The Most Reliable Vans Suitable for Camper Conversions

Reliability is generally challenging to measure regardless of the type of vehicle. Sure, we know of some factory defects in vehicles due to manufacturer recalls. You can check out the recall history for each model by visiting the NHTSA's website.

But beyond that, there are many variables that influence reliability. Naturally, reliability is closely linked to proper maintenance. It's not really fair to call a vehicle unreliable as long as you haven't maintained it as you should. That being said, there are multiple sources where you can find out how reliable a vehicle is.

For instance, J.D. Power measures a vehicle's dependability based on three-year ownership experiences. Moreover, cars.com lets users give their own reliability scores - all the scores I've included from cars.com are based on three reviews or more. Another example is Consumer Reports, which, as its name suggests, gets its reliability data from its members via yearly surveys and compiles the data for everyone to see. Unfortunately, the platform doesn't have scores for vans like it does for other types of vehicles.

If that's not enough, a quick search on Reddit regarding a vehicle's reliability will reveal many individual experiences of owners. The same goes for dedicated forums of owners of specific models, where you can also find possible fixes for any issues you might encounter. Furthermore, RepairPal estimates the annual repair and maintenance costs for all types of vehicles.

So, let's take a look at the most popular vans that can be converted into mobile homes. I'll start with the go-to options when it comes to camper van conversions, beginning with my personal favorite.

1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Cars.com reliability score from owner reviews: Sprinter 2500 - 4.2/5 for 2019 model, 4.5/5 for 2018 model, 4.5/5 for 2017 model

Sprinter 3500 - 5/5 for 2017 model

RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $1,372 for the Sprinter 3500, $1,778 for the Sprinter 2500

Mercedes-Benz started the Sprinter's production back in 1995? The Sprinter is generally considered the most premium option when it comes to conversions. It's available in three options: 1500, 2500, and 3500, 4500 each with two wheelbase sizes: 148" and 170". The main difference between them is the payload capacity, referring to how much weight they can carry and how much they can tow.

The Sprinter has proved itself to be a very reliable van over the years. However, no vehicle is without problems, so there are a few issues to be aware of. In the Sprinter's case, the most common problems are related to the DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) for the 2010-2016 models, clogged DPF filters, torque converter system, and injectors.

As long as you maintain them properly, a Sprinter van can surpass 300,000 miles, with some models going over 500,000 miles.

2. Ford Transit

Cars.com reliability score from owner reviews: Transit 150 - 4.2/5 for 2019 model, 4.1/5 for 2018 model, 4.4/5 for 2017 model, 4.4/5 for 2016 model, 3.9/5 for 2015 model

Transit 250 - 5.0/5 for 2020 model, 5.0/5 for 2019 model, 4.0/5 for 2018 model, 4.6/5 for 2017 model, 3.7/5 for 2016 model, 3.9/5 for 2015 model

Transit 350 - 4.1/5 for 2018 model, 4.2/5 for 2017 model, 4.0/5 for 2016 model, 3.9/5 for 2015 model

RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $947 for the Transit-250, $972 for the Transit-150, $888 for the Transit-350

The Ford Transit is another popular choice among van builders. The main difference between the three models is the payload and rear spring rate.

Generally, reliability can vary among the different model years of the Transit. Specifically, there are two that have shown major problems or recalls: the 2015 and 2016 models. More recently, the 2023 models (and very few 2024 units) have been recalled due to insufficiently lubricated rear axles, which can lead to rear wheel lock-up or driveshaft separation.

Common issues include engine problems, transmission defects, and electrical glitches. Moreover, owners have reported water leak issues due to a poor windshield design, premature wear on the throttle body, and premature wear of the U-Joint (in early versions of the Transit).

On the other hand, the 2017 and 2019 models sit on the opposite end of the spectrum, as they turned out to be reliable choices. The Transit is generally considered a decently dependable vehicle – as you can see from the scores above, recent technological advancements have helped improve the lifespan of the van.

On average, you can expect a well-maintained Ford Transit to last around 250,000 to 300,000 miles.

