What’s the best van for overlanding?
When choosing a van for adventuring and touring we were only considering North America. That includes Canada, USA, Mexico and the rest of Central America. For the most part you’ll want to prioritize reliability, comfort, off-road capability (if needed), fuel efficiency, parts/service accessibility and space for living essentials. Here are some options and why one might be better than the other depending on your needs:
Option 1: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4
Why it’s great for adventuring:
4x4 Capability: The Sprinter 4x4 is ideal for off-grid adventures, allowing you to tackle rough terrain, snow, or muddy roads with ease.
Customization: It’s a favorite among van lifers because of its spacious interior and high roof, which allows for comfortable living quarters, storage, and amenities like a bed, kitchen, and bathroom.
Fuel Efficiency: For its size, the diesel engine is relatively fuel-efficient, which is crucial for long-distance touring.
Durability: Mercedes-Benz is known for building durable vehicles, and the Sprinter is no exception.
Resale Value: Sprinters hold their value well, making them a good investment if you decide to sell later.
Drawbacks:
Cost: Sprinters are expensive to buy and maintain. Repairs can be costly, especially for the 4x4 system.
Size: Its larger size can make it harder to maneuver in cities or tight trails.
Option 2: Ford Transit AWD
Why it’s great for adventuring:
AWD System: The Ford Transit with all-wheel drive (AWD) is a more affordable alternative to the Sprinter 4x4, offering decent off-road capability for most adventures.
Lower Cost: It’s generally cheaper to buy and maintain than the Sprinter, making it a better option for budget-conscious travelers.
Interior Space: Like the Sprinter, it offers plenty of space for customization, with high-roof options for standing room.
Reliability: Ford Transits are known for their reliability and widespread availability of parts, which is helpful for repairs on the road.
Ease of Driving: It’s slightly smaller than the Sprinter, making it easier to drive in urban areas or on narrow roads.
Drawbacks:
Less Off-Road Capability: While the AWD system is good, it’s not as robust as the Sprinter’s 4x4 for serious off-roading.
Fuel Efficiency: It’s slightly less fuel-efficient than the Sprinter, which can add up on long trips.
Which is Better for Adventuring and Touring North America?
Choose the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 if:
You plan to explore remote, rugged areas (e.g., Alaska, Canadian Rockies, or desert trails).
You want the most durable and capable van for extreme conditions.
You have a larger budget for both the initial purchase and maintenance.
Choose the Ford Transit AWD if:
You want a more affordable option that still offers good off-road capability.
You plan to stick to paved roads or light off-roading (e.g., national parks, forest service roads).
You prioritize ease of maintenance and lower overall costs.
Other Considerations
Used vs. New: Both vans are available used, which can save you money, but make sure to inspect them thoroughly for wear and tear.
Customization: Consider whether you want to build out the van yourself or buy a pre-converted model (e.g., from companies like Winnebago or Roadtrek).
Fuel Type: Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient and better for long distances, but gasoline engines are easier to maintain in some regions.
Ultimately, the best van for you depends on your budget, travel style, and the type of terrain you plan to explore. Both the Sprinter 4x4 and Ford Transit AWD are excellent choices for touring North America, but the Sprinter edges out for serious off-grid adventuring, while the Transit is a more practical and affordable option for most travelers.
What about the Dodge Promaster? Why didn't your recommend that?
Great question! The Dodge Ram ProMaster (also known as the Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer in other markets like Europe) is another popular van for van life and adventuring, and it’s worth considering. I didn’t initially mention it because it has some trade-offs compared to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 and Ford Transit AWD, but it’s still a solid option depending on your needs. Let’s break it down:
Dodge Ram ProMaster: Pros and Cons
Why it’s great for adventuring:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD):
The ProMaster’s FWD system provides better traction in wet or snowy conditions compared to rear-wheel-drive vans.
The FWD layout also creates a flat floor in the cargo area, making it easier to build out a living space.
Wide and Spacious Interior:
The ProMaster has one of the widest interiors among cargo vans, which is great for creating a comfortable living space.
The high-roof option provides ample headroom, making it feel more like a tiny home.
Affordability:
The ProMaster is generally cheaper to buy than the Sprinter and even the Transit, making it a budget-friendly option for van lifers.
Ease of Driving:
Its cab-over design (engine under the driver) gives it a shorter wheelbase, making it easier to maneuver in cities and on tight trails.
Fuel Efficiency:
The ProMaster’s gasoline engine is relatively fuel-efficient for its size, though not as efficient as the Sprinter’s diesel engine.
Drawbacks:
No AWD/4x4 Option:
The ProMaster is only available in FWD, which limits its off-road capability. It’s not ideal for serious off-roading or rugged terrain.
If you plan to explore remote areas with rough trails, the Sprinter 4x4 or Transit AWD would be better choices.
Lower Ground Clearance:
The ProMaster has lower ground clearance compared to the Sprinter or Transit, making it less suitable for rocky or uneven terrain.
Build Quality:
Some owners report that the ProMaster’s build quality isn’t as robust as the Sprinter or Transit, which could be a concern for long-term durability.
