The Best Travel Vans Make Life On The Road Fun And Easy
Embarking on a road trip in a travel van is a magical experience. Since those who choose to go on such a journey will spend hours in their travel van, it's crucial to pick the right vehicle tailored to their needs.
Travel vans come in all shapes and sizes. These are some of the best picks, ranging from timeless classics made by some of the world's most legendary automakers to high-tech motorhomes built by niche companies you may have never heard of before.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
There's a great reason why nomads flock to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter when picking a van to convert into a camper. This van is both versatile and more luxurious than any of its competitors, also allowing plenty of room for customization.
The possible configurations of the Sprinter are virtually endless, with spacious interiors to accommodate a kitchenette, bathroom, sleeping quarters, and ample storage for all passengers. Its advanced suspension and responsive steering ensure a smooth ride, even for the longest journeys.
Fiat Ducato
Many petrolheads in the US may not be aware of the Fiat Ducato. This European commercial van is known for its reliability and durability, with a robust build quality that withstands the demands of travel. It also offers a range of safety features, such as stability control, traction control, and advanced braking systems to ensure a safe driving experience.
Driving the Fiat Ducato is comfortable and easy, with a well-designed cabin that provides good visibility and ergonomic controls. It offers a smooth and stable ride, making it suitable for various road conditions. Plenty of space makes the Ducato perfect for travel van conversions.
Ford 4x4 Earth Roamer
This may just be the ultimate travel van for anyone who wants to explore the world beyond paved roads. Built on the platform of a Ford F-550 truck, the Earth Roamer combines luxury with exceptional off-roading capabilities.
The EarthRoamer features a spacious interior with sleeping quarters, a fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom, and ample storage for gear and supplies. Solar power and freshwater tanks makes living off the grid an absolute breeze. The travel van's 4x4 drivetrain, a lifted suspension, and massive tires ensure that the Earth Roamer is able to go anywhere.
Volkswagen Transporter T4
The Volkswagen Transporter series is truly legendary among van and camping enthusiasts alike, and the T4 is no exception. Built throughout the 1990s and the early 2000s, the T4 quickly became known for its durability and versatility.
This generation of the Transporter is also a favorite among self-campervan conversions. A spacious interior allows for endless customization, while the compact size ensures maximum maneuverability. If planned out well, travelers can easily fit a well-equipped kitchenette into this van.
GMC Savana Explorer
The Explorer is one of the most popular camper van conversions on the market today. Built on the chassis of a regular GMC Savana, this upscale travel van features a wide array of features and amenities to provide the most comfortable experience for all occupants.
The interior is designed with comfort in mind, thanks to plush seating, the use of high-quality materials, and ample space for passengers. It often includes captain's chairs, power-reclining seats, and customizable seating configurations. Some of the onboard amenities include a kitchenette area with a refrigerator, microwave, and sink, as well as a bathroom compartment with a toilet and sink.
Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi
The VW Type 2 is another classic automotive icon. This van became an instant hit ever since its debut back in the 1950s. Today, it can serve as a retro alternative that's much more unique than most modern campervans.
The Type 2 Kombi is an excellent pick for a camper van conversion. Similar to the previously mentioned T4, the Kombi provides a perfect mix of a spacious interior and a compact size. What's more, the Type 2 Kombi is powered by a classic air-cooled motor, the same one found in old Beetles and even Porsche 911s.
Toyota ProAce
When it comes to reliability, you simply cannot go wrong with a Toyota. The automaker's renowned quality and durability are some of the main reasons why buyers choose this small van as their base for a self-made travel van conversion.
Inside the Proace, you'll find a spacious interior that can easily be turned into a comfy living space, maximizing comfort and functionality. The Proace offers smart storage solutions, ensuring plenty of space for personal belongings. Driving it is an absolute joy, thanks to its responsive handling and smooth ride.
