Vehicle features to consider

From Nomad Life Wiki
An couple in their late 50s stands in front of their orange campervan, which is parked at the beach with tall hills visible in the background.

When considering your vehicle options, there are lots of vehicle features to consider! Click through in each section on this page to see additional information about each feature.

Pre-built or self-built

Do you want a professionally-built or self-built camper? This decisions is one of the biggest considerations, but certain factors may help make that decision for you. Pre-built may also be known as manufactured campers or commercial conversions. Self-built may also be known as DIY conversions.

Conversion difficulty

Conversion difficulty for different vehicle types:

Living space

Living space for different vehicle types:

Solar mounting

Solar mounting difficulty for various vehicle types:

Ceiling height

Ceiling height (or cargo height) is the interior height of the living space. A vehicle you can stand in is significantly more comfortable to live in, but it obviously increases the vehicle clearance too which can be a disadvantage.

Vehicle clearance

Vehicle clearance for different vehicle types:

Ground clearance

Ground clearance for different vehicle types:

Fuel efficiency

In general, a heavier vehicle will have worse fuel efficiency than a lighter vehicle, and a high profile (tall/flat fronted) vehicle will have worse fuel efficiency than a low profile (short/sloped) vehicle. Approximate relative efficiency for different vehicle types:

Passthrough

Passthrough availability for different vehicle types:

Stealth factor

Stealth factor of different vehicle types:

Parking difficulty

Parking difficulty for different vehicle types:

Undermount space

Undermount space is the amount of space under the vehicle which can be used for storage, water/sewage tanks, and other uses. It varies for different vehicle types:

Fuel type

Fuel type is an important vehicle features to consider when looking at your vehicle options for nomadic living. In most regions, gasoline or petrol vehicles dominate the market for all but the largest of vehicles, like box trucks, buses, and some step vans, which may use diesel fuel. Some cargo vans and passenger vans also have a diesel option. In many regions, diesel is not found at all fuel stations. Depending on price fluctuations, diesel may be more expensive to operate. In some regions, diesel vehicles of all sizes are much more prevalent and may be a better option. The best choice for you depends on your location, your driving habits, and market prices. Electric vans aren't really suitable (yet) as a vehicle for nomadic living due to their very low ranges unless you plan to make exclusively short trips. This may change as battery technology improves and battery cost falls. Solar power is nowhere near strong enough to charge an electric van's primary batteries.

Vehicle insurability

Vehicle insurability is something to consider when buying your vehicle. Some vehicle types are easier or cheaper to insure than others. Insurance for common vehicles (cars, minivans, SUVs) is easiest and generally cheapest. RVs are generally easy to insure, but if your vehicle is self-built, you'll need to work on your vehicle registration and titling first so that it can be insured as an RV. Commercial vehicles may need to be retitled to make it easier or cheaper to get insurance.

AWD / 4WD

All-wheel drive (AWD) is beneficial for daily driving and helping to accelerate on short sections of slippery, flat surfaces, such as moderately plowed snowy streets, or pavement covered in wet leaves, or well graded gravel roads with short sections of loose surface. The sort of conditions that you might reasonably expect daily driving in most situations.4-wheel drive (4WD) ...

Vehicle towing capability

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Emergency towing and recovery

Different vehicles cost different amounts to tow in case of mechanical breakdown, crashes, and so on. In general, larger vehicles cost significantly more to tow or recover than smaller passenger vehicles. Services for some vehicles may be difficult to find in certain locations without a long wait and great expense. Off-road travel increases the likelihood that towing and recovery services will not help you.

Vehicle specifications

Check vehicle specifications like engine size, overall length, cargo volume, and more.

Average annual repair costs

Average annual repair costs are a calculation of the average amount a vehicle owner can expect to pay for repairs. This is mostly useful as a comparison between different vehicles, as repair costs for your specific vehicle will vary based on your vehicle age, driving habits, maintenance upkeep, and other factors.

Vehicle exterior features

Vehicle exterior features are the vehicle features to consider on the outside of your van or other vehicle used for living nomadically. They include a variety of things that are attached or mounted to the roof, undercarriage, and every side, such as solar panels, roof vents, storage boxes, bike racks, and more.

Emergency exits

Emergency exits are an essential part of any vehicle. Be sure to consider them when planning your build or buying a vehicle. Emergency plans to prepare include: cooking fire or vehicle fire, vehicle tipped or flipped due to a collision, and severe weather situations.

Roof features

Pop-up roof

A pop-up roof (or pop-top roof) is a vehicle feature to consider. Some offer an extra bed inside, and others are just a great way to get additional ceiling height and ventilation when parked.

Roof racks

Roof racks are ...

Roof deck

A roof deck in a treasured vehicle addition for some nomads. Rooftop decks offer an extra space to hang out with a raised view of your camping location, and can make rooftop maintenance tasks like cleaning solar panels a bit easier.


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