From RV to Van Life
Bigger Isn't Always Better
We build vans for a lot of people who used to own RVs. Class As, Class Cs, fifth wheels — they've done the big rig thing and decided it wasn't for them. Not because RVs are bad, but because they realized what they actually wanted was something different. If you're thinking about making the switch, here's what people tell us about why they made the change.
This is the most common reason. RVs are great for KOAs and paved campgrounds. But what about that national forest road? That scenic overlook? That restaurant downtown? A 40-foot rig limits your options. A van opens them up.
Many RVers end up towing a vehicle so they can explore once parked. That's a 50+ foot road train. Setting up and breaking down the toad. Finding parking. A van IS your car — one vehicle that does everything.
RV systems break. Slides fail. Leveling jacks malfunction. Water heaters leak. Finding an RV tech is hard; getting repairs done takes weeks. A van has fewer systems, simpler engineering, and can be serviced at any auto shop.
The big dinette where no one ever sits. The second TV that never gets turned on. The pantry full of stuff you forgot you packed. Turns out, most of living happens in a pretty small footprint. A well-designed van has everything you actually use.
RV travel requires planning. Reservations at big-rig campgrounds (which fill up months ahead). Checking bridge heights. Finding wide enough gas stations. A van parks anywhere, stops anywhere, goes anywhere — no planning required.
You will have less space.
Let's be real: a van is smaller than an RV. A Sprinter 170" Extended is about 140 square feet interior. A Class A is 300+. You can't bring all the same stuff. You'll need to be intentional about what comes with you.
But you don't give up comfort.
A well-built van has a real bed, a functional kitchen, climate control, hot water, a toilet if you want one, and all the power you need. The experience of being in the space is comfortable — you just have less room to spread out. Many couples find they prefer the coziness.
Fuel Economy
RV: 6-10 MPG
Van: 16-22 MPG
Parking
RV: RV parks, large lots only
Van: Anywhere a car fits
Maintenance
RV: Specialist required, expensive
Van: Any auto shop, reasonable
Interior Space
RV: 300+ sq ft
Van: 100-150 sq ft
Separate Bedroom
RV: Yes
Van: Sometimes (layout dependent)
Full Bathroom
RV: Yes
Van: Wet bath or composting toilet
Stealth Camping
RV: Nearly impossible
Van: Very doable
Off-Road Access
RV: Paved roads only
Van: Forest roads, dispersed sites
Resale Value
RV: Depreciates heavily
Van: Holds value well
A van makes sense if:
Keep your RV if:
We've helped a lot of RVers make the switch. You already know what you use and what you don't — that experience is valuable for designing a van that actually fits your travel style. Let's talk about what matters to you.
Thinking about switching from an RV to a van? We've helped a lot of people make that transition. Tell us about your current rig and what you're looking for — we'll give you honest feedback on whether a van makes sense.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com