EarthCruiser EXP
The EarthCruiser EXP is a popular overland RV built on the Isuzu NPS truck chassis. It offers impressive off-road capabilities and a comfortable living space for extended adventures.
One of the standout features of the EarthCruiser EXP is its off-grid capabilities. Equipped with solar panels, ample battery storage, and freshwater tanks, it allows for self-sufficient living in remote locations. It also offers additional features like a diesel-powered heater, air conditioning, and various optional upgrades to tailor the vehicle to individual needs. It really is the ideal pick for buyers looking for an overland travel van that can go anywhere.
Ford Transit Nugget Westfalia
The Transit Nugget Westfalia was developed as a joint venture between Ford and Westfalia, a renowned camper van manufacturer. This compact travel van is built on a Ford Transit, one of the most reliable and practical utility vans in the world.
Some of the key features of the Transit Nugget Westfalia include a pop-top roof for added headroom, a kitchenette, and a dining area that can quickly be converted into a sleeping space.
Volkswagen Crafter
The Volkswagen Crafter is yet another commercial vehicle that is perfect for travel van conversions. It offers a selection of efficient diesel engines to choose from, providing a balance of power and fuel economy.
The Crafter also comes equipped with many modern safety features, including stability control, traction control, and a range of driver assistance systems. The driving experience is comfortable and enjoyable, with a well-designed cabin and ergonomic controls. It offers a smooth ride and good handling, making it suitable for long journeys and various road conditions.
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Mercedes Benz is famous for its luxurious, high-quality products. The same goes even for the automaker's commercial vans, making the Vito a solid pick for travelers looking for an upscale travel van.
The Vito's stylish design and sophisticated features make it stand out against most competitors. After all, who wouldn't want a refined travel experience? This van is also equipped with advanced safety features and innovative technologies to make every journey safe and enjoyable.
Nissan NV300
The Nissan NV300 is a versatile commercial van that offers a solid foundation for customization, particularly for travel van conversions. The NV300 provides a spacious interior that can be transformed into a comfortable living space with endless personalized layouts.
The NV300 is equipped with efficient diesel engines, providing reliable performance and good fuel economy for longer trips. The model is the perfect choice for buyers looking for a smaller van that can easily be maneuvered around busy cities.
Opel Movano
The Opel Movano is a popular commercial van that offers versatility and practicality ideal for campervan conversions. The Movano, also sold as the Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano in different markets, provides a spacious and customizable platform for creating a comfortable living space on the road.
As a campervan conversion, the Opel Movano can feature a range of amenities depending on the customization. This can include a sleeping area, a kitchenette with cooking facilities, storage cabinets, and a seating/dining area. The Movano's generous cargo space allows for flexibility in interior layout design tailored to individual needs.
Chevrolet G30
The Chevrolet G30 is another old-school American van that doubles as a fantastic platform for campervan conversions. Its spacious interior, robust build, engine options, customization potential, availability of parts, and affordability all make the G30 a solid pick for a travel van.
The van easily handles the conversion components' weight with ease, thanks to one of the optional V8 motors under the hood. The G30's flexibility allows for a personalized interior design tailored to specific needs. The wide availability of parts and service centers simplifies maintenance. Furthermore, its affordability makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a cost-effective campervan.
Piaggio Ape Micro Campervan
This may not be the ideal pick for travelers looking for the most spacious travel van on the market. If having plenty of space is not your main concern, this cute Piaggio may be the perfect choice.
The Ape Micro Campervan is a stylish retro travel van built on a little three-wheeler. Its compact size makes it ideal for roaming around cities and narrow roads. However, it's important to note that its limited interior space is certainly not for everyone.
Volkswagen T1
Here is a real blast from the past. The Volkswagen T1 exudes timeless charm, unmatched nostalgia, and a sense of adventure. This iconic van is a symbol of freedom on the open road. Buyers in the market for a classic travel van should look no further.
