Credit: Storyteller Overland
After the last year-and-a-half, we’ve all come to a better appreciation of how just important it is to get away from it all, writes Bryan Hood for an article published by the Robb Report. Taking a break from the day-to-day grind is vital to our health and sanity. Sure, vaccines have made travel easier again, but you’d be forgiven for not wanting to spend time aboard a crowded plane anytime soon.
Luckily, there’s no need to suffer the airport hordes. It so happens that we’re living in something of a golden age for luxury campers and trailers, which has made it easier than ever to take your life on the road without sacrificing comfort.
And now, there are plenty of outfits giving the same treatment to camper vans. They may not be able to sleep as many people their hulking cousins, but these all-in-one vehicles come loaded with creature comforts like high-end kitchens, WiFi-enabled multimedia systems and plush beds. Plus, their more compact size means camper vans are more agile, making them a tad more off-road friendly and a whole lot easier to park.
Below, 10 campers that will let you experience #vanlife in comfort and style.
Airstream Interstate 24X
There is perhaps no brand more closely associated with the trailer life in America than Airstream. Thankfully, the company isn’t afraid to branch out. Just look at the Interstate 24X, the trailer maker’s attempt to take the camper van to new heights. Built on the bones of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter—like a lot of the models on this list—the vehicle has everything you need to rough it in comfort. Airstream has done a lot to maximize space in its climate-controlled cabin. A modular dining table doubles as a desk, and it can be easily converted into the largest sleeping area in a Class B Motorhome. There’s also a full mini kitchen and bathroom. You can take the van off-roading, too. In addition to a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 engine that churns out 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque, it also comes equipped with four-wheel drive, a height-adjustable suspension and all-terrain tires. Pricing for the all-around beast starts at $213,850.
Jayco Terrain
Jayco is best known for its hulking travel trailers, but like Airstream it can do compact, too (well, compact enough to fit in a parking space, that is). The US company’s new Terrain model, which starts at $192,000, is an adventure van designed for those who like to veer from the beaten path. As the name suggests, it’s designed for off-roading, with a turbo-diesel V-6, Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a rear hitch strong enough to tow an additional trailer if you need more room. Inside, it’s a little spartan compared to some other options on this list, but its kitchenette can be converted into a sleeping area with room for a full-size bed, as well as plenty of storage space beneath. There’s even a built-in awning when you need some shade in the summer months.
Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary
Thor Motor Coach makes camper vans for those uninterested in making sacrifices. With the Sanctuary, the company has taken Mercedes-Benz’s already excellent Sprinter 2500 4×4 and turned it into something you could easily live on—on or off the grid. The off-road-ready vehicle comes in two configurations—the 19P ($148,680), which features a back bench that converts into a bed, or the 19L ($151,060), which has a fixed double bed. Even with the bed there’s still plenty of room for other creature comforts, including a bathroom, entertainment area with a TV and a kitchen with a sink, dual-burner cooktop, convection microwave oven and fridge. An Onan 2500 LP generator keeps everything up and running, too, including an A/C system you can leave on for eight hours at a time. There’s also retractable power awning when you want to spend some time outdoors, too.
Winnebago Boldt
Airstream isn’t the only famous RV maker that’s gotten into the camper van game. Winnebago actually sells several, and our favorite is the luxe Boldt. Despite being nowhere near as long as one of its campers—it caps out at 22 feet in length—the $230,276 van has everything you’d expect from the larger vehicle, including dedicated living and sleeping areas, a fully functional kitchen and a bathroom equipped with a shower. You also have several interior décor options to choose from, each of which delivers an updated take on classic Winnebago style. The Boldt is designed for paved roads and campgrounds, but if you want a more rugged ride, the brand also offers the off-road-ready Revel.
