Owning a four-wheel-drive RV can be beneficial to those who want to get off the road and go on adventures that ordinary camper vans wouldn’t be able to go. Your typical Class B RV is only a two-wheel-drive and isn’t designed for off-road excursions. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few awesome options that are made for this.

I have a standard 2WD Promaster van and it has been very capable in less than perfect conditions. I have been to many places with it that had me a little nervous and it always came through for me. It does have some drawbacks and if I were to do more off-road driving, I’d want to upgrade to a van with 4X4.

I have researched most of the 4×4 models of camper vans on the market to see what I might be missing out on. The list below include some of the best ones that I have found. These are great for those who are ready to get off the pavement and head into some more remote areas over difficult terrain.

1) 2021 Winnebego Revel 4×4

Starting MSRP: $185,838

The Winnebego Revel is a capable 4×4 camper van that is designed to get you off the road. It’s built on the Mercedes chassis and offers all the comforts of the Sprinter van on a rugged frame that will get you into locations that standard camper vans could never go. Beyond the capability of the 4×4, it features a powerful diesel engine that can power you through the most difficult terrains.

The Revel is a pricey van but for those who want all the advantages that a 4×4 can offer, it may be worth the price. It offers a spacious interior with everything you could want for a comfortable living space. It’s small but contains the amenities that the off-road adventurer might need. Is it worth the steep price? Only you can decide that.

2) 2021 Winnebego Boldt 70BL

Starting MSRP: $215,092

The Boldt is a much different van than the Revel mentioned above. It comes in different floor plans and all are larger and feature a roomier interior for those needing the space. Although 4×4 isn’t standard, there is an option for an on-demand 4WD system. You probably won’t be going off the road as easily as you can with the Revel but the Boldt will give you a little more peace of mind that you will be able to make it safely through bad driving conditions.

The Boldt is not a cheap RV and requires a large financial obligation for those looking for a premium experience with 4X4. It is also built on the Mercedes chassis and includes the luxuries that you would expect from these vans.

3) Sportsmobile Classic 4×4

MSRP: $175,000-$225,000

Looking for a rough and tough looking van? The Sportsmobile Classic is a great example of an off-road dream vehicle. This van will get you into places that may be only accessible with a 4X4 of this nature. It is built on a low roof Ford Econoline but has a pop-up roof so that it creates a nice amount of interior headroom.

The Sportsmobile Class is super expensive and is probably only an option for those who are serious about off-roading. The casual camper, like me, wouldn’t want to shell out this much money for a van like this. It has more of a rugged feel with minimal interior amenities.

4) Storyteller Overland Mode 4×4

Pricing: $149,748(Classic) – $154,454(Stealth) – $189,743(Beast)

The Mode 4×4 comes in three different models with each having different features. Each model is built on the Mercedes Chassis and the only difference between the “more affordable” option and the most expensive one is some features and colors. The van is on the smaller side at 19′ 5″. The interior features an open layout that is roomy enough for a couple of people to enjoy staying in it.

It’s smaller size allows it to get into places that many larger vans won’t be able to. It’s similar to the Winnebego Revel mentioned earlier in the article and is a capable van for those looking to add adventure to their trip.

5) Custom Class B Camper Van 4×4

Perhaps the best option available is the custom camper van. For those who are handy and want the DIY experience, you can purchase a 4×4 van and convert it for MUCH less than you could buy a readymade van for. A standard 4×4 Mercedes Sprinter High Roof 170″ Wheelbase can be purchased brand new for around $65,000. The Ford Transit 4×4 Long van can be purchased for under $50,000 (current 2020 pricing).

Once the van is purchased, it’s just a matter of converting it. You can spend as much as you want to with this but most conversions end up costing between $5000 – $25000 depending on how luxurious you want it to be. These prices are assuming that you do the entire build yourself and do not hire others to do things for you.

Here is one of my favorite Youtubers who is currently converting a 4×4 camper van from a Sprinter.

He is a photographer as I am and is building his van for the same reason as I did. Although my van isn’t a 4×4, it has served me well for getting me to great locations and allowing me to sleep for the night. Don’t be scared to take on the challenge of converting a van. It is a difficult process but it can be very rewarding and quite a bargain when compared to some of the more expensive options.

The great thing about building a custom 4×4 camper van is that it will be done to your specifications. You will only have the things you want in it and it can be built to suit your needs perfectly.

Pros & Cons of a Four Wheel Drive Camper Van

Pros

It Can Take You To More Places

The obvious benefit of a four-wheel-drive camper van is that it can take you to places that you might not ordinarily go. The four-wheel-drive aspect of the vehicle will allow you to take a turn off of the main road and drive into rougher terrain. This can be beneficial for those who want to camp in areas that are often free of other people. Taking a four-wheel-drive van down a rocky or hilly road is more achievable than its two-wheel-drive counterpart. You will be able to camp in locations with nice views and privacy.

Higher Ground Clearance

One of the things that I dislike the most about my Promaster van is the low ground clearance. I have to be careful when going down rocky roads or areas where I may bottom out. I have often scraped the bottom of my van in locations with ruts and other obstacles.

The great thing about a four-wheel-drive van is that it will be lifted with more ground clearance. You won’t have to worry about driving over land areas that might damage the bottom of your vehicle. Bottoming out can also be a cause of getting stuck which is more unlikely when in a 4×4. Of course, there is a limit on any vehicle but for the most part, the places you are likely to drive will not be a problem for your four-wheel-drive.

Confidence In Getting In and Out Of a Campsite

There have been times when I have pulled into a campsite and was scared that I might not be able to get back out of it. It has always worked out well for me and I have always gotten out but this wouldn’t likely be a problem with a 4×4. It’s not that a four-wheel-drive can magically go anywhere, it’s just that it has more capabilities than that of a two-wheel-drive. A four-wheel-drive van with some good all-terrain tires will go a long way towards getting you in and out of pretty much any campsite you might imagine.

