Top 10 Best Vans To Live In FULL TIME

[@VanClan]

Thanks for watching everyone, it's much appreciated! ❤️ Let us know what YOUR favourite van to live in is! 👇

[@jabreck1934]

Three years full-time Travato 59k. The absolute best all weather floor plan. I challenge you to find one better

[@usedevvlogchargeheads798]

Just about to finish a conversion on a Toyota Alphard which seems a good alternative to a vw camper. Also nissan Elgrands are worth a look.

[@tribequest9]

thumbs down because I'm sick of people pandering for a subscription, if you do a good job at making videos people will subscribe. It's like a used car salesman telling you to give them a good rating on the survey, it's annoying AF.

[@ziggy33399]

jurassicgalaxy9 you have a prejudice about used car / RV sales people? (Or as you say...men). Hmm 🤔

[@davidflavin]

I couldn’t go against your writers so... probably, the Vauxhall Milano... but what is the internal room for each of your top 10?

[@drumcdoo9050]

Can't believe so many of these have no shower/toilet room, absolutely essential in my opinion from personal experience. Easily fitted and have been many times by good designers who understand how to use limited space. All very well if you're at a camp site and don't mind queuing for hours, and so handy en-route when you're in traffic. Also vans are in high demand when it comes to selling because they are not day vans.

[@potato-zk2jm]

if it dosent have a shower room i dont want it

[@edgein3299]

Because they don't bathe in the EU. Should call it the PU.

[@SoraFan23]

RVs have that.

[@seerking]

@@potato-zk2jm you can add a shower to all of them. The vans are just regular vans. You need to convert them into a camper van.

[@pasplegaming9652]

As someone who goes camping often.. just use your bathroom at the campsite?

[@davidgodley521]

This past April of 2020 I retired from trucking. I bought a 2016 Ford Transit van with a mid high roof. It already has fiberglass insulation in the walls and ceiling as well as running boards. It also has the trailer tow package and a V6 310 HP twin turbo EcoBoost engine and is great on gas. I downloaded the Ford app and discovered that it was over due for the permanent fix on the driveshaft flex coupling. I really like it especially because gas is cheaper than diesel. If you want a school bus then look for one that has a Cummins engine and an Alison transmission.

[@LikeToDrive]

00:55 Mercedes Sprinter 02:02 VW Transporter Bus 03:10 Vauxhall Mivano 04:38 VW Crafter 05:52 Ford Transit 07:07 Classic American School Bus 08:22 Renault Trafic 09:28 Ford Sportsmobile 10:30 Fiat Ducato 11:36 Hymer VisionVenture

[@zmcfadgen]

Thank you!😁

[@m.i.c.h.o]

thanks! :)

[@thevashfan12392]

wow! that's some bad information. volkswagen has a bad history of crap engines, the old volkswagens had a habit of breaking down or burning down when the fuel filter got too hot, melted, then caught the entire engine bay on fire. fiat: Fix It Again Tony classic american school bus: **NO!** those things were run at low rpms with a crap load of stop-n-go in mind, those transmissions are literally just the lifetime of the service then junkyard. if you do find someone that can repair them. it's going to be repair after repair and it's just an endless money pit. ford transit: it's cheap, it's effective, it'll cost you a small fortune in fuel but that's about it. they're not reliable but cheap. mercedes sprinter: extremely costly repairs, good reliable engine if it's the diesel engine. often times this also falls inline with mercedes european quality instead of american market quality.

[@knaxel]

KZbin is so full of fluff these days thank you for your service

[@sverduijn1]

The Ducato/Promaster is nr1 big van if you don't need 4x4. Sleep in the width. Because it's FWD there is no drivetrain going to the back so the floor is lower which means more interior space.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Someone who understands!!!!

