You’ve perused the camper van conversion documentaries, scrolled through the #VanLife Instagram hashtag, and meticulously planned your interiors and route.
So, what’s the next step? Well, it’s all about choosing the perfect camper van to embark on your upcoming adventure.
When it comes to van living, much like selecting the finest travel trailers or offroad camping trailers, there are an abundance of off-grid adventure vans available. Even if you were to plan an endless journey around the world, you’d find more options than you could ever explore.
Whether your travel plans involve delving deep into the heart of Europe or taking a quick jaunt around your local North American neighborhood, having a fully-equipped travel van filled with adventure possibilities is a must.
No matter where you’re headed, the path inevitably leads to camper vans. So, set your GPS, and get ready to explore the world in an RV van.
The 21 best camper van brands
- Airstream
- Mercedes-Benz
- Boho
- Volkswagen
- Winnebago
- Thor Motor Coach
- Antero Adventure Motors
- Outside Van
- Benchmark Vehicles
- Vanlife Customs
- Boulder Camper Vans
- Ready.Set.Van
- Sportsmobile
- Storyteller Overland
- Texino
- TouRig
- La Strada
- Caravan Outfitter
- Freedom Vans
- Glampervan
- Oasis Campervans
Airstream
When you think of American camper van life, Airstream is the name that immediately comes to mind. This iconic brand is celebrated for its sleek and aerodynamic vans that seamlessly blend comfort, technology, and convenience, creating stylish vehicles that transform your road trip dreams into a reality. Traveling in an Airstream means embarking on your journey with the confidence that you’re exploring in one of the finest camper vans available.
Airstream RV vans are as stunning on the inside as they are on the outside. They are perfect for groups of up to eight people and are equipped with all the essentials and much more. While they come at a premium price, the investment is certainly worthwhile once you’ve experienced the multitude of amenities that Airstream offers.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz camper vans are designed for those who crave an outdoor adventure without compromising on luxury. These camper vans elevate the outdoor experience with a blend of rugged elegance and charm. The Mercedes Sprinter Camper van introduces a new level of freedom that will undoubtedly inspire you to plan your next adventure.
These vans come fully equipped with all the essential components and more, including LED lights, bicycle racks, and roof rack systems. Naturally, they also embody the exceptional engineering and innovative design that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for.
Boho
Boho doesn’t just manufacture camper vans; it creates Adventure Vehicles – and that capitalization is well-deserved. Stepping into one of Boho’s distinctive, stripped-down wooden vehicles is like entering a world where nature reigns supreme. Crafted in Arizona, Boho’s camper vans are meticulously built from the ground up, with your inspiration guiding every step of the process.
What sets this brand apart is its bespoke approach: you can either design the van yourself, perfectly tailored to your adventures, or opt to rent one of Boho’s existing vans for a taste of temporary freedom. Even more impressively, Boho actively supports local businesses and charities, and offers trip upgrades that contribute to national parks.
Volkswagen
For peace of mind while exploring the world, consider embarking on your adventures in a Volkswagen camper van. As with everything the brand produces, these rugged vehicles are built to last and stand the test of time. This assurance is complemented by vintage-inspired designs and colors that transport you and your family into your very own postcard-perfect adventure.
Efficient engines, high-quality interior fittings, modern infotainment systems, and driver assistance features come together to create an ideal family holiday experience. Volkswagen cars have earned their reputation for a good reason, and when you invest in a Volkswagen camper van, you’ll quickly discover that they are just as reliable as their smaller counterparts.
Winnebago
When it comes to camper vans, Winnebago is an iconic name that often tops the list. It’s hard to find fault with the brand, and once you’ve experienced a Winnebago, it’s rare to look back. The brand is synonymous with quality craftsmanship and a nearly guaranteed dose of pure, unadulterated fun. Encountering another Winnebago camper van on the road can quickly turn strangers into friends.
Winnebago stays at the forefront of the industry with its innovative technology and advanced parts supply system. When you combine this with decades of knowledge and experience, choosing a Winnebago camper van is always a wise decision.
