Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Van for Conversion (2024)

The most important choice you will have to make is which van to turn into a campervan. You have to live in it, drive it, park it, fuel it, and keep it running. So you might wonder, which one is the best van for conversion?

If budget allows, the Mercedes Sprinter is the top choice due to its versatility and longevity. You can also pick a Ford Transit that carries a fine gas engine and gives you various sizes to choose from. And if you want a more affordable option, the Dodge Ram Promaster is there. It also gives you the most interior design space.

In this article, we will talk about these vans in detail. We will also give you some key considerations that you will have to make before making any choice. Keep reading to learn more.

The 3 Best Vans for Conversion at a Glance

Best Van for Conversion: Top 3 Choices

People live nomadic lives in everything from a Prius to a 40-foot-long converted school bus. The main point is that if you want to get out on the road, your vehicle’s style can’t limit you. That is because some of the best vans are not even vans!

Nevertheless, here we have compiled the three options that we think are the best in business:

1. Ford

The Ford Transit van conversion has become very popular very quickly. This van’s gas engine works well, and it can be fixed at almost any auto shop. Parts are also usually easy to find.

Since turning a Ford Transit into a camper is becoming more common, there are also a lot of aftermarket parts for these versatile vehicles. You can pick up one with 2WD and AWD options. Besides, you can even convert a 2WD into a 4×4 ultimate adventure vehicle.

Another great thing about the Ford Transit is that it can be bought in three different lengths and heights. Hence, it can fit any need.

2. Mercedes-Benz

If you can afford it, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is probably the best choice. These camper van conversions cost the most, and for good reason.

People who are willing to shell out big bucks for a professional camper van conversion typically request vans like this one. That’s why commercial van conversion companies also love Mercedes Sprinters.

Many say that the style and luxury of the Mercedes Sprinter van conversion make it the best van on the market. Besides, this cargo van is more reliable and easier to drive than some others.

The Mercedes Sprinter van is a widespread choice for people who want to make a long-lasting investment. That’s because it comes with a long-lasting diesel engine. However, you will need to check gas stations often to make sure they have diesel. To be safe, it is best to fill up at truck stops, where diesel fuel is always available.

There are a lot of aftermarket upfitting options for this vehicle because it is so popular. With both 2WD and 4WD options, it is a great vehicle for off-road adventures. If you do not want to measure and cut everything yourself, you can buy the whole kit for the inside of your Sprinter van.

3. Ram

The Dodge Ram Promaster cargo van is perfect for camper conversions because there is more room to design the van of your dreams. It has a wider shell with fewer curves on the walls and ceilings. This makes it perfect for van builds.

Unlike the other camper vans, the Ram Promaster van is front-wheel-drive only. Even though it is not as fancy as the Sprinter or Transit cargo vans, a lot of people like it because it is cheaper.

However, compared to other cargo vans, it does not have much ground clearance. Hence, it can not be driven on some surfaces.

There are numerous professional Ram Promaster van conversion businesses. This is because constructing a Promaster van is simpler than converting a Sprinter van. Also, it costs less to convert this van.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Van for Conversion

There are a lot of terms to understand if you do not already know about vans. You might need months to investigate the different vans and dimensions before choosing the best one. However, this section will cut through the jargon and highlight the various things to consider when choosing your own van.

• Van Length and Height

The size of your van matters a lot because it determines how you can arrange the inside and what fits. Vans are usually categorized by length (L) and height (H), with L1 H1 being small and L4 H3 being big.

However, sizes aren’t the same across all brands. Generally, in an H2 van, most people can stand up unless they’re quite tall—over 5’ 10”. For a permanent bed setup, you’ll likely need at least an L3 size unless you use clever additions like slide-outs. The biggest vans, like L4s, offer space for extra features such as showers but might be hard to drive or park.

Some makers label their large vans as “long wheelbase” (LWB) or even “extra-long wheelbase” instead of using numbers. Others specify roofs as high or super-high.

It’s tempting to pick the largest van for more interior space. However, consider its cost-effectiveness. Larger vans may not handle well while driving and have lower MPG (miles per gallon) compared to their smaller counterparts.

• Van Maximum Weights (GVW)

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) ratings for most panel vans are 3.5 tons. That is the most weight it can hold, with the van itself, the conversion, people, diesel, water, clothes, and tools.

It can get hard to keep track of weights, but you need to know how much your van can hold and stick to that. If you are caught with a van that is too full, you could get a big fine or even lose points.

If you need more space and like to carry a motorcycle or other heavy gear, check out Mercedes Sprinters that begin with the number 5, like 516 or 519. These have a GVW of 5 tons. A GVW of 5.5 tons is available for 4×4 models.

For any vehicle that weighs more than 3.5 tons, you will need a C1 category on your license. You might need an extra test to get this, depending on your age.

• Purpose of Using

The intended use of the van is a crucial factor to consider when selecting the ideal vehicle for your needs. Here are some possible scenarios:

• Stealth: Choosing a stealthy van is key if you’re often around cities. It reduces break-ins and makes parking easier at night.
• Full-time: For those living in their vans full-time, having a high roof matters for comfort and better posture.
• Got a partner? If traveling with a partner, consider getting a longer, wider van to avoid cramped sleeping spaces.
• Weather: Spending time inside during cold or wet conditions means wanting more room to move and stand up comfortably. In extremely cold places, insulating your van can lower the ceiling height. Aim for an extra-high-roofed vehicle to compensate.

• Mileage

You will not have to worry about mileage if you buy a new van. But if you choose a used van, mileage is something you’ll need to look at. Consider:

• How much of a budget do you have?
• How long do you plan on owning the van?
• How far do you hope to travel in it?
• How often do you plan on going away?

It probably will not make or break the deal, but the less mileage a car has, the better. This may cost more, though, so you will need to think about the pros and cons.

• Make and Model of the Van

Many of the vans above are known for being reliable, but some do have known mechanical problems that happen after years of use. Understanding common issues with used vans can guide your inspection process and help you identify potential concerns. A professional mechanic might be able to help you check out the used van before you buy it if you are not good with cars.

Conclusion

Without a good van, your dream of enjoying a van life won’t reach its peak. You might get away with any van conversion, but there will come times when things will backfire. That’s why you should consider our selection of the best vans.

Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Dodge Ram Promaster are the ones we suggest. All of them are great options, but for a more precise decision, go through the above guide. Besides, before making any decision, don’t forget to measure the features like dimensions, weight, mileage, etc.

If you want to streamline the process, you can always go to a reputable conversion company. Highland Vans can help you with this. No matter which model you pick from the ones discussed, we can turn it into your dream van. Contact us today to explore our services.