Are you planning to see the world and wondering what the best camper vans are for traveling? Many camper vans brands are popular with people who want to live the van life full time. But which camper vans offer the best value for money?
So, check out this blog to learn about ten unique campers on the market. This list has something for everyone, from small spaces to large, from new to used, and from budget to luxury.
Winnebago Revel 4×4 Camper Van
The 4×4 Revel is the most versatile Winnebago built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. It is unarguably the first camper van in the world to offer on-demand 4WD.
You can turn the dial whenever you’re ready for an adventure, and you’ll be off-road in no time. The 4×4 Revel becomes an authentic off-road camper van, ready to tackle the roughest terrain with the four-wheel.
The 4×4 Revel features 7’6″ of headroom and 1,600 square feet of living space so that you can tackle any adventure.
The 4×4 model also features a 3-liter turbo diesel engine, which means you get the power and performance of diesel while meeting stringent California emissions standards.
Above all, Winnebago 4×4 Revel’s starting price is $202,401, available in six charming colors. Unlike its model, Winnebago-Solis’s price starts at $115,497.
Volkswagen Westfalia:
This legendary camper van is a favorite of all actual campers. Originally designed in Germany, they are now built-in Brazil. Look for a 1984 or newer model, as older models will have redesigned their gas tanks.
The Westfalias have massive interior storage space and fold-out sleeping platforms to fit two people. Some Westfalias even have pop-up roofs that add additional living space.
A T3 model will cost you about $5,000 to $30,000 for a new vintage camper. However, there’s no arguing with its classic design, and these vans hold their value well. That means you’ll make your money back if you ever decide to sell it.
This iconic van’s popularity comes with a few caveats, however. Westfalias aren’t exactly built for speed and are notoriously picky about high altitudes and cold temperatures.
Additionally, if you don’t know what you’re doing, they can be pretty expensive to maintain. Of course, you may not experience these negatives if you live in a warm climate or don’t plan on traveling across the country. But know what you’re getting into before buying one.
Nissan NV200 / Pathfinder:
Consider an SUV with a truck bed if you want to haul some additional gear but don’t want to install rooftop racks or an aftermarket system. For example, Nissan NV200 has been converted into a camper van by companies like Outbound Vehicle.
Above all, it has seating for up to five passengers and a bed to fit three more people. As a result, it makes a superb space-efficient living vehicle.
If you’re willing to go on off-road treks and don’t mind sleeping in your truck at night, then you might consider Nissan Pathfinder.
Nissan NV200 is one of your best options if you’re looking for a new van. Not only is it used as an airport shuttle vehicle, but it’s also suitable for living in. Thus, you can get one at around $30,000 and quickly change it to fit your needs.
Chevy Express
Chevrolet’s full-size Express work van is a fantastic choice for those who want to live in their vehicles. Of course, most vans of its kind aren’t as attractive as cars, but it’s hard to miss a Chevy Express.
It has seating for six, plenty of headroom, and oversized windows that bring in tons of natural light. So you will be comfortable during your travels. Above all, it comes with a base price starting at just $32,000.
Suppose you’re looking for a camper van that comes with lots of room and plenty of personalities. Then Chevy’s Express is one of the best camper vans, and it may be right for you.
Whether you prefer to live in a larger van or have plans to add more amenities, there’s a good chance Chevrolet can help make your dreams come true.
In addition, these vans typically hold their value well, so don’t worry about depreciation. Although a little is less flashy than some other vans, they are very reliable and durable.
Most importantly, all Chevy vehicles are made by reliable companies that offer fantastic service and support throughout your ownership experience.
Ford Transit
If you are searching for an old-school VW van, check out a Ford Transit. Ford created some sweet camper vans like many American car companies in the 1960s and 1970s.
So, you can find one that hasn’t been repainted or customized. It will be worth your time. But, it won’t have all of Volkswagen’s charm or ease of use.
But its value won’t plummet if you spend a few days with someone who knows how to drive. It also comes in both standard and extended-wheelbase models. Hence, an extended wheelbase means more space for people and gear (they don’t come cheap).
No doubt, the $36,800 Ford Transit is one of the best camper vans. It has three different models: XLT, XLT Premium, and Limited. So if you’re looking for a high-quality van with lots of options and a great warranty, Ford Transit is probably your best bet.
