Are you ready to start your van life adventure? Choosing the right van for your needs might look like a daunting task. After all, there are several great van models out there: Sprinter, Transit, and Promaster – each with its own fierce community of fans and supporters. Not only that, but you’ve also probably seen hundreds of amazing custom van builds online showing off that #vanlife.
But when it comes to the most popular adventure vans on the market, three vehicles stand out. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster all have excellent features that make them great picks for van builds and conversions. We’ll dive into all three options below to help you weigh up their pros and cons.
Before you get started, it may be helpful to ask yourself a few questions to help narrow down your selection. You could even realize that one or two of these vans don’t fit your essential criteria by answering these questions.
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If that’s the case, then your decision-making process just got a lot easier! Either way, it’s helpful to know your priorities before embarking on your decision journey.
We’ll go in-depth into this topic later, but a budget should always be your first task. Otherwise, it’s easy to get carried away by all the cool features that some vans have to offer. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Establish a reasonable budget and work from there.
You may find that some vans may be out of your price range from the get-go. If so, consider other models instead of expanding your budget. Even if you stretch your budget to accommodate a higher price, you won’t be left with much money for interior fittings or exterior upgrades.
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Also, think about how accessible van repair parts are in your area. Different models require different maintenance schedules, so it’s important to factor this in as well.
A new van is definitely more expensive. However, a new van under warranty is the most reliable option, which can save you substantial repair costs down the line. Also, it may be easier to get financing to help you pay in installments.
If a new model is outside your budget, used vans are perfectly fine – as long as you do a careful inspection beforehand. If you can find a lightly used van that still has a warranty (
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Are you over 6 feet tall? Then you might want to take advantage of the extra 4” of ceiling height that the Transit offers compared to the Mercedes Sprinter.
However, if you need more horizontal space, then Sprinters offer the longest van sizes. So if you’re carrying extra passengers or need to haul a lot of bulky gear, the Sprinter may be a better option over the Ford Transit and Ram Promaster.
Are you planning to keep your adventure van for a long time? Or are you just planning to use it for a few years before selling it?
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Sprinter vans are diesel vehicles, so they have a much longer lifespan than gas vehicles like the Ford Transit or Promaster. Therefore, if you plan to sell your van, the Sprinter will likely have a higher resale value down the line.
Do you expect to encounter rugged terrain as you chase fresh powder on the snowy slopes? Then a 4x4 van is probably a necessity. On the other hand, if you’re just driving up and down the coast in search of the best surfing spots, an all-wheel-drive van might not be a requirement.
Also, consider how you plan to camp out in the van or live your van life. For example, if you want to prioritize interior space for cooking and sleeping, look for a van that gives you a more spacious layout and increased cargo volume.
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We’ll get into the specifics below, but different vans require different maintenance levels. If you’re handy with a wrench and don’t mind getting under the hood, you might be able to handle more minor repairs yourself. But more extensive repairs can get expensive quickly.
Read reviews from van owners to see what kind of issues they encounter most frequently. If you think these kinds of repairs will send you too far over budget, consider a more reliable cargo van option, or one with an extended warranty that doesn’t need specialized attention.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a tried and tested favorite. Over the years, it has become a leader in the adventure van space. While the Sprinter’s high MSRP doesn’t fit everyone’s budget, it’s by far the most refined van in its category.
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People have converted these cargo vans into mobile adventure machines for decades, and they are still the most popular option. As a daily driver and weekend warrior, the Sprinter beats out competitors like the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster.
The Sprinter comes in diesel, gas, 2WD, or 4WD options. This flexibility, combined with next-level safety technology and a plethora of upgrades and accessories, makes Sprinters an easy choice for van lifers looking for the best. It's also the longest option available. So if you are looking for maximum space inside your van conversion, the Sprinter will accommodate lots of extra gear with room to spare.
The Sprinter comes in a few different wheelbase options, with two roof heights (that we recommend) and three body length options. The different options are:
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The 144 High Roof and 170 High Roof are the most popular options for van conversions. Check out our article comparing the Sprinter 144 vs. 170 here or view 144 or 170 van conversion layouts.
The Ford Transit van is becoming an increasingly popular option for conversion vans. One of the biggest reasons for the recent boost in popularity is that newer models (2020 and above) have a AWD All-Wheel Drive option. 4WD was one of the main reasons people opted for Sprinters in the past, so it looks like the Transit is capturing some of this market.
The new Ford Transits offer users a ton of great features. For example, top-end models include power inverters for AC hookups in the cargo area (something Sprinters still lack). In addition, they come with Ford’s newest infotainment system, the SYNC3. In comparison, most modern Sprinters will feature the capable MBUX infotainment system.
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When it comes to fuel sources, Ford Transit's are available in both diesel and gas. In addition, its Ecoboost motor has won over many fans for a zippy ride and fuel efficiency comparable to the Sprinter.
The Ford Transit comes in a few different wheelbase options. It offers two roof heights (that we recommend) and two body length options. The different Transit options are:
The 148 High Roof and 148 High Roof Extended are the most popular options for van conversions. Still, the 148 Mid Roof is quickly gaining popularity.
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The Dodge (Ram) Promaster might trail Mercedes and Ford in terms of its share of the van conversion market. However, it does have some solid selling points. Most notably, its square-like interior space makes it pretty straightforward to build out. It even provides enough room for most people to sleep sideways without flares.
One of the significant downsides to the Promaster platform is the limited number of aftermarket upgrades. It also has a relatively low clearance and a lack of 4WD options.
On the plus side, the Promaster is easy to get serviced and has more accessible parts than the Mercedes Sprinter. It has less dealership coverage than the Ford Transit, but most US cities have a Dodge dealership and service center.
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The overall aesthetic of the Promaster tends to divide opinion, but if you’re looking for an affordable conversion option that won’t be needed in off-roading or heavy-duty lifting, then consider this model.
Your budget is one of the most significant factors when it comes to choosing which van you want to use for your adventure conversion. If you just compare the MSRP prices, the Promaster and Transit are more affordable than the Sprinter. However, they lack some interior features and aftermarket upgrades compared to the Sprinter. Therefore, it’s essential to compare the features that come with the price tag before making your final decision.
The Sprinter has the highest MSRP of the three options. They generally start at $5, 000+ more than Transits with similar features. While this isn’t the case for every model, it gives you a good frame of reference to keep in mind.
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Besides bearing the premium Mercedes brand name, Sprinters justify their price by offering a ton of features. They have advanced safety technology functions, extra comfort amenities, and the largest aftermarket for (links) interior and exterior upgrades and accessories. With a Sprinter as a base, you can modify your van with professionally-made parts until it fits the picture you have in your head. As long as you have the budget, of course.
If you want all the bells and whistles, the Sprinter should probably be your platform of choice. It’s great for people who want to work with their van right from the start. But, on the other hand, if you pick a Ford Transit or Dodge Promaster, you'll have fewer aftermarket options and upgrades.
The Transit has a more affordable starting MSRP than the Sprinter. It also has
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