12 Incredibly Small Campervans for Van Life Simplified

Living in a Chevy Astro van showed us how awesome small camper vans are for van life. They’re way cheaper and stealthier than big vans like a Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit. We could park anywhere in the city without drawing attention, perfect for full-timers and weekend warriors.

They’re easy to drive and park, and the gas mileage is a big plus. It’s a practical choice if you want to keep things simple and low-cost on the road.

We’ve since upgraded to a Sprinter van as we needed the space for full-time van life, but I’m still a big believer that small camper vans are a great way to get started.

1) The Mercedes Metris

• Price: $26,000-$34,000
• Cargo Volume: 199 cubic feet
• Estimated Combined MPG: 19
• Exterior Length: 202 inches
• Exterior Height: 75 inches
• Exterior Width: 76 inches
• Interior Headroom: 39.6 inches in the 1st row; 41.4 inches in the 2nd row

The Mercedes Metris is a new van introduced to the North American market in 2015. With the cargo version of this van, you can pick from a standard or long wheelbase. It’s available in two lengths – standard and extended.

This small camper van for sale has a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with a 7-speed transmission. The Mercedes Metris can carry more than the other vans with a maximum payload of 2,502 pounds. Compare that to the Nissan NV200, which has a payload of 1,480 pounds.

Mercedes Metris vans have a larger cargo area than the competition, which means more room for your campervan build. They come with either a 270-degree swing-open rear door or a hatchback tailgate. The exterior looks just like that of a work van, making this vehicle a very stealthy camper.

The main problem with this van is that it’s the most expensive of the smaller vans, needs premium fuel, and is harder to park due to it’s longer wheelbase. The other thing to consider is the size of the windows – these are smaller than those fitted on other vans, which means you lose visibility and gain some extra privacy.

If you’d like to get a Metris converted professionally, check out Contravans, the Getaway Van by Mercedes-Benz, Peace Vans, GTRV, Keystone Coachworks and Oregon Motor Coach.

2) Ford Transit Connect

• Price: $24,000-$31,000
• Cargo Volume: 104 cubic feet
• Estimated Combined MPG: 25
• Exterior Length: 174.2 inches
• Exterior Length: 174.2 inches
• Exterior Height: 72 inches
• Exterior Width: 72 inches
• Interior Headroom: 46.9 inches

The Ford Transit Connect is an affordable camper van that gets great gas mileage. It’s been around since 2012, which means you can find a lot of used vans for cheap, or even camper vans that are already built out.

When searching for your next home of wheels, get a mechanic involved – Transit Connects are known to have transmission issues.

You can get two types of engines with this small camper van, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder van, or a turbocharged 1.6-liter Ecoboost 4-cylinder. Maximum payload on this van is 1,620 pounds.

This is a very small camper van for sale (the second smallest in this class) that doesn’t offer the same cargo space as some of its competitors or 4WD drive. However, it features double sliding doors on the sides, which makes it very easy to air out and access.

The look of the exterior makes it an excellent stealth camping vehicle. Plus being small it’s easier and cheaper to fix. Also, some people say this small camping van doesn’t have a lot of power but is comfortable to drive.

If you can get hold of a newer model (2014 or newer), Freeway Camper Kit produces a sturdy and practical conversion kit.

3) Ram Promaster City Small Camper Van

• Price: $24,000-$27,000
• Cargo volume: 132 cubic feet
• Estimated Combined MPG: 24
• Exterior Length: 188 inches
• Exterior Height: 74 inches
• Exterior Width: 74 inches
• Interior Headroom: 46 inches

The Promaster City small campervan for sale was introduced in 2015, and prides itself on being efficient with a highway fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon.

This little van packs a cargo capacity of 131.7 cubic feet, and a nice-sized cargo area width of 48.4 inches between the wheel wells. This van comes in second for cargo space behind the Mercedes Metris.

The Promaster City drives with a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine, and can be loaded down to 1,886 pounds. It also has a nine-speed automatic transmission. Owners love how reliable and long-lasting the engine is.

One level up from the basic cargo van model, or the SLT, gets you a van that needs oil changes every 10,000 miles, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control and heated seats.

The best feature of this nimble van? The walls at the back are nearly vertical, which means it’s very easy to convert DIY. However, it’s not available in 4WD drive and doesn’t come with a diesel option.

If you’d like to get it converted professionally, you’re spoiled for choice. Opt for Contravans, Cascade, Voyage Campervans, Craft Autoworks or Kuku Campers.