Looks Cool!

Let’s face it, a four-wheel-drive camper van just looks super cool. With the off-road tires and the high ground clearance, it looks like a vehicle that is ready for adventure. This is a cool look that can turn heads and if you’re into that kind of thing, this type of van is great. On top of that, the roof racks, ladders, and spare tire on the back of the van just adds to the awesome look of the vehicle.

There is a whole host of off-roading accessories that you can add to the van to make it look awesome. For the most part, these accessories are only aesthetic but can make you feel like you are on an adventure every time you sit in the driver’s seat.

Cons

More Expensive

As you have seen from the examples above, a four-wheel-drive camper van is quite expensive. Even the more affordable options are still more than the majority of people would ever want to pay. You have to really want to live the lifestyle in order to make it worth putting that much money down on one. The cheapest option will likely be to build your own or find a good used model.

With either of these options, you will end up paying quite a bit less than you would when buying a brand new 4×4 camper van. No matter what you choose, the costs will add up. There is no getting around the fact that owning a four-wheel-drive camper van can be costly.

More That Can Go Wrong

The fancier the equipment, the higher likelihood there is that something can tear up. A four-wheel-drive adds an extra layer of possible mechanical issues that could go wrong. Although in today’s models, you aren’t likely to have very many problems with normal usage. However, the problem is that many people who own four-wheel-drives are the type who like to use and abuse them.

Going off-roading can take a toll on your van and cause damage if you are not careful. You may get stuck in an area that causes damage to the vehicle or parts to come loose if you do not know what you are doing. Sometimes the extra confidence that people might gain by driving a four-wheel-drive will cause them to be riskier when driving it.

False Sense Of Security

A four-wheel-drive often creates a false sense of security. Many people assume that since they are driving a four-wheel-drive, there is no possible way that they can get stuck in an area. Even during snowstorms, I often see people driving four-wheel-drive vehicles down the road as if it’s impossible for them to slide. I also see them in the ditch on occasion because they had too much confidence in their vehicle.

Owning a four-wheel-drive is great but don’t be fooled with the thought that it is much more capable than that of a front-wheel-drive. This may be the case in some situations but it isn’t necessarily always true. My front-wheel-drive van has been more than capable in most situations that I have ever been in. It does quite well in the snow and if I had better all-terrain tires, I would be fairly confident in taking it nearly anywhere.

Is A 4×4 Camper Van Worth It?

There is no doubt, a four-wheel-drive vehicle adds more cost to an already expensive item. Camper vans are not cheap whether they have four-wheel-drive or not. However, as mentioned in this article, four-wheel-drive vans are very pricey and not everyone will be able to purchase a van with this feature. Is it worth it? This is up to you and your purpose for wanting to purchase it. No one answer will be true for every person.

It would not be worth it for me. I do not see the extra benefit of having a four-wheel-drive since my two-wheel-drive van has been more than capable. Throw a set of off-road tires on a front-wheel-drive van and you are good to go for the most part. I can’t imagine where I would go that I haven’t already been in my van.

I’m not particularly in love with off-roading and spending time on difficult trails. My goal is to get to a location where I can camp peacefully and take photographs. I enjoy boondocking and parking in secluded areas. I have been to a handful of places where I had to turn around because my van wasn’t capable of getting in and out. However, for me, It wouldn’t be worth the cost of buying a 4×4 for the occasional use. In reality, I’m not sure I would have even driven a 4×4 camper van into these areas.

I could understand having a four-wheel-drive if I lived in an area that was more prone to lots of snow. In this case, it would make sense to spend the extra money on a four-wheel-drive vehicle if I spent a lot of time in it.

It’s up to you to decide whether or not the locations that you intend to go to will require a four-wheel-drive or not. There are options if you choose to go this route. You can always choose to purchase used for much less than you will get them new. You can also choose to convert your own van and save money in the process.

Purchasing a used four-wheel-drive cargo van will allow you to complete the van conversion For much cheaper than going the brand new route. Read my article here before making a decision to purchase a used van. There are some things to consider and I have put together some tips to help you purchase a van without getting ripped off.

Conclusion

Four-wheel-drive camper vans are becoming more and more popular. With some of the main van chassis offering options in four-wheel-drive, more and more class B motorhomes are being built on them. These vans are becoming quite capable and are great for those who are not satisfied with the standard adventure and are looking for something that can take them further.

It used to be that a 4×4 truck with a camper on the back of it was the way to go for off-roading. However, 4×4 camper vans are becoming more capable and able to take you to places just as remote as a truck could.

While they are more pricey, a four-wheel-drive van can make for a better experience and help to get you in and out of places with more confidence. The examples of current models on the market that I have listed above are great vans and are among the top options that you’ll find. They are also very expensive! It comes down to how much you are willing to spend for what they can offer that the two-wheel-drive van won’t be able to.

If you are looking to purchase a small RV, a Class B is a great choice if you want a livable space that you can drive around. However, a Class B – also known as a camper van – can be small and may be out of the question for some people who need more space. The next obvious choice for a larger RV may be a Class C since these offer more space and amenities over what a Class B can offer.

If you are in this predicament, you may want to consider another option. The Super Class B, also known as a Class B+, is an option for those who need more size than what a smaller camper van might provide.

What is a Super Class B RV? A Super Class B RV is also referred to as a Class B+ and is an RV that is built on a large van chassis. It is larger than a standard camper van with more space and amenities. Although larger than a Class B, it is not quite as large as a Class C RV.

