If you’ve chosen to live the van life, you’ll find many recommendations for the best camper. But what are the worst vans for van life living? Here’s our recommendations to avoid.
Choosing the right van is crucial to ensure a comfortable and practical living situation. Not all vans are created equal, and some are simply not suitable for van life.
From our experience and those of some of the van lifers we’ve met along the way, we’ve had a look at the eight worst vans for van life and the reasons why they fall short of the mark.
We’re not just here to point our the negatives, we’re also giving you some suitable alternatives for each model ranked among the worst.
Hopefully this guide we’ve put together will help you make an informed decision when selecting a van for conversion or to live in.
Worst Vans For Van Life & Alternative Options
Whether it’s issues with fuel efficiency, interior space, or reliability, understanding the drawbacks of the word vans can help steer you away from potential headaches.
Avoid some of the eight models and you will be able to live a more enjoyable van life experience.
Dodge Ram Van
The Dodge Ram Van is often considered a poor choice for van life due to several significant drawbacks. Primarily, it is known for its fuel inefficiency, which can make long-term travel prohibitively expensive.
This van’s design does not optimize interior space, resulting in a cramped living environment despite its large exterior dimensions.
Additionally, older models of the Dodge Ram Van are notorious for frequent mechanical problems, leading to costly and inconvenient repairs.
For those seeking a more suitable alternative, the Ford Transit stands out. The Transit offers better fuel efficiency, which helps reduce travel costs.
The Ford Transit has a reputation for reliability, ensuring fewer mechanical issues and more peace of mind during long journeys.
It also features a more flexible and spacious interior, allowing for more customization options to suit various van life needs.
Chevrolet Express
The Chevrolet Express is often criticized for its high maintenance costs, making it an impractical option for those living on the road.
Some van lifers with this van have reported that it frequently requires expensive repairs, which can add up over time.
The van’s design makes it difficult to insulate properly, leading to uncomfortable living conditions in both hot and cold weather.
The limited interior customization options also hinder its suitability for van life, as the layout is not conducive to efficient use of space.
As an alternative, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a much better choice. It offers a more spacious interior and superior insulation, making it comfortable in a variety of climates.
The Sprinter is also renowned for its ease of customization, allowing van lifers to create a living space that meets their specific needs.
Its reliability further ensures fewer maintenance issues, providing a more worry-free experience on the road.
Nissan NV
The Nissan NV is often deemed unsuitable for van life due to its uncomfortable ride quality, which can be a significant drawback for long-distance travel.
We’ve spoken to friends who tell us that the ride is rough and tiring, making it less enjoyable to spend extended periods on the road.
The limited availability of parts and service centers can be a significant inconvenience too, as it makes repairs and maintenance more challenging and time-consuming.
The van’s poor fuel efficiency further exacerbates its drawbacks, leading to higher travel costs.
As a more suitable alternative, the Ram ProMaster offers a smoother ride, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience. It also boasts better fuel efficiency, helping to reduce ongoing travel expenses.
The widespread availability of parts and service centers makes maintenance more manageable, providing greater peace of mind for those living the van life.
Ford E-Series
The Ford E-Series is often regarded as a less-than-ideal option for van life due to its outdated design and technology.
Compared to newer models, it lacks modern amenities and features that can significantly enhance comfort and functionality.
The E-Series is known for requiring frequent repairs, while another drawback is its poor maneuverability. The large size and design make it difficult to handle, especially in urban areas or tight spaces.
For a more modern and practical alternative, the Ford Transit Connect is a standout option. It offers updated technology and improved fuel efficiency, making it a more cost-effective and comfortable choice.
Its smaller size and better maneuverability make it easier to drive and park, while still providing sufficient space for a functional and customizable living area.
GMC Savana
The GMC Savana is often considered a poor choice for van life due to its high fuel consumption, which can lead to significant travel costs over time.
This van’s design also offers limited interior customization options, restricting its functionality and making it challenging to create a comfortable living space.
The GMC Savana tends to depreciate quickly, resulting in a poor resale value that can make it a less financially sound investment.
For those seeking a more reliable and efficient alternative, the Toyota Hiace is an excellent option. It is renowned for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term travel.
The Hiace also offers better resale value, and its design allows for greater customization, enabling van lifers to create a living space that meets their specific needs and preferences.
Renault Master
The Renault Master is generally not recommended for van life due to several key issues, the primary concern being its reliability.
The van is known for having frequent mechanical problems, which can lead to costly repairs and extended downtime.
The Renault Master also tends to have poor fuel efficiency, while the interior design is also a drawback with a lack of the flexibility and space optimization available for comfortable van living.
A better alternative is the Ford Transit, which is in the same price range and offers improved reliability, better fuel efficiency, and a more versatile interior that can be easily customized to meet the needs of van lifers.
VW Caddy
The VW Caddy is unsuitable for long-term van life primarily due to its small size. While it may be efficient and easy to maneuver, the limited space makes it difficult to create a comfortable living area.
Storage and amenities are severely restricted, which can lead to a cramped and impractical living environment if you are a full-timer in your van.
The VW Caddy’s payload capacity as a small van is lower compared to larger vans, limiting the amount of gear and supplies you can carry.
For those seeking a more spacious and comfortable option, the Mercedes Sprinter is a viable alternative.
The Sprinter provides ample interior space, allowing for a more functional and comfortable living setup and also has a higher payload capacity.
Mercedes Vito
The Mercedes Vito, while a high-quality vehicle, is often considered a poor choice for van life due to its relatively small interior space compared to other options.
This limitation makes it challenging to create a fully functional and comfortable living area.
The Vito’s maintenance and repair costs can be high, and another issue is that the van’s fuel efficiency is not as good as some of its competitors.
A better alternative is the Ford Transit Connect, which offers a more spacious and flexible interior, and is a more practical and economical choice for those looking to convert a van for living purposes.