family tour van

The 12 Best Travel Vans for a Family of 4

Families looking to mix up their old holiday routines and escape the constraints of everyday life should abandon the familiar four walls of their homes and trade them in for a pair of wheels. Road tripping is one of the most popular ways to explore the country, and there are endless destinations to explore. Nothing is worse than cramped quarters and a diet consisting solely of gas station food – so finding the right vehicle is critical for any successful holiday on the road. 

There are endless options when it comes to van life for families, with hundreds of different makes, models, and amenities to choose from. It may seem a bit daunting to sift through all the styles, so we’ve rounded up the 12 best travel vans for a family of 4 (or less!).

All that’s left for you to do is plan your trip, pack your bags, and decide who gets to ride shotgun!

Table of Contents

1. Volkswagen California Camper Van

Website: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/california.html

When it comes to travel vans, Volkswagen has had their name in the game for decades. While images of retro hippie vans clad in vibrant colors may come to mind when you think about Volkswagen vans, the company has changed along with the times and the California Camper Van has everything a family of 4 will need for a successful road tripping experience. 

The California Camper Van comes in four different base models, but no matter which design you pick you’re guaranteed a set of standard features like a pop-up roof, high-quality interior fittings, and driver assistance systems, to name just a few.

The van’s space-saving design allows two adults and two children to sleep comfortably, and there’s also some trunk space for any camping gear or luggage you may have with you. There’s even a removable camping table and chairs that can fold down and out of the way, making picnicking a breeze no matter where you are. 

While the Volkswagen California Camper Van isn’t the biggest, fastest, or fanciest of travel vans, it certainly is one of the most affordable, and the high-quality engineering is sure to last you for decades.

One thing that hasn’t changed about the Volkswagen van after all these years is the freedom and independence it symbolizes – so families of 4 looking for a no-nonsense approach to life on the road will find little to complain about with any of the California models.

2. Hymer Aktiv 2.0

Another famous name in the travel van game is Hymer, a German company that has been building camper vans since 1953. Hymer is known for its customizable pop-tops and high-quality German engineering, all at a competitive price point. The Hymer Aktiv 2.0 is one of the best travel vans for a family of 4, with plenty of room for two adults and two kids to sleep comfortably. 

The Aktiv 2.0 is built with solid bones, including a 249 extended wheelbase and a full stability program that includes engine drag control, wind and sway assist, rollover mitigation, and electronic stability control to keep your family safe no matter the conditions. 

The inside of the travel van is just as well equipped as the outside, with a pop-top for extra standing and sleeping room, an air conditioning and heating system, and even a built-in bathroom with a toilet, a flip-down sink, and a small vanity. You’ll also find a 24-inch TV complete with HDMI hookup should you wish to have a movie or game night, in addition to multiple charging points and an inverter. 

Once you’re ready to enjoy a family meal, the two cab seats swivel around to face the dinette area and booth seat, allowing for four to sit comfortably at the table. The table can stay down while driving – and if anyone needs to get any work done while on the road, the table doubles as a desk. 

While the Hymer Aktiv 2.0 offers many great features, it’s still a relatively small van. This makes it easy to maneuver, and the 3.6-liter gas engine gets remarkably good gas mileage. 

3. MOD Vans CV1

Website: https://www.modvans.com/

If you’re looking for a versatile and low-maintenance travel van for your family of 4, the MOD Vans CV1 is without a doubt one of your best options. Not only is it good for hauling the kiddos to and from school and soccer practice, but on the weekend you can take this camper van out on the open road for some good old-fashioned family fun. 

Thanks to its low center of gravity, off-road capabilities, and advanced driving assistance features, the CV1 is a breeze to drive and easy to park. Although it is smaller in size than some of the other family travel vans on our list, the imaginative design means you won’t have to sacrifice any of the RV-like amenities, including:

• A modern interior, built with a sleek and functional design
• A dual burner propane stove
• A deep sink
• A mini-fridge
• Additional foldable counter space
• A small dining area with a table and seats for two 

It might surprise you that a van of this size can comfortably sleep 4, but thanks to the pop-top roof and removable bed, overnight stays are achievable (and comfortable!). There’s also plenty of roof space for kayaks, bikes, or surfboards, and there’s even room for a toilet if you want to experience van living in its truest form. 