[@raymondward5629]

Express/Savanna vans have the best bumper to bumper warranty in class

[@ianmuir3640]

Like the huge towing hooks on the Fiat ,your going to need them

[@dethray1000]

i got a slightly used 4 door 1 ton 4x4 flat bed pick up for 35 k,full options--put a a slightly used all weather ,full bath,gen set, with 2 slide outs camper on it,paid 16 k,nothing on here comes close for the money

[@coogswin1]

Had to watch the school bus one about 8 times to figure out what bus features they were talking about. I still don't know for sure, but, sure enjoyed that part.

[@BearwoodBrown]

what were u looking at ?? reminds me of an old girlfriend

[@CosmicSeeker69]

The word Epic was used at exactly the right point!

[@sharonbraselton3135]

But ktrc school bus

[@TadWohlrapp]

Regarding spare parts for VW Crafters: the first generation (2006-2017) are basically just rebadged Sprinters, so parts are easy to come by.

[@higbeedoug]

Regarding your statement @10:35 of 'loosing some length' of a full size bed in a Transit, this is false. I am typing this now, sitting on my 'full size bed' in my 130wb/MR with 1/2" 'polyiso' insulation walls on either end and still have the clearance for the bed to tilt up on 200lb gas struts to provide access to the 'garage' below.

[@cloudyrblx]

When I grow up imma live in a van,like you could literally drive anywhere anytime you want

[@possum303]

You remind me of somebody... I think I used to watch your videos along time ago!

[@MorganHort]

Did you get one yet 😊

[@Scrambler85]

I bought a 2021 Ford E350 cutaway van with a 14'5" box. It has a 84" ceiling and is 78" interior width.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

It's in hybrede

[@Scrambler85]

@@sharonbraselton3135 it has the 7.3 gas motor 11-12 mpg

[@apollo8352]

Let me tell you I have had bus conversions, hi roof long wheel base transit, small vans and now a four berth C class Winebaggo... and what makes it the best, is if the weather is bad or your confined with a pandemic lock down it is big enough to not drive you crazy if you don't go outside....plus at just on 20ft in length I can fit in a standard parking bay....which is a massive consideration on the road. I'm not forced to convert a bed to sit down, and it has 1100w of solar 300AH of lithium house batteries, diesel heater, decent fridge freezer and max air fan. Things I would do differently is buy a motorhome with no rubber or joins on the roof, squeeze extra PV solar on the roof and gone for about 700AH of Lithium house batteries....which could of replaced the propane cooker with an induction cooker and run electric hot water and maybe given me limited off grid AC... Happy travels.

[@VanClan]

really appreciate such a detailed comment with such great insight! happy travels to you as well

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Many of these are not avail in the United States!! Thank you though...hopefully, the US will have some more choices of makes/models by the time I’m ready to buy my campervan!!

[@timandnatd]

You made the height of the transit a negative...when it's the tallest available van for the high roof, even taller than the sprinter.

[@darrenjones3681]

Er no it’s the fiat ducatto Seville built van first (aka Peugeot boxer Citroenrelay ) built under license in the USA as a dodge Promaster not the other way round same with the Mercedes Sprinter

[@zeus014]

The Sprinter vans here in North America (especially the ones built with the Chrysler-Dodge labels) are the diametric opposite of durable. Corrosion is a problem here, as is fit and finish, life expectancy of handles/fittings, etc. and resistance of glass panels to cracking as we travel over our less-than-stellar highways and secondary routes. Other makes like the Ford Transit and Nissan vans seem to fare better in this environment. Go figure...

[@dennisthedog4015]

Ive 3 sprinters and each one needed injectors. Go and see how much they cost each. If you go to look at one make sure you see it start from cold.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buyve k trc s o router can

[@almilani4300]

My 91 - 3/4 ton Dodge Ram van. Isnt fancy but it holds a lot of stuff. A twin bed. PROPANE STOVE- PORTA POTTY - SUN SHOWER. AND A ROOF RACK WHEN NEEDED. KEEP IT SIMPLE.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buy hybrde ram truck

[@ThompterSHunson]

Adding to the VW Crafter cons, I've read some blogs of people who shipped their vans to the USA (from the EU) and had problems finding repair items. Even the most common ones.