Resale Value:
The ProMaster tends to depreciate faster than the Sprinter or Transit, so it may not hold its value as well if you decide to sell later.
When to Choose the Dodge Ram ProMaster
You’re on a Budget: If you want a more affordable van that still offers plenty of space and comfort, the ProMaster is a great choice.
You Stick to Paved Roads or Light Off-Roading: If your adventures mostly involve highways, forest service roads, or maintained trails, the ProMaster’s FWD system will suffice.
You Prioritize Interior Space: The ProMaster’s wide and flat interior makes it easier to design a comfortable living space, especially for taller or wider builds.
Why We Didn’t Initially Recommend It
The ProMaster is a fantastic van for many people, but it’s not as versatile as the Sprinter 4x4 or Transit AWD for serious off-grid adventuring. If your plans include exploring remote, rugged areas (e.g., mountain passes, desert trails, or snowy backcountry), the lack of AWD/4x4 and lower ground clearance could be limiting. However, for light to moderate adventuring and budget-conscious travelers, the ProMaster is an excellent option.
Recommendation
If you’re planning serious off-grid adventures, go with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4.
If you want a balance of capability and affordability, choose the Ford Transit AWD.
If you’re on a tighter budget and plan to stick to paved roads or light off-roading, the Dodge Ram ProMaster is a great choice.
The ProMaster is a fantastic van for many adventurers, but it’s important to weigh its limitations against your travel plans. If you don’t need AWD/4x4 and want a spacious, affordable van, it’s definitely worth considering!
What about the Iveco vans?
Ah, Iveco vans! They’re a bit of a hidden gem in the van life and adventuring world, especially in Europe, but they’re less common in North America. Iveco is an Italian manufacturer known for building durable, utilitarian vehicles, and they offer some great options for van life and overlanding. Let’s dive into the details and see how they stack up against the more popular options like the Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster.
Iveco Daily 4x4
The Iveco Daily 4x4 is the standout model for adventuring and touring. It’s a rugged, capable van designed for off-grid exploration and heavy-duty use. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
Why the Iveco Daily 4x4 is Great for Adventuring
Serious Off-Road Capability:
The Daily 4x4 is built for extreme conditions, with a true 4x4 system, locking differentials, and high ground clearance. It can handle rocky trails, sand, snow, and mud with ease.
It’s often compared to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 but is considered even more rugged and capable for off-roading.
Durability and Build Quality:
Iveco is known for building tough, reliable vehicles, and the Daily 4x4 is no exception. It’s designed for commercial and industrial use, so it can handle the wear and tear of long-term adventuring.
Payload Capacity:
The Daily 4x4 has an impressive payload capacity, making it ideal for carrying heavy gear, water tanks, and other overlanding essentials.
Customization Options:
Like the Sprinter and Transit, the Daily 4x4 can be customized for van life, with plenty of space for a bed, kitchen, storage, and other amenities.
Diesel Engine:
The diesel engine is fuel-efficient and provides plenty of torque for off-roading and climbing steep grades.
Unique and Rare:
If you’re looking for something different from the ubiquitous Sprinters and Transits, the Iveco Daily 4x4 stands out and has a certain “cool factor.”
Drawbacks of the Iveco Daily 4x4
Availability in North America:
Iveco vans are not as widely available in North America as Sprinters or Transits, which can make them harder to find and more expensive to import.
Parts and service may also be harder to come by, depending on your location.
Cost:
The Daily 4x4 is expensive, often more so than the Sprinter 4x4, especially if you’re importing it.
Size and Weight:
It’s a large, heavy van, which can make it harder to maneuver in cities or on tight trails.
Fuel efficiency is lower compared to smaller vans.
Interior Space:
While it’s spacious, the interior isn’t as wide as the ProMaster or as tall as the Sprinter, which could limit your build options.
Other Iveco Models
Iveco Daily (2WD): The 2WD version of the Daily is more affordable and better suited for light off-roading or paved roads. It’s a good option if you don’t need the extreme capability of the 4x4.
Iveco EuroCargo: A larger truck-based option for those who want even more space and payload capacity, but it’s less practical for most van lifers.
When to Choose the Iveco Daily 4x4
You Need Extreme Off-Road Capability: If you’re planning to explore remote, rugged areas (e.g., the Australian Outback, African savannah, or South American jungles), the Daily 4x4 is one of the best options available.
You Want Something Unique: If you’re tired of seeing Sprinters and Transits everywhere, the Iveco stands out and has a rugged, adventurous vibe.
You’re Outside North America: In Europe, Australia, and other regions, Iveco vans are more common and easier to service.
Comparison to Other Vans
Final Thoughts on Iveco Vans
The Iveco Daily 4x4 is an excellent choice for serious adventurers who need a rugged, capable van for extreme off-roading and overlanding. However, its limited availability in North America, high cost, and potential challenges with parts and service make it a less practical option for many travelers.
If you’re in Europe or another region where Iveco vans are more common, or if you’re willing to deal with the logistics of importing and maintaining one, the Daily 4x4 is a fantastic choice. Otherwise, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 or Ford Transit AWD might be more practical for North American adventurers.
Let me know if you’d like more details about importing or customizing an Iveco van! 🚐