The CV1 has a few options for factory customization and most of the RV components are removable, making it easy to convert back into your everyday vehicle after a weekend away. 

4. Knaus Boxlife 630 ME

Website: https://www.knaus.com/en-int/camper-vans-cuv/boxlife-630/layout-data/630-me/standard-equipment/

One of the best value travel vans on our list is the Knaus Boxlife 660 ME, especially for those who are looking for comfortable sleeping areas. This is actually the main attraction to the Knaus Boxlife, and not only can it comfortably sleep families of 4, but there’s actually space for up to 7 overnight guests in this versatile van. 

It’s not just small cots with flimsy mattresses, either. In the back of the van, you’ll find the largest sleeping area, with a queen-size bed in the “roof” area and another flip-down sofa bed that sleeps 2 right beneath it. This is the perfect arrangement for a family of 4, but if you have additional guests or someone who wants a little extra privacy, the main area of the van boasts a dinette that can convert into a single bed and a lift-away bed that can be squeezed into the front for 2 more people. 

The practical design of the Knaus Boxlife 630 ME also features tons of clever storage systems along with anything else you’d hope to find in a home away from home including a spacious kitchen, a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower, and the aforementioned dinette with seating for up to 4. 

Perhaps the best part about this travel van is that the base price is extremely affordable, especially when you consider all of the top-notch features that are included. 

5. Winnebago Mercedes Benz Revel 4×4

Website: https://www.winnebago.com/models/product/motorhomes/camper-van/revel

Adventurous families of 4 looking for a vehicle that can keep up with their lifestyle should look no further than the Winnebago Mercedes Benz Revel 4×4. This rock-solid travel van is built adventure-ready, with a 3-liter turbo engine, 325 lbs/ft of torque, and plenty of room for any and all of your recreational gear. You could park this puppy almost anywhere, and the four-wheel drive means off-roading is always on the table. 

In between adventures, you can spread out and relax inside the spacious interior of the van. The Winnebago Revel is so comfortable that you may find it hard to leave!

The power lift bed makes it easy to get a good night’s sleep and stow the bed away when you need more storage. The only downside is that families of 4 will need to pack a tent or some other sleeping arrangement for the other two family members.

The dinette area is complete with cozy bench seating, and the captain chairs swivel around to provide a perfect dining area for four. Of course, you could always enjoy your meals in the great outdoors thanks to the clever flip-out table located on the outside of the van. You won’t even need a bonfire to cook off-grid meals, as the kitchen area of the van is equipped with a sink, water purifier, mini-fridge, and storable induction cooktop, all powered by an impressive electrical system that gets its juice from the solar panels on the roof. 

6. RB Components Sawtooth Touring Van

Website: https://rbcomponents.com/products/sawtooth-04

Another one of the best travel vans for a family of 4 is the RB Components Sawtooth Touring Van. This van has all the bells and whistles, and you’ll find that there’s no need for customization in this fully loaded vehicle. Whether you’re embarking on a short camping trip near home or a cross-country adventure, this van will check all the boxes. 

The inside is equipped with a large fresh water tank, a bathroom (with a toilet and shower), a full kitchen, and two comfortable dining areas complete with comfortable leather seating. There’s also plenty of storage space for any gear or luggage you might have with you, and there’s even a small closet area to hang up clothes.

The second dining area converts into double sleeping bunks, allowing families of 4 to sleep comfortably. The downside of the sleeping area is that it does take some time to manually set up, but once complete, a good night’s sleep is almost guaranteed. 

The van’s electricity is powered by integrated rooftop solar panels, and there’s also additional storage space up top if you need more room for your gear. Other exterior features of the Sawtooth Touring Van include a full-sized awning, a built-in BBQ, and top and bottom front light bars. There’s not much not to love about this fully equipped vehicle, though the price point certainly does reflect all of its top-notch features.

