Class B Van Buying Tips: What We Wish We Knew Before Buying Ours
Buying a Class B camper van? Buckle up—it's exciting, overwhelming, and just a little terrifying. We’re Bob and Hillary (aka the Vancaskeys), and we’ve been through it: the research rabbit holes, the dealership deep dives, and yes… the “Did we just buy a lemon?” phase.
Whether you’re van-curious or ready to make your move, here are our top tips and tricks for buying a Class B van without losing your mind—or your wallet.
1. Start with the Why—Not the Wow
Before you fall in love with a glossy brochure or a slick YouTube van tour, ask yourself:
‣ Are we full-timing or weekending?
‣ Will we be off-grid a lot, or always near hookups?
‣ City stealth camping, or boondocking under the stars?
Your travel style should call the shots. Not the van. Trust us—what works for someone else’s Instagram isn’t necessarily going to work for your Tuesday morning coffee routine.
2. Layout > Instagram Vibes
We learned this the hard way: it doesn’t matter how “cute” the van is if you can’t make a sandwich without elbowing your partner in the ribs.
Try this:
‣ Sit in the van like you're stuck inside on a rainy day.
‣ Pretend to cook. Open drawers. Use the bathroom like you mean it.
‣ Ask: Can we actually move around at the same time without turning it into a game of Twister?
Spoiler: Pretty doesn’t always mean practical.
3. Power Up (or Down)
The electrical setup matters a lot. Do you need to run a laptop, a CPAP, an air fryer, or just a fan and a phone charger?
Ask:
‣ Does it have solar? Lithium batteries? An inverter?
‣ How much juice does this thing actually store?
‣ Can I run the fridge and the lights without killing the battery overnight?
There’s nothing quite like realizing you can’t run the fridge unless the engine’s running. Don’t ask me how I know… actually, do. It’s a whole saga.
4. Build Quality: Open Every Cabinet
We’re not saying poke around like you’re trying to find a hidden stash of socks… okay, fine, maybe we are.
‣ Push on walls.
‣ Check hinges.
‣ Sit on everything like you live there.
COVID-era vans were rushed. Some are solid, some are, well… a little soft around the edges. Ask what the warranty actually covers—and get it in writing.
5. Watch the Wallet: Depreciation is Real
Brand new vans lose value fast. Like, drive-it-off-the-lot fast. Some money-saving ideas:
‣ Look at used models that are 1–2 years old
‣ Shop out of state—prices can vary a lot
‣ Watch out for sneaky fees, "mandatory packages," and markup fluff
And don’t forget to factor in the cost of upgrades you’ll probably want anyway (like real insulation, better tires, or a fan that doesn’t sound like a lawn mower).
6. Test Drive Like You Mean It
Not a polite little lap around the dealership. We mean:
‣ Get on the freeway.
‣ Park in a tight spot.
‣ Hit the brakes hard (safely, of course).
And while you're at it, listen for rattles. Watch your sightlines. Ask: Do I feel like I'm driving a cargo van or a comfy road-tripper?
Some vans are smooth. Others feel like a washing machine full of pots and pans.
7. Pre-Delivery Inspection = Non-Negotiable
If you're buying new, do a PDI checklist with the dealer. Open every drawer, flush everything, run the AC, check for leaks, and don’t be shy.
Bring your phone and film everything—future you will thank you.
8. Stuff We Really Wish We Knew
Here’s the gritty stuff no one puts on the sales flyer:
‣ Small tanks = lots of dump station visits. Yay.
‣ Peeling wallpaper? That’s a red flag.
‣ Backup cameras aren’t optional.
‣ You won’t find a “perfect” van. But you can find the Van that checks most of your boxes.
Even our van (shoutout to Mr. Lemon) has his quirks. But hey—we’ve made lasagna in the desert and espresso in a Walmart parking lot. The memories make it worth it.
Final Thoughts from Us
Buying a van is part logic, part leap of faith. It’s a home, a vehicle, and an adventure starter—all crammed into 20 feet of chaos.
Go slow. Ask questions. Trust your gut. And remember: Every van has quirks. Just make sure they're your kind of quirks.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments or check out our full Class B van buying playlist on our YouTube Channel. We’re here to help—one leaky skylight at a time.