If you have ever stayed in a camper during the hot summer heat, you know that having an air conditioner can be a very welcoming amenity. It can be brutal during the summer months without a way to cool your camper and it can be downright miserable, making enjoying it nearly impossible.

An air conditioner can certainly come in handy and most RVs are equipped with them. Does this also include camper vans?

Camper vans may or may not have air conditioning units installed. Oftentimes, camper vans come equipped with ceiling air conditioners that will only run when plugged up using shore power. An air conditioner consumes a lot of electrical energy and minimalistic camper vans may be missing this feature.

Even if the camper van is not equipped with an AC unit, it is not a dealbreaker. One can easily survive the summer months and enjoy it if you are well prepared and take advantage of other means of cooling.

I do not currently have an AC in my camper van but I manage to get along just fine by making use of other cooling methods that keep me nice and comfortable.

Keep reading for ways that you can cool down a camper van, whether it’s with an air conditioner or another type of cooling system.

How Do You Keep a Camper Van Cool?

Keeping a camper van cool begins with making sure it is insulated properly. This includes also insulating or covering any windows as well.

If your camper van is equipped with windows you will have to do extra work so as not to let any heat from the sun penetrate the van. This is simple by using window covers generally made from Reflectix or other reflective or insulating material.

There are other obvious things that you can do that many people don’t think of such as parking in shaded areas.

Of course, many times you do not have the option to park in the shade and you just have to do the best you can. In the heat of the summer when the sun is beaming down at it’s hottest, a nice shade tree can certainly make a huge difference.

One of the absolute must-have’s that I consider on a camper van are windows that open up for airflow. These, along with a fan of some type will help to circulate air throughout the van making it much more pleasant during hot summer months.

Learn how I installed a rooftop fan to my camper van. This fan has been excellent for keeping me cool in the heat.

Keep in mind that you are in a camper van and can travel wherever you want to. Many camper van travelers prefer to follow the weather and travel to a more pleasant area to escape the scorching heat.

If you need more than just a fan and airflow, an AC unit is an option and there are a few different ways that you can include one in your van. Let’s talk about a few of them below.

Cargo Van Roof Air Conditioner

The primary option for an air conditioner on a camper van is a rooftop unit similar to what you would find in any other type of RV or camper.

These rooftop units sit on top of the roof and function as any air conditioner unit would by blowing cold air out of the vent coming from the ceiling.

They are typically installed in manufactured class B motorhomes. These almost always require you to be plugged into electrical service to use them. Solar energy is usually not enough to power an AC unit like this.

Another problem with these types of air conditioners is that they are big and unsightly. If you are into stealth camping, you will not want to add one of these to the top of your roof because they stick out like a sore thumb.

These also take up a lot of valuable real estate in your van roof.

They are great for people who absolutely cannot live without their air conditioner. If you live in a warm climate where it is humid and hot most of the summer, this AC will do wonders to cool your van down to a livable temperature and humidity level.

As long as you know you will be staying in RV parks most of the time or in a place that offers electrical hookups.

If you Boondock or will be off-grid most of the time, this type of AC unit will probably never get used and you might want to consider other options.

Installing an AC Unit In a Van

Installing one of these types of roof AC units in your van is similar to installing a Maxxair roof fan, which I installed in my custom-built van.

Both require you to cut a large hole in your roof and then mount the unit into the hole. This can be a scary task but in the case of the Maxxair fan that I installed, it wasn’t too bad.

One of the differences is that the AC unit is much heavier and will likely require two people to lift the unit and install it.

You will need more substantial framing to hold the AC unit tight and secure and to give it a little more support than just the metal roof.

If you purchase a manufactured class B motorhome, this will already be installed for you as done by the manufacturer so you will not need to worry about this.

If you have a custom-built van that you are converting, this may be a bit too much and you may consider going with another solution.

There are other ways to keep cool and other types of air-conditioning units that you can use in your van besides the rooftop type.

DIY Van Air Conditioner

For you to have air-conditioning in your van, it doesn’t necessarily have to be one made for that purpose. Many people have built their own cooling units and have found them to work quite well.

One of the best-known ways to create a cooling box is to use an ice cooler and some simple ductwork along with some ice and a fan that blows cold air out.

Although not an air conditioner, a unit like this can definitely make you cooler and help you enjoy your camping experience more.

Ice Cooler Air Conditioner

You can find numerous videos on YouTube about making your own cool air blowing system out of a cooler. The only problem with these is that you have to be sure you are not blowing out wet air that will make your van more humid.

The air needs to be dry to be effective.

These types of systems will probably not cool the entire van in the middle of summer but they do provide a nice cool area if you are sitting close by where the air is coming out.

With one of these, you are essentially cooling the air that is already in the van rather than pulling air from the outside and conditioning it into dry, cool air.

I prefer the air conditioner cooler from Icybreeze. These air conditioning coolers may be a little pricey but they are pre-built to function and produce dry, cool air.

Window Air Conditioner

Some people build their van in such a way that they can install a window unit air conditioner. Whether it’s in a wall or hanging out the back window, a trusty ole window air conditioner will definitely cool your van when you are plugged up.

It won’t look great, but who cares when you’re burning up in the hot summer heat?

Portable Air Conditioners For Campers

Another easy option is to purchase a portable air conditioner unit. These come in different sizes and can easily cool a camper van space or just about any other size camper. You will need to have some way to plug it up as they do use a lot of energy.

One problem with these is that they have to be vented to the outside and there isn’t an easy way to do this in a van. If you can figure out how to vent it to the outside, it could work great for you.

There are many different options for portable air conditioners that you can easily find at your local hardware store or the internet.

The SereneLife 8,000 BTU is a great option for those who want a small unit that could cool down something the size of a camper van very quickly.

Zero Breeze

One option for a portable air conditioner designed for outdoor use is the Zero Breeze. This air conditioner uses minimal energy and produces truly air-conditioned cool air designed to cool a small space such as a camper van or a tent.

Although I haven’t used this specific product, it seems like it would work great for a van. It is very pricey and it may be worth checking out if you are not concerned with price but want something that will produce cold air.

The Mark 1 uses 12 V or the optional battery that will last up to 5 hours of normal use.

The new Mark 2 has a 24 V battery that is capable of delivering cold air for up to 5 hours as well.

