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15 Best Vans For Living In Full-Time

Van conversion guide.

last updated: Dec 8, 2022

Are you planning on living in a van full time?

Congratulations! That is one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions you could make. 

The next step after deciding to live in a van full-time, is to choose that van! 

You’ll want to do lots of research to be sure that you choose the right van- it is going to be your new home after all. 

We’ve gone ahead and taken the guesswork out of the equation for you, and have created a list of the best vans for living full time in! 

In this guide, we cover the best vans for living full time in, as well as 15 examples of conversions of those vans so you can see exactly how to turn that specific van into your new home on wheels.

Let’s jump right in!

What to Consider when Choosing a Van for Full-Time Van Life

Size of the van.

The size of your van is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a van to live full-time in.

While not being able to stand up in a van for a few days or weeks at a time may be manageable, odds are, this may become old and frustrating to deal with while living full-time in a van.

To combat this, you’ll want to choose a van that is tall enough for you to stand up in- even once it is fully insulated, and floors and ceilings are added. 

Reliability of the Van

If you’re going to be living in a van full-time, you probably don’t want to be subjected to mishaps like breakdowns and engine problems. 

Of course these things do happen. However,  with a high-quality van, they will happen less frequently. 

One of the best ways to ensure you are purchasing a high-quality, reliable van, is to have a pre-purchase inspection done on your van.

15 Best Vans For Full-Time Van Life

1. mercedes sprinter van.

• Roof height: 170cm low roof, 200cm high roof 
• Wheelbase: 
• Length: 325cm SWB, 432cm LWB
• Width: 178cm

Off-Road Capability : Yes!

The Sprinter Van is offered with either rear 2wd or 4wd for off-roading.

Prices: $27,000 used/ $35,000 new SWB/ $50,000+ LWB with upgrades

Pros of the Mercedes Sprinter Van for Full Time Van Life

• They are incredibly durable. 

It is not uncommon for Sprinter Vans to run past 300,000 miles, and so with a Sprinter Van, you can rest assured that your home on wheels will remain running for quite some time.

• They are popular for full-time van life.

Because so many people live in Sprinter Vans full-time, there is so much information out there on how to convert a Sprinter Van!

Cons of the Mercedes Sprinter Van for Full Time Van Life

• They are expensive.

The Sprinter Van name and quality certainly come with a hefty price tag.

• They can be difficult to find a mechanic for. 

Oftentimes, mechanics will refer Sprinter Vans to the dealer. This is less than ideal for full-time van lifers, as there may not be a dealer in your area, and dealerships are very expensive.

This Sprinter Van has a 144 wheelbase with an extra-high roof, and has housed its owners on the road for 5 whole years!

This Sprinter Van Conversion has plenty of space for a full kitchen with an induction stove, fridge, large sink, and even a toaster oven!

There is also plenty of room for a fixed bed.

With the help of swivels, the front seats twist around to serve as a living room/seating area. 

Even in a MWB, this Sprinter Van is suitable for full-time van life.

Full video → Years of Full-time Van Life

2. Citroen Relay/ Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato

• Roof Height: 166cm low roof, 193cm medium roof, or 217cm high roof
• Length:267cm SWB, 312cmLWB, and 370cm LWB extended
• Width: 187cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes.

Prices: $22,000 (used) / $33,000 (SWD)/ $50,000 (LWB)

**The Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer, and Fiat Ducato are all essentially the same van based on the Ducato Chassis, and they are all excellent vans for living in full-time. 

Pros of the for Citroen Relay/ Peugeot Boxer/ Fiat Ducato for Full Time Van Life

• With factors like roll-over mitigation and enhanced steering control, this is one of the safest vans on the market!
• These vans come at a more affordable price point than other vans on the market.
• These vans get fantastic gas mileage, which will save you money in the long run while living in the van!
• They are very wide. This is great because you can fit your bed widthwise in the van to save space.

Cons of the Citroen Relay/ Peugeot Boxer/ Fiat Ducato for Full Time Van Life

• These vans don’t have much storage located in the cab.
• They aren’t as mechanically reliable as some other vans.

Example 

This incredible van conversion features a Peugeot Boxer designed for full-time van life!

This is one of the most unique and creative van conversions we’ve ever seen.

In addition to a fully-stocked kitchen with a sink, stove, and refrigerator, this van’s kitchen also has an espresso maker!

This van also has a double fixed bed, full shower with toilet, and spacious working area with an additional two seatbelted seats.

Plus, this van is more than equipped to take guests along- there is a second double bed that can be converted in the van with an ingenious slat system.

The Peugeot Boxer is clearly a great van for living in full-time, just look at this conversion!

Full video → Winter Van Tour

3. Ram Promaster

• Roof Height: 165cm low roof, 190cm high roof
• Length: 345cm SWB, 403cm LWB
• Width: 190cm

Off-Roading Capability:  No

Prices: $9,000used/$27,000 SWB/$45,000 LWB with upgrades

Pros of the Ram Promaster for Full Time Van Life

• The Ram Promaster is the widest van on the market.
• Promasters are frequently used as cargo vans, so this is a great van option for stealth camping.
• The Promaster is fuel efficient (20mpg), so you’ll save money while living on the road!

Cons of the Ram Promaster for Full Time Van Life

• The Ram Promaster doesn’t have as many safety features as its competitors. 
• The lack of a 4wd option limits where you can take this van.

While not all of us are professional chefs, we can still all be impressed by this utterly astounding Ram Promaster van conversion.

The kitchen in this van conversion is breathtaking. 

It has an impressive 21-inch Furrion oven , stovetop, massive fridge, and a deep sink.

On top of all those features, it is also complete with a beautiful blue tile backsplash.

As if the kitchen wasn’t enough, the bathroom in this campervan is remarkable. 

It is complete with a lovely white tile full shower, complete with hot water and a Nature’s Head Composting Toilet .

There is also room for a large double bed in addition to a fixed bench seat area. 

With conversions like this possible, the Ram Promaster is easily one of the best vans to live out of!

Full video → Camper Designed by a Professional Chef

4. Ford Transit

• Roof Height: 182cm medium roof, 205cm high roof
• Length: 330cm SWB, 375cm LWB
• Width: 139cm

Prices: $20,000 used/$25,000 SWB/$42,000 LWB with upgrades

Pros of the Ford Transit for Full Time Van Life

• The Ford Transit has loads of safety features, including collision warnings and pre-collision assist.
• The Ford Transit is very easy to drive.
• Repair costs are incredibly low.
• The Ford Transit has a spacious interior.
• Used Ford Transits can be found at very affordable price points.

Cons of the Ford Transit for Full Time Van Life

• At 14-17mpg, Ford Transits do not get the best gas mileage.
• While repair costs are low, Ford Transits aren’t as mechanically reliable as other vans on the market.

This Ford Transit is proof that you can have a wonderful van to live in full-time- without breaking the bank!

The design in this Ford Transit is simple yet functional and aesthetic. The kitchen is simple, with a single burner and sink.

There is a stealthy sliding hatch for access to the cab, and plenty of overhead storage.

The highlight of this van conversion is the massive workspace! 

This setup has enough space for four people to easily work remotely with ease, and there are charging wall outlets placed accordingly around the table.

When not in use as a workspace, the table and seats convert down into a double bed.

Overall, the van and build of this Ford Transit Van Conversion cost under $14,000, and I’d say it turned out pretty well!

Full video → Ezra’s Van Conversion

5. VW Crafter

• Roof Height: 167cm Low roof, 193cm high roof, 218cm extra high roof
• Length: 365cm medium wheelbase, 432cm long wheelbase, 470 cm long extended wheelbase
• Width: 135cm

Prices: $25,000 used/$49,000SWB new/$85,000 extended LWB with upgrades

Pros of the VW Crafter for Full Time Van Life

• The VW Crafter is the largest campervan you can buy.
• The cab of the Crafter is equipped with plenty of storage.
• The interior of the VW Crafter is very customizable.
• They are very reliable vehicles.

Cons of the VW Crafter for Full Time Van Life

• The VW Crafter is the most expensive campervan on the market.

This lovely VW Crafter Van Conversion is the perfect example of a Crafter in action for full-time van life.

The cab is closed off to the back of the van, but there is still a window built-in for access between the two spaces.

