Choosing the Perfect Van to Convert into a Campervan

Last updated: 13-02-2024 | By: Sebastian Szlasa

Forget expensive hotels and crowded campsites - the ultimate road trip adventure awaits with your very own campervan. But with a vast sea of vans on the market, how do you find the perfect one to convert into your rolling home? We hope that this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the exciting world of campervan conversions and choose the ideal vehicle for your dream journey.

Know Thyself (and Your Travel Style):

Before diving into specifications, consider your travel goals and needs. Are you a solo adventurer seeking a nimble escape pod, or a family planning epic cross-country expeditions? Do you envision cozy weekends or full-time van life? Answering these questions will guide your van selection.

What to consider:

Now, let's delve into the key factors to ponder:

• Size & Layout: Will you be sleeping solo or snuggling with the whole crew? Do you crave a mobile kitchen or a minimalist setup? Choose a van that offers enough space for your desired layout and amenities, without sacrificing maneuverability.
• Fuel Efficiency: Hitting the petrol (diesel) pump shouldn't break the bank. Research fuel economy ratings, especially if you plan on extensive travel. Remember, bigger vans and buses often guzzle more fuel.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Your van should be a trusty companion, not a roadside headache. Opt for models known for reliability and readily available parts. Its always best to buy new for peace of mind, but used vans can be budget-friendly options if inspected thoroughly by a professional.
• Load Capacity: Don't overload your adventure! Ensure your chosen van can handle the weight of your gear and planned upgrades.
• Conversion Cost: Remember, the van is just the beginning. Conversion costs vary depending on complexity and desired features. Factor this into your budget to avoid sticker shock later.

Popular Picks:

Now, let's meet some of the top contenders:

Mercedes Sprinter: The king of comfort with ample space and top-notch build quality. Be prepared for a heftier price tag. As a bonus they come in a variety of lengths and heights as well as having a 4x4 option.
Browse Sprinters vans for sale

Ford Transit: A spacious and budget-friendly choice, with various roof heights for added flexibility. Unless you go for a newer model, finding automatic transmissions might be tricky.
Browse Transit vans for sale

Toyota Hiace: Australia's favourite, known for its Toyota reliability and fuel efficiency. Its smaller size might limit elaborate conversions, but it's a tried and true platform for smaller Campervans.
Browse Hiace vans for sale

Fiat Ducato: A European favourite with FWD giving a lower floor height adding additional headspace without getting too tall and automatic transmission option. Availability of workshops and parts might be a concern, but these are used by many professional conversion companies worldwide to build Campervans and motorhomes.
Browse Ducato vans for sale

Volkswagen Crafter: Similar to the Sprinter, offering excellent handling but at a premium price. The Crafter offers similar (if not the same) sizing as the sprinter. If you can't find one consider the Sprinter if availability is limited.
Browse Crafter vans for sale

Toyota Coaster: Go big or go home! These are huge! Normally used as busses for school trips or wine tours, they boast impressive space and off-grid capability, but fuel efficiency and maintenance costs might be costly.
Browse Coasters for sale

Remember: The "best" van is the one that aligns perfectly with your unique needs and budget. Do your research, compare models, and don't hesitate to seek advice from experienced vanlifers. With the right choice, your dream campervan awaits, ready to whisk you away on countless adventures. Now, start planning your escape and hit the road to freedom!

Sebastian Szlasa is an automotive writer for motorfind.com.au, with an extensive background in the automotive and finance industry. Seb is based in Adelaide, Australia. Links: Trademate, Linkedin & Twitter/X.com.