Small camper vans and mini camper vans have gotten a lot of attention over the last few years. The appeal is obvious: something smaller than a Sprinter that you can park in a normal spot, drive without white-knuckling through city streets, and actually fit in your garage. We get questions about small van conversions regularly at our shop in San Diego, CA, so this guide covers what you actually need to know before going the compact route.
We are going to be straight with you up front. We primarily build full-size van conversions on Sprinters, Transits, and ProMasters because those platforms offer the most livable space for the money. But we understand why smaller vans appeal to a lot of people, and there are real use cases where a mini camper van is the smarter choice. This guide will help you figure out which side of that line you fall on.
What Counts as a “Small” Camper Van?
For the purposes of this guide, a small camper van is anything smaller than the full-size cargo van trio: the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and RAM ProMaster. Those three have high-roof options with 76 to 81.5 inches of interior height, cargo lengths up to 189 inches, and enough room for a full kitchen, bathroom, electrical system, and permanent bed.
Small camper vans sit below that. They include compact cargo vans like the Ford Transit Connect and RAM ProMaster City, mid-size vans like the Mercedes Metris, minivan conversions like the Toyota Sienna, and newer entries like the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. These platforms give you less space but come with real advantages in drivability, fuel economy, and total cost.
Why People Want Small Camper Vans
The reasons are practical, not glamorous.
Easier to drive and park. A Sprinter 170 Extended is over 24 feet long. A Transit Connect is about 15 feet. That difference matters every single time you pull into a parking garage, navigate a city street, or back into a campsite. Small vans handle like normal vehicles because they basically are normal vehicles.
Better fuel economy. Full-size vans get 14 to 19 MPG after a conversion. A Toyota Sienna Hybrid gets 36 MPG combined. A Transit Connect gets 25 to 28 MPG. Over thousands of miles, that adds up to real money.
Fits in a standard garage. Most full-size high-roof vans will not fit in a 7-foot garage door opening. Every small van on this list will. If you want a daily driver that doubles as a weekend camper, this matters.
Less intimidating for first-timers. If you have never driven anything bigger than an SUV, jumping straight to a 24-foot high-roof van is a big leap. A compact van feels familiar from day one.
Lower total cost. The vehicle costs less, the conversion costs less, insurance costs less, and maintenance costs less. A complete small van camper project can come in at $30,000 to $70,000 total, while a full-size van build typically runs $55,000 to $160,000 or more. Our van conversion cost guide breaks down full-size build pricing in detail.
Small Van Platforms Worth Considering
Here is a closer look at each small van platform and what it actually offers for a camper conversion.
Ford Transit Connect
The Transit Connect is Ford’s compact cargo van and one of the most common starting points for mini camper van builds.
Cargo Dimensions: Approximately 73 inches long by 48 inches wide, with about 48 to 50 inches of ceiling height.
New MSRP: $28,000 to $32,000
Pros:
- Drives like a car
- Great fuel economy at 25 to 28 MPG
- Ford dealer service network is everywhere
- Low purchase price makes it an affordable entry point
- True stealth camping: looks like every other delivery van on the road
Cons:
- Cargo length of 73 inches is tight for sleeping. Anyone over 5 feet 10 inches will struggle to stretch out
- Only 48 inches of width limits bed and kitchen layout options
- Very limited space for electrical, water, and storage systems
- No standing height whatsoever
Conversion potential: The Transit Connect works best as a minimalist solo weekender. Think sleeping platform with storage underneath, a small 12V electrical system with a portable power station, and a pullout camp kitchen. It is not a platform for a full conversion with plumbing and built-in appliances. It is more like a really well-organized camping setup inside a van.
RAM ProMaster City
The ProMaster City is RAM’s compact cargo van entry. It offers slightly more cargo length than the Transit Connect, which makes a noticeable difference for sleeping.
Cargo Dimensions: Approximately 87 inches long by 49 inches wide, with about 51 to 52 inches of ceiling height.
New MSRP: $30,000 to $34,000 (note: the ProMaster City is being discontinued, so new inventory is limited. Used examples are still available)
Pros:
- 87 inches of cargo length is enough for most adults to sleep comfortably
- Wider than the Transit Connect by about an inch
- Lower load floor makes getting in and out easier
- Affordable used prices as production winds down
Cons:
- Being discontinued, which means parts availability may become a concern long-term
- Still no standing height at 51 to 52 inches
- Narrow width limits layout flexibility
- Less aftermarket support than the Transit Connect
Conversion potential: The extra 14 inches of cargo length compared to the Transit Connect is meaningful. A 6-foot adult can actually lie flat, and there is room for a small kitchen area behind the driver’s seat. The ProMaster City is a solid weekender platform for one or two people, but like the Transit Connect, it is not built for a full systems conversion.