[@James-semaJ]

If you're saying the crafter and sprinter you've got to add the Mann version that Daimler also make. Strange that Daimler don't get a mention either.

[@Sepa9]

If merc asks 250K for a new camper van, it makes houses look really cheap... 😃...or cars way over-priced...I'm tilting toward option nr 2.

[@LoneWolf-ni1zj]

6.5 inches of "Ground Clearance" may be "whopping" for a Van however, in real world offroading, you want better than 8". It'll go offroad (dirt roads), but don't mistake it for a Jeep... or you'll be stuck somewhere you shouldn't be. Just an FYI, from someone's who's been offroading for over 30 years.

[@eclectictomboy6873]

I couldn't agree more! I'm so frustrated looking for something I can use to go down trailheads----higher ground clearance with at least AWD. Nothing out there that foots the bill that is closer to the old Astro size. I refuse to buy a Mercedes and a Transit is just a bit too long with not so great gas mileage. Anything remotely close is only sold in Europe. Frustrating. I also don't want to pay for seats and have the extra unneeded weight. Any ideas? Want so badly a road trip and camping vehicle.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buy e k rrc n eep

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Hyder jeep

[@havefunbesafe]

The best one is the one you can afford; I don’t care if it’s a 1993 Caravan...it’s about mindset not luxury.

[@stargazer7358]

I just want reliability

[@jamesgerboc]

My understanding is the VW vans are not available in the US. If true, and it is my experience in speaking with VW dealers, thats a very important piece of information for this review.

[@zek62482]

Drove a Sprinter at Fedex for quite some time... Horrible turn radius, and they were always breaking down. The Ram Promaster was decent.

[@wesgregg6451]

Old $1,200 school bus. You'll have to kit it out yourself, but the difference in interior volume is so marked that you don't have to buy everything from "Timmy's Tiny Trappings." Or buy a short(-bus) version and split the difference between space and maneuverability. That's what Steve Wallis (KZbin video uploader and "Hunker Down" camper) recently did.

[@franklyterrence4860]

USA, Parts will be the key, cost to get them, availability and cost to get them put in if you cannot do it yourself. Some of these Vehicles are rather obscure here in the USA.

[@dominicchen6749]

Any recommendation for Japanese models which are good for van life? I would prefer the likes of Toyota or Nissan

[@ziff5739]

I was hoping for more info on the amenities each van provides.

[@mindfulnessofficial3686]

Very helpful video! Also loved your performance in 21 jump street thanks Jonah

[@gothicpagan.666]

For Renault Master you need one build in the 80's In Europe Citroen relay , Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer are the same. And you forgot one of the toughest light commercials ever build the IVECO.

[@paskvale65]

Driving Iveco feels more like driving an old truck. Pretty uncomfortable.

[@gothicpagan.666]

Srecko Paskvale Only the seats, easy swap out

[@wendydaniel6857]

In Australia I have lived in my Suncamper Sherwood motor home on a Toyota HiLux base for 6 years. I love it ❤️

[@dogoguy1667]

The red van you show during the Ford Sportsmobile segment is actually a GMC Savana.

[@MarcoTorrance]

I'm not sure if a missing toilet and shower makes you really that independent and worth for living in a van. It may differ from country to country, but in Germany it's not allowed to boo-boo in the forest and public generally.