This article will outline some of the benefits of a Class B+ and give some examples of current models on the market. Also, when speaking of this type of RV, the name Super Class B and B+ will be interchangeable so you may see both names mentioned throughout the article.

In reality, when you look at a Class B+, what you are really looking at is a small Class C. It’s as if you took a larger Class C and shrunk it down a bit in order to have a smaller package. It’s easier to drive and get into places that you want to go. Many manufacturers will refer to these as Class C but they have become known as Class B+ (Super Class B) because they are typically a bit larger than what a typical Class B RV is.

Why Buy A Super Class B RV?

The obvious answer to this question is more space. This larger style of camper van is great for those who have families and need additional space for more people. Many of the models on the market have larger, and sometimes multiple living areas to accommodate families that need more separation.

Compare this to a smaller Class B RV and you will see quite a difference in the amount of space available.

Here are the reasons a Class B+ may be right for you.

• You need more space. People with families who want to travel in an RV but want to keep it as small as possible may be happy with a Class B+. It’s larger than a camper van but still maintains a smaller footprint than other RVs.
• You want more amenities. Some camper vans are nice and have great amenities but the size constraints often cause a problem. The larger size of the Super Class B allows for more amenities.
• Class B is slightly too small. Those who like the small size of a Class B but find it to be a little too tight will appreciate the extra space of the Class B+.
• Class C is too big. Class C RVs provide extra space but it also comes at the cost of a larger footprint. This makes it more challenging to drive and park and may limit the places you will feel comfortable going.

If you are trying to decide whether or not this type of RV is for you, check out some of the models below to get a better idea of what you can expect.

5 Examples of Super Class B RVs

2021 Leisure Travel Vans Unity RL

The Unity RL is built on the Mercedes chassis and features a rear lounge area that can make for a super comfortable experience. It also offers multiple living areas which are great if you travel with children or other family members, or friends. Although not cheap at a starting MSRP of $142,935, it is a great compromise between having a small RV and having an RV with lots of high-end amenities.

2021 Coachmen Crosstrek 20xg

The Crosstrek 20xg features quite a small footprint for the amount of living space that it provides. This is a great option for those who want an RV to remain as small as possible while providing a comfortable living area. It’s built on a Ford Transit 350 Chassis and is small enough for an easy drive but large enough for a comfortable stay.

2021 Airstream Atlas

In keeping with the luxury line of RVs that Airstream is known for, the Atlas is among one of the most luxurious Class B+ RVs on the market. Of course, you’ll pay a steep price for this luxury as the Atlas has a starting MSRP of $239,261! That’s a lot to pay for a small RV but if you have the money to spend and want the best, look no further.

2021 Renegade RV Vienna 25FWS

This RV features a full wall slide that allows the RV to open up into a much larger living space than you would have without it. The problem with this is that you will need to slide out the entire side wall in order to enjoy all the extra space. This may not always be possible depending on where you are staying for the night. Slide-outs are common in larger RVs or trailers but having a slide-out in an RV this small makes it a great choice since it adds so much more room.

Thor Gemini AWD

The Thor Gemeni is a Class B+ with lots of features and space for those looking for more elbow room. As the name suggests, it features an all-wheel drive and is the first Class B+ with this feature in the USA.

At just over 23 feet long, it’s a little longer than what you will get with a Class B. It’s built on the Ford Transit chassis. As you can see from the video above, the Gemini is roomy and can offer lots of space for small families. It offers a more comfortable experience than what you will find with a camper van which is more narrow and just won’t be able to create the larger living area that this RV does.

The exterior width of this RV is 90 inches (excluding mirrors). Compare that to the width of the Ford Transit which is 81.3 inches (excluding mirrors). As you can see, the extra 9 inches can make a difference and gives a little more room for the living area.

To top it off, the all-wheel drive is a great plus for those seeking a little more adventure. It can give you a little more capability when in inclement weather or venturing off the beaten path.

Class B+ RV Prices

One of the most important things to know when searching for an RV is how much it will set you back. RVs come in all shapes and sizes so pricing is all over the place. However, there are some ranges that you can generally expect to pay depending on the class of RV you are pursuing.

In the case of a Class B+, you can expect to pay in the range of $80,000 – $200,000+ for a brand new one. However, as with most RVs or any type of motor vehicle, the price falls off sharply for used models. You can find great deals if you choose to go the used route. A used Class B+ can often be purchased in the range of $50,000 – $130,000.. I have determined this price range based on what I found during my search for various used RVs. This will depend on the age of the used RV and the condition it is in, of course.

Before purchasing a used Class B of any type, check out the article I wrote on things to consider when buying a used camper van. Although this article applies mainly to smaller Class B RVs, it can apply to any type of RV that you are searching for.

Bottom Line

A Super Class B RV can be a great compromise between the smaller Class B and the larger Class C. Although it has the look of a Class C, it is in a smaller package and will be easier to drive and get around in. If you are looking to remain as nimble as possible while having the space to accommodate the maximum elbow room, a Class B+ is a great choice.

Small RVs can be challenging to make do with for those who require more space. However, you need not upgrade to a cumbersome model just to create a living space with more room. This type of RV will allow you to do that without the added footprint that you will find with larger types of RVs. The great thing about Class B+ RVs is that you will have a great amount of space yet it will drive like a camper van and allow you to go wherever you want to go.

If you own an RV of some type, whether it’s a camper van, class C, Class A, or a trailer, you may be able to earn money from renting it to others. It can be similar to owning a vacation home that you use as a rental and use yourself throughout the year. Oftentimes, an RV will sit in a person’s driveway for extended periods of time and only get used a few times a year. During these times, it might be a good idea to have other people helping to float the cost of ownership.

