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:
Table of Contents
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Very Stealthy: The Dodge Caravan looks like a regular passenger minivan, so no one will suspect you’re sleeping in it.
- Fits in Any Parking Space: Unlike larger vans the shorter wheelbase of the Caravan means it can easily fit into almost any parking spot.
- 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.
- 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.
- Powerful Engine: The Grand Caravan’s engine is robust enough to carry a bunch of passengers, or a heavy build.
- Great Handling: Owners say their Grand Caravan has excellent handling–great for windy back country roads.
- Cheap Maintenance Costs: Because it’s a Dodge, the Grand Caravan is cheaper to maintain compared to the Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey.
- 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:
- 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.
- Poor Acceleration: Owners say the Caravan can have trouble getting up to highway speeds fast enough.
- 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.
- 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.
- Outdated Look: The Grand Caravan’s exterior hasn’t been updated in a while, so it’s not very fancy-looking on the outside.
- Bad Gas mileage: The Grand Caravan gets a combined 21 MPG, which is lower than the Odyssey, Sienna, and Sedona.
- 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
Model | New | Used | Price |
Dodge Caravan | N/A | $9,000 | Check Price |
Toyota Sienna | $35,385 | $23,956 | Check Price |
Kia Sedona | N/A | $22,998 | Check Price |
Honda Odyssey | $37,490 | $25,895 | Check Price |
Dodge Caravan Dimensions
Dimensions: Dodge Caravan vs Toyota Sienna vs Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey
Model | Interior Height | Interior Length (cargo) | Interior Width | Ext Length |
Dodge Caravan | 39.3 inches | 62 inches | 50 inches | 202.8 inches |
Toyota Sienna | 37.5 inches | 60.5 inches | 50.5 inches | 204 inches |
Kia Sedona | 39 inches | 62 inches | 52 inches | 203 inches |
Honda Odyssey | 38 inches | 65 inches | 48 inches | 205.2 inches |
Dodge Caravan Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy: Dodge Caravan vs Toyota Sienna vs Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey
Model | City | Highway | Combined |
Dodge Caravan | 17 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG |
Toyota Sienna | 36 MPG | 36 MPG | 36 MPG |
Kia Sedona | 18 MPG | 24 MPG | 21 MPG |
Honda Odyssey | 19 MPG | 28 MPG | 22 MPG |
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.
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