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Previously few years, camper vans have grown in reputation. Certain, we’ve all the time had RVs and campers, however changing your individual van right into a DIY camper is a complete totally different ballgame. Vans present a superb clean canvas for creativity, affordability, and practicality. However not all vans are created equal, and selecting the best one can have an effect on how snug, environment friendly, and versatile your camper construct will probably be (that are all essential issues to bear in mind if you happen to’re touring lengthy distances). Elements like inside house, availability of elements, reliability, and total construct high quality play an enormous position. Surprisingly, there are many fashions that fly below the radar, but they provide every little thing you want for a profitable conversion.
On this article, we’ve rounded up 12 vans that may not scream “journey” at first look however are excellent candidates for DIY campers. Whether or not you’re dreaming of weekend highway journeys or long-term van life, these choices deserve your consideration. Some are fashionable, others are older workhorses, however all deliver distinctive benefits for many who know the best way to profit from them.
How We Selected These Vans: Our Choice Standards
We prioritized versatility, affordability, and potential for a snug conversion. The vans featured right here supply spacious interiors appropriate for a sleeping platform, primary storage, and a few important facilities with out main structural modifications. One of many greatest advantages of shopping for a van to transform right into a camper is having a decrease value of entry and extra management over the associated fee, styling, and structure, so all of these had been essential to bear in mind.
Reliability was one other key issue as a result of the very last thing you need is a automobile that consistently wants repairs whereas on the highway or finally ends up damaged down in the course of a nationwide park with no service (that’s the way you change into a Reddit horror story). Lastly, we favored fashions with easy designs and minimal proprietary techniques, making DIY initiatives rather more approachable for the typical builder.
Whereas we averted deep technical particulars like engine specs or drive prepare configurations, we did think about elements like gasoline effectivity and ease of upkeep the place related. Our purpose is to spotlight vans that present one of the best basis for constructing your dream camper, no matter whether or not you’re a seasoned van lifer or a whole newbie. Why 12? Anymore and also you’d be scrolling ceaselessly, and likelihood is if this record pursuits you, you’ll wish to be in your method to imaging your new DIY journey house ASAP.
Iveco Day by day
The Iveco Day by day is a workhorse that’s usually neglected for camper conversions, nevertheless it’s a implausible choice for many who need severe house and sturdiness. Constructed on a truck-like chassis, the Day by day affords distinctive payload capability and a strong construction, making it excellent for extra bold builds that embrace full kitchens (effectively, full for a van), showers, and even off-grid techniques. Its boxy design and excessive roof variants present glorious headroom and inside quantity, providing you with the liberty to create a very snug house on wheels.
Whereas it’s bigger than compact vans, it stays surprisingly maneuverable for its measurement and delivers dependable efficiency on lengthy journeys. The Iveco Day by day is extensively out there throughout Europe and is thought for its lengthy lifespan and ease of servicing. For those who’re on the lookout for a van that may deal with heavy-duty builds and prolonged adventures, the Iveco Day by day is a powerful contender in your camper conversion mission.
Nissan NV200
The Nissan NV200 is a implausible alternative for DIY campers who need compact dimensions with out sacrificing practicality, and many homeowners will take consolation in shopping for a model they’re accustomed to. This small cargo van is simple to drive and park, even in busy city environments, whereas nonetheless providing sufficient inside house for a artistic camper setup. Its flat cargo flooring and straight partitions make customization easy, and with good planning, you’ll be able to embrace a sleeping space, storage models, and even a compact kitchenette.
The NV200’s standout benefit is its gasoline effectivity, which makes it a cheap choice for vacationers overlaying lengthy distances. Its affordability on the used market provides to its attraction, particularly for first-time van lifers. One other bonus is its reliability, as this van has a popularity for being low-maintenance and sturdy. For individuals who prioritize cost-effectiveness, maneuverability, and flexibility, the Nissan NV200 is a prime contender for a minimalist but practical camper conversion.
Chevrolet Specific
It’s not fancy, however it is going to get the job finished. If house is your prime precedence, the Chevrolet Specific is a tried-and-true full-size van that gives infinite potentialities for camper conversions. Its roomy inside provides you loads of freedom to design a snug structure that features a full-size mattress, cupboards, and even a kitchenette or transportable rest room. This makes it a favourite amongst DIYers who need greater than a primary setup wrapped up with a bowtie on the entrance.
