I spent a lot of time thinking about the best base for a modern camper.
The VW Bus Camper
Back in the day we used to be able to buy VW Bus Campers, but those times are long gone - at least in the USA - and the remaining old campers are either in bad shape or cost a fortune. Some of those old VW Campers go for over $200,000!
We live in a time where RVs have long grown to full size travel busses and the smallest RVs are class B motorhomes. The lengths of those class b RVs ranges from 18 to 24 feet and they are in another league compared to the old VW camper bus, coming in at 16 feet or less.
If we want to build a camper that is comparable in size and shape to the old VW camper bus, we have to look at modern SUVs, small cargo / passenger vans, and minivans.
And here comes a very important factor: Stealth
In recent years we have seen a massive boom of folks traveling and living in camper conversions. Many of them try stay under the radar, in order to park over night for free, or out of safety concerns. Local communities and law enforcement have long witnessed this development, many locals being concern, trying to curb this new influx of nomads parking in their streets, on their beaches, etc.
These days, every cargo van parked in certain areas looks like somebody is boondocking right there, and those folks increasingly face the knock on the door, often in the middle of the night, being asked by local police to move on.
And here comes the minivan into play
A properly converted minivan is the stealthiest camper possible, often allowing you to blend in, everywhere.
Many local communities have ordinances on the books that prohibit RVs from being parked in parks, on many streets - sometimes city-wide, on beach parking lots, etc. Now, many states define RVs by a minimum length, and that often covers vans like the Sprinter and any class b motorhome. Guess what vehicle is not long enough to fall under this definition? The minivan.
To be precise, at this point we are down to Minivans and SUVs, but this is a very easy decision: what offers a flatter and larger floor to build on? What is more accessible with a sliding door? What vehicle allows you to walk to the back from the driver seat? What is usually more affordable and offers better MPG?
Only the minivan ticks all those boxes.
The VW Bus Camper
Back in the day we used to be able to buy VW Bus Campers, but those times are long gone - at least in the USA - and the remaining old campers are either in bad shape or cost a fortune. Some of those old VW Campers go for over $200,000!
We live in a time where RVs have long grown to full size travel busses and the smallest RVs are class B motorhomes. The lengths of those class b RVs ranges from 18 to 24 feet and they are in another league compared to the old VW camper bus, coming in at 16 feet or less.
If we want to build a camper that is comparable in size and shape to the old VW camper bus, we have to look at modern SUVs, small cargo / passenger vans, and minivans.
And here comes a very important factor: Stealth
In recent years we have seen a massive boom of folks traveling and living in camper conversions. Many of them try stay under the radar, in order to park over night for free, or out of safety concerns. Local communities and law enforcement have long witnessed this development, many locals being concern, trying to curb this new influx of nomads parking in their streets, on their beaches, etc.
These days, every cargo van parked in certain areas looks like somebody is boondocking right there, and those folks increasingly face the knock on the door, often in the middle of the night, being asked by local police to move on.
And here comes the minivan into play
A properly converted minivan is the stealthiest camper possible, often allowing you to blend in, everywhere.
Many local communities have ordinances on the books that prohibit RVs from being parked in parks, on many streets - sometimes city-wide, on beach parking lots, etc. Now, many states define RVs by a minimum length, and that often covers vans like the Sprinter and any class b motorhome. Guess what vehicle is not long enough to fall under this definition? The minivan.
To be precise, at this point we are down to Minivans and SUVs, but this is a very easy decision: what offers a flatter and larger floor to build on? What is more accessible with a sliding door? What vehicle allows you to walk to the back from the driver seat? What is usually more affordable and offers better MPG?
Only the minivan ticks all those boxes.
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