You have decided to convert your van into an awesome camper, which means that you need to find the right model of the van to do so. It seems like there are tons of different makes and models out there, so it can be hard to tell what one will work best for your needs.
This article will break down the pros and cons of many different types of vans, so you can find the one that will work best for you.
1. Volkswagen Transporter
The Volkswagen Transporter is the most popular van in the UK, and for good reason. It’s a great choice for camper conversions because it offers a spacious interior and plenty of room to spare in its rear cargo area.
The Volkswagen Transporter has been around for over 30 years, so you can be sure it’s been tried and tested by many people. With this in mind, you don’t need to worry about whether or not it will be able to accommodate your camper conversion.
It’s also a good option if you’re looking to save money on your camper conversion. The VW T5 is one of the best-selling vans on the market right now – so there’s no shortage of stock either!
Pros
- Easy to maintain
- Available in different variations and lengths
- Fuel efficiency
- Fun to drive
Cons
- Short service intervals
2. Mercedes Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a van that has been around for a long time and is still a popular choice among campers. It’s not the most powerful or most fuel-efficient option, but it does have some unique features that make it worth considering if you’re looking for a camper conversion.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is available in many different styles, including extended and crew cabs. There’s also a variety of engine options to choose from, including diesel or petrol powertrains.
If you’re looking for something more powerful than an MPV or minivan, then the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter might be what you’re after.
Pros
- Reliable
- Spacious and adaptable
- Very safe
Cons
- Expensive
3. Renault Trafic
The Renault Trafic is one of the best van conversions for a campervan conversion. It has a large, spacious interior and can carry up to seven people.
It also comes with a full-size spare tire, allowing you to drive long distances without having to stop in the middle of nowhere.
The Trafic is available in both petrol and diesel models, with the latter being slightly cheaper. The diesel engine is more powerful than the petrol model and it also has better fuel economy. Both models come with air-con, which makes them ideal for long-distance travel.
Pros
- Easy customization
- Practical and reliable
- Comfortable
- Spacious
Cons
- No electric version
4. Ford Transit
This is a large van that has been very popular in the conversion industry. The Ford Transit has been around for many years and has a reputation for being reliable and easy to work on.
It’s available in both short and long wheelbases, which makes it suitable for either a camper or a small caravan. The Transit also comes in various lengths, so there’s sure to be one that suits your requirements.
The only downsides to this model are its high fuel consumption and low payload capacity – especially if you plan on taking a lot of gear with you!
If you’re looking for something easy to drive, economical, and easy to fix, then the Ford Transit might be for you.
Pros
- Easy to drive
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- High fuel consumption
5. Fiat Ducato
The Fiat Ducato is a van that has been around for a long time. The Fiat Ducato is an excellent van for camper conversion. It has a lot of space and will fit everything you need.
The Fiat Ducato comes in three different models, but they all have the same underpinnings as far as running gear goes. The only difference between them is the trim levels and options available on each model.
The Fiat Ducato is one of the most popular vans on the market right now because it has so much room inside and outside of it. You can fit everything you need into this van without having to worry about space limitations or having to make any sacrifices in comfort or safety.
Pros
- Reliable and solid
- Easy conversion
- Smooth to drive
Cons
- Flimsy interior
6. The Vauxhall Vivaro
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a van that has been transformed into a campervan. It is one of the most popular models in its class and it comes with many features that make it ideal for camping.
The Vivaro has a high roofline, which means it provides excellent headroom when you are inside the van.
The interior is very spacious, so you can easily store all your gear there. The seats are comfortable and there are plenty of cup holders to hold your drinks for long drives.
The Vivaro has a powerful engine, which means it will get you around town or on the open road at a decent speed without any problems at all. It also comes with air conditioning, which makes it perfect for hot summer days when you want to spend some time in the outdoors.
Pros
- Availability of safety systems
- Smooth drive
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Gas guzzler
7. Volkswagen Crafter
The Volkswagen Crafter is an excellent camper conversion van because it has a lot of features that make it appealing to buyers.
The first one is that it comes with a large cargo area, which can be utilized for storing your camping equipment and supplies.
The second one is that this van comes with a space for two adults and two children, which means that you will not have to worry about space limitations when you are traveling with your family.
The third feature of the Volkswagen Crafter is that it has an easy-to-use heating system, which makes it ideal for people who want to travel in the winter season but do not want to freeze their fingers off while doing so.
The fourth feature of this van is that it has a large storage space behind the driver’s seat, which makes it possible for you to store large items like furniture or other household items in it without any problems at all.