This setup has plenty of space, and even fits a large L-shaped couch! Having a couch in the van is truly quite the luxury.

At night, the couch simply converts into a king-sized bed utilizing a clever slat system- one of our favorite campervan bed ideas!

Full video → Land Yacht! Incredible VW Van Conversion

6. Renault Master

• Roof Height: 179cm, 208cm tall roof
• Length: 318cm SWB, 368 LWB
• Width: 138 cm

Prices: $15,000 used / $44,000 SWB / $62,000 LWB with upgrades

Pros of the Renault Master for Full Time Van Life

• The Renault Master has a powerful engine.
• It is possible to find very affordable used Renault Masters.
• The interior of the Renault Master is very suitable for van conversion.
• The Renault Master can handle a very heavy payload, so this van can certainly carry the weight of your full-time van conversion.

Cons of the for Full Time Van Life

• This van needs frequent mechanical work done to keep it running smoothly.

This Renault Master campervan Conversion is truly mind-boggling.

Not only does it have a stunningly decorated interior, but it also has plenty of space for an incredible campervan layout!

The kitchen in this campervan is quite large and has a huge sink, oven, stove, and refrigerator.

This campervan’s living room/bedroom is a true masterpiece.

They managed to fit a massive L-shaped couch, so there is plenty of space for lounging and entertaining.

This area is also equipped with a Lagun Swivel Table , so the space can also serve as a work area. 

Not to mention the TV setup- Gaming/movie nights must be incredible in this van!

Full video → Inspirational Campervan Conversion

7. International School Bus

• Roof Height: 182 cm standard, 198 cm high roof
• Dimensions:
• Total Length: 7.6 meters mini, 10.6 meters medium, 13.7 meters standard
• Total Width: 1.82 meters mini, 1.82 meters medium, 2.43 meters standard

Off-Roading Capability: No.

Prices: $7,500 used / $65,000 new / $100,000+ new with upgrades

Pros of the International School bus for Full Time Van Life

• Size! The International School bus has so much room that your opportunities for conversion are endless.
• Used buses can be found at a very affordable price point.
• Because these buses were designed to safely transport children, they are incredibly safe.

Cons of the International School Bus for Full Time Van Life

• Parking, driving, and maneuvering a school bus will prove difficult.
• This is not the vehicle to go for if you want to participate in any sort of stealth camping.
• The medium and standard sized school buses can only be serviced at a mechanic for trucks, due to their large size.

With an International Schools Bus, the opportunities for conversion are essentially limitless.

This incredible conversion has it all.

A fully-equipped kitchen lines one wall, while a massive seating area lines the other. There is plenty of room for the whole family here!

The back of the van has a massive king bed- this bus certainly has the space for it! 

I also love how much natural light the windows let in, this is certainly a benefit of an International School Bus conversion.

Full video → School Bus Converted to an Amazing Tiny Home

8. Mercedes Vario 814

• Roof Height: 158 cm
• Length: 690 cm
• Width: 237 cm

Prices: $10,000-$25,000 used

Pros of the Mercedes Vario for Full Time Van Life

• The Vario is so big that you will have ample living space in a Mercedes Vario van conversion.
• The Mercedes Vario has a unique and vintage look.
• You can find the Mercedes Vario at an affordable price point.

Cons of the Mercedes Vario for Full Time Van Life

• Because the Mercedes Vario is no longer being manufactured, it may be difficult to find replacement parts for it.
• Due to its large size, the Vario is difficult to park and maneuver.
• You will not be able to do any stealth camping with the Vario.

This lovely conversion demonstrates the true potential of a Mercedes Vario conversion for a traveling van.

This van truly makes the most of the extra space. 

The front of the van has a full shower and bathroom.

The galley houses the kitchen, which is quite large and has plenty of counter space, as well as overhead storage. 

One of the benefits of a large vehicle for van conversion is the option to have a fixed bed as well as a large seating area.

This particular conversion has a large fixed bed as well as a huge couch seating area!

I also love how they hung the surfboard up on the ceiling. Not only is this a way to keep your surfboards safe inside, but it also serves as a great piece of decor. 

Full video → Unique, Modern, and Secure Van Conversion

9. Iveco Daily

• Roof Height: 155cm low roof, 190 cm medium roof, 210cm high roof
• Length: 352cm SWB, 410cm LWB
• Width: 200cm

Prices:  $40,000 used / $50,000 base model / $130,000 with LWB and upgrades

Pros of the Iveco Daily for Full Time Van Life

• The Iveco Daily is one of the best vans on the market for an off-roading vehicle. For anyone who wants to live in a van full time and go on off-roading adventures, this is a great option.
• This is a huge campervan, so there will be plenty of room for your conversion.

Cons of the Iveco Daily for Full Time Van Life

• Due to its large size, this is not the easiest van on the market to drive around and maneuver.
• Iveco Daily Vans are quite expensive.
• Large fridge/stove/ sink
• Indoor shower solution
• Large seating area 

If you’re looking for a large campervan to convert, look no further than the Iveco Daily- one of the best road trip vans for those looking to do some off-roading!

This campervan conversion is incredible. It takes full advantage of this large van’s size, and incorporates a large fixed seated area directly behind the two front seats.

Moving further along the galley of the van is a large kitchen area complete with plenty of counter space, a sink, stove, and refrigerator.

The shower system in this campervan is ingenious. The flooring in the kitchen is a shower pan, and the sink area is all watersafe.

There is a showerhead on the ceiling of the van, and a shower curtain protects the rest of the van from getting wet!

The back of the van has a large fixed bed, and it can fit lengthwise in the van due to the extra-large shape of the Iveco Daily, along with a little help from flares- one of the best campervan bed ideas. 

Full video → Genius Van Conversion

10. LDV Convoy

• Height: 2.8m

Prices: $3000-$10,000 used

Pros of the for Full Time Van Life

• LDV parts and labor are inexpensive.
• The LDV Convoy is very affordable.
• You will have plenty of space for your conversion inside this van!
• The LDV Convoy doesn’t have the nicest handling, and is not the easiest van on the market to drive and maneuver.
• Due to their age, the LDV convoys do need to be serviced every 6 months.
• This is an older van, and like many older vans, mechanical issues tend to occur more frequently than with newer vehicles.

This particular campervan conversion has an open and airy layout. 

The kitchen is large and spacious, with custom spice racks built-in right above the sink.

In the back of the van, there is a very large couch seating area, with a collapsible table in the middle.

When not in use as a table, the seating area collapses into a very large double bed.

The LDV has a very large and boxy interior which makes it great for conversion, and when you can convert a van as nicely as this one, it is no surprise why the LDV Convoy is one of the best vans for travel and living from.

Full video → Unique Self-Build Conversion

11. Vauxhall Movano

• Roof Height: 170cm H1, 189 cm H2, 204 cm H3, and 214 cm H4
• Length: 318 cm SWB, 368 cm MWB, and 433 cm LWB

Prices: $5,000-$25,000 used/ $40,000 new

Pros of the Vauxhall Movano for Full Time Van Life

• The Vauxhall Movano is a very tall van, so you will be able to stand up with ease in this van- which is a major convenience when it comes to living in a van full-time.
• It comes in many different sizes, so you can easily choose the perfect size to fit your needs for living in a van full-time.

Cons of the Vauxhall Movano for Full Time Van Life

• It is not the easiest van to maneuver and drive. 
• The Vauxhall Movano does not have as many safety features as other vans on the market.

If you’re considering converting a Vauxhall Movano to live in full time, here is an example of an incredible conversion for full-time van life!

This beauty is a MWB fully converted to be lived in full-time. 

The kitchen is clean and simple, with an extendable countertop for extra space for meal preparation.

The back of this van conversion is incredibly impressive. Not only is there a fixed bed, but also a fixed seating area! 

The large fixed platform bed fits lengthwise in the van. 

At the foot of the bed, there is a small bench seat area, with a table that slides out in between the bench seats! 

Underneath one of the bench seats, there is even a portable toilet. 

This van conversion is clean and simple, yet completely sufficient for full-time van life! 

Full video → Unique and Spacious MWB Van Conversion

12. Coachmen Starflyte

• Roof Height: 190cm
• Total Length: 6.4 m
• Width: 2.2 m

Prices: $10,000-$30,000 used

Pros of the Coachmen Starflyte for Full Time Van Life

• It’s already equipped to be lived in full-time, so you can save time and money preparing to live in this vehicle full-time!
• With such a large amount of space, living on the road full-time will be easy and comfortable.