3. RAM ProMaster
Cars.com reliability score from owner reviews: ProMaster 1500 - 3.7/5 for 2020 model, 3.7/5 for 2018 model, 4.3/5 for 2017 model, 4.0/5 for 2016 model, 3.5/5 for 2015 model, 2.4/5 for 2014 model

ProMaster 2500 - 4.3/5 for 2019 model, 3.3/5 for 2018 model, 3.2/5 for 2017 model, 3.0/5 for 2016 model, 1.5/5 for 2015 model, 1.7/5 for 2014 model

ProMaster 3500 - 3.7/5 for 2019 model, 4.7/5 for 2016 model, 2.2/5 for 2015 model, 2.5/5 for 2014 model

RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $1,072 for the ProMaster 1500, $1,147 for the ProMaster 2500, $963 for the ProMaster 3500

The ProMaster is the third most popular van for conversions and is available in a total of 13 configurations. Moreover, it boasts the worst reputation out of the three models. Heck, a 2018 ProMaster owner left a comment on one of my articles to share how upset he was with his vehicle.

Its debut in North America was in 2013. Originally, it started out as a Fiat in Europe. Then, Fiat bought Chrysler and introduced the Fiat Ducato as the Ram ProMaster in North America. However, the first model year (2014) is generally considered the most unreliable, while the 2019 and 2021 models have turned out to be the most preferred. The 2024 model also comes with various improvements, but, of course, the jury's still out when it comes to its reliability.

In 2019, Fiat Chrysler recalled nearly 100,000 Ram ProMaster vans sold in the United States due to an overheating issue that significantly increased the risk of fires.

One of the most common problems of the ProMaster is that its doors won't close or lock properly. Furthermore, coolant leaks, noises from the engine, and transmissions issues are fairy prevalent, and many owners have dealt with electronics issues. Other problems are related to the headlights, as they go out prematurely, and windows, as they get stuck.

When it comes to the ProMaster's lifespan, the mileage can vary significantly, with some units lasting 150,000 to 200,000 miles, while others reach 300,000 miles or more, usually after major replacements or repairs.

4. Chevrolet Express

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 74

Cars.com reliability score from owner reviews: Chevrolet Express 1500 - 4.8/5 for 2014 model, 5.0/5 for 2012 model, 5.0/5 for 2010 model, 4.0/5 for 2008 model, 4.8/5 for 2007 model, 4.0/5 for 2006 model, 3.9/5 for 2005 model, 4.8/5 for 2004 model, 4.7/5 for 2003 model

Chevrolet Express 2500 – 5.0/5 for 2017 model, 5.0/5 for 2016 model, 4.7/5 for 2014 model, 4.0/5 for 2013 model, 4.5/5 for 2012 model, 4.7/5 for 2009 model, 4.3/5 for 2008 model

Chevrolet Express 3500 - 5.0/5 for 2017 model, 4.8/5 for 2016 model, 5.0/5 for 2014 model, 4.5/5 for 2013 model, 5.0/5 for 2011 model, 5.0/5 for 2010 model, 4.5/5 for 2008 model, 4.8/5 for 2007 model, 5.0/5 for 2006 model, 5.0/5 for 2001 model

RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $963 for Express 1500, $877 for Express 2500, $1,013 for Express 3500

Compared to other models on this list, the Chevy Express has a below-average annual repair cost. It's offered in three different versions: 1500, 2500, and 3500, with the main difference between them being payload and towing capacity.

But is it reliable? Well, it depends on the model year. As a rule of thumb, the newer the model, the more reliable it's going to be.

Express models produced between 2015 and 2020 have fewer issues reported. However, those manufactured between 2005-2008 have received many more complaints, and the same goes for the 2010 model. Other generally unreliable years are 1999, 2003, 2004, and 2000.

The most common issues are related to braking and ABS, excessive oil consumption, electrical shorts, tire failures (2018-2021 models), the transmission, and the fuel pump. Oh, and there's one more – the passlock security. This feature supposed to keep thieves away from driving away with your vehicle prevents owners from doing the same thing.

With proper maintenance, the Chevrolet Express should last around 250,000 to 300,000 miles. By the way, the Chevy Express and GMC Savanna are mechanically identical. So, you can expect the same reliability from the Savanna.