7. Fiat Ducato Sunlight Cliff 600 Camper Van

Website: https://www.fiatcamper.com/en/product/fiat-ducato-camper-van

The Fiat Ducato Sunlight Cliff 600 Camper Van is the perfect home away from home for families of 4, and its small yet spacious design makes it one of the easiest travel vans to maneuver. There are also over 600 different layouts (hence the name), so those looking to customize to perfection will find a good option in this travel van. 

Some of the standard features that make this base a popular one include its square shape (which allows you to utilize every last inch of space), the superior handling and turning radius, and the comprehensive roadside assistance that is available in over 50 different countries. 

The inside of the van is just as thoughtfully designed as the outside with a refrigerator mounted at chest height, a built-in washroom with swivel taps, and plenty of space for bikes or any other outdoor gear you might be hauling.

The only downside to the Fiat camper van is that it can only sleep three comfortably, but if you have a tent or hammock with you (or if you don’t plan on sleeping in the van at all) this isn’t a complete deal breaker when it comes to traveling with a family of 4. 

8. DoubleBack Camper Van

Website: https://www.doubleback.co.uk/

One of the most unique conversions in the travel van industry is this design by DoubleBack. While pop-tops are fairly common for camper vans, this pull-out feature is truly revolutionary. Nicknamed “the Swiss Army knife of vans”, this custom build allows for impressive living and sleeping space without the inconvenience of driving a large vehicle. 

With just the press of a button, the standard size VW 2.5 TDI Transporter extends into a 6-foot sleeping pod that can hold up to 900 pounds of gear, furniture, and humans. DoubleBack ensures that you’ll get the best of both worlds with this nifty van, and the pop-top opens up into an additional sleeping space – making this vehicle perfect for a family of 4. 

The main van area features a two-seater bench with a fold-down table, and a kitchen area with a sink, refrigerator, and plenty of storage space. Once the pod expands, an additional living area is created which includes even more seating and table space. This versatile design is perfect for those who want the space of an RV but don’t want the hassle of driving a large vehicle. 

9. Kompanja Renault Trafic Camper

Website: https://www.kompanja.de/

Not only is this conversion camper van by Kompanja extremely sleek and stylish, but it’s also one of the best travel vans for families of 4. While almost every aspect of the vehicle is customizable, the base attributes offer more than enough for families to travel in comfort. 

The boxy shape affords more room than many of the other models on our list, especially when it comes to sleeping space. The pop-top can comfortably sleep 2, while the additional pull-out bed is perfect for pairs who love to snooze under the open sky. One of the main selling points of this travel van is the outdoor projector, which takes family movie nights to a whole new level. 

There is also a slide-out kitchen (complete with a 35L refrigerator) and table, which allows you to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals during your travels.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can enjoy a game of cards at the removable indoor dining table, and the whole family can gather around this area thanks to the swivel capabilities of the two captain chairs.

This van is a dream come true for those looking for an indoor space that allows you to enjoy the best of the great outdoors, and you’ll find tons of storage space for any gear you may be hauling with you. 

10. This Moving House – Bespoke Vehicle Conversions

Website: https://www.thismovinghouse.co.uk/jubel-explorer/

For some, customizing van interiors is more art than it is sciencem- and the folks over at This Moving House certainly have created a few masterpieces over the past few years. Families looking for a truly one-of-a-kind travel van will be hard-pressed to find a better option. Whether you’re looking to travel on the weekends or try out full-time van life, these customized builds will give you everything you’re looking for and more.  

Every van conversion is completely unique, but the process for building your dream van is almost always the same. You’ll first need to work with the company to source a vehicle for the conversion (usually a Mercedes Sprinter or something similar), and then you’d describe your wants and needs. The designers get to work on creating the van of your dreams. 

One of the signature design aspects of these bespoke vehicle conversions is the sleeping arrangement, made up of a double bed for the adults and two single pods for the youngsters. This clever arrangement is as practical as it is cozy, giving everyone their own private space on extended trips in the van. The stairs leading up to the pods double as a storage space, and you’ll find additional room for storing clothes and gear underneath the double bed. 

The kitchen area features more beautiful design aspects, including a belfast style sink, a double burner propane stovetop, a 70-liter fridge, and clever storage spaces for all your cooking essentials. You can enjoy meals at the table in front of the interchangeable seating row, and the two captain chairs swivel around so families can dine all together.  