This product seems perfect for campers but there aren’t a lot of reviews on the market just yet so it may be risky to spend over $1000 for it.

Bottom Line

Camper vans are available with AC and can provide you with a cool space to enjoy your camping experience. However, if you are like me and do not typically have a place to plug-in, you may find yourself without the needed electrical energy to power an air-conditioning unit.

My suggestion is to make sure that your van is properly insulated, and that you always try to find a shady spot. Use windows and fans to move air throughout your van and you will notice the difference.

Beyond that, I suggest an ice cooler type of unit such as the Icybreeze since something like this does not use very much electrical power and can easily be run on a solar battery bank.

It can also double as a cooler to keep food or drinks in if you do not have a fridge or just need the extra space.

It isn’t all the time that you will need an AC unless you are just spoiled with it and have to have it running every waking hour.

If you are looking to purchase or build a camper van, electricity is likely a concern for you. Whether it be grid power or off-grid power, you will likely need some way to power your devices and do normal things that you would do while living in a standard home.

Electricity is often one of the major concerns for people looking for an RV. It’s important to know that you will have enough electrical power for all of your needs and these needs are different for everyone.

Some people will require more power as they are used to using more electrical devices than others.

Most camper vans are equipped with some sort of electrical hookups. These hookups are often referred to as shore power. Camper vans often utilize a solar battery bank for main power or as additional power that can supplement the shore power.

Some people prefer a great deal of solar power for their rig while other people prefer to plug-in at places they go.

Generally, people who tend to stay in RV Parks the majority of time will be fine with the standard 30 amp plugs that most camper vans or class B motorhomes are equipped with.

Let’s look at a typical scenario for supplying electrical power to a camper van.

Class B Motorhome Electrical System

The typical electrical system on a class B motorhome consists of a 30 amp plug on the side of the van. When setting up at an RV park, you can connect 30 amp service to this plug and by doing this, all of the outlets and electrical devices within the van become powered by electricity.

This is known as shore power.

When you pull into a campground parking spot, there will likely be hookups for you to use for electricity as well as water and sewage.

For electrical power, you simply plug into that provided outlet using an extension cord and then plug the other end to the outlet on the outside of your van.

Shore power

Shore power connections come in different sizes but 30 amp remains to be the most popular size. There is also a 15 amp connection available which is what I have in my custom built conversion van.

I chose to install a 15 amp circuit in my van because I only use shore power occasionally. The majority of the power in my van comes from solar energy which I have built into my van.

Custom Built Conversion Van Electrical System

Can a custom-built configuration, it is common for one to install a solar system that powers the entire living space. Solar power has become popular as prices have increased and chargers and batteries had become better and better.

As an example, my van is fully powered by a solar unit from goal zero and solar panels that are mounted on top of my van from Renogy solar.

This amount of solar energy powers everything that I typically use in my van and I only plug into shore power when I need to run an electrical heater or a portable air-conditioning unit.

My van has a 15 amp plug that I can use when I am parked in a campground. 15 amps only allow me to use up to 1800 W of power but that is plenty for me to run the things that I need to run on it. My shore power only supplements my solar power.

Built-in Solar

Building solar into a van has become a very popular choice as batteries and other systems have improved over the years allowing one to get their complete power requirements from the sun.

I generally use solar for everything that I do in my camper van except for a few things.

Many manufactured camper vans offer solar as an option. Some offer large amounts of solar power but it does get quite expensive the more solar capacity you have.

Portable Power

If your power needs are pretty low, you may be able to get by with only portable power. Whether it’s solar or another type, portable power may be able to power all of your devices and serve all of your needs.

As I mentioned above, I use the Goal Zero system and there are also other portable systems like this that you can use.

Goal Zero offers multiple portable options at different prices depending on your electrical needs.

Some of the other brands that you may consider for portable power include Inergy and Jackery.

These units can be charged using the power of the sun or they can be charged by plugging into a standard AC outlet. This would work out great for someone who has minimal power requirements and can charge this portable unit regularly.

Examples of Electrical Usage in a Camper Van

What does a typical scenario look like for someone who uses electrical power while in a camper van?

Below, I have put together some examples of basic items that someone may use as well as the energy requirements needed to safely power these items.

Whether you live in your van or travel in it from time to time there are probably items that you use regularly that you do not want to be without.

Having electrical power in your van assures that you will be able to use all of the things that you are used to when living in a house.

The examples below will help you to understand basic power consumption and help to identify how much you may need in a camper van.

• Note: the information on the items below are what you can typically expect and were taken from readings using my solar charge controller. It may vary depending on the exact product you are using. All of the items listed below are what they would draw on their highest setting.

If you were to have all of the items listed above going at the same time your amp draw would be around 40 amps.

Of course, you would never have all of these items running at the same time. Likely, you would only use your coffee maker or electric water kettle for very short periods and probably only once or twice per day.

These are the largest energy draws on the list so when you take these two items off, you are looking at more of a realistic amount at around 22 amps.

Even still, I never use all of these items at one time. The water pump only comes on when I run water and the fridge only runs for a few minutes each hour.

If you are using a solar charge controller, it’s important to note that AC powered devices must use an inverter to convert DC to AC and the inverter itself also consumes a small amount of power.

These are all of the items that I currently have drawing energy from our solar system and I never have any issues with not having enough energy.

You can read more about my goal zero solar set up here.

Deciding on an Electrical Solution For Your Van

If you are unclear on just what type of electrical solution you need for your van, you will need to understand exactly how much energy you want to use.

Are you someone who uses a lot of energy currently and needs this type of energy in your van?

Are you a minimalist and can get by with a limited amount of gadgets and other energy-consuming items?

If you want a real experience of living out of your home and having all of the energy you need to power as many devices as you want, you will want to make sure your van is equipped with a 30 amp or more plug socket.

You will likely plan to stay in campgrounds and other locations that offer electrical service.

However, if you are like me and do not use a lot of electrical equipment when you are out on the road, you can get by with a minimal amount of energy and will probably be happy with a solar solution or even a portable power solution.

Everyone has different needs and you must know exactly what you want and then seek to build a system around that need.

Conclusion

Camper vans certainly have electricity and depending on your needs, can have just enough to get by or they can have all that you could ever need.

Whether you are staying in campgrounds or living off the grid, there are many options available that can make a van powered just as you have come to expect from your home.

