What are Adventure Vans? Meet Outside Van, the Leader in Van Conversions

If you want to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort, adventure vans are a step up from sleeping on the ground. Imagine watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee while your kids sleep soundly in their bunks, all from a beautiful spot only a nimble van can reach.

These versatile vans are built to last with enough off-road capability to get you and your gear to places others can’t. With smart layouts that emphasize utility and functionality, you can have peace of mind going off-grid and have a seamless experience in the great outdoors. 

Whether you’re a family driving cross-country, a solo adventurer chasing trailheads, a professional working remotely, or planning a long-term escape into the wild, an adventure van gives you the flexibility to explore on your terms.

Traditionally, an RV is built by adding a large box onto a modified truck or van chassis. These boxes are typically built with lightweight materials and contain all the living facilities that make up the RV. An adventure van, on the other hand, contains living spaces built into the existing structure of the chassis, like an Outside Van. 

This translates to a much more compact and nimble vehicle that offers all the same luxuries as a full-sized RV, but allows for a performance-driven and stealthy experience, ideal for full off-grid camping or urban boondocking. The base chassis, whether it’s a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, RAM Promaster, or Ford Transit, is a common commercial vehicle that is perfectly suited to navigate tight city streets, just like any delivery van. It also adds off-road performance by keeping the entire vehicle compact and in spec with the factory wheelbase.

Compared to RVs, Sprinter conversions often offer better fuel efficiency, with most vans achieving between 21 and 24 mpg on the highway. Ownership costs can be lower with off-grid solar, which means fewer campground fees, no hookups, and less time at dump stations.

The DIY conversion van route might sound tempting, but there’s far more involved than the van-lifers on Instagram make it out to be. We’ve all watched a few reels and felt convinced we could ’totally’ do a bus conversion and live in it, but what if you didn’t have to? Full-scale van and bus conversions require specialized tools, skilled hands in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finish carpentry that may be more than the average person is willing to tackle.

That’s why many adventurers, remote workers, families, and thrill-seekers choose pre-built camper vans like those from Outside Van. These vans are expertly crafted, feature flexible layouts, and are ready for off-grid travel, allowing you to focus solely on your next destination. 

Before #VanLife became a trend, the founder of Outside Van had already been building vans for his own adventures. What started as a hobby evolved into a business in 2007, focusing on crafting unique camper vans that are both comfortable and versatile. In 2021, Outside Van was acquired by Fox Factory, aligning craftsmanship with the high-quality engineering and suspension systems FOX is known for. 

Today, Outside Van is recognized as a leader in van conversions, producing over 100 fully built vans each year. Justin Anderson, Brand Manager at Outside Van, says, “We have been building Sprinter adventure vans for over 18 years (before Instagram and #vanlife were even a thing!) and were basically just doing our thing because it worked, not what the industry wanted us to do.”

He adds, “By being independent from the RV world in our beginnings, we were able to develop, refine, and build processes that are unmatched by any other RV manufacturer. We design our builds to last, because our customers are high-action people and we expect the vans to be used in high-action environments.”

From their headquarters in Oregon, a dedicated team of designers, fabricators, and craftspeople work together to hand-build each van from the inside out. Most of the components are designed and produced in-house, giving the team total control over quality, fit, and finish.

Outside Van makes vans for everyone, not just action sports people and adrenaline junkies. “Our goal as a brand is to enable a lifestyle of joy and connection with the outdoors,” Anderson explained. “There is so much to explore off the beaten path in this country, and our vans are one of the best ways to experience everything this land has to offer.”

Whether you’re traveling with your kids for summer, downsizing, or need a content-creation base, there’s a van to help you “live beyond.”

Adventure vans are ideal for families wanting to explore and disconnect. They’re easy to drive, use less fuel, and reach places larger vehicles can’t. With flexible bunks, built-in kitchens, and off-grid power, your family stays comfortable off the beaten path.

Anderson shares the story of a dedicated customer based in Southern California: “He has a tech job that allows him to work remotely, so his daily routine is this: He wakes up and heads to the beach in his van, surfs a few sets, and then gets to work using his Starlink.” His lunch break consists of another surf break, and then it's back to work. This level of versatility and flexibility enables him to balance his work and passions.

“The van has enabled him to maximize his time with the things he loves,” Anderson explained. "And he’s gets to live a healthy lifestyle that allows him freedom to spend more time with his family and doing the things that motivate him like surfing.”

Take a tour of the family-focused Approach van and discover how a family of four can make adventure van life part of their everyday experience. 

Adventurers and content creators who love sharing their adventures pick Outside Van for its smart features. With layouts designed for editing on the go, bike storage, or carrying camera gear, these adventure vans are the perfect setup for life on the road.

Whether you’re a weekend traveler or a full-time digital nomad, couples appreciate Outside Van for how easy it is to use and drive. You can cook together, sleep well, and wake up in a new place every day without sacrificing comfort.

These vans aren’t just for younger travelers. Many retirees choose Outside Van to simplify life without missing out on their next adventure. Visit national parks and check off your bucket list with a reliable, compact van that’s ready for off-grid trips. They’re easy to drive, well-equipped, and built to last.

Looking to get inspired? Check out Mark’s take on retired life with his Outside Van named “Into the Mystic”, inspired by a Van Morrison song:

There are plenty of van conversion companies out there, but few offer the same level of quality, customization, and thoughtful engineering as Outside Van.

“The build process for an Outside Van is something very unique in the industry,” Anderson explained. “We have spent years developing what we call an infrastructure kit. This is basically the foundation for our builds. We take an empty van and then install strategically placed galvanized steel plating which everything is our build is then built off. Most other RV manufacturers and DIY builders do NOT do this.”

Each build starts with a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, chosen for its superior performance and ability to support advanced off-grid upgrades. These vans are tailored to your gear, group, and lifestyle, maximizing utility and durability. 

The interior is crafted from top-quality materials, designed to withstand heavy use, wet gear, and muddy boots. The custom electrical and plumbing systems are engineered for true off-grid living, and you can add options like a TV or WiFi boosters if you need to check in with civilization. Every detail is carefully selected for long-lasting comfort, even in the most extreme conditions.

Anderson adds, “Most RV manufacturers build for speed and volume, and what happens is their builds end up falling apart after being on the road and tossed into the conditions we expect our customers to be in. Our builds do not fall apart, they don’t rattle or squeak, and they will last a very long time in the harshest conditions.”

Outside Van recently introduced the Overnight model , which features a pop-up roof to create extra sleeping space. This feature opens more space for family sleeping arrangements or a unique rooftop sunrise view. Innovative features like this showcase the company’s ongoing commitment to practical, customer-focused design solutions that make each build stand out.

If you want to see an Outside Van in person, check out their fleet at a big outdoor or overland event near you. You’ll find them at places like Overland Expo and other gatherings where van enthusiasts and off-road athletes come together. 

To view the full calendar of events near you, check out the official Outside Van event page here.

To see how Outside Van performs in real life, follow their latest builds and customer stories on social media. You can also check out the current pre-built van inventory  and find a dealer near you.

Whether it’s a weekend trip or a full-time adventure, Outside Van has the van for your lifestyle. Each van is handcrafted by a team passionate about adventure.

With support from Fox Factory and real-world testing, every Outside Van is ready to take you wherever you want to go and beyond.