What to Look for When Choosing a Van to Convert: Your Guide to the Simple Life
At Vanlife DIY Fitouts, we believe in making vanlife simple, affordable, and stress-free. Choosing the right van is the first step towards creating your dream home on wheels, and it can make all the difference in how much you enjoy the journey.
Whether you’re chasing full-time travel or weekend adventures, here’s what to look for when selecting the perfect van to convert.
1. Full-Time Travel? Go Bigger for Comfort and Storage
If you’re living in your van full-time, space is king. Larger vans give you more headroom, storage capacity, and layout flexibility.
Pros: Comfort, storage, more room for a fixed bed and kitchen, easier to fit in a toilet/shower combo.
Cons: Can be harder to park, not as nimble for city driving, and may limit access to tight tracks or height-restricted areas.
2. Hybrid Vanlifers: LWB Over SWB for Versatility
If your van is doubling as a weekday city driver and weekend adventure base, we recommend a Long Wheel Base (LWB) model over Short Wheel Base (SWB), especially if your setup includes a kitchen sliding out from the side door.
SWB vans are great for tight parking and city convenience, but you’ll sacrifice storage and layout flexibility.
LWB vans strike a balance between town driving and having enough room for a comfortable adventure-ready setup.
3. Choosing the Right Make and Model
We get asked this all the time: What’s the best van to convert?
While we’re not mechanics, we’ve learned from years in the game that non-European vans such as Toyota, Ford, and Hyundai are generally more cost-effective for parts and servicing.
For example:
A Toyota Hiace can have a replacement engine with less than 150,000km dropped in for under $6,000.
The same scenario for a VW can cost $14,000–$16,000.
When you’re investing in a van, you want your money going into travel and your fitout, not keeping it on the road.
4. Service History is Everything
The number one thing to look for when buying any van is a solid, logged service history.
We love Toyota Hiaces for a reason. If they’ve been regularly serviced, they can run for 800,000km or more without major issues. A well-maintained van means more freedom, fewer breakdowns, and more money in your pocket for fuel, adventures, and upgrades.
5. Define Your Needs Before You Buy
Ask yourself:
How often will I use my van?
Where will I travel most — cities, coast, or remote bush tracks?
What level of comfort do I need?
If showers and toilets are non-negotiable, go for a larger high-roof van.
If you’re chasing a quick escape from the 9–5 to nature, a smaller low-roof van with space for a fridge, kitchen drawer, clothes, and your board might be all you need.
And if your style is heading deep into remote areas, it may be worth spending extra on a 4x4 option like the Japanese import Toyota Hiace or the 4x4 Mercedes Sprinter. The Sprinter is pricey, but if that’s your dream setup, the capability is worth every dollar.
The Simple Way to the Simple Life
No matter what van you choose, our DIY conversion kits make it easy to transform it into your perfect adventure rig. With cost-effective, quick-to-install designs, you can spend less time in the workshop and more time on the road.
Ready to start your vanlife journey?
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Van for Conversion
Q: What’s the best van for a camper conversion in Australia?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For reliability and cost-effective servicing, many vanlifers choose Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, or Hyundai iLoad. Your choice depends on your travel style, budget, and comfort needs.
Q: Should I buy new or used for a van conversion?
A: A well-maintained used van with a full service history is often the best value. You can save thousands compared to buying new, and put that extra money into your fitout and adventures.
Q: How important is van size?
A: Size matters depending on your lifestyle. Larger vans are better for full-time living and comfort, while smaller vans are easier to park and drive in cities. LWB vans are a great middle ground.
Q: Do I need a high-roof van for vanlife?
A: Not always. High-roof vans allow you to stand inside and fit more amenities, but low-roof vans are cheaper and can still be incredibly functional with the right fit-out.