Cons of the Coachmen Starflyte for Full Time Van Life

• These Rvs are reported to have frequent water leaks, so you may have to complete some renovations of the water system.

The Starflyte Coachmen is one of the best options for conversions if you’re looking for an extra-large space to live in!

These Rvs are quite large, and come at an impressively affordable price point. 

This impressive conversion demonstrates the full potential of the Coachmen Starflyte. 

There is not only a large kitchen and bathroom area, but also a fixed bed and a fixed dinette seating area. 

For anyone looking for a large vehicle to live in full-time, you should look no further than the Coachmen Starflyte! 

Full video → A Totally Remodeled RV

13. Nissan NV

• Roof Height: 135cm low roof, 195 cm high roof
• Length: 273cm
• Width: 122 cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes!

Prices: $8,000 used / $30,000 standard / $45,0000 with upgrades 

Pros of the Nissan NV for Full Time Van Life

• The Nissan NV is very light and easy to maneuver, so driving this vehicle around will be a breeze!
• This is one of the most affordable campervans on the market.
• It is very easy to have repairs done on a Nissan NV.
• There is a fully electric version available. 

Cons of the Nissan NV for Full Time Van Life

• The Nissan NV only gets about 10-15mpg, so it will rack up a hefty fuel cost over time.
• While it is big enough for full-time van life, it is still a smaller campervan, so you will have to get a little clever with your van conversion to fit everything in.

While the Nissan NV may be one of the smaller vans on this list, it is still a fantastic option for a camper conversion. 

Plus, there is even a fully-electric version!

For example, this clever conversion fits a kitchen, bed, workspace, and still has ample storage. 

Full video → Fully Electric Van Conversion

14. Ford E350

• Roof Height: 137cm
• Length: 350 cm 
• Width: 133cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes, with some models.

Prices: $5000 used/ $35,000-$45,000 new

Pros of the Ford E350 for Full Time Van Life

• These vans can handle a heavy payload so the weight of your conversion can be a little heavier than with other vans.
• These vans come at a much more affordable price point than some of the more popular choices for vanlife. 

Cons of the Ford E350 for Full Time Van Life

• This van has high annual repair costs. 
• It is a smaller-sized van.
• The Ford E350 is very susceptible to rust.

For anyone considering a Ford E350 as one of the best vans to live in full time, we sure do have a fantastic example. 

This incredible conversion takes full advantage of the fact that this van is smaller sized, and makes good use of every bit of space. 

Additionally, this van has been fully upgraded with a 6-inch lift and off-roading kit.

The layout is quite open, and the front seats are on swivels to offer a nice seating area. 

This van is complete with a full kitchen, including a Camp Chef stove and oven combo.

The back of the van has a huge fixed double platform bed which has plenty of space underneath it for storage. 

Full video → Epic Off-Road Van

15. Toyota Coaster

• Roof Height: 189 cm
• Total Length: 625 cm
• Total Width: 202 cm

Prices: $7,000-$30,000 used/ $100,000 new

Pros of the Toyota Coaster for Full Time Van Life

• Its large size provides plenty of space for full-time van life
• Used, older models of the Toyota Coaster can be found for a very affordable price!
• Toyota Coasters will hold their value in the long term.

Cons of the Toyota Coaster for Full Time Van Life

• Due to its large size, stealth camping is not a viable option with the Toyota Coaster.

With so much space and at an affordable price, the Toyota Coaster is one of the best vans to live in!

Take this beautiful conversion for example- 

This van conversion features a walk-in bathroom, a large kitchen, and an incredibly spacious bed in the back.

I particularly love how open and creative this conversion is.

There is a lovely bench seat couch lounger in the van set just beneath a window. When not in use as a lounger, this space converts into a dinette with two seats and a table!

This Toyota Coaster conversion is quite impressive, and certainly helps make a case for the Toyota Coaster as one of the best van life vans.

Full video → The Ultimate Tiny House on Wheels

Mercedes E-Sprinter (coming 2024!)

Mercedes-Benz is adding an all-electric variant to the  Sprinter  van family for 2024. Dubbed the  eSprinter,  this electrified workhorse is sure to appeal to eco-conscious vanlifers! Especially when considering it is likely to have a 300-mile range (this is ground-breaking because existing electric vans in this size class have ranges of around 70 miles). This might be the first electric vehicle suitable for (comfortable) full time van life!

The versatility and load capacity of Sprinter vans hold appeal for a wide range of uses in the commercial sector. Still, the recent overlanding trend has boosted the popularity of diesel and gasoline Sprinter vans among everyday consumers as well. Competence off-road and aftermarket possibilities have turned a lot of eyes to these Mercedes haulers. We are interested to see how shoppers respond when eSprinters start production in Charleston, South Carolina, during the second half of 2023.

There isn’t a lot of information that we can share about the all-new 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter yet. What we do know is that the largest of its available batteries is coming to the U.S. first. According to an independently monitored test performed by Mercedes-Benz, this battery proved capable of just over 300 miles of range on a full charge while averaging 35.2 kWh/100 miles (21.9 kWh/100 km). The calculations bear out that the U.S.-bound eSprinter should have a battery capacity a little north of 105 kWh. Pricing is not available at this time. But based on the price of the standard Sprinter, we think it’s safe to say the eSprinter will start above $50,000.

Final Thoughts

That’s about it!

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about each of these vans.

My hope is, that this guide will help you decide exactly which van is the best van for your new vanlife adventure!

Just remember to take your time, as buying the ideal van really is crucial.

The last thing you want to do is rush into a van that is maybe too old, or simply not big enough for your needs.

Instead, the ideal van will last you for years to come.

Build your own adventure

The guide anyone can use to convert a van into a camper! With over $350 worth of savings inside

Do you want to live vanlife at zero cost?

Nate Murphy knows how to buy vans, convert them quickly and efficiently - use them for years - and then sell them for a profit. This can make vanlife not just free, but profitable!

He has successfully done this for years and he teaches his friends and students to do exactly the same. It is not obvious, but anyone can do it if they have the knowledge!

Join Nate at his free online training (running today) and he will teach you exactly how he does this!

The Van Conversion Guide (14th Edition)

The guide anyone can use to convert a van into a camper! This best-selling guide, now in its 14th Edition, has been used by thousands of people to transform a van into a camper.

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The 16 Best Camper Vans for Road-Tripping in Style

Now you can experience #vanlife in comfort and style..

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The first years of this decade have already provided ample evidence that it’s important to get away from our daily lives from time to time.  And you don’t have to suffer the airport hordes or step foot on a plane to do so. We currently find ourselves in something of a golden age for luxury trailers, which has made it easier than ever to take your life on the road without sacrificing many, and in some cases any, of the comforts of home. And now, there are plenty of manufacturers and dedicated conversion shops giving the same treatment to vans and other similar vehicles. They may not be able to sleep as many people as their hulking cousins—with one key exception—but these all-in-one wonders come loaded with perks such as high-end kitchens, Wi-Fi-enabled multimedia systems, and plush beds. Plus, their relatively smaller size means they are more agile, off-road friendly, and easier to park. Below are 16 campers that will let you experience #vanlife in comfort and style.

Our Best Camper Van Picks

Best overall: airstream atlas, best for off-roading: jayco terrain, best for weekend getaways: peace vans volkswagen id. buzz upfit, best for off-the-grid trips: winnebago solis, best for cyclists: outside van tails, best for camping (anywhere): storyteller overland beast mode 4×4, best to live in: brabus big boy, best all-electric option: tonke eqv.

• Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl

Best With a Bathroom and Shower: Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary

Best for $50,000: caravan outfitter free bird, best comeback: westfalia wave, best for families: winnebago boldt, best for winter road trips: sportsmobile sprinter 4×4, best conversion: boho old faithful, best for diy couples: ford transit trail.

