Mostly a personal preference, but there are some serious considerations.
Only three brands/models dominate the full-size van market: the Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit and Mercedes Benz Sprinter/Freightliner. Foreign markets offer a wider brand selection, but if you look closer, many are based on one of the well-known three. Here in the US the Ram ProMaster is based on the European Fiat Ducato and the Sprinter used to be a direct import from Germany. Keep in mind, that sometimes there are distinct difference between European an American models.
Another US oddity is that Mercedes Benz sells Sprinters and Freightliners, but both are identical except for the nameplate.
Your initial choice of vehicle is likely based on brand preference, but soon a clear differentiation becomes noticeable:
- Quality differences by brand
Personally I think the Sprinter comes on top, followed by the Transit and ProMaster. - The Sprinter used to come in diesel only; nowadays gas models are available too.
- Vehicle squareness differ by brand/model:
The ProMaster looks a bit blocky and square, which makes it a favorite amongst builders. The Transit is fairly straight along the bottom walls, then bending inwards some towards the ceiling. The Sprinter is the worst, compromising placement of top cabinets and noticeably narrowing of the upper walkway in a finished van. - Important vehicle interior dimensions:
| width | length | height | |
| Ram ProMaster | 75″ | 105″/123″/146″ | 65″/76″ |
| Ford Transit | 69″ | 116″/134″/162″ | 57″/72″/81″ |
| MB Sprinter | 70″ | 133″/174″ | 68″/79″ |
- MSRP:
Price differences between the brands/models can be substantial, but actual negotiations at the dealership may level the playing field. Ultimately you may consider buying a used van; these new European style vans have been on the market now for almost 10 years and a sufficient number are available on the used market.
*When I write this in 2023 new vehicles are still in high demand, so prices are high and deals are hard to find. You also may have to wait up to a year for your special order.
Vehicle Selection
Go online and ‘build’ your vehicle to your specifications and find out the differences in retail price (MSRP) between the selected brands.
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Other important differences are:
- US Dealerships with repair facilities:
ProMaster and Transit have an extensive dealer network where repairs can be performed. The Sprinter lags very far behind, which you should be aware of.
| Ram ProMaster | 2465 |
| Ford Transit | 3000 |
| MB Sprinter | 200 |
- The Ford Transit uses the thinnest roof sheet metal, making it impossible to walk on it. Roof load capacity is also the lowest of the three.
- MB Sprinter is overall probably the highest quality van.
- Interior roof height:
Each model has a variable interior height in combination with a variable length. The biggest change these European models offer over the older US vans, is interior height. This allows the occupants to walk straight up inside the van, which makes a huge difference. Lower interior height should therefore be avoided; some tall people should always consider the tallest vans. - Interior length:
Usually two lengths are available; consider the extended lengths when traveling with more than one person or multiple pets. - All-Wheel Drive (AWD):
For around $4000 extra, AWD would make going off-road much safer. But when you get stuck, and you will sooner or later, you will likely get stuck much further away from to main road. Make sure it’s a worthwhile investment. - Ford Transit – Trail Edition:
Made with the VanLifer in mind, this package’s most distinct element is the 3.5” extra ground clearance that it offers. This is accomplished with a 2.25″ suspension lift and larger, 30.5″ tires. This, some included swivel chairs and a few other unimportant extras will set you back another $12,000.
Higher clearance and better tires are great for off-road use, but in my opinion, an after-market 2″ lift kit and a set of larger tires would be much less expensive.
In the end you have to decide how much you like to spend on an already too expensive vehicle. - Engine selection:
Multiple engine types are available; the ProMaster is the only one with front-wheel drive (FWD).
What makes a van stealthy?
The term ‘stealthy’ has been floating around with VanLifers from the very beginning. Simply to avoid confrontation with law enforcement.
A basic white colored van could easily imitate the usual work van, you see on every street and wherever you go. It will also save you some on the purchase price an it may or may not keep your interior cooler during the hot summer months.
Over the years, some communities have become so resistant to overnight camping, that they prohibited it altogether. And law enforcement can still easily identify you as an RVer, just by your out-of-state license plate and the ceiling vent on top of the vehicle.
So I am skeptical about being stealthy, but you may consider it during your purchase!
