BEST CAMPER VANS OF 2022
Updated: April 1, 2022
Whether you want to live on the road full-time or are searching for the perfect weekend adventure rig, a camper van is a great way to travel. Benefits of a van over other RVs include a smaller overall footprint, more stealthy looks, and its ability to pull double duty as a daily driver. While there are dozens of viable options out there, we’ve compiled what we feel are some of the best camper van options on the market. From cheap DIY conversion like the Ford E-Series, to prebuilt models from Sportsmobile and Winnebego, here’s our list of favorites.
Best Prebuilt Camper Vans for Vanlife
Sportsmobile
Starting Price: $70,000
Popular Models: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, RAM Promaster, and Chevrolet E-Series
Pros: High quality camper vans with a reputation that precedes them
Cons: Very expensive and long lead times
Many of us love the idea of building our very own camper van, but for most of us, devoting months of time isn’t usually an option–not to mention the know-how, space to do so, or the multitude of special tools required for the job. For the time-crunched wanderlusters among us, going with a prebuilt option is usually the best and most comfortable way to hit the road–that’s where Texas-based Sportsmobile comes in. Originally founded in 1961, Sportsmobile is one of the oldest camper van conversion companies in the country and has the stripes to prove it. A quick look on their website reveals a multitude of options, ranging from basic Ford Transit builds all the way to decked out 4x4 Mercedes, they simply have it all.
There’s a reason Sportsmobile camper vans have been so popular over the years, simply put, they build some of the best conversions in the business. However, their years of expertise and refinement come with their fair share of downsides. For starters, it’s impossible to ignore the cost of their conversions, as it’s very easy to spend $100,000 on a well-equipped model. Compared to most of the DIY options below, this number seems like a misprint. The other major pitfall of Sportsmobile are their frequently long lead times, which oftentimes can exceed a year or two. However, if money is no object and you’re willing to wait for your dream van, it’s hard to go wrong with a Sportsmobile.
Winnebago
Starting Price: $100,000
Location: Forest City, IA
Popular models: Revel, Travato, and Solis
Pros: Well thought out features with a history of quality products
Cons: Very expensive and not a lot of flexibility in terms of floor plans
One of the longest-standing brands in the RV world, Iowa-based Winnebago makes a number of top-notch models for all types of users. Perhaps it’s our preference for backroads and exploring the unknown, but we particularly like their Revel camper van. The Revel starts its life as a 4x4 Mercedes and then adds options like a shower and bathroom for comfort, a stove and refrigerator for food and cooking, and a retractable bed with gear storage underneath–all of this for a cool $163,000 starting price. All said, the Revel camper van includes everything the modern backroads explorer needs. For those who don’t need the off-road prowess of the Revel and are looking to save, we recommend their new Solis model, which is decidedly more on-road oriented and sees a $60,000 price reduction compared to the Revel.
While Winnebago may not have the same camper van brand cache as Sportsmobile above, they have an impressive lineup of Class B options nonetheless. Beyond the two models mentioned above, their more on-road oriented Boldt, Era, and Travato seek to bring the comforts of home to the road. The Boldt and Era vans are both based on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and have more refined interiors, which in turn make them the more expensive options in the bunch (prices start at $154,000 for the Era and $199,000 for the Boldt). However, the Travato uses the slightly more affordable RAM Promaster body for its build and doesn’t have the same premium feel as the other two, which results in a lower $116,000 starting price. All told, Winnebago offers an impressive lineup that should meet the needs of most travelers.
Volkswagen
Starting Price: $4,000
Popular models: Splittie, California, Eurovan, Westafalia
Pros: Timeless looks, long-standing history, and cult-like following.
Cons: Older models can be very expensive; often underpowered.
It’d be impossible to have a proper list of camper vans and not include a sampling of Volkswagen’s impressive lineup from over the years. Starting in about 1950 with their venerable Microbus model–often affectionately known as the Splittie–VW put their name on the map. The Splittie saw a handful of improvements and updates throughout the years–like higher-output powerful engines and more interior space–but the main rounded shape stayed relatively unchanged until its discontinuation in 1979. This well-regarded time in Volkswagen's history is often considered the catalyst for the original vanlife boom in the 1960’s.
