15 Best Vans For Living In Full-Time

Are you planning on living in a van full time?

Congratulations! That is one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions you could make. 

The next step after deciding to live in a van full-time, is to choose that van! 

You’ll want to do lots of research to be sure that you choose the right van- it is going to be your new home after all. 

We’ve gone ahead and taken the guesswork out of the equation for you, and have created a list of the best vans for living full time in! 

In this guide, we cover the best vans for living full time in, as well as 15 examples of conversions of those vans so you can see exactly how to turn that specific van into your new home on wheels.

Let’s jump right in!

What to Consider when Choosing a Van for Full-Time Van Life

Size of the Van

The size of your van is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a van to live full-time in.

While not being able to stand up in a van for a few days or weeks at a time may be manageable, odds are, this may become old and frustrating to deal with while living full-time in a van.

To combat this, you’ll want to choose a van that is tall enough for you to stand up in- even once it is fully insulated, and floors and ceilings are added. 

Reliability of the Van

If you’re going to be living in a van full-time, you probably don’t want to be subjected to mishaps like breakdowns and engine problems. 

Of course these things do happen. However,  with a high-quality van, they will happen less frequently. 

One of the best ways to ensure you are purchasing a high-quality, reliable van, is to have a pre-purchase inspection done on your van.

15 Best Vans For Full-Time Van Life

1. Mercedes Sprinter Van

Size:

• Roof height: 170cm low roof, 200cm high roof 
• Wheelbase: 

• Length: 325cm SWB, 432cm LWB
• Width: 178cm

Off-Road Capability: Yes!

The Sprinter Van is offered with either rear 2wd or 4wd for off-roading.

Prices: $27,000 used/ $35,000 new SWB/ $50,000+ LWB with upgrades

Pros of the Mercedes Sprinter Van for Full Time Van Life

• They are incredibly durable. 

It is not uncommon for Sprinter Vans to run past 300,000 miles, and so with a Sprinter Van, you can rest assured that your home on wheels will remain running for quite some time.

• They are popular for full-time van life.

Because so many people live in Sprinter Vans full-time, there is so much information out there on how to convert a Sprinter Van!

Cons of the Mercedes Sprinter Van for Full Time Van Life

• They are expensive.

The Sprinter Van name and quality certainly come with a hefty price tag.

• They can be difficult to find a mechanic for. 

Oftentimes, mechanics will refer Sprinter Vans to the dealer. This is less than ideal for full-time van lifers, as there may not be a dealer in your area, and dealerships are very expensive.

Example

This Sprinter Van has a 144 wheelbase with an extra-high roof, and has housed its owners on the road for 5 whole years!

This Sprinter Van Conversion has plenty of space for a full kitchen with an induction stove, fridge, large sink, and even a toaster oven!

There is also plenty of room for a fixed bed.

With the help of swivels, the front seats twist around to serve as a living room/seating area. 

Even in a MWB, this Sprinter Van is suitable for full-time van life.

Full video → Years of Full-time Van Life

2. Citroen Relay/ Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato

Size:

• Roof Height: 166cm low roof, 193cm medium roof, or 217cm high roof
• Wheelbase:

• Length:267cm SWB, 312cmLWB, and 370cm LWB extended
• Width: 187cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes.

Prices: $22,000 (used) / $33,000 (SWD)/ $50,000 (LWB)

**The Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer, and Fiat Ducato are all essentially the same van based on the Ducato Chassis, and they are all excellent vans for living in full-time. 

Pros of the for Citroen Relay/ Peugeot Boxer/ Fiat Ducato for Full Time Van Life

• With factors like roll-over mitigation and enhanced steering control, this is one of the safest vans on the market!
• These vans come at a more affordable price point than other vans on the market.
• These vans get fantastic gas mileage, which will save you money in the long run while living in the van!
• They are very wide. This is great because you can fit your bed widthwise in the van to save space.

