How to Buy a Van for a Camping Conversion.

What is your total budget? 

This might seem really obvious, but the most important part of your camper van…. is your van!  The majority of your budget, that is at least 50%, needs to go towards your vehicle.  You can put a mattress and some curtains up in a van and have a pretty good time, but if you spend $20,000 on a camping conversion for a vehicle that breaks down in 6 months, you just wasted $20,000 and a significant amount of time and energy.  Buy something reliable, that you can get years out of!

Everyone’s budget is different, but the van models we recommend in this article span a wide financial spectrum.  If you have the money to buy new, you will easily spend $40,000 or more. If you are looking for something under $10,000, please keep reading.  Every model of van we recommend can be found for under $10k. 

Will you be stealth camping? 

Stealth camping is a style of camping usually done for one or two nights at most, and it is typically done between long haul trips.  It is very useful for driving long distances and it will save money by avoiding expensive campgrounds that you wont be around long enough to enjoy anyway.  Stealth camping in a van can also keep you safe, or safer than a tent or trailer that is.  You can easily park for the night, lock up, and go to bed without anyone realizing you are alone in your van. 

If you plan on stealth camping, buy a standard cargo, sprinter or utility van. Keep it simple, the more it looks like a basic work utility vehicle the better. Don’t cover your van in stickers or flashy paint jobs. You may want to reconsider any upgrades that are externally visible like air conditioners.  Check out this article on how to be successful at stealth camping.  

Do you want to stand up in your van? 

A Sprinter van is technical a model of van by Mercedes Benz, but the term is become the name for a class of vans that are taller than a standard utility van.  Typically if someone says Sprinter van, they mean a van with a high ceiling.   Depending on how tall you are, you may be able to stand in a Sprinter van after the conversion.  The typical interior high range for this class of van is 72″ to 82″. You will loose a few inches to insulation, paneling and flooring. 

How many people?

Will you be traveling alone or with your spouse and a couple of rugrats? The solution to this condition is very simple, the more people, the bigger you want your van.  An extended sprinter van has enough height for two stacked queen beds, or bunk beds.  

There are options as well if you mostly plan to travel alone or as a couple, but would like the option to add a rugrat or two.  Even a standard length (non-sprinter) van has enough space for a queen sized bed in it and an optional twin size pull out. 

How about this? Try a sprinter van with a queen bed in the back and two hammocks hung side by side from the roof. It would be a kids dream to sleep at such a height! 

Will you need 4 wheel drive? 

There are two things to consider with 4WD vans; cost and availability.  You will spend more money on a 4WD van as well as the fuel for it.   It can also be difficult to find used 4WD vehicles, they are less common in almost all brands, but you can always have your van converted to a 4×4 after-market. 

A 2 wheel drive vehicle will get you most places if you plan well, buy good tires and bring chains.  Do a little research, but you will find a lot of off-road van owners have 2WD vans. (Check out this article by EXPLORIST.life)

Diesel or Gaseline?

Diesel rigs have their pros and cons.  They can go up to 30% further on a gallon of fuel and will drive for longer than a typical gasoline engine, meaning you will get more miles out of your vehicle.  The drawbacks are primarily money related.  Diesel vehicles will cost more and any repairs will be significantly more money. 

V6 or V8?

The difference between a V6 and a V8 engine is in the number of fuel injected cylinders.  A V8 is more powerful than a V6 engine, so the advantage is you can haul more weight. The disadvantage will be a decrease in fuel economy.  Depending on your rig, with a V8 engine, you might loose up to 5 mpg.

For a standard van conversion and even some light towing, a V6 engine should be sufficient.  If you do plan to tow heavy equipment or have a very heavy van conversion (like concrete counter tops or something), look into a V8. 

Towing capacity?

Dodge Promasters come in 1500, 2500 and 3500 (the old adage calls them 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton). Ford Transit and Econolines come in 150, 250 and 350. The higher the number the more weight you can tow. 

The heavier your conversion and the heaver the weight you will tow, the higher tow rating you want.  Typically a 1500 (or 150) only comes in a standard; non-sprinter, non-extended, cargo van. If you want standing room and are looking for a sprinter, go with the 2500/250. For a sprinter van with an extended cargo, you might only find it in a 3500/350 model.