What to Know Before Buying a Campervan: Real Talk From Women Living It
Thinking about buying a campervan? Here’s what women new to vanlife need to know about power systems, platforms, boondocking, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Every vanlife journey starts with a dream. A common rhythm plays…
First there is inspiration, then excitement, then research -
And then… overwhelm.
On our recent Zoom call, we had women in all stages - dreaming, actively looking, downsizing from a 40-foot RV, and some already traveling in their vans.
What stood out most?
No one needed a perfect van.
They needed clarity - and they needed to jump in.
If you’re newer to vanlife and wondering how to buy a campervan without making an expensive mistake, this is for you.
Let’s walk through what we discussed - and what truly matters.
Start With How You’ll Actually Use the Van
Before you compare brands or battery banks, ask yourself:
Will you be weekend traveling or full-time living?
Boondocking on BLM land, staying in campgrounds, or RV parks?
City parking and stealth camping?
Traveling solo? With pets?
Needing space for bikes or outdoor gear?
Is interior comfort important, or will you spend most of your time outside?
Hot climates or cold climates?
Off-road driving or mostly well-maintained roads?
There is no “best campervan.”
There is only the van that fits your life.
Boondocking: Do You Really Need 4WD?
This is one of the biggest myths in vanlife.
If you plan to explore Forest Service or BLM roads, you might assume you need 4-wheel drive.
You probably don’t.
For most well-graded dirt roads and dispersed camping areas:
Good all-terrain tires matter more.
Decent ground clearance helps.
Driving slowly and downshifting on hills matters most.
4WD is nice, but it is not required for most people getting started. It also increases cost and often pushes buyers toward more expensive platforms.
Ask yourself:
Is it worth paying for 4WD for how often I’ll actually use it?
Do I want to take my home-on-wheels on rough terrain shaking everything inside?
If getting stuck is a concern, carry basic recovery equipment and an air compressor to air down (and air up) your tires when needed.
Electrical Systems: The Difference Between Restriction & Freedom
If you’re buying a used campervan, this is where you need to pay close attention.
Many people share how overwhelming it feels to learn about solar and power systems at first. What helps? Curiosity, willingness to learn, and upgrading over time.
Here’s a simple breakdown.
Battery Bank (Storage)
For comfortable off-grid travel:
200Ah lithium minimum
300–400Ah lithium for full-time comfort
Lithium batteries allow deeper discharge, recharge faster, and last longer than AGM.
Engine Charging
Your van should have a DC-to-DC charger (typically 30–60 amps).
This safely charges your house batteries while driving.
Without it, you’re relying only on solar.
Solar
200–300W for light use
400–600W for comfortable boondocking
Solar refills your battery. It doesn’t replace capacity.
Inverter (Converts 12V to 110V)
1,000W for basics
2,000W for induction cooking or higher-draw appliances
Must be pure sine wave
And the golden rule:
The more 12-volt appliances you use (fridge, lights, fans, A/C), the more efficient your system will be.
A van with an undersized electrical system feels limiting.
A van with a well-designed one feels freeing.
Water Systems: Don’t Overestimate (Or Underestimate)
Water came up more than once in our conversation.
Some emphasized the importance of having a large tank to stay off-grid longer. Others shared how they overestimated their needs and carried unnecessary weight.
For most women:
40–60 gallons of fresh water is comfortable for boondocking.
Grey tank capacity matters more than people realize.
Easy dump access matters.
Ask yourself:
How long do I realistically want to stay off-grid?
Will I be drinking water from my tank?
How often do I plan to shower?
Water equals weight. Weight affects handling. Everything is connected.
Bathroom & Shower: Indoor or Outdoor?
This is one of the biggest layout decisions.
Many agree that a toilet is necessary - the type (cassette, composting, portable) is a separate discussion.
But showers vary widely.