Cons of the Citroen Relay/ Peugeot Boxer/ Fiat Ducato for Full Time Van Life

• These vans don’t have much storage located in the cab.
• They aren’t as mechanically reliable as some other vans.

Example 

This incredible van conversion features a Peugeot Boxer designed for full-time van life!

This is one of the most unique and creative van conversions we’ve ever seen.

In addition to a fully-stocked kitchen with a sink, stove, and refrigerator, this van’s kitchen also has an espresso maker!

This van also has a double fixed bed, full shower with toilet, and spacious working area with an additional two seatbelted seats.

Plus, this van is more than equipped to take guests along- there is a second double bed that can be converted in the van with an ingenious slat system.

The Peugeot Boxer is clearly a great van for living in full-time, just look at this conversion!

Full video → Winter Van Tour

3. Ram Promaster

Size:

• Roof Height: 165cm low roof, 190cm high roof
• Wheelbase:

• Length: 345cm SWB, 403cm LWB
• Width: 190cm

Off-Roading Capability:  No

Prices: $9,000used/$27,000 SWB/$45,000 LWB with upgrades

Pros of the Ram Promaster for Full Time Van Life

• The Ram Promaster is the widest van on the market.
• Promasters are frequently used as cargo vans, so this is a great van option for stealth camping.
• The Promaster is fuel efficient (20mpg), so you’ll save money while living on the road!

Cons of the Ram Promaster for Full Time Van Life

• The Ram Promaster doesn’t have as many safety features as its competitors. 
• The lack of a 4wd option limits where you can take this van.

Example

While not all of us are professional chefs, we can still all be impressed by this utterly astounding Ram Promaster van conversion.

The kitchen in this van conversion is breathtaking. 

It has an impressive 21-inch Furrion oven, stovetop, massive fridge, and a deep sink.

On top of all those features, it is also complete with a beautiful blue tile backsplash.

As if the kitchen wasn’t enough, the bathroom in this campervan is remarkable. 

It is complete with a lovely white tile full shower, complete with hot water and a Nature’s Head Composting Toilet.

There is also room for a large double bed in addition to a fixed bench seat area. 

With conversions like this possible, the Ram Promaster is easily one of the best vans to live out of!

Full video → Camper Designed by a Professional Chef

4. Ford Transit

Size:

• Roof Height: 182cm medium roof, 205cm high roof
• Wheelbase:

• Length: 330cm SWB, 375cm LWB
• Width: 139cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes.

Prices: $20,000 used/$25,000 SWB/$42,000 LWB with upgrades

Pros of the Ford Transit for Full Time Van Life

• The Ford Transit has loads of safety features, including collision warnings and pre-collision assist.
• The Ford Transit is very easy to drive.
• Repair costs are incredibly low.
• The Ford Transit has a spacious interior.
• Used Ford Transits can be found at very affordable price points.

Cons of the Ford Transit for Full Time Van Life

• At 14-17mpg, Ford Transits do not get the best gas mileage.
• While repair costs are low, Ford Transits aren’t as mechanically reliable as other vans on the market.

Example

This Ford Transit is proof that you can have a wonderful van to live in full-time- without breaking the bank!

The design in this Ford Transit is simple yet functional and aesthetic. The kitchen is simple, with a single burner and sink.

There is a stealthy sliding hatch for access to the cab, and plenty of overhead storage.

The highlight of this van conversion is the massive workspace! 

This setup has enough space for four people to easily work remotely with ease, and there are charging wall outlets placed accordingly around the table.

When not in use as a workspace, the table and seats convert down into a double bed.

Overall, the van and build of this Ford Transit Van Conversion cost under $14,000, and I’d say it turned out pretty well!

Full video → Ezra’s Van Conversion

5. VW Crafter

Size:

• Roof Height: 167cm Low roof, 193cm high roof, 218cm extra high roof
• Wheelbase:

• Length: 365cm medium wheelbase, 432cm long wheelbase, 470 cm long extended wheelbase
• Width: 135cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes.