Renting out your RV can be a good way to earn money on something that might otherwise be sitting around. If you do not live in your van or RV full-time then it is probably sitting in your driveway during certain times of the year. It could be in the hands of someone else potentially earning you a passive income rather than collecting dust and just being an expensive item that is depreciating out in your driveway.

It can be a great way to recoup some of the costs associated with owning the RV. The RV rental market is booming and you can often find rental units traveling along the highways and in RV parks. How many of the RVs you see on the road are rented from a private party? There is no way to know but one thing is for sure: RVing is as popular as ever and it only makes sense for those wanting to try it out to rent one instead of purchasing one.

Private rentals have become more popular in recent years thanks to services that Outdoorsy, RVezy, and RVShare offer. These companies are the pioneers in the private RV rental market and anyone with an RV can list theirs for rent. Likewise, anyone wanting to use one without the costs of ownership can borrow one for a weekend excursion.

These companies provide a great platform for anyone wanting to rent out their RV. It’s also a great way for renters to find an RV in their area. Not everyone wants to buy an RV so having options available to be able to rent one from someone else is a great opportunity for both the renter and the RV owner.

Of course, you can rent RVs of all sizes from other places such as Cruise America but these are large companies and it might be a better idea to get it from a private party.

Depending on what type of RV you have, you may be able to make some serious cash! It will also depend on the area you live in as the market for this service will be greater in some areas than it will in others. If you live in a larger metropolitan area near an outdoorsy crowd where the weather is pleasant most of the year, you may be able to earn great money by doing this.

Why not rent yours out when you aren’t using it as a way to earn some additional income? It’s a good idea but there are certainly some pros and cons to doing so. If you are planning on listing yours on the market, there are some things you should consider before doing it. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of doing this.

Pros

Extra Income

The best reason for renting out your RV is the extra income you will earn. Rather than having a motorized vehicle sitting in your driveway collecting dust and depreciating, you can turn it into something that puts money into your pockets.

You may be able to earn a lot of money depending on the type of RV you have. The following numbers are what you might expect from renting different RV types.

RV Type	Daily Rental Price
Class A	$175 – $300
Class B	$100 – $250
Class B+	$150 – $250
Class C	$150 – $250
Large Travel Trailer	$100 – $150
Small Travel Trailer	$75 – $100
Fifth Wheel	$125 – $175
Pop-Up Camper	$50 – $85

This chart represents the average prices that were found using the Outdoorsy and RVezy rental marketplace. These numbers will vary depending on the condition of your vehicle, features, location, and other factors.

If you do not own your RV free and clear and have it financed, renting it to others will help you to pay for it. This leads us to the next pro about renting your RV.

Helps Pay for Your RV

If you are like many people, financing your RV is the way that you chose to pay for it. These costs can be a burden and may seem absurd if you rarely use it. Many people work full-time jobs and get their few weeks of vacation each year. It’s usually during these weeks that they plan vacations. This may be the only time your RV gets used so paying a monthly payment for something that gets so little use might not be a great idea.

However, if you list it as a rental on online marketplaces and allow it to be rented and used by others throughout the year, you can recoup some of those costs and help pay those monthly payments. You might even end up earning more than what you are paying for the RV, making it a great deal.

It may even help you to keep your RV. Some people who rarely use their RV end up selling it. However, selling an RV is almost always a losing battle since depreciation will cause you to lose money in the process. If you own an expensive RV, it may be difficult to sell on the market, especially in bad times such as during a pandemic (which we currently happen to be in around the world with Covid-19).

RV Gets Usage

As mentioned above, many people only use their RVs a few times per year. The rest of the year, it may be sitting under a cover or out in the weather collecting dust and algae. Renting your RV to other people can ensure that it is getting used. RVs were designed to be driven and lived in so having others using your RV will ensure that this is happening. Of course, there is also a downside to this which will be discussed below.

Cons

Wear and Tear on Your RV

Perhaps the worst part of renting your RV to other people is that you leave your valuable possession in the hands of someone else. This is often a turn off for people who decide not to go this route because they do not want someone else driving and using their van or RV. It’s well known that when something is not yours, you are probably not going to take care of it as you would your own.

This can be found in the rental car marketplace as rental cars get beaten to death by renters who couldn’t care less what happens to the car. They use and abuse it while they have it and once they are finished with it, it goes on to the next person who does the same. Everyone is not like this but rental cars are known to be some of the most used and abused cars in the used car industry.

Putting your valued RV in the hands of someone else who won’t care for it the way you will can be a scary thing to do. Excessive wear and tear on your RV can bring the value down even more than it would go with normal depreciation. You’ll go through more oil changes, tire rotations and changes, mechanical issues, and other unexpected problems when you begin renting your RV to others. It’s just a fact of the matter and is bound to happen.

Even when people do take great care of it, in the end, it is still a vehicle that has moving parts. Parts wear out and the more it is getting used, the faster these parts will wear out.

There is a fine line between renting your RV for the extra money and having it used and abused by others. Will the cost of the wear and tear be worth the price you charge to rent it to someone?

Other People Using Your RV

One of the things I like best about traveling in my camper van is that I get to sleep in my own bed. I like knowing that no one else has slept in my bed and everything is clean. To me, it’s better than staying in a hotel where others stay regularly and do things you probably wouldn’t want to know about. It’s a great feeling to be able to park for the night and use your own bed, shower, and cooking utensils.

When you allow others to use your RV, you will inevitably have many different people sleeping in your bed, using your pillows, sitting on chairs, couches, and doing things that you won’t even know about. You can clean it but it still might have a gross factor that you might not want to deal with.

Stress

Owning an RV can be very expensive. It can be very stressful when you have let that expensive motorhome drive away in someone else’s hands. No one wants to deal with the potential problems that might occur such as wrecks, or vandalism. It might cause some sleepless nights if you are the type to worry. Of course, as you get more experienced with renting it to others, you will learn to relax a bit.

