Best Vans for Van Life
When you start planning for van life, choosing the right camper is essential to a great lifestyle. You’ll need to be honest, ask numerous questions, map out your journey, and find a van that best suits your needs. Let our team at Rjourney break down the best vans for van life and the benefits each option offers.
Finding the Best Van for Van Life
The most essential item for van life is, of course, the van itself. You’ll need to find the right ride to enhance your experience and meet your needs, whether it’s spacious interiors or fuel efficiency. Let us share three of the most popular van life vans available.
1. Mercedes Sprinter
The Mercedes Sprinter has long been considered one of the best vans to convert into a long-term camper. This reputation is built on its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and superior build quality. There are multiple models of the Sprinter to choose from, each one catering to different needs.
2. Ford Transit
If you value versatility and reliability above all else, look to the Ford Transit camper. Compared to other options, the Transit is an affordable and reliable choice that comes in various sizes with multiple roof lengths. This grand vehicle is the best option for those looking to convert a camper without breaking the bank.
3. Ram ProMaster
You may want to customize your camper to your taste. Look no further than the spacious Ram ProMaster. This vehicle model is made for drivers to customize various features, such as roof height, wheelbase distance, and low floor. Compared to other vehicles, the ProMaster has remarkable cargo capacity with space-efficient customizations.
How Much Does Van Life Cost?
The cost of van life depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is the cost of your vehicle and its maintenance. Considering all the factors, including essential items and maintenance, van life costs between $1,000 and $3,000 per month on average. These costs make van life an affordable alternative lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of some basic van life expenses like fuel and food:
Van Fuel Cost
You can expect to spend between $400 and $600 per month on gas for your van. The actual cost will vary based on the distance you travel and the current price of gas. If you’re driving long distances regularly, your fuel costs will increase. A van typically averages around 15 to 20 miles per gallon, so the more you drive, the more you’ll spend on fuel.
Campground Fees
Campground fees can range from $300 to $800 per month. Campground rates usually fall between $10 and $50 per night for a basic site. You may find free campsites, but you’ll still need to account for paid campgrounds if you require amenities like showers, electrical hookups, or Wi-Fi. The cost will depend on how often you stay in paid campgrounds versus free spots.
We recommend making campground and RV park reservations two to four weeks in advance. Here are two examples of RV parks and campgrounds, and some starting rates:
- Canary Beach Resort in Villard, MN. Sunburst RV Resort offers RV sites starting at $37.50 per night, with cabins ranging from $65 to $150 per night, and tent sites at $20 per night. Amenities include full RV hookups, laundry facilities, pet-friendly policies, a pool, sports courts, and free Wi-Fi.
- Sunburst RV Resort in Milton, FL. Sunburst RV Resort offers RV sites starting at $37.50 per night, with cabins ranging from $65 to $150 per night, and tent sites at $20 per night. Amenities include full RV hookups, laundry facilities, pet-friendly policies, a pool, sports courts, and free Wi-Fi.
Van Life Food
The monthly food cost is typically around $400 to $500. If you cook your meals, you’ll save money. Budget about $10 to $15 per day for groceries, which adds up to around $400 to $500 a month. Cooking in your van or at campgrounds helps keep food costs down, especially if you stock up on non-perishable items.
How To Start Van Life
To start your van life, you’ll first need to weigh the pros and cons and be honest with yourself. Once you commit to van life, it’s time to start planning. Finalize the purchase of your vehicle, start mapping out your van life destinations, and gather all the necessary supplies.
Enjoy Your Van for Living With Rjourney
Along your journey, you’ll need premier RV parks to make extended stays and explore the environment around you. With Rjourney, we offer numerous RV resorts across the country that cater to different tastes and provide numerous opportunities for adventure. Contact us or find your nearest Rjourney resort online to book your long-term van camping stay today!