Best van for a camper conversion: a comparison
Choosing your base vehicle is perhaps the most important decision in your camper conversion. The van determines how much space you have, how much you can carry and how much you spend on the purchase. In this guide we compare the most popular vans and help you make the right choice.
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The most popular vans for conversion
In Europe, these are the most commonly used vans for camper conversion:
Fiat Ducato / Citroën Relay / Peugeot Boxer — by far the most popular. Good value for money, lots of second-hand options, large ecosystem of parts and knowledge. Available in L2H2, L3H2, L3H3 and L4H3.
Mercedes Sprinter — premium quality, stable handling, excellent build quality. More expensive to buy and maintain. Available in various sizes.
Volkswagen Crafter / MAN TGE — comparable to the Sprinter but with VW dealer network. Good quality.
Ford Transit — popular in the US and UK, increasingly in Europe. Good engine, modern interior.
Renault Master / Vauxhall Movano / Nissan NV400 — cheaper alternative, less popular with converters but a solid base.
What size van do you need?
The size of your van depends on how you plan to use the camper:
L2H2 (approx. 5.4m long, 1.90m standing height): compact enough for the city, but tight for two people. Suitable for solo travelers or weekend use.
L3H2 (approx. 6.0m long, 1.90m standing height): the most popular size. Enough room for a fixed bed, kitchen and seating area. Still manageable in the city.
L3H3 / L4H3 (6.0-6.4m long, 2.10m standing height): maximum interior space. You can build a raised bed with storage underneath. Note: may not fit in all parking garages.
Tip: always measure the interior dimensions yourself. Factory specs are exterior measurements. After insulation you lose 5-10 cm on each side.
Payload: the forgotten factor
Many converters forget to check the payload until it's too late. A fully built camper van easily weighs 500-800 kg more than the empty base vehicle.
Keep this in mind:
• Insulation + cladding: 100-200 kg
• Electrical (batteries, panels, cables): 50-100 kg
• Kitchen + water system: 50-80 kg
• Furniture: 100-200 kg
• Water (full): 80-120 kg
• Personal belongings: 50-100 kg
A Fiat Ducato L3H2 typically has a payload of 1,200-1,500 kg. After conversion, often only 200-400 kg remains for passengers and luggage. Choose a van with a high GVW (3,500 kg or more) to avoid problems.
New, young used or old?
New: you get a warranty, choose exactly the specs you want and start with a clean slate. Downside: expensive (€25,000-€45,000 for a bare van) and it hurts to drill the first holes.
Young used (3-5 years, 50-100,000 km): the sweet spot for many converters. Significantly cheaper than new, still modern and reliable. Check service history and rust.
Old (10+ years): budget option, but expect higher maintenance costs and potential rust issues. Check chassis, brakes and turbo carefully. A good old Ducato is fine, but a bad one is a money pit.
Compare vans with our tools
Use the Van Advisor to compare vans, calculate your available space and check if your payload is sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best van for a camper conversion?
- There is no single "best" van — it depends on your budget, desired space and use case. The Fiat Ducato L3H2 is the most popular due to its good value and wide availability. The Mercedes Sprinter is premium but more expensive.
- How much does a van for camper conversion cost?
- A used Fiat Ducato (5-8 years old) costs €10,000-€18,000. A Mercedes Sprinter of the same age €15,000-€25,000. New vans start around €25,000 for a bare Ducato and €35,000+ for a Sprinter.
- Does a camper van fit in a normal parking garage?
- An L2H2 or L3H2 usually fits (height approx. 2.60m with roof rack). An H3 (height 2.80m+) does not fit in most parking garages. Measure your total height including roof rack, solar panels and any antenna.
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