How does the Van Advisor work?
The Van Advisor helps you find the best van for your camper project. Based on your answers to nine questions, the tool calculates a weighted score for each van model and shows your personal top 3 with pros and cons.
Weighted scoring
Each van model receives a score based on nine criteria: usage, number of travellers, standing height, budget, parking, stealth, workspace, build level and sleeping orientation. Each criterion has its own weighting factor. For example, standing height weighs more heavily than stealth, and the number of travellers feeds into the space assessment. The total score determines the ranking.
Standing height, parking and sleeping
The tool assesses for each van whether standing height is realistic (only for high-roof versions), whether the van is compact enough for city parking (based on both length and height — vans under 2m fit in most parking garages), and whether crosswise sleeping is possible based on interior width (minus 5 cm margin).
Top 3 and comparison
The three highest-scoring vans are highlighted with interior dimensions, payload, overall length and a list of pros and cons. Below that you will find a full ranking of all van models, so you can also compare alternatives. The scores are relative: they show which van best matches your answers.
Assumptions and weighting factors
The scoring uses fixed weighting factors per criterion: standing height (20 points), usage (15), number of travellers (15), parking (15), budget (10), stealth (10), build level (10), crosswise sleeping (10) and workspace (5). Vans shorter than 5.0 m score maximum on parking; vans longer than 6.0 m are penalised when parking is important. Vans taller than 2.0 m receive a garage penalty. Crosswise sleeping is only possible when the interior width is at least your body height (with 5 cm margin). These weighting factors are fixed and based on the most common preferences of self-builders.
Sources and standards
Vehicle dimensions, GVW (gross vehicle weight) and payload are based on the RDW vehicle database and manufacturer specifications. Interior dimensions per model are sourced from official brochures and supplemented with measurements and experience data from the RV community (forums, YouTube channels and self-build groups).
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the scoring?
The scoring is an indication based on general model properties. Dimensions and payload can vary by build year, specification and engine type. Use the Van Advisor as a starting point for your research and always verify specifications with the manufacturer or on the vehicle registration.
Which van models are included in the comparison?
The Van Advisor includes the most popular models for RV conversion in Europe and North America: VW Transporter T5/T6, Mercedes Vito and Sprinter, Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, Renault Master/Trafic, Peugeot Boxer/Expert, Citroën Jumper/Jumpy, Iveco Daily, VW Crafter and Ram ProMaster. Platform siblings (such as Opel Movano / Renault Master) have similar dimensions.
Can I adjust the weighting factors?
The weighting factors are currently fixed in the tool and tuned to the most common preferences of RV builders. By answering more questions the result becomes more accurate. If you have specific priorities that differ, use the top 3 as a starting point and compare the models yourself in the full table.
How reliable is the van advisor?
The van advisor gives an indication based on your preferences. It's a starting point, not definitive advice. Always view multiple examples and have a van inspected before buying.
Why isn't my favorite van in the list?
We included the most popular vans for RV conversion. Missing a model? Let us know via the feedback button.