[@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084]

Iveco daily 4x4 by far the best van to convert long wheel base and extra high room so much more room then the sprinter

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Living and traveling FULL TIME Knocks out any van without full headroom and decent storage space. So forget your VW dream for a start. I sold mine on before I even started the build - likewise the Trafic. The other Huge issue to consider with full timing is payload. Your going to need to carry lots of water - or spend your life topping up a small tank - and that's why payload is critical. Oh, and don't have anything without lithium batteries. Period. (And don't say there's expensive bc that's not been remotely true since late 2020, unless you like getting fleeced but some manufacturers who rebrand Chinese cells with patriotic names)

[@InResponseOutreach]

You aren’t gonn like this life unless you’re extremely minimalist

[@Jim-fe2xz]

That's odd! The Canadian ski resort we just visited which relies heavily on their shuttle services had nothing but bad words for the sprinter. Break down often, service is hard to get and parts are expensive. Many car based youtube channels have similar complaints on all modern german vehicles. Once top of the list but lately seems not so much.

[@Mustaches4017]

Good commentary, my husband says the same for the sprinter at his job (they use them for emt/paramedics)

[@edgein3299]

Never buy anything German. Unreliable and expensive. Haven't built anything good since the '60's.

[@kevinkitrick4764]

Thanks for the info!! That was a great video. I'm all about the Sportsmobile Van! I've been looking into them and hopefully pulling the trigger this year. Seems to be the King of the road over here in the States.

[@VanClan]

You will not be dissapointed. 😊

[@petefarmer3514]

@Brian W Everyone that owns one.....seems to keep that sportsmobil to the grave....must be one excellent ride....was told better than the earthroamer. By price that is. Good luck and stay outside....life is to be enjoyed.

[@carltonthepug]

Forgot to mention owning a sprinter comes with an atrocious maintenance bill. They are VERY expensive to own

[@gregsimpson621]

Love them all. But since I'm 66 and want to retire in mine, I'm going with the school bus. Now to find someone to do the work.

[@michaelloud1995]

I remodeled a shuttle bus. Clean white and stealthy. Good luck

[@georginamuns44]

Hi .. are any of these vans sold in the United States? Planning to downsize from a townhome to living in a camper RV motor home 21’ ...can you guide me please? I live in Miami, Florida :)

[@Dartamayan]

Vision venture. Finally someone did my dream van

[@patrick35400]

Thanks for this vid'. You forgot a very good Iveco Daily and scam for the offroad, have look on 3C Cartier. In France, many buy ex fire brigad trucks 4X4 And built they own van or camper. Kind regards.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

Why do BRITs insist on calling them fire brigades? I’m pretty sure brigades went out with buggy whips.

[@marcosrissi]

Good information shown in a very interesting way. I am passionate about caravans, campervans, RV's, .. and watch videos quite frequently to escape in my own mind and dream of my own ideal free way of travelling, so that I have seen a lot of material about it. I must say you have impressed me. Well done. ;-) M

[@jeanhilton2048]

Brilliant. I’d love any of them really.

[@rubyfirefly2582]

Great vehicles. Got a version for those of us in the US? Most of these aren't available here, except for the Transit.

[@DubSportsWins]

Thank you for this video its awesome and a real eye opener I've been thinking about a minivan for years now and had no idea these existed tbh - so what is the advantage or disadvantages to owning one of these as apposed to a Chrysler Pacifica which is what I was going to get before I saw this video - again many thanks!

[@buffi944]

The A team GM van was best looking, anything after that is a fart, or the UK bedford GM van also looked good in twin wheel.

[@glennreviews5171]

You don't mention Citroen Relay/Jumper or Peugeot which are the best selling vans in Europe and very popular in UK

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Sorry, which video did you watch Glenn?!

