Do you dream of living the vanlife with a minivan, but don’t know which model to choose?
Comfort, space, modularity… some models clearly stand out. Some people prefer to stay with their favorite dealer. For those who don’t know where to begin their search, compare the different models on the market and make your choice according to your needs and preferences.
In this guide, we’ll help you make the right choice according to your criteria:
According to our experience, some minivan features can make all the difference in maximizing comfort and layout efficiency.
Here are a few things we recommend you keep in mind when shopping. Depending on your needs and preferences, some will be more important than others.
For more details, read our full article on the subject.
The Stow’n Go system, unique to Chrysler and Dodge, allows the rear seats to fold completely under the floor. This makes it possible to travel comfortably with four people, an ideal configuration if you plan to carry passengers on your road trips.
For other minivan models, our kits are designed to quickly free up the middle row. This means you can reinstall the seats in this row in just a few minutes. Also, many minivan models use a clip system to secure the seats, making them easy to remove and reinstall. This allows you to regain full functionality of your vehicle, while leaving the kit installed inside.
It’s worth noting that a sunroof reduces the vehicle’s interior height by around 2 to 3 inches. This loss of height may seem small, but it makes a difference in a compact layout. If you’re over 6 feet tall, or value unobstructed space to sit comfortably indoors, this is a detail worth considering when shopping.
Opening windows in the second row are ideal for better ventilation. Combined with our mosquito nets designed for front and rear windows, you can enjoy a well-ventilated living space, without the slightest insect intrusion!
The choice of interior color can greatly influence the perception of space. Light shades, such as beige or pale gray, create an impression of spaciousness, ideal for compact spaces like a minivan layout.
Each model comes with its own advantages, and some share similar features. The ideal choice depends on your needs, priorities, and personal preferences, whether you’re looking for more interior space, better fuel efficiency, or simply want to stick with your current dealership.
The 2008–2020 Dodge Grand Caravan models are ideal for travelers who enjoy hitting the road with passengers, thanks to their convenient Stow ’n Go system. After 2020, production of the Grand Caravan ended and the model was replaced by the Chrysler Grand Caravan, which continues the legacy of this practical and affordable vehicle.
Just like the Dodge Grand Caravan, the non-hybrid Chrysler Pacifica models are perfect for group travel, thanks to the Stow ’n Go system that provides optimized storage space without needing to remove the second- and third-row seats.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, is a great option for those looking to reduce their fuel consumption.
It offers generous interior height, enhancing comfort when seated inside the vehicle. Known for its durability, mechanical reliability, and long lifespan, the Odyssey stands out with its spacious and uncluttered interior.
Kia Carnival models offer a slightly lower interior height than some other models, but stand out for their length. This configuration maximizes storage space, especially for accessories and camping equipment.
Kia Sedona models are slightly more compact than other minivans, but their smaller size makes city driving and parking easier, while allowing efficient and functional conversion to vanlife.
Toyota Sienna 2020 and earlier models offer excellent height clearance, making them particularly comfortable for a vanlife layout. Renowned for their mechanical reliability and durability, these models are perfect for those looking for a vehicle that’s ready to take on many adventures on the road. Also, they’re equipped with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system, perfect for tackling a variety of road conditions with confidence.
Toyota Sienna 2021 and newer models are slightly less spacious than previous generations. Reliable, durable and available exclusively as hybrids, they are ideal for those who want to reduce fuel consumption without compromising on interior comfort.
The Ford Transit Connect is taller than a traditional minivan, giving it a good interior height for a vanlife layout.
However, unlike our other minivan kits, the Transit’s floor is flat, which means there’s no storage space under the kitchen units. You’ll need to opt for a more compact refrigerator (15L). Toilet space is available in solo mode only.
The Nissan NV200 stands out for its advantageous interior height, which provides good clearance for sitting comfortably inside. However, like the Ford Transit Connect, this model does not have storage space under the kitchen units, and the space available allows the integration of a 15L refrigerator. Space for a portable toilet is also available in solo mode only.