While the Microbus main get the spotlight in VW’s lineup, they’ve produced a number of other iconic models over the years. A personal favorite of ours is the Vanagon Westfalia Syncros, which features all the interior features one would expect from a full outfitted camper van, but then adds a 4x4 drivetrain for off-road prowess. If you love exploring backroads, or frequently find yourself travelling over mountain passes, this is the classic Volkswagen for you. And finally, the Eurovan and California models are the German brands’ most recent offerings. While they don’t draw up the same levels as nostalgia as those earlier models, their modern features and safety equipment make them a popular option. Unfortunately, Volkswagen no longer imports these camper vans into the United States, so you’ll have to look for used models to get your fix.
Best Cargo Vans for DIY Camper Conversions and Vanlife
RAM Promaster
Starting Price: $30,000
Pros: Wide and boxy interior allows for a sideways sleeping configuration. Front wheel drive excels in snow.
Cons: High-roof version is not as tall as the Transit or Sprinter, although some may prefer this (we do).
The RAM Promaster series–which is available in three lengths and two heights–is our go-to choice for DIY camper conversions and vanlife. And while the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter described below certainly have their merits, it’s the Promaster’s sideways sleeping configuration and spacious interior that ultimately win us over. Measuring about 73 inches across at waist level, the RAM Promaster is the only option that’s comfortably able to accommodate six-foot-tall sleepers across the van without modifications. To the uninitiated, this may seem trivial, but experienced vanlifers know that saving space is the name of the game, and this configuration does just that. If you don’t mind modifying your van with a bump-out, or curling up in a ball at night, the 69-inch wide Sprinter and Transit will likely do the trick, but we think the Promaster reigns supreme.
We have a tendency to push our vans further than we should, which usually leads to rough roads, sketchy driving conditions, and consequently, some of the coolest places we’ve been. For situations like this, it’s impossible to beat the four-wheel-drive Mercedes Sprinter or, new for 2022, AWD Ford Transit. However, with starting prices of $50,000 and $45,000, they’re simply out of reach for most (the Promaster will run you anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 less). The next best option, in our experience, is the front wheel drive system found on the RAM. When outfitted with proper tires–we love a quality all terrain for such purposes–we’ve had great success navigating ski hill parking lots and forest service roads for trailhead access. If you are lucky enough to live in a place where it snows all winter, then we think the 4x4 Sprinter or AWD transit may be a better choice, but for everyone else, we think the Promaster offers plenty of traction.
Ford Transit
Starting Price: $34,500
Pros: All-wheel drive model available. Three roof height options to choose from.
Cons: More expensive and not as wide as the Ram Promaster above.
Another extremely popular choice for the DIY camper van crowd is the Ford Transit. Originally available in the United States in 2013, the Transit continues to remain a favorite for a handful of reasons. For starters, a quick search on your local craigslist will likely reveal a plethora of Transits for sale–which makes finding one in your preferred configuration and price range a fairly simple task. Secondly, Ford dealerships are a dime a dozen and finding replacement parts–whether it’s a planned service or unfortunate breakdown–are fairly easy no matter your locale. And finally, many love the extremely tall interior height of the larger Transits–with 6’5” of headroom, it easily outdoes both the RAM Promaster (6’2”) and Mercedes Sprinter (6’3”). If you’re looking for the largest DIY camper van of the bunch, the Ford Transit high roof model is the easy choice for fulltime vanlifers.
Something else that we’ve come to appreciate about the Ford Transit is its very low step-in height, which makes entering and existing the van a piece of cake. Compared to the RAM Promaster, the Transit is notably lower, and is a great match for shorter users. Having said all this, we still prefer the Promaster above for our personal builds. The RAM is wider–which allows for crossways sleeping and space savings–and the FWD performs better in the snow than the Transit’s RWD system. In the end, either camper van is a great choice, it just depends what your highest priorities are.
Mercedes Sprinter
Starting Price: $33,800
Pros: Optional 4-wheel drive is great for snow-sports enthusiasts. Economical diesel engine.
Cons: One of the more expensive cargo van option.
A top-choice among vanlife enthusiast for years, the venerable Sprinter remains a popular option for many DIY camper van conversions. Simply put, there’s a lot to like about the Mercedes. For starters, the fit, finish, and features found on the Mercedes Sprinter are a cut above both the Transit and Promaster–if you’re looking for the most comfortable option to pass the miles, this is your van. We specifically like the comfortable captain chairs–which are great for long days on the road–and the active lane keeping assistant adds a nice bit of safety. Further, the 360-degree cameras add a ton of versatility and make pulling into that tight campsite a breeze. And finally, who can ignore the fact that it’s the only commercially available cargo van with four-wheel drive. If you regularly travel through snow, the Mercedes Sprinter is one of the best DIY camper van conversation options out there.
