Choosing a campervan isn't just about the layout you want today. It's about how you'll actually use the vehicle day-to-day, how much you want to modify it, and how much space you realistically need.
Below are five practical tips to help you pick the right platform — with a clear look at the differences between premium people-movers like the VW Multivan, reliable workhorses like the Toyota Hiace, and larger vans like the VW Crafter or Mercedes Sprinter.
1. Start with your "real use case" (not your dream trip)
Ask yourself:
- Is this your daily driver and weekend camper?
- Do you need to keep 4–7 seats most of the time?
- Are you mainly doing quick overnighters, or long trips with lots of gear?
- Do you need to park in standard car parks and city streets?
If you want a vehicle that still behaves like a normal car during the week, a people-mover style van can be the sweet spot.
2. Decide how much you want to modify the vehicle
This is where the base vehicle choice matters a lot.
VW Multivan: "already prepped" for flexible interiors
The Multivan is designed around a passenger-focused interior. Many models use a rail system that allows seats and accessories to be moved, removed, or reconfigured — which is exactly why slide-in camping kits make so much sense in this platform.
Benefits:
- Premium interior finish compared to most commercial vans
- Flexible seating (you can often keep all seats and still run a camping setup)
- Great for people who want a clean, factory-like look
The trade-off: It's not as big as a large commercial van, so you're working with tighter space.
The upside: You can still set it up to carry and sleep four people — which is a big win for a vehicle that can still feel like a normal daily driver.
Toyota Hiace: similar size, but usually more "blank canvas" inside
The Hiace has a long-standing reputation for reliability — the kind of van people describe as "unkillable" when serviced properly.
But compared to a Multivan, you generally need to do more interior work to get a refined camper setup:
- More effort in lining, mounting, and finishing the interior
- Often more of a commercial-van feel inside (depending on model/trim)
- Excellent option if you want durability and a straightforward platform
In other words: The Hiace can be a brilliant base, but you'll typically be doing more modification to get the same "premium finished" vibe.
3. Be honest about space: compact convenience vs big-van comfort
A lot of people only realise after buying that "bigger" isn't always better — especially if you're parking in Sydney, doing beach runs, or using the van during the week.
Bigger vans (VW Crafter / Mercedes Sprinter)
If your priority is interior space, standing room, bigger beds, bigger kitchens, or carrying more gear, larger vans are hard to beat.
- More room for fixed layouts (bed, kitchen, storage can stay set up)
- Better for long trips and full-time travel
- More space for taller people and indoor living
The trade-off is everyday practicality: they're physically larger, can be harder to park, and the build can become more complex (and expensive) simply because there's more area to fit out.
4. Don't forget driveline: 2WD vs AWD/4x4 (beach trips, tracks, and confidence)
If your idea of a good weekend includes beach driving or getting to more remote campsites, driveline matters.
A 4x4 (or AWD, depending on the model) can open up a different style of trip:
- More confidence on sand, loose tracks, and rough access roads
- Less stress when conditions change (soft sand, ruts, wet sections)
- More "fun factor" if you love exploring
The trade-offs are usually:
- Higher purchase price
- More weight and sometimes higher fuel use
- More maintenance complexity depending on the platform
If you're mostly doing sealed roads and caravan parks, 2WD can be perfect. But if beach days are part of the plan, it's worth considering from the start.
5. Think about passenger + sleeping needs as a system
A common trap is choosing a van based on sleeping capacity alone.
Instead, map it like this:
- How many people need proper seatbelts while driving?
- How many people need a comfortable sleep setup?
- Do you need to convert the setup quickly (or can it stay built)?
This is one reason the VW Multivan is such a popular "do it all" option: you can keep a functional passenger layout and still run a slide-in camping kit for weekends.
If you're building in a Hiace, Crafter, or Sprinter, you'll often be choosing between passenger seating and permanent cabinetry — unless you design a modular system from the start.
6. Budget for the whole project (vehicle + conversion + time)
The vehicle price is only one part of the equation.
As a rough guide:
- A premium people-mover may cost more upfront, but can reduce how much interior finishing you need
- A commercial van platform can be great value, but may require more work to achieve a refined interior
- Bigger vans can increase costs because there's more space to build out, more materials, and often more systems (power, water, ventilation)
If you're comparing options, list out:
- Vehicle purchase price
- Conversion budget (including electrical, ventilation, upholstery/lining, cabinetry)
- How quickly you need it ready
- Whether you want a modular setup you can remove later
Final tip: choose the platform that matches your lifestyle, not just the layout
If you want a vehicle that can do school runs, commute, and still become a camper on Friday afternoon, the Multivan-style approach (with a slide-in kit) is hard to beat.
If you want a tough, long-lasting platform and you're happy to modify the interior to suit, the Hiace is a proven option.
And if you want true "home on wheels" space, a Crafter or Sprinter gives you the room to build something seriously comfortable.
If you tell me:
- How many people you want to drive and sleep
- Whether it needs to be a daily driver
- And your rough budget range
…I can help you narrow it down to the best platform and the smartest setup style (modular vs fixed build).
Want help choosing the right van for your needs?
Not sure which platform is right for you? Get in touch and we'll help you compare options, budget your build, and choose between modular and fixed setups based on your real-world needs.