BTW I regard my current van as stealthy in a different way. It still has the roof vent, but except for practically invisible flexible solar panels on the roof, my van’s exterior is completely standard. No additional steps or bumpers, racks or bikes attached. No retractable sun shade or fancy logos. It’s less noticeable as an RV in daily life; that is sufficient for me.
How To Buy A Vehicle At A Fair Price
Finding a good deal on a new vehicle has always been a challenge and the Internet has only made things more complicated. OK, now you can research the invoice price of any vehicle, but when you try three separate websites, you’ll probably get three different invoice amounts. And you may still have to do some bargaining over you’re trade-in.
I researched this topic extensively and came up with the following action plan. It may not be decisive, but may change the odds a bit in my favor and improve my chances on a good deal. I’ll use it to buy my new cargo van, but it applies to your vehicle too.
Finding a good deal on a new vehicle has always been a challenge and the Internet has only made things more complicated. OK, now you can research the invoice price of any vehicle, but when you try three separate websites, you’ll probably get three different invoice amounts. And you may still have to do some bargaining over you’re trade-in.
I researched this topic extensively and came up with the following action plan. It may not be decisive, but may change the odds a bit in my favor and improve my chances on a good deal. I’ll use it to buy my new cargo van, but it applies to your vehicle too.
Certain Deals Are More Likely At Certain Times
| WHEN | WHY |
|---|---|
| Winter Months | Offer the best discounts. |
| Avoid Springtime | Tax refunds allow for increased car sales. |
| Year-End Deals | To meet year-end sales quotas and limit year-end inventory. |
| End of the Month End of the Quarter | At the end of each month or quarter, increased sales may lead to a better bonus. |
| Negotiate Early in the Week | Fewer customers means more attention of the sales person. |
| Buy Late in the Day | The sales person will make it a quick deal, so he/she can go home instead of spending hours to make a sale. |
I would have preferred to buy at the end of the year, but I can’t wait that long. It is now early May and according to the above schedule the end of the quarter (June 30th) should be the best time to buy, with late in the day on Monday/Tuesday June 29th/30th as the preferable time.
Preparation
Now that I know WHEN to buy, I have to start doing some research on the dealerships.
- Locate all nearby dealerships – Go to the manufacturers website and locate at least 5 dealers, but many more if possible. I found approx. 20 dealerships.
- Include out-of-town car dealerships.
- Check up on the salesperson and dealership – The reviews at Yelp.com work well to weed out any bad apples. Use your own judgment, not every review should be taken seriously!
Pricing
- To order your cargo van from the factory, should cost you the same or less than off the lot.
- Good deals only happen when the circ*mstances favor you – Price should be under invoice and that happens only when the manufacturer has special dealer/customer incentives.
- On-line buying is certainly a good option – Using an Internet or Fleet sales manager tend to result in a lower purchase price, as they typically work on a regular salary plus a bonus, based on volume.
- To order your cargo van from the factory, should cost you the same or less than off the lot.
- Good deals only happen when the circ*mstances favor you – Price should be under invoice and that happens only when the manufacturer has special dealer/customer incentives.
- On-line buying is certainly a good option – Using an Internet or Fleet sales manager tend to result in a lower purchase price, as they typically work on a regular salary plus a bonus, based on volume.
- Expensive vehicles may produce thousands in profit to the dealer, yet with budget cars, the profit may only be in the hundreds.
- With a factory order, your actual customer rebate may not be the same incentive that was offered at the time you placed your order. Incentives are applied when the car is delivered.
- Know the out-the-door price before you sign the buyer’s order.
- Now find the invoice price of the car.
Many websites offer that service for free, some ask for a small fee. In the end, I found edmunds.com to be most accurate. Input your vehicle and options at several different websites; each will return different numbers, but soon you’ll be able to collect the right info.
Now you can calculate the real dealer cost and subsequently the OTD (out-the-door) price. This final price includes tax, title and insurance.
Test Drive
You should already have researched your vehicle, but now is time for a test drive.
The Negotiation
- Decide whether to do the negotiations with a sales person or primarily by email with an Internet or Fleet manager.
- Trade-in: Try to get the best deal for the new vehicle first and only then focus on my trade-in.
