends even additional previous the rear wheels.
Choosing which wheelbase is best for you begins with figuring out how a lot inside area you want for residing and storage, and the significance of having the ability to match into a daily parking spot. Lengthy vans require massive parking areas that not all parking heaps have, so think about this in the event you plan to do numerous city exploring. It shouldn’t be a lot of a difficulty in the event you’re going to stay to highways and dust roads.
Now we have a 170” wheelbase Sprinter van and it’s the excellent measurement to suit a desk that we are able to each sit comfortably, a kitchen space with loads of counter area, and an elevator mattress that runs lengthwise so we by no means have to fret about feeling squished—a massive victory in a van!
Off-Street Functionality
A van with 4×4 capabilities might be an incredible possibility for limitless off-road journey however carries a excessive price ticket to match. A 4×4 van conversion for tenting is nice for main you to unbelievable and sudden areas whereas performing properly within the snow and on sandy seashores. Choosing a 4×4 opens you as much as extra rugged adventures, however the advantages actually finish there.
Most 2WD vans can nonetheless deal with some fairly tough roads with ease—even with low floor clearance. Snow, mud, and sand can nonetheless be tackled with the best tires and restoration gear, like tire chains and these traction boards, which ought to be staples in any van conversion. Not like automobiles, cargo vans use rear-wheel-drive as a substitute of front-wheel-drive, which helps with energy and towing talents. Much less weight on the entrance tires additionally makes for higher fuel mileage.
Whereas a 4×4 could appear very enticing from an journey standpoint in the event you’re on the lookout for the most effective van to dwell in full time, a 2WD mannequin greater than makes the lower. The 2WD fashions are additionally far more available.
Twin or Single Rear Wheel
Choosing a Single Rear Wheel (SRW) or a Twin Rear Wheel (DRW), extra generally known as a “dually,” actually boils down to some issues.
Professionals & Cons of a Dually
Professionals: A dually is supposed to tow heavy payloads like trailers, boats, and campers, and supply additional stability on tough terrain whereas doing so.
The most important good thing about a dually in the most effective sprinter van conversion is you could load up your construct with numerous weight with out worrying concerning the capability of the truck.
Need actual tile? No downside? 100lb dwell edge countertop? Executed!
We didn’t intend to purchase a dually when selecting our personal Sprinter Van, however we do take pleasure in the advantages of that additional carrying capability.
Cons: Choosing a dually, just like the Sprinter 3500, does imply that you’ll want to design a structure to your van conversion that accommodates the larger wheel wells within the again, but it surely additionally implies that the load of your construct might be a lot secure. For those who don’t have numerous towing in your future, the additional two tires will simply create extra car weight, worse fuel mileage, and diminished area in your cargo space.
Heavy counter tops and fancy ceiling added lots of additional weight to our campervan
Stealth
As we talked about in a number of the above elements, having the ability to mix in with common, non-vehicle dwelling vans is what’s known as “stealth.” In case your van life goals are all about sleeping underneath the celebs within the forest, then stealth isn’t actually one thing you want to fear about. For those who plan to do some metropolis exploring and concrete tenting, choosing a van that doesn’t scream “I dwell on this” is one thing to think about.
When selecting the most effective vans to transform to campers the place stealth is an element, you’ll wish to go for a normal cargo van, like a Mercedes Sprinter or a Chevy Categorical. These vans are often plain white, don’t have home windows, and will go as a restore or supply truck—AKA, not the kind of van many individuals would suppose is dwelling. One factor to bear in mind is that most of the issues that make van residing snug, like roof vents or photo voltaic panels, are useless giveaways of a camper van.
So, if stealth is your precedence, you’ll have to sacrifice A LOT to verify your van doesn’t blow your cowl.
Worth
Each van lifer has a special price range and with the intensive vary of vans accessible, there actually is one thing on the market for everybody. After all, the upper your price range, the extra choices there might be however there are many used cargo vans on the market which might be simply ready to be transformed right into a campervan.
