Reasoning Behind Choosing a Van Over an RV
A Fresh Spin on Traveling Vehicles: Camper Vans vs RVs
Nowadays, more folks are gravitating towards vans for adventures or permanent travel. Though you might've heard that a camper van trumps a larger RV, it's essential to understand the reasons why. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty and clarify why a camper van aces the adventure vehicle crown for those yearning for travel and excitement.
We'll discuss the nuts and bolts of camper vans, weigh the pros and cons of choosing a Class B RV rental over other options, and sift through the best rigs out there.
Come for the journey, stay for the freedom! With their sleek size and adaptability, camper vans contrast starkly with the bulky recreational vehicles (RVs) that cater to long-term travel and can accommodate larger families or groups thanks to their comprehensive facilities.
What's the Allure of the Open Road?
People embrace van life due to affordability, liberty, and an amazing community. And don't forget about camper vans' fuel efficiency! This feature means better gas mileage and the ability to cover greater distances on less fuel, making them perfect for extended trips! Check out our Van Life Guide for detailed tips on exploring the country in style.
Wallet-Friendly Living
Living in a class B camper van reduces living expenses as it offers both transportation and lodging. You'll also see substantial savings on pricy lodging when traveling, with the typical hotel room ranging from $150-$300.
Embrace Unfettered Freedom
For folks who go road-tripping for longer hauls, freer schedules are one of the biggest perks, thanks to lower living expenses and the flexibility to work remotely. Imagine pulling into popular vacation spots during quieter times – at mid-afternoon when everyone else is stuck in the office!
Meet the Van Life Crew
Last but not least, the camper van lifestyle boasts a great community, filled with friendly and open-minded individuals. When you see a camper van up for grabs, it represents freedom for many who crave adventure and exploration. Plus, when you snag a ride from our websites, you'll have a fantastic ice-breaker – after all, all vans are uniquely painted or wrapped! You might even forge lifelong friendships along the way.
Pros and Cons: Camper Vans vs. RVs – A Side-by-Side Comparison
Van life comes with its pros and cons compared to RV life. Let's take a gander!
Advantages of Van Life
Camper vans offer stellar flexibility, remarkable affordability, and a mobile lifestyle that makes adventures a breeze. Standouts like the Ford Transit shine with their dimensions, enhancing maneuverability and exceptional towing capabilities. So, it's no wonder most people opt for camper vans over Airstreams or other travel trailers – the hassle of towing and limited mobility simply can't be beat!
When it comes to features, camper vans built for travel, such as those found at Escape, shine with their comfy sleeping space (ideal for queen-size beds), cooking equipment, working sink and water tank, refrigerator, and extra storage space. Best of all, the smaller gas tank in models like the Ford Transit translates to significant cost savings on fuel, keeping you on the road longer without breaking the bank. What else could you ask for?
Drawbacks of Van Life
The main pitfall of camper vans is their size – they're smaller than larger RVs, such as class A or C models. That means less storage space and no full bathroom with a toilet and shower. Granted, the compact size makes camper vans much easier for the average person to drive. While a bathroom is nice, it's common to experience maintenance issues with compact plumbing systems – a downside when comparing camper vans and larger RVs like class C or A models with more amenities.
Finding a place to sleep might pose challenges, too. Camping spots might be tough to come by in big cities, especially at night when traffic is at its peak. But don't fret! With a little planning, you can nab a spot at a campground or public rest area. If you're a city-dweller, seek out RV-friendly spaces and spaces designed to accommodate the unique needs of RVs.
Owning a camper van also demands a substantial investment, usually costing around $100,000+. If that's a bit steep for your wallet, consider renting from a trustworthy website for a lower initial investment.
How to Make the Most of Your Van or RV?
Now that you're in the know about the perks and downsides, let's chat best practices for van or RV life.
- Choose a vehicle that suits your lifestyle. Consider where you'll be roaming and how much stuff you plan to carry, as well as fuel efficiency. A larger vehicle might be a better bet if you're packing a ton of belongings – but for ease of use and superior fuel economy, a smaller camper van might be the way to go. If safety standards, insurance, and financing benefits are of the essence, investigate Class B RVs for added peace of mind.
- Outfit your ride for long-term adventures. Pack some spare tires, tools for maintenance, antifreeze for the winter, and streamlined storage options. Don't forget about essential amenities like a water supply, shower, and toilet facilities to make your space feel more like home on the road.
- Embrace sustainability. Limit what you bring and get creative with how you reuse items while on the move.
- Tackle the legalese. Make sure your vehicle is insured, plan your route with legal sleeping spots in mind, and find local RV dump stations to unload waste.
The Bottom Line – Camper Vans Rule the Road
More often than not, renting a camper van wins when it comes to traveling and digging into the nomadic lifestyle, especially when pitted against larger, more amenity-rich fifth-wheel RVs. After all, why splurge on pricy hotels and cars when you can have a home on wheels for less?
When crunching the numbers, renting a hotel room comes with an average nightly cost of $150-$300 – excluding the extra cost of renting a car for traversing the area! By contrast, a rental camper van will set you back far less.
If you're an occasional traveler, the upfront cost of purchasing a camper van takes time to recoup, usually requiring 3-5 years of regular use. That's why short-term or long-term rentals are often the better bet for most folks.
At Escape, we offer affordable options for camper van rentals with awesome features. Our fleet boasts:
- Super-comfy queen-size beds
- Foldable benches and tables
- Pull-out propane stove
- Water tanks, sinks, and refrigerators
- Extra storage
With over 600 camper vans available for rent at our 11 locations across the U.S., there's something for everyone! Reserve yours today, or drop us a line if you have any questions. Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and plenty more cities await you!
- People choose van life for its affordability, freedom, and unique community, as well as the fuel efficiency of camper vans that enables extended travel.
- Camper vans offer flexibility, affordability, and mobile living, with models like the Ford Transit excelling in maneuverability and towing capabilities, making them preferred over larger RVs or travel trailers.
- Drawbacks of camper vans include limited storage space, no full bathroom, and compact plumbing systems that may encounter maintenance issues, contrasting with the amenity-rich class A or C RVs.
- To optimize your van or RV experience, choose a vehicle that matches your lifestyle and traveling needs, outfit it for long-term adventures, embrace sustainability, and understand the legal aspects of van living such as insurance, legal sleeping spots, and RV dump stations.
- Camper van rentals from reliable websites can be a cost-effective option for those seeking to explore van life without a significant upfront investment, with companies like Escape offering various rental options across the US.