4) Nissan NV 200 Compact Cargo Van

• Price: $22,000-$23,000
• Cargo Volume: 122 cubic feet
• Estimated Combined MPG: 25
• Exterior Length: 186 inches
• Exterior Height: 74 inches
• Exterior Width: 68 inches
• Interior Headroom: 41.7 inches

The Nissan NV 200 is an affordable small camper van for sale with great gas mileage, built for easy maneuvering in a city. The van does fall short in cargo space compared to the Metris, Ford Transit Connect and Promaster City.

Some van lifers managed to fit a hidden portable toilet in their own builds.

The NV 200 has less power than its competitors with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. This makes it perfect for van lifers who intend to travel long-distance regularly.

The Nissan NV 200 small camper van only has a maximum payload of 1,480 pounds, so keep that in mind when planning out your DIY campervan build. Make this van too heavy and it won’t perform as well.

The benefit of this van is that it’s the cheapest of this group of vans.

You can get your hands on a used one for as little as $15,000. Want to invest in a professional conversion? Take a look at Recon Campers, Contravans, GTRV, Caravan Outfitter and Apex Vans.

5) Toyota Sienna AWD

• Price: $34,710-$42,250
• Cargo Volume: 101 cubic feet
• Estimated Combined MPG: 22 mpg gas / 35 mpg hybrid
• Exterior Length: 204 inches
• Exterior Height: 69 – 70 inches
• Exterior Width: 79 inches
• Interior Headroom: 40.1 inches in the 1st row; 39.9 inches in the 2nd row; 37.4 inches in the 3rd row

The Toyota Sienna is a popular mini camper van as its one of the only brand new vans available with All-Wheel-Drive. This is one of the best camper vans to take boondocking as you won’t have to worry so much about sand, snow and mud.

The Sienna is also super reliable, which makes it cheap to maintain and durable. You won’t risk getting stuck in the desert with an engine problem.

To boot, the Toyota Sienna is bigger than some of the top cargo vans we mentioned above.

The large side sliding door makes it very easy to nip in and out of the van, which is great for those days when you set up a little outdoor living room under the side awning.

The back seats are very easy to remove, so you can convert this minivan yourself, saving a lot of cash on the build.

Finally, the flat roof allows you to install multiple solar panels to generate electricity anywhere. If you’re interested in a Toyota Sienna custom build, check out Oasis campervans and Contravans.

6) Chevy Astro

• Price: $2,000-6,000
• Cargo Volume: 170 cubic feet
• Exterior Length: 189.8 inches
• Exterior Height: 75 inches
• Exterior Width: 78 inches
• Estimated Combined MPG: 15
• Interior Headroom: 39 inches in the front; 38 inches in the rear

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my beloved Chevy Astro van in this list of small camper vans for van life.

I purchased this Astro conversion van with only 57,000 miles for just $6,000 on Craiglist and made a few modifications to make it completely off-grid. Two of us sleep in this extremely affordable camper van by reclining the back seats into a campervan bed, and I purchased two footstools from TJ Maxx to extend the bed.

We wanted a conversion van due to the higher fiberglass roof. Typical Astros have a low roof, and are much cheaper, like $2,000 or less.

I love how reliable this van is – it never lets us down. We converted it slowly over a couple of years, making quick and easy modifications as and when we needed them. We now have a Mercedes Sprinter van, but have the Chevy Astro in storage and bring it to Mexico when we drive to our sailboat.

7) Mitsubishi Delica

• Price: $10,000-12,000
• Cargo Volume: not specified
• Exterior Length: 189.8 inches
• Exterior Width: 70.67 inches
• Exterior Height: 75 inches
• Estimated Average MPG: 28
• Interior Headroom: 48 inches

Looking for something quirkier? Check out the Mitsubishi Delica. It’s a mid-90s Japanese classic minibus that’s tough and reliable, as well as affordable.

The Delica comes with 4WD drive. It’s very small, which means you can easily find parking even in cities, but with a high clearance, which allows you to venture off-road.

This van transports 8 people and the seats fold flat, allowing you to keep them mounted. While driving the Delica is easy, thanks to its size, you will need to do it on the wrong side as these beauties have all been imported directly from Japan. Also, bear in mind that the interior height is only 51.8 inches.

Given that this van hasn’t been manufactured in the U.S., there aren’t companies that specialize in professional conversions. You can, however, adapt some of the smaller conversion kits available on the market. Think of QuQuQ Box and Egoe Nest. If you’d like something more permanent, you will need to take the time to carry out a DIY conversion.