One thing to think about when selecting the most effective vans for conversion is that the price of your van is totally separate from the value of your construct. So, in the event you blow your complete price range on a high of the road 4×4, you’ll have to stint out on constructing out your residing area. Equally, you can get an incredible deal on a used van and have an even bigger price range for a greater photo voltaic system, for instance.
Finest Vans for Camper Conversions in North America
North America is stuffed with new and used cargo vans ranging in measurement, functionality, and worth. For those who’re trying to find a van to transform to a camper within the USA or Canada, these fashions are a fantastic place to begin.
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is a superb candidate for the most effective van for camper conversion as a result of it is available in many alternative sizes at a price ticket that’s a lot decrease than a few of its opponents. The Transit was launched in 2014, changing Ford’s earlier E-Collection vans, and shook up the Sprinter van-dominated world of campervan conversions.
Whereas earlier variations of the Ford Transit had been all rear-wheel-drive, the brand new 2020 mannequin boasts an all-wheel-drive model that ought to be helpful in snow and rougher terrains.
Ford Transit
Dimension: Ford Transits are available in three completely different lengths with wheelbases starting from 130” to 148”. There are common physique, lengthy physique, and prolonged physique fashions that attain a most size of twenty-two’ 2” which makes for a really roomy residing space.
Top: There are three completely different top choices accessible starting from 4’ to six’5”. The tall roof makes the Ford Transit the tallest van in the marketplace.
Worth Vary: Base mannequin 2021 cargo vans begin at USD $30,000 (CAD $39,095) and may rise up to USD $44,000 (CAD $57,000) for the prolonged lengthy physique choices. Used fashions are in fact cheaper, however not as simple to seek out for the reason that van is so new.
Professionals: Past the versatile measurement and top choices, the Ford Transit wins for value and ease of repairs. Ford components are simple to seek out, reasonably priced anyplace in North America, and don’t require specialised mechanics to work on them. These vans are additionally identified to deal with properly and the usual V6 engine is highly effective sufficient for many van lifers’ wants.
Cons: You’ll almost certainly want to purchase new or search broadly to discover a used possibility as a result of the mannequin is so new in comparison with different van choices.
Finest For: The Ford Transit is finest for tall individuals who’re sick of hitting their heads on the ceiling of their van and people on the lookout for a spacious tenting van at an inexpensive worth.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes Sprinter van is undeniably the preferred possibility for a campervan conversion. Showing in Instagram feeds in every single place, this German-designed cargo van is taken into account top-of-the-line vans for van life because of its measurement and reliability. It is available in numerous configurations that make it a flexible clean canvas for anybody seeking to do a DIY camper conversion.
Whereas trendy variations carry all Mercedes branding, you’ll discover some Dodge-branded Sprinters that had been made between 2003-2009 throughout a quick stint of Chrysler-based distribution within the US. Past the branding and some fashion particulars, these Sprinter vans are nearly the identical and each make glorious choices for a house on wheels.
Our Mercedes Sprinter van mid conversion
Dimension: Mercedes Sprinter Vans are constructed on two completely different wheelbases: 144” and 170”. The 144” WB is an effective possibility for a compact van that’s capable of cruise by way of cities with ease. The 170” WB provides extra residing area with two lengths (common and prolonged) for these wanting so as to add extras. 170WB can accommodate a toilet or additional storage like bikes and surfboards.
Top: These vans are available in two completely different top choices, with the low roof reaching 5’4” and the raised roof measuring 6’3”. For most individuals, the excessive roof mannequin is the proper top for having the ability to stand and cook dinner comfortably whereas nonetheless having numerous room for overhead storage.
