9 Best Vans for Van Life

Last Updated on September 26, 2023 by

Vans are amazing vehicles that provide enough space inside to fit all the necessary equipment and features in one place for a living. Vans can be considered as a room on wheels.

The beauty about vans is that they are comfortable and smooth to drive, and they can be taken on roads easily without worrying about parking slots and refilling problems.

There are some vans that are even worth considering when you think about choosing the best vans for van life.

In case you are a van enthusiast, and you want to opt out of the best van for your van life, then here are a few models and ideas that may catch your attention.

So let’s move on with each of the best van options with their best features explained.

Name	Fuel Type	Price
Mercedes Sprinter	Diesel/Gas	$38,300
Renault Trafic	Diesel	$37,690
Volkswagen Bus	Gas	$40,000
Ford Transit	Gas	$39,970
Dodge RAM ProMaster	Gas	$39,140
Ford E-Series (Econolin)	Flex-fuel	$33,560
Citroen Wild Camp	Diesel	$47,450
GMC Savana	Diesel/Gas	$34,695
Vauxhall Movano	Diesel	$12,312

Image	Name
	Mercedes Sprinter
	Renault Trafic
	Volkswagen Bus
	Ford Transit
	Dodge RAM ProMaster
	Ford E-Series (Econolin)
	Citroen Wild Camp
	GMC Savana
	Vauxhall Movano

What are the Best Vans for Van Life?

1. Mercedes Sprinter

The top choice as the best van for van life will be the Mercedes Sprinter. It is because Mercedes always ensure the comfort and safety of its vehicles. The Sprinter is one of the most comfortable vans to drive, and it doesn’t get broken easily.

These models are very reliable, and they come in all shapes and various sizes based upon the choice of a customer with custom requirements.

In case you’re searching for a strong base vehicle that is as yet solid in any event when you get into a huge number of miles’ region, then, at that point, a Sprinter is the ideal van for you. For sure, it is an optimal possibility for the off-the-network home you had always wanted.

Mercedes always put their best when it comes to manufacturing a vehicle. Thus, regardless of whether you are on a long trip somewhere far off, you will always find the services and spare parts for this vehicle.

They also have good resale value, and they can be used for years without stopping.

2. Renault Trafic

Renault has a van called the Trafic that comes with some good features. It is a small van that is almost identical to the size of a car. Having somewhat unique outside and identification, this van can be your best everyday routine partner.

That being said, the Renault Trafic has seen some significant transformation redesigns by specific organizations that have tossed it in front of its opposition. This van can also be converted and added with extra features to enhance its use and increase its feel.

In its base structure, the standard Trafic van isn’t the best vehicle for long haul off matrix living on account of its tallness. It is, in any case, ideal for the end of the week trips to different places for a person who likes to get out at whatever point they can.

In case you purchase an instant transformation or are contemplating adding a pop-top into the situation, then this is the van you are looking for.

Having the option to stand up in your van is the one thing that is what this van is about. It’s roomy and spacious on the inside.

3. Volkswagen Bus

The VW Bus always brings vintage feelings with its simplicity and beautiful layout. It’s still the best van for most of the people who have been addicted to van life since the 1970s.

Volkswagen Bus Camper is a notable vehicle inundated in van life culture. When you take a deep look at this van, you understand why it always catches the heart of every person out there.

These transports are cherished today similarly, however much they were very nearly 60 years before, and it’s still one of the most wanted vans around the corner. If you see one for sale, grab it ASAP.

This gives you the feeling of excitement with an old touch of what van life is all about. Unfortunately, the early VW bus models are not available in production anymore, which is why you may have a spare part issue.

They can be costly to buy. In any case, there’s a framework of van life DIYers and independent companies utilizing 3D printers to make a portion of the more modest inside parts themselves.

There’s even a developing specialty of organizations that represent considerable authority in supplanting VW Bus engines along with other part choices ideal for transforming an exemplary ride into an eco camper.

4. Ford Transit

Ford Transit is one of the best-selling vans in America due to its versatility and affordability.

This is an amazing van that can carry a lot of weight and stuff in it and provide a spacious room on the inside. Ford Transit entered the US market in 2014, simulating the look of a sprinter, but at a fraction of the cost.

Transit vans are an amazing option that is available in three different roof heights and three different lengths, so some transit options are slightly longer and more spacious than other vans.

Prior to 2020, all Ford Transits sold in the United States used rear-wheel drive, but in 2020, Ford introduced a four-wheel-drive version of this van.

