What Is Van Life and What Are the Best Van Features for It?
Van life is the lifestyle of living and traveling in a van, ranging from AUDIs to Sprinters. Many people are exploring the world and choosing to embrace the nomadic lifestyle that van life has to offer. It may seem intimidating at first but, with the right features, anyone can conquer van life.
From size to storage, below are the best van features for van life that will make any traveler feel right at home on the open road.
What Are the Best Van Features for Size?
This all depends on how many people living in the van and what activities will be undertaken inside the van. If the van is for solo life, a campervan or a short-wheelbase van such as the Ford Transit Connect, VW Caddy, or the Nissan NV200 may be sufficient. These vans offer enough space for cooking, sleeping, and storage for a single person or couple.
For a family of four or more, a larger van such as the Mercedes Sprinter or the Ford Transit will fit the bill. These vans are bigger than traditional campervans and offer more headroom, living space, and storage. They also offer accessibility for a family with wheelchair or mobility needs.
What Are the Best Van Features for Heating and Cooling?
This will depend on your lifestyle and budget but features such as air conditioning, diesel heaters, and insulated windows can make a huge difference in terms of off-road comforts. Air conditioning is beneficial on days the van gets too hot to sleep in, and diesel heaters can keep everyone cozy and warm on chilly nights. Insulated windows can also help keep the van cool in summer and warm in winter.
What Are the Best Van Features for Cooking?
The kitchen is arguably one of the most important parts of living in a van. Having the right cooking appliances can make all the difference in terms of efficiency and comfort. Most vans come with a sink, a two-burner cooktop, and some kind of refrigerator-freezer. It’s also helpful to look for a van with drawers and cabinets that allow you to store utensils and spices, as well as a decent-sized counter space.
What Are the Best Van Features for Sleeping?
The sleeping arrangement in a van is key for getting enough rest. Look for the right combination of mattress size, privacy, storage, and ventilation. A good-sized mattress is essential, but a shorty van might require a space-saving design. Privacy is also an important factor – look for a van with a set up that allows you to shut off the living area from both the external environment and other sleeping areas. Storage and ventilation are also important factors to consider when it comes to sleep.
What Are the Best Van Features for Storage?
Storage capacity is essential for van life. After all, if you have enough space, there’s no need to purchase additional storage items. Look for a van with plenty of storage areas, including cabinets, drawers, cabinetry, and shelving. It’s also important to consider the overall design of the storage areas – make sure drawers slide out easily and cabinets can open and close without an issue.
What Are the Best Van Features for Safety?
Safety should be at the top of your list when it comes to choosing the right van for van life. Look for a model that offers anti-lock brakes, airbags for the driver and passengers, a backup camera, and an alarm system. To maximize road safety, look for a van equipped with all-season tires and a tow package.
What Are the Best Van Features for Off-Road Readiness?
Off-road readiness is also important when choosing the right van for van life. Look for a van with a four-wheel-drive system and off-road upgrades such as a ground clearance, tow hooks, rock rails, underbody protection, and an off-road suspension system. Keep in mind that these upgrades can add to the price tag of your van, but their value in terms of off-road capabilities will be worth it in the long run.