Buy the right van the first time.
A decision roadmap for van buyers who don't want regrets.
Built from lived experience—not theory, not forums, not hindsight.
Why Van Buying Feels Harder Than It Should
You’re excited… and also low-key stressed. Because buying a van isn’t a normal purchase.
One wrong decision turns into:
“Why does insurance hate this thing?”
“Why is every ‘great deal’ 900 miles away?”
“Why do I feel pressured and behind?”
“Why do I keep changing my mind every 48 hours?”
And the worst part? You can make a “reasonable” choice and still end up with the wrong van for your real life.
The problem isn't the van.
The problem is deciding without a framework.
This Decision Guide keeps you from ending up with the wrong van...or no van at all.
Who This Is For
This is a decision guide—NOT a dream board.
This isn't inspiration
It's not a list of vague tips or "things to consider"
If you're overwhelmed by choices, this is the part where things start to simplify
This is for you if…
🚐 You want clarity before commitment.
🚐 You want to make one solid decision and move on.
🚐 You're tired of second-guessing every option.
🚐 You want a van that fits real life, not a highlight reel.
This is NOT for you if…
🚐 You want a universal "best van" answer.
🚐 You want someone else to decide for you.
🚐 You're looking for technical build instructions.
🚐 You want validation, not perspective.
What's Inside the Guide
This guide includes 50 clear decision rules based on real-world van buying experiences—mine and others'—both right and wrong.
Each guideline tells you:
When to use it (so you know exactly when it applies)
Why it matters (not just “because I said so”)
What it prevents (the real cost of ignoring it)
What to remember going forward (space to apply it to your situation)
Every section starts with a Decision Check to help you locate where you are right now.
Each section ends with a Decision Integration so you leave with clarity and next steps.
Along the way you'll find:
Short inspirational quotes to keep momentum when doubt creeps in
A one-page cheat sheet with the exact questions to ask before you dive into details
Take a quick look at what's inside the 55-page decision guide!
Section 1: Before You Decide to DIY Your Van
For when DIY sounds exciting—until you remember you'll be the planner, purchaser, problem-solver, and project manager.
Section 2: Before You Decide to Buy A Pre-Built Van
For when the van looks perfect, but you need to understand what you’re actually inheriting.
Section 3: Before You Decide to Hire A Builder
For when you want professional help without getting boxed into assumptions, delays, or “surprises.”
Section 4: Before You Decide to Buy Your Van
For when you need to choose the right van itself—not just react to whatever's available for sale.
Section 5: When You're Overthinking
For when research has turned into avoidance and it's time to make a move with real options.
Future Authors, still stuck on page 1?
Don't know where to start...or finish?
Discover How to Write & Self-Publish Your First Book In the Next 4 Months & Start Sharing Your Message With the World!
Most aspiring authors never make it past Chapter 1. The information in this e-book will help you finally publish that unfinished book that's been lurking on your to-do list. THIS YEAR.
If you’ve been saying “I should write a book” for years, this e-book is your turning point. It lays out the exact roadmap I used to go from stuck and scattered to holding my finished book in just 120 days.
No fancy tools. No confusing jargon. Just a clear plan designed to help you write, edit, and self-publish your book—even if you’ve never written a thing before.
Not sure yet? Scroll down to see what’s inside...
What you get in your download
PDF document - The Ultimate Camper Van Purchase Decision Guide
Print-friendly format so you can mark it up, flag pages, lay it out next to listings, and physically use it while touring vans or talking through spec sheets and inspection notes and think clearly.
Mobile-friendly format so the guidance is in your pocket for quick checks when the decision is being made in real time--not just when you're passively reading two days later.
Color-coded by section to reduce mental clutter when you're standing at a dealership, scrolling Facebook Marketplace listings, or mid-conversation with a seller without losing your place.
Dedicated reflection space throughout to make decision-making a breeze by turning "that makes sense" into "this is what I'm doing" in real time before you turn the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this guide only for DIY builders?
Nope! This guide was written for people choosing between DIYing their van, buying pre-built van, or hiring a builder. There's something in here for all three groups, and you just might find yourself moving from one group to another as a result of digesting the suggestions in the guide.
Will this tell me which van to buy?
It won’t pick a van for you. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions to buying the perfect van, and only YOU should do pick yours since you're the one who'll have to live with your decision. However, it will help you choose the right van for your real life and avoid making an expensive regret.
Can I use this guide while I’m actively shopping?
Absolutely-tutely! That’s exactly when it hits hardest: when you're scrolling listings, chatting with eager or pushy sellers, or standing at a car dealership trying to make sure that fantastic deal you're excited about really is one.
Ready to buy your van without second-guessing every step?
Grab The Ultimate Camper Van Purchase Decision Guide and shop like someone who already knows what they’re doing.
Click the link below to grab your copy now, and let’s go from “someday” to “signed and sealed.”
You don't need more information. You need a way to decide.
This guide costs less than one wrong upgrade and far less than buying the wrong van.
Most people spend months researching and still guess wrong.
About the Author - Mellanie "MJ" Hunter
MJ is a digital product creator, self-published author, and full-time traveling van lifer on a mission to help van-curious people 50 and over decide if van life fits their version of freedom and how to approach it with clarity, confidence, and intention.
When this savvy single mom of two amazing adults children isn't zipping around the country in her self-converted 2023 Ram Promaster Extended Super High Roof camper van, she’s catching flights, line dancing, hiking, plotting new business ventures, and proudly modeling that 50 truly is the NEW FREE.
Why I Wrote This Guide
I made this because most people don’t need more van content. They need clarity.
You can watch 200 van tours and still feel stuck because the issue isn’t information. It’s decision overload.
This guide is what I wish everyone had before they started shopping.