Worth Vary: With all of its options and credibility, the Sprinter van does include a hefty price ticket. The 2021 base fashions begin at USD $38,000 (CAD $49,200). There’s a fuel or diesel possibility and may climb properly over CAD $80,000 for a decked out 4×4. Used Sprinter Vans vary between $10,000-$25,000
Professionals: Sprinters have been in the marketplace for 20 years and persistently show to be a dependable and well-made car. There are various measurement choices to suit area and price range wants, together with extra intensive upgrades than different cargo vans accessible. As an example, the Sprinter is the one excessive roof van you could drive off the lot as a 4×4 with out having to do the improve your self.
As a result of these vans are so universally liked, there are tons of used fashions accessible. Excessive mileage isn’t as massive of an element on these diesel engines as a result of they had been constructed for long-haul transport.
There are a great deal of sources accessible on-line for changing a Sprinter van for tenting down to each little measurement and spec you could want. With the rise of van life, Sprinters are actually universally referred to as being a number of the finest vans to dwell in. As proud homeowners of a 2008 Sprinter 170WB, we couldn’t agree extra.
Cons: The most important disadvantage to proudly owning a Mercedes Sprinter is the associated fee. These vans are costly to purchase and are pricey to take care of and restore. Most repairs can solely be performed at Mercedes sellers or licensed garages. Through which, limits you in the event you break down in the course of nowhere.
Elements are additionally brand-specific in order that they’re often dearer, more durable to seek out, and repairs can take longer if the store doesn’t have the half available.
Finest For: Mercedes Benz Sprinter is the hottest van for DIY campervan conversion. It’s nice for these seeking to be part of a group of people that overtly share construct guides, improve specs, and custom-fitted components for all issues Sprinter. It’s additionally an excellent possibility for van lifers who wish to do lots of off-roading or need to have the ability to select between a fuel or diesel-powered engine.
Ram ProMaster
With the tip of Dodge-branded Sprinters in 2009, Chrysler now not provided any cargo vans of their lineup. Enter the Ram ProMaster. This extra-wide van has a unibody building with a decrease flooring so the inside top can keep tall whereas the outside is nearly a full foot shorter than a raised roof Sprinter.
The Ram ProMaster is available in three completely different lengths on two completely different wheelbases, very like the Sprinter. It additionally provides two roof top choices. A key distinction that distinguishes the ProMaster is that it’s a front-wheel-drive car, which might be advantageous within the snow and for gasoline financial system.
Dimension: Similar to the Transit and the Sprinter, the Ram ProMaster is available in three lengths as a common, lengthy, and prolonged physique. There are two wheelbases with a compact 136” and an prolonged 159”. The van physique can also be 4” wider than different fashions, which suggests you could construct a full measurement mattress to run throughout the again of the van, saving valuable size within the cabin.
Top: ProMasters have two top choices: 5’4” and 6’2”, which as talked about earlier than, measure up considerably shorter from the skin than different fashions because of its lowered flooring.
Worth Vary: Essentially the most reasonably priced possibility on the listing, 2021 base fashions begin at USD $26,000 (CAD $34,170) and sometimes max out beneath $50,000 earlier than any upgrades.
Professionals: The ProMaster provides all the identical top and efficiency perks as dearer vans, but in addition has a wider physique and decrease exterior roof clearance.
The front-wheel-drive characteristic has its professionals and cons. With improved dealing with in icy situations and higher fuel mileage however fewer choices for towing.
Cons: Whereas the lowered flooring is nice for roof clearance, it additionally means low floor clearance, which might restrict some journey off the overwhelmed path. The front-wheel-drive is a con for some. The brief nostril of the van that doesn’t look as smooth as a Sprinter or Transit. Additionally, identical to the Transit, the ProMaster is comparatively new on the scene so there aren’t as many choices for used fashions.
Finest For: Ram ProMaster is the most effective cargo van for conversion for these which might be on the lookout for numerous inside area at an reasonably priced worth. For those who’re not planning on delving too deep into the world of off-roading, this is perhaps the most effective van to dwell in for you.
Different Choices
Whereas Transits, Sprinters, and ProMasters dominate the van conversion sport, there are different fashions on the market that provide their very own perks too.
