Camping is a great way to enjoy an outdoor experience. For some of us, tents are a no-go, and we don’t want to drag an RV trailer to sleep in. The best option is a camper van.
These handy homes on wheels are perfect since they are normal-sized vans meaning they fit well in normal parking spaces and drives and are fairly easy to drive.
Moreover, they can sleep more than two people, and you can picnic with your friends or family while camping.
This article will discuss the most affordable camper vans in the US, including their features and price range.
So, let’s dive in!
What are camper vans?
A camper van is a self-powered vehicle that can be used for recreational camping. A camper van offers transport and sleeping accommodations. They are usually larger than pickup trucks and smaller than motor homes.
They have efficient sleeping arrangements for about two persons or more. A camper van is designed for ease of movement and low costs.
How much do camper vans cost on average?
The average price of a camper van is about $40,000 for a used model and $150,00 for a brand-new one. However, some models cost as much as $250,000 but come with numerous amenities, including a shower.
There are also rent options that range from $120 to $200 per night. You must decide which type of camper van you will buy depending on your budget and the number of people you are accommodating.
What features/amenities are in a standard camper van?
A campervan can feature a “pop-up” roof raised during camping. It usually has a kitchen with a refrigerator powered by main electricity, a choice of gas, or a battery. There are two-burner hobs, counters, and storage space.
The vehicle features dual-voltage lighting, which is run by a battery or AC power from the campsite via a cable. The larger vans have a portable toilet, air conditioning, a water heater, and an internal shower.
The smaller models have an external shower that works within the privacy of an awning. They can have a portable toilet.
A modern camper van has useful amenities such as:
- Portable water tank
- Central heating
- Electric-powered refrigerator or propane gas
- Cassette toilet with a removable disposal tank
- Extendable external awning
- Solar panel
- Bike rack
- Generator
Best Affordable Camper Vans
When camping, we want to be as comfortable as possible while sticking to our budget. Considering these aspects, we have created a list of affordable camper vans.
1. Caravan Outfitter Free Bird Vans
The Free Bird is one of the most affordable camper vans on the market. It’s a small van and easily fits in US cities’ parking spaces. The inside of this model is quite open, making it perfect for campers who want to be able to move around inside their camper van easily.
The fabric and mesh roof panels of the Free Bird are adjustable, giving users access to a large sleeping area with a full-size bed and custom sleeping pads. Besides, the mesh roof allows better air movement while keeping bugs away. Designed for two people, the camper van is multi-purpose and capable of everyday usage. You can use it to carry cargo, a kitchen, and a bedroom.
This model also offers top-notch amenities like a water reservoir for long road trips. The camper van has lots of storage space, making it perfect for those who want to keep comfortable furnishings and personal possessions with them on long trips and kitchen space.
It features a 31-quart fridge, full electrical wiring, a portable cooking stove, USB charging ports, and LED lighting.
Besides, the Free Bird comes with a slide and glide floor to allow quick installation of your components in the van. All at an average price of $37,600.
Pros
• Large storage space
• Designed for multi-purpose
• Full-size bed for two people
• Portable butane stove
• Full electrical wiring.
Cons
• No water heater.
2. VanDOit LIV
VanDOit is a camper van company that has been around for over 30 years. It offers standard van packages: the DO and the LIV. Their signature van is the LIV, which we found to be one of the most affordable models in the market.
It comes at a price of around $60,000. It can be used as a standard passenger van with a capacity of 8 passengers. The van comes with a slide-out stove and refrigerator. It has a separate dinette/bed and can sleep up to 3 people.
Its most unique feature is the hydraulic bed lift. With a button push, the bed can be raised to create a queen-sized bed with more gear storage underneath.
The LIV vans feature an awning, roof rack, and a solar power off-grid system. This company provides a list of various modular components such as kitchenettes, storage cabinets, furnaces, and tailgates.
You can even add a bathroom. The best part about all these modules is that they are sold separately, so you can choose the boxes you want for a customized van.
This VanDOit LIV is the perfect choice if you want a vehicle that can handle most tasks just like you would at home and, simultaneously, be effective enough for adventures and camping.
It features enough space for 3 people with their equipment, and the rooftop solar panel allows you to charge electronics on the go. It can serve as your primary vehicle and road trip vehicle.