One of many greatest benefits of the Specific is its availability. It’s been a staple for business fleets for years, which suggests you’ll be able to usually discover inexpensive used fashions in good situation. Its easy, sturdy design additionally makes upkeep simpler in comparison with newer vans with complicated electronics. Whereas it’s not as fuel-efficient as compact fashions, the Chevrolet Specific delivers unmatched versatility and space for storing. For these planning prolonged highway journeys or full-time van life, this van offers a strong basis for constructing your dream camper.
Hyundai H-1 (Hyundai Starex)
The Hyundai H-1, also referred to as the Starex in some areas, is a hidden gem for camper conversions because of its spacious inside and reliable efficiency. Produced in its second era from 2007 to 2021, the H-1 includes a sensible design that makes it simple to put in a mattress, storage cupboards, and even a compact cooking station with out sacrificing consolation. Its boxy form and low flooring peak maximize usable house, whereas its strong construct high quality ensures sturdiness on lengthy highway journeys.
One of many key benefits of the H-1 is its affordability, particularly in comparison with some European rivals, making it a sexy choice for DIYers on a funds. Moreover, Hyundai’s popularity for reliability and widespread availability of elements means upkeep is straightforward and cost-effective. Whether or not you’re changing it for weekend getaways or lengthy adventures, the H-1 affords the right mixture of house, worth, and flexibility.
GMC Savana
You in all probability see these all around the highway at present as beat-up workhorses, however in addition they make nice camper vans. The GMC Savana is actually the sibling of the Chevrolet Specific, sharing its strong construct and cavernous inside house. This makes it a superb candidate for many who need a full-size camper that may deal with severe adventures. With the Savana, you’ll be able to create a camper that features not only a mattress and storage but additionally a cooking space, workspace, and even a small bathe if you happen to plan fastidiously.
Just like the Specific, the Savana’s greatest benefit is its widespread availability and ease. Many of those vans have served as fleet automobiles, so discovering one at a great worth isn’t troublesome. Alternative elements and repair are simple to search out throughout North America, making it a reliable long-term choice. For those who’re curious about a big, snug construct that provides you the liberty to hit the highway for weeks—and even months—at a time, the GMC Savana delivers every little thing you want.
Mitsubishi Delica
The Mitsubishi Delica is a cult favourite amongst adventurous vacationers, because of its distinctive mixture of van consolation and off-road functionality (and it simply appears to be like cool). Not like many customary vans, the Delica usually comes with four-wheel drive and excessive floor clearance, making it excellent for many who wish to discover rugged terrain or distant tenting spots. Its boxy design offers ample inside house for a sleeping platform, storage, and even a compact kitchenette, whereas its compact footprint retains it simple to maneuver in cities.
Well-liked in markets like Japan, Australia, and Canada (by means of imports), the Delica is thought for reliability and sturdiness, even in difficult environments. Whereas it could be tougher to search out in some areas, its rising reputation amongst van lifers means a thriving neighborhood and aftermarket help. In case your camper van goals embrace venturing off the overwhelmed path, the Mitsubishi Delica affords an ideal mix of versatility, journey, and practicality.
Toyota Hiace
The Toyota Hiace is a legend in lots of elements of the world because of its unimaginable reliability and easy design. This van has been a go-to choice for many years in international locations the place sturdiness and ease of restore are important, making it an excellent base for a DIY camper construct. Its boxy design maximizes inside house, providing you with loads of room to put in a mattress platform, storage, and even a compact kitchen setup.
One other massive benefit of the Hiace is its longevity—these vans are recognized for overlaying a whole bunch of hundreds of miles with out difficulty. For those who’re planning long-distance journey in distant areas, that type of dependability is priceless. Whereas it’s much less widespread in North America, it’s extensively out there in different markets, usually at cheap costs. For adventurers who need a van that may go the gap and deal with rugged situations, the Toyota Hiace is a confirmed winner.
Citroën Dispatch
Compact but spacious, the third-generation Citroën Dispatch is a superb alternative for anybody who desires a sensible and inexpensive van for a camper conversion. It’s significantly in style in Europe, the place slender roads make maneuverability simply as essential as inside house. Regardless of its smaller measurement in comparison with full-size vans, the Dispatch affords a surprisingly roomy cargo space that’s simple to customise.
