Why This VAN?
Choosing a van wasn’t just about looks, it was about finding something that truly fit the life we want to build. After a lot of searching, we landed on a 2015 Sprinter van with a 144” wheelbase, a high roof, and an all-black exterior, and the moment we drove it we knew it was perfect for us.
FACTORS
The high roof was non-negotiable for us. I wanted to be able to stand up, move around comfortably, and create a space that didn’t feel cramped. We are both pretty short so the ceiling feels like a great height. While the 144” wheelbase is the smaller option, it actually felt perfect for me. It’s the closest to what I’m used to driving now, and that familiarity really mattered. I didn’t want something so big that I’d feel intimidated every time I got behind the wheel.
Another big decision for us was choosing diesel over gas. We felt like diesel engines tend to be more reliable and longer-lasting, especially for something like van life where we’ll be putting a lot of miles on it. Our van already has around 200,000 miles on it, but with a diesel engine, that didn’t scare us, in fact, it was part of the appeal. These engines are known for going well beyond that, and it felt like this van still had a lot of life left in it.
The budget played a big role too. At $16,500, this van felt like a smart investment that gave us room to build without completely draining everything upfront. It’s not the newest or the fanciest option out there, but it has so much potential, and that mattered more to me. We are estimating that we will put another $8000 before we are done with the renovation.
Another big factor for us was buying through a dealership. That gave us more confidence in the condition of the van and peace of mind going into such a big purchase. Knowing it had been looked over and was in solid shape made the decision feel a lot less risky.
UPGRADES
One feature that ended up being way more important than I expected was the backup camera. Our van came with one, but it was the very first upgrade we made. We added a camera to the back that doubles as a rearview mirror, and it completely changed the way I drive the van. Since there are no rear windows, visibility was a huge concern for me, but this made it so much easier and gave me so much more confidence behind the wheel.
If you’re in a similar situation, I’ll link the exact camera we used here, it’s been one of the most impactful and affordable upgrades we’ve made so far.
OVERALL
Overall we got in this van, started smiling and knew I knew that my dreams were about to come true. I have dreamed of having a way to travel for a long period of time and seeing others make this decision made us go, why not. I think it is important that if you are thinking about doing van life once you find the perfect van for you just go for it. We did, and even though we are just in the building phase it already feels like one of the biggest decisions we will ever make.