Nissan NV
The Nissan NV has a definite nostril that makes it look nearly like a truck. It is available in numerous size and top configurations and even is available in a 4×4 possibility. These options additionally come at a lower cost tag than a number of the opponents. The trade-off is much less area within the cargo space and extra space within the cab. The Nissan NV is nice if you wish to prioritize consolation whereas driving lengthy hauls.
A 2017 Nisan NV 350. RL GNZLZ from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, through Wikimedia Commons
Chevy Categorical
For those who’re prepared to surrender roof top or set up a pop-top, the Chevy Categorical is your van. These vans have been round for many years and are constructed to final. They arrive in numerous lengths on rear-wheel-drive wheelbases and are the epitome of stealth. A Chevy Categorical is actually a clean canvas and it’s essentially the most available cargo van that has many choices for budget-friendly used fashions.
Finest Vans for Camper Conversions in Europe
Because the van life motion takes North America by storm. There are many cool choices for van to camper conversions which might be distinctly European. For those who’re trying to find the most effective van for camper conversion in Europe, look no additional.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes Sprinter van is a worldwide alternative. It’s a quintessential image of van life in Europe so you should have a neater time discovering readily-available components for a Sprinter. There isn’t a scarcity of custom-fitted equipment and equipment. Similar to the North American fashions, the Sprinter guarantees reliability, area, and infinite choices for inside builds.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter on the highway within the UK
Fiat Ducato
The Fiat Ducato has been offered underneath many names over time. It’s the European model of the Ram ProMaster. It’s used as the bottom for almost all of motorhomes in Europe. So, components are quite common and reasonably priced. It provides much more wheelbase choices, with an excellent compact 118” mannequin. It additionally has a a lot narrower physique than its American counterpart.
Renault Trafic
The Renault Trafic rivals the Chevy Categorical with its long-standing reliability and low roof. For those who’re doing weekend journeys the place top isn’t as massive of an element, or can add a pop-top, the Renault Trafic might be the most effective small van for camper conversion. It’s been round for the reason that 80s and has been offered underneath a number of completely different names. All of it share very related sizes and specs to these made by Citroen and Vauxhall.
Finest Vans for Camper Conversions in Australia and New Zealand
Vans transformed for tenting have lengthy been part of Australian and New Zealand seashore tradition. For those who’re on the lookout for the most effective van to dwell in along with your surfboard, these fashions are excellent for conversions.
Mercedes Sprinter
A high tier alternative for van residing in Australia and New Zealand is the notorious Mercedes Sprinter. With all of the configuration and luxurious choices, Sprinter delivers as top-of-the-line vans for van life worldwide. It does include that very same premium price ticket. Sprinter vans usually are not simple to seek out in Australia/New Zealand and components are onerous to trace down. Essentially the most reasonably priced possibility is to purchase it used.
2006 Mannequin Mercedes Sprinter. Photograph by: C-C-Baxter at German Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0, through Wikimedia Commons
VW Crafter
The VW Crafter is another choice that has turn into a well-liked alternative for van life in Oceania and Europe. It’s the most important van made by Volkswage. It is available in three lengths on two completely different wheelbases with three roof top choices for peak versatility. It’s a serious measurement improve from the traditional VW Buses and Westfalias. VW Crafter is on the pricier facet. Nonetheless, with many work autos utilizing Crafters, there are many used fashions accessible.
VW Crafter
Fiat Ducato
The Fiat Ducato can also be a well-liked van used for van conversions in Australia/New Zealand. This is similar car that we talked about within the Europe part above and is actually a rebranded Ram ProMaster. It’s frequent and reasonably priced with numerous choices accessible on the used van markets.
Mitsubishi Delica
The Mitsubishi Delica is a well-liked possibility for a 4WD journey campervan. It has a a lot narrower and extra compact physique than different vans, which swaps residing area for overland potential. Imported from Japan, these vans have been well-liked for some time so. Regardless of their international origins, there’s often an excellent assortment of used fashions that can be purchased. You’ll be working with 45 sq. ft of inside residing area, so intelligent structure planning is crucial.