Other features of these dreamy van conversions include:

• A stowable toilet
• A wet storage area
• Pull-out storage in the back
• 12v electrics throughout

As each conversion is incredibly unique, you can expect to wait up to a year for your van to be complete and a hefty price tag to go with it. 

11. Sportsmobile Mercedes Benz 4×4 Sprinter

Website: https://sportsmobile.com/mercedes-benz-4×4-sprinter/

Families who enjoy going well off the beaten path will find one of the best travel van options to be the Sportsmobile Mercedes Benz 4×4 Sprinter conversion. With 325lb-ft torque, 188 hp, a five-speed automatic transmission, and a raised frame, this van can handle virtually any condition you put it through. 

While the inside may not be as outfitted as some of the other models on our list, it does offer plenty of space for families of 4 to stretch out and relax during their time on the road.

The pop-top allows for plenty of headspace and makes for a cozy sleeping area, all while economizing the “downstairs” space for custom features like bathrooms, kitchens, additional sleeping areas, and anything else your heart desire. The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing this bad boy! 

12. Suncamper Santa Cruz Motorhome

Website: https://suncampermotorhomes.com.au/motorhomes/santa-cruz/

To attain the highest degree of luxury in a travel van for a family of 4, you may want to consider purchasing something a bit bigger than the standard models. While not technically a travel van, the Suncamper Santa Cruz Motorhome is one of the best options for hitting the road, especially for those looking for comfort and style. 

More reminiscent of a 5-star hotel than a home on wheels, the Suncamper boasts high-quality features that are unmatched in the travel van game:

• One of the best areas in the motorhome is the “bedroom”, complete with a comfy queen-size bed, mood lighting, and a TV.
• Just next to this prime sleeping area you’ll find a full bathroom with impressive lighting, a swivel toilet, vanity, sink, backlit mirror, and full-sized shower. There’s even a washer mounted to the wall in this area, proving that no detail has been missed for life on the road. 
• The kitchen area is equally awe-inspiring, and starting the day with a coffee from the integrated pop-up coffee machine will certainly get you started on the right foot.
• You’ll also be able to cook up delicious family meals thanks to the full cooking range, oven, microwave, and massive storage spaces.
• If that wasn’t enough, there’s an additional kitchen area on the outside of the motorhome, complete with an extra cooktop, fridge, and sink.
• You can also pop out the awning, pull out the table and chairs, and switch on the outdoor TV to enjoy this perfect entertaining area fully. 

The dinette inside is a great place to enjoy yourselves if the weather isn’t cooperating, and after a full day of traveling, this area pulls out into an additional sleeping space for the young ones in your group. There’s even another TV here if you want to enjoy a movie night.

This much luxury doesn’t come cheap – but if you can afford it, this might just be your best option when it comes to traveling with your family.  

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10 Best Van Tours We’ve EVER Filmed!

Van conversion guide.

last updated: Feb 24, 2022

In the last few years we have filmed a LOT of van tours .

Each one offering unique design choices that have helped other van converters feel inspired for their own builds.

But with so many videos on offer, knowing where to start can feel daunting.

That’s why we decided it was time to put together this ultimate list of the best van tours we have so far come across.

There should be something for eveyone below, featuring ideal vans for families, couples, adventure travelers, surfers, bikers …

Absolutely everything!

So let’s get started with our first pick …

1. The Ultimate Family Van Tour

Kicking off this list of the 10 best van tours we have ever filmed is this ultra family-friendly van conversion named “Everest”. 

Everest truly is a van conversion that has family adventure written all over it.

Not only does it have the capacity to safely seat six people with seatbelts, but it also has the capacity to sleep them! 

In this van conversion, there are 4 seatbelted seats across from the door to the van, directly behind the two front seats. 

These seats have a fold-down table in between them, so this seating area doubles as a workspace, living room, or area to simply gather together and enjoy some family time.

As a unique bonus, from this seated area, there is even access to a stereo system to control music from the back of the van!

When it’s time for bed, these four seats and table transform into a double bed to sleep on. 

Behind the seats is the highlight of this van tour- a set of three platform bunk beds built into the van! 

