Campervan Comparison · DIY · Dodge Promaster · Dodge Promaster Conversion · Ford Transit · Ford Transit Connect · Mercedes Sprinter · van conversions ·

Why everyone's buying a van conversion and you should too!

When it comes to buying an RV, you have a lot of options. But If you're an adventure-seeker who wants to travel and experience the road, but you don't want the clunkiness and upkeep of a large motorhome or the needless worry of towing a trailer, then you should consider buying a van conversion.

Here are the top five reasons why you should consider buying a van conversion:

COMPACT CONVENIENCE & CUSTOMIZATION

Van conversions are extremely versatile and easy to personalize, you can really downsize without compromising the comforts of your home.

Campervans, AKA Class B Motorhomes, are such an amazing middle ground when it comes to choosing an RV. Whether you're exploring camping for the very first time, graduating from tent camping, or you currently use a trailer and are looking to be a self contained, a van conversion can be the perfect fit for you. Their compact nature makes them extremely easy to drive, and they are just big enough that you can get a lot of the convenience you don't get with tenting while still being out in nature and creating new memories.

Canadian Van Conversions

Dodge Promaster Conversion - Rocky

You can fit as much, or as little, as you need in a camper van. With kitchens, cabinets, and pantries, you can cook a campground feast even Gordan Ramsey would envy, to couches, queen-size beds, and dinettes, to hide away from the rain on a gray day, all the way to showers, toilets, and rooftop decks to be as comfy as you need to be, anywhere you go!

The beautiful thing about van conversions is that they're easier to buy and use because they're built to fit your needs, they're not some generic model someone else has decided is right for you.

In saying that, vans conversions can become more expensive the more customized they become. The more intense your off-grid needs are, the more your requirements will be for solar panels, and bigger inverters and the pricier your project will be.

This leads us to our next point.

AFFORDABILITY & RELIABILITY

Class B Motorhomes are more affordable than most other RV options.

Depending on the model that you go with, a van conversion from Paved To Pines starts at around $119,000 Canadian. This includes a Ford Transit chassis, our favourite van to build on, and one of our basic spec model layouts! They can be even more affordable if we go with one of our compact campervan units built on the Ford Transit Connect. Ford Transit Connect Conversions are small but mighty, especially when you throw a rooftop tent or poptop on the van!

Ford Transit Connect van conversion

Ford Transit Connect Conversion - Vanny Devito

They can also quickly increase in price to over $200,000 Canadian, sometimes just for the conversion! They can also be a lot more affordable if all you require is a base package with wall panels and a bed! This isn't even an option when it comes to other RV alternatives. At the end of the day, your cost is going to be entirely dependent on your requirements and one of our team members would love to get you a free quote, just shoot us a message! Don't forget to ask us about our financing options.

On top of the affordability of the new campervan itself, vans are a lot more affordable to travel with and repair when you consider the other options of a bumper pull truck and trailer, or a big class A motorhome. With gas prices inflating, a fuel efficient diesel Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit with an Ecoboost engine is going to be the best bang for your buck when you consider fuel economy and the comforts of home on the road. What's better than being better for the environment and heading out camping to enjoy it at the same time!

Another big reason to recommend a van conversion to you was the availability of reliable and affordable mechanics everywhere in North America. You can find any local mechanic who will be able to fix your Dodge Promaster or Ford Transit van conversion. It's going to be harder to find a Mercedes dealership or an import mechanic to work on your Sprinter van conversion, however, Sprinter vans are very reliable vehicles should you be driving your vehicle a lot, and I hope you are!

If you're interested in a deeper dive comparing Mercedes Sprinters versus Ford Transits and Dodge Promasters, and which one of these vans is the best to convert, take a look at our blog here!

VERSATILITY

A Class B motorhome is as versatile as it comes. You can practically take your home anywhere, from the vermillion cliffs in Arizona to downtown city streets.

With a lift and suspension kit, your van can take you on the path less travelled and still give you the option to be a daily commuter or mobile office if that's what works for you. Imagine leaving work, hopping into your vehicle, and immediately hitting the road, starting a road trip, with an endless horizon and endless possibilities. The custom van offers all this and so much more. It's the perfect vehicle for any adventure, long or short.

Dodge Promaster Van Conversion
Dodge Promaster Conversion - Rocky

Since van conversions are usually built on chassis' like the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and the Dodge Promaster, your length is around 20 feet. This length is perfect because it allows you to bring the comforts of home on the road while still being versatile enough that you can use it as a daily commuter and do things like parallel park in the city. A traditional big skoolie, RV or trailer is going to be much harder to manoeuvre, especially in heavy traffic let alone store when the season is over. A class B van motorhome gives you the option to continue to drive it year-round instead of store it. If you choose to store it, they can oftentimes fit right in your driveway so you don't need to pay any additional storage fees.

Takeaway:

If you are looking to escape your comfort zone, or just move on from travelling alternatives, a van conversion from Paved To Pines is a perfect place to start. It's the best way to escape the city and still stay comfortable. A camper van is a true home on the road.

To sum it up, a van conversion offers many benefits such as: