Enjoying the great outdoors from your very own camper has been an American past time for decades. If they van life appeals to you, check out these camper vans.
With a campervan – which is different from a travel van – you can spend multiple weeks off the beaten path, without worrying about shelter, hygiene, or rationing supplies. Instead of trudging to communal facilities or rationing water from plastic jugs, you simply walk 10 feet to your own kitchen, bathroom, and shower. That’s the magic of camper van life — the freedom to explore wherever your wanderlust takes you, but without stress and worry. Now, if money were no object, buyers would probably be eyeing luxury camping RVs from brands like EarthRoamer, the Rolls-Royce of expedition vehicles. EarthRoamers are cool, but with price tags starting around $798,000, they’re about as accessible as private jets.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend house money to embrace van life. While brand-new camper vans typically start around $150,000 on the cheaper end, the used market is much more reasonable, and even brands like Honda might be jumping on the bandwagon. With some careful shopping and perhaps minor renovations, older models can provide the same freedom and comfort at a fraction of the cost. That said, we’ll also include some 2025 models for the discerning buyer. Here are six new (and six used) campervan models that won’t break the bank.Converted RAM Promaster 2500/ 3500 – $40,000
We begin with a brand that many will be familiar with: Dodge. Specifically, its RAM series of vans, known as the Promaster, was a popular choice for conversion to campervans. They were solidly built, spacious in the back, had actual drivability around the city, and came with a choice variety of engines. In fact, converting a regular cargo van to a camper van is still very much a thing, and can even be done as a DIY project if you have the time. At the time of writing, several used examples of converted Dodge Promaster camper vans are available on the used market, ranging from $25,000 for old models, going all the way up to and beyond the $80,000 mark.
Sweet spot units can be had around the $40,000 mark, coming with all the bells and whistles one would want in a vehicle of this type. For instance, features to keep an eye out for include a fold-out bed (more space when not in use), a kitchen of sorts, a compost toilet (easier cleaning), a shower, and a closet, which many vans around the $40,000 mark have. In terms of model years, try to get something relatively recent, like models made after 2015, as these are more likely to be in better condition. In addition, while having a larger van like the massive Promaster 3500 would indeed be nice for longer trips, if you won’t get that much use out of it, the 2500 would be more manoeuvrable and fuel efficient.2015+ Thor motorcoach – $50,000
Thor was founded in 1980 after acquiring Airstream, specifically for the purpose of making and converting cargo and transit vans into camper vehicles through subsidiaries like Jayco. After initial struggles, over the years, quality, fit, and finish increased along with price. While a new Thor Sequence would cost about $150,000 in 2025 – and that’s the price before customization and options — there are much better deals to be had on the used market. Take, for starters, the motorcoach, which was available in many editions, which is Thor-speak for trims, including Four Winds, Compass, Tranquility, and Rize, among dozens more. Any edition would be a good deal, as Thor floorplans remain unbeaten. Just make sure that you’re buying the right class of vehicle.
At the time of writing, a decent used Thor motorcoach can be had for between $50,000 and $60,000. These come with all the standard utilities such as a kitchen area, shower, bathroom sink, and lavatory. However, most units will have a great many creature comforts as well, such as slide-outs to increase area, awnings for shade, rear air conditioners, and sleeping space for five passengers. The base engine depends on the donor car, but for the larger Ford-based models, it is a 6.8-liter V10 unit that makes 305 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for this size.2000+ Ford Econoline Campervan – $20,000
America’s favorite blue oval company built a cargo van called the Econoline up until 2014, which is when it was replaced by the Ford Transit, which we’ll also cover. When they were being produced, the Econoline vans were actually America’s best-selling large van, and were also the second-longest-running Ford model. Despite questionable aesthetic choices, Ford E-series vans that have been converted into campers are the most affordable entry point, at least into camper vans that can move under their own power. Currently, Ford Econoline campers are selling for about $20,000 for fantastic builds, though some can be had even cheaper. Units made around 2000 came with a 4.6-liter V8 that made 225 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque.
Bigger versions, such as the ones built on the E350 platform, come with more space, a bigger 255 hp 5.4L V8 as standard. However, we don’t want to sell you the wrong dream. Parts and experienced labor will be increasingly hard to find for such old vehicles. It’s a fantastic camper van for those looking to enter the genre, and who don’t want to buy a $150,000 vehicle that will turn into a very large decoration if they don’t fancy the activity anymore. 2013+ Mercedes Sprinter Camper – $40,000
There are many reasons the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter makes for a fantastic campervan – the first of which is the size.
