The 4 Finest Vans for Van Life Newbies and Execs Alike


This text about the most effective vans for van life was delivered to you by Travellers Autobarn, essentially the most superb clothes shop of RV leases in San Francisco and a number of other different cities within the western United States.


Climbers and various out of doors adventurers have been calling vans house for years, however the introduction of social media has propelled #VanLife into the mainstream. Photographs of gloriously decked out camper vans in attractive out of doors landscapes is inspiring numerous followers to promote their worldly possessions and ditch their comfy properties and paychecks for the liberty of the open highway.

Touring by van may be very totally different than going with an RV and there’s lots to study tips on how to reside in a van. Vans are usually cheaper and smaller than RVs in order that they’re simpler to park and so they don’t require all the flamboyant hook-ups at RV parks so there’s all the time someplace to remain. Not like RVs, most vans don’t have bogs, necessitating some creativity in relation to hygiene. Cooking can be a problem, so studying to be ingenious with camper van utensils is a should.

The 4 Vans to Get You Dwelling on the Street

two people on top of a van on a peninsula

Whether or not you wish to go to full-time van residing or simply desire a weekend camper, listed here are our picks for the most effective vans for van life, all of which can be found for buy new in the US. You might also wish to think about a camper van rental in your subsequent highway journey to check out Van Life first and see whether it is even one thing you actually wish to spend money on.

1. Mercedes Sprinter

mercedes sprinter van in front of a mountain

The Mercedes Benz Sprinter is taken into account the gold normal for van lifers and for good motive.
Sprinters have been round for years so monitoring down a used one already outfitted with the van life necessities is feasible. If you wish to go along with a model new Sprinter you are able to do the camper van conversion by yourself to economize, have a van conversion firm construct out your dream automobile, or buy an already decked out mannequin from a camper retailer.

The tall-roofed Sprinter Cargo Van is available in three lengths and the longest one is sort of as massive as a small RV, which means there may be room for a loo. The Sprinter can be out there in 4×4 making it the best choice for van-lifers who wish to spend a great deal of time off-road. The largest grievance from Sprinter house owners is their total price ticket and the excessive price of upkeep and repairs.

Price: $34,985 – $57,985

Execs

  • Highly regarded within the VanLife neighborhood.
  • Conversion layouts and suggestions for conversion are available on-line.
  • Excessive inside design versatility.
  • Out there in 4×4.

Cons

  • General value and excessive upkeep prices.
  • Most repairs can solely be performed at Mercedes sellers.
  • Elements are sometimes arduous to return by, so repairs could also be delayed.

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2. Ford Transit

ford transit at valley of fire state park

Sprinter Vans have propelled van life into the mainstream, however they aren’t the one possibility. The Ford Transit hit the U.S. market in 2014 and simulates the look of the Sprinter, however for a fraction of the price. Transit Cargo vans can be found in three totally different lengths with three totally different roof heights, making some Transit choices fairly a bit taller and roomier than the Sprinter.

Previous to 2020, all Ford Transits out there for buy within the U.S. employed rear-wheel-drive, however new in 2020, Ford is introducing an all-wheel-drive model of the van. Because the Transit is newer to the market, it may be more difficult to seek out used fashions on the market making shopping for new doubtless your solely possibility. The most effective half about Fords is that they have a tendency to have cheaper elements and may be serviced by nearly any certified mechanic on the highway.

Price: Beginning at $34,510

Execs

  • Growing in recognition within the VanLife neighborhood.
  • Excessive-roofed variations are less expensive than new Sprinter vans.
  • Will be repaired by just about any mechanic.
  • Many conversion firms are starting to work with Transit vans.
  • The Ford Transit is understood for its straightforward maneuverability.

Cons

  • New to the US Market so not many used vans can be found.
  • 2019 and older fashions are usually not out there in all-wheel-drive.
  • The Transit tends to be narrower than different van choices.

3. Dodge Promaster

dodge promaster at campground

Similar to the Sprinter and Transit, the Promaster is out there in a wide range of lengths and roof heights, making it among the many greatest vans for van life. The 159” wheelbase model is the widest conversion van available on the market, which is extensive sufficient to suit a regular full-sized mattress on the passenger to driver aspect dimension – a big area saving function. Not like the others, the Promaster is a front-wheel-drive van, which might provide extra traction in winter and higher gasoline financial system.

Price: Beginning at $29,995

Execs

  • The Dodge Promaster is the widest van out there.
  • The fee tends to be decrease than different vans, particularly the Sprinter.
  • Entrance-wheel-drive could carry out higher in snowy circumstances.

Cons

  • Solely out there in front-wheel-drive.
  • Low floor clearance limits off-roading means.

4. Nissan NV Cargo

nissan nv cargo in showroom

The Nissan NV Cargo Van won’t be the most well-liked possibility, however its means to be transformed to 4×4 makes it price contemplating should you’re on the lookout for a imply off-roading machine. The Nissan NV is out there in numerous configurations and encompasses a spacious cabin, however much less cargo room than the opponents. If head-room is what you’re after, the high-roof possibility has the second highest ceiling out of all of the van choices.

Price: From $29,890

Execs

  • Nice for one particular person.
  • Choice to convert to 4×4.
  • Much less frequent, so demand is decrease which means you would possibly rating a deal on a used one.

Cons

  • Much less cargo room means much less residing area.
  • Flooring mannequin is barely out there in rear-wheel-drive.

This text about the most effective vans for van life was delivered to you by Travellers Autobarn.

Travellers Autobarn provides RV Leases in Los Angeles

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