The Sleeper Van - A Simple Camping Vehicle for Backpackers
Traveling in a Sleeper Van is a simple and inexpensive solution. However, this model does not have much luxury to offer. With little equipment you are less self-sufficient.
Advantages of the Sleeper Van
A Sleepervan is simply a slightly larger car, in which you can sleep and usually also cook. This is a great advantage for novice drivers: the stress factor in a Sleeper Van is very low, especially in the city or on difficult terrain. Driving it feels like driving a car!
A Sleeper Van is also the cheapest option referring to basic rental price. Due to the low purchase costs and the little equipment, the rental companies submit their vehicles to the market for comparatively little money. Especially for people who want to travel long distance and are afraid of big costs, a Sleeper Van can be a good way to make the dream of travelling the other side of the world come true.
Disadvantages of the Sleeper Van
As explained, a Sleeper Van is not much more than a car. You may not notice the small size while sleeping, but you can notice it in other areas. There is a lack of storage space, the kitchen is in the trunk and you are forced to continuously set up and pack together. As a result, the motivation to brew coffee in heavy rain is very moderate. Follow-up costs are foreseeable and there is more take-away food and less cooking.
In addition, you are usually not self-contained. This means that the cost campsites are added every day. You also want to use the toilet somewhere, shower and brush your teeth. All of this is either challenging or impossible in the Sleeper Van. Even if there are some models that actually accommodate a toilet, you will be more likely to use the campsite sanitary than the toilet in your van. But who knows, perhaps you go for it nonetheless?
All in all, you may not really save money when driving a Sleeper Van, but the costs tend to come at a leisurely pace during the trip. That alone can be a decision criterion. And of course, it always depends on your individual offer whether you travel the cheap way in a Sleeper Van at campsites or the more expensive way in a larger motorhome with an integrated bed. Not everyone feels comfortable freedom camping in the wild. If you wish to sleep on campsites no matter what, all you need is a Sleeper Van!