Prices: $25,000 used/$49,000SWB new/$85,000 extended LWB with upgrades

Pros of the VW Crafter for Full Time Van Life

• The VW Crafter is the largest campervan you can buy.
• The cab of the Crafter is equipped with plenty of storage.
• The interior of the VW Crafter is very customizable.
• They are very reliable vehicles.

Cons of the VW Crafter for Full Time Van Life

• The VW Crafter is the most expensive campervan on the market.

Example

This lovely VW Crafter Van Conversion is the perfect example of a Crafter in action for full-time van life.

The cab is closed off to the back of the van, but there is still a window built-in for access between the two spaces.

This setup has plenty of space, and even fits a large L-shaped couch! Having a couch in the van is truly quite the luxury.

At night, the couch simply converts into a king-sized bed utilizing a clever slat system- one of our favorite campervan bed ideas!

Full video →Land Yacht! Incredible VW Van Conversion

6. Renault Master

Size:

• Roof Height: 179cm, 208cm tall roof
• Wheelbase:

• Length: 318cm SWB, 368 LWB
• Width: 138 cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes.

Prices: $15,000 used / $44,000 SWB / $62,000 LWB with upgrades

Pros of the Renault Master for Full Time Van Life

• The Renault Master has a powerful engine.
• It is possible to find very affordable used Renault Masters.
• The interior of the Renault Master is very suitable for van conversion.
• The Renault Master can handle a very heavy payload, so this van can certainly carry the weight of your full-time van conversion.

Cons of the for Full Time Van Life

• This van needs frequent mechanical work done to keep it running smoothly.

Example

This Renault Master campervan Conversion is truly mind-boggling.

Not only does it have a stunningly decorated interior, but it also has plenty of space for an incredible campervan layout!

The kitchen in this campervan is quite large and has a huge sink, oven, stove, and refrigerator.

This campervan’s living room/bedroom is a true masterpiece.

They managed to fit a massive L-shaped couch, so there is plenty of space for lounging and entertaining.

This area is also equipped with a Lagun Swivel Table, so the space can also serve as a work area. 

Not to mention the TV setup- Gaming/movie nights must be incredible in this van!

Full video → Inspirational Campervan Conversion

7. International School Bus

Size:

• Roof Height: 182 cm standard, 198 cm high roof
• Dimensions:

• Total Length: 7.6 meters mini, 10.6 meters medium, 13.7 meters standard
• Total Width: 1.82 meters mini, 1.82 meters medium, 2.43 meters standard

Off-Roading Capability: No.

Prices: $7,500 used / $65,000 new / $100,000+ new with upgrades

Pros of the International School bus for Full Time Van Life

• Size! The International School bus has so much room that your opportunities for conversion are endless.
• Used buses can be found at a very affordable price point.
• Because these buses were designed to safely transport children, they are incredibly safe.

Cons of the International School Bus for Full Time Van Life

• Parking, driving, and maneuvering a school bus will prove difficult.
• This is not the vehicle to go for if you want to participate in any sort of stealth camping.
• The medium and standard sized school buses can only be serviced at a mechanic for trucks, due to their large size.

Example

With an International Schools Bus, the opportunities for conversion are essentially limitless.

This incredible conversion has it all.

A fully-equipped kitchen lines one wall, while a massive seating area lines the other. There is plenty of room for the whole family here!

The back of the van has a massive king bed- this bus certainly has the space for it! 

I also love how much natural light the windows let in, this is certainly a benefit of an International School Bus conversion.

Full video → School Bus Converted to an Amazing Tiny Home

8. Mercedes Vario 814

Size:

• Roof Height: 158 cm
• Dimensions:

• Length: 690 cm
• Width: 237 cm

Off-Roading Capability: No.