The options are endless and if you are interested in purchasing a manufactured class B motorhome, the technology that goes into these vans is amazing.

Even vans that use solar energy can sometimes offer enough energy to power air conditioners and heaters for useable amounts of time.

However, those who tend to live out of camper vans, are often in the minimalist camp and generally get by with the minimal amount of energy consumption which can easily be achieved by using solar or portable power solutions.

An RV, also known as a recreational vehicle, is a mobile living space that can be pulled or driven from place to place. These recreational vehicles may also be known as campers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, travel trailers and yes, camper vans.

A camper van is considered an RV since it has a livable space and can be driven and moved from place to place. Although, small in size, a camper van is large enough to provide all the essentials needed for traveling and living and can be a great solution for camping and recreation.

Types of RVs

In order to understand what an RV is and what it means to be considered an RV, you should have a basic understanding of the different types of RVs.

Recreational vehicles come in many shapes and sizes and some have benefits over others. The type of RV that one ultimately chooses is based on personal preference as well as what they want to use the RV for.

Keep reading to learn more about different types of RVs available.

Motorhomes

A motorhome has everything you need in one unit. It provides a mobile living area as well as the actual vehicle that you drive. There is no need to pull anything unless you want to pull a small car to use when you are out on the road.

Class A

A class A motorhome is the largest of all of the motorhomes that you drive around. These are basically buses that have been converted to campers on wheels.

These can be quite large and many of them have slide-outs that create more space while parked, making them even more livable and quite spacious like a house would be.

The benefit of a class A motorhome is the livability that it offers. With copious amounts of space, you will never feel cramped in a class A.

However, the downside is that they are so large and may be difficult to drive, park, store and maintain.

Class B

A class B motorhome is a camper van. This type of RV, which is the subject of this article, provides living space on wheels in a much smaller package than that of a class A.

A camper van is considered an RV but requires a different approach since it is much smaller and offers less living space than any other type of motorhome.

However, don’t let the small space fool you because class B motorhomes usually have well-thought-out floor plans that allow you to maximize space.

A class B motorhome has many benefits over other types of motorhomes with the small size of it being one of its best features. A home on wheels in such a small package is a dream come true for many adventure seekers.

Class C

Similar to a class B, a class C motorhome is built on a van chassis but has a custom living space in the back making it much larger than a class B camper van.

A class C motorhome is also easy to drive since it is like driving a van. The only difference is that the backend or the living area of the RV is much bigger and requires more space and thought into maneuvering it.

A class C is a good in-between size for someone who doesn’t want a large class A but considers a class B to be too small.

Trailers

If you have a vehicle that can tow a large trailer, this may be a good option for you. A trailer requires something to pull it so although trailers are often cheaper, you have to consider the cost of the towing vehicle that you will have to purchase and maintain.

Travel Trailer

A travel trailer is an RV that pulls behind your vehicle just like a trailer would. This type of travel trailer includes a living space similar to what you would find in other campers.

These types of trailers require some sort of vehicle that is capable of pulling the size of a travel trailer that you have.

These come in all different sizes and obviously the larger the trailer, the larger and more powerful vehicle you will need to pull it.

Teardrop trailers fall under this category as well. These small trailers provide a small sleeping area with minimal amenities.

Fifth Wheel

Fifth wheels are the kings of the pull-behind types of RVs. These are generally very large and include pull-outs to maximize living space. These can be compared to a class A RV and are usually even larger and provide a greater amount of living space.

These types of RVs require a special type of hitch in the back of a pick-up truck to be pulled. The fifth wheel attaches to the vehicle and typically has a living space such as a bed over where the hitch goes similar to how a class C RV has a sleeping area over the cab.

The downside of these is obvious, they are large and require a large vehicle in order to get you on the road.

Pulling a large fifth wheel can make for a miserable experience if you do not know what you are doing.

Park Trailers

A Park trailer is a travel trailer that looks a little bit more like a home than the typical trailer does. These types of trailers are typically set up to stay in one location throughout an entire season.

Hybrid Trailers

Hybrid trailers are travel trailers that look like standard travel trailers but also include canvas pop-outs that are designed to increase the space of the trailer. These pop-outs generally protrude out the back, front or sides.

These may also be known as expandables.

Toy Haulers

A toy hauler can be a travel trailer or a fifth wheel that also has an area in the back to haul toys, hence the name toy hauler. Many people use these to haul motorcycles, quads, golf carts or other vehicles that can be used when they get to where they are going.

If you want to travel and take your motorcycle, a toy hauler will allow you to do this while keeping it safe and secure and still allowing for ample living space. It’s similar to having a garage attached to a house.

Is a Conversion Van an RV?

What about a conversion van? We know that we can consider a manufactured class B camper van to be an RV. However, what if the van is one that you converted yourself into a living space?

In this case, there is no difference. A conversion van may also be considered an RV. Since the camper van has a living space whether it is custom-built or manufactured, it may qualify as an RV as long as it meets some requirements.

Many people are concerned with this because they would like to title their conversion vans as RVs. While each locale has different laws and rules regarding this, a conversion van can generally be titled as an RV as long as it meets certain criteria.

In many locations, the van must have a sleeping area, running water, a stove or a place to cook and have electricity just to name a few.

If this is a concern of yours, it’s best to check with your local DMV for further information and the criteria required to accomplish this.

Why Choose a Camper Van Over Other Types of RVs?

If you are searching for an RV you probably already have a type of RV in mind that you would like to purchase. In the past, I never really considered a camper van because I assumed they were too small.

I had never really looked at one in person when I first began my search. When I had gone RV shopping, it was typically in search of a travel trailer or a class C motorhome.

It wasn’t until I realized the benefits that a conversion van has over other types of RVs or motorhomes. The main benefit for me is that a camper van is easy to drive and easy to park into most parking spaces.

If you were to choose a travel trailer, fifth wheel or a larger type of motorhome, you would not have such an easy time going to places you would like to go.

It would be more involved each time that you wanted to go to a new destination. With a conversion van, I can pick up and leave at a moment’s notice and not have to worry about whether my motorhome will fit or if I will find a good place to park.

Other benefits might include:

• Small and compact
• Easy to drive – if you can drive a car, you can drive a camper van
• Good fuel mileage
• Easy to maintain
• It doesn’t require an extra vehicle. It can be used as your get-around vehicle when you are on a trip.

