Assess Your Needs
Before making a choice, consider your specific requirements and priorities.
Space Requirements:
How much living space do you need? How many people will be living in the van? Are you a minimalist or someone who values a bit more room, or needs space for more items?
Living comfortably in a van requires a very organized space so it’s easiest to start out with what size would be most suitable to you based on what you plan on bringing, and then downsizing from there.
Budget:
Determine your budget for the van itself and any conversion or customization. Also take into account the typical repair costs of the van you plan on getting.
Mobility:
Consider the van’s size and maneuverability. Smaller vans are easier to drive and park, while larger ones offer more living space. My fiancé and I chose a small bus for our first van life journey, for us we ended up having much more space than needed and it was often hard for us to find parking, with the places we chose to visit but having so much space was helpful for keeping things tidy.
Off-Road Capability:
Do you plan to venture off the beaten path? Think about the van’s capabilities on rough terrain.
Gas Mileage:
Fuel efficiency is essential for long journeys. Keep in mind that larger vans or skoolies generally have lower gas mileage. Our bus only got us 7 miles a gallon and we we’re driving very long distances at a time. You’ll want to loosely plan out how far you’ll travel within short amounts of time and take gas mileage and budget into consideration.
Types of Vans:
There are various types of vans to choose from
Cargo Vans:
Ideal for customization, cargo vans offer a blank canvas for building your dream van life home. Popular options include the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Also a great stealth option.
Camper Vans:
Camper vans come pre-equipped with living amenities, such as a bed, kitchen, and storage. Brands like Volkswagen and Winnebago offer well-known models.
Class B RVs:
These are compact RVs that are easy to drive and park. Class B RVs often come ready to go with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.
Vintage Vans:
For those who appreciate character and nostalgia, consider a vintage van that you can restore or customize to your liking. Keep in mind some vintage vans may be harder to find parts for, be harder to repair and have higher repair costs.
Skoolies:
Great for those who want lots of space and lots of options for customization. Can have worse gas mileage and be harder to find parking for.
Conversion or Customization:
After choosing your van, you may want to consider converting or customizing it to suit your needs. Options include:
DIY Conversion
Building your van life interior from scratch can be a cost-effective and highly personalized option. There’s lots of great budget options for DIY conversion.
Professional Conversion
Professional companies offer conversion services, ensuring a well-designed, functional, and aesthetically pleasing interior.
Semi-Custom Van
Some companies offer semi-custom vans with the basics already in place, allowing you to add personal touches.
Selecting the right van for your van life adventure is a decision that can greatly impact your comfort and overall experience. As you weigh your options and assess your needs, remember that the van you choose will become your home on wheels, and it should reflect your unique personality and preferences. So, take your time, do your research, and get ready to embrace the freedom of the open road in the perfect van for your nomadic journey. The world is your oyster, and the road is your guide. Safe travels!