Transit is newer on the market, so finding a used model for sale can be difficult, so it’s probably the only option to buy a new one. This van can give a great van life that you can take too far off places and enjoy the nature.

The best part of Ford is that they tend to have cheaper parts and can be repaired by almost any qualified mechanic on the road.

5. Dodge RAM ProMaster

The next option as the best van for van life is the Dodge RAM Promaster. This is a van with several features that make it one of the best choices to live with. First, it’s wider than most of the other vans making it easier to sleep across the width of the van.

This van has enough space inside to fit tall people inside easily, and it can be fitted with a table in the kitchen or dining room.

Another important point is the narrow steering wheel and easy operability. The Dodge Promaster has only one 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Well, on the minus side, it does not have the safety and driver assistance features that transit connect and sprinters provide.

It’s not as best as the above-mentioned vans, but it still is a great option for van life.

6. Ford E-Series (Econolin)

Ford E-Series is the next best choice for you if you want to move to the wild terrains and long trips in your vehicle. The construction and body design of this vehicle is good, making it an ideal choice for vacation trips with family.

It’s easier to find repairs for this vehicle as everything is equipped in a simple manner and doesn’t require a lot of technical work to fix things.

Ford replaced the Econoline with Ford Transit in 2014, except for the cut-off version that Sports Mobile currently uses for 4×4 vans. You get a good interior with ample space for your bed, kitchen, and storage.

Ford E-Series has a choice of petrol or diesel engines, and you can choose from three different petrol engines.

Some drawbacks of this truck are the lack of safety features. One reviewer claims that it steers loosely and has smooth braking. It’s a great vehicle to fit on all types of roads, including the ones with heavy rainfall on smooth driving roads or even the places with rugged surfaces.

7. Citroen Wild Camp

Citroën has a vehicle for van life that is called the Wild Camp. This is a van with a twist on the classic car. It’s been over 70 years since Type H vans roamed our streets. WildCamp is now ready to revive this iconic journey and order a new generation of life stories.

All vehicles that use the expression “wild camp” are expected to be worked outside the organization for the remainder of their lives, and Citroën follows the name of this model.

This is a simple choice for experiences where you need to purchase a vehicle and go out in nature around the same time.

All the more significantly, the CUV is agreeable and open, with adequate extra room for all cooking wares and carport necessities. It’s a solid, all-around oversaw van you can trust to take you to your objective without feeling like you’re on an exciting ride on a half-venture.

8. GMC Savana

GMC Savana is a van that deserves to be on this list because of its look and feel. This is one of the best vans to live in and drive on long trips. You can get a great experience setting up camp if you use this van.

You’ll track down an incredible engine on these vans; however, there is no high rooftop choice like the Ford Transit, Sprinter, or Promaster.

The appearance of the van is likewise somewhat obsolete because the last body update was in 1996. The users can pick between a few trim choices with this van. You can even get a drawn-out form of either the 2500 or 3500 models, giving you seriously living space.

A great option package on the pristine GMC Savana vans requires an overhaul that may cost some extra, but it’s worth it.

In case you desire windows in your campervan to fabricate, you can pick either a freight van or a traveler van for both these choices.

There is also a choice for more headroom with Savana transformation vans, which have a higher fiberglass rooftop and rich insides.

9. Vauxhall Movano

The last choice on our best vans for van life list is somewhat different and unique. The Vauxhall Movano is a van that you may not believe to be exciting and loveable at first sight.

But things change once you get inside and take your first trip. It’s a van that will last and will work for you in all conditions.

The 2003 model comes with a fiberglass maxi rooftop. This is probably the tallest van in its variant, and the company has made the interior somewhat very simple. The best thing about a fiberglass rooftop is that it’s not difficult to slice through and surprisingly simpler to fix back finished in case you commit an error or change your construction plan.

There is ease of use and options for modding this van easily because everything inside it is replaceable, and you can fit things inside that are well suitable according to your own choice.

As a live-in vehicle, the Movano has been a fantasy to run. All things being equal, it’s the perfect length to not need to stress over finding the ideal parking spots.

Generally speaking, in case you needn’t bother with the additional length of a Sprinter yet need something tall enough for a proper bed, then, at that point, this is the best van to live in, you will get carried away once you start using this van and see things for yourself.

Conclusion

This was a discussion article on the best vans for van life. We shared a list of the best vans to choose from and enjoy the camping life for better fun and long trips.

The information shared is valid, and we hope you find it helpful to choose your van for life.

FAQ