Each bunk bed is private and cozy, with its own reading light, privacy curtain, and storage pouch. There is also a ladder built into the bunks for easy access to the top bunk.

Across from the beds is this van’s kitchen.

The kitchen is simple yet incredibly functional.

It is equipped with a sink, stove, fridge, and plenty of storage and counter space. 

Next to the sink and across from the bunk beds is this van conversion’s private bathroom . The bathroom is equipped with a toilet, and having it inside the van makes traveling in a van with kids that much more simple! 

2. The Best Self-Build Van Conversion

This elegant yet functional van is easily one of the best van tours we’ve ever filmed. 

The floorplan of this design is also one of our 10 best campervan floor plans for you to steal!

It was designed and built in just six months by a particularly talented solo female artist. 

The design of the van has a few nautical elements to it, including a raised floor running throughout the entirety of the van for extra storage. 

Having a raised floor was made possible due to the van’s extra high roof. With the extra-high roof, there is still plenty of headspace in the van, even with the raised floor.

Additionally, this van is complete with a kitchen, as well as a walk-in shower with a toilet. 

The shower is quite lovely, with a black paint that makes the walls look as if they were made of stone.

One of the most incredible features in the shower is a hand shaped oval window.

The oval window is a seemingly simple detail, which in reality, took lots of work, skill, and precision to get just right.

Beautiful artwork throughout the van is what really makes this conversion special. 

Not only are the walls covered in beautiful prints, but also more unique pieces of artwork- from a hexagonal tile backsplash to the rope lining the walls and serving as handles for all of the doors and cabinets. 

This van also has a large garage under its fixed double bed, with plenty of room to house the water tanks, as well as full-length surfboards! 

3. Solo Female Van Life

This vanlife tour features a lovely and functional van conversion, designed for a solo female living and traveling on the road!

The van has a fully equipped kitchen with a farmhouse-style sink, 2 burner stovetop, and refrigerator. 

There is plenty of counter space and room for food storage- there is even a Berkey water filter on the counter!

The numerous windows and lights in this van give it a light and airy feel- which is amplified by the white paint of the interior.

There is a sliding door with a full-length mirror on it that provides access to the cab of the van- a great feature for convenience, comfort, and safety.

Across from the kitchen is a large storage cabinet, with large sliding drawers that houses a composting toilet underneath it.

Across from the cabinet is a bench seat. 

Directly in front of the bench seat, there is a sliding table that slides out from under the bed to serve as a workspace/ living room area in the van.

The van has a fixed double bed that runs widthwise in the van- which allows for the van to feel even more spacious.

4. Van Conversion with Home Cinema

This LWB Sprinter van conversion is utterly incredible.

One of the highlights of this van conversion is its large, L-shaped kitchen. With ample counter space, it also has a beautiful mini Belfast sink, along with an impressively large four burner stove top.

The kitchen also is equipped with loads of overhead storage cabinets, and chic little shelves for spices, coffee, and even cookbooks!

Plus, a beautiful green tile backsplash gives this van’s kitchen an extra unique look.

Another of this van’s incredible and unique features is its in-home cinema! A projector screen rolls down from above the kitchen for awesome movie viewing from the bed or this van’s seating area. 

The projector screen they use for this is a Viewsonic Mini Travel Projector .

This van’s living room area consists of two bench seats at the foot of the bed, with a slide-out table between them.

This area contains sufficient seating space for three people to sit around the table.

The bed in this van is a fixed double raised platform bed. 

There is more overhead storage above the bed, as well as a full bookshelf and plenty of plants. 

Having a fixed platform bed like this allows this van conversion to have a large garage underneath for storage, and to hold their unique shower system- a Camplux instant hot water tankless shower ! 

5. Incredible Bohemian Van Tour

This camper van conversion is one of the most beautiful vans I’ve ever toured! In fact, it’s also on our list of the best campervan interiors .

This campervan conversion features another large and beautiful L-shaped kitchen. 

It has plenty of counter space, in addition to a 2 burner stovetop, sink, green waste compartment, fridge, and even an oven! 

Having a proper oven in a campervan is quite the luxury. It makes it incredibly easy to warm up meals, and in the winter time, using the oven will also warm up your entire campervan’s interior!

