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Mesa vs Del Mar: Which Camper Van is Right for Your Trip?
Sin categorizar, How-To's & Resources
So you’re planning the ultimate Escape Camper Van road trip. You’ve already decided your destination and some places you want to visit along your route. But now you’re stuck figuring out which camper van is the right choice for you.
In this guide we compare the differences between the Mesa and Del Mar Campervans to help you decide! Whether you’re traveling as a pair or a group of 5, we break down the pros and cons of the different vans to make sure you choose the right vehicle so you have the most comfortable trip.
Comfort & Amenities
The Mesa and Del Mar Campervans are both Ford T-350 model vehicles. The average Mesa model year is 2017, and the Del Mar is 2023.
They have many of the same amenities, but the biggest differences come down to the sleeping arrangments and power features in each van. Here is a breakdown of the sleeping arrangements, kitchen and amenities, and the driving and parking abilities of each van.
Sleeping Arrangements
The sleeping arrangements are the primary difference between the Mesa and Del Mar camper vans. Here’s a breakdown of the differences.
Mesa
The Mesa Camper Van features a convertible queen-size bed. During the day, use the back of the van as two bench seats with a table; in the evening, turn it into your bedroom.
The Mesa can sleep 2 – 5 people, but the inside of the van only sleeps 3, so if you’re a group of 5 you’ll need the rooftop sleeper accessory. This is available for an additional $30 a day. In most cases, the rooftop sleeper works well, but if it’s rainy or windy, it’s not the easiest night of sleep.
The Mesa is the best choice for families with small children with carseats. Since the rear seats are stationary, you won’t need to take the carseat off the bed to make it.
Del Mar
Like the Mesa, the Del Mar Camper Van also features a convertible queen-size bed on the bottom level that turns into a sitting area with a table during the day. The Del Mar’s premium bonus feature is its built-in interior pop top full-size bed! There’s no need to add a rooftop sleeper to this van.
With more comfortable sleeping space, the Del Mar is a great option for travelers who need a little more room and are looking for a more premium comfort experience. The Del Mar can accommodate up to 5 people.
Del Mar
Like the Mesa, the Del Mar Camper Van also features a convertible queen-size bed on the bottom level that turns into a sitting area with a table during the day. The Del Mar’s premium bonus feature is its built-in interior pop top full-size bed! There’s no need to add a rooftop sleeper to this van.
With more comfortable sleeping space, the Del Mar is a great option for travelers who need a little more room and are looking for a more premium comfort experience. The Del Mar can accommodate up to 5 people.
Kitchen and Amenities
Both the Mesa and Del Mar Escape Camper Van models are equipped with:
- A rear kitchen with:
- Sink with a five-gallon water supply
- Two-burner propane stove
- Dual-powered refrigerator
- Storage for kitchen essentials
- Interior table space for dining and relaxing
- Interior storage chests and drawers
- Curtains for privacy
The Del Mar also has Bluetooth capabilities, USB ports, and a 110v outlet to provide more charging options. This camper van is great for travelers who rely on electronics. The Mesa does not have Bluetooth, USB ports, or an outlet.
The Del Mar also features ceiling lighting built directly into the pop top, unlike the Mesa camper van.
In both vehicles, you can keep the rear bucket seats up when you set the bed up. This is a nice feature for families who don’t want to juggle car seats.
Other amenities, like a kitchen kit, propane tank, solar shower, picnic table, and camp chairs can be added on as Escape Camper Vans extra accessories.
Driving and Parking
Both the Mesa and Del Mar are the same length and can fit into most standard camp spots. They are built for easy maneuvering, and both vehicles have backup cameras and sensors.
The two vans have similar interior layouts, except for the pop top on the Del Mar versus the optional rooftop tent on the Mesa.
Cost Breakdown
As a newer vehicle and with extra features like the built-in pop top bed, the Del Mar is a pricier vehicle than the Escape Camper Van Mesa. However, the Del Mar does not require the extra rooftop sleeper for groups of 4 to 5 people; this is an additional $30 a day.
As a premium vehicle, the insurance for the Del Mar is more expensive than the Mesa.
Best for Different Travel Styles
Both the Mesa and Del Mar are great camper van options. Two of the biggest differences are the sleeping set up and the price difference for each model. Here’s a breakdown of which camper van is the best option for you and your group!
Who should choose a Mesa?
The Mesa is a great budget-friendly camper van option compared to the Del Mar. If you’re traveling with a small group and don’t need the extra space, then the Mesa is a great option.
If you are a group of 5 and comfort isn’t your priority, then a rooftop tent is totally suitable. But keep in mind, in adverse conditions, setting up, climbing into, and sleeping in the rooftop tent can be a challenge.
If you’re traveling to and from New York or Orlando, you’re limited to the Mesa option, as we currently do not have Del Mar’s on the East Coast.
Who should choose a Del Mar?
If you like to travel with extra comfort and want to stand up inside your camper van, then the premium Del Mar is the right option for you! The extra sleeping space, without having to leave the van, is a big bonus!
The Del Mar has extra interior space for longer trips with larger groups. It’s also great for families traveling with small children, so everyone can sleep inside the van.
The Del Mar also has its additional charging 110v outlet and USB ports which is ideal for digital nomads and others who rely on their electronics.
If you’re picking up your camper van in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, or Denver, then the Del Mar is an option!
Pros & Cons Summary
Overall, the Mesa and Del Mar are very similar vehicles. They get the same gas mileage, have similar kitchen and storage designs, and are the same length with backup cameras. Before making your final decision, keep these differing factors in mind.
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Del Mar Pros
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Mesa Pros
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Del Mar Cons
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Mesa Cons
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Summary & CTA
Escape Camper Vans allow you to explore the US with comfort and ease. Whether your style of travel prefers the more basic Mesa camper van option with a roof top tent or the premium Del Mar campervan, with a pop top build and more amenities, both camper vans are great options for road tripping around the country.
So now the decision is up to you! Book now with Escape Camper Vans to embark on a bucket list journey!