WHAT ARE THE BEST VANS

FOR A DO-IT-YOURSELF CONVERSION?

1. Mercedes Sprinter

CONS

• High Upfront Cost
• Complex Digital System
• Expensive Maintenance

The Mercedes Sprinter is perhaps the most famous and widely used model in the Vanlife community for Do-It-Yourself campers, and to its credit!

Mercedes quality is synonymous with good engines and longevity, kept well they can go well over 300,000km without major problems. The high roof options (H2,H3) and the different lengths available provide ample space for all needs.

The downsides of the Sprinter are both its purchase cost (normally among the highest, even for used cars) and maintenance cost (not all mechanics can repair a Mercedes, often you have to rely on official dealers).

2. VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER – MAN TGE

Cons

• High Upfront Cost
• Complex Digital System
• Sells for less than a Sprinter.
• Expensive Maintenance

The VW Crafter is the sibling of the Sprinter and in fact, until 2017 Sprinter and Crafter were produced together by VW and Mercedes in the same plant.

Slightly smaller than the Sprinter, but still extremely spacious, the Crafter stands out for its longevity, driving ease and comfort in the cabin.

The disadvantages remain a relatively high price compared to many competitors and relatively expensive maintenance. All in all, a solid choice for those who want to go big.

The MAN TGE is based on the VW Crafter and is entirely identical in dimensions, it’s only the brand that’s changing.

3. IVECO DAILY

Cons

• Stiff/Hard to drive
• Reliability Mediocre
• Frequent Maintenance
• Many Models’ Bottoms have Rust Problems
• Small Community

The Iveco Daily is one of the most widely used commercial vehicles in Europe and the only van to be produced in 5 different lengths.

Easy to find used in Europe, the Iveco Daily is certainly the van that offers the best space/price ratio, being the prices of used Iveco generally lower (even by several thousand euros) than more popular models such as Sprinter and Crafter.

Despite the pros, the disadvantages of the Iveco Daily that make many Do-It-Yourself conversion enthusiasts turn up their noses are the poor manoeuvrability (very stiff) and reliability (despite this, it can be repaired for less money and, with good maintenance, it can also hit the 500,000km mark).

4. FIAT DUCATO – PEUGEOT BOXER

Cons

• Uncomfortable Seats
• Cramped Cockpit
• Noisier than Most
• Driving Experience

The Fiat Ducato is a van often used for Do-It-Yourself conversions, easily available in Europe (and Italy!) at good prices.

Surprisingly reliable for a Fiat, the Ducato is a vehicle born for conversions (Fiat already produces a camper-version of the Ducato) that stands out for its car-like handling.

The drawbacks are the somewhat dated design (2011), the cabin that isn’t among the most comfortable, and the engine noisier than various competitors. Unless you plan very long trips, these are all disadvantages that are easily offset by its many merits (space and price above all).

The Peugeot Boxer is based on the Fiat Ducato and has the exact same dimensions, the difference is only the brand.

5. FORD TRANSIT

Cons

• Less Tall/Spacious than a Sprinter
• Smaller Community
• Cabin not very spacious

The Ford Transit is a solid option for a Do-It-Yourself camper van. Similar to a Sprinter or Crafter, but at a much lower cost, its strengths are definitely the prices of both purchase and maintenance.

In fact, spare parts are readily available and there is no need to take it to a specialized mechanic in case something breaks and needs to be repaired.

As a relatively new van, it doesn’t have a large community of enthusiasts behind it (and thus there aren’t too many online resources specialized in Transits). That said, the great value for money the Transit is offering has made it an extremely attractive choice which, in recent years, many vanlifers are making for their conversion.

6. RENAULT MASTER – NISSAN NV400 – Opel Movano

Cons

• Poor Reliability
• Low Resale Value
• High maintenance cost
• Poor Longevity

Of all the large vans, the Renault Master has the worst reliability and longevity. Its only advantage, is that it costs less than all the other candidates, for a similar space.

Given the difficulties to bring it over 250 thousand km without several stops at the mechanic, it is not a Van I would recommended for DIY voncersions unless for very economic projects. The gas consumption is fair but the driving experience leaves a lot to be desired (very stiff).

The Nissan NV400 and the Opel Movano are based on the Renault Master and have the exact same dimensions, only the logo and the frontal design are different.

7. RAM Promaster

Cons

• Less suitable for tall people
• Max. length 4m
• Lower than a Sprinter, Crafter or Transit

The RAM Promaster, is a van widely available in America, based on the Fiat Ducato and successor to the Dodge Sprinter (after 2008).

Despite a moderate height (only two options), it’s a popular for van for DIY conversions because of its inner width of 192cm (75.6inch) which, even with good insulation, allows an average person to position the bed and sleep horizontally.

The disadvantages of a RAM Promaster are the lack of XL options (both in height and length) and a slightly lower ground clearance compared to competitors (that could limit its off-road capabilities).

