For those of us who have chosen a converted van to travel in or live in fulltime, one of the most frequently asked questions is "why not just buy an RV?". While there is nothing wrong with living or traveling in a factory made motorhome, vanners chose their mode of transport for many different and specific reasons. Here are some of the answers I could give for that question (in no particular order).
1. Vans tend to be more affordable than most other motorized RVs. When you are buying an RV, either from a dealership or from a private seller, you are buying a luxury item. No one really needs an RV per say, and because of that they can be priced higher. In addition, ready made RVs contain a lot of specialized equipment and modifications which ad to the price. There are far more work vans out there than there are motorhomes, so the volume of choices makes it easier to find one that suits your needs and budget.
2. Vans are common. This provides several advantages. It is easier to get them worked on than a motorhome which may often need to be serviced at specialty shops. Parts are easier to find and more affordable. It also allows them to stand out less on the streets which can help avoid unwanted attention from both sides of the law.
3. Vans are built to suit the person who will be using them. Commercially produced RVs are layed out and equipped as to what the manufacturer thinks will appeal to the most people. Customizing an empty van to not only suit your style but also to contain only the features you need arranged how you want them makes for a much more efficient and comfortable living space. When you are done doing the work, the van is truly yours and will feel much more like home. Plus it can be endlessly redesigned and rebuilt as your needs or wants evolve.
4. Vans are simple. RVs come equipped with tons of complex systems built into every nook and cranny. Most vanners prefer simplicity so having a blank canvas and only making it as complex as you want gives control to the end user. In addition, when customizing a van for yourself, you are the one who put the systems in place so you know how they work. No need to pour through manuals (that may often not come with a used RV) or try and figure out someone else's work when something breaks. Simplicity and self reliance equals peace of mind.
5. Vans fit. Motorhomes, even ones based on van chassis, are often too tall and heavy to go everywhere an adventurous soul may want to trod. Vans fit into regular parking spaces, most parking garages, under low trees, down narrow trails, etc. Since they are basically trucks, the can also be easily modified to have increased ground clearance, off road suspensions, or even 4 wheel drive for those who wish to go way off the beaten path.
6. Vans are just cool. From the adorable VW bus to the macho Detroit models, vans are in a class all their own. The 1970's fad still holds its ground with the idea that a personally customized ride that can also be lived in is something awesome. Vans, and their cult status, are very appealing.
We all have our reasons for choosing vans to live or travel in and I welcome other vanners to add their answers to this question in the comments section.
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