Photograph Credit: Tennen-Fuel, CC BY-SA 3.0, through Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Hiace
The Toyota Hiace is thought to be one of the dependable choices for van life in AU and NZ. Much like the Mitsubishi Delica, is available in a 4×4 possibility. It has restricted size and top choices in favour of its compact physique. Newer fashions provide bigger construct potential however most that convert this van to a camper go for earlier 2000s fashions. These are extra available for an reasonably priced price ticket.
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is one other well-liked alternative amongst Aussie and Kiwi van lifers. There are giant measurement choices and reasonably priced components. These vans are identified to be dependable. It provides excessive roof fashions that permit for fairly a bit extra residing area than different compact vans.
Ford Transit 2007 mode. Photograph by: Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0, through Wikimedia Commons
The place to Discover Vans for Sale
The seek for the proper van consists of infinite hours of scouring the net and native dealerships. So be ready!
North America
Within the US and Canada, there are many well-liked re-sell web sites with pages and pages of used cargo vans. Some well-liked ones that we discovered useful in our search are: Craigslist, Fb Market, and Kijiji in Canada.
For those who’re seeking to purchase new, take a look at your native dealerships and look into brand-specific sellers as properly; there are numerous Sprinter-only sellers that may be consultants on the specs and would possibly provide financing choices too.
Europe
Every nation has its personal well-liked on-line market that’s often the most effective place to begin your search. Strive Gumtree within the UK or Marktplaats within the Netherlands.
Australia and New Zealand
Much like the UK, Gumtree is the principle reselling web site utilized in Australia and New Zealand. Fb Market can also be gaining traction. Fb teams might be useful too as individuals will typically listing their partially transformed or totally transformed vans on the market.
Different Concerns for When You Are Able to Purchase
You now have settled on which mannequin fits your wants and life-style. Nonetheless, there are a couple of different elements to think about before you purchase the most effective van for camper conversion.
Rust
It goes with out saying that many used autos may have rust spots. Relying on the place you’re shopping for, climate situations can have an effect on how a lot rust a car has. In North America, snow and salt are the enemy! It’s necessary to distinguish the distinction between floor rust, which is aesthetic and might be buffed out simply, and physique rust, which causes holes and may result in additional harm.
Eliminating rust could be a ache within the butt throughout van conversion
Mileage
Whereas excessive mileage is often a deal-breaker when automotive buying, most of those vans left the manufacturing unit as cargo vans that had been constructed to dwell on the freeway driving lengthy hauls. Larger numbers are a lot much less horrifying on cargo vans, particularly these with a diesel engine.
Home windows
Home windows are one of the polarizing subjects of van life. Having no home windows is a ticket to stealth, but it surely means you’ll should have your doorways totally open to take pleasure in a view. Many inventory cargo vans haven’t any home windows or solely tinted home windows on the again doorways. So, opening up your search to a passenger van would promise panoramic views from inside.
Many individuals find yourself including home windows in themself and there are many sources to make use of as guides. This manner, you’ll be able to select the place you need your home windows to be and what measurement works finest to your wants. We ended up putting in 4 home windows ourselves and we’re so comfortable that we did. We are able to take pleasure in views of the mountains from the consolation of our mattress—is there a greater solution to get up?!
Ultimate Ideas on the Finest Van for Camper Conversion
With so many alternative choices for manufacturers, lengths, and heights, the van conversion course of can appear overwhelming. It’s necessary to do your analysis and work out what components are most necessary to you. Take into consideration the way you’ll be utilizing your van.
In the end, answering the query “what’s the finest van to transform right into a camper?” is a private determination that varies for everybody. The right van for us is perhaps the exact opposite of what you’re on the lookout for. So get on the market and begin searching!
Have you ever ever transformed a van to a campervan? What did you search for when selecting the proper van?