Sometimes bigger really is better. Just ask Airstream, whose range of camper vans, or touring coaches as the brand calls them, is topped by the Atlas. Yes, it’s a van, but it has all the space and features you’d expect to find in a much larger RV thanks to its unique power slide-out section that isn’t available on the also-excellent Interstate 24X. There’s only one floorplan to choose from—the Murphy Suite—but it has everything you could need including a pull-down Murphy bed, couch, kitchenette, closet, and large residential-style bathroom with a standalone toilet and shower. The Mercedes-based vehicle may sleep fewer people than some of the other entries on this list—it’s designed for two, although there’s room to entertain more—but the trade-off is an unusual amount of comfort for the class. This will come in handy for short trips, of course, but especially if you and yours are planning to spend some serious time on the road.

Special Features: —The power slide-out section means there is plenty of room for both rest and relaxation. —Pull-down Murphy bed and large bathroom allow you to really bring home on the road.

Jayco is best known for its hulking travel trailers, but like Airstream, it can do compact, too (well, compact enough to fit in a parking space, that is). The US company’s new  Terrain  model, which starts at $192,000, is an adventure van designed for those who like to veer from the beaten path. As the name suggests, it’s designed for off-roading, with a turbo-diesel V-6, Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a rear hitch strong enough to tow an additional trailer if you need more room. Inside, it’s a little spartan compared to some other options on this list, but its kitchenette can be converted into a sleeping area with room for a full-size bed, as well as plenty of storage space beneath. There’s even a built-in awning when you need some shade in the summer months.

Special Features: —Equipped with Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a heavy-duty tow hitch. —Kitchenette can be converted into a spacious sleeping area with room for a full-size bed.

The all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz may have only just gone on sale in the U.S. but it has already been given the camper van treatment by Peace Vans . The Seattle-based shop offers three upfit kits to convert the Microbus-inspired EV for #vanlife. The first two, Buzz.Box and Buzz.Box.Sleeper, are perfect for day and weekend trips. If you plan on spending serious time on the road, you’ll want to opt for the Buzz.Camper, though. It includes a fully equipped kitchen with a sink and fridge and a surprisingly spacious dining and entertainment area that can be converted into a bedroom.

Special Features: —Three layout options make the vehicle well-suited to almost every kind of camper. —Might be the best looking camper van, electric or otherwise, currently available.

The Winnebago Solis is for adventurers who don’t want to be confined to the campground. The van is available with an optional power kit that has everything a group of up to four adults needs to spend a few days off-the-grid. The setup, which includes an inverter, a shore battery converter, a battery energy converter, a solar energy converter and an alternator energy optimizer, can produce enough power to keep the van and all its features running for up to 72 hours. On top of that, the van features a kitchenette, a convertible entertainment area with room for a double bed, and a full-width wet bath.

Special Features: —A unique power kit that can provide enough power to spend up to 72 hours off the grid. —Still has all the features you’d expect from a luxe camper van, including a full-width wet bath.

If you like to mix biking and camping, Outside Van has the vehicle for you. The Portland brand’s  Tails  model is a camper van designed with cyclists in mind. The van, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, has everything you need for a few days away from home, including a kitchenette, a roll-over sofa and a convertible mattress. But what really sets it apart is the rear of the vehicle that’s basically an on-the-go bicycle repair shop, with a fold-down work table, an air compressor and Molle panels to hang all your tools. If that wasn’t enough, it somehow has room for six bikes, even when the bed is laid out for the night.

Special Features: —The back of the van is basically a bicycle-repair shop with a fold-down table, an air compressor and plenty of storage space for tools. —Has room for six bikes, even when its convertible sleeping area is out.

This latest offering from Storyteller Overland, based in Birmingham, Ala., is a true adventure van. The  Beast Mode 4×4  is the outfit’s most feature-packed model yet and was designed specifically for overlanding (as you may have guessed from the company’s name). It’s a true 4×4 powered by a 188 hp turbodiesel V-6 that’s strong enough to tow an additional 5,000 pounds. Its slick retro-style livery is offset with loads of useful off-roading gear, too, such as an LED light package, a roof rack and a side ladder and custom wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich K02 tires. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to relax after a day of exploring, including a cushy lounge that can be converted to a full-size sleeping area. There’s even a climate-control system to ensure you’re comfortable no matter the weather outside. It’s priced at a flat $198,746, for everything listed above.

Special Features: —Turbodiesel V-6 sends 188 hp of power to all four wheels and is strong enough to tow 5,000 extra pounds. —Surprisingly cushy lounge for an off-roading beast.

There are several high-end campers out there these days, but none reach the opulent heights of the Brabus Big Boy . The German tuner’s latest creation is an over-the-top motorhome that measures 40 feet long, eight feet wide and 12 feet high. Brabus has made good use of all that room, packing the vehicle with everything you’d expect to find in the most decadent of luxury residences, including a fully stocked kitchen, a granite-lined bathroom and a gigantic bedroom with a writing desk and an integrated PlayStation 5. It also packs some serious power thanks to 12.8-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel engine that makes over 500 hp, which is little surprise because of Brabus’s performance roots. It’s also little wonder that this camper is reported to cost around $1.5 million.

Special Features: —Features everything—a fully stocked kitchen, granite-lined bathroom and gigantic bedroom—you’d expect to find in a luxury residence. —Two extendable slide-out sections in the bedroom and entertainment area when you need even more room.

Looking for an EV you can take to the campground. The upcoming EQV just might fit the bill. Despite its relatively compact size—it’s smaller than the ever-popular Sprinter—Dutch camping outfit Tonke has managed to outfit it with everything you need to spend some time communing with nature. It has an entertainment area that doubles as a workspace along with a kitchenette, both of which can be converted into a two-person sleeping area with a simple flip of a bench (a roof-mounted, pop-up tent means it can sleep two more, too). Best of all, there are two variants available—the Touring, which is designed for long road trips, and the Adventure, which is aimed at casual campers.

Special Features: —Fully electronic power train means you won’t have to worry about filling up the tank (though the battery is another story). —Can sleep up to four even despite its relatively compact size.

Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl 

The Tecrawl isn’t a camper van per se, but it’s hard to leave something this cool off a list like this. Terracamper’s latest offering is based on one of Mercedes-Benz’s most legendary vehicles, the G-Wagen . The German shop has dreamed up a modular accessory kit for the luxury 4×4, that starts at $11,900 and includes a roof-mounted tent, a convertible sofa, and a pull-out kitchenette with a fridge box. Thanks to the ingenious setup, the boxy SUV can sleep up to three and act as your home base next time you want to rough it for the weekend. And because it’s a G-Wagen you can take it as far off-road as you want.

Special Features: —A G-Wagen but has room for up to three people to sleep. —Packs a brawny powertrain that’s well-suited for off-road adventures.

Thor Motor Coach makes camper vans for those uninterested in making sacrifices. With the  Sanctuary , the company has taken Mercedes-Benz’s already excellent Sprinter 2500 4×4 and turned it into something you could easily live on—on or off the grid. The off-road-ready vehicle comes in two configurations—the 19P ($148,680), which features a back bench that converts into a bed, or the 19L ($151,060), which has a fixed double bed. Even with the bed there’s still plenty of room for other creature comforts, including a bathroom, an entertainment area with a TV and a kitchen with a sink, a dual-burner cooktop, a convection microwave oven and a fridge. An Onan 2500 LP generator keeps everything up and running, too, including an A/C system you can leave on for eight hours at a time. There’s also retractable power awning when you want to spend some time outdoors.

Special Features: —Full-featured bathroom has a sink, a shower and a toilet. —Available with your choice of either a convertible or a fixed bed.

Caravan Outfitter’s third-generation Free Bird isn’t the most feature-laden camper van out there, but it has everything you and the family need to spend a weekend (or more) at the campground. The van, which starts at $50,810, is built on the relatively compact Ford Transit Connect platform but still has room for a full-size bed, a multi-purpose table that can be used as a dinette or workstation, and a pull-out kitchenette with a sink. Because it’s smaller than other options on this list, it only has room to sleep two, but there are several enticing add-ons, including roof- and rear-mounted capsule tents, in case you’re traveling group includes more people.

Special Features: —It’s the rare camper van that’s small enough to be comfortably parked inside your garage. —Caravan Outfitters offers several intriguing add-ons so you customize it to your liking.