Prices: $10,000-$25,000 used

Pros of the Mercedes Vario for Full Time Van Life

• The Vario is so big that you will have ample living space in a Mercedes Vario van conversion.
• The Mercedes Vario has a unique and vintage look.
• You can find the Mercedes Vario at an affordable price point.

Cons of the Mercedes Vario for Full Time Van Life

• Because the Mercedes Vario is no longer being manufactured, it may be difficult to find replacement parts for it.
• Due to its large size, the Vario is difficult to park and maneuver.
• You will not be able to do any stealth camping with the Vario.

Example

This lovely conversion demonstrates the true potential of a Mercedes Vario conversion for a traveling van.

This van truly makes the most of the extra space. 

The front of the van has a full shower and bathroom.

The galley houses the kitchen, which is quite large and has plenty of counter space, as well as overhead storage. 

One of the benefits of a large vehicle for van conversion is the option to have a fixed bed as well as a large seating area.

This particular conversion has a large fixed bed as well as a huge couch seating area!

I also love how they hung the surfboard up on the ceiling. Not only is this a way to keep your surfboards safe inside, but it also serves as a great piece of decor. 

Full video → Unique, Modern, and Secure Van Conversion

9. Iveco Daily

Size:

• Roof Height: 155cm low roof, 190 cm medium roof, 210cm high roof
• Wheelbase:

• Length: 352cm SWB, 410cm LWB
• Width: 200cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes.

Prices:  $40,000 used / $50,000 base model / $130,000 with LWB and upgrades

Pros of the Iveco Daily for Full Time Van Life

• The Iveco Daily is one of the best vans on the market for an off-roading vehicle. For anyone who wants to live in a van full time and go on off-roading adventures, this is a great option.
• This is a huge campervan, so there will be plenty of room for your conversion.

Cons of the Iveco Daily for Full Time Van Life

• Due to its large size, this is not the easiest van on the market to drive around and maneuver.
• Iveco Daily Vans are quite expensive.

Example

• Large fridge/stove/ sink
• Indoor shower solution
• Fixed bed
• Large seating area 

If you’re looking for a large campervan to convert, look no further than the Iveco Daily- one of the best road trip vans for those looking to do some off-roading!

This campervan conversion is incredible. It takes full advantage of this large van’s size, and incorporates a large fixed seated area directly behind the two front seats.

Moving further along the galley of the van is a large kitchen area complete with plenty of counter space, a sink, stove, and refrigerator.

The shower system in this campervan is ingenious. The flooring in the kitchen is a shower pan, and the sink area is all watersafe.

There is a showerhead on the ceiling of the van, and a shower curtain protects the rest of the van from getting wet!

The back of the van has a large fixed bed, and it can fit lengthwise in the van due to the extra-large shape of the Iveco Daily, along with a little help from flares- one of the best campervan bed ideas. 

Full video → Genius Van Conversion

10. LDV Convoy

Size:

• Height: 2.8m
• Dimensions:

• Length: 5m
• Width: 2m

Off-Roading Capability: No.

Prices: $3000-$10,000 used

Pros of the for Full Time Van Life

• LDV parts and labor are inexpensive.
• The LDV Convoy is very affordable.
• You will have plenty of space for your conversion inside this van!

Cons of the for Full Time Van Life

• The LDV Convoy doesn’t have the nicest handling, and is not the easiest van on the market to drive and maneuver.
• Due to their age, the LDV convoys do need to be serviced every 6 months.
• This is an older van, and like many older vans, mechanical issues tend to occur more frequently than with newer vehicles.

Example

This particular campervan conversion has an open and airy layout. 

The kitchen is large and spacious, with custom spice racks built-in right above the sink.

In the back of the van, there is a very large couch seating area, with a collapsible table in the middle.

When not in use as a table, the seating area collapses into a very large double bed.

The LDV has a very large and boxy interior which makes it great for conversion, and when you can convert a van as nicely as this one, it is no surprise why the LDV Convoy is one of the best vans for travel and living from.