Pros
- Portable solar power for off-grid systems
- Liftable bed for more storage space
- Awning and roof racks for gear storage/accessibility
- Enough space for 3+ people
- Affordable
- Easy to drive
- Excellent service reputation
Cons
- It does not come with the solar panels
3. Sportsmobile Transit
Sportsmobile produces different budget-friendly vans, like the Ford Transit. The Transit is a highly customizable van that can accommodate up to 7 passengers. Its price starts from $79,000.
Its features include a sliding door, a refrigerator, and a bed that can be folded away when not in use. The Sportsmobile Transit is ideal if you are a group of 5 people who want to camp.
It has a roof rack, an external shower, a water tank, and a shower/toilet room that can be removed from the vehicle.
The company has 22 unique floor plans allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. Their plans offer a kitchenette with a sink, stove, refrigerator, and an eat-in dinette allowing you to cook on the road. The plans also feature a freshwater system for backcountry/off-grid living.
It can also be customized with a generator, solar panels, and awnings to accommodate your needs. Another notable thing is the option to install a toilet for extended off-grid camping. The van can be upgraded to accommodate extra seating and tables for more comfort.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Up to 7 passengers
- Has a generator
- Is it very spacious, allowing extended camping trips
Cons
- The seats could be more
4. Glampervan Promaster MUV
Glampervan’s multi-use vehicle is designed to meet the needs of multiple family members, including children. Their signature van is the “RAM Promaster 136 High Roof Van.”
It can accommodate up to 4 people with its interior space and can be customized to suit your needs. The vehicle is designed on a RAM Promaster 136 High Roof chassis and boasts a queen-size bed, perfectly made to offer more living space inside the van.
The camper van’s kitchen has a 65-liter fridge, a prep area, and a sink. The front seats swivel backward perfectly around a table, guaranteeing convenient dining.
This van boasts a gas-powered space heater and is fully insulated if you will be camping in winter/bad weather. The camper van has a retractable awning and a roof rack that adds to its camping capabilities.
Unlike most camper vans at this price, the Glampervan MUV features a portable toilet that can be hidden in a floor-level cabinet and retrieved when the need arises.
Altogether, this is a solid choice for a medium-sized family looking for a vehicle that can be used for camping and cargo.
Pros
- Self-contained, easily stored
- A queen-size bed guaranteed to make more comfortable sleeping
- A toilet compartment that can be kept clean and at hand
- It has a gas space heater and a retractable awning
- The drive is smooth and quiet
Cons
- The vehicle’s heating system is not the best
5. Boho Camper Vans
Boho Campers Vans is a brand that offers signs of a “classic VW.” Their signature camper van is the Boho Camper V6, which can comfortably seat 4 persons.
The price of the buildout is around $36,000, and the van costs around $30,000. The van has a sofa bed, a refrigerator, and a stove. It can be set up easily to form a bed or become an eat-in area.
It has a large front windshield, which gives it the classic camper van look. It is also available as a Top High Conversion.
Another notable thing is that it has a maximum load capacity of 3.2 tons, per your choice for its cargo bed. Boho Campers offer a variety of different options when it comes to customization that can make this vehicle suit both your needs and your budget.
It can be customized to accommodate all your camping needs, from a simple family RV to an expedition vehicle.
Pros
- Has a maximum load capacity of 4.
- It has a classic look
- Easy to set up as either a bed or an eating/living area
- Classic design
- It has a fridge/stove and a sink that can be used for cooking or bathing
Cons
- The price can be higher than some of the other options
6. Van Craft Sprinter
Van Craft Sprinter is an industry-leading camper van producer with budget-friendly vans. Their standard camper van is the “Mercedes Sprinter 144,” which can come as either a passenger van or an RV. The Van Craft Sprinter has 18 different layouts with three main choices.
Inside the van, you will find a queen-size bed and a fridge/freezer. Its most prominent feature is its exterior wall stretching for nearly 2 meters. It gives a feeling of having an air-conditioned cabin that can serve as your home away from home.
The vehicle has a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, sink, stove, and oak block countertops.
Furthermore, the vehicle is outfitted with marble ceilings and vinyl flooring for a modern and cozy look. Each van features an upgraded sound system, swivel cab seats, and a charging station. There is also ample storage due to its built-in cabinets, oversized kitchen drawers, and under-bed storage space.