5 Things to Consider

This list brings up a few questions or concerns that you might want to consider before deciding to rent out your RV.

1) How Much Can You Really Earn?

The first order of business is to determine how much you can actually earn with this. You will need to get real about it rather than looking at it with dreamy eyes. Not everyone is going to list their RV and immediately become an RV rental mogul making a full-time income.

There is a chance that you could list your RV and it will not even pique the interest of anyone. This will all depend on your area, your offering, and your price. You’ll have to first research how much RVs go for in your area or as close to your area as you can find. Then you’ll need to determine whether or not you think that price is going to be worth the wear and tear on your vehicle.

Also, you are not likely going to know how well it will rent so if you are considering it and have determined that the price is good enough, you should consider opening an account at one of the online marketplaces and get it listed. From there, you’ll be able to see what happens and you can determine whether or not to continue or if it’s just a waste of time for your specific offering.

2) Are You Really Okay With Others Using Your RV?

Do you really want others to take your RV on trips? Not everyone is happy to hand the keys over to strangers even when it has been done using a trusted rental marketplace. There are protections in place but it can still be risky if you let the wrong person drive off with your RV.

As a test, you might want to loan your RV to a friend or family member for a weekend getaway. This will give you a taste of what it feels like to have someone else using it. If you stress about it and worry the entire time, then perhaps renting it out to strangers would be even worse and you should choose against it. On the other hand, if you have no issues with it, put it on the marketplace and take it one renter at a time until you are more comfortable with the process.

3) Be Prepared for Potential Problems

Problems are likely to arise when you have people using your RV. There may be mechanical problems or appliance failures within your rig that may hinder the trip of a renter. As mentioned earlier, people don’t always take care of things so you may be left with problem after problem to deal with. Are you up for this challenge and do you have a plan in place to protect yourself?

There could also be wrecks or other mishaps that might put you in a bad situation. Insurance is usually provided for the renter so damages will be paid but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a headache for you to deal with. Dealing with insurance is never fun and the loss of value and other lingering problems may haunt you long after the damages have been paid for and “fixed.”

4) Consider Using Your RV More Yourself

If you have a personal RV that you are considering renting to others because it doesn’t get used as much as you’d like, perhaps this is a sign that you need more time off. You probably purchased the RV because of the lifestyle and relaxation that it could provide. Why not plan more trips for yourself, even if they are local? Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the relaxing environment of your RV to destress and enjoy nature.

5) Just Give It a Try

If you think there is a good chance that you can earn some money by renting out your RV, just give it a try! If you have decided that you are okay with handing your keys over to others then what do you have to lose? The online marketplaces will take care of the details, rules, and insurances. The only thing you have to do is give it a try and provide your RV. You will never know if you don’t go for it.

Bottom Line

Renting out your RV can be rewarding financially if you have a compelling offering that others are interested in. However, just know that it does come with some drawbacks. Anyone who has ever been a landlord or loaned other expensive items to someone else can attest to the fact that putting valuable possessions into someone else’s hands isn’t for the faint of heart.

However, once you get over the pain associated with seeing your prized RV driven off by someone else, it can be nice to see the extra income that it can provide.

The choice comes down to whether or not you want to earn extra money with it or not and how much you can earn. It also depends on how much you use it. If it sits in your driveway for the majority of the year and only gets taken out once or twice then it might make sense for you to start looking to get some use out of it and earn some money at the same time.

Solar Panels are great to use in RVs since they can easily be mounted to the flat roof of the RV. However, it’s not always a good idea to drill holes through the roof. Some people don’t want to do it nor do they feel comfortable doing it. I’m one of those people and I was not very keen on creating additional holes if not necessary. I wanted to figure out a way to mount my solar panels to the roof without having to drill anything or bolt through the metal.

I didn’t want such a permanent solution. Instead, I wanted something that could be removed if needed and discarded if I didn’t want them any longer. I wanted to keep my roof as clean as possible and not create additional entry points where water could potentially enter the vehicle.

The Maxxair fan on my roof was enough hole cutting for me. My solution was to tape the panels to the roof and hope that this would be enough to hold them to the roof for years to come. Many people do this and have no issues so it is possible to make it happen.

If you have chosen to use flexible solar panels, taping them is a viable option.

Below, I’d like to explain the way I went about taping my panels to the roof and how well it has worked. Keep in mind that I am not an expert. I cannot promise that your installation will stay permanently secure so you understand that if you follow the procedure I used, you do so at your own risk.

How Do You Attach Solar Panels To a Van Roof

Let’s look at some options that you may consider. I had considered all of these options myself before settling on taping the panels.

Screw Or Bolt Directly To Roof

The solar panels that you purchase, whether they be rigid or flexible can be screwed directly to the roof. This is probably the easiest way to accomplish it. You simply place the solar panels where you want them on the roof and then use self-tapping screws to secure them. With rigid panels, you will have brackets that will mount to the roof and then the panel itself will attach to these brackets.

Each manufacturer may have a different mount or process for achieving this so refer to the specific instructions for the panels that you have for proper installation.

On flexible panels, you will likely need to screw directly through the panel and into the roof.

If you still have access to the bottom part of the roof of your van, you can choose to use bolts. This may be more secure but will be more difficult to remove if you ever need to. However, doing it this way would almost certainly lock you into always keeping solar panels on the roof. If you decided you no longer wanted solar panels, you would have bolt or screw holes in your roof that would need some attention.

Screwing the panels to the roof is an easy way to mount and allows you to easily remove them but the holes will need to be sealed and maintained regularly so that no leaks occur in the future from those holes. This isn’t difficult to do with a little caulk or Eternabond tape but it is something to consider if you are considering mounting directly to a metal van roof.