Conclusion

Camper vans are becoming more and more popular as an RV option and many people are seeing the benefits of such a small solution. If your goal is to travel and see the beautiful sights of this world instead of focusing on big, fancy living areas, a camper van may be the best RV for you.

A camper van is an RV for those who are adventurous but still like the idea of having all of the conveniences that they are used to.

These types of RVs can get you to where you need to go in style and you won’t be stressed along the way.

A common question that one might have when they are searching for a camper van is whether or not it will have a bathroom. Most people are aware that larger motor homes, as well as travel trailers, fifth wheels and other medium to large sized RVs have some sort of shower and toilet available to use within the unit.

However, a camper van is much smaller and may not have the space required for a full-fledged bathroom. Of course, this will all depend upon the brand and model you choose to go with.

Many commercially available camper vans have some sort of bathroom option available. However, many custom-built camper vans do not have bathrooms since they take up so much space and you are already living in a very tight space. Many people make do with portable options that require less space, making for a more roomy floorplan.

This is a matter of preference and some people do not prefer a bathroom within their camper van. Many people would rather utilize that space for more storage or just for a more comfortable amount of room.

A van has a minimal footprint in which to work with and a bathroom can take away from the valuable space available.

Do You Need a Toilet in a Camper Van?

This is very much up for debate and there are many different schools of thought on this question. When I was first looking to build a camper van, I pondered this question and I did my research in-depth on the subject.

In the end, this all comes down to personal preference.

No one can tell you that you need or don’t need a toilet in your camper van. No one knows your needs or your desires for the way you wish to do your business.

Me personally? I would not want a camper van without a toilet and a shower. It’s my personal preference to have both.

Beyond that, I prefer to have my shower and toilet both contained inside my van instead of having to use an outdoor shower as many campervan dwellers use.

Having utilized my shower and my toilet quite often out on the road, I can say for sure that having these two things are a necessity for me and I’m glad I put them into my van.

This may have been a different story if I had built a van in my younger years. When I was in my teenage years or my 20s, I may have had a different opinion and different needs.

However, now that I am in my 40s, I prefer my alone bathroom time and I don’t have any desire to seek out public toilets and showers.

Of course, some campgrounds do have nice facilities to use and I do make use of them occasionally but I like being self-sustainable. Besides that, I don’t stay in campgrounds very often and I prefer to be off-grid as much as possible.

The off-grid lifestyle is one of the reasons I built my van for traveling.

Camper Van Toilet Solutions

Unlike larger motorhomes, there aren’t a lot of options for the smaller spaces in a van. You can have a toilet solution but don’t expect it to be the roomy version that you may be used to in a standard home or larger motorhome or RV.

Many camper vans utilize cassette toilets but there are other options available as well. Let’s look at some of these options below.

Cassette Toilet

Perhaps the most popular option for smaller RVs and Vans. This is what I prefer and it has been a great solution for my needs. If you aren’t aware of how a cassette toilet works, it’s similar to a real toilet.

It has a toilet seat that you sit on and the bowl fills with water while you are doing your business.

It has a clean water reservoir that is used to flush the toilet after you are finished and the dirty water flushes straight into a holding tank which can be dumped at a later time.

I generally only use my cassette toilet for number 1 and I find it to be the perfect solution for this. I have no problems using it for number 2 as well and have done this on occasion and it worked fine.

However, I like to keep this as my main way to pee while I use another solution below to do the other stuff.

It doesn’t take up much space and stores away easy as needed.

Here is the cassette toilet that I use and recommend.

Composting Toilet

Composting toilets have gotten a lot of praise since they offer a mostly odor-free solution.

However, it isn’t without its drawbacks.

Similar to cassette toilets, they have to be dumped regularly. The urine jug has to be dumped every few days depending upon how much it is used.

The composting area will also need to be dumped once a month or so, depending on the amount of usage.

The benefit of the composting toilet is that it separates the solids from the liquids, or in other words, the poop from the pee.

Most of them have a fan that runs continuously and pulls air across the solids and allows them to dry and compost within the composting medium. Most people report that there is no odor, even while using it.

The downside is that it is a bit larger than most cassette toilets and it has to be connected to an electrical source to run the fan. It also needs to be vented so that the stinky air can escape the van or RV.

Another downside is the cost. A composting toilet is the most expensive option that van dwellers consider.

The Nature’s Head is one of the most popular composting toilets on the market.

Dry Flush Toilet

Perhaps you don’t want to deal with the usual problems associated with toilets that you have to dump. If you are looking for a solution where you can do your business and then not have to see it or dump it, a dry flush toilet may be for you.

This type of toilet uses cartridges that contain a certain number of flushes. With each flush, the waste is sealed in plastic. The entire cartridge gets dumped after the allotted number of flushes has been achieved.

One problem with these types of toilets is that they are not the most environmentally friendly. There is a lot of plastic waste involved in these. Besides that, they are expensive and you have to refill with cartridges to keep on using it.

The Laveo Toilet is the best example of this type of toilet.

Portable Bag Toilet

Similar to a dry flush toilet, a portable toilet is made up of a toilet seat that has a hanging bag in which you do your business. They often contain a gelling product that turns liquids to solids and can be used multiple times.

After use, the bag can be thrown into a standard trash can. Similar to picking up your dog’s poop and throwing it in the trashcan using a doggy bag.

One thing that sets these apart from a dry flush toilet is that most of these use a biodegradable bag so you can feel better about tossing them in the trash. Although, I don’t trust this and I usually see this as marketing hype.

I currently use the Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Portable Toilet as my solution for number 2.

I can do my business and then seal the bag up and toss it into the trash. It does feel a bit wasteful because it seems like a lot of plastic bagging but since it’s supposed to be biodegradable, I have settled on this solution for now.

Bucket Toilet

If you do not want to purchase the Cleanwaste Go Anywhere solution, you can always just use a bucket. One of the most popular ones is the Luggable Loo.

Of course, you can just purchase your own, cheap, five-gallon bucket and create your own. You can also purchase your own biodegradable bags to go into it making it a decent solution.

A bucket toilet can be stored out of the way and even used to keep other items in when not in use.