Thor Motor Coach
Thor: the Viking god renowned for strength, power, and protection. Thor Motor Coach: essentially the same thing. A beloved name in the camper van world, Thor Motor Coach offers a wide range of vans suitable for all sorts of journeys. As North America’s premier motorhome brand manufacturer of Class A RVs, Class C RVs, Class B RVs, and luxury motorhomes, you can expect every conversation about camper vans to lead to success when it involves Thor Motor Coach.
While some brands may specialize in one or two types of camper vans, Thor Motor Coach offers a bit from every column in the alphabet, ensuring there’s something for every camper van enthusiast.
Antero Adventure Motors
Antero Adventure Motors manufactures vans that thrive when pushed to their limits. While you can certainly cruise them down country roads and through forests, they’re built for more exhilarating off-road adventures. When considering your first Antero Adventure Motor vehicle, you’ll encounter words like “usability, flexibility, and durability.” These qualities represent the brand’s commitment to creating robust and spacious vehicles equipped with impressive off-the-grid systems, making longer journeys a breeze. These vans are also designed for spontaneous trips, with adaptable living spaces and integrated camper van toilets.
Outside Van
Opting for a fusion van might initially sound complex, but once you experience Outside Van’s fully customizable vehicles, you’ll find yourself choosing fusion vans for all your future adventures. These purpose-built vehicles come with tailor-made features to maximize every inch of space. Say farewell to unnecessary amenities that don’t add value to your camping experience and say hello to van conversions that you’ll enthusiastically share with your van-life-loving friends and anyone who will listen. Outside Van takes the stress out of designing your van while ensuring it’s a delightful part of your journey, minus the worry of having to do it all yourself.
Benchmark Vehicles
Before reaching out to Benchmark Vehicles, it’s worth investing some time in envisioning your perfect camper van. From the floor plan to colors, textures, and other little details, these camper vans are meticulously tailored to meet your specific needs. No matter how imaginative your ideas may be, Benchmark Vehicles likely has experience creating something similar. Your dream escape vehicle comes to life, ready to tackle rugged terrains and mountain drives. Their service isn’t constrained by location, whether you’re planning a coast-to-coast road trip across the USA or an extended journey through Europe; Benchmark Vehicle can accommodate your needs.
Vanlife Customs
VanLife Customs, based in Denver, Colorado, is the brand that will have you aimlessly scrolling through their offerings, daydreaming about leaving your job behind and embarking on a permanent journey. It’s a company that simplifies the process, making it stress-free to transition to a life on the road.
This custom van dealer provides multiple services, such as designing your camper van from the ground up, offering individual parts and services tailored to your specific needs, or offering expert DIY consulting to guide you through creating your own van with just a few words of advice. They work with Sprinter, Transit, and Promaster vans, without limitations.
Boulder Campervans
Collaborating with Boulder Campervans to design your ideal van will feel more like building it with a friend than dealing with a faceless corporation. Each camper van crafted by Boulder Campervans is handmade, ensuring an exceptionally high level of attention to detail and care.
This experience is arguably the closest you’ll get to constructing a camper van yourself without getting your hands dirty. The brand specializes in creating your dream van almost hand in hand, actively listening to your thoughts and suggestions throughout the process. By the time you’re done, you might even consider inviting them along for the adventure.
Ready.Set.Van
Ready.Set.Van embarked on its journey with an ambitious project: creating a bus fit for the mega-festival, Burning Man. If a brand can design something suitable for an event with no access to freshwater, electricity, or air conditioning, you’d expect them to be more than capable of creating something for a standard van life adventure. And you’d be correct.
Ready.Set.Van’s custom adventure vans are not only visually stunning but also a delight to vacation in. These are not your typical vans; they come equipped with commercial-grade induction cooktops, 80-liter fridges, and deep stainless sinks. The impeccable interior design will make you feel like you’ve won a free upgrade.
