11 Amazing GMC Savana Camper Van Conversions
Key takeaways
Considering a GMC Savana Camper Van Conversion for Van Life?
With a low-upfront cost, optional 4-wheel drive, & a long wheelbase, the Savana van is a good option.
But how does it stack up against other popular Budget Americana models like the Ford Econoline, Chevy Express, Chevy Astro, & Dodge Ram van?
In this post, we’ll find out.
11 Amazing GMC Savana Camper Van Conversions
With a long wheelbase, high payload capacity, & adequate interior space, the Savana van provides a good platform for designing a layout… but which is the best?
Here are 11 of the coolest GMC Savana van conversions ever:
Build #11: Savana with Convertible Bed and Slide-Out Gear Storage
- Highlights: This brightly colored GMC Savana features a high-top roof and a high bench seat that converts into a large bed with some extra cushions. Underneath the bed is slide-out storage for a bike or skis. The one-wall kitchen has lots of countertop space and a sink.
- Van: 2000 GMC Savana
- Owner: @homeiswhereyouparkit
Build #10: Simple Modern Savana Conversion with Side-Facing Bed
- Highlights: This simple Savana DIY build has a side-facing rear bed with storage underneath, and overhead storage above. The one-wall kitchen has a hidden sink and pantry storage underneath.
- Van: GMC Savana
- Owner: @dietravelbugs
Build #9: 4×4 GMC Savana with Raised Bed and Awning
- Highlights: This off-road ready GMC Savana has a cozy interior layout design with a high bed and storage underneath. The “kitchen” area has a fridge and room for a stove. There’s a pull-out retractable side awning outside the van for outdoor hangouts and cooking.
- Van: GMC Savana
- Owner: @bigfoote4x4
Build #8: High Roof Green Savana with Platform Bed
- Highlights: This Diesel Savana has an extra-high roof for standing room inside. There’s a platform bed at the back, and a large kitchen area along the sidewall. There’s even enough room for a large dual-zone Dometic fridge.
- Van: 2000 GMC Savana 3500 Turbo Diesel
- Owner: @make_the_van_a_camper
Build #7: Savana with Raised Top and Wood Stove
- Highlights: This gorgeous all-wood Savana build has a raised roof for standing room inside. It has a rear platform bed, a kitchenette with a sink, fridge, and room for a camp stove. But the best feature of all–the wood stove heater.
- Van: GMC Savana
- Owner: @project.vanlife
Build #6: Savana with Fixed Platform Bed and Tiled Kitchen Backsplash
- Highlights: This Savana build has a side-facing platform bed with storage underneath that can be accessed from the rear doors. The simple kitchen setup has countertop space, storage underneath, and a sink. The DIY tiled backsplash and spice racks are a gorgeous touch.
- Van: GMC Savana
- Owner: @vanteria_to_freedom
Build #5: Savana with Side-Facing Bed and Roof Deck
- Highlights: This beautiful DIY Savana build has a side-facing rear bed with some handy countertops in the middle of the van. There’s built-in overhead storage and a roof deck for hanging out on top of the van.
- Van: GMC Savana 3500
- Owner: @famille_sans_plans
Build #4: GMC Savana with Slide-Out Bed and Long Countertop
- Highlights: This simple Savana build has a slide-out bed on one wall, and a long countertop on the other. The countertop has storage underneath, a sink, and a room for a fridge. The whole DIY conversion is wood-paneled for a super cozy feel.
- Van: GMC Savana
- Owner: @doriandewinter
Build #3: Raised-Top Savana with Toilet and Huge Roof Rack
- Highlights: This Savana has a 3rd party raised-top that allows you to stand inside at the kitchenette area. It comes with a sink, fridge, and even a small chemical toilet. The aluminum camper roof rack has a light bar, roof box, and extra space to store outdoor gear.
- Van: 2019 GMC Savana
- Owner: @vanlifetrader
Build #2: DIY Savana with Convertible Bed and Pop Top
- Highlights: This 4×4 Savana is made for all things adventure. There’s sleeping room thanks to the vans pop top roof, as well as the convertible bed inside the van. The rear of the van has a rack that holds six mountain bikes.
- Van: 2019 GMC Savana
- Owner: @vanlifeepic
Build #1: Pop-Top Savana That Seats Five and Seats Four
- Highlights: The huge pop-top on this Contra Vans Savana conversion adds some spacious sleeping room up above. During the day, this van can seat five people, and at night the seats fold back into a bed. This conversion also comes with a dual-zone Dometic fridge.
- Van: GMC Savana
- Owner: @contravans
10 Reasons Why Vanlifers Like the GMC Savana
The Savana is stealthy, easy to fix, & inexpensive – but is it the best option for vanlife?