5. Ford Econoline

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 71

Cars.com reliability score from owner reviews: Ford E-150 - 4.8/5 for 2014 model, 5.0/5 for 2012 model, 5.0/5 for 2010 model, 4.0/5 for 2008 model, 4.8/5 for 2007 model, 4.0/5 for 2006 model, 3.9/5 for 2005 model, 4.8/5 for 2004 model, 4.7/5 for 2003 model

Ford E-250 - 4.5/5 for 2014 model, 5.0/5 for 2013 model, 3.8/5 for 2012 model, 4.6/5 for 2011 model, 4.5/5 for 2010 model, 5.0/5 for 2008 model, 5.0/5 for 2007 model, 4.1/5 for 2006 model, 4.6/5 for 2003 model, 4.7/5 for 1999 model, 4.7/5 for 1998 model

Ford E-350 - 4.6/5 for 2009 model, 4.7/5 for 2007 model, 4.7/5 for 2006 model, 5.0/5 for 1994 model

RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $459 for E-150, $464 for E-250, $490 for E-350

I see the Ford Econoline as the quintessential American van. Four generations have been produced over a 59-year production run, with the current production having started in 2015.

It's available in three versions: E-150, E-250, E-350, and E-450, with the main difference being, like with other vans, how much they can carry. What's more, the E-Series was recalled 18 times during its over five decades of production.

The biggest problem with the Econoline seems to be that they're fairly rust-prone, which limits the van's life more than anything mechanical will. Other issues include leaking exhaust manifolds, loose shift linkage in steering columns, transmission problems, electrical system problems, and engine overheating.

There's a reason why Ford kept a lot of the components on the Econolines the same for a long time – it's because they worked, and still work.

However, when properly taken care of, a Ford Econoline could last 300,000 miles, with some owners claiming that its vans have gone past 500,000 miles.

One advantage of both the Ford Econoline and the Chevy Express is the availability of suitable parts. With the E-series being one of the most common vehicles in existence, there's no shortage of parts. Today, the Econoline is only available as a cutaway cab.

6. Ford Transit Connect

J.D. Power predicted reliability score: 70

Cars.com reliability score from owner reviews: 4.5/5 for 2021 model, 4.3/5 for 2020 model, 3.9/5 for 2019 model, 4.8/5 for 2018 model, 4.7/5 for 2017 model, 4.4/5 for 2016 model, 4.5/5 for 2015 model, 4.0/5 for 2014 model, 4.1/5 for 2013 model, 3.1/5 for 2012 model, 3.5/5 for 2011 model, 3.8/4 for 2010 model

Number of recalls for the first model year according to the NHTSA: 2

RepairPal average yearly maintenance costs: $926

The Ford Transit Connect made its debut in 2010, and became one of America's best-selling compact vans. I've written about many campers based on this model. Many adventurers opt for this vehicle due to its good fuel efficiency, compact size, and versatility. But how reliable is it?

According to consumer reviews, statistics, and other feedback, the best model years are 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 – basically, all the newer models, with the addition of the 2011 one. On the other hand, the 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 versions have encountered various issues.

One of the most predominant problems is rusting door hinges, the solution being their replacement. Other problems are engine failures, transmission slipping and failure, electrical issues, dirty throttle bodies, suspension issues, and loose panoramic roof panels.

Just like with the other vans, the Transit Connect's lifespan depends on how you use it and how well you maintain it. On average, it should last between 150,000 and 300,000 miles.

Conclusion

Given there are so many model years for each type of van, it's hard to generalize whether a van is reliable or not. Naturally, some model years are better than others, and manufacturers are doing their best (or at least we'd like to believe so) to figure out all the issues and make their vehicles as reliable as possible.

Regardless of whether you go for a van on today's list or not, your best bet would be to specifically research the reliability of the specific model year you're going for. Make sure not to skip any steps – as I mentioned at the beginning of the article, if you're planning to build a camper van, it's even more important to make sure you choose the best base vehicle.

By the way, if you're interested in finding out more about the costs of van life, make sure to check out a recent article I wrote about this topic.