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Whether you’re a weekend traveller or looking to go full-time off the grid, choosing to adventure with a motorhome has become a popular option. However, deciding on the right vehicle requires careful thought.
Many van lifers opt for a 4×4 camper due to their versatility and range of amenities, comfort, and ruggedness. There’s a perfect fit for every adventurer’s need, from luxury builds to more compact designs.
Use this guide to compare the top 10 4×4 campers, combining durability, off-road capability, and homely. You’ll find a home on wheels to start creating unforgettable memories.
What Is the Best 4×4 Camper for Van Life?
EarthRoamer LT
Pros
- Durability: This is the most rugged option. It’s built to handle nearly every possible adventure and is manufactured with high-quality materials, like carbon fibre, to withstand harsh environments.
- Luxury: The EarthRoamer LT is outfitted with all the bells, whistles, and comforts of home. It’s built custom-to-order, so you don’t have to sacrifice.
Cons
- True Investment: The high prices make this option not accessible to casual campers, but it’s reasonable for those wishing to go full-time van life for a long time.
- Ship Overseas: EarthRoamer is based in the United States. The company will deliver the car to the nearest port, but the customer must arrange shipping.
Mercedes Sprinter 4×4
Pros
- Customisations: There are many options to personalise this van aftermarket. More so, bring this van to luxury levels with EcoFlow DELTA 2 MAX. Seamlessly integrate this portable power station with your van to power all your electronics for days.
Combined with the EcoFlow Smart Generator, you’ll never run out of electricity. Power this generator with gas or treat it like a portable power station.
- Popular: This van is easily one of the most popular options for van lifers in this decade because it’s a blank canvas. The diesel engine makes it reliable and fuel-efficient
Cons
- Not Travel Ready: You must upgrade this chassis to make it suitable for off-grid or full-time living.
- Dealership Maintenance: Most Mercedes vehicles require repairs to be completed by the dealership.
Ford Transit Trail
Pros
- Price: This is one of the cheaper options in this guide. It still offers many amenities but without the high price tag.
- Easy Maintenance: Fords are popular. You won’t have a problem finding someone to repair them while you’re away from town.
Cons
- Towing Capacity: You can tow with this van, but not as much as similar vans. Calculate how much weight, if any, you may need to pull with your van.
AAV 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser Camper
Pros
- Best for Stealth Camping: Since this van looks like a regular one, you can camp out in areas that aren’t traditional campgrounds without paying attention to yourself.
- Modular Features: The pop-up roof creates space for standing, sleeping, a kitchenette, and water storage—enough for off-grid living.
Cons
- Weight and Handling: The conversions can add weight, making it challenging to navigate rough terrains.
- Limited Fuel Storage: Smaller storage options than larger vans make long-term travel harder to plan.
Nissan NV3500 4×4 Conversion
Pros
- Easy Maneuverability: Their smaller sizes make navigating tight spaces like a city street a breeze.
- Good Towing Capacity: Its V8 engine can handle heavy loads, making it perfect for travelling with lots of gear.
Cons
- Looks: The rugged features make it less aesthetically pleasing than other high-end options.
- Limited Options: There aren’t as many customisable conversion options with this van type.
Pleasure-Way Rekon 4×4
Pros
- Gear Centric: The space is designed with a small wet kitchen and a foldaway bed. It’s a perfect motorhome for adventurous trips requiring a lot of gear. There’s plenty of storage for bikes, skis, and surfboards.
- Off-Grid Power: The class B RV comes with an off-grid solar system installed. Other sustainable appliances, like the EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator, can easily be integrated into the design.
Cons
- Limited Ground Clearance: This van is built off the Mercedes Sprinter Chassis, which doesn’t have high ground clearance, making it challenging to navigate rough terrain.
- Lack of Lounge: There is no dedicated sitting area at the back. The space is maximised for carrying lots of gear.
Volkswagen California 4Motion
Pros
- Fuel-efficient: This campervan has a more fuel-efficient engine than other classes of recreational vehicle motorhomes. Larger ones are convenient for space, but the fuel cost can creep up.
- Iconic: The VW Camper is a legacy. It maintains the classic VW camper van style and has a pop-top roof.
Cons
- Practicality: This van’s all-wheel drive system is perfect for mild off-roading, but it is not made for harsh terrain like vans built on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis.
