Author: Chris Alarcon
If you’re an adventure enthusiast searching for the perfect vehicle to take you on your next journey, look no further. Camper vans are an excellent option for anyone who wants to combine the freedom of the open road with the convenience of a home on wheels.
In this post, we’ll explore the 15 best camper vans on the market so you can choose the perfect tiny home for your next off-grid adventure. From large vans to small vans, we’ve got you covered. So buckle up because we’re about to dive deep into the world of van living.
Class A
Class A camper vans are some of the largest vehicles on the road, built with the same framing and construction as commercial trucks and buses.
They offer lots of space and amenities, such as full kitchens, upscale bathrooms, and spacious sleeping and lounging areas.
Class A camper vans have a bus or truck chassis and are powered by gasoline or diesel engines, with diesel engines being more powerful and longer-lasting.
The top benefits of Class A camper vans include excellent driving experience, tons of basement storage, spacious interior, open floor plans, and nearly unlimited luxuries, which makes them such fabulous recreational vehicles.
The cockpit is spacious, so both the driver and passenger are comfortable, and they offer higher seating and an enormous windshield, providing panoramic views during every drive.
Forest River Berkshire
- Gas Type: Diesel
- Cost: $439,610
Specialty:
The Forest River Berkshire’s specialty provides a luxurious and high-class camper experience. This motor coach is designed to offer supreme style and comfort for travelers who desire the best in their journey.
Description:
Forest River Berkshire is a luxurious motor coach that exudes elegance and style. The couch is designed with high-end amenities, including a natural flow kitchen that seamlessly connects to the living area, making it an ideal home on wheels.
The Forest River Berkshire has porcelain tile flooring, hardwood cabinetry, and an optional fireplace for ultimate comfort. The coach is available in several exterior full-body paint designs and finished with Silkkens 4x clear coat, ensuring it will look good and last long.
The Forest River Berkshire boasts a vast interior thanks to its four slide-outs. It has a capacity of up to six people, with two sleeping on the rear bed, one adult or two small children on the dinette, and two on the pull-out sofa bed.
The coach has several features, including Freeview through the aerial on all TVs, front and rear air conditioning heating, hot and cold running water, shower flushing toilet, large fridge/freezer, microwave gas hob, and oven.
Additional features include:
- A Diamond shield front mask protective film.
- A passenger-side laptop console.
- Automotive and foam seal undercoating.
Fleetwood RV Bounder 35K
- Gas Type: Gasoline
- Cost: $259,860
Specialty:
The Fleetwood RV Bounder 35K is a class-A motorhome built to tour for a week without relying on external hookups or supplies. Its specialty is providing the freedom of the open road to travelers who want an affordable yet fully equipped touring machine.
Description:
Fleetwood RV has been producing Bounder motorhomes for over three decades, and the 35K model is one of their most popular offerings. It is built on a Ford chassis and is powered by a 362 HP 6.8L Triton V10 gasoline engine.
The engine develops 457 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 RPM, making it powerful and capable of tackling long journeys, making it one of the best camper vans.
The Bounder 35K has the latest safety features, including remote, power-heated mirrors with turn indicators, and side cameras.
It has durable, waterproof Tarkett flooring that withstands heavy use and rough terrain. The vehicle’s power platform chassis ensures a perfect balance of power and stability, while the all-new electronic instrument panel makes driving more comfortable and enjoyable.
American Coach American Eagle 45K
- Gas Type: Diesel
- Cost: $1,043,800
Specialty:
The American Coach American Eagle 45K is a specialty luxury Class A diesel motorhome designed for the discerning traveler who desires the ultimate comfort and convenience while on the road. It offers a range of features that are unmatched in the industry.
Description:
The American Eagle 45K is a luxurious Class A diesel motorhome with exceptional features and amenities. This RV has a spacious floor plan with three slides and can comfortably sleep up to three people.
The vehicle’s exterior is equipped with an 18′ electric awning with LED lighting and wind sensor retract, an exterior entertainment center with an LED Smart TV, and a lower storage compartment slide tray.
The American Eagle 45K has a powder-coated steel Liberty Bridge Freightliner chassis with a Cummins ISX15 engine that generates 605 horsepower and 1,950 lb./ft of torque.