Full video → Unique Self-Build Conversion

11. Vauxhall Movano

Size:

• Roof Height: 170cm H1, 189 cm H2, 204 cm H3, and 214 cm H4
• Wheelbase:

• Length: 318 cm SWB, 368 cm MWB, and 433 cm LWB
• Width: 138 cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes.

Prices: $5,000-$25,000 used/ $40,000 new

Pros of the Vauxhall Movano for Full Time Van Life

• The Vauxhall Movano is a very tall van, so you will be able to stand up with ease in this van- which is a major convenience when it comes to living in a van full-time.
• It comes in many different sizes, so you can easily choose the perfect size to fit your needs for living in a van full-time.

Cons of the Vauxhall Movano for Full Time Van Life

• It is not the easiest van to maneuver and drive. 
• The Vauxhall Movano does not have as many safety features as other vans on the market.

Example

If you’re considering converting a Vauxhall Movano to live in full time, here is an example of an incredible conversion for full-time van life!

This beauty is a MWB fully converted to be lived in full-time. 

The kitchen is clean and simple, with an extendable countertop for extra space for meal preparation.

The back of this van conversion is incredibly impressive. Not only is there a fixed bed, but also a fixed seating area! 

The large fixed platform bed fits lengthwise in the van. 

At the foot of the bed, there is a small bench seat area, with a table that slides out in between the bench seats! 

Underneath one of the bench seats, there is even a portable toilet. 

This van conversion is clean and simple, yet completely sufficient for full-time van life! 

Full video → Unique and Spacious MWB Van Conversion

12. Coachmen Starflyte

Size:

• Roof Height: 190cm
• Dimensions:

• Total Length: 6.4 m
• Width: 2.2 m

Off-Roading Capability: No.

Prices: $10,000-$30,000 used

Pros of the Coachmen Starflyte for Full Time Van Life

• It’s already equipped to be lived in full-time, so you can save time and money preparing to live in this vehicle full-time!
• With such a large amount of space, living on the road full-time will be easy and comfortable.

Cons of the Coachmen Starflyte for Full Time Van Life

• These Rvs are reported to have frequent water leaks, so you may have to complete some renovations of the water system.

Example

The Starflyte Coachmen is one of the best options for conversions if you’re looking for an extra-large space to live in!

These Rvs are quite large, and come at an impressively affordable price point. 

This impressive conversion demonstrates the full potential of the Coachmen Starflyte. 

There is not only a large kitchen and bathroom area, but also a fixed bed and a fixed dinette seating area. 

For anyone looking for a large vehicle to live in full-time, you should look no further than the Coachmen Starflyte! 

Full video → A Totally Remodeled RV

13. Nissan NV

Size:

• Roof Height: 135cm low roof, 195 cm high roof
• Wheelbase:

• Length: 273cm
• Width: 122 cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes!

Prices: $8,000 used / $30,000 standard / $45,0000 with upgrades 

Pros of the Nissan NV for Full Time Van Life

• The Nissan NV is very light and easy to maneuver, so driving this vehicle around will be a breeze!
• This is one of the most affordable campervans on the market.
• It is very easy to have repairs done on a Nissan NV.
• There is a fully electric version available. 

Cons of the Nissan NV for Full Time Van Life

• The Nissan NV only gets about 10-15mpg, so it will rack up a hefty fuel cost over time.
• While it is big enough for full-time van life, it is still a smaller campervan, so you will have to get a little clever with your van conversion to fit everything in.

Example

While the Nissan NV may be one of the smaller vans on this list, it is still a fantastic option for a camper conversion. 

Plus, there is even a fully-electric version!

For example, this clever conversion fits a kitchen, bed, workspace, and still has ample storage. 

Full video → Fully Electric Van Conversion

14. Ford E350

Size:

• Roof Height: 137cm
• Wheelbase:

• Length: 350 cm 
• Width: 133cm

Off-Roading Capability: Yes, with some models.

