Not every campervan is the real deal. Some glint on Instagram, but disintegrate at the trailhead. Others read great on paper but have you scrambling with a power switch in the dark. If you’re in the marketplace for a van that functions in the great outdoors, these are a few things to keep an eye out for, and how to know a build has been around the block (literally).
1. Fancy ≠ Actual Function
Yes, stylish faucets and beds that transmogrify into low-ceiling kitchens look great on Instagram. All that gimmickry has a price to it. When it takes 20 minutes to convert your kitchen back into a bed, you’ll be wishing for less complicated things. The finest vans are great-looking, and designed for actual usage. You don’t need a monster truck to have the best adventures of your life. Get everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
2. Off-Grid Should Mean Off the Grid
Certain builds are all touting themselves as off-grid capable, but a single panel and small battery bank are not enough. If your lights are flickering after two cloudy days, it’s not off-grid. Find power systems that can truly keep up with your exploits.
3. Experience matters. A lot.
You can find a lot of garage-built vans. While it might be tempting to get a sweet deal on something built by a friend of a friend, remember to think long term. Trusting someone with a decade of experience means that the trouble-shooting has been done for you and that you’ll have a van design that is road-proven and built for years of adventures.
4. Short bed? You’ll know it.
Weird thing about sleep: it’s important. Get short a bed or an under-insulated van and you’ll be pining for your old bed at home. You need a warm, quiet spot to crash after a long day of hiking—not a windows-adorned yoga mat. Flares look great, but cramp your style and leave your head without any insulation, so cold feet are a real possibility. That’s why we developed the signature VanCraft convertible bed extension. In seconds, you have a full queen-sized space for cozy nights.
5. Where Is Your Gear Supposed To Go?
Your garage storage area is not an afterthought, it’s your go-to. Intelligent rear storage allows for not having to dig out six totes in order to retrieve your hiking boots. It’s the small things making big adventures simple.
6. Freedom Shouldn’t Have Fine Print
Avoid the dealership dance and warranty woes. Instead, choose a model manufacturer who can support you directly rather than trying to sort things out between a corporate provider and a local dealership. Find a place you can buy direct and get support for the long haul.
Bottom line Don’t purchase a van merely because it looks good; purchase one that works hard, plays harder, and gets you moving without the hassles. Want to know what that’s like? Let’s chat. We’ve got actual vans constructed by actual roadtrippers, for the type of people who need to get far, travel wherever their compass leads them, and nap like a champ, and do it all over again.