Sportsmobile
If you’re seeking a camper van that can serve as a second family vehicle and is easy to park, Sportsmobile is the perfect choice. This brand, like the cool, composed older sibling of the camper van industry, designs vehicles that prioritize stability in every aspect. While they are more compact in size, they are well-suited for weekend getaways, spontaneous trips, and any adventure that doesn’t involve double-checking towing restrictions.
Although they may be smaller, Sportsmobile vans have been a trusted name in the industry for over 60 years, and their experience shows. Keep an eye out for some impressive, family-friendly conversions among the most beloved brands.
Storyteller Overland
Aptly named, Storyteller Overland manufactures camper vans that practically beg to be filled with travel stories. These stories may come from long, nostalgic conversations while on the road or from the journeys themselves. This premium brand offers a variety of camper van models, from the Mode LT, the smallest and most budget-friendly, to the Beast Mode.
The Mode LT, built on the Ford Transit, provides all the essentials, backed by Ford’s reliability. The Beast Mode is a robust 4×4 designed for longer journeys with more passengers. Regardless of the size you choose, you’ll find thoughtful, uncluttered, and intuitive design in every corner.
Texino
Texino is the ideal solution if you’re looking for a camper van that serves both your part-time van life and part-time home life needs. These camper vans are custom-designed to your preferences and can be rented out when you’re not using them. While you could independently rent out your campervan, doing so through Texino offers the added advantage of not having to worry about cleaning it afterward.
Texino’s existing fleet of vans combines functionality with hospitality, featuring remote-controlled features and comfort throughout. As one of the younger brands in the camper van world, Texino doesn’t hold back when it comes to impressiveness.
TouRig
TouRig employs craftsmen who began their careers in the marine, transportation, and construction industries, giving them a wealth of technical knowledge and high standards for road life. This USA-based company manufactures a range of high-performance vehicles with sturdy foundations and robust driving capabilities.
These camper vans are unapologetic about the journey. Come rain or shine, hail or snow, or almost any other challenging conditions, these vans will confidently keep moving forward, undeterred. TouRig was established to promote the spirit of adventure while prioritizing sustainability. Almost all of its materials are selected for their durability and environmental friendliness.
La Strada
Built in Germany but renowned worldwide, La Strada’s campervans are known for their fun and innovative design, offering a healthy dose of freedom. Despite their compact size, these vans pack in an impressive array of features suitable for everyone from couples to families.
Stepping inside a La Strada camper van, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness it offers. These vans exemplify German engineering at its best, combining customized usability, well-balanced interiors, and ease of driving in a single package.
Caravan Outfitter
Behind the wheel of a Caravan Outfitter camper van, you’ll feel as free as a bird. This brand draws inspiration from the golden age of the Volkswagen camper in the USA, aiming to merge that era of travel with 21st-century electronics and technology, all without breaking the bank.
Caravan Outfitter’s camper vans are stylish yet affordable, designed to save you money on the build so that you can invest in adventures inside the van. Each van sold by Caravan Outfitter is the result of trial and error, ensuring top-quality precision and a guarantee of fun along the way.
Freedom Vans
As the name implies, Freedom Vans will have you embarking on your first adventure and questioning whether you truly need to return home. These vehicles harness solar-powered energy, enabling you to go off the grid without worrying about energy constraints and the nearest facilities.
Freedom Vans is a camper van brand that anticipates your every need. Whether you’re struggling with floor plans, custom conversions, single installations, or accessories, Freedom Vans, located in Washington State, is one of the best companies with the knowledge and experience to guide you in the right direction or simply get the job done.
Glampervan
Glampervan’s catalog of existing builds might not resemble a traditional menu, but it’s bound to whet your appetite much like a tantalizing food and drink menu. This relative newcomer to the camper van scene, Glampervan, hasn’t wasted any time in revamping vans ready to conquer the world.
This is a brand unafraid of bold colors. Take a look at their builds, and you’ll find pops of coral, vibrant blue, and lilac interiors. Alternatively, you can stick to the more neutral wooden tones preferred by much of the industry.
