If the journey matters more than the destination, is also true that a proper vehicle, with decent equipment, is needed. Over the years, we've seen numerous attempts of converting cars, vans, or trucks into a home on wheels that permits long road trips and sufficient independence.
Many have accepted the challenge to convert their vehicles on their own, others prefer to purchase a professionally converted van for their overland adventures. Even though many people strictly associate this kind of journey with off-road adventures only, that's not always the case. Here are some of the most high-end and well-prepared vans for an engaging outdoor experience.
10 Recon Campers’ Envy
The guys at Recon Campers offer the possibility of having a normal Nissan NV panel van converted into a tiny, beautiful 4-wheel home, perfect for your weekend's out-of-town journey.
Every little detail has been taken into account to turn this small van into an enjoyable lounge area with a hideaway kitchen. Also, at night you can sleep on the foldable bed.
9 Custom Tourig’s Sprinter Van
This custom Tourig Sprinter van has been fully equipped for the most extreme of the adventures. This 4-wheel drive van is equipped with custom bumpers and extra fuel and energy storage. Also, a side ladder grants you access to the roof, where solar panels are installed, making you feel that everything is under your control.
Named Bruce Banner, the custom Sprinter is equipped with Hydronic heat and hot water, a fancy exterior audio package for outdoor music, a 600ah lithium battery system, Garmin Overlander navigation, and comfortable seats.
8 Sportsmobile’s Ford E-Series Van
The E-300 series have been discontinued since 2014, but Sportsmobile provides wonderful solutions for this kind of vans. The Ford Van here is absolutely amazing, its mushroom-like pop-top allows the driver to stand up while cooking, as well as an auxiliary bed on top of the vehicle.
This 4x4 van has been improved mechanically, so it's capable of facing hard terrain conditions. The company reports that only the best heavy-duty components were used to provide the maximum off-road performance while maintaining exceptional on-road comfort.
7 Wingamm Micros 4motion
Wingamm is an Italian company that produces campers out of the most common European vans. The aim of the brand is to ensure the best quality possible in terms of materials and technology, in order to provide the most comfortable experience while traveling.
The Wingamm Micros 4Motion is an all-wheel-drive Volkswagen T5 that has been turned into a luxurious cabin with all sorts of comforts and high-end necessities. Each component of the cell is made of fiberglass, starting with the rear bumper and the side flaps. The interior features wooden details.
6 Westfalia’s Jules Vernes
Generally associated with Volkswagen vans, Westfalia also collaborates with other German car manufacturers, such as Mercedes. This van was converted on a V series van, and it presents some outstanding details.
The modern and minimalistic style of the interior of the van is amazing. Everything is framed by hidden LED lights and by chrome profiles. Its name comes from the French author who wrote the Journey to the Center of the Earth. If someone wants to attempt and take a similar trip, comforts and style will be the keywords.
5 Land Rover Camper Conversion A2A Expedition
Let's go for a muddy journey onboard this absolutely sick Land Rover. The Land Rover Defender used by the A2A Expedition family for the last 11 years was bought second hand in 2009. The Landy had three previous owners and was used primarily as a farm truck in the interior of South Africa.
Huge off-road tires and bumpers are not the only modifications this double cab Defender was subject to. An aluminum top, as well as a 1.4 m Howling Moon roof tent, makes the journey longer and your fun bigger.
4 Westfalia Kelsey
Another Westfalia, and this time it's a Ford Transit turned into something spectacular. With a pop-top that reminds us of the more iconic vintage Vanagons, Kelsey presents modern and cool interiors.
Not as luxurious as its bigger brother Jules Vernes, the Kelsey presents high-end interiors that are proper for more practical use. Also, in this case, the room inside the van has been well optimized and this van has also a real bathroom with an indoor shower.
3 Sportsmobile 1971 E-300
Everybody loves vintage vans and this super cool two-tone E-300 is one-of-a-kind. It's a 1971 model, and it might be the first Ford Sportsmobile conversion ever. The van has a cool story, and it had crossed Hawaii before it was re-imported into the USA.
The interiors might seem spartan and not as modern as some newer Westfalias, but this truly embodies that '70s hippie look we just can't stop staring at. Cute and functional, this 4x4 van is the perfect solution for a retro overlanding experience.
2 Westfalia’s Club Joker City
The Volkswagen Club Joker reminds us of the '80s Vanagon, which bore the same name. This is the latest version of it: it's a VW Transporter 6.1 converted by Westfalia, in its City edition. In fact, unlike its standard and taller version, this one allows the van to be parked in regular garages thanks to the pop-top.
A competitor to the converted Volkswagen California, the interior is minimalistic and practical at the same time. Fabric seats, a hideaway table, smart drawers, an extra bed on the top, and a tiny indoor shower make this van a cool solution also for a family of 4.
1 1987 Westfalia VW Vanagon
King of kings, this has been the unbeaten dream of all the surfers, canoers, and explorers since forever. This Vanagon is labeled Syncro, which means it has 4-wheel-drive, enabling unique off-road experiences since 1985.
The Westfalia interior is simple, spartan but highly functional and practical. Almost every van that was converted after 1985 had been influenced by this timeless design. The rock and roll couch seat could turn into an auxiliary bed, while the main one is on the top. The strong but efficient and agile drive experience of this van made this model one of the best sought-after vans among overlanders.