Mercedes Sprinter
Usually, when considering which type of camper van to buy, many people purchase a Mercedes Sprinter. There are many different models, and they are popular because they have many options.
Mercedes Sprinter is highly reliable and offers more living space than any other van on my list of the best camper vans.
Their size, maneuverability, and cabin comfort make them popular for many camping and travel use. There are several models on offer to suit your needs.
Mercedes Sprinter camper vans offer tons of space and a solid resale value. When you want to buy an older van that you can convert into a camper, a used Mercedes Sprinter is a great option.
These vans sell quickly, so expect to spend at least $5,000 to $8,000 on one. New models cost roughly $45,000.
Airstream Interstate
There’s no question about it, and Airstream is currently dominating quality and design. You can get an Airstream for as little as $40,000. You may probably spring for a newer model than that, but they go up to well over $100,000.
Like The Yellowstone and California, some newer models out there will run you closer to $250,000. However, if you have that kind of money to spend on your Airstream camper van dream, then go for it.
Dodge Promaster Cargo
For living in a camper van, having ample cargo space is vital. After all, you’ll be living and traveling with a lot of stuff, so you need a vehicle that can fit everything comfortably.
One great example is the 2014 Dodge Promaster Cargo. Get up to 120 cubic feet of space when you slide its rear seats back. That is enough for all your camping gear plus whatever else to keep in your home on wheels.
As a bonus, it comes with many handy features that will make a living in your van much more accessible, such as keyless entry and start.
There’s also a good level of standard safety equipment, including two-stage frontal airbags and side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats.
The 2022 Ram ProMaster cargo van variant starts at $34,380. The window van model has an initial price of $39,140. Furthermore, ProMaster’s chassis cab price starts at $32,990, while the cutaway model price begins at $32,340.
Volkswagen Eurovan / Transporter TDI LWB
For converting a van into a camper, there are few vans beloved by long-term travelers as VW’s Eurovan/Transporter. These vans were made in every configuration, from short-wheelbase models (LWB).
Most importantly, make sure you get an automatic transmission because manual transmissions are not recommended.
It also has a considerable amount of space for storage (which can be easily accessed via a pop-up window on either side) and seating for six.
Generally, a Volkswagen Eurovan or Transporter price starts at $6,000 (in good condition) and can go up to $20,000, depending on the options.
Some of these camper vans were imported to North America from Europe. You should expect these prices to be higher in Canada because of duty/taxes.
Peugeot Boxer
As a traveler, if you’re looking for something new, look no further than the Peugeot Boxer. This van has all of your home-away-from-home amenities. It has a pull-out kitchen with a sink and refrigerator and two large beds that fit comfortably in its spacious interior.
Subsequently, it also has an optional furnace to keep you warm during chilly nights. As a bonus, it comes in seven striking colors.
Conversely, the Peugeot Boxer (black) is an ideal camper van for the rental business.
Above all, a base model price of Peugeot Boxer starts at $31,000 and tops out at $40,000 for an extended version. It is really up to you whether it’s worth spending the extra cash.
According to many travelers, the affordable price and features make this one of the best camper vans.
Build Your Own Budget Build-Up Style Van
Budget is something most people don’t think about when building their van. So let’s get a few things out of the way first.
You don’t need $100,000 a year to build your dream van, but you will need some time, dedication, and patience.
Hence, a better option is to build your camper van from scratch. There are a lot of benefits to buying a van and adding camper features as opposed to buying one ready-made.
First, you will probably save some money in both initial purchase price and fuel costs. Second, you can pick what you want and make it just for you.
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Conclusion
I have ten of the best camper vans for people planning to explore more destinations on wheels. So, living out of a camper van can be a great way to save money and see more of what life offers. Therefore, buying a new or an old travel van is your choice.
Although buying a used vehicle for that purpose can be risky. Many are poorly taken care of or even dangerous to drive. To ensure you get one of the best camper vans available, consider these three factors: car model, year, and mileage.
It doesn’t matter how much room your vehicle has or how well-equipped it is if you don’t feel safe driving in it. It would be best to check all of your belongings before you hit the road.
