Whether you’re heading out for a weekend or planning to hit the road for months, living in a camper van can make travel more fun and less stressful. These vehicles are equipped with everything you need to stay cozy and comfortable while scouting new places. They can also have kitchens, toilets and other conveniences.
Some companies specialize in making these compact motorhomes. For example, Ohio-based Airstream offers a line of pricey “touring coaches” that fit a mini home into 19-foot vans. For a more affordable option, the brand recently debuted a Rangeline model based on the Ram Promaster. And Alabama-based Overland Vehicle Outfitters has created a 4×4 conversion of the Ford Transit called Beast Mode, which comes with a roof rack and a side ladder as well as a 188 hp diesel engine and BF Goodrich tires.
Other companies build camper vans from the ground up. The Portland-based Outside Van has a model based on the Nissan NV200 that it calls Free Bird. The company uses a sliding rail system to quickly convert the cargo van into a camping machine or back into a regular truck. In the former configuration, it features a bed and a kitchen that includes a portable butane stove, two storage drawers, two USB power ports and a 31-quart fridge.
Taking on the Sprinter is no small feat, but Ford is attempting to do just that with its Transit Trail, which debuted last fall. The brand’s off-road-ready van is based on the uber popular commercial vehicle and features protective body cladding. Its turbo-diesel V-6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and it can be fitted with an overland package that adds an engine skid plate and rear stabilizers.