Things To Consider Prior To Purchasing A Van

Many people fall for the trap of looking at a nice van, then purchasing it without thinking about the requirements they'll need. Do not fall into this trap. It is important to first assess your requirements before you choose the van that can be converted into a camper.

Budget

How much can you pay for or are you willing to spend? This is the primary and most important question. When it comes to van building budget is essential. Without one things could quickly become out of control. It is not necessary to set a budget, but it will act as a guiding force when deciding on the necessities vs nice-to-haves in your van conversion.

There are always deals to be found however, as the old saying is, "you get what you pay for." Skimping out of your platform can cause issues with maintenance and reliability down the road. Pouring $30,000 into a $10,000 van with more than 150,000 miles doesn't make much sense does it?

When it comes to your van build platform, make sure you understand what you're signing up for. There's no formula that can tell you how much money needs to be allotted to the van's cost. Be sure to have between $10,000 and $20,000 to cover the conversion components.

Length and Height

These two aspects are often the primary factors that determine the cost of a van. These two aspects are the most important determinants of nearly every aspect of your van's design, from its size and orientation to amenities like showers and seating. It also depends on how big of a vehicle and how comfortable you are driving it. Cars that are taller than others may be more difficult to handle in comparison to those with shorter heights.

Length

How long your van impacts turning radius. This makes it harder to maneuver around tight spots like parking lots and campgrounds. Vehicle length also affects breakover angle. We'll discuss this in the off-road section below.

On the inside, length will ultimately determine the bed's orientation or style. For more information about planning your sleeping space, check out our guide for camping van bed sizes. The length of your van will determine storage space, capacity and whether or not you'll be able to incorporate a shower.

Height

It is crucial to consider how crucial standing up in a straight line is for you. Are you ok with being crouching while moving about? Do you feel comfortable cooking while sitting and putting on your pants on the bed? Really think about this one.

Your height can also impact the places you are able to travel. The majority of taller vans aren't able to fit through drive-thrus, banks, car washes parking garages, and many more places. Although it might appear small but you'll soon see the limitations when you need to access areas you're used to.

Off-road capabilities

Are you planning to stick to pavement and campgrounds or are you looking to create your own trails? The 4x4 vans that are jacked up are stylish, but they come with hefty price tags. Before buying a mountain bike, think about the place you'll ride it.

With just a simple change of tires, most 2WD vans can handle dirt and snowy roads. Learn More come with better clearance from the factory than others. Read more about this in the following article.

Breakover angle is a different factor when considering off-road capabilities. Find out more about approaches, departures and breakover angles here. The length of the wheelbase and overall length of the vehicle can basically impact the object that you are attempting to cross. Longer vans are at risk of getting stuck in the middle on tight hills and dragging the rear of the vehicle.

Gas or diesel

This is a personal choice. Both gas and diesel vans can do the job equally well. Diesel is better if you plan to frequently tow your campervan however you're not going to go wrong either.

You might be able to buy a diesel vehicle with lots of miles at a lower cost, however, you should always consider the maintenance costs. Diesels can run "forever" however they require regular maintenance.