After a two-decade absence, famed German (and French-owned) camper maker Westfalia has returned to the U.S. The company’s first new stateside model is the Wave, a Ram Promaster 3500-based van stocked with luxury amenities and plenty of room for your travel party. The Wave stretches 20.7 feet bumper-to-bumper and Westfalia has done everything it can to maximize the space. The cabin has everything you could need, including a kitchen with an island extension and a full wet bath with a stand-up shower. Its most impressive feature may be its many sleeping areas, though. The rear seating can be converted into a queen-size bed and the dinette into a double mattress. There is also a roof-mounted pop-up tent with room for two. It may not be based on a Volkswagen, but the Wave is still almost as “Westy” as they come.

Special Features: —The spacious interior includes a kitchen with an island extension that makes meal prep that much easier. —The van’s 20.7-foot length means there’s enough room to sleep up to six adults.

Airstream isn’t the only famous RV maker that’s gotten into the camper van game. Winnebago actually sells several, and our favorite is the luxe  Boldt . Despite being nowhere near as long as one of its campers—it caps out at 22 feet in length—the $230,276 van has everything you’d expect from the larger vehicle, including dedicated living and sleeping areas, a fully functional kitchen and a bathroom equipped with a shower. You also have several interior decor options to choose from, each of which delivers an updated take on classic Winnebago style. The Boldt is designed for paved roads and campgrounds, but if you want a more rugged ride, the brand also offers the off-road-ready  Revel.

Special Features: —Stretches 22 feet bumper to bumper, meaning there’s plenty of room for you and yours. —Enough space for dedicated entertaining and sleeping areas.

Take one look at  Sportsmobile’s Sprinter 4×4  and it’s clear what its designers had in mind: off-roading. Whether you go with the 12- or 14-foot configuration, the Texas outfit’s stripped-down take on Mercedes’s ultra-popular van comes equipped with a 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 connected to a five-speed automatic transmission and pumps out 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque. That should be more than enough to tackle even the toughest terrain. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with a full-featured kitchen. If you want even more room, you can also opt for a pop-up sleeping area that’ll make it that much easier to lounge in comfort.

Special Features: —Well insulated throughout, but also has space for a propane furnace or heater. — 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 and four-wheel drive mean it can take on any terrain.

Struggling to find a camper van that’s just right? Boho might be able to help. The Arizona-based company specializes in conversions and will work with you to create the vehicle of your dreams. The company offers several 20- to 24-foot layouts—of which the most popular is the appropriately named Old Faithful—that can be further tailored to meet your needs, whether your priority is multi-season versatility, lots of cooking space, or spending serious amounts of time on the road. The company also offers plenty of cool add-ons too, like wood paneling and flooring.

Special Features: —Versatile layouts that can be further customized so that you’re getting the exact van you want. —The wooden interior option looks better than it has any right to.

Ford’s ready to knock the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter off its perch. The Detroit giant unveiled its own camper van, the Transit Trail, last fall. The adventure-ready vehicle is based on its uber-popular commercial van but is taller, wider and outfitted with protective body cladding. It’s also powered by a potent V-6 that sends 310 horses and 400 ft lbs to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Right now, Ford seems content to let the $65,975 vehicle be the base for the camper van of your dreams, but it comes loaded with a slew of features that will come in handy at the campground, including a drillable wall you can use to install shelves, a kitchenette or furniture, along with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a back-up camera. It also available in three body configurations—medium-roof, standard length; high-roof, standard length; and high-roof, extended length—one of which should fit your needs.

Special Features: —It’s basically a blank slate for you and your partner to create your own dream camper. —Still comes with premium features such as a 12-inch infotainment screen and a back-up camera.

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

Excuse me, sir, ma’am, do you have a second to talk about freedom?

That’s why we travel, right? Sure, maybe it starts as an escape. Maybe your ex trashed you so you ran away from all those delicious problems (don’t feel bad; it’s a common story).

Maybe the looming threat of your tertiary education commitments was rearing its ugly head so you decided to delay.

Maybe you wanted to  ‘find yourself’ .

Whatever your reasons, the outcome was the same. You left… And then you caught the bug.

Now that I know how to be free, how can I choose to put myself back in the cage?

Excuse me, sir, ma’am do you have a second to talk about van life?

There’s something pure about van travel. You’ll have to peel back the layers first: the trashy Instagram hashtags. The ‘polyamorous’ douchebags competing for level-10 gipsy status to sleep with cute hippy chicks at psytrance festivals.

Peel that shit back first and what do you find? Freedom: a sincere desire to simply live freely. Travelling in a van, or any form of motorhome for that matter, is not a lifestyle: it’s an answer.

Less is more.

So let’s talk about that. Let’s talk about why you should live AND how to travel in a van.

Let’s talks about the ins and outs of travelling in a motorhome: a beginner’s tips and hacks guide for campervan travel. And let’s talk about travelling the world in a campervan: the best countries to go and how to acquire your new roots-less home.

I’m talking my favourite topic how to travel in a van.

Let’s go

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Vanlife: Let’s Paint a Picture of the Van Travel Lifestyle

How to live in a van and travel, the best countries for rv and campervan travel, vanlife tips 101: your beginner’s rv and campervan travel guide, freedom, vanlife and the 21st century nomad.

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Right, so that was soppy – sorry, folks! Here’s the deal: it’s a house on wheels. Let me reiterate that for you.

It’s a house on wheels.

Yeah sure, it may not be a very big house. But, look, if your biggest concern is not being able to take much stuff, then, mate… the traveller lifestyle might not be for you.

Let’s call it nomadic van living (just to separate it from actual nomadic living in which if you didn’t move, then winter came and you died). Living out of a van means living out of a home with wheels. Think about that for a sec.

If you run out of milk, you don’t have to leave the house to buy milk. You take the house WITH YOU to buy milk.

That’s fucking sick.

There’s a new level of freedom that comes from travelling the country in an RV , campervan, or even one of the cars with the fold-out tents on the roof (they’re awesome; I’ve seen JUCY rentals in New Zealand and Australia do them). Do you know what a common thought for me is while staring out the window on a bus ride? “That’s a nice mountain; I wish I could go climb it.” 

Ta-dah! Traveller vans to the rescue.

And, to be a little bit real for a second, I do think it’s an answer. We’re in a time where we are – possibly, hopefully, maybe – starting to look at the traditional model of ‘How to Adult – 101’ and saying…

Maybe, there’s another way. Maybe we don’t need all the things we thought we did.

I’d say it’s an experiment. You travel in a van, living in a motorhome, and you have an adventure. One way or another, you come away with a new perspective. And, if you’re built for it, maybe you come away with a whole new model for life.

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Why Travel and Live in a Van or RV

Let’s talk specifics, not quasi-philosophical ramblings. What are the benefits of travelling in a van or RV?

I mean, there’s the ease of buying groceries, obviously, but there’s more to motorhome travel than just that:

• There’s the obvious financial benefit. Your mileage (hah) will vary depending on your style. A family of four living and travelling in a full-power RV and staying at powered holiday parks are going to have a very different cost-footprint than two dirtbags travelling in a van and staying in the driveway of someone called Possum Joe. But, you can’t say rolling your transport and accommodation costs into one while cooking for yourself doesn’t help!
• You can go anywhere! Unless the road ends in which case you get out and walk. Campervan travel changes the landscape of your adventure, but I’ll save that for when I talk about the best countries to campervan in further down.
• You can pick up hitchhikers! Ahh, thank you, much appreciated! My people thank you in advance.
• There is, of course, the art of minimalism. How low you go is up to you: packing for living in an RV vs. a van vs. a hatchback Prius all offer different lifestyles. But it’s a middle-point between having what fits in your house and having what fits on your back.
• It offers freedom of movement. That’s why I call it nomadic van living. It’s like the next evolution up from nomadic horse living on the tech-tree-of-life. Stay, go, settle, cross the country; it’s all your choice. The only difference is that motorhomes break down. But, then, horses die…
• And, of course, it allows you to shift to a more nomadic lifestyle . At a certain point, travelling in a van becomes synonymous with living in a van…

Living in a Van: From Part-Time to Full-Time

This is what I’m talking about: what starts as toes dipped in the water of motorhome travel turns into the full immersion of motorhome living. You start off travelling in an RV or campervan around Australia or New Zealand and suddenly you’re reexamining your whole model of life. Suddenly, living out of a van doesn’t seem like such an alien concept.