Oasis Campervans
Create your own portable oasis and embark on worldly adventures with the assistance of Oasis Campervans. If you’re looking for a bespoke van from this brand, you’ll need to act swiftly, as they only take on a limited number of projects each month. While this might be a tad frustrating for those eager to transition into #vanlife as soon as possible, it ensures hand-picked designs and meticulous attention to detail.
Oasis Campervans goes the extra mile with customer service by assigning one dedicated employee to work with you in bringing your dream van to life. It’s the ideal choice for perfectionists.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Camper Vans
Venturing into van life might seem like an idyllic dream, but there are a few crucial considerations to keep in mind before purchasing your new camper van and hitting the road.
1. Who Are You Traveling With?
– If you’re embarking on a romantic weekend getaway with your significant other, space may not be a significant concern. As long as you have a cozy double bed and a relaxing area, you’re all set.
– However, if you’re traveling with your family or in a larger group, you’ll want a more spacious van with greater capacity. Ensuring there’s enough room for everyone to breathe comfortably is essential, and don’t forget to account for all your luggage.
2. How Often Are You Traveling?
– The size of your camper van should align with your travel frequency. If you only take it out occasionally, opting for a smaller van can be a more cost-effective and manageable choice. While larger vans may offer more space, they also come with higher costs and maintenance responsibilities.
– On the other hand, if you’re planning to turn your van life dreams into a full-time or long-term reality, investing in a larger vehicle is wise. This will help prevent the feeling of cabin fever during extended travels.
Consider these factors when choosing the right camper van to ensure your adventures on the road are enjoyable and stress-free.
3. Where Are You Going?
Before selecting your camper van, have a rough idea of your travel plans in mind. Consider the following:
– If you plan to tackle uneven terrain or varying landscapes, choose a van that can secure all your essentials.
– Look into specialized tires and brakes based on your travel destinations.
– If you aim to stay mostly off-grid, opt for a camper van with a large battery and consider solar-powered options, such as rooftop panels.
Your chosen brand can provide more guidance on tailoring your van to your specific travel goals, and they may suggest these features if you’re designing a bespoke van from scratch.
Class A, Class B, Class C
When choosing a camper van, you’ll encounter different classes, each with its own characteristics.
1. Class A:
– Class A camper vans are the largest and offer the most room, with some capable of accommodating up to 10 people.
– They are akin to commercial trucks, heavy-duty motor vehicles, or converted buses.
– Class A vans often require special licenses to operate.
– These vans are associated with luxury and come with a high price tag.
2. Class B:
– Class B camper vans are smaller than Class A but still provide separate sleeping and relaxing areas.
– They are an ideal choice if you plan to use your camper van multiple times a year.
3. Class C:
– Contrary to expectations, Class C camper vans are not the smallest or most economical.
– They typically feature an over-the-cab sleeping area.
– Class C vans are smaller than Class A but larger than Class B.
Essential Packing
When outfitting your camper van, consider the following essentials:
– Bed
– Table
– Travel seats
– Leisure battery (minimum 12 Volts)
– Fridge
– Portable toilet (chemical or otherwise)
– Cooking facilities
– Heating
– Running water
High-quality camper vans may also come with specialized facilities tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camper Vans
Which is the best camper van to buy?
– Some of the best camper vans to buy come from brands like Airstream, Mercedes Benz, Winnebago, and Thor Motor Coach. Our full guide breaks down all of the best camper van brands on the market.
What is the most reliable campervan?
– Some of the most reliable campervans come from Winnebago, Ford, Mercedes Benz, and Airstream. Read our full guide to discover the best camper van for you.
What is the most economical camper van?
– The Winnebago Rialta and The Boho Camper Conversion are two of the most economical camper vans. Check out our full guide to the best camper vans to see which camper van brand is best for you.
Are camper vans worth the money?
– Camper vans are definitely worth the money if you’re someone who loves rural holidays on the road without having to source accommodation every step of the way.