If you’re craving overlanding adventures in the comfort of a reliable camper van, there are lots of choices available to you!
Overlanding has become very popular among off-road and vehicle enthusiasts who want to explore natural sceneries and take explorations through America. But, it’s not fun to do so with the noisy campgrounds and a vehicle that can’t handle some off-road action.
This is why you need a 4×4 camper van which is a perfect fit for overland adventures.
What is Overlanding?
Although Overlanding is now a trendy activity in America, it dates back to the 1900s and has been done in other countries. Overlanding is a new way to explore the outdoors, as you travel to remote locations. The journey, not the destination, is the purpose of overlanding.
Overlanding is usually fulfilled with an off-road capable vehicle and the main form of housing is camping. You can also go on this journey for as long as you want.
With this in mind, the best way to enjoy overlanding a with a 4×4 camper van, as they are capable off-road and would also create the perfect lodging as you go.
Let’s take a look at the top vans you can use for overlanding.
Top 5 4×4 Camper Vans for Overlanding
1. Winnebago Revel 4×4
At the top of our list is the Winnebago Revel 4×4 camper van, a durable van that is ready to go out of the box. The Revel is fitted with an off-grid solar power system and a diesel heater, all of which make it perfect for your overlanding adventure.
The plumbing is also productive, with heat elements wrapped around the necessary components to prevent them from freezing. Plus, you can choose to shower indoors or outdoors.
The 4×4 van can pop out for sideways sleeping and makes room for the bathroom. It also has a rugged exterior that lets it get through harsh terrains.
Pros:
- Ready out of the box.
- Plenty of storage space.
- Highly capable off-road.
- Includes a lifting bed.
- Can be parked anywhere.
- Efficient power features.
Cons
- The bathroom makes the interior cramped.
2. Storyteller Overland MODE Series
There are three packages you can find in the Storyteller Overland MODE series. They include Classic, Stealth, and Beast, all with different features but an underlying and common rustic design in each van.
You can choose one of these three MODEs depending on your needs. The Classic is the base model, offering a bed that is 56 inches wide, hot water circulation, bug screens, spacious counter space with sink, a sonic wedge, highly efficient air conditioning and more than enough USB outlets.
But if you prefer even more refined features like fender kits, more robust rims, spoilers, spare tire, graphics and the likes, you can go for the higher trims.
Pros
- Three trims for all adventurers.
- Uncluttered and clean interior design.
- Pre-designed and ready to use.
- Higher trims feature rugged exteriors.
- Works fantastic off-road.
Cons
- You can’t customize it.
- No allocated bathroom space.
3. Outside Van Custom 4×4 Sprinter
If you want a campers van for overlanding from Outside Van, you can either go for custom builds or a unique build that is out of the box ready. The Sprinter is the out of the box campers van from Outside Van, although they also provide services to redesign a van you already have.
The Outside Van Sprinters feature sound dampening, flooring, safety features, interior insulation, finishing on the ceiling and walls, overhead lighting and an exterior vinyl wrap around the lower panels to prevent damage.
Asides from the basic features, you can upgrade your Outside Van by adding other impressive fittings. From power systems, extra lights and windows to plumbing systems, cooling and heating options, and a kitchen unit, there’s no limit to how advanced you can make your 4×4 van. You can also step up the off-road experience by adding features on the exterior, like gear racks, ladders, rooftop tents, tire upgrades, and more.
Pros
- The Interior and exterior are highly customizable.
- Pre-built vans are available.
- Vehicles feature modular builds for overlanding.
- Impressive handcrafted metal and woodwork.
- Includes indoor shower option.
Cons
- Only a porta potty is available for the bathroom.
4. Sportsmobile Ford Transit with Quigley
Sportsmobile is more popular for their recreational vehicles, but it seems like they have brought their fantastic features into 4×4 camper vans for overlanding. They also offer a Ford Transit with Quigley 4×4 for your overlanding experience.
When buying your Sportsmobile, you can choose the standard package or customize your van based on your needs. The company is well-known for offering more options than any other competitor, so you can design the exact type of camper van you need.
And if you’re not sure, you can go for the standard version. Although the camper van is a bit bigger than others, it handles itself expertly off-road and offers interior quality.
Pros
- Highly customizable.
- Can be purchased at a great price.
- Two packages are available for the design.
- Comes with a 5 year warranty.
- Great exterior design.
Cons
- Requires a $2,000 non-refundable deposit.
5. Off Highway Van Sprinter
If you’re buying your 4×4 Sprinter van from Off Highway Van, you get access to diverse conversion packages and get the chance to customize or get a pre-designed van. This might be the last on our list, but it’s not the least.
The Sprinter series comes with a wide range of camper vans depending on what you need when you go overland. While some can accommodate up to seven people, others offer longer wheelbases and better off-road capabilities.
Although the bathroom and shower features are not up to par, every other feature is highly customizable if you prefer that. But, it would take a much longer time than buying a pre-set van.
Pros
- Can accommodate up to seven people.
- Highly customizable.
- Capable off-road.
- Offers pre-designed options.
- Features different base plans for easier decision-making.
Cons
- Poor bathroom and toilet selections.
How to Choose the Right Overland Van
Although you now have the top five 4×4 camper vans for your overland journey, it’s still important to choose the right one that meets your needs. To do so, you need to consider several factors.
As you browse through the top overland vans, you should consider how long you would be journeying, the topography and roads you might have to drive on, and the season and weather conditions.
You also have to think of how many people and cargo the van can fit if you’re traveling with a crowd and if it would eat up a lot of gas.
Surely, your personal priorities and style would also play an important factor in choosing a good overland van. And finally, it’s important to consider your budget and buy one that offers more value for your money.
With these in mind, you can purchase the best overland van for you.
