How to Choose the Perfect Van for Your Conversion
🚐 How to Choose the Perfect Van for Your Conversion
Because the right van is half the battle (and half the budget).
Van options aren’t what they used to be—in a good way. The market’s grown, more people are building out rigs than ever, and the used inventory can be a goldmine or a gamble depending on where you look. Whether you're eyeing a weekend setup or planning to live in your van full-time, choosing the right base vehicle matters. A lot.
So how do you know if you're a Sprinter person or more of a ProMaster soul? That’s what we’re here to figure out.
The Big Three: At-a-Glance
| Model | Standout Features | Considerations | Featherbuilt Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter | AWD option, diesel engine, premium feel | Expensive, costly repairs | Built like a tank. Pricey like one too. |
| Transit | Good value, tall roof options, easy to service | Not as wide, resale is meh | Solid middle ground. Great for tinkerers. |
| ProMaster | Widest interior, budget-friendly | FWD only, low ground clearance | Great canvas if you don’t need to flex. |
Whether you're after off-road chops or budget efficiency, each van has its strengths—and a few quirks. Let’s get into it.
Breaking It Down: Real Pros, Real Cons
🛠 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Why people love it:
- AWD option is a game-changer for snow or dirt (even though we’re not allowed to say game-changer).
- Diesel engines run forever if you treat them right.
- Feels like driving a luxury vehicle—if luxury vehicles came with panel space.
Things to watch out for:
- You’ll feel it in your wallet. Parts and repairs are not budget friendly.
- Emissions systems are picky and can trigger issues.
- Good luck finding a Sprinter mechanic in the middle of nowhere.
Who it’s for:
You want premium performance, plan to do serious off-road or winter driving, and aren’t scared of dealership invoices.
🔧 Ford Transit
Why people love it:
- More affordable than Sprinter, and easier to find used.
- Gas and AWD options available (post-2020 models).
- Feels like driving a tall minivan in a good way.
Things to watch out for:
- Less interior width—sleeping sideways might not be an option without flares.
- Not quite as durable as a Sprinter in extreme conditions.
- Resale value isn’t legendary.
Who it’s for:
DIYers who want a reliable, roomy platform that’s easy to find parts for and doesn’t scream “overlanding influencer.”
🪵 Ram ProMaster
Why people love it:
- Widest interior—no flares needed to sleep sideways.
- Budget-friendly, even new.
- Front-wheel drive handles snow surprisingly well and gives more space under the floor.
Things to watch out for:
- Lower ground clearance = not made for serious trails.
- Steering radius isn’t as tight as Sprinter or Transit.
- Interior height can feel a bit tight if you're tall.
Who it’s for:
Builders who want max interior space on a budget, and don’t plan to crawl over boulders to get to camp.
Tips from the Trenches: Van Buying Advice That’s Actually Useful
Look beyond your ZIP code.
Van prices vary wildly depending on region. We’ve seen buyers save $3–5K just by driving a state or two away. Worth it? Yes. Especially if you like road trips anyway.
Buy for your lifestyle, not your Instagram feed.
Sure, 4x4 sounds cool—but if you're mostly chasing desert sun and forest service roads, you might not need it. Prioritize features you’ll actually use.
Don't forget the boring stuff.
- Title history
- Service records
- Tire condition
- Has it ever been used as a delivery vehicle? (Because that suspension has seen things)
Real story:
One customer scored a killer deal on a Transit that had racked up 190K miles delivering flowers. The inside smelled amazing. The suspension… not so much.
Lesson? Test drive everything. And maybe bring nose plugs.
Ask yourself this:
- Will I need to stand up fully?
- Am I installing a full kitchen or just the basics?
- Will I be traveling alone or with a co-pilot (or a Great Dane)?
Answering these helps narrow your van options fast.
Final Word: The Best Van Is the One That Matches Your Build Goals
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. (Although if there were, we’d probably build it out and name it something clever.)
Start with your goals, your budget, and your tolerance for dealership coffee. Then go test drive a few and see what feels right. The van you pick sets the tone for your whole build—and your whole adventure.
And if you need help figuring out if our kits fit the van you’ve got your eye on? Just ask. We’ll give it to you straight. Maybe even with a dad joke.