Camper Van Shower Solutions

Who doesn’t like a good warm shower? Especially when you are camping or living in a van. Although a hot shower might be hard to come by, having a shower is possible and there are many different solutions that you could choose from.

Full-Featured Shower

A full-featured shower is one that is set up just like the showers that you may be used to in your home. This is what I chose to go within my van and I am so glad I did for a couple of different reasons.

The first reason is that it is great to step into a real shower after a day of hiking and sweating and clean off just like you would in your house.

Although there is not as much space, you can still get the job done. There is no setting up or tearing down. It’s easy to take a shower, wipe the walls down afterward and you are done.

The second reason is that the shower space allows for an area in which I can dry wet clothes, towels, wash rags and other things that may need airing out.

I can hang them up to dry on the shower curtain rod and they will remain out of my way and if there is any drippage, it will end up in the shower pan and make its way down the drain.

This is quite handy for someone like me who hikes and bikes while out in my van. I often come back from the trail sweaty and hot and it feels good to cool off in the shower and then wash my clothes off in the sink or the shower and then hang them to dry out of the way.

Although a shower like this is the most difficult to build, it is definitely worth the effort if you are like me and want a way to take a shower without hassle.

In a commercial class B motorhome, you will often find a built-in shower similar to this. However, many of them don’t have showers installed or have the option to leave it out in favor of more space for other things.

Portable Shower

I had considered using a portable shower in my van build but decided against it in the end. A portable shower is great for someone who wants to save space and not have a dedicated shower permanently in their van.

One of the best portable showers is the Big Kahuna. Although it looks quite cheesy and is just a customized dog food container, it works great as a portable shower and has good water pressure.

It doesn’t use a lot of energy and even has a heating option available so that you can take hot showers.

Roof-Top Shower

If you want a hot shower, a rooftop system may be the choice for you. A rooftop system is a tube that sits on the top of your van that holds water. This water gets heated in the sun and offers you a warm shower.

The only problem with this type of shower is that it has to be used outside. You’ll have to be in a place that allows outside showers and also a place with enough privacy for you to wash without drawing attention.

These types of showers can be great for those who Boondock often and who are in areas where they can obtain more privacy. Many people choose to shower in their bathing suits which works for a quick cleanup.

Water Pan

Probably the simplest solution for washing yourself in a camper van is by filling water into a simple water pan, a bucket or some kind of large container.

I have even seen people use small swimming pools as a place to sit in and scoop water up onto their bodies and wash off.

One good option is a collapsible container. These containers take up very little space when collapsed and then you can uncollapse them to create a basin for you to add water to. The good thing about this is that you can even heat the water before putting it in the basin.

Pros of Having a Bathroom

• Convenience – go when you want without waiting or searching for a place.
• Privacy
• Cleanliness – no worries of going after others in public bathrooms.
• Less stress of having to find a place to use the bathroom
• Provides a place to store wet items – hang dry clothes and towels and keep them out of the way
• Feels more like a home – who would want to live in a home without a bathroom?

Cons of Having a Bathroom

• Takes up a lot of space in a small van – some people see this as a deal-breaker when considering a bathroom in a van.
• Requires more water usage – showers use a lot of water and you’ll need water for cassette toilets if you use one.
• You have to dump toilets – this can be the worst part but it isn’t that bad if you stay on top of it and don’t leave it sitting for days.

Conclusion

Each person will have to decide for himself or herself whether or not a bathroom is a good idea to have in a camper van. Everyone has different needs and will not come to the same opinion on this matter.

Camper vans can have bathrooms that are quite nice and will allow you to conveniently wash off and use the bathroom anytime you want.

As I stated earlier in the article, I wouldn’t even consider having a van without a bathroom. To me, this makes living or camping in a van a much more pleasant experience.

Camper vans aren’t cheap so I would expect them to have all the conveniences that I’m used to at home.

So if you are seeking out a van that has a bathroom, you are in luck because you can certainly find them and you can also build one in your conversion van.

On the other hand, if you don’t want one, you are also in luck because you can certainly find camper vans without a bathroom. Many people make do without one and they are happy to use public bathrooms along their journey.

If you are considering purchasing a camper van or even renting one for a trip, you may be wondering if it will be easy to drive. We know that motorhomes come in different sizes and the larger motorhomes may be intimidating for someone who isn’t experienced with driving something of such a large size.

However, a camper van is not nearly as large as a Class A motorhome or even a Class C motorhome. A camper van, also known as a Class B motorhome, is the smallest type of motorhome that you can drive.

Since they are smaller than most other motorhomes, one might assume that a camper van is likely easy to drive. Is this the case?

Camper vans are similar to driving standard passenger cars and trucks. Most of them are built on standard van chassis and include all the comforts and controls that you’ve come to expect in a vehicle. Although they come in different sizes, the average van is around 20 ft in length and is easily maneuverable as well as easy to park in most residential parking areas.

When I first considered purchasing one of these types of vans, this was one of my first concerns. I didn’t want something that was difficult to drive and would cause me stress on my trip.

I didn’t want to be concerned with safety on the road or backing into something or not being able to park in tight spots. However, what I have found after owning a camper van is that it is actually easier to drive than the medium-sized pick-up truck that I own.

Most modern vans are equipped with back-up cameras and other safety features that make them easy to get in and out of places just as you would a smaller car.

Even if a camper van is not equipped with a backup camera, it’s a very simple process to add one. I had to add a camera to my van because it didn’t come with one from the factory.

This was one of the best upgrades that I made to my van because the backup camera has allowed me to feel confident that I will not back over someone or hit another car that is behind me. It has made the experience a safer one as well as a less stressful one.

I’m often surprised at how easily maneuverable my camper van is. I’ve never gotten into a situation that I was scared I was stuck or couldn’t get out of.

If you are concerned that a camper van may not be easy to drive, you will most likely be interested in smaller camper vans so that you will maintain ease of driving that you may be used to.

The following list contains some of the smaller camper vans as well as standard commercial vans that could be converted to campers. These are ideal for someone who wants a small motorhome that is not difficult to drive.

The list below contains some examples of current Class B motorhomes that have a small footprint and make RVing easy. These vans give you everything you could want in a camper that is easy to drive and a pleasure to camp or live in.

