Given unlimited time and money, I’d build a custom adventure van but since I don’t have the time to wait, I have been exploring mass-produced adventure vans that could be capable outdoors. If you’re anything like me, you love road trips and being in the outdoors, but spending a week in a tent during mosquito season sounds dreadful. But what if I told you that there’s a new kind of RV designed for people who want the adventure and flexibility of camping without all the hassle?
So the newer camper vans feature amazing battery power and chock full of luxuries like a full kitchen, air conditioning, showers, and toilets, but on a very capable 4×4 platform that can get you into the most remote areas. For me, I want to be outdoors, but when it’s time to sleep, I want to be as comfortable as possible. These Class B motorhomes come with all the capabilities you’d want for an off grid adventure with all the camper features that you would like
Storyteller Overland
I fell in love with Storyteller Overland from watching Kayden Phan on Instagram. They have one of the most innovative van designs. In addition, I was excited when they launched their MODE LT on the Ford Transit platform. But alas, I didn’t account for the fact that Kayden is less than half my size. The bottom line is the van was a little tight for someone of my height and girth.
I like that these vans were mass-produced but very targeted towards the outdoor adventurer. They also have a unique shower that stows away and provides a more open feel when driving.
Winnebago Revel 4×4
With the Winnebago® 4×4 Revel®, built on the Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter chassis, RVers can now treat roads more like suggestions. Off-road adventures are never out of reach thanks to the function-driven design, reliable 3-liter turbo diesel engine, and on-demand 4WD. I think the thing that is most attractive on this platform is the power lift bed, which allows you to raise your bed without making it everyday, and provides even more storage space for thing like motorcycles and ebikes.
Jayco Terrain
This Class B adventure van will take you anywhere you want to go. Taking you off-road and off the grid in comfort and style is the Jayco Terrain. This easy-to-drive van is taken up a notch with the JRide® ride and handling package. With sleek interior styling and upgraded power systems, you can enjoy the comforts of home even when you’re in the most remote locations.
I think that this tour from Last Line of Defense does a better job highlighting the features than I could.
AirStream Interstate 24x
I love the AirStream Interstate 24x (follow the link for my take on the platform) mainly for the largest-in-class sleeping area that is a requirement for my comfort, and the new E1 package coming in 2021 provides the Volta battery system
My Van Deal Killers
While I think all these adventure vans are reasonable choices for many people, there are a few things that I am not a fan of. First, while Winnebago is the leader in RV manufacturers, I think the fit and finish is below my standards. Especially the cabinetry, which didn’t feel substantial when I toured them.
Also while the Ram Promaster chassis is popular for Class B RVs it lacks a four wheel drive option. I have considered some of the pop top options for vans, because that does give you more space than ones with a dedicated sleeping space, but I think getting up to the pop top, along with flashbacks of our old canvas-sided pop-up camper from the seventies, has caused me to shy away.
My Van Must Haves
There are some important things, and when I look at everything I wanted, I wasn’t ready to compromise on. First, I wanted all-wheel drive and clearance to get up the dirt roads in the mountains where I wanted to go.
Second, I wanted a bathroom, it’s a creature comfort than many van life folks are fine without. I wanted a bathroom with plumbing. A wet bath ensures you can get a shower, even in the coldest conditions.
After that, storage space is probably one of my biggest considerations. That was the difference between a shorter wheelbase and a longer wheel base, which provided more interior storage and living space. I expect that even with a longer Class B I’d add outside van storage, the leading contender for this would be accessories from Owl Vans that mount to the back doors. If my knees weren’t shot, I’d look at a roof rack that affords some additional storage.
[Bonus content: There’s a great podcast with Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame on his The Way I Heard it podcast with Owl Vans founder, John Willenberg.]
Picking a Camper Van
It’s not hard to see the appeal of a mass-produced adventure van. They’re affordable, customizable, and can be outfitted for any type of outdoor activity you might enjoy. But there are some things you should remember when buying one of these vans. First, make sure you know what your needs are and what the vehicle is capable of. Second, be sure to factor in the cost of customization and repairs. And finally, be prepared for a learning curve when it comes to using all the features of your new van.
When buying an adventure van, the first thing you need to do is figure out what your needs are. What kind of activities do you want to use the van for? Are you looking for a simple campervan that you can take on weekend getaways? Or do you need something that’s more robust, with off-road capabilities and room for all your gear? Once you know what you need, you can start narrowing down your choices.
One of the main factors to consider when choosing a mass-produced adventure van is cost. These vans can be expensive, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of customization and repairs. If you’re not prepared to spend a lot of money on your new van, you might want to consider a used model. Just be sure to have it inspected by a mechanic before making your purchase. Or the most cost effective way would be to build your own van. You can buy a unconverted van at a reasonable price, and then configure the interior space in a configuration that works best for you.
Another thing to remember when buying an adventure van is the learning curve. These vans are packed with features, and it can take some time to learn how to use all of them. Be patient and take your time familiarizing yourself with the controls and features. With a little practice, you’ll be an expert in no time.