What is the Best Van Size for Van Life?
Van life is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle phenomenon. It's an incredible opportunity to experience the freedom that comes with continuous travel and exploration of new places while also providing you with the creature comforts and versatility of a home on wheels. But before jumping right in, it's important for prospective van lifers to understand what size van is the best for them. This article will discuss what size van is best for van life, exploring the pros and cons of different sizes, and ultimately explaining why the best van for living in will depend on your lifestyle, needs, and preferences.
Small Vans
When it comes to small vans, the best examples provide an ideal balance between power and maneuverability. These vans are typically available with small diesel engines that provide enough power to get you up even the steepest of hills, all while maintaining impressive fuel economy. These vans are also often quite narrow, allowing them to easily navigate narrow city streets while providing the capability of parking in tight spots. Smaller vans also don't usually require that you pay any additional trailer or oversize vehicle fees when getting on highways or parking in certain spots.
The main drawback of small vans is that they may not provide you with the same comfort and amenities of their larger counterparts. Smaller vans have limited space, and while the efficient use of storage solutions and creative design can maximize the available space for living in, there's no denying that the livability of a smaller van is much less compared to that of a larger van. Additionally, it's important to note that many countries have height or width restrictions on vehicles, so if you're planning on taking your small van through foreign countries, it's important to research the restrictions in those regions.
Medium Vans
If you're looking for something with a bit more interior space than a smaller van, a medium-sized van might be a great option for you. The larger size, compared to small vans, means that you have more room inside, giving you the chance to fit a comfortable bed, seating area, and even a kitchenette. The larger size isn't necessarily just for comfort either; larger vans also afford you more power and general performance, making it easier to get up steep hills and be able to transport large items with ease. Additionally, the larger size also allows you to take advantage of more buying power when looking for a used van, as they tend to have generally lower prices than their smaller counterparts.
However, due to their larger size, the downsides of medium vans are fairly obvious. The larger size means that they need more space when parking or maneuvering tight turns, and their mass will also require more fuel and may lead to higher toll fees. Additionally, their size may also lead to legal issues, as many countries have restrictions on the size and weight of vehicles.
Large Vans
Large vans are the clear choice when it comes to comfort and flexibility, as they often provide plenty of interior space that can be used for different types of needs. For example, should you decide to turn your van into a workspace or mobile office, you will find that larger vans are better suited for that. Thanks to their massive size, they can also easily accommodate a complete kitchen with a refrigerator, stove and oven, along with some storage for food and other items. The larger size also provides excellent comfort while travelling, giving you more legroom up front and plenty of storage for your belongings.
As you'd expect, the downside of large vans is that they are substantially more expensive to purchase, maintain, and fuel compared to their smaller counterparts. The large size makes it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and you may be subject to legal restrictions regarding certain routes and toll roads. Additionally, their large size may lead to problems when it comes to parking, socialising, and camping, as they may not fit in all of the places you'd like.
What is the Best Van for Van Life?
As you can see, the size van that is best for van life will depend on your own unique needs and preferences. Of course, a small van is often the most practical and cost-effective choice, as it provides the essentials while allowing you to remain mobile and flexible. However, if you're looking for something with a bit more comfort and amenities, a medium-sized or large van may be the best option.
Ultimately, the van size that is best for you will depend on your needs.