When finding a van for van life it can seem like a daunting task. It’s not exactly like buying a new car from a dealership. There are many different routes you can take when picking your van. Here are many different ways to
How to find a van ready for van life?
This is going to be the easiest way to get into van life, a van that is already built and travel ready. While this is the easiest way to start your journey, you still need to find what’s best for you.
Vans from RV manufacturers
This is going to be the most straight forward process of finding a van. Many RV manufacturers build class B campers. A class B is when a RV manufacturers takes a van from an automotive company like Ford, Dodge, or Mercedes, and turns it into a miniature RV.
To find a class B, you can find them on the manufacturer’s website, RV dealerships, and RV listing sites.
Vans from a van builder
There are some companies that build custom vans. These are all going to be different from each other, so it will take some time to research and compare the different options. These companies will either have vans for sale or take custom orders. To find a van from one of these companies social media is a great tool as well as doing local searches for van builders.
Used pre-built vans
Used vans that are already built are usually going to be cheaper option, With used van you can sometimes find a really good deal. These are van that people bought from van builders and they are done with them, or these may be vans that someone built themselves. These vans will range in prices drastically. Finding them can be done through searching listing sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, social media, and van life listing sites.
How to find a van to convert for van life?
There are many benefits to building a van yourself. Whether you want to build a van the way you want, you enjoy DIY projects, or looking to save some money there are many ways to find the van for you.
Here is a good tool for planning your van build.
New vans
If you have the budget for a new van that can be great option. New vans are going to have no miles on them, comes with a warranty, and just all a round nice. Sites that list new cars are going to show you a ton of different options. To find vans at dealerships, look for dealerships that carry a lot of commercial vehicles. You also have the option to order a new van. You will be able to pick the options and spec it the way you want. You can choose the size and height, the color, accessories, and more.
Older vans
Older used cargo or passenger vans are going to be the cheapest option for finding a van. Prices can range anywhere from $1,000 to $40,000+ for used vans. For the higher end of the price range you can find vans in the used sections of dealerships as well as car listing sites. For vans on the lower end of price range Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are going to be your best option. Used vans may take a while to find so you may have to look frequently.
Vintage vans
Vintage vans can be some of the hardest vans to find, especially trying to find one in good working condition. These are mostly going to be old Volkswagens, Fords, Chevys, and Dodges from the 60s and 70s. Just like with finding used vans online, listing sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are going to be a good place to start. In addition to those, looking on classic car listing sites will show you the most options. Finding a vintage van is going to take some time and patience.