People are moving away from bulky traditional fiberglass RVs and toward the sleeker, safer, more usable and more cost-effective converted camper vans.
Large cargo vans entered the US market in the last 10-15 years. A growing number of individuals and companies convert these empty cargo vans into camping vans. You can find fans of each vehicle online. (Read our blog comparing the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Nissan NV cargo vans) Each type of van comes in a high-roof version.
A base cargo van costs roughly $35,000, with an additional $10,000 to add additional safety and comfort features. Van conversions with full insulation and paneling, one bed and a simple kitchen start at an additional $40,000. Adding solar power, a battery bank, electrical wiring, hot water, toilet, shower and more seating can easily be an additional $40,000-$70,000 on any of the base cargo vans.
Many camping vans for 2 people with full RV-type amenities like bathrooms, heating and cooking run between $100,000-200,000. In comparison. a Typical Small Class B or C RV for 2 people with bathroom costs roughly the same. Some RV companies like Airstream and Winnebago are now selling converted camper vans.
New RVs and converted camper vans cost about the same. But the lifetime cost of a camper van is less than a comparable RV.
Used RVs cost less than used camping vans. This also means that RVs lose their value faster than vans.
RVs come in a much greater options for length and width, but are more difficult to drive and park because of that bulk of large fiberglass bodies. Storage costs for those large RVs add up to thousands of dollars.
Vans get much better mileage than most RVs, saving $20,000 or more over the life of the vehicle. Most vans average between 15-25 mpg, while most RVs average between 7-12 mpg. At $3.00 a gallon, that fuel cost difference is enormous.
Vans have more safety features than most RVs and more options for integrated seat belts. In 2019, Sweden conducted RV safety tests with terrible results. RVs and their plastic interiors and interior components are simply not crash safety. Cargo vans with their steel walls and extra safety features offer more protection.
Because vans are easier to park and drive and have better fuel economy, they can be used year round rather than sit in a moldy parking lot for most of the year.
Comparing Costs and Features of Camping Vans with Traditional RVs
| Camping Vans | RV | |
| Cost for new | Roughly equal costs for size for new options | |
| Cost for used | Less expensive for used | |
| Resale Value | Highest resale value | |
| Length | Longer Options | |
| Width | Wider Options | |
| Fuel Costs | Lowest fuel costs | |
| Repair Frequency | Lowest number of repairs | |
| Repair Costs | Lowest repair costs | |
| Maintenance Availability | Easiest access to repairs and maintenance | |
| Engine Life | Longest engine life | |
| Parking | Easier to park | |
| Drivability | Easier to drive, particularly to turn around | |
| Safety and Safety Options | Greater safety in crashes, and greater number of safety options |
In sum, a traditional RV might work best for you if:
- you are looking to have a large vehicle both longer and wider than a van
- you plan to drive the RV only on vacation
- you are prepared for significant costs for repair
- you are prepared for significant loss of value over time
A converted camping van might work best for you if:
- you would like a vehicle you can use year round
- you are interested in saving money on fuel and repairs
- you are concerned about safety
- you are concerned about resale value