What really makes this kitchen unique is the decor. 

The kitchen is beautifully decorated, complete with a brass kitchen backsplash, plants, and lovely pieces of artwork. 

Above the kitchen is an access hatch to the cab.

While closing off the cab of a campervan often provides more space for the van conversion, having access to the cab is an important safety feature, as well as a comfort feature in poor weather. 

Closing off the cab but leaving a door for access like she did in this van conversion is a great way to have the best of both worlds! 

Another incredible feature in this van tour is the home office setup. 

Utilizing two bench seats and a Lagun swivel table , this van conversion is fully equipped to work remotely on the road.

When not in use as a workspace, the table flips down and combines with the bench seat to form a large bed in the back of the van.

You might also like: How Much Does A Van Conversion Cost?

This van tour really demonstrates how decorative touches can make a van conversion truly incredible- and needless to say, we are thoroughly impressed. 

6. The Luxury Van Tour

Vanlife meets luxury with this next van on the list. Which once again opted for the Sprinter as the base vehicle, probably the most common van used for a conversion .

This beautiful Sprinter Van conversion is chock full of lovely details and features that make this van conversion unique.

Walking into this van conversion, the first thing you see is a vanity-style sink against the cab, directly adjacent to the shower.

The vanity area is quite beautiful, and features a sink with brass taps, and a faux marble countertop.

There is also a lovely print above the vanity. Hidden behind the print is a stealthy access point between the cab and the back of the van! 

This van also has a large bathroom accompanied with a shower and portapotty. To match the theme of the rest of the van, the shower has a brass faucet.

For an extra unique look, the shower is painted to look as if it were made of concrete!

I particularly like how they incorporated a window into the shower to provide more natural lighting inside the shower.

This van conversion’s kitchen is incredible. The kitchen also has a faux marble countertop to match the vanity, as well as a pink tile backsplash for a pop of color. 

In addition to a stove, oven, and fridge/freezer combo, this van’s kitchen is also equipped with an actual espresso machine and blender! How’s that for breakfast on the road?

The living room area in this van conversion fits snugly against the fixed double bed. 

It consists of a table and two bench seats conveniently located right in front of a window. To take advantage of the space, there is additional storage available underneath the bench seats. 

The fixed double bed is a raised platform style bed, which also happens to be one of our favorite campervan bed ideas ! 

With this setup, there is room for a large garage underneath with plenty of room to house their entire electrical unit and more!

7. The Extra-Spacious Van Tour

This van conversion features a Mercedes Vario that has been transformed into an incredible home on wheels.

They have adopted some really unique conversion ideas into their build. I love how open, light, and airy this van feels- they really make the most of the space in this van. The hanging surfboard storage is also a nice touch!

The back of the van has a fixed king bed. Above it is a projector for cozy van movie nights!

The bed is also surrounded by windows, so you can enjoy beautiful views from the bed of the surrounding environment.

There are also curtains and blackout screens for when you want the van to be dark and private.

There is a very large seating area at the foot of the bed. It consists of two bench seats and a slideout table.

One of the bench seats is quite large, and flattens into a guest bed!

The kitchen in this van is very big, and has all of the amenities.

I particularly like how they left one of the kitchen cabinets open to display all of their different spices and cooking supplies!

The use of a gray tile backsplash is also a nice decorative touch in this van conversion.

Next to the kitchen, is a large walk-in bathroom, complete with a toilet, shower, and ample shelf space for soaps and other shower necessities.

The cab of the van is open to the back, and includes a handy built-in shelf for storing drinks and other items while on the road.

8. High Comfort Van Tour

This van conversion allows for scenic drives all while in an incredibly comfortable van. 

This van is packed with great features, as well as a clean and classy look.

With a large sink, induction cooktop, and massive chest-style refrigerator/freezer combo, this van conversion’s kitchen is fully loaded. 

Above the kitchen counter is a long window, complete with a blackout screen, and three locks for safety. 

There is also plenty of overhead storage located in the cabinets above the kitchen, and the drawers underneath!

One of the most unique features in this campervan conversion is its shower setup. 

