Understand Your Priorities Before You Pick A Van

Key Considerations Before Buying a Van

Before making a decision on which van to buy, it's essential to consider various factors, such as fuel efficiency, stealth, budget, and the features you need. This article will discuss these considerations in detail and provide a checklist to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Fuel Efficiency

Newer models of vans are much more fuel-efficient than older ones. According to Lending Tree, fuel efficiency has improved by 35.4% in the past 20 years. This means you can go 35% further with a new van than a 20-year-old van. Older vans, in particular, have poor fuel efficiency, sometimes as low as 10 MPG. In contrast, new vans like the Ford Transit can achieve up to 43 MPG.

Diesel vans generally have better fuel efficiency than petrol vans. However, diesel usually costs more. You will need to do your calculations depending on where you live and the fuel prices to determine which type of van is more cost-effective. In some areas, diesel and petrol prices are similar, making diesel vans a more economical choice. Additionally, diesel vans tend to have a longer lifespan than petrol vans, often lasting twice as long.

Stealth

A stealthy van is less likely to experience break-ins and may have an easier time parking overnight without attracting attention from locals or the police. For example, a friend living in their campervan full-time in Glasgow, Scotland, experienced two break-ins while sleeping but managed to escape quickly due to having access to the cab.

Full-Time Living and Remote Work

If you plan to live in your van full-time or work remotely, you need to consider various factors, such as:

  • Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on your van and its features.

  • Luxuries: Decide if you need amenities like a toilet, shower, or kitchen.

  • Seasons and weather: Winter conditions require more insulation, which takes up space inside the van.

  • Mood: Consider how the van's interior design and layout will affect your mental well-being.

  • Food storage: Decide if you need a small or large fridge.

  • Sleeping arrangements: If you have a partner, you may need a larger bed or additional sleeping space.

  • Lifestyle: Consider storage for items like mountain bikes, skis, or other outdoor gear.

Checklist of Big Items for Your Van

Here is a list of significant items to consider when choosing a van. These items can impact the size of your van and the features it can accommodate.

Metalwork:

  • Awning

  • Spare wheel carrier

  • Exterior ladder

  • Roof rack

  • Solar panels

  • Swivel cab seats

  • Window(s)

  • Roof vent

  • Bike rack

  • Air conditioning

  • Flares

Electrics:

  • Electrical system (big vs. small - batteries, charging, AC/DC…)

  • Fridge (big vs. small)

  • Movie projector

  • Speakers

Water:

  • Toilet

  • Water heater

  • Indoor shower (only 21% of van dwellers have a built-in shower, most people use gyms & campsites)

  • Sink

  • Water tanks (indoor / underslung - big 100L vs. small 20L)

LPG (propane):

  • Stove

  • Oven

  • Fridge

  • Heater (LPG / Diesel)

  • Gas locker

Woodwork:

  • Bed

  • Table

  • Storage (e.g., wardrobe, overhead, bulkhead)

  • Kitchen unit

Get inspired by seeing what other vanlifers are doing and use this checklist to determine the size and features of your ideal van.

Resources

What to consider when choosing a van

Download
Open
Mark lesson complete