Van Life 101 - What Van is Best For Van Life?
If you’re considering taking to the road as a nomadic traveler, you’re probably wondering what kind of van is best for van life. It’s a question that comes up quite often, after all, as you’ll be depending on your vehicle to serve as your home and your mode of transportation.
Van life might not look the same for everyone, so it’s important to consider what your needs and expectations are to determine which type of van is best for you.
First Things First - What Kind of Van is Best For Your Needs?
Before deciding which van is right for you, even before beginning to look for one, it’s important to determine what your lifestyle needs are (and how to meet them):
How large is your party? If you're planning to live in your van with a partner or family member, you will likely need a larger van. If you plan to live alone, you won’t need as much space.
How much stuff do you need? Minimalists may not need to sacrifice interior space for cargo storage, but if you need to store everything you own (including a surfboard, kayak, etc.), cargo room should be a priority when selecting a van.
Where are you driving? If you plan on making long distances, it’s worth choosing a van that is more powerful and efficient, even if it’s not your ideal style. You should also consider the terrain; if you’re only driving on pavement, a 4x4 may not be as important.
Size Considerations for Living in a Van
Once you have established your lifestyle requirements, you can start to narrow down your choices for what type of van is best for living in. The size of the van is important for a number of reasons.
For one, the size of the van will determine the available space for you, your crew, and your gear. You'll want to make sure that, after you make your modifications, you'll still have enough room to move freely and comfortably.
The longer the vehicle, the more room you'll have. However, longer vehicles are heavier and more difficult to drive, especially on winding mountain roads or tight city streets. Longer vehicles also require a larger parking space.
Some full-sized cargo vans are also taller, which will let you stand up, but you need to be careful of height restrictions for bridges, parking garages, and other low service centers.
Types of Vans for Living Off the Grid
Now that you’ve determined your needs and identified the size of van that’s ideal for you, it’s time to start looking at the different types of vans that you can choose from. Here is a list of the different vans available, along with the pros and cons of each:
Class B Vans
Class B vans are usually based on a minivan or van chassis that have been converted into compact living spaces. They provide a great balance of interior space and exterior size, making them a popular choice for van lifers.
Pros: Small enough to drive down winding roads, but still spacious enough for two people.
Cons: More expensive than other options.
Conversion Vans
Conversion vans are usually based on an extended van chassis, such as a Chevy Express or Ford Transit. These vans are typically larger than Class B vans, and come from the factory with more features. They also provide more room for customization.
Pros: More spacious, and come with features from the factory.
Cons: Less fuel-efficient, and usually more expensive.
Sprinter Vans
Sprinter vans, introduced by Mercedes-Benz in Europe in 1995 and brought to North America in 2001, have become incredibly popular among van life enthusiasts, businesses, and those seeking luxury transportation.
Recognized for their tall ceilings and spacious interiors, they offer plenty of room for customization and conversion. Their design emphasizes reliability, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features. Sprinter vans are available in various configurations, making them suitable for different purposes, from transporting goods to being transformed into comfortable campers for traveling.
Over the years, their reputation for durability and versatility has led to a significant following, both for commercial use and personal endeavors.
Pros:
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Spacious Interior: Sprinter vans are known for their tall ceilings and long wheelbase options, allowing for more living and storage space compared to other van models.
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Customization: Their boxy shape and generous interior space make them highly customizable. Many companies specialize in converting Sprinter vans, and there's a wealth of DIY resources available.
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Fuel Efficiency: Sprinter vans, especially those with diesel engines, are relatively fuel-efficient given their size.
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Reliability: Manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter vans have a reputation for being durable and reliable.
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Resale Value: Due to their popularity and reputation, Sprinter vans tend to hold their value well.
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Safety Features: Being a Mercedes-Benz product, they often come equipped with advanced safety features not always found in other vans.
Cons:
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Initial Cost: Sprinter vans are more expensive upfront compared to other van options like the Ford Transit or RAM ProMaster.
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Maintenance Costs: While they are reliable, maintenance and repairs can be more expensive due to it being a luxury brand. Finding parts can also sometimes be a challenge.
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Availability of Service: Not all mechanics are familiar with Sprinter vans, especially in remote areas. This can pose a challenge if you run into mechanical issues while on the road.
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Size: Their size can be a double-edged sword. While it offers more space inside, it might be harder to navigate in tight urban areas, and stealth camping can be more challenging.
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Fuel Options: Earlier models especially are designed for European diesel, which can sometimes cause issues with the diesel quality available in places like the U.S.
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Insulation: The metal walls of the Sprinter can be tricky to insulate properly, which is crucial for those planning to live in a range of climates.