The motorhome is built with premium gel exterior Vetrosina fiberglass skin and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Inside the vehicle, you’ll find a luxurious living space with theater seating and a 68″ loveseat that you can use to watch movies on the 49″ LED pop-up TV.
Entegra Coach Cornerstone
- Gas Type: Diesel
- Cost: $940,170
Specialty:
The Entegra Coach Cornerstone is a luxury motorcoach known for its high-end features, premium amenities, and exceptional craftsmanship. It is designed for travelers who want the ultimate RV experience.
Description:
The 2024 Cornerstone by Entegra Coach is one of the most luxurious and convenient vehicles in the market, designed to offer premium comfort and convenience to its riders.
As soon as you enter this vehicle, you will feel the premium leather furniture and the massaging passenger and driver seats.
This model has the latest technology to keep you safe on the road. It has a Firefly multiplex system integrated into a 10-inch VegaTouch touchscreen, allowing complete integration of coach controls at your fingertips.
The digital dash with a 360° camera and a Valid air leveling system further enhance the vehicle’s safety features. The adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation and blind spot monitoring takes safety one step further.
The interior features include a wardrobe, bathroom sink, medicine cabinet, overhead cabinets, refrigerator, and microwave, making this vehicle an ideal home away from home.
Tiffin Phaeton 40 IH
- Gas Type: Diesel
- Cost: $515,670
Specialty:
The Tiffin Phaeton 40 IH’s specialty is its luxurious and upscale amenities, combined with smart engineering, making every trip an adventure in style. It offers a premium travel experience with many features and options that cater to the needs and preferences of its passengers.
Description:
The Tiffin Phaeton 40 IH is a luxurious and comfortable van model that offers a smooth ride on both the PowerGlide Chassis and the Freightliner Chassis.
This vehicle comes in various floor plans, finishes, and décors, and it is equipped with Allison 3000 MH 6-speed Automatic Transmission, 10.0-Kilowatt Onan Quiet Diesel Generator, and 2,000-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter.
The Phaeton 40 IH also features stainless steel residential refrigerator, handcrafted cabinetry,
Aqua View Showermiser, tire pressure monitoring, and a premium paint system.
Additionally, the Phaeton 40 IH comes with a 10-year or 50,000 miles limited warranty and 1-year coach roadside service.
The Tiffin Phaeton 40 IH is a perfect vehicle for anyone looking for a comfortable and luxurious van model with state-of-the-art amenities.
Class B
Class B motorhomes, or camper vans, are popular among adventure seekers due to their elegant size, fuel efficiency, and versatility. These small yet well-equipped vehicles are built using automotive vans or panel trucks, making them easy to drive and park even in congested areas.
The sleek, modern design of Class B motorhomes utilizes every square inch of interior space to pack luxurious amenities into a compact area.
Most Class B motorhomes offer a full kitchen, bathroom, and comfortable sleeping accommodations despite their smaller size. In addition, many come equipped with overhead air-conditioning, power inverters, TV and entertainment centers, and auxiliary generators for extended off-the-grid camping.
One of the critical benefits of Class B motorhomes is their ability to double as your everyday driver, thanks to their smaller size and easy maneuverability. They offer adult passengers easy access to conveniences like the bathroom and refrigerator while the motorhome moves.
Chassis and engine service are also available at many automotive dealerships, making maintenance and repairs more accessible.
Another advantage of Class B motorhomes is their off-road capability, thanks to available on-demand 4-wheel drive. Models like the Winnebago Solis pocket are built to take you far off the grid and bring you safely back again.
Winnebago Revel 44E 4×4
- Gas Type: Diesel
- Cost: $202,400
Specialty:
The Winnebago Revel 44E 4×4 is a specialty recreational vehicle (RV) designed to be off-road capable and suitable for outdoor adventures.
Description:
The Winnebago Revel 44E 4×4 is a van model designed for adventurous travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who are always on the go. It is built on the reliable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, which provides a powerful 3-liter turbo diesel engine and on-demand 4WD.
The 44E floor plan is designed to offer flexible living, comfortable sleeping, and adequate storage space. With a length of 19’7″, it is compact yet spacious enough to accommodate all the essentials required for a comfortable journey.