Mercedes Metris
The Metris sits between the compact vans and the full-size Sprinter. It is the best small van option for people who want real sleeping space without jumping to a full-size platform.
Cargo Dimensions: Approximately 102 inches long by 53 inches wide, with about 54 to 55 inches of ceiling height.
New MSRP: $35,000 to $40,000
Pros:
- 102 inches of cargo length comfortably fits a full-size bed (54 by 75 inches) with room left over
- Widest cargo area of the compact options at 53 inches
- Available in passenger and cargo configurations
- Reasonable fuel economy at 21 to 24 MPG
- Still small enough to fit in a standard garage
Cons:
- Mercedes parts and service are expensive compared to Ford or RAM
- Still no standing height at 54 to 55 inches
- More expensive base price than the Transit Connect or ProMaster City
- Smaller aftermarket conversion community than full-size vans
Conversion potential: The Metris is the sweet spot for small camper van conversions. You can fit a permanent bed, a basic kitchen with a small sink and cooktop, a modest electrical system with 100 to 200Ah of lithium batteries, and actual storage. It is the closest thing to a real van conversion you can get without going full-size. For couples or solo travelers who want more than just a sleeping platform, the Metris is the best compact option.
Toyota Sienna Hybrid
This one is a curveball, but the Sienna Hybrid deserves serious consideration as a mini camper van, especially for people who prioritize fuel economy above everything else.
Cargo Dimensions: With rear seats folded or removed, approximately 84 to 90 inches of cargo length by about 50 inches of width. Ceiling height is roughly 43 to 46 inches.
New MSRP: $38,000 to $52,000
Fuel Economy: 36 MPG combined. That is the best fuel economy of any van platform by a wide margin.
Pros:
- 36 MPG combined is remarkable for a vehicle this size
- AWD available on most trims
- Reliable Toyota drivetrain
- Looks like a normal minivan, which is great for stealth
- Comfortable highway driving with car-like handling
Cons:
- Lowest ceiling height of any option on this list
- Removing the second and third row seats is required for conversion, and the third row is heavy
- Not a cargo van, so the interior is not a flat box. Wheel wells, seat mounting points, and curved walls complicate builds
- Less robust cargo floor than a purpose-built cargo van
Conversion potential: The Sienna works best as a daily driver that doubles as a camping rig. Think fold-flat sleeping platform, portable power station, and a camp kitchen that stores in the back. The 36 MPG is the real draw. If you are putting on serious miles and fuel cost is a primary concern, the Sienna makes the numbers work in a way no other van can. Check our fuel-efficient vans guide for more on this topic.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The ID. Buzz is VW’s electric revival of the classic Microbus. It just hit the US market and it is generating a lot of excitement, though availability is still limited.
Cargo Dimensions: With rear seats folded, approximately 90 inches of cargo length. Width is roughly 52 inches. Ceiling height is about 48 to 50 inches.
New MSRP: $60,000 and up
Range: Approximately 234 miles on a full charge
Pros:
- All-electric with zero emissions and very low fuel cost per mile
- The VW Microbus nostalgia factor is real
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Modern tech and safety features
- Available in long-wheelbase configuration for more cargo space
Cons:
- Expensive starting price at $60,000 or more
- 234 miles of range limits long-distance road trips, especially in areas without reliable charging infrastructure
- Charging time adds hours to trip planning
- Very limited availability and dealer network right now
- Running an electric heater, cooktop, or air conditioner while camping drains the drive battery quickly
- Not yet proven as a conversion platform, so there is very little aftermarket support
Conversion potential: The ID. Buzz has the dimensions to be a decent mini camper van, but the electric drivetrain creates unique challenges for camping. Every system you add (heater, lights, fridge, cooktop) either needs its own battery bank or pulls from the drive battery, which directly reduces your range. For weekend trips with reliable charging nearby, it could work. For off-grid camping or long road trips, the range and charging limitations are real problems right now. This platform is one to watch, but not one we would recommend building on just yet.
Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica
Minivan conversions are a growing niche, and the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica are the two most common platforms.
Cargo Dimensions (seats removed): Both offer approximately 85 to 95 inches of cargo length and 48 to 52 inches of width, depending on how the seats are configured.