THE ID. Buzz is the ideal electric vehicle for those who want to combine vanlife with sustainable mobility. Some models feature front swivel seats, enhancing the interior layout and promoting a convivial atmosphere. Storage volume is limited, a point to consider if you plan to carry a lot of equipment.
Two Roadloft layout options are available:
With 2nd row: The original seats are retained and the bed is completed with a folding panel. Ideal for group travel.
Without 2nd row: The seats are removed to install a bench seat, as in our other minivan kits. Perfect for maximizing living space on board.
Our removable conversion kits for minivans are designed to adapt to the particularities of each model and generation. This tailored approach ensures that every kit seamlessly follows the contours and curves of the vehicle, delivering optimal storage, smart use of space, and maximum comfort.
Explore our top recommended minivan models based on our hands-on experience and feedback from customers.
Among the new minivan market, the Kia Carnival stands out as the most affordable. Its fully-equipped base model costs $4,000 less than its nearest competitor, while offering excellent value for money.
On the consumer market, the Dodge Grand Caravan is the most affordable and least expensive to maintain. It is the best-selling minivan. It is an economical and reliable option for travelers. Its parts are easy to find and affordable, making it an excellent choice for vanlife.
If space is a priority for you, the 2011 to 2020 models of the Toyota Sienna rank as the most spacious minivans.
In second place are the Dodge and Chrysler models. They offer a modular and spacious interior configuration, thanks to the Stow ‘n Go system , which allows four seats to be retained at all times, plus ample underfloor storage space. The Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Grand Caravan / Pacifica / Voyager are often preferred by sports enthusiasts, families traveling with 4 or simply those who appreciate additional storage space.
Over the years, vehicle reliability has increased. The latest Toyota Sienna models are considered the most reliable according to the Car Guide. They offer excellent durability and few mechanical problems. They’re ideal for long road trips.
In our opinion, the best model for vanlife is the Dodge Grand Caravan: practical, robust and affordable! We personally traveled 320,000 km in a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. We liked this vehicle so much that we bought a 2020 model for the continuation of our adventures.
We also tested a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid for three years, which satisfied us in terms of comfort and technology, but had higher acquisition and maintenance costs.
We like to live vanlife in simplicity and efficiency, which is why we prefer a used vehicle. It’s an affordable solution for both purchase and maintenance.
Compare the features of Roadloft layouts for each minivan model to find the perfect vehicle for your travel style.
2014+
2020+
2005-2021
Toutes les années
2008-2020
2005-2020
2021+
2005-2017
2018+
Pacifica 2017+
Pacifica Hybride 2017+
After more than nine years of living and traveling on the road, we know exactly what a good removable minivan conversion kit should offer. Drawing on our experience, we’ve designed the simplest, most durable and ergonomic system on the market.
To take full advantage of simplified vanlife, your layout must:
With Roadloft, every detail has been thought out to give you greater freedom, comfort and fluidity in your adventures.
Lighter than a 3rd passenger (56kg)
Installs in 5 minutes, no skills required
Open design for total immersion
If you don’t know the model of your minivan, you can still reserve your kit and specify the model later. This way, you guarantee your delivery period and are sure to be ready to hit the road.
With over 2800 kits already on the road in North America, our community of Roadlofteurs is growing every day. What do they have in common? Total satisfaction and pride in traveling with a layout designed for living vanlife simply. See why so many travelers put their trust in us:
The Dodge Grand Caravan or the Chrysler Pacifica (non-hybrid) are the most suitable choices, thanks to their Stow’n Go configuration, allowing four people to travel comfortably while retaining ample storage space.
Yes, no tools or technical skills are required.
Made from durable materials, our kits are designed to last for many years, even under heavy use. They’ve been on the road for over 9 years, and they’re still going strong!
Yes, there is space at the end of the bed for a portable toilet. We recommend Dometic portable toilets which are compatible with the dimensions of the minivan kit.
Yes, thanks to our modular kit, you can quickly free up space in the 2nd row by folding the table and bench section towards the rear of the vehicle. This allows you to reinstall the middle passenger seats in a matter of moments, ideal for regaining full vehicle functionality during the week, without having to remove the kit.
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