“I mean, I wanted a VW campervan,” Andrew huffs, reminding me a little too often that this was his choice in regards to RV life vehicles. He’s right, too — He did. Of course I adore those classic Volkswagen campers as well . . . It’s just that a VW lifestyle was not one I could foresee comfortably living.
Because of that difference in opinion though, Andy and I spent a massive amount of time talking . . . and brainstorming . . . and debating over the type of vehicle we should get before venturing into RV life. Overall, we wanted to share our thought process, which lead us to purchasing our 1965 Clark Cortez. And if you were considering RV or van life, too — well, hopefully this can save you hassle as well.
↠ ANALYZE VEHICLES ↞
Many, many times we listed all vehicles — immediately ruling out several options, such as SUVs, trucks, trailers, and more because that didn’t provide the lifestyle we imagined and wanted. After this, we found we had only six vehicles up for consideration. From there, we analyzed each by plotting the pros and cons many (many, many) times. Below, you will find the six vehicles were considering and positives and negatives based off of our desires. Just realize your vehicles may obviously be different and — importantly — your lifestyle and desires different, too!
VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER
PROS
- Classic look
- Lots of character
- Restoration and modernization needed
- Customizable
- Easy to navigate
- Parts easy to find
- Easiest to work on
- Cheapest restoration
- Cheapest fuel
- Cheap insurance
- Connect with VW enthusiasts at gatherings
- Easier to tow for recovery
- Great resell value
CONS
- Minimal to no standing room
- No toilet or shower
- No room for permanent full-sized bed
- Limited room for fridge and oven
- Smallest living space
- Limited water capacity
- No storage
- No modern safety features
- Not as fuel efficient
VINTAGE MOTORHOME
PROS
- Most character
- Rare and limited
- Part of American history
- Restoration and modernization needed
- Customizable
- Cheap insurance
CONS
- Rare parts hard to find
- Not as fuel efficient
- Lowest ground clearance
- No modern safety features
- Most costly restoration
- Large flatbed tow truck needed for recovery
SKOOLIE
PROS
- Customizable
- Highest ground clearance
- Easy to find
- Parts easy to find
- Various wheel-base lengths
CONS
- No passenger seat next to driver seat
- More windows and odd door mean not as secure
- More windows means cooling and heating is released
- Harder to navigate
- Restoration not needed
- Limited safety features
- Depending on size, large flatbed tow truck needed for recovery
VAN CONVERSION
(ProMaster, Sprinter, Transit, etc.)
PROS
- Most customizable
- Easy to navigate
- Secure
- Various wheel-base lengths
- Parts cheaper
- Parts easy to find
- Reliable
- Best stealth-camping
- Manufacturer warranty
- Modern safety features
- Easier to tow for recovery
CONS
- Restoration not needed
- Lacks character
- More expensive upfront
- Can purchase new
- Reduced headroom, unless hightop
CLASS-C RV
(mid-sized motorhome)
PROS
- Most secure
- Luxurious
- Various wheel-base lengths
- Reliable
- Parts easy to find
- Modern safety features
- Manufacturer warranty
CONS
- Lacks character
- Expensive upfront
- Restoration not needed
- Vehicle harder to navigate
- Depending on wheel-base, restricted access on roads and in parks
- Generic layouts
- Can purchase new
- Not inconspicuous
- No stealth-camping option
- Large flatbed tow truck needed for recovery
CLASS-A RV
(largest sized motorhome)
PROS
- Largest living space
- Most standing room
- Most secure
- Luxurious
- Most storage
- Reliable
- Modern safety features
- Parts can be ordered
- Various wheel-base lengths
- Manufacturer warranty
CONS
- Restricted access on roads and in parks
- Most expensive upfront
- Lacks character
- Restoration not needed
- Most expensive to maintain
- Generic layouts
- Hardest to navigate
- Not inconspicuous
- Most expensive fuel
- Most difficult to work on
- No stealth-camping option
- Can purchase new
- Needs specialty tow truck for recovery
↠ DETERMINE PRIORITIES ↞
With our goals and lifestyle vision in mind, we laid out our top five priorities:
- A vehicle we could restore.
- A vehicle with character.
- A vehicle with headroom.
- A vehicle with space for a bed, fridge, stove, shower, and toilet.
- A vehicle we felt comfortable navigating.
↠ PICK THE VEHICLE ↞
With pros and cons weighted and our priorities known, we ranked each vehicle against the other. For this, one is the lowest score and six is the highest.
In the end, our ‘Vintage Motorhome’ took the lead and so we went in search of our old vehicle!
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