Here are 10 reasons why vanlifers like the GMC Savana:
- Affordable: The GMC Savana is a great deal if you’re looking for a van to convert on a budget. Used Savanas can go for as little as $5,000, whereas other “traditional” vehicles used in van life like the iconic volkswagen van cost between $10-20k.
- Widely Available: The Savana is very commonly used as a work van, so there’s plenty out there on the used car market.
- Pretty Stealthy: Because the Savana is used as a work van, it’s pretty easy to stealth out so you can camp wherever you want without getting the dreaded knock.
- Easy to Fix: GMC parts are easy to come by and inexpensive to purchase. Plus there’s lots of info online on how to work on these vans.
- Comes in AWD: The GMC comes in a AWD option for all of those off-roading adventures.
- Long Wheelbase: While the ceiling height is pretty low, the Savana has a relatively long wheelbase, which means you can pack a lot of amenities into these vans.
- High Payload Capacity: The GMC Savana 3500 has a payload capacity of around 4,000 pounds. You can load these vans up with a heavy build and lots of gear with no problems.
- Can Tow if Needed: The GMC Savana can tow up to 7,400 pounds. You can easily tow a small trailer with the power of the Savana engines.
- Lasts a Long Time: When shopping for used Savanas, you’ll see many from the early 2000s, which is a great testament to how long these vehicles can stay on the road.
- Fits in Parking Garages: The low profile means the GMC Savana can easily fit into almost any parking garage.
5 Reasons Why Vanlifers Dislike the Savana van
As with every vehicle, there are downsides to the GMC Savana.
Here are 5 reasons why vanlifers dislike the Savana:
- Low Roof: The roof of the Savana is not tall enough to stand up inside. However, many Savana owners install aftermarket poptops or roof extensions.
- Outdated Exterior: The 2023 Savana looks pretty much the same as the 2000 Savana. If you’re looking for a stylish van, this probably isn’t the vehicle for you.
- Not Fuel Efficient: Like its counterpart, the Chevy Express, the GMC Savana is a gas guzzler. It gets just 13 miles per gallon combined.
- Plasticky Interior: The interior build of the car can feel cheaply made, and hasn’t been updated much in recent years.
- Hard to Maneuver: Because of the boxy shape of the car, owners say it can be a little tricky to maneuver.
Cost, Dimensions, & Fuel Economy
Now that you know a little more about the GMC Savana van, let’s see how it stacks up against the Ford Econoline, Chevy Express, Chevy Astro, & Dodge Ram van.
GMC Savana Cost
Cost: GMC Savana vs Chevy Express vs Ford Econoline vs Chevy Astro vs Dodge Ram Van
| Model | New | Used | Price |
| GMC Savana | $38,100 | $26,700 | Check Price |
| Chevy Astro | N/A | $7,750 | Check Price |
| Chevy Express | $38,100 | $26,995 | Check Price |
| Ford Econoline | N/A | $15,750 | Check Price |
| Dodge Ram | N/A | $8,795 | Check Price |
GMC Savana Dimensions
Dimensions: GMC Savana vs Chevy Express vs Ford Econoline vs Chevy Astro vs Dodge Ram Van
| Model | Interior Height | Interior Length (cargo) | Interior Width | Ext Length |
| GMC Savana | 55.1 inches | 126.8 inches | 62 inches | 224.1 inches |
| Chevy Astro | 46.9 inches | 126 inches | 55.9 inches | 189.8 inches |
| Chevy Express | 55.1 inches | 126.8 inches | 62 inches | 224.1 inches |
| Ford Econoline | 53.9 inches | 121.4 inches | 73.6 inches | 212 inches |
| Dodge Ram Van | 56 inches | 124.8 inches | 73.5 inches | 192.6 inches |
GMC Savana Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy: GMC Savana vs Chevy Express vs Ford Econoline vs Chevy Astro vs Dodge Ram Van
| Model | City | Highway | Combined |
| GMC Savana | 11 MPG | 16 MPG | 13 MPG |
| Chevy Astro | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | 19 MPG |
| Chevy Express | 11 MPG | 16 MPG | 13 MPG |
| Ford Econoline | 13 MPG | 17 MPG | 15 MPG |
| Dodge Ram Van | 11 MPG | 14 MPG | 12 MPG |
Conclusion: Is the GMC Savana Right for you?
There are a lot of reasons to like the Savana van: It’s inexpensive, widely available, & very capable – but it may not be for you.
Biggest factors:
- Low Upfront Cost
- Comes in 4-Wheel Drive
- Fits in Parking Garages
- Low Roof
- Outdated Exterior
- Not Fuel Efficient
So should you get one?
Maybe! We’d recommend the GMC Savana for vanlife over other Budget Americana vans like the Chevy Express, Ford Econoline, & Dodge Ram van for vanlifers who like Chevy/GMC brand and want AWD. The Chevy Astro is also a good option. Don’t care about AWD? The Chevy Express offers a slightly larger platform for a similar price.
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