- Availability: It’s only manufactured in European countries, so it must be imported or bought second-hand, which can be expensive but worth it for the nostalgic brand.
Winnebago Revel
Pros
- Upgraded Interior: Inside, find intentional designs for temperature control, like the gap-free insulation coverage and honeycomb composite flooring. There is also a wet bath for convenience.
- Powered Awning: Get comfortable outside with a Bluetooth-powered patio awning equipped with LED lights. Plan to eat outside on the fold-down outdoor table.
Cons
- High Cost: This is one of the most expensive Class B camper vans on the market. But it is a high-quality build and still cheaper than the Earth Roamer. It’s also built on the Mercedes Sprinter Chassis, so you must visit a Mercedes dealer for repairs and upkeep.
- Small Kitchen: With only one induction cooktop and compact fridge, cooking on the road may be challenging.
JK Wrangler Action Camper X2
Pros
- For Jeep Owners: If you own a Jeep Wrangler, you can convert it into a compact adventure-ready camper without purchasing a new vehicle.
- Overlanding: This conversion kit is made for overlanding trips. The top has three vinyl windows and bug covers for other windows. It fits a queen-sized bed and can access the refrigerator from the front seat. A portable, lightweight EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro makes this converted Jeep a reliable off-gridding option. Recharge this portable power station while you drive with the EcoFlow 800w Alternator Charger.
Cons
- Small: The pop-up does add room, but other van options offer more. It may feel cramped after long-term use or if travelling with multiple people.
- No Bathroom: It doesn’t have a built-in bathroom, which can be inconvenient and less comfortable.
EarthCruiser EXP
Pros
- Style: Boasting a military-style design, this van is engineered for high performance and reliability. Find a higher ground clearance with this build, making it ideal for extreme off-roading.
- Comfort: The spacious, luxury design provides plenty of comfort. The washroom has a sink, composting toilet, and shower. Plus, a water heater means relaxing, hot showers.
Cons
- Large: This is not the best option for sticking to cities. The spacious design is harder to navigate in city scenes.
- Cost: The EarthCruiser EXP is an investment. It’s not for those on a budget, but it is worth the higher price tag for those looking for long-term travel.
What To Look for in a 4×4 Camper
Budget
Before shopping, determine your budget, not just for the camper but also for necessary modifications. Prices for 4×4 campers can vary widely depending on brand and features. If the upfront cost concerns you, consider buying a used one or look into financing and leasing options.
Comfort
Choose a motorhome that meets your most important needs. Evaluate the layout for sleeping, storage, and cooking. Not every 4×4 is outfitted with the same level of amenities. Some are similar to home, while others require more thought and planning.
Auxiliary Power
When you’re living the van life, running out of power on the road is the last thing you need.
Installing a 4×4 dual battery system takes the strain of running camping appliances and entertainment off of your primary battery to maximise performance, lifespan, and convenience.
Style
Exterior style matters. Smaller vans like those on the Mercedes Sprinter Chassis are small enough to navigate populated cities easily. They also blend into everyday vans, making camping out in crowded places easier. Others, like the EarthRoamer LT and EarthCruiser EXP, are hardy, rugged camper vans.
Ruggedness
Compare the chassis for each one. Some have higher ground clearance, necessary for the Australian wilderness, while others have lower clearance, suitable for light off-roading. There are plenty of scenic routes ideal for any height level. Consider what material it is made of to ensure durability.
Long Term Maintenance
After comparing the initial investment required for purchasing the van, including the budget for maintenance like engine upkeep, oil changes, tyre replacement, and system repairs, options like the Ford Transit 4×4 can be easily repaired by mechanics in every city, while others, like Mercedes brands, require a trip to the dealership.
Final Thoughts
There’s plenty to compare between each type of vehicle. High-end options like the EarthCruiser EXP and EarthRoamer LT are a true investment but come with plenty of homey comforts and luxuries. Middle-range options like the Pleasure-Way Rekon 4×4 and AAV 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser Camper help to balance budget, reliability, and style.
Lower-cost but most customisable 4×4 motorhomes, like the Mercedes Sprinter van, can be designed however you want, meeting any need you have. Combining the EcoFlow DELTA 2 MAX and EcoFlow Smart Generator is the perfect upgrade to any option for reliable off-grid electricity in the Australian Outback.