[@Jessicanijkl]

I am amused that the woman at 3:46 did a headstand vs just standing normally in her van to show how tall the interior is. Oh, van lifers. 🤪

[@jessicalifford9350]

@Baba Ganush I guess standing on your tippy toes isn't an option. Hehe :)

[@patricialavatai6062]

@@jessicalifford9350 It makes for a much more interesting visual, which is kind of the point in a visual presentation. You must be fun at parties

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

Thus video could be far more informative had you included the price ranges for each

[@jerrymayfieldjr6080]

Claire Livefreeordie Hanns

[@thiyagaraja6262]

Van

[@scouttrooperhh-1487]

Only the rich live in vans

[@beefa1773]

Claire Livefreeordie 0:33-0:46

[@ryogovila7058]

@@scouttrooperhh-1487 Vans are relatively inexpensive. I’ve seen vans with full kitchens, bathrooms, heaters, and even a heated floor powered with solar power for less than 80,000. That may be expensive but if you factor in it’s a full time accommodation then it’s worth it

[@bonniekropolinsky-hinkle3680]

Hi...Impressed with all the work that you do with your vans...I live in central Florida, is there anyone you would reccommend for solar set up advice in the 32519 zip code of Florida..I woold like to work with a professional, to do this right...Anyfeelback would be appreciatted

[@TheGIAURI]

No from the beginning.. as an long time expedite driver I can tell you Mercedes sprinter is a worst van you can live in.. ad I understand minimalism is the idea here and cheap living place plus mobility.. so it's expensive it brakes down like immediately and to fix it you will need to spent a lot.. like another new van a lot. And it will absolutely brake down again in a less then 10 k.. I bought a brand new Mercedes sprinter.. like 0 on odometer new from Orlando Mercedes.. after many many breakdowns Wich included 35 000 dollar fix of engine I had to give it up at not quite 60 000 on odometer. Absolute garbage. And I mean it.. in the beginning I bought ford E350 extended.. for 5 000 .. it had 90 000 m on it.. I drove it for 2 year.. I sold it at 230 000 m for 2500 and it was driving like when I bought it .. no issues whatsoever.. the most expensive fix was 300 dollar something about sparkplugs.. in tx .. I was in and out in 2 hour's.. and never did I had to tow it . Sprinter on the other hand.. did more miles towed then it did driving.. so that's that..

[@thetrojanoftroy4398]

Ok I'm 13 and just looking for random stuff and there is a channel named VAN CLAN and I never knew of this. They were right when they said you can do anything and get popular.

[@centuryfreud]

What's the best wall clock to put on my wrist?

[@PerStianDigranes]

Holy sh*t! It's the Retro Dodo guy talking about camper vans! 😳 Mind blown!

[@ernestol6325]

can you buy either of these vans in the USA?

[@davidbrown8303]

Have you watched the American TV show American Pickers? The first van you showed was the model they used in the TV show. If they drove thousands of miles around America in search of junk to resale that means it holds up good. People living in their vans that is the most important thing is how reliable they are because a lot of people can't afford high repair bills.

[@VanClan]

Interesting, no not watched it yet!

[@mookyzook]

Yes they used the Ford Transit, the stalwart of European transport for over fifty years in one connotation or other.

[@harryls1283]

Which one is that watch you have?

[@db8898]

Too bad a lot of these aren't offered stateside. But it's still fun to watch.

[@offshoreworld-broadenyourk4656]

Appreciate to advise a reliable website to buy a second hand converted vans mate !!!

[@SteadyShadow]

hey, that bathroom top it to the top. that was wow.

[@paulao7022]

To drive a school bus... does one have to have a CDL license?? The school buses here are privately owned for the most part and contracted to the schools by private owner's. The owner's being the drivers here.

[@JourneymanVan]

VW Crafter is not available here in Canada. What to do? Embarrassing 😟

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Sportsmobile 4x4 looks neato. If it came with a fixed bed!

[@Bernard_Ashtree]

Pop tops are a must...

[@markburton8303]

No Iveco Daily? Huge vans, up to 5t, loads of lengths and heights and way more rugged and durable than a Crafter or Sprinter and loads cheaper to repair.

[@watannen]

he obviously has no idea about vans

[@johnmartin5240]

He’s right Iveco much better I’ve owned a Mercedes rust buckets.