To guarantee maximum usage of the van, it has Airtronic diesel heaters and fans to keep you comfortable even under extreme weather conditions. The price of this van is around $80,000.
Pros
- The price is very affordable
- The overall look is unique
- It’s very spacious, with a large living area.
Cons
- None found
7. Winnebago Solis
Winnebago Solis is a popular RV company specializing in making high-quality RVs. The brand uses the RAM Promaster as the chassis, which offers an ideal length to sleep up to 4 people.
The van’s interior features a pop-top bed area, a sofa bed, or a Murphy bed that can accommodate two extra campers. It also features a wet bath, which is great for long camping trips. The van comes outfitted with a mini fridge, a sink, a two-burner stove, and a microwave.
The kitchen cabinets are well organized to offer maximum storage capacity. The camper van has a spacious living room with comfortable leather seats for added livability. The seats have seat belts allowing them to be used for transport purposes. The price of this camper van is around $102,000.
Pros
- The price is very affordable
- The interior is a comfortable place for family members to be.
- It’s very spacious, with a large living area.
Cons
- Its design is not the best
8. Dodge Grand Caravan Conversion
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a model that comes with a large interior. It offers sleeping and living space while featuring several doors and a van feature that makes it easy to enter and exit the vehicle.
The model comes with a three-compartment layout, front, middle, and back, that provides good storage space for your personal possessions. You can easily transport freight or cargo with the vehicle and still have plenty of space for yourself.
The Dodge Grand Caravan Conversion is designed with double beds and a mini-fridge to accommodate 2 – 4 people. The vehicle features a retractable sink and high-density mattress for perfect comfort. You can get this cheap camper van below $40,000.
Pros:
- Double beds.
- Retractable sink.
- Mini fridge.
- Plenty of storage.
- A portable butane stove.
Cons:
- The mileage might be quite high.
Factors to consider when buying an affordable camper van
If you want a cheap camper van, do not rush into decisions. It would help if you considered the following important factors.
The capacity of the vehicle
The vehicle should offer enough cargo space to suit your needs. It should also have enough storage for personal items. The vehicle must not be too small for your family; otherwise, you may have trouble packing, unloading, and storing objects.
Safety
Safety is very important when it comes to camper vans. The vehicle should be well-equipped, with the latest safety features in mind. It should also have a high level of occupant protection.
Sleep capacity
It is important to consider the number of people sleeping in the camper. The beds or sofas should be enough to accommodate all the campers. The ideal van should sleep up to 4 people.
Exterior and Interior Height
There should be enough legroom inside the camper van. The vehicle should have a high ceiling, making it more comfortable to sleep in. The camper’s interior should be spacious enough to offer ample storage space and comfort.
The exterior height is typically 8 feet, while the interior height is about 6.5 feet.
Resale Value
The price of the camper van should be affordable, and the vehicle must have good resale value. That way, you will not have any issues selling it when you are done using it.
If you take utmost care of your camper, it will be easier to re-sell it. However, when driven for greater mileage, a new camper van can lose much resale value.
Overall Living Space
Living space is one of the most vital factors to consider when buying a cheap camper van; therefore, the van must have enough living space. The vehicle should have enough space for all your needs.
FAQs
1. Which are the cheapest campers vans?
You can choose from many different options on the market when you are buying a cheap camping van. No single option will offer the most value for your money. The best choice will depend on your needs, desired travel distance, and the amount of money you are willing to spend on it.
2. Which is the best value camper van?
You must choose the best value-for-money camper van. Many affordable camper vans offer good value for money. Therefore, to answer this, you need to consider the different factors that can affect the value for money of your vehicle.
3. Do camper vans come with a bathroom?
There are many different camper van brands in the market, but they are not all created equal. Some do not offer bathroom facilities in their vehicles, while others do. Therefore, you need to consider the features and amenities you want in your vehicle before making a purchase.
Conclusion
You can choose from many affordable camper vans on the market. Each of them offers different advantages and disadvantages. Thus, it would help if you considered the factors that are important to you before making a decision.
Even though many camper vans are available in the market, you must choose the right one for your needs.
This article has given you the best affordable camper vans you can buy today. Make sure to choose the one that fits your needs and will serve you well for a long time.
Camper living is supposed to be enjoyable, so ensure your vehicle meets all the expectations.
