Family Camping Van Guide: Exploring the Great Outdoors

Camping trips can be a great way to bond with your loved ones and create lasting memories, and many families find that a camper van makes their experience smoother and more comfortable. In this article, we'll delve into the advantages of a small-footprint, dual-use camper van, with the Mercedes Metris camper van taking center stage as our top recommendation. For those who crave a more expansive camping experience without diving into the realm of full-fledged RVs, we'll also introduce alternative setups, including a carbon fiber superlight trailer and a few larger camper vans options. Whether you're drawn to the elegant simplicity of the Metris or exploring other options, we'll guide you through the essential considerations for making the right choice to suit your camping aspirations.

But first...

Camper Van vs. RV: What's the Difference?

Camper vans and RVs (Recreational Vehicles) are both popular choices for travelers seeking mobile adventures, but they offer distinct experiences and features:

Camper Van:

• Compact Size: Camper vans come in several sizes but are typically smaller and more maneuverable than an RV, making them ideal on winding roads or tighter campgrounds, as well as for people who simply don't want to drive large vehicles.
• Versatility: This is a major selling point - a passenger van sized camper, like the Mercedes Metris Weekender, can also serve as your everyday vehicle. This saves you a lot of money since you buy one vehicle that serves two purposes instead of two separate vehicles. The Metris also saves space since you will only need one standard-sized parking spot.
• Basic Amenities: Camper vans provide sleeping space, and in some cases can be retrofitted to also include a small kitchen and even a bathroom, but in a more compact space.
• Fuel Efficiency: They tend to be more fuel-efficient than RVs, making them cost-effective for road trips.

RV (Recreational Vehicle):

• Spaciousness: RVs come in various sizes, offering more living space, storage, and amenities.
• Luxury and Comfort: RVs often feature fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, and entertainment systems, providing a more luxurious travel experience.
• Self-Contained: Many RVs are self-contained, meaning they have larger water tanks, waste disposal systems, and power sources for extended off-grid stays.
• Higher Cost: RVs are generally more expensive to purchase and operate compared to camper vans, requiring larger budgets.
  

Your choice between a camper van and an RV largely depends on your travel style, budget, and the level of comfort and amenities you desire. Camper vans offer simplicity and versatility, are cheaper, and allow you to really customize your camp set up, while RVs can offer more luxury and the ease of self-contained camping.

What factors should I consider when choosing my family camper van set up?

With so many camper van options out there, how do you choose the right set up for your family? Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Size and space: Start with seating capacity. How many people are in your family and/or how many friends do you plan to bring along on an average trip? Next, think about your desired sleeping arrangements. Do you want there to be enough sleeping space for everyone inside the van or is that not important to you (i.e. you're fine with having you or your kids sleep in a tent)?

2. Amenities and features: Two questions here - What kind of amenities are important to you (e.g. toilet, a kitchenette, or a shower)? And do you want them all built-in or are you fine with setting those up separately (e.g. having a standalone privacy shelter with shower)? There are various camper vans layouts, with some coming fully equipped (with a much smaller footprint than an RV) while others offer more basic features inside the van but provide you with endless options to customize with additional amenities outside of the van itself.

3. Storage: Camping can require a lot of gear, from tents and sleeping bags to cooking equipment and outdoor toys. Whichever set up you choose, make sure there is enough storage space to fit all your essentials - this might look like built-in cabinets or a cargo trailer or roof racks. There are many options to maximize your storage.

4. Fuel efficiency: Fuel costs can add up quickly, especially on longer trips. Consider the fuel efficiency of the van you're eyeing. Look for models with good miles per gallon ratings to help keep your camping budget in check. Again, a smaller model passenger van can give you the best of both worlds.

5. Safety features: Safety should always be a top priority, especially when traveling with your family. Look for camping vans that have safety features such as airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control. Also, check if the van has child safety locks and anchor points for car seats if you have young children.

6. Easy setup and convenience: One of the perks of camping vans is the convenience they offer. Look for vans that have easy setup features such as pop-up roofs and consider the ease of use of the van's amenities. The more user-friendly the van is, the more enjoyable your camping experience will be.

7. Budget: Last but definitely not least, consider your budget. Camper vans can range in price from affordable to quite expensive. Think through money-saving options such as the ability to use your converted camper van as your daily use vehicle as well. Do your research and compare prices to find the best van that fits within your budget.

Top Three Camper Set Up Options

Once you've honed in on your camping needs and envisioned the desired atmosphere, it's essential to explore the diverse range of options available. Keep in mind that your camping setup can be dynamic, allowing for adaptability and evolution alongside your family's changing preferences. If you're uncertain about your ideal setup, consider renting a camper van or trailer to get a better sense of your camping preferences.

