June 24, 2026 | Related: Power Stations • Coolers
| Vehicle Type | Cost (used, decent) | Sleeps | MPG | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan conversion | $5,000-15,000 | 2 | 22-28 | Budget road trips, stealth camping |
| Class B (campervan) | $40,000-120,000 | 2-4 | 15-22 | Couples, all-in-one |
| Class C (cabover) | $30,000-80,000 | 4-6 | 8-12 | Families, full amenities |
| Travel trailer + SUV | $15,000-40,000 (trailer) | 4-8 | 12-18 (towing) | Drop-and-explore flexibility |
A used Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna with rear seats removed fits a 6-inch memory foam mattress (Full size, 54×75", fits exactly between the wheel wells). Add a portable power station (Jackery 300, $300), a 12V compressor fridge (Alpicool C20, $200—runs on 12V, draws 45W, keeps food at 38°F indefinitely), and window covers (WeatherTech full-vehicle kit, $200—blackout + insulation). Total conversion cost: roughly $2,000 + the van. Insurance: standard auto insurance covers a minivan with a mattress—no RV registration needed. The minivan is the stealth-camper: park in any Walmart, rest stop, or residential street without drawing attention.
A purpose-built campervan (Winnebago Travato, Storyteller Overland Mode) includes a bathroom, kitchen, heater, air conditioner, and a bed—all in a van that parks in a standard parking space. The lithium battery system (300-600Ah) runs lights, fridge, and furnace for 3-5 days without shore power. The downsides: cost ($100,000+ new), maintenance (anything that breaks is proprietary—fixing a Travato's Truma Combi heater requires a dealer visit), and the bathroom is the size of an airplane lavatory. For couples doing extended road trips (3+ months), the convenience of a built-in bathroom and climate control justifies the cost.
Essential van camping resources: iOverlander app (free, crowdsourced campsites, water fill stations, dump stations), Harvest Hosts ($99/year—overnight parking at wineries, farms, and golf courses), and the 14-day stay limit on BLM/USFS land (stay 14 days, move 25 miles, reset). A camping essentials kit plus vehicle-specific gear covers the basics.
Disclosure: BestCampGear is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.