Live Small, Dream Big
The open road whispers promises of freedom, adventure, and escape from the mundane. When you live in an RV, your lifestyle isn't about following a trend. It means you are chasing the dreams of exploration and living life on your own terms. If you're looking for the best place to live while exploring the great outdoors, here are 20 vans that we'd all love to call home.
1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
This van has spacious interiors and customizable options that make it perfect for full-time living. The Sprinter's high-roof version is an absolute game-changer—at 6'4" of interior height, it offers plenty of headroom. You can also choose between a 4x4 option and various wheelbases.
2. Ram ProMaster
The Ram ProMaster comes with a front-wheel-drive system, giving it better traction and making it one of the easiest vans to maneuver—perfect for those city adventures or narrow country roads. The body is wide, and the ceilings are tall. As a bonus, it's one of the most affordable options out there since the starting price is just $46,955.
3. Ford Transit
This van is often the first choice for businesses, but it's also a fan favorite among the van life community. With multiple roof heights, wheelbase lengths, and configurations, you can customize it to your needs. The simplicity of driving this van makes it one of the most comfortable ones to live in.
4. Mercedes-Benz Metris
If you’re looking for something smaller but still practical, the Mercedes-Benz Metris is the one for you. The compact van looks tight but has a surprisingly spacious interior of 199 cubic feet. While it’s a step down in size compared to the Sprinter, it doesn’t compromise on comfort. You’ll find ample space for a full conversion.
5. Mercedes-Benz V-Class
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is luxurious as well as practical. The driving is quite stable, and you get premium materials with options for leather upholstery. Moreover, there are amazing safety features like a smart cruise control and a 360-degree camera system that can boost any driver’s confidence.
6. Nissan NV3500
The Nissan NV3500 is a big contender for van lifers who want something sturdy. It's often overshadowed by the more popular vans, but don’t underestimate it. The roof is 106 inches high, and there is a generous cargo area. Unlike some competitors, the NV3500 sports a rear-wheel-drive system, giving it excellent stability when you load it.
7. Outside Van Approach
If you want off-road toughness as well as road-trip comfort, check out The Approach model by Outside Van. It has all-terrain tires, a huge side awning, and a high-powered alternator to keep the gear running smoothly, whether you're hitting the trails or cruising through the city.
Approach: The Adventure Van for the Adventurous Family by Outside Van
8. Fiat Ducato
The Fiat Ducato is the European van that’s making its mark in the traveler world, especially in areas where space is limited. If you ever think of Europe, take this van. The Ducato’s wide stance and high roof make it an excellent candidate with fuel efficiency of around 34.4 MPG (combined) for long trips.
9. Chevrolet Express 3500
Are you looking for a full-size van? You get extensive conversion options with 3500. It delivers 341 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque—good power for various roads. There’s a rear-wheel-drive system, contributing to its towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. Plus, the interior is quite durable, with options for vinyl or cloth seating.
10. Renault Master
Well, the Master is a master choice for people who want a no-nonsense vehicle with a high load capacity of up to 3,583.5 pounds and a towing capacity of 5,511.5 pounds. While it has a bit of a rugged appearance, you get plenty of customization freedom. Renault Master has been a long-time favorite for campervan conversions.
11. Volkswagen Transporter T6.1
The Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 is the dream van for a lot of travelers. There’s German engineering and high reliability. Even though it is a compact option, the T6.1 is fine for outdoor living. Live in it full-time or just take weekend trips, this van is up to the task. It's easy to drive and has excellent build quality.
12. Iveco Daily
Need a lot of space for a full-time home? The Daily has a reputation for being durable and capable of carrying heavy loads, which makes it a great choice for those who plan to live off-grid with lots of belongings. Also, the frame is incredibly strong, and you get a variety of configurations for engine type and gearbox to create a comfortable home.
13. Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect is compact but has good space. If you need smaller conversions, go for it. The van's interior includes modern amenities and available driver-assistance features. Its small size makes parking a breeze and allows it to move through narrow spaces with ease.
14. Ram ProMaster 2500 High Roof
With a front-wheel-drive system, this van is super easy to maneuver, especially on narrow city streets. Expect 276 horsepower, where you’re cruising in style without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The best part is that the high roof gives you over 6 feet of headspace, so you can stand tall and stretch out while personalizing the van.
15. Westfalia Columbus
There’s a roomy, clever interior with a reimagined kitchen in Westfalia Columbus. You get a two-burner stove, fridge, and a sink that doubles as extra counter space. There are more flexible layouts as well that can adapt to your unique travel style.
16. Citroën Jumper
Here’s a versatile van with a spacious area and even more configurations. The Jumper’s fuel efficiency is between 24 and 39 MPG, depending on the model. It is great for long-distance travel. Also, the design emphasizes practicality, with wide-opening rear doors and low loading heights.
17. Ford E-Transit (Electric)
For those who are into all-electric vans, this one runs almost 126 miles on a single charge—suitable for urban and regional travel. Wondering about charging options in The Ford E-Transit? You get a 240V Level 2 charger, which provides a full charge in approximately 8 hours.
18. Volkswagen Crafter
The Volkswagen Crafter stands out with its tough exterior and advanced technology. It has a cargo volume of up to 9.9 and 18.4 cubic meters. The Crafter is equipped with a 2.0L TDI engine, which delivers a balance of power and fuel efficiency. The Crafter's interior is also designed for comfort, with ergonomic seating and a user-friendly infotainment system.
19. Nissan NV2500 HD
This is a full-size cargo van that is very durable and customizable. There’s a 5-speed automatic transmission that makes sure it’s smooth to handle. Moreover, the front independent double-wishbone suspension and multi-leaf rear suspension with solid axle mean top-tier load-carrying capacity and off-roading fun.
20. Peugeot Boxer
The Peugeot Boxer brings even more value to the table. It has impressive load space and versatility, as well as a high roof configuration. The ride is also smooth, and then there’s a bonus of excellent fuel efficiency ranging from 27.4 to 43.9 MPG, depending on the specific model.
