Dodge Caravan For Vanlife: 10 Reasons Why It’s the Best

Considering the Dodge Caravan for Vanlife?

With stealthy looks, inexpensive upfront costs, & cheap conversion kits, the Dodge Caravan is a good option.

But how does it stack up against other popular Minivan models like the Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, & Honda Odyssey?

In this post, we’ll find out.

Here’s everything you’ll learn:

10 Reasons Why Vanlifers Like the Dodge Caravan

The Dodge Caravan is cheap to maintain, inexpensive, & comfortable – but is it the best option for vanlife?

Here are 10 reasons why vanlifers like the Dodge Caravan:

1. Inexpensive Used: Out of the Kia Sedona, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Dodge Grand Caravan, the Grand Caravan is the cheapest to purchase (by a lot). You can find used Dodge Caravans for as little as $9,000.
2. Great for “No-Build” Builds: Many Dodge Caravan owners opt for a “no-build” build. They remove or stow the seats, and put in a comfy mattress for an instant campervan–no tools needed.
3. Very Stealthy: The Dodge Caravan looks like a regular passenger minivan, so no one will suspect you’re sleeping in it.
4. Fits in Any Parking Space: Unlike larger vans the shorter wheelbase of the Caravan means it can easily fit into almost any parking spot.
5. Stow ‘N’ Go Seats: The stow ‘n’ go seats are probably the Dodge Caravan’s best feature. The seats tuck fully away under the floor, so you can add a temporary or semi-permanent conversion build right on top, then pull the seats back up when you need them.
6. Inexpensive Conversion Kits: A few companies including Roadloft offer Dodge Grand Caravan conversion kits that you can easily install yourself. These go for around $5,000.
7. Powerful Engine: The Grand Caravan’s engine is robust enough to carry a bunch of passengers, or a heavy build.
8. Great Handling: Owners say their Grand Caravan has excellent handling–great for windy back country roads.
9. Cheap Maintenance Costs: Because it’s a Dodge, the Grand Caravan is cheaper to maintain compared to the Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey.
10. Comfortable Front Seats: The front seats of this van are super comfy. That’s a great feature for long road trips.

7 Reasons Why Vanlifers Dislike the Dodge Caravan

As with every vehicle, there are downsides to the Dodge Caravan.

Here are 7 reasons why vanlifers dislike the Dodge Caravan:

1. No New Options Available: Dodge stopped manufacturing the Grand Caravan in 2020, so if you’re looking for a sparkly new minivan, take a look at the Odyssey or Sienna instead.
2. Poor Acceleration: Owners say the Caravan can have trouble getting up to highway speeds fast enough.
3. Doesn’t Come in AWD/4WD: The Dodge Caravan only comes in FWD, which means it may have trouble maneuvering in the snow, and on unpaved roads.
4. May Require Repairs: Since most Caravans on the market are at least a few years old, they might require more repairs compared to a brand new van.
5. Outdated Look: The Grand Caravan’s exterior hasn’t been updated in a while, so it’s not very fancy-looking on the outside.
6. Bad Gas mileage: The Grand Caravan gets a combined 21 MPG, which is lower than the Odyssey, Sienna, and Sedona.
7. May Not Last a Long Time: Grand Caravans with over 100,000 miles tend to have major issues. They don’t last as long compared to Odysseys and Siennas, which can last 200,000 miles in some cases.

6 Amazing Dodge Caravan Van Builds

With Stow ‘N’ Go Seats, stealthy looks, & great handling, the Dodge Caravan provides a good platform for designing a layout… but which is the best?

Here are 6 of the coolest Dodge Caravan ever:

Build #6: No-Build Dodge Caravan with Floor Bed and Storage

• Highlights: This no-build Grand Caravan has everything you need for a quick weekend trip, or full-time vanlife–no tools required. On the floor is a large comfy bed. Owner Amanda has installed some carts for storage, DIY window coverings, and even a portable toilet.
• Van: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
• Owner: @amanda.yantos

Build #5: Ultra Unique Grand Caravan Build that Folds Away When Not in Use

• Highlights: This smart minimalist build has sleeping room for two–one on the platform bed, and one on the floor under the platform bed. The van also has cooking space and a simple gravity-powered water system. When not in use, all of these elements fold away under the floor.
• Van: 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
• Owner: @stink.pickles

Build #4: Grand Caravan with Outdoor Kitchen and Convertible Dinette

• Highlights: This Dodge Caravan conversion kit from Roadloft features a large dinette area that folds down into bed. From the rear of the vehicle is a pull-out kitchen space with a sink, stove, and fridge. The conversion kit fits any Dodge Caravan from 2008 to 2020.
• Van: Dodge Grand Caravan
• Owner: roadloft.com

Build #3: Dodge Caravan Conversion Kit with Front Dinette and Rear Kitchen

• Highlights: This smart Dodge Caravan conversion kit includes a front dinette that folds completely away into a large bed. The rear kitchen area is separated from the front with a short wall of cabinetry. The kitchen includes a large fridge, countertop space, and a sink.
• Van: Dodge Caravan
• Owner: freewaycamperkit.com

Build #2: Dodge Caravan with convertible Bed, Hanging Desk, and Indoor Kitchen

• Highlights: This DIY Dodge Caravan build somehow packs it all in. It has a large bench seat, which slides down into a bed. The indoor kitchen has a sink, and room for a stove. The coolest feature, though, is the hanging desk, which is attached by rope to the ceiling of the van and sits right in front of the bench seat.
• Van: 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
• Owner: @mybackpackerlifeblog

Build #1: Foldable Conversion Insert for Grand Caravan

• Highlights: This conversion kit from Tool Path Design is an insert, and can easily be installed and removed from the van. It comes with a platform for a full sized bed, and a kitchen in the rear. The kitchen has a simple gravity-powered sink, a fridge, and room for a camp stove.
• Van: Dodge Grand Caravan
• Owner: @toolpathdesign

Cost, Dimensions, & Fuel Economy

Now that you know a little more about the Dodge Caravan, let’s see how it stacks up against Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, & Honda Odyssey.

Dodge Caravan Cost

Cost: Dodge Caravan vs Toyota Sienna vs Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey

Dodge Caravan Dimensions

Dimensions: Dodge Caravan vs Toyota Sienna vs Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey

Dodge Caravan Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy: Dodge Caravan vs Toyota Sienna vs Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey

Conclusion: Is the Dodge Caravan Right for you?

There are a lot of reasons to like the Dodge Caravan: It’s inexpensive, easy to drive, & stealthy – but it may not be for you.

Biggest factors:

• Inexpensive to Purchase and Maintain
• Stow ‘n’ Go Seats Make it Perfect for “No Build” Builds
• Poor Gas Mileage
• Not as Reliable as the Sienna or Odyssey

So should you get one?

Maybe! If you’re in the market for a minivan for vanlife and have a tight budget, the Dodge Caravan is a good option. With the cheapest upfront cost of any newer minivan, the Dodge offers similar value as the Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, & Honda Odyssey for thousands less. However, if you can afford the Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey, they are more reliable.