With its spacious interior, the T1 offers endless possibilities for creative campervan layouts, providing cozy sleeping areas, compact kitchens, and clever storage solutions. Famous for its robust engineering, the T1 delivers reliable performance and enduring reliability, making it an ideal travel companion for epic journeys. Whether embarking on a weekend getaway or a globe-trotting expedition, the Volkswagen T1 captures the hearts of campervan fans, offering a vintage-inspired platform to create unforgettable memories on the road.
Renault Traffic Spacenomad
Even the name of this travel van is cool. The Renault Traffic Spacenomad is a sought-after camper built on the Renault Traffic line, a reliable, compact commercial van. Its modern style, ingenious design, and practicality cause travelers to flock to this model.
This Spacenomad travel van conversion boasts a cleverly utilized interior, making the most of its compact size. The camper offers comfortable sleeping areas, well-equipped kitchenettes, and plenty of spacious storage compartments. The Renault Traffic Spacenomad combines functionality with contemporary aesthetics, showcasing sleek lines and sleek finishes. Thanks to its small size, the Traffic is ideal for navigating busy cities.
Volkswagen Transporter California 6.1
The Volkswagen Transporter California 6.1 offers a harmonious blend of functionality, comfort, and iconic style. With its thoughtfully designed interior, the California 6.1 presents endless possibilities for creative campervan layouts.
This travel van comes with a cozy sleeping area, a well-equipped kitchenette, and smart storage solutions throughout the vehicle. Volkswagen is renowned for its build quality, and this camper van is no exception. The California 6.1 delivers reliable performance and exceptional durability on the road.
Mercedes-Benz Bimobil
This intimidating travel van is ideal for travelers who want to explore the world beyond paved roads. Although it's built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter commercial van, the Bimobil is anything but your ordinary city van.
The Bimobil combines Mercedes' elegance, versatility, impressive off-roading capabilities, and meticulous craftsmanship. Step inside its thoughtfully designed interior, where comfort and practicality come together seamlessly. High clearance and off-road tires make the Bimobil the perfect pick for road trips off the beaten path.
Winnebago Travato
The Winnebago Travato is the perfect choice for travelers who don't want to spend time carefully designing the layout of their travel van. This exceptional travel van combines compact size with impressive functionality.
Inside the Travato, you'll find a thoughtfully designed interior that maximizes space and comfort. It features clever storage solutions, allowing you to stow all your belongings. The Travato is equipped with modern amenities, including a functional kitchenette, a compact bathroom, and advanced entertainment systems to enhance your journey. Built on a reliable Ram ProMaster chassis, the Travato provides a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Iveco Daily
The Iveco Daily is an exceptional choice when it comes to travel vans, offering a myriad of features that make it a great companion for any adventure. First and foremost, its spacious and well-designed interior provides ample room for both passengers and cargo, allowing you to travel comfortably while still having enough space to store your belongings.
Whether you're embarking on a road trip or a long-term journey, the Daily offers versatility and practicality with its flexible seating configurations and numerous storage compartments. One of the standout features of the Iveco Daily is its powerful and efficient engine options, which provide a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Whether you're traversing challenging terrains or cruising along the open highway, the Daily's reliable engine ensures reliable performance, allowing you to confidently tackle any journey.
Volkswagen ID Buzz
This futuristic travel van is the polar opposite of the previously mentioned T1. The ID Buzz is a highly anticipated electric vehicle that draws inspiration from the iconic Volkswagen Type 2. It's essentially an homage to the classic VW van in the 21st century!
The ID Buzz represents Volkswagen's vision for the future of mobility. It combines the classic design elements of the Type 2 with modern technologies and sustainable electric power. The ID Buzz promises an emission-free driving experience with a spacious interior, versatile seating arrangements, and advanced connectivity features. With its retro-modern aesthetic and eco-friendly approach, the Volkswagen ID Buzz is easily one of the coolest campervans on the market.
Chevrolet Express
The Chevrolet Express is a versatile and reliable full-size commercial van that is often used as a base for campervan conversions. Its compact size makes it easier to maneuver than full-size RVs without sacrificing comfort.