Mount To A Roof Rack

I considered this and almost chose this solution for my conversion van. Installing a roof-rack and then installing the solar panels onto the rack. For the RAM Promaster, you can get roof racks that fit onto the built-in mounts that are along the sides of the roof on the van. When you do this, you are left with a place where solar panels could easily be mounted.

The problem with doing this is that the roof racks add additional height to your van. Also, they will make your van less stealthy if you are concerned with this. Stealth wasn’t a concern of mine but I didn’t particularly love the options for roof racks on the market when I was doing my van conversion.

If you can find a low profile, roof rack, or can have one created yourself, this might be a really good option. It’s also good because when you mount the panels to the roof rack, you will get plenty of airflow underneath and around the panels. This won’t be the case if you plan on mounting the panels directly to the roof.

Tape The Panels To Roof

Although taping panels to the roof does create a messy stickiness that you may have to deal with if you ever decide to remove them, it can be done. They can be mounted securely and affordably by using the right kind of tape and or caulk. If you don’t use the right tape, it could be risky having them on your roof considering your van is driving down the road at 70 MPH or more.

Let’s look at how I went about taping my panels to the roof.

Taping Solar Panels To A Van Roof

In order to tape solar panels to the roof, you’ll need flexible panels. These panels are lightweight and will shape to the contours of your van roof if there are any. You won’t be able to use the more heavy rigid solar panels for an installation like this.

Here are the supplies I used to install mine.

• 4-inch Eternabond Tape
• Gorilla double-sided tape
• Clear silicone
• Corrugated plastic
• Renegy flexible solar panels (2)

The first thing to consider when taping to the roof is that you don’t want to mount the panels directly to a metal roof. They do get quite hot in the summer sun and having them mounted directly to the roof will create a situation where there is no airflow. Without spacing between the panels and the roof, heat will not be able to dissipate properly causing a buildup of heat and possible overheating. This could decrease the life of your solar panels.

What’s better is to use something like corrugated plastic underneath the panels. These will help to raise the panels off the roof enough so that there is a cushion of air beneath them. It will sit between the panels and the metal roof. By doing this, you are creating a gap with the plastic and the plastic is not as good of a conductor of heat as the metal roof would be. This will help the solar panels not get as hot as they would otherwise.

Using this method, my solar panels still reach a temperature of over 140 degrees on a hot summer day with full sun.

To install, I cut a piece of corrugated plastic that was slightly bigger than my solar panel. I used one separate piece for each solar panel.

Once you have the plastic cut, you will want to attach the panels to the plastic. I did this by using Gorilla double-sided tape which is very strong. I cut small pieces and placed them in various positions on the panel and then stuck the panel to the plastic. You could also use silicone caulk to achieve this.

Once this was done, I used the same double-sided tape to do the same thing underneath the corrugated plastic. This was to help the panels stick tightly throughout the entire panel rather than just the outer portions where the main tape will be.

With the double-sided tape in place, I positioned each panel where I wanted it on my roof and began taping. I used 4-inch Eternabond tape so that I could get as much surface area as possible. Using the widest tape you can get will help to create a better seal and make sure the panels don’t easily come off. The Eternabond tape is very sticky and only gets stickier in the sun so this tape should hold the panels in place for a long time.

Before taping the panels to your roof, make sure to clean the area where you will be mounting them. It’s a good idea to use a degreaser so that the tape can adhere properly to the roof. I used Krud Kutter as a way to make sure my roof was completely free of grease, dirt, and dust that might make the panels not stick.

To tape the panels, you’ll want to cover as much area as possible around your solar panels without placing the tape on the black part of the panel. You want to be sure that you cover up all areas and make sure you are covering up areas where water could get in. You don’t want water slowly trickling in and accumulating underneath the panels. Do the best you can to close all the gaps and make it watertight.

I ended up placing tape on top of tape in some areas to create even more of a secure hold. This also helped me to seal areas that I thought could use a little extra help from water intrusion.

Installing Cables

Since I decided to tape my panels rather than screw or bolt them, I also wanted to find a way to run my wires without drilling holes. I did this by using my rearview camera housing. If you have a camera housing like this, it’s a great idea to do this. I was able to run my wires from my panels to my solar charger without having to drill through the roof.

As you can see in the picture, I simply went through the housing and the wires come into my van and then run down the walls to my Yeti 1400 solar generator.

Since you’re probably taping your panels to the roof to keep from having to make more holes in the roof, it also makes sense to find a creative way like this to run the wires down. If you have a camera housing like this, it’s easy to do this way. When I first purchased my Ram Promaster, it didn’t have a rearview camera. I purchased an aftermarket camera that I installed myself that was specifically designed for the Promaster.

I wanted a backup camera so that it would make it easier for backing up but also for this specific reason. Since the camera housing is sealed and there is already a hole for the camera and light wires into the van, it made a good choice for also serving as a place to run solar panel wires. It worked great!

Be sure to tape the cables tightly to the roof as well. You don’t want cables flopping around while you are driving down the road. I used the same Eternabond tape to secure mine in certain areas.

Tips For Taping Solar Panels To Roof

• Don’t tape directly to the roof. Don’t tape flexible solar panels directly to a roof. Instead, using something like corrugated plastic will help to keep the solar panels at a lower temperature.
• Use extra-wide tape. Eternabond comes in different sizes. I used 4-inch tape on mine and recommend using the largest size that you can.
• Be sure it’s water-sealed. Close all the gaps that you can with the tape. Make sure the tape is stuck down flat with no areas that might peel up. If there are stubborn areas that have peeled up around the panels, you can add some caulking to those areas. This will keep them sealed and help keep the tape from peeling up.

