The vanlife trend continues to attract more and more enthusiasts, seeking to combine freedom and comfort during their expeditions. While the rooftop tent has become a must-have for many nomadic travelers, a new innovation is emerging: the van tent. This promises to transform a utility vehicle into a pleasant and functional living space, while preserving the advantages of both the van and the traditional tent. In this article, we explore the features, advantages, and disadvantages of this new option, as well as its impact on the world of camping and life on the road. Furthermore, considerations on the cost and usefulness of this tent are essential when assessing whether it deserves a place in adventurers’ gear.
The Features of the Van Tent: A New Cocoon on Wheels
The van tent stands out for its unique design, which features a wooden frame supported by a sturdy canvas. Unlike the Quechua tents commonly found on the market, this innovation aims to create a warmer and more welcoming atmosphere. Setting up this structure requires emptying the van, such as a Renault Master or Fiat Ducato, before installing the tent. The tent creates an interior space that allows travelers to stand up, an essential element for comfort on the road.
As for the interior layout, the van tent includes a generously sized bed, measuring 150 x 190 cm, which can comfortably accommodate two people. In addition, there’s a U-shaped living room, also made of wood, offering a dining area or relaxation space, as well as a small wardrobe for storage. It therefore appears that this tent has nothing to envy from traditional campervan setups.
Weight and setup time of the tent
Despite its many qualities, the van tent weighs a total of 150 kg, which can pose logistical challenges. Setting up the components takes approximately two hours, a constraint to consider for vanlife enthusiasts who are used to setting up their equipment quickly. Cleaning the van after a week of use is also important, as a van in a professional environment can accumulate dirt. Thus, the total time before enjoying the tent can quickly add up. ✅ Sturdy wooden frame
- ✅ Setup in about 2 hours
- ✅ Spacious bed
- ✅ Functional U-shaped lounge area
- ❌ Weight 150 kg
- The cost of a campervan tent: is it a worthwhile investment?
The price of a campervan tent raises many questions among potential buyers. With a base price of €9,900, the project may seem expensive to some. In comparison, some more traditional camping equipment seems more affordable, especially since foam mattresses are not included in this price. For a complete solution, including a kitchen and mattresses, you’ll need to pay €12,900. This represents a significant investment that deserves careful consideration. Included Items
Price (€)
| Features | Van Tent (Basic) | 9,900 |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden frame, canvas, living area | Van Tent (Expanded) | 12,900 |
| Mattress, kitchen, fabric panniers | Additions such as fabric storage bags add a streamlined and functional touch to the space. For families, the option of adding a rooftop tent is a significant advantage, allowing them to increase their sleeping space. | Comparing a van tent and a rooftop tent |
It’s worth considering the differences between a van tent and a rooftop tent, a true competitor in the camping equipment market. The rooftop tent, well-known among vanlife enthusiasts, allows any vehicle to be transformed into a resting space in the blink of an eye. Easy to set up, it mounts directly onto the roof without the need to empty the van. This feature is practical for short stays and impromptu getaways. On the other hand, the van tent is aimed at those seeking superior comfort. With its interior fittings, it offers a spacious living area, making it ideal for extended trips or family getaways. However, the cost and weight of a van tent are barriers that deserve to be considered. Weighing these two options is essential for every adventurer seeking new horizons. 🏕️ Rooftop tent:
Easy setup
Less expensive
Ideal for short stays
- Easy setup
- Less expensive
- Ideal for short stays
- 🚐 Van tent:
- Increased comfort
- Interior layout
- Higher weight and cost
- Increased comfort
- Interior layout
- Higher weight and cost
- Innovative careers around vanlife: Moby Camper and others
- With the boom in the vanlife trend, many entrepreneurial trends have followed suit.
- Moby Camper
- , a Swiss startup, stands out with its rather original van tent. The founders had the idea of designing this layout for craftspeople who use their vans as a work tool. Indeed, why abandon this space on weekends or during vacations? These considerations led to a clever solution.
Furthermore, other brands like Dometic, Thule, and Reimo are beginning to position themselves on the market. These companies are constantly innovating in the field of van and camping equipment. Whether it’s with mobile kitchen solutions, efficient storage systems, or practical accessories, the world of vanlife is enriched with new and constantly evolving possibilities. Brand
Specialty Featured ProductsMoby Camper
Van Tent
| Handcrafted | Dometic | Camping Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators, Mobile Kitchen | Thule | Outdoor Equipment |
| Outset Tent, Awning | Camper Reviews of the Van Tent | User feedback on the van tent is varied. Many users highlight the comfort and living space provided by this tent. The interior design is often appreciated, providing a welcoming setting for meals and relaxation. However, some drawbacks are also mentioned, including the weight and high cost, which may potentially put some users off. |
| Users report spectacular experiences in various regions, ranging from mountain hikes to evenings spent by the sea. Comments highlight the user-friendliness and the ability to easily adjust the interior layout to suit current needs. The presence of quality mattresses would also be a plus to enhance the sleeping experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99y8ngp5RmY | Camper reviews are crucial in determining whether this investment is worth it. Qualitative assessments will help future buyers better understand the pros and cons of this type of accommodation. | Upcoming Trends in Vanlife |
On the horizon, vanlife continues to evolve with emerging trends. New technologies are increasingly integrated into the world of life on the road. Advances in renewable energy, such as solar panels integrated into vans, allow users to increase their autonomy. Other brands, such as Nomad Vanz and Adventure Van, are working to design equipment to facilitate travel and daily life in a van.
Social media also plays a recognized role in promoting this practice. The use of platforms such as Instagram and TikTok is helping to inspire many enthusiasts to share their experiences and engage in communities around this movement. Vanlife has become synonymous with travel, sharing, and unprecedented adventures.
⚡ Green energy innovations
🚍 Increasingly accessible equipment
📦 Travel made easier with modular solutions
FAQ about van tents
Question 1:
- What is the average cost of a van tent?
- Answer:
- The basic price of a van tent is around €9,900, excluding mattresses. For a more complete model, the price can reach €12,900.
- Question 2:
How long does it take to set up a van tent?
Answer: Setting up a van tent takes about two hours, not including cleaning the van.
Question 3: Which vehicles are compatible with a van tent?
Answer: The van tent is designed primarily for large vans, such as the Renault Master or the Fiat Ducato.
Question 4: Does the van tent offer enough interior space?
Answer: Yes, the van tent allows occupants to stand up and enjoy a comfortable layout, including a bed and a living area.
Question 5: What are the advantages of a van tent over a rooftop tent?
Answer: A van tent offers a more spacious and welcoming living space, ideal for extended stays, while a rooftop tent is more suited to quick getaways.