Best Vans For Converting- Pros and Cons

Are you ready to transform a van into your ultimate adventure vehicle? Whether you’re dreaming of road trips or living life on the move, picking the right van is key. In this guide, we’ll break down the best vans in small, medium, and large sizes, weighing up their pros and cons. From compact and easy-to-manoeuvre options to spacious and versatile choices, we’ll explore different makes and models to help you make the right choice. Get ready to dive in and find the perfect van for your conversion journey!

What To Consider?

Before you start hunting for the perfect van, it’s important to think about some key details. Have you figured out how you want the inside of your van to look? Are you planning to spend lots of time in your van, or just occasionally? And how many people do you need to fit comfortably? Answering these questions will help you decide on the right shape, size, and model of van for your camper conversion.

Small Vans

Smaller vans are perfect for weekend getaways and for those travelling light. They are suitable for 1-2 people; these smaller vans can fit a bed and additional space for storage. The downside to these vans is that you can’t stand up inside and fit a kitchen or bathroom. This type of van is perfect for someone who wants an easy-to-drive and get-around van, potentially for someone who would have to use it as an everyday car. These vans are more cost-effective and would suit someone who is looking to use it for an occasional getaway, rather than full-time van life.

Small vans like this include the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Connect, Toyota Proace, Citroen Dispatch and the Mercedes-Benz Vito/Citan

Medium Sized Vans

If you have decided you would like to prioritise fitting into normal parking spaces, but, with the added bonus of being able to stand up in your converted van, then the following vans may be of interest to you.

Ford Transit Custom:

Pros

• They are a common van in the UK, so it’s fairly easy to find parts and accessories.
• There are lots of customisation options available due to these being a spacious model.

Cons

• Not usually shown off as a converted van online, finding layout inspiration for this van can be difficult.
• The top common problems with the Ford Transit custom tends to be the clutch and gearbox, and electrical problems including the central locking system being a returning issue.

Volkswagen Transporter:

Pros

• Large variety of VW Transporter models to choose from e.g. different ages, milage, roof height and 4-wheel drive options.
• Sleek and timeless design.
• VW Transporters hold their value better than a lot of other vans, du[GU1] e to them being highly sought after.
• Has a good number of windows, and some models have removable back seats.

Cons

• VW Transporters can be on the pricier side of vans to convert.
• There are a few common issues found in certain VW Transporters, such as: 5-speed gearboxes are prone to cause issues, EGR valve complications and if the drive shaft is not properly taken care of and oiled every 40,000 miles, it could lead to issues further down the line.

Renault Trafic/ Vauxhall Vivaro/ Nissan Primastar:

Pros

• Renault Trafics, Vauxhall Vivaros, and Nissan Primastars are good choices if you want a medium-sized van that’s easy to drive and doesn’t use too much fuel.
• These vans are pretty common, especially in Europe, so it’s easy to find ideas, parts, and help if you need it.
• People often call them ‘TVP’ because they’re so similar in how they’re built and what’s under the hood, which can make fixing them simpler.

Cons

• Because they’re so common, you might not be able to make your van as unique as you want it to be.
• While they’re easy to drive and save on fuel, they might not have all the fancy features of bigger or more specialised vans.
• Since they’re so similar, there’s not much difference between them in terms of brand, which could result in lower resale value.

Large Vans

If you want to be a full-time van lifer, travel with lots of baggage or have 2 or more people travelling we would recommend a large van. These vans can be converted into a living, kitchen, sleep, and bathroom space, depending on what layout you prefer and what you would like to prioritise. Although these vans are bigger and more difficult to drive, they are the top contenders for most van lifers.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Pros

• Mercedes Sprinters are super popular for camper conversions, and there’s a big online community of Sprinter owners sharing ideas and tips.
• You’ll find lots of inspiration and helpful guides for converting Sprinter vans online, plus it’s easy to find accessories made specifically for them, like swivel seats and fitted curtains.

Cons

• Sprinters can cost more to buy and maintain compared to other vans.
• Older models are also highly susceptible to rust issues.
• They can be harder to drive and park.
• Sprinters are known to be van life vans, which makes stealth camping very difficult.

Alternatively, the Volkswagen Crafter is a lot like Mercedes Sprinters in how they look, with their engines being slightly different, but they still make for a safe bet for your van conversion project.

Ford Transit

Pros

• Ford Transits are a classic choice in the UK, so finding cheap replacement parts if something breaks should be easy.
• Has newer fully electric models available, which is more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Cons

• Older models of Ford Transits might be cheaper, but they can have rust and get noisy when you’re driving due to the vibrations of the road.
• Common issues include transmission issues in earlier models and fuel pump failures leading to stalling the engine.

Other large vans that are ideal for converting into campervans include the Iveco Daily, Fiat Ducato and Citroen Relay.

Choosing the right van for your conversion project is crucial for crafting your ideal adventure vehicle. Whether you’re thinking about short trips or living in your van full-time, you need to think about how much space you need, what you can afford, and what’s important to you. From smaller vans for quick getaways to bigger ones for a more spacious feel, there’s something for everyone. While popular choices like the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter offer reliability and community support, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each model before making your decision. Ultimately, with careful consideration and planning, you’ll find the perfect van to make magical memories on the road.

If you or someone you know are interested in our services, head over to our Van Conversions page to see all that we can do for you!

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