Finding the Perfect Van
Choosing the Right Cargo Van for Van Life Adventures.
Van life is all about freedom, adventure, and creating your own home on wheels. The most popular cargo vans in the van life world are the Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster, and Ford Transit. Each has unique features, and your choice depends on budget, climate, and travel style.
Ram ProMaster: Affordable and Boxy
The ProMaster is loved for its boxy shape, which makes building a functional living space easier—perfect for van life and travel photography setups.
Options:
Length: 136" WB (17.75 ft), 159" WB (19.75 ft), 159" WB Extended (20.85 ft)
Height: 88", 99"
Pros: Affordable maintenance, easy to find, spacious interior.
Cons: Front-wheel drive (FWD) can struggle in snow, heavy builds reduce acceleration uphill.
Great for photographers who want a square canvas for creative van builds.
Ford Transit: Popular and Versatile
The Ford Transit is the go-to van for many van lifers, thanks to its flexibility, cost, and dealership accessibility.
Options:
Length: 18.5 ft (130" WB), 20 ft (148" WB), 22 ft (148" WB)
Height: Low Roof (83.2"), Medium Roof (100.8"), High Roof (110.2")
Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost Gas, 2.0L EcoBlue Diesel
Drivetrain: RWD (most models), AWD (new 2021+ models)
Pros: Affordable, reliable, AWD options for winter travel, easy maintenance anywhere.
Cons: High Roofs are less common and slightly more expensive.
Ideal for travel photographers looking for a comfortable ride and off-grid adventures.
Mercedes Sprinter: Premium and Iconic
The Sprinter is the luxury choice for full-time van life. It’s reliable, spacious, and widely used in the van life community.
Popular Models:
2500 High Roof, 170" WB
2500 High Roof, 170" WB EXT
3500 High Roof, 144" WB
3500 High Roof, 170" WB
Pros: High-quality build, great for long-term travel, excellent living space.
Cons: High purchase cost, expensive maintenance, dealership repairs often required.
Perfect for van lifers who prioritize comfort, style, and extended travel photography trips.
Final Tips for Choosing Your Van
When picking a van:
Consider climate and terrain (AWD vs. FWD).
Choose a size that suits your lifestyle and gear (photography equipment needs space!).
Factor in maintenance costs and availability of service locations.
Once you find the right van, commit—it’s the beginning of countless adventure travel and van life experiences.
