Van life is the hottest new trend – and everyone wants to join in. People of all ages are turning vans into campers, with interiors that feature all the comforts you could want while you’re on the road. If you want to hit the open road and camp along the way to explore new sights and campgrounds, a van makes it easy. Roomy enough to give you living space and compact enough to drive cross-country, vans converted into campers are even becoming some drivers’ full-time homes. Search online to find vans that can easily be converted into part-time or full-time campers.
If you’ve been looking for the perfect van to create your own camper, there are plenty of options. Vans large and small can be upgraded and updated. With the right amount of space and some DIY work, any van can become a camper. Search online, and you’ll find affordable vans that you can turn into cozy campers.
The following are some of the best vans you’ll find if you want to easily convert one into a camper.
Ram ProMaster
Price
Starts at $30,145.
Why This Van Makes a Great Camper
The Ram ProMaster is no ordinary van. This impressively roomy cargo van can carry up to 4,680 pounds and is available in three different lengths: 8 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet. You can choose the right fit for your camper designs and intentions so you’ll have enough room whether you’re traveling solo or with others. It can even tow up to 6,910 pounds – meaning you can bring along a toy or two when you head out on the open road.
But the options for custom configurations don’t end there. The Ram ProMaster can be customized even further, and you can choose from three different wheelbases and two exterior heights. When you’re looking at stripping the ProMaster down and installing your own camping-ready interior, the ProMaster gives you a ton of space with 90-degree sidewalls and wide interior space.
Nissan NV
Price
Starts at $36,760.
Why This Van Makes a Great Camper
The Nissan NV has just about every quality you want from a van that’ll be converted into a camper. It’s powerful and tough, capable of towing up to 8,700 pounds. It features seating for up to 12, but that seating can be changed depending on your customizations. There are actually 324 different configurations for passengers and seats within this van. And you can actually modify the interior of the van to add more space for items or custom-built camping items like a bed or portable kitchen.
You can even customize this van before you pick it up from the dealership. Nissan offers three different NV models, and you can opt for a standard roof or a higher roof. Though the most affordable base model is pretty stripped down and bare, it gives you a blank canvas to work with.
Another reason the Nissan NV van is a great choice is its reliability. Backed by one of the best warranties available – a five-year or 100,000-mile warranty – you can trust that this van-turned-camper will last you a very long time without breaking the bank.
Chevrolet Express
Price
Starts at $32,500 for the Express Cargo Van and $36,400 for the Express Passenger Van.
Why This Van Makes a Great Camper
You have choices when it comes to the Chevrolet Express. It’s a van that’s sold in two configurations: the Express Cargo that’s designed for carrying lots of items and the Express Passenger, which is able to carry a lot of passengers. Both vans feature a ton of interior room (the Passenger can seat up to 15 people), giving you plenty of options and room to create a custom camper layout. Both options feature a maximum payload of 4,280 pounds too.
You can also opt for a different model. Chevy offers a 1500, 2500, and 3500 version of these vans. Keep in mind that this van does have a lower roof – it’s a good choice if you’re thinking of adding a pop-up roof or top once you’ve converted it into a camper. Regardless, the Express offers a long-lasting and reliable build, giving you a solid and trustworthy base for your camper.
Mercedes Sprinter
Price
Starts at $34,495 for the Sprinter Cargo Van. You can upgrade to a Crew Van or Passenger Van starting at $39,395.
Why This Van Makes a Great Camper
The Mercedes Sprinter is one of the most in-demand vans, especially for those looking to convert to the van camper life. This van is an excellent option if you’re looking to build a camper – you can choose from a selection of very tall roof heights, customize your wheelbase, pick between two different powertrains, and even opt for four-wheel drive. With these choices, you can actually achieve a converted camper that sleeps a family of four and offers enough height for people over six feet tall.
Even better, the Sprinter now comes with a host of safety features that make driving so much easier. You’ll enjoy Active Brake Assist, a rear-view camera, touchscreen controls, and more. These extra safety features are especially ideal when you’re planning long road trips.
Ford Transit
Price
Starts at $34,510.
Why This Van Makes a Great Camper
If you’re looking for a blank slate that gives you plenty of flexibility and freedom to create the camper of your dreams, the Ford Transit is a great option. This cargo van only features two seats, which means you’ll have the bulk of the van to work with, without worrying about seating configurations. It also offers plenty of choices, allowing you to pick from three body lengths, two different wheelbases, three roof heights, and three engine options.
Another great perk of the Transit van is its Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology suite. Each van comes with an array of the latest safety features, including lane-keep assist, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. One of the newest features that camping fans will love is the intelligent all-wheel drive – this cool feature offers enhanced traction when you’re driving on icy, snowy, or muddy roads. It’s truly a van prepared for anything.
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