Top 5 Best Surf Vans for Any Trip (Guide)
In the United States alone, there are 355,000 surf vans and trailers sold every year. It’s accommodation and transportation in one, a tiny house with all the basic comforts that surfers can take anytime, anywhere. It gives them the freedom to come and go in different places — where they get to ride the first waves in the morning and be the last to pick up the surfboard as the sun sets. See, being a surfer isn’t always fun and waves. It isn’t as comfortable as some people might think. Oftentimes, it’s filled with days on the road, constantly hopping from one beach to the next. Always being on the lookout for the biggest swells and breaks. Most of them don’t stay in hotels to save money, especially during peak seasons when prices are unbelievably high. For this reason, surf vans became a popular choice for surfers and campers alike. What makes a good surf van? Surf vans can be a temporary home for a few days or even weeks. That’s why it must have all the necessary amenities to make it comfortable — even with its limited space. In choosing the right surf van, you must consider these things: Amenities and features A livable surf van should include a bed or sleeping area for at least two people, a small kitchen with a sink and stove, and ample space for storage of camping gear. It should also have a dining area that can be located outdoors, solar panels for electricity, air-conditioning, USB ports, and lastly — racks at the top for shortboard or longboard surfboards. 4WD, AWD, FWD, or RWD capabilities The engine power and driving system of this type of vehicle are also important. Most car companies offer FWD (Front-wheel drive) and RWD (Rear-wheel drive) as cheaper options. But when planning on driving the surf van through tough roads, getting an AWD (All-wheel drive) or a 4WD (Four-wheel drive) is something that we recommend against the alternatives. This is especially helpful if the van gets stuck in mud, flood, or beach sand. Maintenance Although surf vans are good options for surfers on the go, they also come with their downsides. Most of them are old — as in half a decade old — so there could be some issues with their maintenance costs and performance on the road. Also, it might be gruesome to find a replacement for some of their broken parts. Ground clearance Unlike cars, surf vans aren’t designed for driving on rough terrains. Instead, they’re meant to carry cargo, so their ground clearance must be considered. It mustn’t be too low from the ground to lessen scraping, more so when driving through rocky roads or flooded areas during the rainy season. Top 5 Best Surf Vans Surf vans enable surfers to live and enjoy life by the beach to the fullest. Just imagine having to wake up next to the sea and sleep with the sounds of ocean waves crashing through the shores every night… But wait — not all of them are created the same. That’s why we’ve made a list of the ‘tried and tested’ surf vans by many surfers worldwide. Here’s the summary of our Top 5 Best Surf Vans: Volkswagen Westfalia (Our Top Pick) Balboa (Best Budget) Mercedes Benz Sprinter (Best High End) RAM ProMaster (Most Customizable) Ford Transit (For Working Surfers) #1: Volkswagen Westfalia (Our Top Pick) Specifications: Pre-owned starts at USD 27,000 to 28,000 RWD / 4WD Low-ceiling 15 ft length 93 sq ft interior Let’s start this list with the brand that started the most classic look of all surf vans — the iconic Volkswagen Westfalia. This surf/camper van was manufactured from the 1950s to the early 2000s with only over 1000 units sold. But even though VW has already stopped this van’s production, it remains one of the popular choices for many surfers and hippies until today. So, what makes this surf van famous aside from its aesthetic appearance? See, Volkswagen Westfalia can be converted in many ways. Every unit has standard equipment such as foldout seats for sleeping, birch plywood panels for a homey interior, cabinetries for extra storage, and wide windows for ventilation and full views of the sea. Some models have sinks, as well as other equipment like mini ref, camping stoves, awnings and side tents, and portable chemical toilets. This surf van is comfortable and spacious enough to fit two to four people. It’s compact, reliable, and customizable — perfect for every surfer’s needs. #2: Balboa (Best Budget) Specifications: Pre-owned starts at USD 15,000 to 17,000 High-ceiling 18 ft length Has a 30-gallon water tank The Balboa is a vehicle that’s unlike any other. This surf van was manufactured in 1972 and has only been in production for three years, making it one of the rarest vans in the market with only 30 units left cruising around. Since many people don’t see this type of van often, it’s guaranteed to spark conversations with other surf van enthusiasts. What’s great about Balboas is that they’re cheaper compared to other surf/camper vans. This is because they’re made by combining Dodge, Chevy, and Early Ford chassis. It started first as a regular van that had the rear-end cut off, then turned into a newer, better version of it. Now, let’s get into the interior part of this vehicle. There are two different layouts for the Balboa — one with an L-shaped kitchenette, and one with a straight kitchen on the driver’s side. Both are spacious enough and can fit multiple persons inside without feeling cramped. Surprisingly, it also has a full bathroom that has its sink, shower, and even a vanity light, a feature that’s difficult to find in other surf vans today. For the icing on the cake, the Balboa has large windows that give panoramic and unobstructed views of the beach from inside the surf van. Pretty cool, huh? #3: Mercedes Benz Sprinter (Best High End) Specifications: Price starts at USD 36,355 for … Read more