Indoor Shower / Wet Bath
Privacy
Shower anytime, in any climate
Takes up interior space
Requires more water and grey capacity
Outdoor or Rear Shower
Lighter and simpler
Works well in warm climates
Less privacy
Not ideal in cold weather or urban settings
An indoor shower changes layout, storage, and tank size.
An outdoor shower keeps the van more open and flexible.
Think about where you plan to travel and how often you’ll realistically use it.
Size: Wheelbase, Parking & Headroom
Size impacts daily life more than most expect.
A shorter wheelbase is easier to park and maneuver, especially in cities and tight parking lots.
But shorter also means less interior space.
We drive (and love) a Noovo Ram ProMaster 3500, and it still fits in a regular parking spot. However, adding a hitch, bike rack, or storage box extends your overall length and can make parking more challenging but doable - even in a city.
Headroom Matters
Many buyers look at size based on interior height.
The Super High Roof ProMaster offers about a 7-foot ceiling.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also provides excellent headroom.
If you’re tall, bed configuration becomes important.
Bed Orientation
North–south beds (running lengthwise) work well for taller individuals.
East–west beds can work if the van includes bump-outs for additional length.
Fixed Bed vs Convertible Bed
Some prefer a fixed bed:
Always ready
Storage underneath
No daily setup
Others prefer a convertible bed:
More open living space during the day
Flexible seating and dining area
Willing to convert it nightly
Layout decisions directly affect how comfortable your space feels day to day.
Van Platforms: ProMaster vs Transit vs Sprinter
This always sparks debate.
Here’s the honest overview.
Ram ProMaster
Most budget-friendly
Widest interior (great layout flexibility)
Comes in high roof and super high roof
Front-wheel drive
No AWD option
Widely serviceable and easy access to parts
We’ve had a positive experience with ours — reliability and ease of finding mechanics mattered.
Ford Transit
Balanced option for your budget and performance
AWD available
Strong service network
Multiple roof heights
Narrower interior than ProMaster
Often a middle-ground choice.
Mercedes Sprinter
AWD/4WD available
Narrow interior, high roof
Strong resale value
Higher upfront and maintenance costs (oil changes can be around $300)
Powerful and enjoyable to drive
Fewer service centers, which can mean longer tows or repair times
Some expressed concerns about long wait times at authorized dealerships.
None of these are wrong choices. It comes down to:
Budget
Service access
Terrain goals
Personal comfort
How to Spot a Quality Van Build
Pretty doesn’t equal durable.
When looking at a van:
Check airflow:
Roof fan
Opening windows
Cross ventilation
Check under the mattress:
Slats for airflow
Not solid plywood trapping moisture
Open every cabinet:
Strong RV or marine latches
Screwed cabinetry (not just staples)
Solid plywood instead of particle board
Look at the electrical compartment:
Clean wiring
Proper fuses
Secure batteries
Ask for:
Build photos
Wiring diagrams
Service records
Important: Get a pre-purchase inspection.
If the seller cannot clearly explain how the systems work, proceed carefully.
Learning Is Part of Vanlife
You won’t know everything when you buy your van.
You will learn as you go.
You can upgrade slowly.
You can adapt within your budget.
That is vanlife.
You don’t need to be an electrician or an expert.
You need to know what questions to ask.
Before You Buy a Campervan, Ask Yourself This
Am I buying from excitement - or clarity?
Am I choosing based on someone else’s build - or my own needs?
Have I rented or walked through enough vans to understand the space?
Van expos, rentals, and community conversations are valuable resources.
You can’t feel the layout from photos. Sometimes you need to step inside.
Final Thoughts for Those New to Vanlife
Buying a campervan can feel intimidating.
Especially if you’re not mechanically inclined.
Especially if you’ve spent a lifetime putting everyone else first.
But this is true:
You are not incapable.
You are learning & able.
Your needs and dreams are important.
You don’t need the perfect van.
You need enough understanding to choose wisely - and the courage to begin.
Adventure On,
Amy