One of the key benefits of this model is its off-road capabilities. The Revel’s on-demand 4WD system allows it to navigate rough terrains and challenging road conditions.
It also has an electronic stability system, traction control, and 4-wheel ABS brakes for enhanced safety and stability.
The Hydronic Heating System provides quiet and comfortable heating controlled by an LED touchscreen panel. The Power Lift bed transforms the living space into a gear garage with additional storage space.
Pleasure-Way Tofino
- Gas Type: Gasoline
- Cost: $73,450
Specialty:
The Pleasure-Way Tofino is a specialty van for adventurous travel and active lifestyles. It boasts a versatile storage space of 70 cubic feet that can accommodate bikes, golf clubs, or any gear unique to hobbies.
Description:
The Pleasure-Way Tofino is the perfect vehicle for those who love adventure and want to travel in style. With a 17′ 9″ / 541 cm length, this van model is designed with minimalistic yet innovative features that allow for a comfortable and agile travel experience.
The Tofino comes with a manual pop-top that lifts to reveal a 49″ x 72″ overhead bunk, creating a second sleeping space and opening up the galley and living area.
The bunk is equipped with USB charging ports, remote lighting controls, and zippered vents and is protected by durable Sunbrella roof tenting.
The van also features a convertible sofa/queen bed that easily lifts and lays flat, revealing a 54 “x 72” bed with a support cushion. The cargo net pockets above the head are perfect for extra storage, and the dimmable LED lighting is ideal for snuggling up with a good book.
Coachmen Galleria 24A 4×4
- Gas Type: Diesel
- Cost: $276,230
Specialty:
The Coachmen Galleria 24A 4×4 is a luxurious Class B RV designed for off-road adventures. Its specialty is its 4×4 drivetrain, which allows it to handle rough terrain and navigate difficult road conditions easily: This makes it an ideal choice for adventurous travelers who want to explore remote areas and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Description:
The Coachmen Galleria 24A 4×4 is a top-of-the-line Class B diesel motorhome with various innovative features and capabilities.
The vehicle is built on the Mercedes 3500 Ext chassis, powered by a 3.0L Turbo V6 diesel engine, and equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The Galleria 24A has no slide-outs but features a single entry door and rear doors, making it perfect for off-road adventures.
The vehicle’s interior is laid out from front to back, with an off-door desk with overhead cabinets to work on your online side hustle business.
It also has a door-side galley kitchen with an LP cooktop and single sink with overhead cabinets, a wet bath with toilet, sink, and shower, a door-side closet/pantry, and an off-door refrigerator with a pull-out freezer.
The step-up leads to a rear 68-inch-wide by a 74-inch-long fixed bed with power incline storage underneath.
Tiffin Cahaba
- Gas Type: Diesel
- Cost: $206,460
Specialty:
The Tiffin Cahaba adventure van’s specialty is its rugged and rigid design, which can navigate any terrain you put it through. The van meets Tiffin’s four essential criteria for functional layout: maximum space, optimal organization, relaxation plus, and elegant atmosphere.
Description:
Tiffin’s Cahaba adventure van is a small yet rugged vehicle built on a 250 Mercedes Sprinter chassis with a 3.0L turbo diesel engine.
It is designed to guide travelers through any terrain they put it through. This vehicle is a perfect fit for adventurous people who love the outdoors and spontaneous adventures.
The Cahaba’s exterior measurements include:
- An overall length of 19′ 5″.
- An overall width of 95.5″.
- An overall height of 9′ 10″.
- An interior height of 75″.
- Interior width of 69″.
The vehicle can accommodate up to four people, with a weight capacity of 9,050 pounds. It also has a 5000-pound hitch rating and a GCWR of 13,930 pounds.
V-Line SE
- Gas Type: Gasoline
- Cost: $100,270
Specialty:
The V-Line SE range is a luxury motorhome series specializing in compact camper vans with rear lounge layouts. Despite their smaller size, these camper vans provide ample living and sleeping space for two people, making them an ideal choice for couples or solo travelers looking for a versatile vehicle for spontaneous or longer road trips.