Its flat flooring and minimal inside curves make constructing inside easy, and its environment friendly design permits for a sleeping space, storage, and even a mini kitchen with out feeling cramped. It’s additionally comparatively fuel-efficient and extensively out there, making it an important choice for budget-conscious vacationers. For DIYers on the lookout for a compact, versatile van that’s well-suited for European adventures, the third-generation Citroën Dispatch is a implausible alternative that balances practicality, value, and artistic potential.
Ford Econoline (E-Collection)
The Ford Econoline, also referred to as the E-Collection, is a real traditional on the planet of camper conversions. These vans have been round for many years and earned a popularity for toughness and reliability, making them a prime decide for DIYers. Their spacious interiors supply loads of room for artistic layouts, whether or not you need a easy bed-and-storage setup or a totally geared up mini-home.
One main benefit of the Econoline is the supply of elements and equipment. As a result of these vans had been so extensively produced, discovering inexpensive replacements or upgrades isn’t an issue. They’re additionally simple to take care of, which is vital for long-term van life. In order for you a reliable, roomy automobile with a confirmed monitor document, the Ford Econoline stays among the best platforms for a customized camper construct.
Volkswagen Transporter
In order for you just a little little bit of European aptitude, the Volkswagen Transporter is a van life icon with a loyal following, and for good motive. Its boxy design makes it extraordinarily camper-friendly, providing an inside that’s simple to customise for consolation and performance. Whether or not you need a easy setup for weekend journeys or a totally geared up construct for prolonged journey, the Transporter can deal with all of it.
Older fashions supply a nostalgic allure that appeals to classic van lovers, whereas newer variations ship fashionable conveniences and glorious driving dynamics. Components and equipment are extensively out there, and the VW neighborhood is robust, providing loads of help and inspiration for DIY conversions. For those who’re on the lookout for a van with character, flexibility, and strong efficiency, the Volkswagen Transporter is a timeless alternative that continues to ship on each entrance.
Peugeot Skilled
The Peugeot Skilled is a implausible choice for anybody in search of a compact but sensible van for a camper conversion. Sharing its platform with the Citroën Dispatch and Toyota ProAce, this third-generation mannequin affords glorious versatility and ease of customization. Its flat cargo flooring and almost vertical partitions make it easy to construct a sleeping platform, storage models, and even a small kitchen setup with out losing house.
Out there in a number of lengths, the Skilled provides you the pliability to create a minimalist camper or a extra complete construct for prolonged journey. Identified for strong gasoline financial system and reliability, it’s a favourite amongst budget-conscious vacationers who need a practical, snug van that handles slender European streets with ease. Whether or not you’re planning weekend adventures or long-term journeys, the Peugeot Skilled strikes an ideal steadiness of practicality, affordability, and artistic potential for DIY van lifers.
Renault Site visitors
The third-generation Renault Trafic rounds out our record as one of the crucial conversion-friendly vans in the marketplace. Its tall roofline and spacious inside provide the freedom to design a snug, practical camper with out feeling cramped. There’s room for a full mattress, storage cupboards, and even a small kitchenette, all inside a manageable footprint that’s nice for metropolis driving.
Gasoline effectivity and reliability are two of its sturdy fits, making it excellent for vacationers who wish to preserve prices down with out compromising on consolation. Just like the Vivaro, it’s extensively out there throughout Europe, and aftermarket equipment are plentiful. For those who’re on the lookout for a trendy, sensible van that’s simple to work on and versatile sufficient for weekend journeys or full-time van life, the third-generation Renault Trafic is a superb choice to contemplate.
The DIY Dream
Constructing your individual camper van opens up infinite potentialities for journey and journey, and at a decrease value of entry than many different choices. The vans on this record show that you just don’t want a brand-new Sprinter or an costly RV to take pleasure in life on the highway. With a little bit of creativity, planning, and elbow grease, these humble automobiles can change into unimaginable houses on wheels. Think about, no extra motels, touring together with your four-legged finest buddy (inform your canine I mentioned hello), and infinite potentialities.
Every van affords distinctive benefits, from stealth-friendly compact fashions to spacious full-size platforms prepared for prolonged journeys. The secret’s to decide on one that matches your funds, life-style, and journey objectives. Whether or not you’re planning weekend getaways or full-time nomadic dwelling, the best van is on the market ready for you. So, begin with a strong basis, make it your individual, and hit the highway with confidence. Journey really begins the second you resolve to create your excellent rolling house.
