So, once you’ve finally made the decision to buy a van, it can be hugely confusing trying to wade through all of the options to work out which one is best for you. Here we hope to try and simplify that process slightly by characterising a few different styles of van, and the benefits and drawbacks of those styles.
Being from the UK, these categories are based off of the most common campervan sizes found in the UK and Europe – Small vans are uncommon in the US so if you are US based we would recommend looking at the Medium or Large van categories unless a Small van particularly appeals to you.
Main categories
Small Vans
Small vans are a popular choice for van conversions, especially for solo travelers, and do come with a number of benefits for particular groups of people – but also some limitations. These smaller platforms often result in some of the most creative van conversions as space is even more so than normal at a premium.
Popular makes/models
- Volkswagen Caddy
- Ford Transit Connect
- Citroen Berlingo
- Fiat Doblo
- Renault Kangoo
Benefits
- Smaller footprint/height means parking will never be an issue, even in height restricted car parks
- Smaller/sleeker design means generally these vans are more fuel efficient, making them perfect if you plan on using your van as your primary car/daily driver
- The smaller size often means reduced campsite and ferry costs
- Cheaper to both purchase and convert
- Cheaper insurance
Drawbacks
- No ability to stand
- Limited space, especially for more than one person/someone who travels with equipment that must be stored within the vehicle
- Long Wheelbase (LWB) models are generally required for sleeping in, the footprints of which aren’t that much smaller than much larger vans
Who are they right for?
These types of vans are perfect for primarily solo travellers who plan on a low cost van and conversion that will be cheap to run and that they will use as their only vehicle/daily driver – so long as they are happy to live in a relatively small space. If you are looking for a van in this category, it is important to ensure the load area length is long enough for you to lay down and sleep straight – so generally maxi/long wheelbase variants are needed.
note. Internal load area dimensions are generally available online from manufacturers from a quick google – just make sure they’re for the right age of van you’re looking at!
Inspiration
Volkswagen Caddy Maxi – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h6MsgDWJGA
Transit Connect – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkbZzfnVFWw
Medium Vans
Probably the most popular size of van in the UK for weekend/holiday travelers, the medium size van class offers a blend of interior living space with practical driving and parking exterior dimensions.
Popular makes/models
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Ford Transit (Medium sized transits post 2012 are known as Transit Customs – before that the Transit name spanned vans in both the Medium and Large categories. Confusing I know!)
- Vauxhall Vivaro
- Renault Trafic
- Nissan Primestar
Benefits
- Provide a reasonable compromise between interior living space and external dimensions
- Hugely popular for conversions so templates, designs and parts are readily available
- Can sleep up to four (with pop top conversion – more details on pop tops coming in a later post)
- Can seat up to 5/6 passengers
- High roof variants/pop top conversions allow for standing room
- Some interior space for equipment storage within the vehicle
Drawbacks
- Due to their popularity, this category of van can be the most expensive to buy
- Whilst most Short Wheelbase (SWB) variants can fit easily in a standard UK parking space, LWB variants can be more difficult to park – and those fitted with pop top conversions or high roof variants cannot park in a standard 2.1m height restricted carparks/multi storey complexes
- Generally larger fuel/running costs than Smaller vans
- More expensive insurance than Small vans
Who are they right for?
These types of vans are perfect for those who can have a van as a secondary vehicle to travel and explore on weekends and a few extended breaks across the year – and wish to do so with a companion or potentially a small family. As previously mentioned, for many people these size vans provide the right mix of interior space with exterior dimensions hence them being the choice for so many people.
Inspiration
Volkswagen Transporter – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKhSnpwnZ9k
Transit Custom – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr6gqGRQ2vU
Large vans
Popular in the US where roads/parking spaces are much larger, and for those who choose to transition to vanlife full time – large vans provide expansive interior living area and storage but at the expense of large exterior dimensions.
Popular makes/models
- Mercedes Sprinter
- Volkswagen Crafter
- Ford Transit
- Peugeot Boxer
- Fiat Ducato
- Citreon Relay
- Renault Master
- Vauxhall Movano
Benefits
- Large internal load area allows for large living space/large amounts of storage
- Space allowance for full bathroom
- Ability to install fixed bed (Potential to sleep widthways in Boxer/Ducato/Relay)
Drawbacks
- Large external dimensions make driving/parking difficult (especially in the UK)
- City driving/parking extremely difficult
- Potential limitations on vehicle size at campsites/access roads
- Higher costs of campsites/ferries
- Fuel/running costs on large vans are generally significantly higher
- More expensive insurance
- Potential UK driving licence issues (if vehicle exceeds 3500kg Maximun Authorised Mass/Gross Vehicle Weight or has >9seats)
Who are they right for?
These types of vans are perfect for those transitioning to vanlife full time, who need more storage for belongings/equipment or those living in countries such as the US where roads/parking spaces are larger and ‘UK style country roads’ are less of an issue. These are the vans for people who want/need large interior space and are willing to compromise on vehicle practicality.
Inspiration
Ford Transit – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iltMoW8jhwg
Ducato/Relay/Boxer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PrDyOIS97E&t=199s
Hopefully this has helped make some sense of the wide range of vans out there, there really is a van out there for everyone’s needs!
Happy Travelling!
Zoe and David x
Written by David
Not-So-Trendy Travellers 
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