The Mercedes Sprinter is certainly a worthy choice, but it’s not typically our first recommendation for a DIY camper van conversion. Really it comes down to two things: first, the Sprinter costs anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 more than a comparable Ford Transit or RAM Promaster, so if you’re on a budget, it’s best to look elsewhere. Second, we prefer the much boxier design and significantly wider internal dimensions of the Promaster, which easily accommodates crossways sleepers up to six feet tall and saves a ton of space for the rest of your build. And finally, Mercedes dealerships are harder to come by in rural areas when compared to Ford and Dodge, making finding replacement parts more challenging. We love the Sprinter, but in the end, we think the Promaster is a better choice for most.
Best Small Cargo Vans for DIY Camper Van Conversions and Vanlife
Nissan NV200
Starting Price: $22,830
Pros: One of the least expensive small camper van conversion options.
Cons: Wimpy 4-cylinder leaves a lot to be desired.
The full-size DIY camper van options listed above are great for hauling lots of gear and people, but more often than not, they’re overkill for solo adventurers or those who travel light. Enter the pint-sized Nissan NV200. Benefits of this scaled down DIY camper van conversion option are many, but we particularly like its low starting price–particularly when compared to full-size cargo vans–and its excellent combined gas mileage (about 25 mpg). Other benefits of the Nissan NV200 include an easy to maneuver size that easily fits into tight spots, and its discrete look excels stealth vanlifers in urban areas. Perhaps best of all, and what sets it apart from the rest, is that used models can easily be found for less than $12,000. For those looking for the best small DIY camper van for vanlife, it’s hard to beat the budget-friendly Nissan NV200.
The main selling point of the Nissan NV200 is its low price, but if you have a few extra Benjamins to spare, we think it’s wise to spend up for the Ford Transit Connect or RAM Promaster City. Put simply, the NV200 falls behind in a few key areas. Compared to the Transit Connect (127.4 cubic feet) and Promaster City (131.7 cubic feet), the NV200’s 122.7 cubic feet of cargo space is considerably smaller (this may be a selling point for some). Second, the small 4-cylinder engine produces a humble 131 hp, which easily falls behind the Transit Connect’s 162 hp and the Promaster City’s 178 hp. And finally, the Nissan NV200 is rated to carry 1,480 pounds of cargo, which places it behind the other two vans.
Ford Transit Connect
Starting Price: $24,275
Pros: Loaded with modern features and very comfortable interior.
Cons: Not as spacious as the RAM Promaster City below.
Big on features but modest in size, Ford’s Transit Connect is a top choice for small DIY camper van conversions and vanlife. What really sets the Ford apart from the competition is its full suite of safety features, which includes automatic emergency braking, as well as a cross-traffic radar system which detects vehicles in your blind spots. Further, the lane departure notification feature ensures distracted drivers don’t unintentionally stray from their lane. In terms of space, the long wheel base model has an impressive 88-inches of cargo length to work with–which is plenty of room for a bed and lots of gear–and the 50-inch ceiling height feels impressively roomy. And while camper vans don’t typically get many points for aesthetics, we think the Transit Connect is one of the better-looking models, both inside and out.
As with any of the miniature-sized vans on our list, the Transit Connect’s compact dimensions certainly have their downside. For starters, standing up in the Transit Connect–which makes changing clothes, hanging out, and cooking food significantly easier–is simply not possible. Furthermore, if multisport road trips with lots of gear is your thing, you may find the interior space too cramped. However, many are willing to make sacrifices for better gas mileage, a smaller footprint, and easier drivability over their larger brethren. All said, combination of safety features, compact size, and good looks all make the Transit Connect a smart choice for DIY camper van conversion and prospective vanlifers.
RAM Promaster City
Starting Price: $24,380
Pros: The Promaster City is the largest miniature camper van in the bunch.
Cons: More expensive than the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200 above.
If you’re looking for the biggest small van for a DIY conversion, then the RAM Promaster City should be at the top of your list. With about 132 square feet of cargo space, the RAM Promaster Ciy is larger than both the Nissan NV200 (123 square feet) and Ford Transit Connect (127 square feet). The additional room may not sound like much, but when everything has a place and space is tight, it can make a world of difference. Beyond the large cargo area, the RAM Promaster City takes top honors when it comes to power, cargo capacity, and towing chops. The small yet mighty RAM produces 178 horsepower, can carry 1,886 pounds, and is rated to tow 2,000 pounds–all numbers that are equal to or greater than the other small DIY camper van conversion options on our list. If space, power, and capacity, the RAM Promaster City is a wise choice.