Maintaining Flexible Solar Panels

As with anything that is mounted to your roof, be sure and check often to make sure all is well with the installation. If you notice that the tape isn’t sticking well or is lifting up, you will want to fix it before driving. Don’t take a chance of driving down the road. You certainly don’t want them flying off your van and causing damage.

Keep extra Eternabond in your van or RV in case you run into a situation where the tape has come loose. Having this tape on hand will allow you to repair an area if needed. This shouldn’t happen if installed correctly and I have never had a problem with mine after almost two years of use.

Bottom Line

Taping solar panels to an RV roof can be an easy way to attach panels without having to create additional holes in your roof. When you do this, you want to take precautions to make sure you have stuck the panels on tightly so they do not come off easily in the future. I have never had an issue with mine. They are still stuck down as tightly as there were the day I mounted them. I have driven thousands of miles and haven’t noticed anything coming loose.

I check my roof before every trip and multiple times throughout my journey. Taping the panels has worked great for me and they have been mounted to my roof for two years at the time of this writing. There has been no overheating problems and they are still mounted securely.

If you have never been inside or even seen inside a camper van, you are in for a real treat. A camper van is somewhat of a mini home on wheels. It’s similar to any other RV, only usually a much smaller version. Depending on the type of camper van, there are different layouts and features that you might find.

Most camper vans include all of the amenities that make for a comfortable living environment. This includes a bed or multiple beds, lounging area, dinette, kitchen, storage areas, running water, electricity, and some even have a full bathroom with a hot water shower.

A living space like this will allow you to live comfortably and allow you to maintain the level of convenience that you are used to.

After looking at lots of different vans and owning my own camper van for a while now, I’d like to share with you some of the areas that you might expect to be included in nearly any camper van that you might find on the market.

Living Area

Just like other types of RVs, camper vans contain a living area inside that allows you to relax and enjoy your time. This might include a seating area such as a fold-out couch or other creative, space-saving solution. These small vans often make use of the front passenger and driver seats. Swiveling these two seats around so that they face the living area of the van allows for two very comfortable seats. These often end up being the most popular places to relax. Although I only have one swivel seat, it’s the most comfortable seat in the whole van.

Oftentimes, vans have living areas that are converted into other spaces when not being used as such. This is often found in dinettes and couch areas that fold down to become a bed. This may be the primary bed but it’s often an extra space that can be used as a second bed for children or visitors.

Bed

The primary bed in a van is generally a larger bed that is similar in size to what you would find in your home. This could be queen size or even larger in some vans. The primary bed might also fold out from a seating area which makes you able to kill two birds with one stone so to speak. Since a van has a small footprint, you have to make use of every square inch that you can. Having your bed to fold down and become a dining area or other type of area makes sense. However, this is often inconvenient since it is something that has to be put up and stored away on a regular basis.

Oftentimes, when you convert your bed to a dining area or other space, the bed linens have to be removed and stored in another location. This takes up additional space so a lot of people see this as a bad setup. Many vans contain a bed that remains set up at all times. No matter the type of bed, it’s definitely an important part of a camper van and all of them will contain one. This is the one area that you must have so it stands to reason that the bed is often the primary piece of furniture in the van and everything else is built around it.

Dining Area

Similar to the bed, the dining area is another important part of a camper van. You have to have a place to sit and eat if you expect to have a true home on wheels. This is included in nearly any camper van. Some are permanent, similar to the bed, while some can be transformed into something else in order to become another type of living space.

There are some ingenious designs on the market that allow for more space when not in use but once the dining area is set up, it becomes a spacious place for you to enjoy meals, play games, work, or just sit and relax with family and friends.

One such innovation is the Lagun mount that allows you to swing a table into the location that you need no matter where you are. Once you are done, it can easily be moved out of the way or even be taken out of the mount and stored somewhere else. This makes for an easy dining table setup that allows you to have sufficient space in the van. Some people also make use of a mountable table that inserts into a hole in the floor. Similar to the Lagun mount, these can be removed when not in use in order to save space.

Learn about how I integrated the Lagun mount into my camper van design.

Bathroom

Perhaps one of the most debated topics on camper van living is the inclusion or exclusion of a bathroom. While this can be a necessity for some, others would rather do without it in favor of saving the space. Some people are just fine with using public restrooms and showers when needed. This is especially true of those who often stay in campgrounds and other places that have restrooms available to use.

I, for one, would not want to be without a bathroom in my camper van. Even for emergencies, it’s great to have an option in your van so that you can use it when nature calls rather than having to rush to some public location. Camper vans can be found with and without bathrooms and some of them can be customized so that you can have a minimal amount of bathroom space or you can make it a luxury item within your van.

As mentioned above, this is debated by camper van owners about whether it is needed or not but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. It’s available if you need it but if you don’t, you can certainly find camper vans that don’t include any kind of bathroom, including a toilet or shower. Some vans have a built-in, dedicated shower or a wet bath while others have an outdoor shower that can be used as needed. This kind of setup allows you to save space but still have a shower that can be used.

For a toilet, a cassette toilet is often the type of choice since they are small and easy to work with. A simple cassette toilet gets the job done and allows you to have an emergency way to do your business.

Kitchen

A kitchen is another necessity if you will be spending a lot of time in your van. Most vans have a space that is dedicated to cooking, washing dishes, cleaning, and just doing odd jobs that require a counter space to work with. Where this varies, is the size and features. Some camper vans will have built-in stoves, sinks, and cooktops while others may not have any of these features and only utilize portable camp stoves.

This is what I chose to do in my van. I chose not to have any kind of built-in cooking unit. Instead, I use my portable camp stove that fits easily on my countertop but can also be used outside my van when the situation calls for it. I find this to be the perfect setup for me but this will vary amongst others.