[@johnbutt6912]

Yeh I don't think he's into vans

[@marcushull12]

and dont rot like a Sprinter

[@sverduijn1]

Iveco has terrible ergonomics. The gas pedal is too high. Either you drive full speed or you cramp your foot.

[@Fombese]

Iveco daily should be on your list.

[@driftwood5504]

how is living in a Bus since Corona ? any Problems?

[@Ceeboyforlife]

If Hymer distribute that concept, everyone is in trouble because that innovation and quality is unbeatable in the market.

[@VanClan]

👏 👏

[@BENI_MMNA]

I saw your retro gaming video's first and now I figured out you make video's about van life too? 😂

[@VanClan]

yes haha, he used to!

[@rebelgordo2339]

A brand you can trust it not the words I would use to describe VW

[@gbcampbell8530]

Do you know of any 12V rooftop air conditioners for off the grid. I have a MB Sprinter with the additional factory rooftop AC unit. I have considered if its possible to add or convert it to 12v compressor. Looking to get off grid AC for 6-8 hrs just to sleep.

[@gbcampbell8530]

I have a large house (2) battery grid for 250Ah.

[@driver55]

What a great channel. Thanks guys for your work. 🙏

[@wallacemurray134]

at 11:16 how does front wheel drive make parking easier??

[@renaulttraficconversion]

Thanks for the video. Nice to see other people's ideas. Keep safe.

[@davidhunternyc1]

Whether a summer of love or full time, I would take any of these vans if you came with it. 😉

[@taylorssoah3349]

Am I the only one on here looking for livable cars or van for me and my bestfriend for the future when we run away-

[@robinperez4077]

yes!!

[@leandadenton8943]

No! Starting my research... my friend and I are due to retire soon and van life is the way we are going...she has already got her van, I am still looking for mine 😊

[@taylorssoah3349]

@@leandadenton8943 SHEEEEEESH update me besties

[@themadnomad5361]

I have been looking for quite a while but waiting for the prices to come down although I am open minded if I see the perfect Van.

[@cameronthomas4290]

When he said vw parts are hard to come by

[@lindathomas4147]

old parts

[@openroadtravels181]

What about the Winnebago Revel?

[@andrewcoulthard1651]

Volkswagon. A name you can trust 😂 If you forget the emissions scandal.

[@discerninglight1998]

Did you know that you described the Ram Pro-master while showing the Fiat?

[@stevebrown1461]

Audio issues with the music being too loud. I had to constantly adjust the volume.

[@VanClan]

Apologies

[@Sparrow0514]

It was an unpleasant noise, that's why you were adjusting your volume.

[@hksunchaser1]

awd/4wd is a must!

[@procatprocat9647]

Nope.

[@Kolopsych]

Nice vid, but you’re really vague on the prices.

[@socorrobellen6964]

I love the van with bathroom,

[@mryellow9655]

how about to buy a tent ?

[@gizmotia1997]

What about Roadtrek 170 190 or 210 popular

[@ernieelmer2838]

Very few available in the USA

[@wilsimbulan1880]

i wish u can edit this and add a price on each. Thanks!

[@janettenash2640]

Fun and. Informative Thanks

[@VanClan]

thank YOU

[@SjPellegrino]

GREAT choices. Thanks for the love guys. Super appreciate it 🙌

[@VanClan]

Thanks for the awesome content, keep it up! 😊❤️

[@MeTreesndirt]

I need a vid on best 10!yr oLd camper vans.

[@timszal5291]

Jonah Hill what is the best Van??

[@dionlindsay2]

I can't tell from your accent. Are these US, Canadian or Australian dollars? Cheers

[@offshoreworld-broadenyourk4656]

The sprinter mate

[@arielgomez7345]

Hermosas!! Todas están hermosas, son unos genios!!!

[@Steve_Van777]

Great video thanks. It’s taught me a lot. I have only managed to eliminate a couple though haha Thanks 👍🏻