After owning 7 different camper vans over the last 5 years, I have a clear idea of what actually works in van life and what doesn’t. In this video, I break down every van I’ve owned, including a DIY Ford Econoline, Wayfarer build, Winnebago Solis models, Thor Scope, and my current custom GeoTrek Flatiron Sprinter van. I share the real pros and cons of each setup, what became frustrating over time, and which vans are actually the best fit for different types of travelers. If you’re trying to decide between a Sprinter, Promaster, DIY van build, factory camper van, or custom van conversion, I hope this helps you avoid some of the friction points I experienced along the way. 🛒 My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kristiroams 🚐 Vans Covered: • DIY Ford Econoline Camper Van • Wayfarer Vans Modular Build • Winnebago Solis 59P • Winnebago Solis 36A • Thor Scope • GeoTrek Flatiron Sprinter Van ⚡ Topics Covered: • DIY vs custom camper vans • Sprinter vs Promaster • Van life for remote work • Camper van layouts • Van life electrical systems • Van life with a dog • Best vans for couples, solo travelers, and families • Factory camper vans vs DIY builds • Full-time van life comfort and usability 🐶 Featuring Sammy WATCH NEXT: 🎥 Full Van Tour: https://youtu.be/7jvuHADoKjU 🎥 Van Life Upgrades That Actually Matter: https://youtu.be/lbAQ-sYjwYc 🎥 Van Life Mistakes I Didn’t See Coming: https://youtu.be/_2Ce6Hg4J7k ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 — 7 Vans. Here’s the Truth 0:52 — Van 1: DIY Ford Econoline 3:23 — Van 2: Wayfarer Build 6:29 — Vans 3 & 4: Winnebago Solis 59P 9:51 — Vans 5 & 6: Compact Factory Vans 11:53 — Van 7: GeoTrek Flatiron 15:17 — Which Van Is Right for You? 17:16 — Final Thoughts ✔️ AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored and I am not affiliated with GeoTrek. Opinions shared are based entirely on my personal experience. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to use them. I only share products I would genuinely use for myself or Sammy in van life. 📩 Business inquiries: [email protected] Kristi Roams — Realistic van life with Sammy 🐾 #VanLife #CamperVan #SprinterVan #Promaster #Winnebago #WinnebagoSolis #ThorScope #WayfarerVans #VanConversion #Campervan #FullTimeVanLife #GeoTrek
ADVERTISEMENT
the best strategy is to rent a Van for a weekend or week. In fact it's the same with anything, like a roof tent for cars. You realise immediately if it's for you or not and can rule it out without losing a shedload of money. Next, get a second hand item if you like it. Don't get carried away with shiny new things mesmerized by a siver tongued salesperson.
She mentioned how your needs or use case helps determine the fit. Absolutely. Should also mention that for many a small class C might be a better fit, and cheaper too. It's really the same thing but built on a cab chassis rather than a converted enclosed van. You lose the "stealth" factor, for whatever that's worth, but gain a lot of size. For example, I'm 6'2". Those east-west beds? Nope!
I think is very unlikely someone will know their ideal layout without real world experience. For most of us, buying a van is a large financial commitment. One way to test the waters is by installing a modular build (like Wayfarer or AdventureWagon) or doing a very inexpensive DIY build that can be scrapped or modified as your needs evolve. Another way to mitigate the risk is by replacing your current car with a van. It fills the role as a daily driver, and allows you to discover the other ways it can fit into your life. When it was time to replace my aging SUV, I bought a van and did a very inexpensive DIY build. My plan was to use it to learn what my needs were, then take it to a custom builder. Four years later, I've gone through multiple iterations, which have performed well enough that I never got around to getting it custom built...
Nice discussion of the various types of van. Glad to learn from your experiences!
Wow, I always ask people who are building camping vans Q: Why aren't you using Bamboo? and. the answer is "I don't know", didn't think of that. Very impressed with this and now other videos you posted. Excellent choice for induction cookware. And again thanks for using Bamboo. Its Stronger, Lighter and much more durable.
Great info!
Did you have any reliability issues with any of the ProMaster vans ? They get a bad rep but I do kind of like them. YOU do a great job with your videos ! 👍👍👍👍👍
great info. I'm in the process of having a custom van built.
The right van for you is the one you can afford without going into a sh*t load of debt. An OEM sprinter like the GeoTrek will burn a whole clean through $135k. That's a lot of lolly.
This is a great vid for people trying to figure it out . Im on my 2nd , my first was a Thor Sanctuary with the Seat / bed , had more problems, was in the shop more then I had it. I now have a Revel, and although had some issues at first, everything has been fixed, and could not be happier with it . Pricey van but like the garage setup and it’s made for off grid which is what I was really looking for …
Over the years, I’ve owned a number of rv’s from a VW pop-top, class A Sprinter, fiberglass Escape trailer, James Baroud roof top tent, collapsible TrailManor, so I knew exactly what I wanted when I had my custom Ford Transit upfitted. That and the fact that it took me awhile to find a new Transit with the options I wanted, like AWD and EcoBoost engine. Then there was the back log at the up fitters which gave me time to research exciting items like toilets. From my previous experiences, I learned I didn’t need an interior shower and instead used the space for a larger and separate fridge and freezer. No propane, large EcoFlow 10k power kit with 3600 watt inverter, induction cook top, bamboo cabinets coupled with Van Essentials cabinets and permanent queen size bed. Splurged on a heated floor. So all it takes is time, money and patience to design a camper that works well for you-which is why most people have go through a number of different camping units over their outdoor adventures lifetime; nothing like experience however one gets it.
Thanks Krist! Great info. Contemplating what to buy now in the next 6 mos.❤Dallas
Using wood for cabinets, etc. adds so much weight to the van. Manufacturers need to use lighter materials. It would also increase gas/diesel mileage. I would love to see you review the Winnebago 59G and 59K models.
Kristi, what are your thoughts on the Storyteller Overland Mode vans on their quality to price ratio? (Thank you in advance for your opinion) Ohhh, and dog treat for Sammy) 🐶
Great video with lots of helpful information, thanks!
Great video and sage advice for sure..
Just bout an awd transit drives amazing and it peppy starting my build soon🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Great video. I'm mostly full time. I have a factory-built Winnebago Travato 59K (RAM Promaster 3500 159). I did a MONSTER upgrade on the electrical system to 1200Ah of lithium batteries and a 3000W inverter. I can run the A/C 12 hours if I need to. I still have a generator, which is great for when I need it. I'd rather my truma combi heater/hot water heater was the newer gas-powered model so I didn't have to worry about propane, but that's a small trade off. It's my first van, but I'd been camping in a cargo trailer camper prior so I had some ideas of what I wanted/needed. I fee like I'll be keeping this one a good while before I make changes. If I went custom, I'd do Humble Road. They have some super cool designs.
I've looked at Wayfarer vans a couple of times and yes they are budget friendly for the base build but when you start adding things like heat, ventilation, windows, electrical, a fridge and storage cabinets you spend just as much as you would with a nicer semi custom van build from other companies out there with better heat and electrical systems. After renting a couple of times in the last two years I know they just wouldn't work for me.
Interested to learn about running a camper rental business. Do share