MEDIUM-SIZED VANS

8. Renault Trafic / Fiat Talento / Nissan NV300 / Opel Vivaro

Cons

• Small for Full-Time Living
• Common gearbox problems
• Below Average Reliability

The Renault Trafic is a small van that’s easy to drive and popular for spacious but not over-the-top campervans. Because of its small size, its consumption is lower than larger models.

Low longevity, low roof and Renault’s not-always-excellent reliability do not make it a van for Full-Time travel. Even so, given the competitive price, it’s still a good option for those who plan to use it seasonally or aren’t ready to start immediately with a full-size adventure.

The Fiat Talento, the Nissan NV300 and the Opel Vivaro are all based on the Renault Trafic and have the same options and dimensions, only the brand is changing.

9. Volkswagen Caravelle

Cons

• Not So Common to Find
• Difficult to insulate
• Expensive for a mid-size van

The Volkswagen Caravelle is a great mid-size vehicle loved by outdoor enthusiasts (camping lovers, surfers etc.).

The large windows make it a van to live in during the summer, while it is difficult to thermally insulate for colder temperatures. Its size and convertible rear bench allows for creative conversions with bed, kitchen and storage closet. In addition, it can carry 7 people and is comfortable even for long distances.

Caravelles aren’t as common to find as other models seen so far and prices are generally high, however if you’re looking for a vehicle for roadtrips/summer activities and you find a bargain, it could be a great deal.

10. Volkswagen Transporter (T1-T6)

Cons

• They break often
• Older models are slow and thirsty
• Extra parts are expensive (e.g. high roof)

The Volkswagen Transporter has been the symbol of all camper vans for over 70 years (the first T1 came out in 1950). Iconic, stylish and incredibly versatile, these are vans that have survived an era and that today can be found in six different models (T1 being the oldest, T6 the newest).

The main reason why VW Transporters are still so popular today is surely their fascinating history. In terms of comfort and space of course, they can’t truly compete with larger, more modern vans.

Despite this, they are a good alternative for those looking for a mid-size vehicle that is easy to convert and to park anywhere. In fact, even the most modern models offer a longevity that no vehicle of similar size can guarantee: they may break, but they can be fixed with little effort. Last but not least, the romantic feel is an unique extra that no other van can provide the same way.

SMALL VANS

11. Ford Transit Connect

Cons

• The limited space restricts the options for conversion
• You can’t stand

The Ford Transit Connect is a micro-van that can park anywhere and still offers enough space for a mini-conversion with a bed and kitchenette. The internet is full of creative transformations that see this little van transformed into a mini-home on wheels.

A low price (compared to larger vans) and a cool and spacious design (despite its size) make this small vans ideal for any small-scale creative project. Manoeuvrability and low fuel consumption complete the picture of one of the best small vans for do-it-yourself conversions

12. Volkswagen Caddy Maxi

Cons

• Expensive Elevated Roof
• Space Limitations
• You can’t stand

The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi is another option for those looking for a small vehicle to convert. Like the Ford Transit Connect, it offers low fuel consumption, good maneuverability and you can park it anywhere like a car.

A fairly popular variant in the DIY Vanlife community is to add an elevated roof to make up for the tight space (obviously this comes with a cost). The VW engine also ensures good performance and longevity.

13. Opel / Vauxhall Combo Life

Cons

• Monotonous design
• Limitations on Creativity
• You can’t stand

The Opel Combo Life (Vauxhall in the UK) is a 7-seater micro-van often chosen for small-scale conversions that includes a convertible bench-bed.

This vehicle shares the advantages of small size vans (low consumption, easy parking), to which it adds an excellent carrying capacity (one tonne), comfortable interior and an enjoyable driving experience.

Depending on your geographic location and availability on the used market, the Opel Combo life is a vehicle definitely worth considering for small projects.

14. Peugeot Partner L2

Cons

• You can’t stand
• Space Limitations

The Peugeot Partner L2 is another small-sized alternative to the more commonly used Ford Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy.

The pros, cons and dimensions are quite similar to the similar-size competitors seen until now. A good factor that should influence your choice then, is definitely a comparison of prices and availability in your geographical area.

15. Citroen Berlingo XL

Cons

• You can’t stand
• Limitations on creativity

The Citroen Berlingo XL is the passenger-version of the Peugeut Partner van. The two cars in fact, are almost identical, with the difference that one is a cargo van, and one is full of windows and made for transporting people.

Depending on your needs and travel plans, you might be more comfortable with one or the other. The differences in size are minimal (almost irrelevant).

Conclusion – The Best Do-It-Yourself Camper Vans

In this article we have seen all the most used vans in Do-It-Yourself Camper conversions and their dimensions.

Although I’ve done my best to collect all the data and measurements in a neat and methodical manner, I highly recommend that you measure/check your van before you buy it, as some mistake could always have slipped through. If you find any, let me know in the comments and I’ll correct it 😉

If you need measurements of other vans not included in the list, below I leave you another couple of resources (in English) specialized in the dimensions of vans suitable for DIY conversions:

• Vandimensions.Com
• Parkers Uk

I hope you found this article helpful and I wish you a happy journey in finding the perfect van for your conversion!

See you in the next article.