8) Honda Element Small Camper Van

• Price: $3,500-$7,000
• Cargo Volume: 130 cubic feet (with seats removed)
• Exterior Length: 170 inches
• Exterior Width: 72 inches
• Exterior Height: 70 inches
• Estimated Average MPG: 22
• Interior Headroom: 43 inches at highest point

The Honda Element is a cult SUV camper popular among van lifers all over the U.S. The model was discontinued in 2011, yet more and more people have decided to convert used ones into campers in the last few years.

It’s easy to recognize, thanks to its boxy shape and the unusual bi-parting doors. The design is based on a lifeguard station. Yet, it looks just like a car, making it very stealthy.

Buying a used Honda Element is super economical – some models are as cheap as $3,499. It also comes in four-wheel drive, so you can also take it on some fun off-road adventures. Unlike other minivans, the cab of the Element is quite tall, which means you can get changed inside without having to sit down. Sitting up in bed is comfortable, too.

There are no companies that carry out professional conversions for the Honda Element. However, you can check out Ursa Minor, Fifth Element Camping, Freeway Camper Kit for conversion kits.

9) VW Eurovan Camper

• Price: $10,000-24,000
• Cargo Volume: 166.6 cubic feet
• Exterior Length: 188.5 inches
• Exterior Width: 72.4 inches
• Exterior Height: 76.4 inches
• Estimated Average MPG: 20
• Interior Headroom: 41.3 inches

Nothing is more iconic than a VW Eurovan Camper. If you’re in love with these little jewels, there are lots of used and fairly cheap ones for sale on the market.

The gas mileage is exceptional, so it’s ideal for long trips around the country. The weak point of the VW Eurovan is the automatic transmission – it can give problems. When you start looking at potential vans, it’s a good idea to research a vehicle’s history and even ask a mechanic to come check it out with you.

The Eurovan came out of the factory as a camper (Volkswagen teamed up with Winnebago to build them) and has been out of production since 2003, so there aren’t any companies who specialize in converting them. However, you can either spruce up the old interior or replace it completely. It’s up to you.

The floorplan typically included a stove, a sink and a couch that turned into a bed. Some models even had a pop top, offering a lot more interior room. Whether you keep things exactly as they were intended to be or change them completely, this little bus makes for an excellent camper.

More VW models have been imported into the U.S. over the years – the Combi, the Westfalia and the Splittie. These are rarer to find and can cost a little more, but you can find them with a little patience.

10) Dodge Grand Caravan Mini Camper

• Price: from $27,290, new
• Cargo Volume: 140 cubic feet with seats removed
• Estimated Combined MPG: 20 
• Exterior Length: 189 inches
• Exterior Height: 69 inches
• Exterior Width: 79 inches
• Interior Headroom: 39.3 inches

If you prefer the lower profile of a minivan, check out the Dodge Grand Caravan. While it looks like a car, it’s very long, offering plenty of legroom for sleeping.

It can sit up to 7 people and the size is impressive. It has a total length of 202.8 inches, 78.8 inches of width and a height of 67.9 inches. You can easily fit a double bed and a kitchen. The rear hatchback door allows you to cook at the back of the vehicle.

The Dodge Grand Caravan is an extremely well-liked car and camper with a long production history. For this reason, it’s easy to find replacement parts. However, it can be difficult to find a used one for sale.

For the same reasons, it holds its value well – in case you’re thinking of buying one for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and then go back to normal life.

To convert the Grand Caravan, check out Oasis Campervans, Roadloft and VanPackers.

To get $100 off your Roadloft order, use the coupon code TWH100.

11) Honda Odyssey

• Price: from $33,040, new
• Cargo Volume: 141 cubic feet with seats removed
• Estimated Combined MPG: 22
• Exterior Length: 205 inches
• Exterior Height: 70 inches
• Exterior Width: 79 inches
• Interior Headroom: 40.7 inches in the front; 39.5 inches in the middle; 38.3 inches in the rear

The Honda Odyssey is another popular small but spacious minivan. With a 205.2-inches length, this vehicle is suitable for taller van lifers, too.

One drawback is that to convert the Odyssey into a camper you need to remove a row of seats to obtain a flat sleeping surface. So if you plan to turn your car into a camper at the weekend, it can take a little bit of time.

It’s also reliable and long-lasting, which makes it easy and economical to maintain. However, it doesn’t hold its value well. Opt for a used one.

If you like the look of the Honda Odyssey, you can choose among 4 companies which produce conversion kits: RoadLoft, Freeway Camper Kit and Ququq. For a full professional build, look up Oasis Campervans.

To get $100 off your Roadloft order, use the coupon code TWH100.

12) Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Mini Camper

• Price: from $27,541 to $56,998
• Cargo Volume: 140 cubic feet
• Estimated Combined MPG: 22 
• Exterior Length: 204 inches
• Exterior Height: 70–71 inches
• Exterior Width: 80 inches
• Interior Headroom: 40.1 inches

An alternative to the Honda Odyssey is the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. It’s a 7-seater minivan which looks very similar and has nearly identical measurements. As such, it’s fantastic for stealth camping.

To make the most out of the space available, many van lifers create a bed platform as big as possible and fit drawers underneath it, so they can slide out at the back of the car.

The advantage of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is that two rows of seats fold down perfectly flat into built-in floor storage. This allows you to keep the minivan set up as a car all the time.

However, some people claim it isn’t very reliable. Some have issues with failing transmission lines. So it’s very important you get a used one checked by a professional before buying it.

Conversion kits for the Pacifica are available from Road Loft and Freeway Camper Kit.

To get $100 off your Roadloft order, use the coupon code TWH100.

13) Kia Sedona

• Price: $16,000 – $43,000
• Cargo Volume: 142 cubic feet
• Estimated Combined MPG: 21
• Exterior Length: 201.4 inches
• Exterior Height: 68.5 inches
• Exterior Width: 89.3 inches
• Interior Headroom: 39.8 inches in the front; 39.4 inches in the second row; 38.9 inches in the third row

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If you’re looking for an affordable minivan that’s great to drive, look no further than the Kia Sedona. It’s cheaper than luxury vans like the Dodge Grand Caravan and super easy to convert, as the seats are easily removable. The interior headroom is modest, as it is with most minivans, but the it’s not much less than that of similar, more costly vehicles.

Inside the Kia Sedona there’s enough space to install a platform bed, a small table, and a portable toilet. You can create a simple conversion like the one above by Hayley and Kevin, or buy a kit from Road Loft, Freeway Camper Kit, Home On Wheels or Compass Campers.

14) Kia Carnival Mini Camper

• Price: from $34,565, new
• Cargo Volume: 145.1 cubic feet
• Estimated Combined MPG: 22 
• Exterior Length: 202.95 inches
• Exterior Height: 69.88 inches
• Exterior Width: 78.54 inches
• Interior Headroom: 40.9 inches in the front; 39.5 inches in the middle; 38.6 inches in the rear

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The Kia Carnival is a versatile minivan with generous interior space. It’s easy to drive, cheap to run and provides a comfortable ride when fully loaded. The back seats recline or fold down and are easily removable, so you have different options for your conversion.

New Kia Carnivals come with an in-built sunshade and a quiet cabin, which make sleeping inside it a comfy affair.

Conversion kits for the Kia Carnival are available at Road Loft, Oasis Campervans, Van Packers, and Simpler Ways. Add a pop top with Unicamp.

15) Toyota Rav4 Campervan

• Price: from $28,275
• Cargo Volume: 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded
• Estimated Combined MPG: 27
• Exterior Length: 180.9 inches
• Exterior Height: 67 inches
• Exterior Width: 73 inches
• Interior Headroom: 37.7 inches

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The Toyota Rav4 is a popular SUV camper that can turn into a great minimalist camper van for a solo adventurer. If you get a 4×4 model, you will be able to travel pretty much anywhere.

Simply remove the back seats and install a sleeping platform in the back. You’ll probably need to build an extension which you can flip at night by moving the front passenger seat forward. Next to it, you will be able to store your camping gear. There isn’t a huge amount of cargo space inside a Rav4, so you’ll probably need to add a roof storage box to your setup.

If you’re looking for a ready-to-install conversion kit, Freeway Camper Kit and SimplerWays make nice ones.

16) Jeep Grand Cherokee Tiny Campervan

• Price: from $40,000 new / from $3,000 used
• Cargo Volume: 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded
• Estimated Combined MPG: 21
• Exterior Length: 189 inches
• Exterior Height: 68 inches
• Exterior Width: 77 inches
• Interior Headroom: 39.4 inches

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The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been around forever, so if you’re looking to buy an affordable SUV to convert into a small camper, it makes for a smart choice. Finding replacement parts for this vehicle is pretty easy and most mechanics will have fixed one before.

There isn’t a huge amount of room inside, but you can easily fit a platform bed with a slide-out kitchen at the back.

Freeway Camper Kit make a nice conversion kit for the Grande Cherokee.

For more SUV camper ideas, check out this article.

So, Will You Go With a Small Campervan?

If you’re looking for a small van to convert into a DIY camper , there are plenty of choices on the market. Whether you choose a cargo van or a passenger van is up to you and depends on the type of campervan build you want.

Also, keep in mind that you could buy a car camping conversion kit to turn your small cargo van into a camper. Then you don’t have to do everything yourself!