New MSRP: Odyssey $38,000 to $50,000; Pacifica $38,000 to $55,000
Pros:
- The Pacifica Hybrid (PHEV) gets excellent fuel economy and offers about 32 miles of electric-only range
- Both are comfortable highway cruisers with car-like driving dynamics
- Sliding doors on both sides make access easy
- Stow-and-go seating on the Pacifica makes seat removal simpler
- Strong reliability records on both platforms
Cons:
- Minivan interiors are not flat cargo boxes. Curved walls, floor contours, and seat mounting hardware make builds more complex
- Lower ceiling height than any cargo van option
- Less durable cargo floors than commercial vans
- The “minivan” image is a turnoff for some people, though others consider it the ultimate stealth vehicle
Conversion potential: Similar to the Sienna. These work as daily-driver-slash-weekend-camper setups rather than dedicated conversion platforms. The Pacifica Hybrid’s plug-in capability is a nice bonus for short electric-only trips. Both are best suited for simple sleeping platforms with portable kitchen and power setups.
Small Camper Van Comparison Table
| Platform | Cargo Length | Cargo Width | Cargo Height | Fuel Economy | New MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit Connect | ~73” | ~48” | ~48-50” | 25-28 MPG | $28K-$32K |
| RAM ProMaster City | ~87” | ~49” | ~51-52” | 24-28 MPG | $30K-$34K |
| Mercedes Metris | ~102” | ~53” | ~54-55” | 21-24 MPG | $35K-$40K |
| Toyota Sienna Hybrid | ~84-90” | ~50” | ~43-46” | 36 MPG | $38K-$52K |
| VW ID. Buzz | ~90” | ~52” | ~48-50” | 234 mi range | $60K+ |
| Honda Odyssey | ~85-95” | ~50” | ~46-48” | 22-28 MPG | $38K-$50K |
| Chrysler Pacifica | ~85-95” | ~52” | ~46-48” | 22-30 MPG | $38K-$55K |
For reference, here is what full-size vans offer:
| Platform | Max Cargo Length | Interior Width | Interior Height (High Roof) | New MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Sprinter | 189” (170 Ext) | ~70” | 79” | $51K-$60K |
| Ford Transit | 172” (148 Ext) | ~70” | 81.5” | $42K-$52K |
| RAM ProMaster | ~146” (159 WB) | 75.6” | 76” | $38K-$48K |
The difference in interior height alone tells the story. Full-size high-roof vans give you 76 to 81.5 inches to stand up in. Small vans max out around 55 inches. That single spec determines what kind of conversion is possible.
What You Gain with a Small Camper Van
Stealth camping. A Transit Connect or Sienna parked on a city street looks like every other vehicle around it. A high-roof Sprinter with solar panels and a roof rack does not. If you plan to camp in urban areas, parking lots, or residential neighborhoods, a small van blends in.
Easy city driving. You can take a Transit Connect through a drive-through, park it in a standard parking spot, and navigate downtown streets without worrying about height clearances or tight turns.
Garage-able. Every small van on this list fits in a standard residential garage. Most full-size high-roof vans do not. If you want one vehicle that works as a daily driver and a weekend camper, this is a big deal.
Better fuel economy. The Sienna Hybrid at 36 MPG is in a different league than any full-size van. Even the gas-powered compact vans at 24 to 28 MPG beat the 14 to 19 MPG you get from a converted Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster.
Lower total project cost. A small van camper conversion typically runs $30,000 to $70,000 all-in (vehicle plus build). A full-size van project usually lands between $55,000 and $160,000 or more.
What You Lose with a Small Camper Van
Standing height. This is the single biggest tradeoff. None of the small van platforms let you stand up inside. The tallest option (the Metris) gives you about 55 inches of cargo ceiling height. Getting dressed, cooking, or just moving around inside means crouching, sitting, or stepping outside. After a few rainy days, that gets old.
Bed size. Most small vans max out at a full-size bed (54 by 75 inches), and some only fit a twin. The Transit Connect at 73 inches of cargo length barely fits a 6-foot adult lying flat. In a full-size van, you can have a permanent queen bed and still have room for a living area.
Full systems. A full-size van conversion can include a permanent kitchen with running water, a wet bath or outdoor shower, 400Ah or more of lithium batteries, 400 to 800 watts of solar, a diesel heater, and enough storage for weeks on the road. In a small van, you are working with a portable cooktop, a small power station or 100Ah battery, and storage that requires careful planning. A real bathroom is not happening.
