When you picture Vanlife, the first thing that comes to mind is the van itself. Choosing the right van is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make before hitting the road but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. With so many models out there, how do you know which van is right for you?

We make that decision a little easier by giving away fully outfitted vans through our sweepstakes. But before you enter to win, let’s break down the most popular types of vans for vanlife and what makes them great.

But before you can truly live the vanlife dream, one question always comes first: what’s the best van for vanlife?

The truth is, there isn’t one “perfect” van. There are many, and each has something incredible to offer. Whether it’s speed, space, nostalgia, or sheer versatility. From modern cargo vans with luxurious builds to classic icons that turn heads everywhere they go, the best van for you is the one that matches your adventure style.

Let’s explore the top vans that make vanlife possible and why each one deserves the spotlight.

1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: The Luxury Adventurer

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is often considered the gold standard of vanlife and for good reason. This van is built for comfort, power, and adventure. Sprinters have a high roof option, making it possible to stand up and walk around comfortably. This is a game-changer for full-time vanlifers who don’t want to crouch or hunch inside their home. It feels less like a van and more like a tiny apartment on wheels. 

What makes it shine:

• Spacious Interior: Stand tall, stretch out, and design a layout with all the comforts of home.
  
  

• Speed & Power: With diesel and turbocharged options, Sprinters handle highways and mountain roads with ease.
  
  

• Adventure-Ready: Built tough for long-haul journeys, it’s the van you want if you’re crossing states or even continents.
  
  

• Endless Upgrades: From solar panels to rooftop decks, Sprinters are the blank canvas for dream builds.

Bedroom Setup

• Can fit a queen-sized bed or two twin beds, usually placed in the rear.
  
  

• Many builds include a raised bed with storage underneath (called a “garage”), where you can keep bikes, gear, or water tanks.

Kitchen

• Typically equipped with a 2-burner stove, sink, and fridge/freezer combo.
  
  

• Some builds have pull-out pantries, overhead cabinets, and space for coffee setups or even an oven.

Bathroom/Shower

• High-roof Sprinters can easily accommodate a wet bath (toilet + shower in one space).
  
  

• Many builders include composting toilets and indoor hot-water showers powered by propane or diesel heaters.

Storage: Tons! Sprinters can handle overhead cabinets, under-bed storage, and gear compartments.

Utilities: Solar panels, water tanks, heaters, and air conditioning often fit in builds.

Perfect for: Full-time vanlifers, couples, or digital nomads who want both space and speed without compromise.

The Sprinter offers a luxury tiny home feel, with space for all the essentials while still being nimble enough to drive on highways or mountain passes.

2. Ford Transit: The All-American Road Warrior

If versatility had a name, it would be the Ford Transit. Quickly becoming a vanlife favorite, the Transit gives you space, comfort, and performance at a more approachable cost. It’s also one of the easiest vans to service anywhere in the U.S., which means less worry and more road time.

What makes it shine:

• Flexible Sizes: Multiple roof heights and wheelbases let you pick the perfect balance of size and maneuverability.
  
  

• Smooth Driving: With responsive handling, the Transit feels like driving a car, even at highway speeds.
  
  

• Widely Supported: Ford service centers are everywhere. That gives you peace of mind no matter where your road leads.
  
  

• EcoBoost Power: The turbocharged EcoBoost engine delivers speed, fuel efficiency, and strength for long road trips.

Bedroom Setup

• Rear platform beds are common, with large gear storage underneath.
  
  

• Some layouts include convertible dinette-to-bed setups, perfect for couples who want a daytime table and nighttime sleeping area.

Kitchen

• Standard builds include a sink, countertop, fridge, and 2-burner stove.
  
  

• Some Transit builds maximize kitchen counter space, giving you a larger food prep area compared to Sprinters.

Bathroom/Shower

• Fits compact wet baths or portable cassette toilets.
  
  

• Showers are often indoors, but some builders opt for outdoor shower hookups.

Storage: The Transit offers an ample amount of room for storage, especially in high-roof models.

Utilities: Supports solar and electrical setups similar to the Sprinter.

Perfect for: Adventurers who want a balance of comfort, performance, and reliability on any road. The Transit is practical and highly customizable. It’s easier to service in the U.S. than the Sprinter and has a large interior footprint perfect for families or couples who want comfort without overcomplicating things.

3. Ram ProMaster: The DIY Dream Machine

For vanlifers who love customizing their own space, the Ram ProMaster is a favorite. Its wide, boxy interior makes it one of the easiest vans to build out, giving you more usable space for beds, kitchens, or even workstations.

What makes it shine:

• Spacious Width: Wider than most cargo vans, allowing layouts that feel open and homey.
  
  

• Front-Wheel Drive Confidence: Excellent traction and control, especially on winding or slippery roads.
  
  

• Budget-Friendly: A popular option for getting the most space and power at a lower cost.
  
  

• Strong Road Presence: Despite its size, the ProMaster handles city streets and highways smoothly.

Bedroom Setup

• Fits a full or queen-sized bed across the width.
  
  

• Leaves more room for seating, dining, or even a second bed for kids or guests.

Kitchen

• Common setups include an L-shaped or galley kitchen with plenty of countertop space.
  
  

• Often includes fridge/freezer, sink, induction or propane stove, and sometimes even a microwave.

Bathroom/Shower

• Can accommodate a wet bath or a hidden slide-out toilet.
  
  

• Some builds use outdoor showers with privacy tents to save space.

Storage: An excellent amount of storage, thanks to its boxy design.

Utilities: Off-grid ready with solar, lithium batteries, and water tanks.

