Once you've made the decision to get a van, your next challenge is likely going to be your hardest: which one are you going to get?
This daunting question is no small matter. Your choice of van will set you up for the rest of your conversion journey and will play an enormous part in determining the space, comfort, style, and ultimate function of your adventuring experience. But once you start looking, you'll notice some of the more popular models have many similarities and significant fan bases. So how do you choose?
Two of the most common camper van options are the Mercedes Sprinter and the Ford Transit. Both offer reliable mechanical companionship and spacious cargo room to utilize for living space. Beyond those, read on to learn more about the unique characteristics of each vehicle, and why you may end up preferring one over the other for your specific van life goals.
Mercedes Sprinter
You'd be hard pressed to find a more iconic camper van than the Sprinter today. Well-known in the conversion industry, these vehicles are equipped for the long roads and offer many different models depending upon the need, including 4x4. The 144 and 170 models vary by both height and length, and otherwise are similar operationally.
Factors:
| Budget | Starts at $50,000 (new) |
| Mileage | Average 17 mpg (gas), 24 mpg (diesel) ; ~550 range |
| Maintenance | Often requires a tech familar with the vehicle if not DIY; can be pricier depending upon the parts involved |
| Towing & Payload (min. models) | 5,000 lbs | 6,400 lbs |
| Feel | Good comfort; handles more like an SUV; more road noise |
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit has a newer introduction to the camper van community, but no less successful. Often considered an equivalent option to the Sprinter, the Transit comes in a few size variations that match it's competitor, but also includes smaller sizes for those looking for both a weekender and a daily driver. Though there is no 4x4 option, the Transit does come in a gas-fueled AWD model.
| Budget | Starts at $46,000 (new) |
| Mileage | Average 14 mpg; ~500 range |
| Maintenance | Lower maintenance costs; less specialized for servicing in more (cheaper) locations |
| Towing & Payload (min. models) | 6,600 lbs | 3,000 lbs |
| Feel | Excellent comfort; handles more like a sedan; minimal road noise and vibration |
Comparison
If your primary concern is the cost, the Sprinter is undeniably more expensive upfront, at about $10k more than the Transit on average when purchased new. However, there are more layers to the long-term costs: generally, Sprinter's get better mileage than Transits, which means you'll be filling up less - that's however balanced by the pricier maintenance, unless you plan to do most of the work yourself. Transits may find themselves at the gas station more often, but the value of avoiding the dealership for tune-ups could very easily outweigh your fuel costs. They also have slightly larger fuel capacity. Ultimately, neither vehicles come out significantly ahead of one another in a typical scenario, especially if you're considering diesel models.
For the size, both are well-suited to most layouts you throw at them. However, the Transit's high roof sits a few inches higher and wider than the Sprinter, though the 170" Sprinter extends the length of the cargo space a whopping 17", offering plenty of room for navigating a living space plus kitchen, or extra functional storage. Neither vans will be fitting into any drive-thrus or most parking garages.
When it comes to maintenance, Sprinters are notoriously costly thanks to their specialized mechanical make-up, so you may find yourself seeking dealerships primarily for any servicing. This can be off-set as mentioned by any work you can do yourself, but can still weigh heavily on your wallet. Transits may have more accessible maintenance centers, though not every place that works on Fords will take on a Transit.
Fuel-wise, both vehicles come in both gas and diesel as of recent years. Diesel models will have better fuel efficiency and the engines will often run much longer than a gas-powered engine - however the fuel and maintenance costs can make it less advantageous over a gas model, depending upon how long you intend to keep it. The Sprinter has much better mileage over the Transit, especially as a diesel model, with proper upkeep.
To best summarize, both the Mercedes Sprinter and the Ford Transit are excellent adventuring vehicles depending on your individual needs. Spacious, capable, and comfortable, these vans are designed for the long roads and the memories you'll be making along the way, no matter what you choose. Enjoy the ride!
