British writer Leigh Hunt once penned, “Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.” Adventures are so much richer when shared with those we care about, the destination less important than the moments of discovery along the way. Of course, Leigh Hunt lived in the 1800’s, so we can probably assume he and his kin weren’t traveling in a camper van.
If you’re looking to hit the road with the family in tow, a camper van offers a unique blend of freedom, intimacy, and adventure. But to ensure a smooth journey, it’s essential to choose a camper van that meets your family’s specific needs. The wrong layout can quickly turn those sweet dreams of family travel sour - more befitting of a Clark Griswold quote than a 19th-century Romanticist. To ensure your camper van is, indeed, a home in motion, let’s explore what makes a family-friendly camper van.
What makes a camper van family-friendly?
Family vacations are all about adventure, creating lasting memories, and enjoying each other’s company. Exploring the world together in a camper van is a great way to bond, but doesn’t come without its own set of challenges. A family-friendly camper van needs to be spacious, safe, and equipped with features that cater to all ages. Here are the key points to nail down:
Layout: The confined space and constant togetherness can test the patience of even the most tight-knit families. It’s important to be mindful of sleeping arrangements, kitchen facilities, bathroom necessities, storage space, and entertainment options.
Safety: Safety is paramount, especially when traveling with children. Ensuring your camper van is equipped with child seat anchors, seat belts, fire safety equipment, first aid kits, and a backup camera is essential.
Best Layouts and Features for Family-Friendly Camper Vans
Bunks and Convertible Beds: The backbone of a comfy camper van experience lies in the sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are every kid’s dream, offering a cozy, space-saving solution where they can huddle up and chat about their day’s adventures. Plus, they’re fantastic for keeping things tidy. Convertible beds offer versatility, providing comfort and saving space by consolidating two large pieces of furniture into one. Other great options include pop tops for extra sleeping space, cabunk portable beds for flexibility, and tents for an adventurous touch. These features ensure that every family member has a comfortable and enjoyable place to rest.
Full Kitchen: Having a fully equipped kitchen allows you to prepare meals on the go, catering to your family's dietary preferences and needs. A camper van with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, and ample counter space ensures that you can cook healthy, delicious meals just like at home.
Bathroom: A bathroom within the camper van adds a significant level of convenience, reducing the need for frequent stops. A compact but functional bathroom with a toilet, shower, and sink is invaluable, especially when traveling with young children or in areas where public facilities are scarce.
Storage Space for More: Let’s face it, traveling with family means packing everything but the kitchen sink. Wait, scratch that—you’re bringing the sink too. You need plenty of storage. Think overhead cabinets, under-bed compartments, and exterior lockers. Space for clothes, toys, sports gear, and all those treasures your family picks up along the way.
Entertainment: Long drives can turn into epic endurance tests, especially with kids in tow, and I Spy or 20 Questions will only get you so far. Load up on entertainment options. TVs, tablets, eReaders, and charging ports for all those gadgets can be lifesavers. Keep the kids glued to a movie, book, or their favorite games, and suddenly that drive through endless cornfields isn’t so bad.
Safety Features in Camper Vans
Safety first, always. As you prepare your family for the journey ahead, here are some of the most important safety features in camper vans to keep everyone secure:
Child Seat Anchors: If you’re traveling with little ones, proper child seat anchors (ISOFIX/LATCH) are non-negotiable. Properly installed car seats make a world of difference in safety, keeping your little ones safe and snug in their seats
Seat Belts: The most obvious safety feature in camper vans is the almighty seatbelt. Every single seating position needs a seat belt, no exceptions. Make sure they’re in tip-top shape and suitable for both adults and kiddos. Seat belts are your first line of defense on the road.
Fire Safety: Equip your camper van with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. These aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re lifesavers. They’ll alert you to any danger and give you the tools to deal with it.
First Aid Kits: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential. It should include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any necessary medications. It’s your on-the-go ER for all those bumps, scrapes, and unexpected headaches.
Backup Camera: Parking and reversing a camper van can feel like trying to parallel park a yacht. A backup camera, or better yet, 360-degree cameras, are your best friends here, reducing the risk of accidents and making those tricky maneuvers a breeze.
The Wandering Family Camper Van
For those ready to hit the road in an out-of-the-box option, we’ve designed the Wandering Family Camper Van. This AWD Sprinter seats 4, sleeps 4, and is packed with features for the perfect family getaway.
The layout includes a queen size bed, two removable, convertible, broad arrow seats, a full shower inside as well as an outdoor shower, and plenty of room for storage. The full kitchen comes equipped with a single burner induction stove, a stainless Isotherm 85 fridge with a freezer compartment, and a stainless steel sink with a cutting board attachment. There’s storage for bikes and other toys under the main bed and a compostable toilet. The Wandering Family Camper Van has full off-the-grid systems to give families the comforts of home wherever their travels take them.
Explore Our Custom Family Vans
In addition to the Wandering Family Camper Van, we offer a range of custom family vans designed to suit different needs and preferences. Our custom vans are perfect for families who desire a unique travel experience tailored to their specific lifestyle. Check out a few custom van examples below!
159 Ext Promaster: This model offers a spacious interior with ample storage, making it ideal for extended trips. Its versatile design includes a comfortable sleeping area and a fully equipped kitchen, ensuring a homey feel no matter where you are.
170 WB Sprinters: Known for their flexibility and robust design, the 170 WB Sprinters come in various configurations. Each layout maximizes space and comfort, featuring options like additional sleeping areas, expanded kitchen facilities, and innovative storage solutions.
170 Sprinter Family Van: This model is built for families who need extra space and comfort. It features a larger sleeping area, a well-appointed kitchen, and plenty of storage, making it perfect for long journeys.
170 Sprinter Family Campervan: Combining functionality with luxury, this campervan offers a top-notch travel experience. It includes high-end kitchen appliances, a spacious dining area, and a comfortable sleeping space, ensuring your family travels in style.
Get on the Road with the Fam
Perhaps I wasn’t fair to the Griswolds earlier. Their adventures were famously riddled with peril, but Clark did note, “Why aren't we flying? Because getting there is half the fun. You know that.” Traveling with the family in your very own camper van is a great way to embrace the journey and create unforgettable memories.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Wanderful Wheels for a personalized consultation and begin designing your dream family camper van today. Together, we’ll build a camper van that pairs perfectly with your family’s lifestyle and adventures.