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Best Van Models for Starting Your Van Life Journey
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items Choosing the right van is the foundation of van life, and it can make or break your experience. This list features the most trusted and popular van models for full-time living, DIY conversions, and ready-to-go camper setups. Whether you're solo, a co...
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Best Van Models for Starting Your Van Life Journey
Best Van Models for Starting Your Van Life Journey
This list features the most trusted and popular van models for full-time living, DIY conversions, and ready-to-go camper setups. Whether you're solo, a couple, or a small family, there's a van that fits your style, budget, and road goals.
It is reliable, spacious, and the go-to choice for premium conversions. It has a tall interior space and a strong engine. It is great for full-time van lifers who want durability and stealth.
Sprinter Model Vans
It's more affordable than the Sprinter but still very reliable. I love that it comes in different roof heights and wheelbase options—great for customizing your setup.
2025 Ford Transit® Van
This one is popular because of its boxy shape, making the interior more straightforward to build out. Front-wheel drive is helpful for snow and mountain roads.
2025 Ram ProMaster® Cargo Van
Compact and very reliable, it is perfect for minimalists or shorter trips. It is also easy to repair and fuel-efficient—ideal for island or regional van lifers.
Toyota Hiace (Popular in Asia & Australia)
It is budget-friendly and compact, perfect for city driving or stealth camping. It is also great for part-time travelers or solo van lifers who want a simple build.
nissan - nv200 nv350
It is a classic in the Vanlife community. VW vans have charm and strong community support for builds and repairs.
Volkswagen Transporter / VW Crafter
This sleek, modern-looking van has great road performance. It is suitable for those who prefer newer models with built-in tech features.
Hyundai Staria / Starex (in Southeast Asia)
hese three are essentially the same van under different badges, making them a top choice across Europe. They're affordable, have a boxy shape that's easy to convert, and offer decent fuel economy. They're great for budget-conscious van lifers wanting...
Citroen Relay-Fiat Ducato-Peugeot Boxer Campervans And Owners Group
Compact, rugged, and easy to maintain, these vans are favorites for off-grid adventurers. The Delica, in particular, has 4WD capability, making it ideal for rough terrain or remote island camping.
Mitsubishi L300 / Delica (Asia-Pacific)
It's older but very durable. It's an excellent choice for those looking to start van life on a tighter budget with DIY potential.
2025 Chevy Express Vans | Cargo & Passenger
A larger commercial van is often used for pro conversions. It's sturdy, offers space, and has great engine power for long-haul travel with heavy builds or off-grid setups.
Iveco | Iveco
An increasingly popular van in Asia and Oceania for those who want an affordable but roomy alternative to premium models. It's simple, reliable, and offers generous interior height.
LDV V80 / Maxus V80 (Asia, Australia, UK)
Compact campervan lovers will enjoy these Japanese models. With sliding doors and flexible seating, they're great for stealth camping and city travel. They're perfect for part-time travelers or solo van lifers with a minimalist lifestyle.
Honda Stepwgn / Honda Elysion (Japan imports)