Description:
The V-Line SE range from Auto-Trail offers luxury motorhomes with high-class exterior specifications for 2023, including 16″ Fiat camper van black alloy wheels and striking corresponding graphics.
The V-Line SE models feature innovative design features such as cruise control with a speed limiter and steering controls for telephone and radio.
The rear lounge motorhomes surpass the specifications of a compact vehicle with five customizable layouts in three distinct lengths. Each V-Line SE is a two-berth motorhome with sufficient living and sleeping space.
The V-Line SE range offers options for two or four traveling seats, providing luxury exclusively from a coach built-in Fiat camper van that can park on your drive.
Class C
Class C camper vans are a compact version of the larger, bus-style motorhomes. They are built on a van frame or truck chassis with an attached cab section, providing a more natural driving
feel than larger vehicles, making them a popular choice among first-time RVers.
These camper vans come in compact, super-sized, or full-size models, with the full-size models built on a full-A-sized chassis. Compact Cs are built on a Mercedes or Ford Transit chassis, while the Super-C type uses the Freightliner or Ford F550 chassis.
Class C motor homes like the Thor motor also offer more living space than Class B motorhomes. However, they are smaller and can provide better gas mileage than Class A motor coaches.
These camper vans are shorter and not as tall, making them more maneuverable for getting in and out of tight places, and most have at least one slide-out to increase living and storage space.
Coachmen Freelander
- Gas Type: Gasoline
- Cost: $164,000
Specialty:
The Coachmen Freelander’s specialty is its ability to provide more factory-installed features than any other Class C motorhome in its price range. It offers unparalleled value, reliable design, and quality at an affordable price.
Description:
The Coachmen Freelander Class C Motorhomes offer an excellent balance of beauty, function, and value, making it a quality product that has led the industry in sales for over a decade. It is ideal for novice and experienced RVers who demand a quality motorhome that provides all the “good stuff” and makes new memories and adventures.
The Coachmen Freelander boasts of its certified green features essential for environmentally conscious RVers. This class C motorhome comes in different models, each with various floor plans and features. It can accommodate up to eight people and has a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom, and a living room.
Jayco Redhawk
- Gas Type: Gasoline
- Cost: $139,790
Specialty:
The Jayco Redhawk is a Class C motorhome designed to be a versatile and practical vehicle for road trips and outdoor adventures. Its specialty lies in its ability to provide a comfortable and convenient home away from home, with all the amenities and features needed to make any journey comfortable and enjoyable.
Description:
The Jayco Redhawk is a Class C motorhome that combines style, comfort, and convenience for couples and small families.
The vehicle is available in lengths ranging from 26′ 8″ to 32′ 6″ and can sleep up to seven people. With its budget-friendly features and state-of-the-art technologies, the 2022 Redhawk offers unbeatable value to its customers.
The Redhawk has a range of standard driving equipment, including a Ford E-450 chassis and a 7.3L V-8 350 HP engine with 468 ft.-lb. Torque, a 6-speed TorqShift series transmission with overdrive, 210-amp alternator, E-rated highway tires, and power anti-lock brakes with power steering.
It also has swivel driver and passenger seats, driver and passenger airbags, power windows and door locks, a tilt steering wheel, A/C, and cruise control.
Forest River Forester
- Gas Type: Gasoline
- Cost: $144,060
Specialty:
The Forest River Forester is a Class C motorhome designed to provide camping enthusiasts with a comfortable and spacious living experience. Its specialty offers a wide range of floorplans and chassis platforms, allowing buyers to customize their motorhome to their preferred van conversions.
Description:
Forest River Forester is a classic class C motorhome with a comfortable interior, well-appointed décors, and slide-out floorplan options.
The vehicle has 14 floorplans and three chassis platforms, making finding the perfect motorhome to suit your camping style easy. The Forester is also “Certified Green” by TRA Certification, making it an eco-friendly option for travelers.
This upscale motorhome is designed with several features that cater to the needs of travelers.
The Ford Chassis has a wheelbase ranging from 182 inches to 220 inches and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,500 lbs. The Forester has a large fuel capacity of 55 gallons and a 41 lb LP tank capacity.
