Van life vs Truck camper life
After living in both a van and truck camper, here are our thoughts on the pros & cons of van life vs truck camper life 🚐✨️
📦 Storage: storage space in a truck camper can be far superior to a van. Especially if you have a flatbed truck with toolboxes! In a van, you're limited to the interior cabinets and maybe roof rack storage or added backdoor storage box. With a truck camper you have the interior cabinets plus toolboxes & the truck cab!
⛽️ Fuel economy: Every vehicle will be different, but overall the fuel economy in a van will be better than a truck camper setup. Our truck is an absolute diesel guzzler.
🚿Amenities: A truck camper has the added bonus of all the living amenities of an RV -full dry bath, appliances, large holding tanks- bc there's more space. Some larger wheelbase vans fit amazing amenities! but you're looking at a higher budget & longer rig. Bigger holding tanks=more water storage=longer time offgrid.
📏Size: A van has the added benefit of shorter length and lower total height. This means you can park in a regular sized parking spot and make most height clearance limitations. Truck camper setups like ours need extended parking spaces and at 12'10" tall we have to watch out for low clearance obstacles -overpasses, bridges, tree branches- so our roof doesn't get ripped off.
🏘Modular: When the van is broke down in the shop, you're out of a house. But when the truck is broke down, you have the option of taking the camper off and separating your house from the truck. & vice versa if the camper is in the shop. This also means you can switch out for a new camper or truck without having to buy both at the same time!
There's so much to consider and options to weigh when picking between the two! Overall, the truck camper is better suited for use for full-time living.
Of course each rig is going to be a little different and not apply to this generic list. But there's tradeoffs to every setup.
What did we miss?! Tell us your pros or cons 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 there's too many to list
Choosing between van life and a truck camper truly comes down to what kind of 'mobile living space' you envision for yourself. Having experienced both, I can tell you that while both offer incredible freedom, the daily realities of living in each are quite different. Let's really dig into the 'living space' aspect, which is often a deal-breaker. In my truck camper, the feeling of spaciousness was immediately noticeable. The OCR mentioned 'larger tanks, living space, off-road clearance, more storage, modular setup, repair flexibility, and full bathroom,' and these points really hit home. Having a full dry bath was a game-changer for me. No more public showers or struggling with a tiny wet bath! This amenity alone significantly elevated the comfort of our 'truck living space'. The ability to have dedicated zones – a proper kitchen, a comfortable seating area, and a private bathroom – made full-time living feel much less like camping and more like being in a compact home. The 'more storage' wasn't just about fitting extra gear; it meant less clutter inside the main living area, making the space feel larger and more organized. Plus, the modularity, as highlighted in the original article, meant our 'house' could separate from the 'truck,' offering flexibility I never had in the van. If the truck needed service, our living space wasn't stranded. Conversely, van life has its own unique charm but demands a different approach to 'living space.' The OCR beautifully summarized van cons like 'smaller living area, smaller holding tanks, less storage, and small or no bathroom.' This is absolutely true. In the van, every inch had to be meticulously planned. We embraced multi-functional furniture – the bed became a couch, the counter became a dining table. While the van offered 'pass-through access' from the cab, which was great for quick stops and bad weather, it also meant the entire vehicle was your 'living room.' Stealth camping was easier, as the OCR noted, because the van blended in more. However, the trade-off was constantly feeling like I had to "put things away" to avoid feeling cramped. Water conservation became a daily mantra due to 'smaller holding tanks.' It forced a minimalist lifestyle, which can be liberating, but it's a stark contrast to the more amenity-rich truck camper. For anyone considering full-time living, think about your daily routines. Do you need a dedicated workspace? How important is a private, spacious bathroom? Do you mind regularly converting your bed into a seating area? The truck camper often provides a more robust and comfortable 'living space' for extended periods, especially if you prioritize amenities and storage. However, if agility, stealth, and fitting into tighter spots are paramount, and you’re willing to compromise on interior volume, the van excels. Ultimately, both offer incredible adventures, but the feel and functionality of your mobile home's 'living space' will dramatically shape your experience.