Deciding to buy a van to live in can seem daunting and even foolish on the surface. It’s a small living space that costs money to purchase and gas to move. Despite society’s views on van life, more than 3 million people are living in vans across the United States of America as of 2022.
The experience of living in a van is liberating and offers a type of freedom that is unique in the modern world. There’s no reason you can’t make van life work for you, but knowing the types of vans to consider when shopping for used and new vans is essential.
The good news is that you’ve found the perfect guide to picking out the ideal van to make your home. Keep reading to take your first steps toward van life today!
Micro Campervan
If you’re worried about driving a hulking campervan from campsite to campsite, the micro campervan is the best option. It’s much smaller than other Class B vans, making handling easier and providing better gas mileage. The roofline is slightly over six feet tall, and you’ll enjoy up to 141 cubic feet of living space inside.
It qualifies as a multipurpose vehicle and an affordable option if you’re pursuing a DIY build. Ford is one of your best options if you’re set on a micro campervan’s handling and parking benefits for your van life journey.
The primary drawback of the micro campervan is the need for more space, especially if more than one person is living in the van. The low roof means that most adults cannot stand inside the van, making it difficult to change clothes. It’s well-suited for a single passenger who wants to escape society.
Small Campervan
The small campervan offers more size than the micro campervan but with many of the same benefits. It’s around a foot taller and offers up to 250 cubic feet of living space for the occupants. It’s another option that you should consider if you want to start a DIY conversion project.
You’ll still enjoy excellent fuel economy with this used van, making it the perfect choice when you look through the class b van inventory. It’s also an affordable conversion option since you won’t need to handle large-scale changes. The small size makes it much easier to keep warm when camping in late fall and winter.
Some people will still find the small campervan a bit cramped, though it is much larger than the micro. Standing up in this van is also difficult for anyone over six feet tall. It’s best to write off the idea of adding a bathroom and shower to the interior of this van, though an outdoor shower is still viable.
You can find several reputable options for these vans when shopping for new ones. Mercedes-Benz, Ram, and Ford all make types of vans that fall into the small campervan category.
Medium Campervan
The medium campervan is a significant upgrade on interior space for you and your traveling companions. The living space is around 420 cubic feet, making bringing a partner and your furry friends along on the adventure much more feasible. You can even add some luxuries like a shower and toilet into your campervan design when you choose new vans that are larger in stature.
Another perk of the medium campervan is fuel efficiency. It won’t keep up with the micro or small campervan, but it offers much better gas mileage than the larger commercial van options. The van parts you’ll need for the conversion are also quite affordable.
A significant drawback of the medium campervan is the height compared to smaller options. You can’t park this van in a garage as the roofline is too high. It’s also more difficult to drive and handle if you’re not accustomed to driving larger vehicles.
It offers more headspace than smaller types of vans, but it still isn’t a behemoth inside. Watch your head if you attempt to stand up in a medium camper if you’re taller than six feet. You’re likely to hit your head if you stand to cook food or change clothes.
Large Campervan
You can expect to feel at home when you buy a large campervan and move your belongings in. You’ll enjoy up to 600 cubic feet of space in your living area after you buy a used van and build it out to your specifications. This van is large enough to house multiple people and pets with ease for an indefinite amount of time.
Despite the additional size and storage, you’ll still get reasonable fuel efficiency from a large campervan. It’s also easy to find a used van in this category, so don’t give up your dreams of a DIY campervan project that you can use as your primary residence. You can also stand up in these campervans, making life more convenient during inclement weather.
Don’t expect to fit this larger commercial van in a garage area, as the roofline is slightly over nine feet high. It’s also difficult to find parking spaces that will accommodate this large of a vehicle, and drive-thru food will no longer be an option. You should also consider your driving experience and comfort with a vehicle this large.
Another consideration with a commercial van this size is the time it takes to heat up the interior. It’s a much colder option if you plan on living in your camper fan full-time.
Start Shopping for Your Favorite Types of Vans Today
Once you start shopping for a commercial van, you’re going to discover all types of vans in various shapes and sizes. Consider your needs and belongings when you buy a van, as larger vans allow more space for possession but require more fuel to transport. Smaller vans handle like cars but limit what you can bring with you when you buy a used van and build it out.
Ready to get the most out of life? Check out the rest of our blog posts to find more encouraging content today!