The exterior dimensions of the vehicle range from 27 feet to 32 feet in length, 101 inches in width, and 11 feet 3 inches in height.
Minnie Winnie 26T
- Gas Type: Gasoline
- Cost: $113,210
Specialty:
The Winnebago Minnie Winnie 26T is a recreational vehicle (RV) that provides comfortable and convenient accommodations for travelers on the road. This model is designed to be easy to drive, making it an excellent choice for those new to RVing or who prefer a smaller vehicle.
Description:
The Winnebago Minnie Winnie 26T is a sleek and spacious Class C motorhome that offers plenty of room for the whole family. It is 28′ 5″ long and has an exterior height of 11′, making it easy to maneuver on the road.
This vehicle has a Ford E450 Chassis with a 350-hp 7.3L V8 Premium engine, TorqShift
6-speed automatic transmission w/overdrive, and a 210-amp alternator. The Minnie Winnie 26T can sleep up to 6 people comfortably.
The Winnebago Minnie Winnie 26T interior is designed to be functional and stylish.
The galley is L-shaped and well-equipped with everything needed to prepare delicious meals on the go. It has a U-shaped dinette and sofa/bed where you can comfortably read your favorite wealth-building tactics and relax after a long day. The dinette and sofa easily convert into beds, providing additional sleeping space for guests.
Winnebago View 24D
- Gas Type: Diesel
- Cost: $219,080
Specialty:
The Winnebago View 24D’s specialty is the luxurious and comfortable design that makes it perfect for long-distance travel and adventure.
Description:
The Winnebago View 24D boasts a plush U-shaped dinette with footrests and sofa seating that can easily convert into a comfortable Murphy+ bed with European suspension, making it perfect for relaxation and sleep.
The van also features a spacious rear bath with a 24″ x 32″ shower and a separate toilet area, ensuring optimal privacy.
The Winnebago View 24D is built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis and powered by a 3.0
L 6-cylinder, 188-hp, turbo-diesel engine with a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission and Adaptive ESP technology.
The van has hydraulic brakes with ABS, stylized aluminum wheels, and a spare tire, among other safety features, to provide a smooth and safe driving experience.
Renting a Camper Van
If you prefer to rent camper vans, there are a few points to consider when deciding:
Pros of a Rental Fleet:
- No need to worry about maintenance and cleaning.
- Try out different models and find the one that fits your needs.
- No need to pay for parking when not in use.
Cons of Renting a Camper Van:
- It can be expensive for a more extended holiday.
- Limited choice in the model of the vehicle.
- No possibility for personal customization.
Pros of Buying a Camper Van:
- Personal customization and total control over the vehicle.
- Cheaper in the long run if you are planning on using it frequently.
- Potential for resale value.
Cons of Buying a Camper Van:
- They have expensive upfront costs, including registration, insurance, and purchase price. However, you can buy used vans to mitigate some of the costs.
- Additional costs for maintenance and repairs
- Limited storage space when not in use
FAQs
Is It Cheaper to Live in a Travel Van or an RV?
In most cases, living in a camper van will save you more money, but this will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. Living in a camper van can save you money if you avoid eating out, have access to free camping, and only drive a little daily.
What Is the Cheapest Camper Van?
The least expensive camper van is the Bongo, which costs less than £17,000 ($20,787). It’s powered by Japanese engines, rarely known to fail. Compared to competing models, they offer more standard equipment, such as electric moonroofs and advanced driver assistance technology.
According to Bongo drivers, the vehicle is also a delight to operate. Bongo camper vans are easy to operate and drive, and their compact size makes them ideal for use on UK roads; they come with either 2WD or 4WD and an automatic transmission.
How Expensive Is It To Travel in a Van?
While van life may seem like a great way to save money, it’s easy to overspend if you aren’t careful. If you’re a solo traveler, you can expect to spend at least $1,000 per month, and a couple will spend even more than that.
Is an Adventure Van Worth It?
Living in a van is unquestionably more cost-effective than settling into an apartment. One benefit is not having to worry about housing costs like mortgage and rent payments.
Homeownership-related expenses like utilities, internet bills, phone, and upkeep diminish, if not eliminated.
This article originally appeared on Savoteur.
