Renting a travel van, such as a class B camper van, is an excellent idea for having affordable transportation and sleeping space while traveling. Embracing the van life lifestyle, which includes living and traveling in a van, can be a cost-effective and adventurous way to explore. However, you’re probably wondering how much it’ll cost to buy or rent one of these vehicles to determine if it’ll work for your budget.

This article will cover all the details you should know, including the cost of new and used camper vans and your options for class B RV rental.

How Much Does a New Travel Van Cost Upfront?

A brand-new camper van costs an average of $100,000+, depending on the type of vehicle, its features, and where you buy it. This significant upfront cost can vary based on several factors.

When looking at a camper van price in the USA, you’ll want to know that costs vary in each state. Some states with a high cost of living, like California, might have higher RV prices than those with lower tax rates and living costs, like Florida or Texas.

For example, the Ford Transit starts at different prices depending on the model. The base model has a starting price, while the all-wheel drive option and specific models like the Ford Transit Trail and the all-electric version of the 2023 Transit have their respective starting prices.

That said, even if you’re in a more expensive one, you still have options. You can always look into camper van rental, which is often better for most people since you don’t have to pay so much upfront for a travel van. At Escape Camper Vans, we have affordable travel vans for rent in 11 locations across the US to give you many options.

How Much to Travel in a Van for Van Life?

While camping or traveling in a van is often more affordable, travel costs can vary widely depending on the make, model, amenities, and seasonal demand. Let’s review a quick breakdown of common van travel expenses to help you budget appropriately.

Fuel

Calculate how much gas expenses will usually be during the average trip. 

Camper vans have larger gas tanks than standard cars, with the average tank being about 25 gallons. Today, average gas prices are about $3.60 per gallon, so filling up your tank would cost about $90. 

Then, when you look at fuel efficiency, the average camper van gets about 15.5 MPG, so you can drive about 387 miles on one 25-gallon gas tank. The average family drives about 300-500 miles per week while traveling. So, average gas expenses would be between $90 and $150 weekly. 

To read more about what gas mileage our camper vans get read our blog here!

Campsites

If you’re using a travel van for a camping trip, the average nightly price for campsites is $20-40. So, reserving the average campsite for one week would cost between $140 and $280. Additionally, staying in a national park may require an annual pass, but it offers convenient access to trails and scenic locations. Dispersed camping is another option for a campsite. They are free; however, they are first come, first served, so you must arrive early if you choose that option. You might also be able to find free public rest stops to park your van to avoid the nightly costs of a campsite, depending on where you’re traveling.

Food

Most camper vans, like ours at Escape, come with a kitchenette so you can cook your meals. This will help you save money compared to eating out at restaurants all the time while traveling. On average, for a group of 2-4 people, groceries will cost between $150-300 per week. That’s much less than the $800-1,200 it would cost on average for 2-4 people to eat out at restaurants for primary meals during a weeklong vacation. 

How Much Should I Spend on a Camper Van? 

When looking for affordable camper vans for sale, it’s common to wonder how much you should spend on a van conversion.

Used camper vans generally sell for $60,000+ when they’re in good condition and have low mileage. You can find cheaper options, but you’ll likely need more maintenance on these vehicles since they may be older and in worse condition.

Additionally, the upfront cost of a van conversion can vary significantly. DIY conversions might be more budget-friendly, but professional conversions offer a range of features and options, with costs ranging from economical to luxury levels.

So, in general, around $60,000 for used vans or $100,000 for new vans is a good ballpark of what you would spend to get a good, reliable vehicle.

Affordable Camper Vans: What Are Your Options? 

Camper vans are expensive to buy. They generally have amenities like kitchen equipment, foldaway tables, and benches that add up to make them more expensive. A DIY conversion can be a more affordable option, though it requires significant time, effort, and specialized knowledge, and there is a risk of costly mistakes.

You have two options for affordable camper vans – buying a used van still in good condition or renting one to avoid paying so much upfront. Smaller models like the Ford Transit Connect can be converted, but they have limited space and amenities compared to larger models.

Ford Transits are often a good choice when buying a used one because they’re reliable and durable. They offer spacious interiors, various roof options, and the availability of aftermarket parts.

The Mercedes Sprinter is another popular choice for camper van conversions. It is known for its high-end features and variety of options.

If you’re looking for prices on the average camper bus in the USA read our blog!

That said, the average person only uses their camper van three or four times each year, so buying one isn’t always the best choice. When you rent from companies like Escape Camper Vans, you get affordable daily prices without worrying about routine maintenance costs or storing the vehicle. We’ll take care of all that for you, so you can just reserve one, get in, and drive when you want to get away for a vacation. Solar panels are often used in van conversions for off-grid living, providing power for appliances and other electrical needs.

Different types of vans are suitable for van conversions, each with its starting price and features. Whether you choose a DIY conversion or hire a professional, understanding the options and costs involved is crucial.

Rent from Escape Camper Vans

Escape Camper Vans is a great choice for an affordable travel van. We have over 600 unique handpainted vehicles for rent in 11 locations across the U.S., so we have choices that’ll work for anyone. 

Our vans come equipped with several great features, including:

• Queen size beds
• Bucket seats that you don’t have to collapse to make your bed
• Foldaway tables and benches
• Extra storage
• Propane stove
• Refrigerator
• Water tank and sink

Ready to plan your trip? You can reserve yours today or contact us with any other questions.