Renting a Class B Campervan Drive It Like a Van, Live In It Like a Camper
Class B campervans are the Instagram darlings of the RV world. A Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit converted into a rolling studio apartment. They drive like oversized vans, fit in regular parking spots and get dramatically better fuel economy than Class C or Class A motorhomes. The trade-off is space — campervans are compact by design.
Quick Specs
What Is a Class B Campervan?
A Class B campervan is a standard van — Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster, VW Transporter or similar — that's been converted into a living space. Unlike a Class C where the living area is a separate structure bolted to a truck chassis, a Class B keeps the original van body. The conversion happens inside the factory shell.
A well-equipped Class B has a bed (usually a rear platform or convertible dinette), a small kitchen with a cooktop and sink, storage cabinets, a water system and sometimes a compact wet bath (combined shower/toilet). Some have pop-top roofs that provide standing height and an upper sleeping area. Higher-end conversions include solar panels, lithium batteries and diesel heaters for off-grid camping.
The defining advantage: a Class B drives like a regular van. You can take it into downtown areas, park in normal spaces (most of the time), navigate narrow mountain roads and use standard gas station pumps without worrying about clearance. Fuel economy runs 15-22 mpg — roughly double what a Class C gets.
The defining limitation: space. Two people travel comfortably. Four is possible with the right layout but tight. You won't have a separate bedroom or a shower you can turn around in. If you need to sleep more than 2 adults, a Class C motorhome is the better choice.
Types of Campervans Available for Rent
- → Budget pop-top vans. Escape Campervans, Jucy and Spaceship models. Basic kitchenette, fold-out or platform bed, minimal bathroom facilities. $60-$165/night. Best for backpackers and budget travelers who spend most time outside the van.
- → Sprinter/Transit conversions. The gold standard. Full standing height, proper bed, kitchen, sometimes a wet bath. Professional conversions by Winnebago (Revel, Solis), Storyteller, Pleasure-Way or custom shops. $150-$300/night on Outdoorsy and RVshare.
- → VW California / Westfalia. The European classic. Pop-top roof, compact kitchen, sleeps 2-4. Available from roadsurfer in Europe. Smaller than Sprinters but more nimble on narrow European roads. €90-€280/night.
- → DIY conversions. One-off custom builds listed by private owners on Outdoorsy and RVshare. Quality varies wildly. Check photos carefully and read reviews. Some are stunning; some are plywood and prayers. $80-$250/night.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- → Drives and parks like a regular van
- → 15-22 mpg fuel economy
- → Fits in standard parking spaces
- → No special license required
- → Access narrow roads Class C's can't handle
- → More stealthy — doesn't scream "tourist"
Cons
- → Limited to 2 adults comfortably
- → Minimal bathroom (or none at all)
- → Not enough space for extended rainy days
- → Premium Sprinter builds cost more per night than basic Class C's
- → Limited kitchen counter space
Where to Rent a Campervan
| Platform | Campervan Pricing | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Campervans | $85-$165/night | USA (12 cities) | Budget fleet, unlimited miles, painted vans |
| Outdoorsy | $120-$300/night | USA, Canada, Europe | Best selection of unique builds |
| RVshare | $100-$250/night | USA, Canada | Good value, delivery available |
| Jucy | $60-$150 NZD/night | Australia, New Zealand | Iconic green vans, budget backpacker choice |
| Indie Campers | €80-€250/night | Europe (40+ depots) | Widest European fleet coverage |
Who Should Rent a Campervan?
- → Couples who want a mobile base for active trips — hiking, surfing, skiing. Park at the trailhead and sleep right there.
- → Solo travelers who want flexibility without the bulk of a motorhome. A campervan is the only RV type that doesn't feel absurd for one person.
- → European and NZ road trippers. Narrow roads in Scotland, Norway, New Zealand and Portugal make full-size motorhomes impractical. A campervan fits the roads.
- → Budget travelers who want to skip hotels but don't need a full kitchen and shower. Budget vans from Escape, Jucy and Spaceship are cheaper than hotel rooms in most tourist areas.
Campervan FAQ
How much does a campervan cost to rent?
$85-$300/night depending on the van and platform. Budget pop-tops from $85. Premium Sprinter conversions from $150. A week runs $700-$2,100 before fuel and camping fees.
Can you stand up inside?
In Sprinter and Transit conversions, yes — 6'3" interior height. Smaller vans require a pop-top roof. Budget vans from Jucy and Spaceship don't have standing height. Check the specific vehicle listing.
Campervan vs Class C — which should I rent?
Campervan for 1-2 people who prioritize driving ease and fuel economy. Class C for 3+ people who need a full bathroom and more living space. See our Class C guide for the full comparison.
Explore other camper types
Class A Motorhomes · Class C Motorhomes · Travel Trailers · Pop-Up Campers · Teardrop Trailers · Truck Campers
Or see our full platform comparison and individual reviews.