Pros
- Big in size
- Easy driving
Cons
- High price tag
8. Nissan NV
Nissan NV is the best van for camper conversion. It has the ability to easily seat up to seven people and comes with a built-in AC unit that can cool you down in just minutes.
The cabin is spacious and comfortable, making it ideal for long trips on the road.
The Nissan NV also comes with a large cargo area that can accommodate all your camping equipment and supplies. The seats are removable, so you can use them as extra seating when you want to go off-road or when hauling stuff into your campsite.
This van also has a high roof, meaning that you don’t have to worry about rain or snow getting into your vehicle during bad weather conditions.
If you live in an area where there are heavy rains, then this van is perfect for you since it will keep water out of your vehicle so that everything inside stays dry and clean.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Very reliable
- Powerful engine
Cons
- The electric models need frequent charging when traveling.
9. Peugeot Expert
The Peugeot Expert is a van that has been converted into a camper van. The vehicle is one of the best-selling vans on the market, and it has been used by many people to travel around the world.
This camper conversion is quite popular because it offers many features that are not found in other vehicles.
For example, the interior of this van has been designed with ease of use in mind, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck with your head inside a box for long periods of time. You won’t have any trouble getting comfortable either, because there are plenty of seats available for everyone who needs them.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to travel while staying mobile at the same time, then this may be the best choice for you!
Pros
- Different lengths available
- Easy to drive
- Strong
Cons
- Not large enough as other models
10. Chevrolet G20
The Chevrolet G20 is a van that comes in a wide range of different models. It was released in 2000 and has remained on the market ever since. It is one of the most popular vans on the market and there are some great reasons why.
The first thing to note about the Chevrolet G20 is that it has excellent fuel economy. It can achieve up to 19 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The engine is also very powerful, which means you will be able to pull any heavy load with ease.
This makes it perfect for those who live in rural areas or areas where there aren’t many services available.
Another great feature about this van is that it offers plenty of space for passengers, cargo and even pets!
There are two rows of seats in this model so there’s plenty of room for everyone when you go on vacation or go camping with friends and family members.
Pros
- Widely available
- Spare parts are readily available
Cons
- Rooftop height is low
11. Ford Transit Connect
Ford Transit Connect is a great van to convert into a camper van. It’s one of the most reliable vans on the market and it offers plenty of storage space.
The Transit Connect is also built to be as comfortable as possible. The rear seats can be folded down to create more room for passengers or removed altogether for maximum cargo space.
Transit Connect has been around for a long time, but it’s still considered one of the best options if you want to convert your van into an RV.
Pros
- Affordable
- Widely available
- Easy driving
Cons
- You can’t stand up
12. Iveco Daily
The Iveco Daily is a van that has become a favorite with campers, as it can be converted into a manufactured home or camper. It has all the features of standard vans, but it also comes with some extra space for sleeping, cooking, and other activities.
The Iveco Daily offers a variety of features that make it an attractive choice for campers.
These include:
- A roomy interior with plenty of storage space.
- A large cargo area that makes it easy to transport loads such as furniture and other items.
- A comfortable cabin with windows that allow you to enjoy natural lighting during the day and provide privacy at night.
Easy access rear doors that allow you to enter or exit your vehicle easily.
Pros
- Many available options
- Great off-loading capability
Cons
- Quite expensive
Factors to Consider when Buying a Camper Van
If you are in the market for a camper van, there are a lot of things to consider. Here are some tips that will help you choose the best van for your needs.
Budget.
The first thing to consider is how much money you have to spend on your new campervan. Camper vans can range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on their size and how many amenities they come equipped with.
If you want a more luxurious vehicle than the average camper van, expect to pay more for it.
Size
You need to know how much space your family will require when they are traveling together, as well as how much cargo space each member of your family will need when they travel alone or with other people they know (such as friends).
If everyone in your group is small enough that they can sit comfortably on one side of the vehicle itself, then you don’t need as much cargo space inside of the van itself.
Style/ model
There are several different types of vans available for sale, from small city runabouts to large heavy-duty trucks. You should decide what type of vehicle you want before looking at any specific models online.
Powertrain and Engine
When choosing an engine, look for one with enough power for your needs and that is reliable over time so you don’t have to worry about maintenance costs down the road. Look at reviews from previous owners who have owned similar vehicles before making your decision about this feature, too.
Dependability and Durability
No matter what kind of vehicle you end up buying, it will need regular maintenance from time to time. Make sure that the dealer has experience working on this type of vehicle so they can recommend repairs when necessary.
Final Thoughts
There are several reasons why someone would want to convert a van into a camper, whether it was for living in, spending weekends in, or even just traveling in. Of course, each of these options would require a different kind of van.