• Winnebago Revel
• Pleasure Way 2020 Tofino – a small van with a pop-top.
• Carado Banff
• Coachmen Nova
• Roadtrek SS Agile
• Roadtrek Zion
• Storyteller Overland Mode 4×4
• Hymer Aktiv (no longer in production but can be found used.)
• Volkswagon California (Europe only as of 2019)

Commercial vans with a chassis that has a small footprint and are easy for most people to drive.

• Ford Transit – The regular and long versions are both small enough that anyone would feel comfortable driving them.
• RAM Promaster – 136 or 159-inch wheelbase models are easy to drive and can be parked in nearly any standard parking spot.
• Mercedes Sprinter – the 144-inch wheelbase is a small, manageable size and easy to drive.
• Chevrolet Express – Although this is a low roof van, it is much like driving a standard vehicle or minivan. A pop-up roof can be added for extra space.
• Ford Econoline – Similar to the Chevrolet above, the Econoline is small and is another great choice if you want an added pop-up.
• NISSAN NV – Small and similar to driving a pick-up truck.

Tips For Making a Camper Van Easier To Drive

1. Purchase a van that you feel comfortable in. You should not feel stressed when sitting in the cab of your camper van. You should feel relaxed as you would in a standard passenger car.
2. Be sure you have mirrors that cover all blind spots. Mirrors are invaluable in providing a safe experience as well as making your van easier to drive.
3. Choose a van with a backup camera or install one yourself. A backup camera is essential, especially if you are not used to driving something the size of a campervan.
4. Uncover all windows when driving. I see many people in class B motorhome’s with window coverings on the rear windows while they are driving. This could make for a dangerous situation since your field of view will be less.
5. Avoid smaller roads. If possible, always travel larger roads and interstates to get to your destination. If you are unsure of a road, it’s best to avoid it.
6. Always be aware. This should remain unsaid because we should always be aware no matter what we are driving. However, it’s easy to become unaware in a car that we are so used to. A larger van requires that you always maintain awareness of your surroundings to avoid accidents.
7. Allow enough room to stop. A heavily loaded camper van may need more space to stop than you are used to with a passenger car. The more weight a van is carrying, the more space will be required to stop. Always be cautious of this as you are driving and do not follow cars as closely as you might do in a standard passenger vehicle.

Times When Camper Vans Might Be Difficult To Drive

There are a few scenarios that you might run into when a camper van might be more difficult to deal with. However the same could be said for any passenger vehicle.

There are often times, even in my car, that I am stuck in a situation that I would rather not be in. A camper van isn’t very large and isn’t a problem for most people, but some people may have difficulties in the following situations.

Blind Spots

On my Ram Promaster Class B motorhome, I have a blind spot on my passenger side when I am pulling into oncoming traffic on that side.

There have been times when I could not see anything and did not know if it was safe to pull out onto the road or not. Fortunately, I had a passenger that was able to tell me when it was safe to go.

This was a beginner mistake by me when I was new to driving it. I have since learned that I cannot angle my way into a median in order to pull onto the road. I have to pull straight out so that I can still have a full view of oncoming traffic.

It may take some time for you to discover blind areas and problems like this. Practicing driving your camper van in a low traffic area will help.

Parking Lots

It can be a challenge to park in busy parking lots if you have a larger van. There are some parking lots that I have been to where there was not enough room for me to even pull into a spot.

It’s important that in these situations you always judge the situation first before making a decision. The times that I have been in small parking lots like this, I realized that it would be difficult for me to get in and out so I continued and found a better place to park.

You will need to use common sense during times like this and you will also need to know the size and limitations of the van that you are driving. It is also best that you simply avoid areas like this especially when you are first learning to drive your van.

Gas Stations

You may be used to pulling your car into a gas station to fill up with gas, but a large van may take a bit of an adjustment. With a van, you may not be able to swing in as tightly as you are used to in a smaller car.

You will probably have to swing out further and allow for a further turning radius than you may be used to. This all takes practice and you’ll get used to it soon enough as you spend more time driving it.

A tip for making gas stations easier is to always seek out the end pumps so that you have more room to work with on one side.

Windy Conditions

Wind can often wreak havoc on a van, especially if it is a high roof van. There have been many times when I have been driving on the interstate and the wind shakes my van from side to side much more than it would the standard vehicle that I often drive.

During these times, you should slow down and pay close attention to the road and your surroundings as well as other drivers.

Create A Checklist

A checklist can be a great way for you to make sure that you are safe as you go about driving your van. Similar to how a pilot runs through a checklist before taking off in an airplane, you should use a checklist in order to ensure things are secure and in order and ready for the road before taking off.

A checklist can help you to not forget simple things like strapping down water jugs or turning off the water pump or closing the vent fan.

Tasks like these are easily remembered if you run through a checklist each time you drive your vehicle. Not only will this make it a safer trip for you, but it will also allow you to drive without the stress of wondering if you did everything you were supposed to do.

Conclusion

Camper vans are almost always easy to drive. If you can drive a car, then you will likely have no problems whatsoever driving one.

It may be intimidating at first, but you will quickly get used to it and realize that it is not much different than driving your standard car. Just like anything new, there is always an adjustment and it becomes more familiar the more you do it.

If you are new to driving a van, the best way to improve is to drive it more often.

Practice driving your van on less busy roads and in areas that you know very well. As you improve your driving skills you may then seek out more difficult areas to drive in and pretty soon you will be a master at driving your camper van.

When I first became interested in purchasing a motorhome, I assumed a class B would be the least expensive way to go. After all, a class B motorhome is the smallest type that you can buy. Why wouldn’t they be the cheapest?

I assumed that the smaller the RV, the lower the price.

However, what I found once I began my search was the exact opposite. The expense of these types of motorhomes was much greater than I expected.

It just didn’t make sense to me that a small camper van can be as expensive and often even more expensive than a larger motorhome.

After much research, I concluded why class B motorhomes are so expensive.

Class B motorhomes are expensive because they are in demand and aren’t as mass-produced as larger motorhomes. They are built on expensive chassis and are more difficult to create since there is less space to work with. They often have higher-end components and materials and are built by skilled workers. They have great fuel economy and are easy to drive, unlike many larger motorhomes.

I can attest to the fact that class B motorhomes are difficult to build. I learned this the hard way as I set out to build my own camper van from scratch.

