We've all considered van life or van-dwelling and living in a van in the UK at some point, haven't we? Van life is an exciting adventure that offers people a break from the typical 9 to 5 in the form of freedom and flexibility.
Whether you're heading off-grid, working remotely or converting a camper, this guide covers five of the best vans for van life.
In this blog, we'll provide essential advice and have listed five of the best vans. From compact daily drivers to the largest vans with room to sleep, these models offer plenty of space, strong towing and payload capabilities, and modern features that make them ideal for van life.
Plan Your Layout: One of the first things you need to consider in Van Life is space utilisation. A van is undoubtedly a small area to call home, so you'll need to use your space efficiently. Consider features such as convertible furniture, multi-use areas, and plenty of storage.
You also need to ensure that you'll be comfortable. If your van is not properly equipped, it's likely that you'll get sick of van life pretty quickly. Make sure you have a comfy bed, a kitchen, and a bathroom (if possible).
Insulation and Ventilation: For this bit, you'll need to click your brain into gear. Insulation and ventilation are often forgotten when planning for van life, but it's important you consider them.
Good insulation will keep you warm in winter and cool in the summer, making van life much more comfortable.
You should also install roof vents and open windows when required to ensure good air circulation and prevent condensation.
Electrical Systems: Although battery technology is impressive nowadays, it's needed to drive your van. Consider alternative power sources such as solar panels, leisure batteries, and inverters.
Water Systems: If you're in a rural area, drinking water might be hard to come by. To prevent this, consider installing fresh and grey water tanks.
Also, think about a good filtration system to ensure you always have clean drinking water.
Safety and Security: Arguably, one of the most important factors to consider in van life is safety. Invest in good quality locks and alarms to make your van as secure as possible.
You'll also need to ensure your van complies with road regulations wherever you are, such as MOT and insurance.
“Van life gives people the freedom to live and travel on their own terms, but the van you choose has a big impact on how practical and comfortable that lifestyle will be. From payload limits to layout flexibility, the right base vehicle is key, especially for long-term conversions or off-grid trips. If you're leasing a van, it's important to speak to your sales advisor before making any changes. What you’re allowed to modify depends on the manufacturer, the lease terms, and your finance provider. We always advise customers to confirm what's permitted before starting any modifications.”
Whether you're planning full-time van life or weekend getaways, these are the best vans for van life in the UK to consider:
- Engine options: 2.0L TDI diesel (102–177 PS)
- Payload: Up to 1,456kg
- Towing capacity: Up to 3,500kg (rear-wheel drive)
The Volkswagen Crafter is one of the largest vans you can get in the UK, which makes it ideal for full-time van life. With its high roof and extended wheelbase options, it offers enough space to fit a full-size bed, kitchenette, and storage without feeling cramped. It’s also packed with safety tech and available in multiple layouts, making it a popular choice for self-builds and professional conversions alike.
- Engine options: 2.0L or 3.0L diesel
- Payload: Up to 2,500kg
- Towing capacity: Up to 3,500kg (with towing pack)
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a trusted favourite for van dwellers thanks to its reliability, comfort, and flexible configurations. It’s available with a high roof, extra-long body, and optional 4x4, making it suitable for all-season van life in the UK. Inside, it’s spacious enough to build out a full camper setup, and the modern driving tech makes long road trips safer and more comfortable.
If you're looking for a zero-emissions option, the Mercedes-Benz e-Sprinter is a fully electric version with a range of up to 271 miles, depending on the battery size, making it ideal for those planning greener van life trips in the UK or Europe.
- Engine options: 2.0L EcoBlue diesel
- Payload: Up to 2,457kg
- Towing capacity: Up to 3,600kg (rear-wheel drive)
The Ford Transit is one of the best vans for van life if you want a good balance between price, practicality, and size. It comes in a wide range of lengths and heights, giving you flexibility on how much living space you want. It’s also easy to maintain, with parts and servicing widely available across the UK. Whether you’re going for a basic weekend setup or a full-time conversion, the Transit is a solid starting point.
Ford also offers the Ford E-Transit, a fully electric version with a range of up to 196 miles (WLTP), suitable for eco-conscious van users or those travelling shorter distances with access to charging.
- Engine options: Blue dCi (130–170hp)
- Payload: Up to 1,625kg
- Towing capacity: Up to 3,500kg
If you’re looking for a large van that’s a bit more budget-friendly, the Renault Master is a smart choice and a solid all-rounder. It offers loads of interior space and decent payload and towing capacity, without the higher cost of a Sprinter or Crafter. It has also been recently updated with improved fuel efficiency and technology, making it more comfortable to drive and live in. It’s ideal if you're planning to start living in a van in the UK without overspending.
Renault also offers the Renault Master E-Tech Electric, featuring an improved range compared to previous models (up to 285 miles on a single charge), making it a practical fully electric option for conversions.
- Engine options: 2.0L TDI diesel (110–170 PS)
- Payload: Up to 1,330kg
- Towing capacity: Up to 2,800kg (diesel)
The latest Volkswagen Transporter is ideal for those who don’t need the largest van but still want a modern, compact camper with a modern design. It’s easier to drive and park than full-size vans, which is ideal for weekend trips or stealth camping in the city. You can still fit a bed, kitchen pod, and storage with clever use of space, and the new tec like the digital dash and upcoming plug-in hybrid options, adds to its appeal for shorter or part-time van life setups.
The Transporter is also available as a fully electric model, called the Volkswagen e-Transporter, which is based on the same platform as the Ford E-Transit Custom. This makes it one of the best electric vans for part-time or urban van life.
Van | Max Payload (kg) | Max Towing (kg) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Volkswagen Crafter | 1,456 | 3,500 | Largest van, big conversions |
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 2,500 | 3,500 | Versatility, comfort, reliability |
Ford Transit | 2,457 | 3,600 | Practicality, ease of repair |
Renault Master | 1,625 | 3,500 | Budget-friendly, decent size |
Volkswagen Transporter | 1,330 | 2,800 | Compact van life, modern tech |
NOTE: If you've got a lease van, you'll need to speak to your sales advisor before making any changes to your vehicle. Permission and restrictions will depend on the modification in question, manufacturer, and finance provider.
Choosing the right van for van life in the UK involves considering your needs, budget, and the type of travel you plan on doing. The Volkswagen Crafter, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, Renault Master and Volkswagen Transporter are all excellent choices. Remember, before committing to van life, plan your layout, ensure proper insulation, and secure your van.
Looking for more van advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produce a range of guides, such as Personal Van and Pick-Up Leasing and Van Breakdown Explained.
We are also one of the UK's largest van leasing brokers, offering a range of van leasing deals to suit your every need. For more information, call us on 0345 811 9595 or check out our leasing deals.
Originally posted: 5th June 2024
Last updated: 17th June 2025
