We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: there are SO many different types of vehicles you can convert into your tiny home on wheels other than a van (ambulances, buses, box trucks, etc.) but for the sake of this post and our experience we will be talking about high-roof cargo vans. Choosing what van you want to build can be stressful if you don’t already have in mind the one you want or haven’t started your research. Knowing your budget is crucial at this stage because it can determine whether you are going to be looking at new or used.
That being said here are the 3 main options and the pros and cons of each of them:
Mercedes Sprinter
(our top choice, especially if you’re buying new)
Pros:
- Highest ground clearance
- Great fuel mileage
- Holds value the longest
- Most reliable, diesel engine (longevity)
- If maintained well lowest amount of repairs/less frequent
- 4×4/AWD option
- Easy to find specific van build parts and accessories for
Cons:
- Most expensive
- Repairs can be more expensive since it’s a foreign made vehicle
- Rust can be an issue
Ford Transit
Pros:
- Less Expensive
- Good gas engine
- Good gas mileage
- Easy to find a mechanic
- AWD option
- More options up front (screen) for less
- If maintained well repairs should be minimal
Cons:
- Known for rusting faster
- Smaller towing and payload capacities
- Known for some transmission issues in certain years
Ram Promaster
Pros:
- Less expensive
- Less curve on the inside so may be easier to build
- Widest from side to side inside
Cons:
- Lowest ground clearance
- Only a front-wheel drive option
- Very notorious for engine and transmission problems
- High maintenance costs
- Smaller towing and payload capacity
- This probably doesn’t matter to a lot of people, but we don’t like the way this van looks as much
Disclaimer: These are our opinions and things we have heard from people who have had first-hand experiences with these issues. If buying a used van always make sure to have a professional look over it, this can help prevent surprise repairs and unexpected costs, and keep you on the road in a vehicle you feel safe in and can rely on.