I used a Ram Promaster van for my build which a lot of manufacturers use. These types of vans have tight spaces in which you have to work with. It takes skilled workers to create one of these masterpieces in such a small vehicle.

I am not a skilled worker but I did manage to create my custom van after some trial and error and lots of four-letter words.

Beyond the Ram Promaster, class B motorhomes are often built on other expensive chassis. The most common ones include the Mercedes Sprinter and the Ford Transit.

When you factor in the cost of the chassis, which is the starting point of the motorhome, the additional parts and man-hours can add up quickly to make these types of motorhomes very expensive.

The Ram Promaster 2500 with a high roof and 159-inch wheelbase starts around $36,000 and the Mercedes sprinter starts around $40,000 for the 170-inch wheelbase, high roof cargo van.

By the time you add high-end materials and man-hours, it is easy to see the cost of these motorhomes reaching the levels that they do.

I learned that it isn’t just about the size of the motorhome that matters. There are many factors involved in the expense of the motorhome.

You are probably well aware of the prices that some of these RVs can reach but just in case you aren’t, here is a list of some of the popular class B motorhomes and the prices that you can expect to pay for them.

10 Examples of Class B Motorhome Costs

The following is a list of popular class B motorhomes and what they cost. These are the approximate MSRP costs for new units. Keep in mind that you will likely be able to purchase these for less than what the MSRP is.

1. Winnebago Revel – $163,292

The Revel starts at $163,292 and is built on the 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. This motorhome is made for off-road adventure.

2. Winnebago Travato – $114,455

The Travato starts at $114,455 and is built on the Ram Promaster chassis.

3. Carado Banff – $71,625

As one of the more affordable class B motorhomes, the Banff starts at $71,625 and goes up depending upon the options you choose. It is built on the Ram Promaster chassis.

4. Roadtrek E-TREK – $178,211

The Roadtrek is a premium motorhome that comes with a hefty starting price tag of $178,211. It is built on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis and is made for those who want a luxurious camping experience.

5. Roadtrek Zion – $101,681

Cheaper than the E-Trek but still a hefty price tag. The starting price is only $101,681 for the Zion and it is built on the Ram Promaster chassis.

6. Pleasure Way 2020 Plateau FL – $150,735

Built on the Sprinter chassis, the Plateau FL is a luxury motorhome that starts at $150,735. It is among the most luxurious class B motorhomes that you will find.

7. Pleasure Way 2020 Tofino – MSRP $70,850

If you are looking for a cheap class B motorhome, the 2020 Tofino may be your best bet. Although not cheap, it starts at only $70,850 and is built on the low roof, Ram Promaster chassis. It has a pop-up roof for additional headroom.

8. Coach House ARRIVA – $151,000

The Arriva is another expensive class B that is built for those who want a premium experience. At a starting price of approximately $151,000, it is for those who are serious about wanting a top of the line motorhome. It is built on the Sprinter chassis.

9. Fleetwood Irok $100,000+

Built on the Ram Promaster chassis, the Irok is a luxury class B with a starting price of over $100,000. There are different models and options, making it difficult to determine an exact MSRP.

10. Thor Motor Coach – $91,875

Starting at $91,875 for the 20L model and $93,125 for the 20K model. The Thor Motor Coach is built on the Promaster chassis.

As you can see, buying a class B motorhome takes a large financial commitment. The prices of some of these rigs seem like total nonsense for some people and I can understand that feeling. It’s a high price to pay for such a small place to live in.

If you aren’t interested in paying a small fortune for one of these motorhomes, you can always opt for used units. Buying a used motorhome can be a great way to get into a class B for less.

Buying a Used Class B Motorhome For Less

A used vehicle can often be a risky thing to buy. A motorhome can certainly be risky as well and could come with issues that you may not be aware of.

It may be more difficult to obtain information on the history of motorhomes. This means that you may not know anything about the motorhome, who owned it or if proper maintenance was done on it.

However, the cost of a used class B can be significantly less then a new one is. This is mainly because motorhomes, like any vehicle, depreciate.

Similar to cars, motorhomes also lose value as soon as you drive them off of the lot. It’s usually better to let someone else take the initial loss through depreciation rather than you.

You can simply buy a used one for less money and enjoy using it just like the original owner did.

Cost To Build Your Own Class B Camper Van

Building a camper van yourself may be your best bet for obtaining one for the lowest price. However, you should also realize that the cost can add up just the same.

You will have to start with one of the same chassis as one of the manufactured class B’s use. You can choose to purchase a used one to keep your costs down. A used cargo van can often be purchased for a small price compared to what you would pay for them brand new.

Buying a standard cargo van will also have a history attached to it and you will likely know of any issues and maintenance records as reported on Carfax reports.

For example, I purchased my 2017 Ram Promaster for $23,300 and it was less than a year old with only 27,000 miles on it. This gave me a solid base in which to begin building my camper van and allowed me to have a finished motorhome for much less than I would have spent otherwise.

However, if you value your time, you will need to consider how much you will be putting into the van to convert it to a camper van.

Working on a van like this is a huge time commitment. Especially if you are like me and have to learn as you go. I am not an RV builder and each component of my motorhome had to be researched and I learned through trial and error during the whole process.

In the end, I spent around $10,000 converting my van which gave me a ready-to-use camper van for less than $35,000. I ended up with a camper van that cost a fraction of what a manufactured one would have cost me.

I also had the opportunity to design it the exact way that I wanted it. I prefer my build to most all of the manufactured class B motorhome’s that I have looked at. Mine has character and isn’t sterile and cheap-looking like a lot of motorhomes.

Buying a Used Custom Camper Van

If you like the idea of converting your own van but don’t want to do the work yourself, you may consider purchasing a used conversion van.

However, don’t expect these to come at a cheap price either.

Custom camper vans are often expensive because a lot of work and material has gone into creating it, not to mention the time put in.

Building out a camper van is no easy task. I know from experience that it is extremely challenging, especially if you want to do things the right way so that it will have resell value in the future.

Many people don’t have the handyman skills required nor the tools or place to even work on a van so this makes it a no-go for those people.

Buying a used custom camper van may be the way to go if you want to spend less and want a custom van.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you look at it, a class B motorhome is not a cheap way to go. If you want the convenience of a smaller RV that has all the comforts of home and will allow you to travel nearly anywhere you want, you will have a pay a price.