With a starting price of just over $24,000 for the most basic model, the RAM Promaster City is the most expensive option of the bunch. And considering its relatively young age compared to the other–it made its debut in 2015–finding cheap used models can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need the extra space or power, we think the Nissan NV200 is the way to go. Having said all that, we think RAM knocked it out of the park with the Promaster City, which remains a popular choice for small DIY camper van conversions and vanlife.
Best Cheap Vans for DIY Camper Van Conversions and Vanlife
Chevy Astro Van/GMC Safari
Starting Price: $3,000
Pros: Widely available, capable of towing 5,500 pounds, and all-wheel drive models are widely available.
Cons: Not nearly the interior space as the larger cargo camper van option above.
If you’re looking for one of the best cheap vans for a DIY camper conversion, we think the Chevy Astro Van and GMC Safari should be at the top of your list. Besides the low price–it’s easy to find one for less than $3,000 on craigslist–the standout feature is the all-wheel-drive option, which first became available in 1990. If you spend a lot of time in the snow, or perhaps you just like to explore little-known backroads, this is invaluable for your vanlife pursuits. Other notable traits of the Astro Van and Safari are a body on frame construction (it’s built like a pickup and can take more abuse), an abundance of replacement parts are available should something need to be repaired, and it’s capable of towing 5,500 pounds when properly equipped. If we were planning to get a cheap van for a DIY camper conversion, the Chevrolet Astro Van or GMC Safari would be our first choice.
As with any smaller van–as opposed to the cargo models listed above–interior space is certainly limited. The 47-inch interior height means that standing up to change or cook is out of the question, and the 99-inch cargo length means that a two-person bed takes up most of the interior. Further, if you have lots of big gear like bikes or stand up paddle boards, you’ll need to store them outside or on top. However, none of these downsides are specific to the Astro Van or Safari and we still think it’s a great choice for a budget camper van conversion.
Chevrolet Express, Ford Econoline, and Dodge Ram Van
Starting Price: $1,500
Pros: A very inexpensive way to start your camper van conversion. Widely available replacement parts.
Cons: High-mileage vans will be costly to keep running. Unable to stand up inside.
For those of you who are truly on a budget–we’re talking $1,500 or less–then an early model Ford Econoline, Chevrolet Express, or Dodge Ram Van makes a lot sense. The Econoline, or E-series as it was later known, made its debut in 1961 and ended consumer production in 2014. With over a 50-year lifespan, it’s impossible to give a detailed account of every verion, but notable options include the fuel-efficient diesel engines from 1982 to 2010 and aftermarket four-wheel drive options from various outfitters. For a full rundown on the Ford E-Series, the Wikipedia page is impossible to beat. Offered in both cargo and passenger vans, the Chevy Express is another popular option for an inexpensive DIY camper van conversion. The Express (and GMC Savana) featured a truck style body on frame construction, were offered with the venerable 6.6L Duramax diesel engine starting in 2006, and were often outfitted with aftermarket rasied roofs for additional height.
Last but not least, the Dodge Ram Van rounds out the big three options for a cheap DIY camper van conversion. Similar to both the Econoline and Express above, the Ram Van lived a long and storied life, beginning production in 1971 and ending in 2003. One of the Dodge Ram Van’s claim to fame is that it was the first of the three models here to be offered in a 15-passenger size, about 5 to 10 years before the Express or Econoline, making it one of the best options for an early model DIY camper van conversion. We have some many fond high-school memories of camping and mountain biking around the PNW in an early Dodge Ram Van. With so many options, models, and price points among these three, your’e bound to find the perfect cheap camper van for your needs.
Where Should I Buy a Camper Van?
So you’ve figured out the best camper van for your needs, now you just need to know where to buy it. If money is no concern–we should all be so lucky–then buying a prebuilt model straight from the factory is the way to go. Outfitters like Sportsmobile allow buyers to fully customize their camper vans, which is the perfect way to get everything you need for your intended pursuits. However, for everyone else, we think Craigslist if your best bet. We’ve found that vanlife culture is strong in major cities like Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, and the San Francisco Bay area. If you happen to live in one of these places, chances are high you’ll find a number of vans (converted or not), that meet your needs. And if you don’t find one you like in your particular area, we recommend expanding your search to the cities listed above. Other popular options include Facebook Marketplace, Outdoorsy, and websites like Autotrader–all of which are a great place to find used models.