What’s the Best Luxury Camper Van for a Cool Road Trip?

In a summer when lots of people are uncomfortable with the idea of commercial air travel, and lots of countries are off-limits for American tourists, it’s no surprise that the road trip is the new European Grand Tour. It may be like this for a while, and this New Normal demands a re-think of our go-to modes of transportation. If you’re ready to hit the road, renting an RV is certainly an option. However, a more photogenic choice would be buying or renting a camper van, the smaller and more adorable cousin of the luxury recreational vehicle. If you’re considering buying or renting a new or vintage camper van, microbus, or “weekender” for your summer vacation, what’s the best luxury camper van for a cool road trip right now?

the irresistible allure of #vanlife

We spotted a story in the Wall Street Journal recently that we can’t stop thinking about: it was about camper vans. And weekend road trips. And the lure of the open road.

Lots of us have found the past few weeks (or is it months?) of social distancing and working from home to be alternately liberating (no makeup! Sweatpants!) and claustrophobic (No travel! No dinner at our favorite restaurant!).

So when we read that there’s a mini-resurgence in the production of the bohemian, free-spirited, totally photogenic camper van, we wanted to know more.

You may not want to spring for a hotel room or even a home rental anytime soon. So we’ve been exploring the options for road trips. And what’s more iconic than a camper van on a trip across America?

It turns our that camper vans are getting smaller and equipped with far more sophisticated tech than ever before. If you’re tempted, here’s our roundup of the best camper vans for a cool road trip this summer.

Best luxury camper vans for buying or renting

One thing you need to know up front: all of the automotive press reports complain loudly and often that the best 2020 camper vans are in Europe.

Despite the rapidly growing demand in America, several popular camper vans are exclusively available in Western Europe. We’ve noted on our list which ones are currently unavailable in the U.S. Popular demand may change that situation in the coming months – we can only hope!

1. Mercedes-Benz Metris Pop Top Camper.

The new Metris camper van has garnered rave reviews so far. It seats five and can sleep up to four people comfortably. It features an elevating roof, swiveling front seats, an integrated table, and a rear bench that converts to a bed.

In Europe, Mercedes has been selling a version of the Metris camper van as the Marco Polo ever since it acquired camping conversion specialist Westfalia some 20 years ago.

Now the popular vehicle is available in America. And Mercedes has local partners to ensure that it’s a quality experience for buyers. The company isn’t doing the conversions to camper mode itself. Instead, the automaker is partnering with Driverge Vehicle Innovations and Peace Vans to install a raft of standard and optional camper features at Driverge’s facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, which is adjacent to the new Mercedes factory there.

There are optional features like integrated solar panels for more power; upgraded navigation features; and roof racks. And camping upgrades like an 8’ awning, mosquito screens, rear lift tent, and a pullout rear kitchen. You can also express your personality by getting your Weekender wrapped in one of 200 available colors. There are also choices of upgraded audio and navigation features.

The starting price for the Weekender is $69,000 (without a kitchen and cabinetry) – the list price is $89,000 with those add-ons.

2. Winnebago Solis

Winnebago’s newest Class B offering has a a pop-top roof sleeps up to four adults and is designed as both a beach cruiser and a camper for the ski slopes. 

The walls and plumbing of the Solis are insulated for colder climates, and there’s a heated bathroom and shower that can also be used as a drying room for your scuba or surf gear. There’s also a Murphy bed, a small work station, dinette table, refrigerator, a two-burner stove top, and a modern sink. It also features a 220-watt solar panel on the roof.

The Solis’ list price starts just above $100,000.

3. Volkswagen T6.1 California  

There’s an updated T6 model on the roads this summer, the T6.1 California. Volkswagen has added a touchscreen control system for camper functions. That includes popping the top, starting the auxiliary diesel-powered heater, the cabin lighting, refrigerator, timer, and alarm clock. Cool.

The camper van features two folding tables, an awning, and a rear bench seat that transforms into a bed. There is also a bed in the pop-top.

With a few of the better options added on, the cost of the T6.1 is near $65,000. It can go up to $100,000 depending on enhancements. 

4. Airstream Atlas

Earlier this year, Airstream unveiled its new 2020 Atlas RV, which is built on the chassis of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. It features a full bathroom, kitchen, Murphy bed, couch, and a television. The vehicle sleeps two, and seats up to four people.

Entertainment options includes a 40-inch Samsung LED Smart TV with a sound bar. You can choose from several interior color schemes. The kitchen is equipped with a dual burner gas stove tops, a sink, a convection microwave, a 9.1 cubic feet refrigerator-freezer, a pantry, and a kitchen fan. An electronically-powered awning allows passengers to enjoy a sunny afternoon outside in the shade.

The 2020 model starts at $238,071.

5. Ford Transit Custom Nugget 

Ford’s Transit Custom Nugget camper is one of the most popular camper vans in several European markets. It’s a conversion of the Nugget van, developed with camper specialist Westfalia.  The vehicle features a kitchenette and sleeping for four. The long-wheelbase Nugget Plus features a built-in toilet and hand basin. Both are available to order direct from Ford dealers.

Sadly, no Nuggets are available in the U.S. at the moment. The new Nugget, however, was so successful in Germany the past few months that the camper was recently launched in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and the U.K.

6. Volkswagon ID.Buzz.

As a preview of coming attractions, we also want to mention the upcoming all-electric microvan from Volkswagon, due in the U.S. in 2023. The ID Buzz electric microbus will be the closest thing to a California Camper available in America. 

Vintage camper vans

If retro-chic is the way you’d prefer to roll, then you should look into one of the restored VW camper vans from the 1970’s and 1980’s.

You could buy one. Or rent one and take it out for a spin on the Pacific Coast Highway!

Vintage Surfari Wagons, based in Costa Mesa, California, is a great option if you want to take a #vanlife vacation in Southern California in a photogenic restored VW camper van. While you could opt for a VW Vanagon (a Volkswagon T3), we vote for a classic VW Bay Window camper. So. Cute.

what’s the best camper van for a cool summer road trip?

There’s one additional advantage to #vanlife on vacation. If you decide to visit friends in this time of social distancing, you can pull into their driveway and stay the night in your camper van. Instant guest room! What do you think? Are you up for a camper van road trip this summer?

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