Camping Car Options

In our other post, we told you 9 amazing reasons you should choose a Sprinter Van! But, Sprinter Vans are not the only way to convert and make your camping car or van into a tiny home or travel home!  If you are still looking for other options, there are still so many to choose from!

Volkswagon

VW vehicles have almost a cult-like following since the 1950’s when they started making vans that people began travelling and living out of.  The classics are the VW Bus, the Kombi, the more recent Vanagon and Welfalias (or “Westy”).  These VW vans are the quintessential image of #vanlife.  Instagram and Pinterest eat these images up.  Beautiful and classic, they embody the freedom and lifestyle many van dwellers crave.

Plus, they just look hip.  (Can you say hip?  Is hip still a thing?)  But I digress.  They also have a huge community of people both on and offline, and they definitely attract attention and admiration as they cruise by.  So – Whats the deal, man?  Why didn’t we pick one?  They are fussy vehicles and have a reputation for breaking down.  Often.  And the parts can be hard to come by. They aren’t quite as sturdy as they are pretty.  If you are interested in stealth camping (we really aren’t) it’s pretty easy to tell if someone is living inside.  All in all, they are unique and coolio, but if you are wanting reliability and durability, these babies aren’t for you.

Other Cargo Vans

Ford Econoline, Chevy G-Series/Express, Dodge Ram Van (along with others) are all other vans that can be converted to small traveling homes. Some are already converted, and if that’s important to you, then this is definitely the way to go.  They also have a lot of the same benefits as a Sprinter Van in terms of flexibility (high top roof versus lop top roof, etc.) The truth is that we wanted something that was durable, large, with a high roof top, and reliable.  Some of these other models aren’t as reliable, but again, this is a personal preference.

RVs and Trailers

Here’s where there is a fork in the road, and we took the road less traveled.  I would say that usually people purchase RV’s or Trailers that want to travel.  I personally have a blood clotting issue, and like to be able to stand up and walk around, so Trailers were out for me.  Also, in order to have a trailer, you have to have a vehicle large enough to pull said trailer.  We don’t have one.  And won’t be getting one.  It’s just not our cup of tea.

Regarding RV’s – well, these are larger than a Sprinter Van, get ridiculously terrible gas mileage, and can’t handle smaller spaces like a Sprinter Van can.  Also, I’m not going to drive an RV.  There, I said it.  Those things are massive, and cumbersome, and I feel like I’m driving a planet.  Sprinter Vans make me feel like I’m just driving a big SUV.  I can do that!  Also, many homeowners associations will not let you park an RV or Trailer in their communities.  But, a Sprinter Van is different.  It’s just a vehicle and usually allowed.

Conclusion, we still think Sprinter Vans Are Awesome!

Ultimately, we wanted the best of all worlds.

• Reliable and durable
• Great gas mileage
• Convertable and customizable to our preferences
• Easy to drive
• Affordable
• Allowed in most homeowners association communities
• Standing room
• Ability to install a bathroom/shower
• Pride of creation – Van Adieu is our masterpiece!

Camping Car Rentals

#VanLife is a huge trend now!  Many people, however, are not choosing to sell everything they have and live as nomads in a van!  There are tons of people, just like us, who love the idea of #VanLife, just not on a permanent basis.  We love the idea of traveling, maybe even for long periods of time, but still having a home to return to!  Deciding on a camper car or van, or a converted Sprinter Van, is a big decision, and these camper van rental companies are here to help!  You can rent #VanLife before you buy!  Read these fantastic details on 13 companies that let you try out different camper car rentals to try out #VanLife!

What are your thoughts?  Did you buy a sprinter van?  If not, why not? What did you buy?  What were your biggest issues/factors that you considered when you purchased your vehicle.  I’d love to hear from you – let me know below!

Adieu for now!