Insulation. Less interior surface area sounds like it would be easier to insulate, but the reality is that small vans have less wall depth to work with. There is less room between the outer skin and the interior panels for insulation material, and every inch you add to walls and ceiling eats into an already tight living space.
Storage. Full-size vans can hold weeks of gear, food, and water. Small vans require you to be deliberate about every item you bring. Extended trips mean more frequent resupply stops.
Livability over time. A small camper van is great for a weekend. For a week-long trip, it starts to feel cramped. For full-time living, it would be genuinely difficult for most people. Full-size vans are designed to be lived in. Small vans are designed to be camped in occasionally.
Small Van Conversion Costs vs Full-Size
Here is a realistic cost comparison.
| Cost Category | Small Van Conversion | Full-Size Van Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle (new) | $28,000-$60,000 | $38,000-$60,000 |
| Vehicle (used, 3-5 years old) | $15,000-$35,000 | $20,000-$45,000 |
| Basic conversion | $5,000-$10,000 | $15,000-$30,000 |
| Mid-level conversion | $10,000-$20,000 | $30,000-$60,000 |
| Premium conversion | $15,000-$25,000 | $60,000-$100,000+ |
| Typical total (mid-level) | $40,000-$65,000 | $70,000-$120,000 |
The conversion cost difference comes down to complexity. A small van build is usually a sleeping platform, basic electrical, maybe a small sink, and some cabinetry. A full-size van conversion involves complete electrical systems, plumbing, cabinetry throughout, insulation, wall and ceiling paneling, flooring, a heater, ventilation, and potentially a bathroom. More systems means more labor and more materials.
For a detailed breakdown of what each system costs in a full-size build, check out our van conversion cost guide.
Who Small Camper Vans Are Best For
Solo travelers. If it is just you, a small van gives you everything you need without the cost and size of a full-size platform. A Metris or ProMaster City with a well-planned build is a perfectly comfortable solo rig.
Couples who camp on weekends. If you are heading out Friday after work and coming back Sunday night, a small van with a full-size bed and a basic kitchen setup is plenty. You do not need a bathroom, massive battery bank, or 50 gallons of water for two nights.
City dwellers. If you live in a city and need a vehicle that fits in your parking garage, navigates narrow streets, and does not scream “I live in this,” a small camper van makes sense. You get a daily driver and a camping rig in one vehicle.
People who want a daily driver that doubles as a camper. This is the biggest use case we see. A Transit Connect or Sienna with a simple conversion goes to work on Monday and goes camping on Saturday. A full-size high-roof Sprinter does not make a great daily driver for most people.
Budget-conscious adventurers. If you want to camp out of a van but $100,000 or more for a full-size build is out of reach, a small van conversion at $30,000 to $65,000 total gets you on the road.
First-timers testing the waters. Not sure if van life is for you? Starting with a small, reversible conversion on an affordable platform lets you try it without a massive financial commitment.
Who Should Skip the Small Van and Go Full-Size
Full-time travelers. If you are planning to live in your van for months or years, you want standing height, a real kitchen, adequate storage, and enough electrical and water capacity to be self-sufficient. That means a Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster with a high roof.
Families. Kids need room to move. A small van barely fits two adults. A full-size van with the right layout can accommodate a family of three or four.
Anyone who wants a bathroom. A shower and toilet require space, plumbing, a water heater, and a gray water tank. None of that fits in a small van in any practical way.
Remote workers. If you need a desk area, a reliable electrical system for a laptop and monitors, and enough space to sit comfortably for hours, a full-size van is the only option that works.
Our Honest Take
We build full-size van conversions at Emery Custom Builds because those platforms deliver the most livable, functional, and enjoyable builds for the investment. A Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster with a high roof gives you a real living space where you can stand, cook, sleep, work, and store your gear without compromise.
That said, we are not going to pretend a full-size van is the right choice for everyone. If you want a daily driver that camps, if you live in a city with tight parking, if your budget tops out at $50,000, or if you are just testing the waters before committing to a bigger build, a small camper van makes total sense. The platforms in this guide are real options for real people.
If you decide you want a full-size build, or if you want to talk through whether a small or large van is the right fit for your situation, we are here to help. We have built on every major platform and we will give you an honest answer about what makes sense for your goals and budget.
Call us at (714) 257-5446, email hello@emerycustombuilds.com, or fill out our contact form to start the conversation.