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7 Tips For Choosing The Right Campervan

7 Tips For Choosing The Right Campervan

Vanlife has increased and popularity over the past decade and with more people seeking the nomadic lifestyle, we’ve received a lot of questions about how to choose the right campervan. Choosing the right campervan can make a big difference in your overall camping and travel experience. Many don’t get it right the first time but don’t realize it until after they’ve invested. Here are some helpful tips from the pros at Moxie to help you choose a campervan that's right for you and your travel style:

#1: Determine Your Budget

Van prices range from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand so before you start looking for a campervan, you need to determine how much you can afford to spend. Consider not only the purchase price but also materials and labor of the build out price, plus ongoing expenses such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs.

The three most popular models to convert into a camper: Ford Transit, Ram Promaster, or Sprinter. Sprinter used to be king, but trends have shifted to the Ford Transit and Ram Promaster due to availability, lower entry price point, and lower service + maintenance costs during ownership. Far Out Ride offers a great article on choosing the right van and dives into the costs and features of the different models.

#2: Determine Your Needs And Travel Style

Consider how many people will be traveling with you, how much living space you need, and what amenities are important to you, such as a kitchen, bathroom, electrical or entertainment system. Do you absolutely need a toilet and shower? This takes up a lot of space in a campervan floor plan. Other things to consider are exterior add-ons like ladder/tire carrier, bike carriers, roof rack, solar panels, exhaust fan, A/C, additional windows, etc.

Think about how you plan to use the campervan. If you'll be spending most of your time parked in RV parks or campgrounds, a larger motorhome with more amenities will be a better choice. If you plan to do a lot of off-road camping or boon-docking and don’t need all the extra amenities, a smaller, more rugged vehicle will be a better option.


Ford CamperVan line up: Moxie Van Co

#3: Choose The Right Size And Type

There are several types of vans available for purchase including cargo, passenger and crew. Cargo vans are the best option for up fitting and converting into campervans because you don’t have to deal with overhead airbags and excess windows. You can also purchase new or pre-owned DIY or professionally converted vans, Class B RVs, and larger Class C motorhomes. Each has its own pros and cons, and varies significantly in size, so consider your needs and preferences before settling on which type is best for you.

If you're traveling alone or with one other person, and don’t need a lot of amenities, a small van or converted camper might be sufficient. If you're traveling with a family or desire a lot of amenities, you'll need a larger vehicle with more living space. How tall are you? Do you want to be able to stand up in the van? How much extra gear are you taking with you?

Ford Transit Cargo Van Sizing Specs

#4: Research And Compare

Once you have a budget and know what type of campervan you want, start researching and comparing different models and brands along with conversion companies and DIY blogs. You can search online for blogs, articles and youtube videos, visit RV dealerships and van conversion companies to see your options in person, and attend Van + RV shows to get an idea of what's available. A common mistake we see is folks purchasing a van because they got a great deal on it before they did research or considered their layout or needs.


Moxie Van Co. West Coast Double Floor Plan

#5: Work With A Professional Builder

Selecting and working with a professional campervan builder will save you a lot of time, headaches, cursing and tears. Sure, many folks are qualified to think through all the details of a complex build and come out the other end completely satisfied with a campervan that fits their needs. For the rest of us that lack carpentry, electrical, or welding skills, using a professional builder is the safe route. A good builder will set up an initial consultation and talk through all your options. They will listen and work with you to craft your dream van. A good builderThey’ve likely built many vans and know better what works and doesn’t work, so trust them. Some companies offer spec floor plans with customization options which allow you to see exactly what you’ll get and add your own flare. If you opt for a custom build to get the amenities you want, the builder can talk you through what does and doesn’t work well in the van.

#6: Inspect + Test Drive The Campervan

Before making a purchase, especially a pre-owned camper, it's important to thoroughly inspect the campervan to ensure that it's in good condition. Look for signs of wear and tear, leaks, and damage. Check the engine, tires, brakes, and other mechanical components. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional inspector or taking to a mechanic or local professional van builder.

Once you've inspected the campervan and are satisfied with its condition, take it for a test drive. This will give you a feel for how it handles on the road and whether there are any issues with driving or maneuvering. Plus, there’s no better way to know how something fits other than by trying it on.


Moxie Van Co. van walkthrough with customer

#7: Finalize The Sale

A professional builder will be upfront about pricing and offer an estimate for the work their going to do. They will likely require a down payment to get on their build schedule. Financing options are often available when purchasing from an established RV dealer and you know you’ll be getting a quality van.

Many conversion companies and RV dealers offer warranties on their products and conversions for peace of mind. In some states, you have the ability to get a bill of sale for the van chassis price vs. the full build price, which can save thousands in taxes when you register the vehicle. For pre-owned vans, we recommend during your due diligence to inspect the van before negotiating the price and finalizing the sale with the seller. Private campervan sales are subject to more risk so we highly recommend consulting with a professional before making that purchase. 


Moxie Van Co. Customer - Vimy Floor Plan

If you found this article helpful and are ready to start your build process, schedule a consultation with the pros at Moxie Van Co. Still in the research phase? Moxie has many floor plans to choose from for inspiration. Worried it costs too much for a quality and professional build? You can apply for financing and build an estimate directly on our website. No more excuses not to get into vanlife and the van of your dreams!