san diego for sale "camper van" - craigslist (2024)

FAQs

Why are camper vans so expensive now? ›

Demand has seen recreational vehicle sales soar to record highs. Combine that demand with supply chain issues and fuel prices dramatically increasing the costs of vehicle components and raw materials. It's not a time when you're likely to score a great deal on a camper van — or fuel and maintain one on the cheap.

Class B RV vans (models like the Winnebago Revel or Storyteller Overland) have tons of bells and whistles. Built on the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram Promaster chassis, a new camper van with all the amenities can cost anywhere from $80,000 to over $250,000. Pros: Easy to insure with RV or motorhome insurance.

As reported by Auto Trader, converted campervans and motorhomes do keep their value longer than cars, but they will begin to lose value over time. If you keep your van in top condition, with as low miles as you can, then it's likely that your van will retain around 70% of it's value by the time you want to resell it.

The average camper van lasts for about 20 years and about 200,000 miles before you'll need to replace it. However, this number can vary depending on how well you maintain it and the types of terrain and environments you drive it through.

The main disadvantages of campervans are: Maintenance and repair costs: If you own and use a camper van frequently, you will encounter repair costs over time. Since the parts are larger and more complex in oversized vehicles, repairs can be more expensive than in an ordinary car.

The Mercedes Sprinter has long been considered one of the best vans for camper conversion, known for its superior build quality, reliability, and spacious interior. Its tall standing height and long wheelbase provide generous space for customization, allowing for comfortable sleeping and living areas.

If you want to roughly estimate what your RV payment will be, calculate 1 to 1.5% of the value of the RV. For example, if you buy an RV worth $100,000, expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 per month.

On average, a class B camper van has a 25-gallon gas tank and gets 15.5 MPG. That equals out to traveling about 387 miles on one tank of gas. The average class C RV has a 55-gallon gas tank. At an average of 9.5 MPG, you could travel about 522 miles on one tank of gas.

But, of course, summer days (and, often enough, summer nights) can also bring sweltering temperatures and egregious humidity. A poorly outfitted camper van during such hot weather can feel more like a torture chamber than a comfortable and liberating home-on-wheels.

While renting a camper for your holiday isn't a bad approach, it's a better financial move to purchase one. Even if you buy a campervan and only use it to go camping a handful of times, when it comes to selling it on, it will most likely have cost you less than if you had decided to rent.

What is the best older van for conversion? ›

Older vans like the Ford E-Series and Chevy Express have a proven track record for durability and ease of conversion. These models offer a lot of space and are well-suited for a variety of build-outs, making them a popular choice among van life enthusiasts.

The cost of converting a van can vary significantly depending on the type of van, the extent of the conversion, and the materials used. On average, a basic van conversion can cost anywhere between £5,000 and £15,000. This includes insulation, flooring, paneling, basic furniture, and a simple kitchen setup.

When converting a van yourself, you can invest as much or as little money as you want. However, when a company converts your van, base prices are often fixed, and you can add additional features for an extra cost. Professional conversions can vary from $30,000 to upwards of $200,000.

Inflation. An increase in inflation in 2023 led to higher sticker prices on RVs at the dealership. But that wasn't the only trouble it caused. Rising inflation also led to interest rate hikes that inevitably resulted in higher prices for those purchasing an RV with a loan.

Manufacturers use different materials and put their RVs through different quality tests. Adding inspections and using high-quality materials cost manufacturers more and can make a travel trailer more expensive.

While renting a camper for your holiday isn't a bad approach, it's a better financial move to purchase one. Even if you buy a campervan and only use it to go camping a handful of times, when it comes to selling it on, it will most likely have cost you less than if you had decided to rent.

It costs a lot of money to buy an RV, maintain it and store it, but it may be worth it in the long run if you plan to use it multiple times a year. If you want a simpler way to use an RV that doesn't require you to be responsible for maintenance and upkeep, renting is the better option.