- Walk away, if necessary! You have the right to stand up and leave the negotiations at any time and doing so may generate the last effort and best offer from the dealer, just before you go.
- Do not make the first offer.
- Do not negotiate with yourself. Let the dealer make a counter offer first.
- Always be light-hearted when haggling; make a joke, even though it may be a lousy one. Don’t be combative.
- Be silent at the appropriate time or pause and make clear, that you’re not in a hurry and that you have other alternatives.
- Make sure the deposit is refundable.
The Email Conversation
Contact the Internet or Fleet manager at all dealerships on your list.
First Email With Your First Bid
As previously discussed, I want to buy a Ford Transit 250 Medium Roof Cargo Van with a 3.7L V6 FFV engine, 6-speed Automatic w/148″ WB, Sliding Passenger Side Door as soon as possible. I have done the research on the vehicle and decided to do a factory order. I’m getting price offers from multiple local dealers and will take the best deal offered to me. To make the decision based on the same perimeters, please bid on the OTD (out-the-door) amount.
The options, I want are as follows:
- KT Color: Lunar Sky Metallic
- X7L 3.73 Limited Slip Axle Ratio
- 18D Exterior Upgrade Package
- 21D Charcoal Cloth Seats
- 53B Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package
- 542 Short Arm Power Adjustable Heated Exterior Mirrors w/Turn Signals
- 59B Trailer Wiring Provisions
- 60C Cruise Control w/Message Center
- 63C Heavy-Duty Alternator
- 647 16″ Styled Aluminum Wheels w/Locking Lug Nuts
- 67D Trailer Brake Controller
- 92E Privacy Glass w/Rear Window Defogger
- 17K All Around Windows w/2nd Row Driver & Passenger Side Flip Open Glass
Please provide the following information:
- List the OTD (out-the-door) price including taxes, incentives and all fees.
- Confirm that all options are available.
- Include the estimated delivery date.
24 Hours later: Email again, if no response was received
Second Round Of Emails
After you have received most bids, reply to these offers as follows:
Thanks for your bid on the Ford Transit 250 Medium Roof Cargo Van with a 3.7L V6 FFV engine, 6-speed Automatic w/148″ WB, Sliding Passenger Side Door. Your OTD (out-the-door) price offer was $00,000. The best bid I received was $00,000.
To be fair, I give you the chance to beat that offer. So what is your best price, if I buy today?
Go For The Best Offer
Then with the best offer in hand, call your contact at the dealership and say you want the buy with them, but you have a bid that is $300 lower and that if they match it, you’ll buy from them today.
This is an attempt to get another few hundred dollars off the best offer. They may counter with $100-$200, but if they don’t, ask for some free service or free products. In my case, I would ask for free front carpet and an additional set of keys with a total value of $69.00. If they still say No, just accept the offer.
Make The Purchase
Go to the dealer, sign all the required documents and get a buyer’s order, which is different from a final sales contract, that includes a description of the make, model, color, options and all the important numbers: MSRP, invoice, OTD (out the door) price and all fees including tax, title, document and registration. If you go with a factory order, the VIN should be supplied to you by the dealer at a later date.
Expect to make a deposit to hold the vehicle (less than $1,000)
Delivery
First check the new van’s VIN number and then make sure all your options from your buyer’s order are included. Walk around the vehicle, look for damages and then take a test drive. If everything is in order, sign the papers and drive home.
QUESTIONS, SUBMISSIONS OR CORRECTIONS
The missing parts of the complete van conversion process are being added regularly to this Build Guide. If you want to suggest a specific build option for this guide, submit a content correction or have a general inquiry, send me an email.
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Disclaimer: Throughout this guide, all guidance, building techniques and other information are based on my own experiences of converting a cargo van into a Tiny House on wheels. This guide is only for informational purposes; always build according to local and national standards. Be aware that such a project is expensive, requires a substantial amount of broad knowledge of building techniques and involves more work hours than you can imagine. Besides of hitting a finger with a hammer, much more serious harm can be done when you work with 12V/120V electrical systems, propane installations, power tools, etc. Tapping into the vehicle’s own systems can also damage its functionality. Get professional help where needed; never take any risk!