Prices: $5000 used/ $35,000-$45,000 new

Pros of the Ford E350 for Full Time Van Life

• These vans can handle a heavy payload so the weight of your conversion can be a little heavier than with other vans.
• These vans come at a much more affordable price point than some of the more popular choices for vanlife. 

Cons of the Ford E350 for Full Time Van Life

• This van has high annual repair costs. 
• It is a smaller-sized van.
• The Ford E350 is very susceptible to rust.

Example

For anyone considering a Ford E350 as one of the best vans to live in full time, we sure do have a fantastic example. 

This incredible conversion takes full advantage of the fact that this van is smaller sized, and makes good use of every bit of space. 

Additionally, this van has been fully upgraded with a 6-inch lift and off-roading kit.

The layout is quite open, and the front seats are on swivels to offer a nice seating area. 

This van is complete with a full kitchen, including a Camp Chef stove and oven combo.

The back of the van has a huge fixed double platform bed which has plenty of space underneath it for storage. 

Full video → Epic Off-Road Van

15. Toyota Coaster

Size:

• Roof Height: 189 cm
• Dimensions:

• Total Length: 625 cm
• Total Width: 202 cm

Off-Roading Capability: No.

Prices: $7,000-$30,000 used/ $100,000 new

Pros of the Toyota Coaster for Full Time Van Life

• Its large size provides plenty of space for full-time van life
• Used, older models of the Toyota Coaster can be found for a very affordable price!
• Toyota Coasters will hold their value in the long term.

Cons of the Toyota Coaster for Full Time Van Life

• Due to its large size, stealth camping is not a viable option with the Toyota Coaster.

Example

With so much space and at an affordable price, the Toyota Coaster is one of the best vans to live in!

Take this beautiful conversion for example- 

This van conversion features a walk-in bathroom, a large kitchen, and an incredibly spacious bed in the back.

I particularly love how open and creative this conversion is.

There is a lovely bench seat couch lounger in the van set just beneath a window. When not in use as a lounger, this space converts into a dinette with two seats and a table!

This Toyota Coaster conversion is quite impressive, and certainly helps make a case for the Toyota Coaster as one of the best van life vans.

Full video → The Ultimate Tiny House on Wheels

Mercedes E-Sprinter (coming 2024!)

Mercedes-Benz is adding an all-electric variant to the Sprinter van family for 2024. Dubbed the eSprinter, this electrified workhorse is sure to appeal to eco-conscious vanlifers! Especially when considering it is likely to have a 300-mile range (this is ground-breaking because existing electric vans in this size class have ranges of around 70 miles). This might be the first electric vehicle suitable for (comfortable) full time van life!

The versatility and load capacity of Sprinter vans hold appeal for a wide range of uses in the commercial sector. Still, the recent overlanding trend has boosted the popularity of diesel and gasoline Sprinter vans among everyday consumers as well. Competence off-road and aftermarket possibilities have turned a lot of eyes to these Mercedes haulers. We are interested to see how shoppers respond when eSprinters start production in Charleston, South Carolina, during the second half of 2023.

There isn’t a lot of information that we can share about the all-new 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter yet. What we do know is that the largest of its available batteries is coming to the U.S. first. According to an independently monitored test performed by Mercedes-Benz, this battery proved capable of just over 300 miles of range on a full charge while averaging 35.2 kWh/100 miles (21.9 kWh/100 km). The calculations bear out that the U.S.-bound eSprinter should have a battery capacity a little north of 105 kWh. Pricing is not available at this time. But based on the price of the standard Sprinter, we think it’s safe to say the eSprinter will start above $50,000.

Final Thoughts

That’s about it!

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about each of these vans.

My hope is, that this guide will help you decide exactly which van is the best van for your new vanlife adventure!

Just remember to take your time, as buying the ideal van really is crucial.

The last thing you want to do is rush into a van that is maybe too old, or simply not big enough for your needs.

Instead, the ideal van will last you for years to come.