Many people that purchase these types of rigs, plan on living in them full-time so it is their home. Some people sell everything they have, purchase a class B and travel the world in it.

It can be a very rewarding experience and although the cost seems high, the experiences you will have in it are priceless.

As I’ve shown you in this article, there are ways that you can have the same experience for less. Whether you opt for a used unit or build one yourself, a class B has its advantages over other types of larger RVs.

When I first considered the RV lifestyle, my mind was already leaning towards a class C type motorhome. I felt like this type of RV would give me the most space and provide me with all the comforts of home that I was used to. However, it wasn’t long into my search that I realized that I didn’t want to drive something as large as a class C around.

After sitting in a few of them along with class A’s, I realized that these types of rigs were a bit too big for what I was looking for. I realized that it would be difficult for me to get these types of rigs in and out of places that I wanted to go.

That’s when I began looking more seriously at class B RVs, also known as camper vans. The obvious problem with these is the size. I wasn’t sure if a class B would be big enough for what I wanted to use it for.

It took a little research and a few test drives to realize that a class B would be more than enough for my needs.  After taking my time to decide on the best RV for me, here is what I learned.

A class B RV is not too small in order for you to enjoy living or traveling in it. However, it may require a more minimal type of living and will likely only be suitable for 2 – 4 people depending on the size of the van.

There are many people who live full-time in a class B and they can have benefits that set them apart from their larger counterparts.

What Size is a Class B Motorhome

A class B is typically in the range of 18 – 24 ft in length and may have less than 100 square feet of living space. Although small, many of the layouts are designed to feel more spacious and can offer enough living space without feeling too cramped.

Examples

Making The Most Out Of a Small Space

Living out of a class B camper van is much different than living out of a larger RV or a standard sticks and bricks home. A small van requires that you make some changes in order to make the most of it and maintain the comforts that you are used to.

Many people who travel in a camper van, say that they live out of their van rather than in their van. When you travel in a van as small as a class B RV, the world is your home and the van itself is where you sleep, eat, and maintain a sense of privacy and safety.

If you are new to van life or traveling in a class B, don’t expect to have as much room as you would in something larger. Although there are some layouts that maximize space, no layouts are going to provide you with tons of elbow room over another one.

No matter the van or layout, you will be dealing with a small footprint in which you will have to make sacrifices or learn how to live differently in order to be comfortable.

If you are having trouble determining whether a class B is too small, perhaps you should ponder the following questions.

• Can I take a more minimal approach to living and cut out unnecessary items that I may be accustomed to living with now?
• Would I rather have more comfort in a larger rig but be more restricted as to where I can go?
• Would I rather have the ease of getting around in a van and being able to park in a regular parking spot, making it easier for travel?

It’s important to note that although you will probably not have as much room as you would in a larger rig, this doesn’t mean that you will be given up much. A class B RV has plenty a room for most people and as long as you aren’t hauling a large family, you will most likely be happy with the amount of space.

Advantages of a Class B RV

Camper vans may be smaller but they do have some advantages over larger RVs.

1. You will be able to park nearly anywhere that a standard car can park. One of the most difficult parts of driving a large RV is parking and maneuvering around on city streets. The size of some RVs restricts where you can go and makes it a stressful driving situation at times. With a camper van, it will feel as though you are driving a full-size truck and most of them will fit into a standard parking spot nearly anywhere.

2. You will get better gas mileage. Our custom camper van which is built on the Ram Promaster chassis gets around 17 to 20 miles per gallon depending on the terrain and type of road. Some will get more and some will get less but either way it is much better than the fuel economy you might expect from other classes of RVs.

3. You may be able to park stealthily in them if needed. You would never be able to do this in a larger RV because they stick out like a sore thumb. This is beneficial because you are not stuck with only staying in RV Parks. They are easy to park and they are also easy to drive away if you need to get going.

4. They are easier to drive. If you have ever sat inside a large class A motorhome, you know that they can be intimidating and especially once you get going on a road in a city or in small areas. You won’t have a problem with a camper van since most of them are easy to drive and small enough to fit on any road that a car can drive on.

Disadvantages of a Class B RV

Of course, along with the advantages come disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the size of the RV.  It’s obvious that a class B camper van will not be as large as a full-size motorhome, travel trailer, fifth-wheel.  If you are used to the space that larger RVs provide, you may find the following to be disadvantages.

1. The toilet and shower area, if it is even equipped with one, may be cramped and barely sufficient for most people. Our camper van shower is sufficient for our needs but if you are overweight or larger, you would probably have a hard time with our shower and toilet.

2. You can’t bring as much stuff with you. There are fewer storage compartments and space than a full-size RV would have so you may have to get creative in order to organize items, especially if you are not traveling alone.

3. Gray tanks or black tanks will likely be smaller in capacity than those of larger RVs. If you depend on these water holding tanks you will need to take this into account when planning a trip in a class B.

Who is a Class B For?

If you are an adventurous type and do not have a large family to carry around with you, a class B camper van may be perfect for you. Even people with families may find a layout that works well for them without being too small and suffocating.

On the other hand, if you have a large family and would like to have room to move around, a class B will probably be too small for you.

The following types of people may find a class B to be just the right fit for their needs.

• Single people who want to travel without the hassle of a heavy load
• Adventure seekers who need a home away from home
• Weekenders who are looking for a small camp space and don’t require a lot of stuff
• Couples who are accustomed to a more minimalistic approach to life
• People who prefer a more fuel-efficient approach to RVing

I fall into the category of an adventure seeker as well as a weekender who enjoys being out in nature without the hassle of having a large RV to drive around. I enjoy driving my camper van around because it feels just like I’m in a large vehicle like a full-size truck.

I can pull into a spot and fix food, rest, or even sleep for the night and then be gone in no time.

Conclusion

A class B is definitely for a different type of camper than a class A or class C or even a travel trailer, fifth wheel or any other type of full-size RV. Camper vans are for those who are looking for adventure and are not simply seeking a home that can take the place of a standard home.

A camper van is meant to be driven and those who love to explore and travel to exciting places will love the convenience of a class B. These types of RVs are not ideal for those who want something that can be parked for days at an RV park so they can live in it like they would a larger RV.

On the other hand, if you are you looking to travel and maintain some comforts of home along the way, a class B should be plenty for you.