The Express prioritizes safety, with features such as stability control, traction control, and available rearview cameras. It also offers optional advanced safety technologies to enhance driver awareness and security.
Peugeot Partner
The Partner is a compact van that has been sold by the French automaker ever since the mid-1990s. The tiny size of this van makes it ideal for navigating around busy cities and has enough space for a comfortable travel van conversion.
The latest third generation of the Partner is offered with a selection of petrol and diesel motors. Buyers can also choose between a 6-speed automatic and a 5-speed stick shift for that classic driving experience.
Ford Transit Mark 1
Originally introduced in 1965, the MK1 Ford Transit became a popular choice for campervan conversions due to its solid build quality, practicality, and relatively spacious interior. Its boxy shape and large cargo area provide plenty of room for creative customization.
Travelers are able to include well-equipped kitchenettes in their travel van conversions, as well as plenty of storage compartments. The Mark 1 Ford Transit's reliability and ease of maintenance made it a favorite among DIY campervan builders.
Volkswagen Devon
The Volkswagen Devon holds a special place in the world of campervan enthusiasts, all because of its iconic design. The Devon conversion is typically based on the Volkswagen T2 or T25 models.
The compact size of the Devon makes it easy to maneuver and park, ideal for both urban and countryside explorations. With Volkswagen's reputation for quality and craftsmanship, the Devon conversion ensures a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. It captures the spirit of adventure and freedom, allowing travelers to embark on memorable journeys in a unique German style.
Opel Vivaro
Built on the same platform as the Renault Trafic and Nissan NV300, the Opel Vivaro provides a solid foundation for campervan conversions. Its spacious interior offers plenty of room for comfortable sleeping areas, kitchenettes, and loads of creative storage solutions.
The Opel Vivaro boasts reliable performance thanks to its range of efficient diesel engines. It is suitable for both urban and long-distance adventures thanks to its compact size. The Vivaro's sturdy construction and advanced safety features ensure a secure and enjoyable travel experience.
Citroen Jumpy
The Citroën Jumpy is a compelling option for those seeking a travel van that excels in practicality and efficiency. With its compact size and nimble handling, the Jumpy offers exceptional maneuverability, making it well-suited for urban explorations and narrow roads. Its fuel-efficient engine options help to minimize costs and extend your adventures on a single tank.
The Jumpy's interior boasts clever storage solutions, allowing you to efficiently organize your gear and essentials for the journey. Its comfortable seating arrangements and ergonomic design contribute to a pleasant travel experience, whether you're embarking on short trips or long-haul expeditions. Plenty of modern safety features make driving the Jumpy a breeze, especially on longer trips.
Renault Kangoo e-Tech
This little van is ideal for travelers looking to build an electric-powered camper van. The Kangoo e-Tech is an electric variant of the French utility vehicle, which is offered either in a commercial or passenger configuration right out of the factory.
Some of the unique features of this electric van include a regenerative braking system that helps to maximize energy efficiency and extend the driving range. Although the van is quite small, there is certainly enough room for a clever campervan conversion that can cozily accommodate two travelers.
Peugeot Expert
The Peugeot Expert is another compact commercial van that is the ideal base for travel van conversions. With its stylish and contemporary design, the Expert stands out on the road while providing excellent maneuverability and easy handling.
Inside the Expert, you'll find a spacious and well-thought-out interior that can be tailored to your needs. The versatile seating configurations allow for easy conversion between seating and cargo space. The Expert comes powered by a fuel-efficient diesel motor, ensuring the highest fuel economy to help cut down the costs of each trip.
Ford Tourneo
The Ford Tourneo is a compact van that makes a great base for campervan conversions for travelers who don't require loads of space. The cozy interior can be customized to comfortably accommodate two people, as well as plenty of cargo space.
