Camping Cars For Sale

Overview

For some, a car is just a car to drive from place to place. But for others, it is a means of transport to gather friends and family, a mobile short-term accommodation, or a cabin with rim wheels. There is a simple way to call them: Camping cars.

Inherited by the outstanding base power of standard bulky vehicles, with added features for smooth handling and camping capability, these best camping cars for sale have all the advantages of being an MVP. They are worth accompanying whenever you plan a trip towards every roadway condition!

What Are Camping Cars?

You have seen them before, those bulky cumbrous-like vehicles that can go through terrains and come with exclusive interior design for traveling, including tables, single beds, or kitchenware.

Used mainly for short trips or fast-paced gatherings, they appear more compact and street-friendly compared to huge class-A RVs and big motorhomes.

You can use almost any vehicle to start a car camping trip, as long as they are suitable in power and size.

Furthermore, you don't need the most recent model of this manufacturing line to make your trip memorable. However, for those who want to go all in, take a closer look at certain essential features of the finest cars for camping.

What Makes The Best Camping Cars

First, the best car camping vehicle should be one of these types to ensure maximum experience and handling capability.

• Camper vans/Truck campers: Though not set up for full facilities within the interior like the typical class-A RVs or full-packed motorhomes, they are among the most optimal choice of recreational vehicles for camping.
• Van: A van is another common choice for road trips thanks to its versatility and open space behind the front seats.
• Truck/Pickup truck: You can make good use of a truck bed to convert it to a resting area.
• SUV: The SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) highlights comfort and spacious interior areas, suitable for stocking trip packages.

For each vehicle type above, review the following factors that define the best camping vehicles.

Large Storage Capacity

The ideal camping cars offer abundant space for storage and activities during trips, such as sleeping, cooking, playing, etc.

If you plan to travel on a week or more trail, your camping car needs large spaces to carry stuff around easily. You probably want to consider models with foldable back seats for bedding purposes.

4WD or AWD Drivetrain

The 4WD or AWD drivetrain cars are non-negotiable for any trip on different terrain. With more stability and control when driving, they send power to all car wheels to ensure traction and good grip in several hardcore conditions.

High Ground Clearance

For the feeling of safety and security on every road, the ground clearance is also worth considering. The distance between your lowest car position and the ground surface should always be calculated carefully.

If you travel on rock-and-rut terrain, consider car models with 8.5 to 9 inches of ground clearance (or more). Also, 10.5 to 11 inches is a bare minimum when you occasionally experience off-road driving.

Good Fuel Economy

One of the most crucial factors that highlight the best camping cars for sale is their fuel economy. Don't look down on the power of good fuel economy. In the middle of nowhere, fuel power is the one that accompanies you.

Note that the more you load, the faster fuel economy will drop. So keep an eye on your tank, and don't let it run empty without any backup plan.

Towing Capacity

With good towing capacity, you will have good camping vehicles. You can find this number in the owner's handbook for bigger vehicle classes, but if not, calculate it with those calculators online.

Optimal Weight Capacity (Payload)

Weight capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can sustain, and those with a larger payload can shape some of the finest camp cars.

This number often shows in the owner's handbook or the driver's side door jamb. The expected numbers can be anywhere from 200 to 800 kilograms, depending on the specific models you choose.

Robust Suspension

Have a clear idea of what you will experience on road trips to make the most out of your decision on the best car for camping in. Will the road be full of rock or just a smooth paved one? Take all that in mind!

Best Camping Cars For Sale

Here are our picks for the best vehicles for car camping you can take a closer look at, not in any order.

Toyota Camroad

The Toyota Camroad's 1615 mm wide will ensure your experience in the room and packages.

Being an affordable option for commercial van platforms, this model also offers configurations that can be variably set up, from basic camper vans to luxurious lines with spacious living areas.

Toyota Dyna Truck

Making our list of the best camping cars for sale, the Toyota Dyna Truck comes with superior safety features such as Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Anti-lock brakes (ABS). 

Specially used for transporting and road trips, Dyna Truck will give you the best service of practicality and value for money.

Isuzu ELF Truck

The long and firm bed is an outstanding feature for any sleepover trip of the Isuzu ELF Truck. With a used Isuzu ELF truck starting from $2,500 or a more recent line for about $25,000-$75,000, you can freely access its undeniable advantages, such as spacious cargo areas, large payload accompanied by its size, and 8.5 inches of ground clearance. 

This Isuzu truck also has options of a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and a four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrain.

So, if you plan to access a plain/flat road or even a structured terrain, this can be a good pick in the long term.

Mitsubishi Fuso Canter

Mitsubishi Fuso Canter is another favorite camping car for campers, one of a few that can satisfy your auto modification desire with loads of aftermarket replacement parts.

You can freely use its space for many leisure and entertaining activities during your trips. Offering an MPG of about 29, a 2WD/4WD drivetrain, and a robust suspension that can tow up to 3.5 tons (7,716 pounds), the Fuso Canter will be your dream companion on the road.

Honda Acty Van

Among the best vans for campers, the Honda Acty Van's reputation is accompanied by the customization and a decent powerhouse.

With loads of choices from drivetrains, color schemes, or wheelbases, you can get the Acty Van of your dreams for an optimized model that suits your needs, at a very reasonable price tag.

However, beware of using these for off-road trips as they may encounter a few drawbacks on the ground clearance.

Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa Bus

No limit can be set on the Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa Bus if you know how to handle it well on suitable terrain. 

As a sturdy bus of up to 8.5 tons, the mission statement of this model is exceeding the expectations of payload and towing capacity that any camper would ever imagine.

Towing and camping in confidence with Rosa Bus!

FAQs

How do camping cars differ from motorhomes and RVs?

Camping cars are often more compact in size, easy to maneuver, and affordable compared to motorhomes and RVs.

Can I modify camping cars?

Yes, you can customize a camping vehicle in terms of exterior, interior structures, or engine level-up.  

Are electric cars for camping available?

Some automakers, such as Nissan, have launched electronic campers into the market. However, the number and quality are still on the way to getting public recognition. 

Can camping cars hold their resale value?

Typically, these vehicle's values can drop about 10-20% after their first-year use. The drop-intense level depends on the makes, the models, or the availability for customization. 

Conclusion

Finding the best camping cars for sale has never been an easy and straight-minded journey. Take mindful consideration of price, features, and capabilities on various terrains of your go-to model. There will be a lot to consider, but your final choice will be worth it all.