Perfect for: DIY van builders and road trippers who want a roomy, reliable, and fast van to carry their adventures.

4. Volkswagen Vans: The Timeless Icon

Few vehicles capture the spirit of vanlife like the Volkswagen Bus or Vanagon. These classics are cultural icons that represent freedom, adventure, and nostalgia. With their iconic design and playful personality, they’re perfect for the Vanlife lifestyle. The VW Bus is where vanlife culture began. When people think of the 60s and 70s free-spirited road trips, the Volkswagen Westfalia camper van usually comes to mind.

What makes it shine:

• Instant Nostalgia: The look alone brings joy and sparks conversation everywhere you go.
  
  

• Community Love: VW van owners are part of a passionate global family of adventurers.
  
  

• Built for Adventure: Many models include pop-top roofs and convertible interiors perfect for road trips.
  
  

• Simple Fun: While not the fastest in raw speed, they’re unmatched in spirit and that’s what vanlife is all about.

Bedroom Setup

• Lower fold-out bench-to-bed system doubles as seating and a sleeping area.
  
  

• The pop-top roof holds an additional bed, making it great for couples or small families.

Kitchen

• Compact kitchen with a two-burner propane stove, sink, and small fridge.
  
  

• All neatly built into the side cabinetry.

Bathroom/Shower

• Travelers typically use campground facilities or portable solutions.

Storage: Builds can maximize cupboards, under-seat storage, and overhead cabinets.

Perfect for: Dreamers, nostalgia-seekers, and anyone who wants their adventures to feel like a storybook come to life.

5. Classic American Vans: The Reliable Starter

Chevy Express. GMC Savana. Ford Econoline. These vans have been road trip workhorses for decades, and they’re still loved by many vanlifers today. They’re simple, strong, and surprisingly adaptable. Perfect for anyone wanting to start their vanlife journey quickly.

What makes it shine:

• Affordable & Accessible: Easy to find and easy to start your adventure with.
  
  

• Dependable Engines: Known for durability and power that handle highways with ease.
  
  

• Stealthy: More under-the-radar than flashy cargo vans, making city travel simple.
  
  

• Endless Potential: From minimal builds to cozy weekend campers, they’re flexible to your imagination.

Bedroom Setup

• Can fit multiple beds (great for families).
  
  

• Options for master bedrooms with closets or bunk beds for kids.

Kitchen

• Full-size kitchens are possible: oven, 4-burner stove, large fridge, and tons of counter space.
  
  

• Some even include dishwashers.

Bathroom/Shower

• Room for a full-size bathroom with shower and toilet.
  
  

• Many Skoolies include standard plumbing setups with holding tanks.

Perfect for: First-time vanlifers, budget-conscious travelers, and anyone who values dependability and speed on the open road.

6. Minivans: The Stealth Adventurer

For those who want to keep things simple, affordable, and flexible, minivans like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, or Dodge Caravan are underrated gems. While smaller, they can still deliver big adventures.

What makes it shine:

• Stealth Camping: Park anywhere without standing out. Perfect for urban adventures.
  
  

• Fuel Efficient: Lighter and faster than large cargo vans, making road trips cheaper and quicker.
  
  

• Easy to Drive: Handles like a car, with the bonus of foldable seats and clever storage.
  
  

• Budget-Friendly: Ideal for getting into vanlife without waiting years to buy or build a larger van.

Bedroom Setup

• Typically a fold-out bed that doubles as seating.
  
  

• Some builds include rooftop tents for extra sleeping space.

Kitchen

• Compact galley kitchens with a single-burner stove and small fridge.
  
  

• Often includes slide-out drawers accessible from the rear.

Bathroom/Shower

• Outdoor showers or gym memberships are common.

Perfect for: Solo travelers, stealth campers, or weekend warriors who want vanlife freedom without the bulk.

Choosing the Van That Matches Your Lifestyle

The best part about vanlife is that there’s a van for every dreamer:

• Want luxury and space? The Sprinter is your mobile penthouse.
  
  

• Need affordable reliability? The Transit or ProMaster are perfect middle grounds.
  
  

• Love retro vibes? Nothing beats the classic VW Bus.
  
  

• Starting on a budget? A Chevy Express or minivan will get you rolling.
  
  

• Crave speed and smooth driving? Look to Transits, ProMasters, or minivans for car-like handling.
  
  

No matter what you choose, every van carries the same promise: freedom, adventure, and the chance to live life on your own terms.

How Vanlife.us Makes the Dream Possible

Here’s the exciting part: you don’t need to spend years saving up or converting a van to join the vanlife movement. At Vanlife.us, we run giveaways where you can win fully equipped vans ready to hit the road.

• Enter the Giveaway: Grab your entries on Vanlife.us.
  
  

• Support a Good Cause: Every entry supports Conservation Northwest, protecting wildlife and wildlands.
  
  

• Real Winners, Real Vans: From restored VW Campers to gear like drones and solar generators, Vanlife.us has already sent winners home with their dream setups.
  
  

Take Vic H. from Louisiana, for example. She won a 1978 Volkswagen Camper Van + $20,000 cash and drove off in her dream adventure van.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best van for vanlife isn’t just about picking a vehicle, it's about choosing the kind of adventure you want to live. From luxury Sprinters to nostalgic VWs, from rugged ProMasters to stealthy minivans, there’s a van that matches your journey.

And thanks to us, your perfect van might be closer than you think. Instead of waiting years, you could win a fully built camper van and start chasing sunsets tomorrow.

Ready to find your dream van? Enter the latest Vanlife.us giveaway today and make the open road your new home.