You start looking at your life. Maybe I don’t need so many possessions. Maybe I don’t need the weekly depression of rent day.

Suddenly, yes, van life is worth it.

Your career aspirations change; you’ve realised just how many jobs can be done while travelling and living in a campervan. How much freedom is open to you when your cost of living has drastically reduced and your office can be any old breathtaking view.

And, suddenly, you’ve become a digital nomad .

Now, a deep-dive into the digital nomad lifestyle is a whole other can of worms and it’s not really my point either. My point is simply that these things tend to go way further and way deeper than we can often imagine. And that many people have created a sustainable (and fulfilling) life model around living in a van or RV full-time and earning money as they travel.

But that’s long term! Don’t get ahead of yourself, buddy. The digital nomad path changes your travel game , so take your time! Patience is good!

First, you need to get out there and experiment with motorhome travel! You need to see if it’s your holy grail. You need to dip your toes in and that means choosing and acquiring your traveller van.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Ok, so I’ve convinced you, yeah? On the awesomeness of van life? Not pressured, mind you; you’re still in control here. I don’t want to talk you into doing anything you don’t want to do…

But, you’re ready: ready for the adventure of travelling the world in a campervan – the full-time RV lifestyle! You’re ready to start thinking about buying your first campervan.

Whoa, Nelly! Slow down there, sexy-legs! I know you’re excited but even buying the cheapest of campervans is a big and expensive commitment for a lifestyle you don’t know if you’re ready for yet. Jumping in feet-first is commendable but jumping in head-first into an unknown body of water is just bloody stupid!

Let’s start small with finding the right van to travel in so you can decide if van life is worth it for you. Then, if it’s everything you’ve dreamed of (psst, it will be) , you can make the shift to living in a campervan permanently.

So, step 1: finding the right type of motorhome for you. I stress the word motorhome because, as you may have noticed, you have a wide range of options and the different terms get thrown around somewhat interchangeably.

Types of Motorhomes

Think of choosing your motorhome like choosing a travel buddy . If you choose well, the vibe is good and you’ll have a long grand adventure together with lifelong cherished memories. But choose poorly and you’ll end up ditching them on the side of the road and hitchhiking in the opposite direction.

Choosing a Van for Travel: How to Find the Best Motorhome for You

Well, what are your needs? What are your likes and dislikes? How good are you at reversing?

These are the important questions you must ask yourself! (Especially that last one.) The number one tip for van living is that it’s gotta feel like home.

• Travel camper trailers, for a start, have no appeal to me. Lugging a trailer around everywhere in my journeys is unwieldy. But for someone who doesn’t want to make a full-time lifestyle commitment to RV or campervan travel, a camper trailer means you get to still have a car and a home and you can just park the thing in your yard when you’re not off adventuring.
• A  converted travel van  is the DIY option for the DIY mindset. Seriously, I’ve watched friends go to town on their DIY van conversion and it’s a marvel to behold – a power tool in one hand and WikiHow in the other. Good news – you can save a lot of time if you  buy van cabinets  for your camper, making the process much smoother and more efficient. If full-time van life is something you ultimately commit to, I feel this the best option because you’re in control; who needs a loving committed relationship and a beautiful family to raise when you have a van! Backpackers in Australia and New Zealand often invest in buying a cheap van at the beginning of a year-long work visa, but for shorter trips, budget campervan hire tends to be a much smarter route.
• Class C Motorhomes (RVs) provide more luxury; let’s call it the family meal deal. RV travel offers more creature comforts at the cost of higher living expenses making it the top choice with families and grey nomads. But, if your travelling with a big group or just have a soft spot for the luxury road trip experience, an RV rental might just be right up your alley.
• Class B Motorhomes (campervans) are the bang-on choice for travellers fresh to the van travel game. Not too big; not too small: just right (just like a certain narcissistic little blonde girl’s porridge). For someone looking to dip their toes into van camping and see if this whole vanlife thing stacks up to the hype, this is the sweet spot!
• Class A Motorhome (monstrosities) are reserved for when you’re 70-years-old, greying, and have nothing but time, disposable income, and a loving life partner you want to bang all over the continent.

But, that leaves one last question: how do you acquire your new transient home?

Rent or Buy – Travel Van Rental: The Advantages of Campervan Hire

Ok, so let’s level with each other: buying a motorhome is expensive! The outright cost is enough to make any broke backpacker curl into the foetal position on the floor and that’s before you add in the insurance and registration costs plus the rising fuel prices in an ever-increasingly unstable global community. 

You’d be better of buying a station wagon and crashing at your mum’s house on laundry/shower day, though, I feel that sorta defeats the purpose of the fully independent, ‘fuck the man’ nomadic van-living lifestyle.

Here’s van living tip number two: don’t buy a motorhome until you know that it’s right for you. I’m talking about using campervan hire as your jumping-off point.

There are a lot of ways to travel a country, but I’d imagine we all have a soft spot for having our own vehicle. And, truthfully, a campervan is simply a better way to travel some countries (looking at you, New Zealand) .

Sometimes, public transport sucks; sometimes we want to go far out. And, sometimes, we don’t want to pay 50 bucks for what amounts to 12-hour bag storage and mattress rental (with complimentary white bread for breakfast).

The Great Australian Road Trip is a dream journey of many travellers I meet (I’m not sure why; I don’t think you realise how boring our roads are – long, straight, and filled with dead things). Plus, road trips are SICK! Talking shit with your mates, good tunes, smoking – ahem – “ciggies” at isolated lookouts (wink-wink): road trips are the best!

It doesn’t mean that one day you won’t have the holy grail converted traveller van, but the best way to start that big journey is with a little step. Hire a motorhome, have an adventure in any of the best countries to campervan in, and once you know how to actually live in a van and travel, you’ll know if the vanlife is right for you.

If you’re after my recommendation, for New Zealand and Australia road trips, JUCY rentals are the best. These iconic whips are the perfect home on the road to explore the roads of down under.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

You’re going to notice a common theme with most of the countries on this van travel bucket list: they’re costly to travel with plenty of ground to cover.  

That’s why by choosing to travel in a cheap van or RV rental, you’re going to please the tight-fisted pantheon deities of Backpakistan. Now, don’t misunderstand – you’re not going to cut your travel expenses in Europe down to the level of Southeast Asia. But taking all our usual tricks-of-the-trade backpacker secrets and applying them while living out of a van certainly helps.

The other recurring theme? They have wicked roads to drive on! Picturesque and long and fast (and sometimes windy too).

You’re still on an adventure. Spend some money, live a little! You know that 2000-year-old tree in the middle of buttfuck-nowhere… you have a house with wheels now! Go see it!

Again, you’re driving a campervan. You’re in control.

We are freedom.

Australia RV and Campervan Travel: Whole Lotta Nothin’

Ok, so there is actually a lot to see in Australia. From travelling Australia’s east coast – tropics, beaches, and seagulls – to the rugged solitude of the west, it’s fair to say that you’ll find something you vibe with amongst Australia’s massive scope.

And if you get down to Tassie, that shit will blow your mind right open. Seriously – backpacking in Tasmania is an experience simply built for van travel.

Only, Australia is big. And the roads are really long and really straight (and really empty). Notice how you never meet anyone who says they circumnavigated Australia twice?

Australia is so big, and there’s such a campervan culture Down Under with backpackers and locals, that vans are being bought, sold, and traded for weed all the time; buying a van outright is perfectly a viable option. Of course, the thing about buying a backpacker van is that one minute everything is hunky-dory, and then the next your broken down in the middle of the Nullarbor Plain with black smoke spewing from both ends (of the van… not you… if you are too, see a doctor).

Travelling around Australia in a motorhome is THE way to go. Travelling and living in a campervan is a good antidote to the high prices of… everything… and, given the country’s lacklustre public transport services, is also the best way to see everything . 

Of course, you can – and should for trips on a shorter itinerary – go for a budget campervan hire in Australia. Skip the bureaucracy, skip the queue, and, best of all, skip stamp duty <groans internally>. (Our insurance and rego costs are daylight robbery too – fair warning.) All this leaves a rental as the smoothest option for entry into Oz’s untold vastness.

So… what’s the best campervan hire in Australia? Easy, JUCY Campers .