No matter what type it is, nearly any camping van has a way to cook meals. They are usually designed with space-saving features including flip-down faucets, sink covers that serve a purpose of extra counter space, flip out counter extensions, and sink sprayers that can be pulled outside the van. Kitchen drawers and doors are often found so that you can conveniently store items out of the way.

Cabinets

You’ll often find a lot of cabinetry in camper vans since it is important to have as much storage as possible. This helps to keep your belongings up and out of the way. Since you are working with such little space inside a van, it can get cluttered if you don’t have cabinets of some type to keep things neat. Most vans will offer lots of storage and make use of every square inch of the space. There is usually plenty of storage for multiple people to store all of their belongings.

Whether it is overhead cabinets or other types, camper vans are usually not lacking in this department.

Garage Storage

Garage storage is usually the area in the rear of the van where other accessories are stored. These are items that might usually be stored in a garage in a home and this might include things like tools, bikes, hoses, cords, and other items you might need on your trip. Depending on the layout, it could just be a cubby hole underneath the bed or dining area in the back. It could also be a large space where large items can be stored.

As you can see in the picture of my garage, I have a large space under my bed where lots of items can be stored. I often put my bike here when I travel. Tools and other items that aren’t needed regularly stay in this space so that I always have them but they won’t be in the way inside the main living area. This is a great space to keep items that you might need but you want them to be out of the way. Be careful in spaces like this though. Be sure to keep it clean and neat and easy to get to things. Otherwise, it could become a big messy toy box full of junk.

Air Conditioning / Heating

Air Conditioning

Some camper vans are equipped with air conditioning and this can be a welcoming feature to have in the summertime. Most of the premium models that you purchase will have a rooftop air conditioning unit installed. The problem is that these require a lot of electricity to run. For those who boondock and use mostly solar energy, it won’t be useable. Air conditioning usually requires that you are connected to shore power for them to have enough electricity to run.

Staying in a campground or finding a location that has hookups is the only option in the summertime if you are looking to be able to use this feature and get relief from the summertime heat.

Heating

For heating, a camper van will usually have some type of gas heating that utilizes propane or another type of gas. There are also options available on the market that utilize diesel and can tie into the main diesel fuel line of the van. Some camper vans may not have a heater and may rely on using a portable type of heater such as a ceramic space heater or something like a Mr. Heater type of product that uses propane.

In my van conversion, I chose not to install any type of heating because I live in a fairly mild climate area and do not travel to very cold areas. I have a portable space heater that I use as needed when I am plugged up to electricity.

Running Water

Running water is a necessity and most camper vans are equipped with a fully capable plumbing system. Similar to any RV, the plumbing system can be connected to a water source where available or they may utilize freshwater holding tanks that must be filled up regularly. This is often the case for those who prefer to Boondock and are not often in a situation where they can connect to utility services.

Electricity

People who drive camper vans are often the type who want to get away from it all. Since a camper van is nimble and easy to drive anywhere, one can often find a camper van traveler off the beaten path in a possible boondocking situation. The electricity situation in a camper van often relies on solar power. With solar panels typically mounted on the roof of the van, it’s easy to have a system capable of maintaining the power needs of even the most power-consuming folks.

While solar often provides enough energy as needed as long as the sun is out, camper vans are also equipped with shore power connections. These are the same as any RV would have and can be used in campgrounds and other locations where utility services are provided. Electricity is an important part and camper vans are often well-equipped in this area.

Other Features

Entertainment

Some of the other features you might find in a van or other small RV include entertainment.

• There is often a TV mounted, and even though it’s usually a small one, it may be mounted on a swivel mount and can be viewed from different areas of the living space.
• Surround sound speakers. Some of the higher end vans may be outfitted with a higher-end speaker system that can be heard throughout the van. The TV will be connected to this system so that you have a full immersion sound system when watching movies.
• Some vans make use of a small projector which is more space-saving. The projector screen can be pulled down when needed rather than having a TV that is always mounted.

Either way, vans are often equipped with entertaining features that can help you get through boredom at certain times during your trip.

Pop-Up Roof

Not every camper van has an interior that is tall enough for standing or walking around upright. For these, a pop-up roof is often used to add additional space to the living area. A pop-up roof works great when you want to have a small, inconspicuous van that opens up into an impressive living space.

Learn more about camper vans with pop-up roofs.

Conversion Van Interior

While it’s common to see most of the features discussed in this article in manufactured Class B motorhomes, conversion vans may differ. Since people convert vans into campers, they often only include features that they want. You may or may not find all of these features in a van that has been customized by an individual.

On the other hand, you will also see some truly amazing layouts in conversion vans that include lots of features that make manufactured Class B RVs seem lame. Conversion vans are great because the choice is in your hands since you are completely customizing it from the ground up.

Conclusion

Think of a camper van as something that allows you to live comfortably but also enjoy being able to travel more places. It has everything you need inside of it but it’s small enough to be able to drive and park almost anywhere you wish.

A simple answer for what’s in a camper van would be, all the essentials needed for living comfortably. Living or traveling in a van like this will provide you with spaces to cook, sleep, relax, and enjoy your stay no matter where you are. It can be quite amazing to see some of the comforts included in some of the luxury camper vans on the market.

There are also basic camper vans that provide a basic level of comfort. However, the luxurious ones provide a level of comfort above and beyond what you might be used to. It’s truly a way to enjoy camping in a luxurious state. Even a small, basic van can be a luxury if you are used to other small camping setups like a tent, or small trailer.

The beauty of the camper van is that you have all of these amenities in a living space that can be easily driven from place to place. All of these necessities are included in a van that takes up little space, can be driven anywhere, and allows you to enjoy a comfortable and restful experience no matter where you go.