Exploring the Open Road: The Pros and Cons of a Campervan
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Updated July 2024
The Pros and Cons of a Campervan
Having a campervan offers a blend of freedom and convenience, making it the perfect option for a traveler seeking flexibility on the road. One major pro is the ability to explore at your own pace with no strict itineraries. Campervans can provide a cozy little home with the basic essentials, allowing for spontaneous trips and overnight stays in some amazing scenic locations.
With that freedom also comes some trade-offs such as space being limited or tight especially if you have a larger family. Longer trips can have a lack of amenities for long term travel. There is also the added maintenance, fuel costs, and if you choose campsites those fees can add up.
Overall, a campervan is the perfect value for adventure and self-sufficiency. I made a list of the pros and cons of having a campervan. I hope this list is helpful to you in your decision whether a campervan is right for you.
Upon consideration of converting a commercial van into a campervan, I did a lot of research to determine whether a campervan was right for my family. I wanted to make sure I made the right decision on what van to purchase and if this decision was right for our family. After my extensive research I determined a campervan was the right decision and I was so excited to start dreaming of new adventures we could take once it was complete!
Our Ram ProMaster specifics
Here are the specifics on what van we purchased. I chose the Ram ProMaster because of the size and due to my research, I felt it would be easier to find mechanics than it would for a Sprinter van. Our van drives easily and we have had no major concerns based on the many miles and long distances we have traveled.
2017 Ram ProMaster 3500
149-inch wheelbase
We purchased our van with a high-top which I highly recommend. In my research, others mention having a high top in your van as not always necessary as you are out of the van exploring so often and just using the van for sleeping. When I am in my van, I want to feel comfortable and having a high top has felt great!
What I LOVE about our Campervan
Parking is never an issue. I can park in any parking space. Our van does tend to be a little long but for the most part we can park anywhere
When visiting friends and family we are able to park in their driveway or on the street overnight
Has enough room for a small kitchen to include a dorm size fridge
Cheaper than a full size camper. We purchased our van for around $24,000
Better gas mileage than a camper. 24-gallon tank with 16.4 MPG City/20 MPG Highway
Can drive on back country roads and in tight spaces
Easy to drive
I love the convenience of having a van where I can get in and go at any time and it can park in our driveway at home
Perfect size for 1-3 people
Can fit a full-size bed in the van
The ability to stand up and walk around without ducking my head due to the added high top
The freedom to travel anywhere and save money on overnight accommodations. We could spend around $150-200 per night on a hotel or boondock for free or for a very minimal fee. Check out my list of FREE boondocking locations throughout the US.
Peaceful nights sleeping in the middle of nowhere, under the stars. Many nights we have no neighbors, or they are far away giving a sense of quiet
Bathrooms/portable toilet can be added for convenience, so you don’t have to stop as often
The ability to make the van customized to fit your needs
What I DON’T LOVE about our campervan
Small space. For our large family, space is limited. For a couple it would be perfect.
Not enough sleeping space for a large family. I have a full-size bed, 2 benches, floor space and hammock hooks for our family which makes the space very tight.
Smaller dorm fridge and limited kitchen counter space
No privacy. There is no private space, which means if someone is getting dressed everyone has to leave the van.
No bathroom. We chose to only have a portable toilet hidden in the van, that we can use for emergencies. Some campervans do have small showers/toilet space which makes the space even tighter.
Not a 4x4 so although we can travel on a lot of gravel/dirt roads, I do worry about getting stuck. I do carry traction boards in case we do get stuck. Purchase a good set of tires on the van that are off road friendly. Let the company know you plan to travel on gravel/dirt road and for long distances, so you get the right set of tires. Tires will cost between $800-1200 for all 4 tires.
Limited space for clothes/shoes - We can wear clothes a couple days in a row which helps with the limited space. We have two storage areas underneath the benches and an upper storage above the front seats which helps.
No living room space. We are always sitting on the bed or benches which brings lots of dirt and sand in that space
Sliding door has to be slammed to close properly
No air or heat vent in back of van or when the van is shut off
Minor things break
automatic mirror mechanism doesn’t work properly
window fell down and mechanism had to be replaced in both doors
headlight goes out often and needed to be replaced
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I love our Ram ProMaster campervan and the model we chose
Despite the smaller space I absolutely love my campervan. Every time I get in it, I get this overwhelming sense of comfort knowing I can get in and drive to any adventure my heart desires. I know you will love a Ram ProMaster as its flexibility in taking a trip at any time and going anywhere your heart desires is a spectacular thing.
There is plenty of space to build it out how ever best fits your needs. If you only had a couple people, the van would be the perfect size or if you don’t mind the tight space with multiple people, it works that way also.
You could also purchase a tent for some people to sleep outside to give more space for everyone.
There is this nostalgia when I get in our van, this feeling that overwhelms me with comfort knowing I can travel as far as I want, anytime I want and just stop and camp at my convenience anywhere in the middle of the desert or mountains under the stars. I love this freedom our van provides us! Even though our campervan is wonderful in so many ways, there are some things I wish were different and the limited space can be frustrating at times. Despite that, the adventurous spirit in me is free to explore this great country.
So, what are you waiting for? Go get a van and start traveling!! You won’t be disappointed.
Dream it, then do it!
If you see me on the road, wave! I love meeting new people.
What do you love or hate about your campervan? Comment below.
Enjoy your journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures. Pic: Myakka River State Park
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