JUCY Campers Australia have been around serving backpackers for a long-long time, so they know their clientele and they know them well . Even while growing up in Byron Bay almost twenty years ago, I remember seeing scores of JUCY campervans parked at the beach. Usually, with some happy-go-lucky, not-a-care-in-the-world bangin’ their lack-of-woes away in the backseat.

They do cheap campervan hire in Australia, and they’ve been around for more than two decades. They gotta be doing something right!

New Zealand RV and Campervan Travel: The Real Aotearoa

It’s fairly comparable to campervan travel in Australia but with less roadside drug testing. And you can cross the country in about eight fewer days. Oh, and petrol is more expensive!

Everything aside, road tripping in New Zealand – and road tripping on South Island in particular – is FUCKING MINDBLOWING. Like, ‘I’m having a transcendental moment just from watching a sunset’ mindblowing. There’s so much to explore in every tucked-away corner, and then you cross the ferry to South Island and New Zealand is all like:  Welcome to New Game Plus, Bi-yatch. 😉

Public transport is meh and hitchhiking is traditionally the gold standard for getting around, but to truly get lost in Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud), driving a campervan is the way to go. It’s kind of hard to put into words the true majesty of traversing New Zealand’s natural landscape. Can we just say that it did things to my soul and leave it at that?

So, what about cheap campervan hire in New Zealand? Well, you’ve got JUCY Campers New Zealand (yes, same guys obviously) who are also probably the best campervan hire in New Zealand. Seriously, I can’t stress JUCY Campers enough for budget campervans in New Zealand and Australia. RVs, mini-campers, minibuses too – they know they’re way around!

Be careful, though: if you start living in a campervan in New Zealand, you may just decide that it’s finally time to hang up your boots. New Zealand is where people stop travelling.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Japan RV and Campervan Travel: Ore No Daibouken!

Once upon a time, this may have been considered a weird entry on this list. Maybe, it still surprises you.

It’s not that your transport options for travelling around Japan aren’t excellent (because they are, albeit expensive), but a road trip in Japan by campervan is still an amazing way to see the country, and there’s loads to see! Once you’ve broken off the main roads into the mountains, forests, and villages, you’ll see why.

The downside to campervan travel in Japan is that petrol is pricey and the tolls on expressways (the country’s primary road infrastructure) are a nightmare. The upshot is living off home-cooked tofu stirfry is ridiculously cheap and the Japanese are some of the most patient and courteous drivers you will ever encounter.

So what about campervan hire in Japan? I mean, you could buy one outright but somehow I imagine that could get confusing…

Well, guess what? For campervan rental in Japan, you’ve got Japan Campers . Easy name, easy game!

If you’re thinking you’d like to partake in a road trip somewhere other than the standard destinations, I would highly suggest going for a Japanese campervan journey. Japan is still fairly unused to nomadic van living so you can get away with a few more sneaky overnight parks than you would elsewhere and if you want to travel off the beaten track – Shikoku or most definitely Hokkaido is the place to go for vanning – then you’ll be a fan of a van in Japan… man.

USA RV and Campervan Travel: The Good, the Bad, and the Not-So-Ugly

I mean, there are fifty states all up so road tripping the USA by campervan is a pretty damn good way of seeing them all! (Although Alaska and Hawaii may take some tricky planning to reach.)

Look, here’s a picture of the American wilderness:

Now does a campervan road trip in the USA make sense? The American landscape is so majestic that even just seeing an old Spaghetti Western gives me them wanderlust vibes – and that is a term that I loathe and do not use lightly!

So, let’s talk campervan hire in the USA! I mean… you could buy one off of Craigslist, but you might get shot.

For cheap campervan and RV rental in the USA, check out Outdoorsy . It’s another takeoff in the sharing economy; you’re renting motorhomes of actual humans with actual thoughts and feelings and lives.

I gotta be honest: that’s seriously dope. Think Airbnb for the vanlife.

For budget campervan rental in the USA, Outdoorsy is the go. Then you can go and have your own 21st-century Spaghetti Western!

Oh, plus there’s all that legendary rock climbing in the States. You want a van for that shit.

• Driving the West Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: Las Vegas
• Driving the East Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: California

Canada RV and Campervan Travel: A Little Drive Aboot

To the north of the States is another big-ass country filled with gorgeous nature and lovely people who get weirdly offended whenever I drop the C-bomb. Cultural differences aside, Canada makes the list of the essential ‘Great Roadtrip’ countries.

The RV and campervan game in Canada is strong . It might have something to do with the expansive wilderness simply built for vanlife. Well, it would be fairer to say that vanlife was built for the expansive Canadian wilderness.

Anyway, forget the split hairs! A backpacking adventure in Canadian is supreme and by way of campervan is the best way to truly get lost there. But you’re getting quite far north. By which I mean, it’s getting cold. You’ll want to get the best travel van you can (with some damn proper insulation).

Outdoorsy , once again, is the top pick for cheap campervan and RV rental in Canada. It’s all about that sharing economy! Cheap, good services, and you’re dealing with REAL people rather than a dealership with a salesperson with a 5-syllable last name that has way too many ‘K’s in it.

Find yourself a budget campervan to hire in Canada (ideally with good insulation) and go find a moose! Why a moose? I dunno, I’ve just always wanted to see a wild moose!

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan RV and Campervan Travel: Meet Stan

See, told you I’d give you some interesting choices! Have you heard of the Pamir Highway? Probably not… I hadn’t either until one of my fellow Broke Backpacker Adventure Experts told me it was the perfect place for a non-standard campervan road trip.

And he’s right! The Pamir Highway is gorgeous! Officially it’s called the M41 Highway (but nobody calls it that) and it runs from the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan down into and through Tajikistan . Hell, if you’re feeling super adventurous, you can keep driving it into Uzbekistan and Afghanistan !

In all honesty, the scope of Central Asia is breathtaking. Exploring Kyrgyzstan alone is something out of a dream, and that’s just one of the Stans! It’s huge, there is so much space, and it is still vastly untouched by the hand of western tourism. If you’re looking for a van life adventure that really is ‘off the beaten track’, it’s the way to go.

How do you acquire a campervan over that way? Well, you’re outside the scope of most of the standard budget campervan hire services but you still have options. One of the highly recommended options is Iron Horse Nomads in Kyrgyzstan. Owned and run by a couple of ex-pats, these guys can get you sorted for transport around the Stans.

Or you could just charge it: catch a flight over and hope for the best. Worst case scenario, you just buy a horse!

Europe RV and Campervan Travel: Home of the Autobahn

“Europe isn’t a country!”   Shut-up, dude; nobody cares. It still counts.

An RV or campervan in Europe goes a long way towards getting you around; there is a lot to see there. Backpacking around Europe is also expensive as all hell (on the west side), so travelling in a motorhome is also going to go a long way towards keeping your budget in check.

The cool thing about a campervan road trip in Europe is all the countries you’ll visit! By the time you’re done, you’re reasonably looking at 5 to 10 different countries (at least).

That’s a lot of unique cultures, languages, landscapes, and… food! All those accommodation cost savings? Yeah, just put them towards eating your way across Europe!

So, what are your options for cheap campervan and RV hire in Europe? Well, there’s CamperTravel Bookings . They have great coverage right across Europe (in case you forgot, there are a lot of different places in Europe) and they’re cheap with lots of different rental options.

Europe is a bit of a funny one for van travel. When it comes to the idealised road trip, it often gets left behind. But with such great options for budget campervan and RV rental in Europe, it’s becoming a more sought-after destination.

Plus, the roads, man! So big, so fast, so furious, and so damn pretty! Arrgghh, vanlife, YES!

Sort out your rental before you’re living the vanlife DREAM. To get the best price, rentalcars.com simplifies the process at a lower cost and can match you with the right vehicle for your adventure.

So, it’s as simple as finding the best van for your new van life and you’re away, right? With that sort of simplicity, you could be living and sleeping in a campervan within a week. Nay, good sir! Campervan life requires more finesse than that.

Do you remember how the first time you left on a backpacking adventure you packed like a dickhead? But then, you repeated the process and, every time, you got better. The question of what to take on a road trip and even how to live and travel in a van is the same.

It’s all about practice.

You’re starting out – be it your first budget RV rental or your first converted traveller van purchase – and that makes you a beginner. That’s fine though, that means you’re only going to get better: it’s all practice!