One of the engine options available for the Tourneo is the EcoBlue diesel engine. This advanced engine combines high efficiency with impressive torque delivery, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The EcoBlue engine is extremely fuel-efficient, too.
Winnebago Outlook
This list certainly could not be complete without at least one proper class C motorhome. The Winnebago Outlook is a giant RV that's big enough for a lengthy road trip with the entire family. Inside, you'll find a spacious interior with a living area that offers comfortable seating. The fully equipped kitchen allows for convenient meal preparation, and the sleeping arrangements cater to various needs, ensuring a restful night's sleep for everyone.
The Outlook is built on a reliable Ford E-Series chassis, providing a smooth and stable ride. With powerful engine options and advanced safety features, you can embark on your journeys with confidence and peace of mind.
Fiat Talento
The Fiat Talento is a reliable option for travel van enthusiasts. Sharing a platform with the Renault Trafic and the previously mentioned Opel Vivaro, the Talento provides a strong foundation for campervan conversions. Its compact interior is big enough to design creative layouts, including sleeping areas and kitchenettes.
Equipped with efficient diesel engines, the Talento delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Fiat's commitment to quality ensures that the Talento provides a dependable and enjoyable campervan experience.
Citroen e-Berlingo
The e-Berlingo is a compact utility vehicle that can easily be turned into a cozy camper van. This little van is offered either in a commercial or passenger configuration; travelers who wish to convert one into a travel van should opt for the commercial variant.
The e-Berlingo is equipped with an electric motor and a large battery, providing a solid driving range. With convenient charging options, you can recharge the battery at home or at public charging stations.
Renault Master
The Renault Master is a practical commercial van that combines functionality with comfort. With its generous cargo space and clever storage solutions, the Master offers plenty of room for equipment and supplies. Many buyers in Europe choose the Master for a self-made camper van conversion as the van is practical, spacious, and relatively affordable.
Driving the Renault Master is as comfortable as a van can get. The vehicle features a range of efficient engines to pick from, as well as advanced safety features.
Mercedes Benz Marco Polo
If you don't want to go through the hassle of buying a Mercedes Benz Sprinter and having to convert it into a travel van yourself, the German automaker has another solution. The Marco Polo is a travel van that comes in a travel van configuration right out of the factory. It's based on a Mercedes-Benz Vito.
The Marco Polo offers a premium camping experience. Its elegant exterior and high-quality interior materials create a refined and upscale atmosphere. Inside, you'll find a well-designed living area with a fully equipped kitchenette, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and smart storage solutions. Key features include a pop-up roof and a modern entertainment system.
Mercedes Benz Viano
The Mercedes-Benz Viano is a luxurious passenger van that can easily be converted into a motorhome. Like the rest of the Mercedes Benz lineup, this vehicle offers a refined experience complete with maximum comfort and advanced features.
With its elegant design and high-quality craftsmanship, the Viano provides a sophisticated travel experience for those seeking both style and functionality on the road. There's also enough room for endless interior layouts, suited ideally to the buyers' individual needs.
Volkswagen Caddy
The Volkswagen Caddy is a compact van that offers versatility and functionality in a compact package, making it the perfect choice for a travel van conversion. With its stylish design and smart features, the Caddy is a great pick for urban explorations and everyday adventures.
Its spacious interior provides ample room for passengers and cargo, while the configurable seating options allow for easy customization. The Caddy offers a comfortable and smooth ride thanks to its efficient engines and responsive handling. Whether you're running errands or embarking on a road trip, the Volkswagen Caddy is a reliable and compact travel companion that combines practicality and style.
Ford Transit Connect
Much like the previously mentioned Renault Kangoo or the Citroen e-Berlingo, the Ford Transit Connect is ideal for buyers in the market for a small van to convert into a camper. This little utility truck is perfect to drive around busy cities while also being practical enough for longer journeys.
Once the original interior is stripped and ready for the self-made conversion, you'll realize how spacious the Transit Connect really is. There's enough space for two people to sleep and dine in relatively comfortably.
