How to Choose the Right Van for Your Vanlife Dreams
So, you’re dreaming of vanlife. Open roads, wild camps, and waking up with a mountain view. Amazing. But first, you’ve got one very big (and potentially very expensive) decision to make.
What kind of van should you live in?
Choosing the right van is like choosing a housemate who also happens to be your kitchen, bedroom, and emotional support vehicle. No pressure.
🧱 1. Start With Your Non-Negotiables
Before you even look at makes and models, figure out what you need. Ask yourself:
- Are you going solo, duo, or dog-included?
- Do you need to stand up inside?
- Do you plan to stealth camp in cities?
- Will you need a toilet or shower inside the van?
If you’re 6’2” and trying to live in a VW Caddy, you’re going to get very good at yoga. Or very bad at sleeping.
🚐 2. The Main Types of Vans (And Who They’re For)
The Micro Camper (e.g. Berlingo, Caddy, Transit Connect)
Great for: Weekend warriors, stealth campers, ultra-budget explorers
Pros: Cheap, easy to park, low fuel costs
Cons: You will hit your head and your breakfast might live under your bed
The Medium Van (e.g. VW Transporter, Ford Transit Custom)
Great for: Part-timers or compact full-timers
Pros: Easier to drive, decent space, tons of conversion options
Cons: Shower or loo? Pick one. Maybe.
The Full-Size Van (e.g. Sprinter, Ducato, Boxer)
Great for: Full-time living, couples, or people who want full bathrooms on wheels
Pros: Huge space, standing room, all the comforts
Cons: Less stealthy, can be intimidating to drive in small villages
The Wild Cards (e.g. School Bus, 4×4 Truck Camper, Ex-Ambulance)
Great for: DIY wizards and attention seekers
Pros: Unique builds, conversation starters
Cons: Not for the faint of heart or wallet
💡 3. Buy Ready-Made or Build It Yourself?
You can go full IKEA flat pack DIY or buy a van that’s move in ready. Each has its pros and pitfalls.
- DIY = cheaper, custom to your needs, lots of YouTube induced panic
- Pre-built = faster, less stressful, potentially pricier
Tip: If you build your own, increase your budget and your patience. Trust me. Although, this is the most fun option in my opinion.
🧳 4. Think About Life Outside the Van
The van is your base. Your life is what happens around it.
- Can you take it off-road to explore?
- Will it fit in parking spaces at national parks or small towns?
- Does it suit the climate you’re travelling in?
A beautiful van is useless if you’re sweating through your mattress in southern Spain or stuck in snowdrifts in Scotland.
🚦 Final Thoughts
Your van doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.
Whether it’s a second-hand builder’s van with dreams of insulation or a shiny new Sprinter that smells like ambition, make sure it fits your travel style. Not someone else’s Instagram grid.
The best van for vanlife is the one that gets you on the road. Everything else can be tweaked with time, tools, and a sense of humour.
What kind of van are you dreaming about? Share it in the comments or your van regrets if you’re already living the life.