And besides, you’ve nabbed yourself a campervan and RV travel guide 101 filled with tips for beginners. Let’s talk finesse!

The RV Travel Lifestyle: What to Expect from Travelling in a Motorhome

Before I give you the bullet point list of deliciously digestible tips, let’s talk about the actual ins and outs of the campervan and RV lifestyle. Whether you’re going on your first great campervan road trip or experimenting with living in an RV full-time, it’s not all just about freedom and good shots for your socials.

First up, there’s adulting. There’s always adulting. Just because you’re living out of a van doesn’t mean you’re not an adult!

Chores are a big part of van life. You know how when you live in a really small flat even not washing the dishes kills those rocking feng-shui vibes? Well, it’s the same deal in a van only multiplied by fifty: it’s a small space.

Kitchen cleanup, sweeping out the dirt, changing the greywater, making your bed… don’t forget to brush your teeth too! Living in a campervan permanently still means being a good homemaker. And if it’s travelling and living in an RV, you’ve just doubled up on your chores and maintenance schedule.

That’s another important point to touch on – maintenance and breakdowns. If you’re not a gear-headed person, prepare to learn. Rolling into the mechanic’s every time you hear an odd noise is going to severely hurt your budget. I’ve watched mates brand new to the van living game teach themselves welding, change windows, and play with their vehicle’s electronics all with the assistance of our benevolent overseer Google: that shows a good mind for it.

It’s also worth mentioning cops. Mileage varies depending on how many laws you’re breaking (aim for less than five) but you will always be in closer proximity to the coppers. And – I think it goes without saying – losing your licence is a death sentence to the lifestyle of a vanner.

The idea of pulling over anywhere anytime is super appealing, but it’s also far from always being that easy, especially in urban environments. Overnight parking and sleeping in a campervan is something cracked-down on, especially in our good ol’ friend, the affluent West, though the ferocity of revenue-raising tactics varies by area. It’s sorta case by case and depends on where you are in the world, your type of van, and how smartly you’ve chosen your park-up.

Stealth van living is an acquired art form and something you will gradually get better at over time. Again, it’s about finesse: a bountiful boondock takes a deft approach.

RV and Campervan Hacks for Travelling

Everyone likes a good hack! Here are some practical tips for beginner RV and campervan travel. A few bits to keep you travelling smooth until you’re a vanlife pro!

• Bring tools – Have a solid supply of tools to work with stored somewhere inside your campervan – everything that’s good for an emergency. A well-stocked toolbox , duct tape (definitely), spare fuses – put some effort into your motorhome inventory checklist!
• Van and RV camping apps – There are actually tonnes of these and many that are region-specific. They’ll help you suss out good camping spots to set up your van at from the free park-ups to the ‘ Why am I paying $35 for cold shower and shit-pit usage?’ variety. There are also some wicked RV trip planner apps out there and even apps for budgeting on gas. App up! It helps.
• Utilise 24-hour stores and petrol stations – They can be a really good place for staying overnight in a campervan. Buy some supplies and then ask the attendant if they mind if you hang around until the sun is up. Or don’t ask and just look scary and unapproachable and they’ll probably leave you alone. Face tats help with that.
• And boondock beautifully – Like I said, sneaky parking takes a bit of practice. However, generally, if you’re rocking up somewhere after dark and not planning a lengthy loiter the following morning, she’ll be right. Worst case scenario, just play the “I was falling asleep at the wheel and really needed to pull over for the night,” card: it’s bulletproof
• For the ladies – Get yourself a GoGirl – it makes girls pee like boys! I won’t give you a how-to, but I reckon you can figure it out. Jokes aside, it’s honestly a really important safety tip. The reason animals are so cautious when and where they do their thang is because they’re vulnerable while they do, and it’s the same for people… unless you have face tats.
• Clear storage bins – And for any other containers you use for storage, clear plastic is the way to go. Not having to unpack everything to find what you’re looking for goes a long way when you’re van living.
• Anti-moisture packs – The desiccant ones (of the ‘DO NOT EAT’ variety) that come in just about any sorta packaging and fresh packets of burrito wraps. Use them for keeping away the damp in your campervan’s storage. But, yeah, don’t eat them.
• Grippy rubber mats – Yeah, look, I have no idea what these are called. These ones! Stick them under your plates, cups, condiments, and whatever else so they don’t slide around on the road.
• Always have a headtorch on hand – Hell, have two. Why stop there? Have six! Every traveller needs a headtorch.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

RV and Campervan Travel Tips for Staying Sane and Not Killing Each Other

Practical tips are good but what about mindset tips for van life? If you’re travelling with someone, there’s always the off-chance that you’ll get sick of them off and drive off the next time they’re using a petrol station toilet.

If you’re travelling alone, well, sometimes the hermit’s path can send us a bit loopy:

• Keep structure – The most important part about freedom is not having too much of it; constraints are good. Set an alarm, have a morning routine, write a to-do list; these things go a long way for keeping you focused.
• And don’t sweat the mistakes – You’ll make them, and you’ll make a lot of them. Getting lost, puncturing a tyre, nearly bogging yourself in an ancient forest deep in the primordial wilderness of Tasmania: these things happen.
• Exercise – Similarly, keeping a routine of steady exercise is equally important. Many people like to join a 24-hour gym chain which has the added bonus of shower usage (that’s a van life hack!). That said, if you’ve ever watched a Youtube video on callisthenics, you know that any old park or tree can be a gym!
• Keep a tight ship – A more-or-less no-brainer but take control of your space, keep it clean, and keep the feng shui on-point. I cannot stress JUST HOW MUCH keeping your space organised is necessary. And when you lose things in a van, just assume it’ll show up by itself in six hours times.
• Meet ‘n’ greet – Use the nights you stay at campsites, backpackers, or wherever else to make friends. Socialising is good! It can’t all be a stoic monk-living in a van.
• Take space – For travel buddies and partners, take some damn space from each other sometimes. It’s basic relationshipping 101. It’s totally ok to have days where everything they say and do makes you want to kick them in the shins, but the healthy response is to go for a long walk (up a mountain).
• Bang it out – For every great fight, there must be a great catharsis. For couples on the road , I’m not the best person to give advice. But if we’re talking a platonic travel buddy, maybe just roll a joint on it instead.
• Take the traveller mindset – Always remember to don your traveller hat. “What’s a ‘problem’ ? I only know of  ‘fun challenges’ . That person looks friendly, I’ll ask for help .”

Get Insured Before Embarking on Your Van Travelling Adventure

Oh, so you got some legally mandated vehicular insurance? Well, that’s a good start, but what about some optional insurance for your anatomical features? Your face, your spine, your favourite bits…

You’re going travelling in a van and that means getting travel insurance before you do because, like it or not, things go wrong. And when they do, someone has to pick up the tab. Personally, I’d prefer that someone be a faceless insurance corporation with the cash to spare rather than my mum.

Make sure to get your backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend World Nomads, as they’re one of the best travel insurance providers out there.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

History is a funny thing: it works in cycles. Once upon a time, our ancestors walked great distances shepherding their livestock and foraging for food. They followed the sun.

And then, we discovered how nice it is to have a home. You mean I can have a mattress, a flushing toilet, and a kitty-cat? Sign me up!

And now, reality is settling in. Faced with the reality of crushing debt, overwhelming mortgage payments, and storage spaces full of stuff we never use, we once again yearn for the romance of the nomadic life. But things are different now.

Our horses have been replaced with vans, our cooking fires with gas stoves, and our deep-seated fear of the night’s terrors with deep-cycle solar-powered batteries. It’s a new kind of romance, but it’s still an adventure.

To live the minimalist lifestyle and see the world with no roots save the one you’re driving. To do something kick-ass! That’s an adventure.

You know that feeling you get when you’re doing something awesome and ballsy and you’re going your own way? That’s van travel.

Give it a shot. Hire a campervan, or an RV, or a converted ice-cream truck… Hell, build one from scratch! But just give it a damn shot.

Take that first little dip in the water of van life. Then, see if you can go back in the cage.

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Ziggy Samuels

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I had been traveling around America with my husband for over 10 years, but now it seems impossible, not just because of the pandemic but because we bought a horse farm in Irvine, CA, and have been spending most of our time here ever since. I literally can’t wait to start traveling again!

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