Using a campervan as your daily driver might sound unconventional, but it’s becoming increasingly popular. Many travellers love having the freedom to use their van both for work commutes and spontaneous weekend getaways. If you’re looking for a campervan that’s practical, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and easy to park in the city, here’s what you should know before buying the best campervan for your lifestyle.
Can You Use a Campervan as Your Only Vehicle?
Yes, you can use a campervan as your everyday vehicle if you choose the right model. Many campervans are built on van chassis like the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, or Nissan NV, offering a comfortable driving experience similar to a regular car. Models with compact dimensions, such as the Volkswagen California or a professional conversion on a Ford Transit Connect, are particularly easy to drive and park.
However, using a campervan as your daily driver comes with compromises. You’ll need to consider fuel economy (mpg), practicality, and manoeuvrability. Smaller campervans are easier to drive in urban environments but offer less interior space. Larger vans like Sprinters provide more comfort for overnight stays but can be challenging in tight city streets.
The Best Campervans for Solo Travellers and Daily Use
Solo travellers often choose compact campervans for everyday use. Vans like the Toyota HiAce conversions, Nissan NV200, or VW Transporter T6 offer enough room to sleep and store daily essentials while staying nimble for city driving. Many campervan conversions on these models include a pop-top roof, foldaway bed, side kitchen, and storage for outdoor gear, making them ideal for adventure and everyday life.
If you’re looking for high fuel efficiency, consider a diesel engine van like the VW Transporter or Ford Transit Connect. These provide excellent mpg and are comfortable and efficient enough for daily commuting.
The Best Campervan for 2 Adults
Travelling as a couple? You’ll want a campervan with a double bed, compact kitchen, and decent headroom to sit comfortably. The Mercedes Sprinter campervan conversions remain a top choice in 2025, offering spacious interiors and professional conversion layouts that maximise comfort.
Another great option is the Ford Transit Custom Nugget, which comes with a rear bench that converts into a double bed, plus a side kitchen and pop-top for standing space. Its diesel engine provides reliable fuel mileage, and it drives like a family car, making it an ideal campervan as a daily driver.
You may also like: What Is the Best Camper Trailer for a Couple in 2025?
The Best Campervan for Family
Families require more seats and sleeping areas. Vans like the Volkswagen California Ocean or a well-designed Chevy Express camper conversion are perfect for small families. They include travel seats for children, kitchenettes with gas hobs and bottles, cruise control for long drives, and foldaway tables for practical daily use.
For ultimate family adventures, large vans like a Mercedes Sprinter LWB camper conversion offer rear kitchens, double beds, a shower and toilet, and plenty of storage. Although it feels like driving a small motorhome, it’s surprisingly easy to drive once you get used to sitting up high.
Which Campervan Is Best for City Driving and Travel?
For those spending most of their time in the city, smaller vans with car-like handling are best. The Volkswagen Caddy camper conversion or Ford Transit Connect campervan are compact, fuel-efficient, and perfect for stealth camping or urban parking. Their smaller wheelbase improves manoeuvrability, and diesel engines ensure better gas mileage for daily driving.
Campervan Overview and Comparison
| Model | Key Features | Approx. Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota HiAce (Conversion) | Compact size, pop-top option, foldaway bed, side kitchen | $30,000 – $50,000 (used + conversion) | Great daily driver for solo travellers; limited standing room without pop-top |
| Nissan NV200 (Conversion) | Very compact, easy city driving, basic kitchen setup | $25,000 – $45,000 (used + conversion) | Ideal stealth camper; limited interior space |
| VW Transporter T6 | Diesel, pop-top, foldaway bed, side kitchen, storage | $45,000 – $70,000 | Excellent mpg and daily comfort; popular with solo travellers |
| Mercedes Sprinter (Conversion) | Spacious interior, professional layouts, double bed, high roof | $60,000 – $120,000 | Best for 2 adults wanting maximum comfort; drives like a van not a car |
| Ford Transit Custom Nugget | Rear bench converts to double bed, side kitchen, pop-top | $65,000 – $85,000 | Good fuel mileage; easy to drive daily |
| Volkswagen California Ocean | Sleeps 4, kitchen with gas hob, foldaway table, cruise control | $70,000 – $90,000 | Ideal for small families; factory campervan quality |
| Chevy Express (Conversion) | Large interior, multiple seats, kitchen options, foldaway table | $50,000 – $80,000 | Affordable large family camper; lower mpg |
| Mercedes Sprinter LWB (Conversion) | Rear kitchen, double bed, shower & toilet, spacious | $85,000 – $140,000 | Feels like a small motorhome; great for ultimate family trips |
| Volkswagen Caddy (Conversion) | Compact, stealth camping friendly, fuel efficient | $30,000 – $50,000 | Perfect city daily driver; limited sleeping space |
| Ford Transit Connect (Conversion) | Compact, diesel, car-like handling, pop-top optional | $28,000 – $50,000 | Great mpg and easy parking in cities |
Essential Campervan Accessories for Daily Use
To maximise practicality and comfort in your campervan for everyday use, consider these essential accessories:
- Insulate your van for year-round comfort
- Install an awning for outdoor living space
- Use a compact fridge or cool box for groceries
- Fit blackout curtains for privacy
- Keep a portable toilet if stealth camping
- Add a roof rack or rear carrier for bikes and outdoor gear
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Campervan
Choosing the best campervan for everyday use is about balancing comfort, practicality, and fuel efficiency. Whether you’re looking for a small adventure van for solo travel, a spacious family camper, or a Sprinter campervan for sale to convert professionally, consider your specific needs, driving experience, and lifestyle before you buy the best campervan for 2025. Many campervans are now designed for both adventure and daily life, so your dream of full-time van life or weekend escapes can easily become your new reality.
Build Your Perfect Everyday Campervan with Rover Vans
If you’re struggling to find a van that truly meets your everyday and travel needs, customising your own campervan might be the perfect solution. At Rover Vans, we specialise in high-quality van parts, professional camper conversions, and ready-to-build kits to help you create a campervan that fits your lifestyle without compromise.
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