To help you as you contemplate your direction—whether it's embracing minimalism, seeking a compact setup with added amenities, or inching closer to the convenience of an RV—here are our top camping setup recommendations tailored to each unique camping style.

1. Mercedes Metris Weekender: Best Small Footprint Passenger Van Conversion

Metris Weekender by Peace Vans with a rooftop Thule Canyon cargo basket, pulling a Space Trailer with Yakima Exo GearWarrior cargo bins secured with the Yakima SkinnyWarrior gear net.

The Mercedes Metris Weekender conversion by Peace Vans is a fantastic option for those who want a two-for-one vehicle, have less space for parking, and/or desire a simpler camp set up. The Metris passenger van can be used as your daily vehicle and then easily turned into a camper van when out camping. This vehicle is sturdy, compact, and durable. An additional up-side is that you can customize your camping set up over time by purchasing items like a sink, shower, sun shelter, etc. depending on your budget and what you need on any given trip. The versatility of this set up can't be beat.

• Seats 5 (we were able to order an additional seat through a third party for our family of 6)
• Sleeps 4 adults - rear seat folds out to sleep 2 adults; roof pop-up bed sleeps 2 more (when our kids were younger all three fit great in the lower bed)
• Fits in a standard parking space
• Option to upgrade the heating, auxiliary battery, and more
• Option to add a rear pull-out kitchen

Want more built-in amenities? The Metris Weekender is Peace Van's basic model; they also offer a Metris Full Camper conversion with the same footprint but more amenities.

Need more storage? Consider adding a Space Trailer. These are customizable, provide a significant amount of storage, and are light weight enough for most cars to pull (always check specs to confirm). The load up really well and provide a steady towing experience.

2. Rift Carbon Camper: Best Light-Weight Tear Drop Camper Trailer

Perhaps, after careful consideration of the factors outlined above, you've determined that a small, towable trailer is the perfect fit for your family's camping aspirations. If that's the case, Rift's lightweight carbon fiber trailers offer an excellent solution. Unlike many trailers that demand a hefty, heavy-duty SUV or truck for towing, Rift's trailers boast remarkable lightweight construction, making them compatible with nearly any car. With a compact footprint, effortless maneuverability, and a choice between two models equipped with various amenities, Rift's trailers provide an enticing alternative for your camping needs.

• Sleeps 2 - includes a foldable queen mattress
• Includes a Yakima sport rack for additional storage
• Trailer fits in a standard parking space (not including the length of your car, so you'll need two spots total)
• Made of durable carbon fiber, meaning not only is it very light weight but it can also hold a lot of weight.
• Rift's most compact model, the Rift Utility Trailer, is super light, weighing less than 500 lbs. Comes with a cooler and offers plenty of storage.
• The Rift Adventure Trailer is still quite light at 660 lbs. This model includes a refrigerator/cooler and a kitchen extension.
  

3. Almost an RV: Larger Camper Vans

Larger camper vans live in the realm somewhere between a passenger camper van and an RV. They often have a variety of amenities and are highly customizable. While these larger vans still essentially drive like a car (depending on the size and height you choose), they do require more space for parking and are too large to use as your daily vehicle. If you’re interested in building out a larger camper van, here are our recommended full-sized camper van converter companies:

Field Vans:Field Vans does a great job on conversions across multiple chassis types (Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ford Classic 4x4, and GMC Chevy Vans). While there are many options, their decades of experience and dedicated staff make it easy to figure out which will work best for you and your family.

SportsMobile: Sportsmobile, a respected leader in camper van manufacturing, provides a versatile and well-crafted lineup of vehicles for your camping excursions. With a strong reputation for quality and innovative design, Sportsmobile camper vans offer a comfortable and efficient way to enjoy the outdoors. Discover their range to find the ideal solution for your family's camping adventures.

ModVans: ModVans has several models built off of the Ford Transit. Some seat 7, making it great for larger families. They offer several different configurations, including modular systems that allow the inside cabinets and accessories to be completely removed, and upgrades such as greater battery capacity and additional driving assistance features.

Pleasure-Way Ontour camper van provides many of the luxuries of an RV with a reasonable footprint.

Pleasure-Way: We recommend the Ontour model as it's one of their smaller builds yet has lots of headroom and plenty of features, such as an exterior shower and power awning. Built off a Ford Transit chassis, the Ontour comes in multiple configurations and can be customized based on your family's wants.

Selecting your family's camping setup is an exhilarating choice that can elevate your outdoor escapades. By weighing these essential factors, you'll uncover the ideal van that aligns with your family's requirements and preferences. Keep in mind, there's ample room for creativity in customizing your camping setup, with the option to add amenities gradually, ensuring flexibility and adaptability. Happy Camping!