Cargo vans are the most popular choice for van conversions, and for good reason. They offer standing height, enough space to build a comfortable living area, and they're still small enough to drive and park like a normal vehicle. But not all cargo vans are created equal.
When most people think "van life," they're picturing a cargo van conversion. And there's a reason for that - cargo vans hit a sweet spot that's hard to beat:
The main downside is cost. A decent used cargo van will run you $15,000-40,000 depending on year, mileage, and model - and that's before you build anything. New ones are $35,000-55,000+. This is the most expensive base vehicle option by far.
The Sprinter is the "default" van for conversions and the one you see most on Instagram. It's a great van, but it's also the most expensive option and comes with some real downsides that people don't always talk about.
My honest take: The Sprinter is a great van, but it's overhyped for DIY builders. The premium you pay for the Mercedes badge doesn't always translate to a better van life experience. If you can get a good deal on one, go for it - but don't stretch your budget just because it's the "cool" choice. That money is better spent on your build.
The Transit has become increasingly popular in the van build community, and I think it's the best overall value for most people. It's cheaper than a Sprinter, easier and cheaper to maintain, and the build quality has gotten consistently better since its US introduction in 2015.
Why I lean toward the Transit: When you factor in purchase price, maintenance costs, and parts availability, the Transit often saves you $10,000-20,000 over a comparable Sprinter over the life of ownership. That's money you can put into your build, or into the experiences you're building the van for in the first place.
The ProMaster is the underdog of the van conversion world. It has some unique advantages that make it worth serious consideration, but also some quirks you should know about.
The ProMaster is an excellent choice if you prioritize interior space and don't need AWD. That flat floor is genuinely great for building - no working around a driveshaft hump, no uneven surfaces. If you're on a tighter budget and mainly plan to stick to paved roads and established campgrounds, it's hard to beat the ProMaster on value.
These are the "old school" vans that have been around forever. They're not as glamorous as the European-style vans above, but they have some compelling advantages, especially on a budget.
If your budget for the base vehicle is under $15,000 and you can live without standing height (or you're willing to invest in a high-top later), the Express/Savana is probably the most cost-effective option. The reliability and cheap maintenance alone can save you thousands over the life of the van.
Don't overlook minivans. Seriously. If you're doing weekend trips, solo travel, or just want something simple and affordable, a minivan conversion can be incredibly practical.
Popular minivan choices include the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna (the hybrid AWD version is incredible for this), Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Pacifica. The Sienna Hybrid with its AWD system and 35+ mpg is honestly one of the most practical camping vehicles you can buy.
The tradeoff is obvious - you can't stand up, you have less space, and you're limited in what you can build. But if you're honest about your needs, many people would be better served by a $10,000 minivan setup than a $50,000 Sprinter build.
Don't be afraid of high miles. A well-maintained diesel Sprinter with 200,000 miles can easily go another 200,000. A neglected one with 80,000 miles might be a money pit. Maintenance history matters far more than odometer reading.
Best overall value: Ford Transit with the 3.5L EcoBoost gas engine, high roof, 148" wheelbase. You get standing height, enough space for a full build, reasonable fuel economy, and maintenance costs that won't ruin you. Used 2018+ models with under 100k miles typically run $20,000-30,000.
Best on a budget: Chevy Express or GMC Savana. If you can deal with no standing height (or budget for a high-top later), these are the most reliable and cheapest to own. Great for minimalist builds or builds where you spend most time outside.
Best for space-conscious builds: Ram ProMaster. That flat floor and extra width give you building options the others can't match. Just make sure you don't need AWD.
If money is no object: A 2022+ Sprinter 170" with the 4-cylinder diesel and factory AWD is a fantastic van. Just go in with your eyes open about maintenance costs.