In order to maintain a completely open camper layout , the shower in this van is hidden in plain sight.

To access the shower, a section of the kitchen counter folds up to reveal a shower pan, and the cabinets above the countertop open to reveal shower curtains and a showerhead. 

When building this van conversion , they were looking for a way that allowed privacy when in the shower, without the loss of space that usually comes from building in a separate shower room. 

The living room area of the van rests at the foot of the bed with two adjacent bench seats. In between the bench seats is a table that slides out from under the bed. 

Having a separate living room space and a fixed bed is quite nice in a shared campervan, as it allows for one person to be using the living room space while the other is in bed- something that is not a possibility with other bed setups. 

The bed itself is a fixed platform bed, with his and hers overhead storage cabinets. 

I particularly like the use of netting under the storage cabinets for a little extra storage. 

There is a large garage underneath the van with ample space for the van’s electric system, water tanks, and more. 

Everything in this van can be powered off of the van’s whopping 720 watts of solar- that’s right, this van can even get off-grid.

9. Off-Grid Van Tour

This adventure van is rearing and ready to go on a national parks road trip. 

It’s a Ford Transit 148 Wheelbase, and the van’s outer features are just as cool as its interior conversion. 

This van is equipped with a massive awning to relax under, as well as intensely bright LEDs that are just perfect for rolling up to campsites late at night.

The interior of the van is impressively well-equipped for a 148 wheelbase- this van also happens to be one of the best Ford Transit van conversions !

Not only does it have two working spaces, but also a fixed double bed, 8-foot long countertop, and full shower! 

The cab of the van is left open in this conversion, and the two front seats are on swivels that turn around and meet with swivel tables to serve as a place to eat, or a workspace. 

There is also an additional bench seat that folds flat up against the van when not in use.

Across from this van’s kitchen is more storage, and a separate shower complete with a Nature’s Head Composting Toilet .

The fixed platform bed fits widthwise in this van, and even has a little bookshelf and even a shoot for dirty laundry underneath the bed! 

Having the fixed bed fit widthwise saves a ton of space in the van, and is one of the reasons why this campervan conversion is able to have so many awesome features.

There is even a TV above the bed that can rotate to be watched from both in bed, and from the front seating area of the van.

It’s incredible how this campervan has so many impressive features jammed into its 148 wheelbase, and yet still doesn’t feel cramped! 

10. The Insane Off-Road Van Conversion

Here we have another one of the best off-road Sprinter van tours – a LWB Sprinter Van named Bruce Banner.

Bruce Banner started off as a white, 2wd Cargo van- and has since been transformed into a green machine, and the ultimate off-roading vehicle.

On the exterior, this van has a Linex coat of green and black paint that protects it from scratches.

The van is equipped with very powerful LEDs, as well as a snorkel and upgraded tires for off-roading.

The roof of the van houses a huge solar panel with 375 watts of power, as well as extra gear storage.

The interior of this van is equally packed with incredible features.

The kitchen is complete with a stainless steel sink, extra large fridge, induction cooktop, and separate freezer! 

The shower is also stainless steel, and is complete with a Dometic Toilet .

Long overhead storage cabinets run lengthwise down the van, lined with LEDs for lighting.

In the front of the van, the seats are on swivels to create a workstation/ living room area to use along with a Lagun swivel table , and custom upholstered bench seat.

With so many incredible features packed both inside this van conversion and on its exterior, this is without a doubt one of the best van tours we have ever filmed!

Final Thoughts

As you’ve seen, each of these vans is unique and special, and suits a different type of van lifer.

From the incredible family adventure van Everest, to the Bruce Banner adventure van- these van conversions are seriously awesome.

I hope you walk away from this list feeling impressed, inspired, and perhaps even ready to embark on your own campervan conversion journey – I know I sure did!

You might also like:

• Best Ram Promaster Van Conversions

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The guide anyone can use to convert a van into a camper! With over $350 worth of savings inside

Do you want to live vanlife at zero cost?

Nate Murphy knows how to buy vans, convert them quickly and efficiently - use them for years - and then sell them for a profit. This can make vanlife not just free, but profitable!

He has successfully done this for years and he teaches his friends and students to do exactly the same. It is not obvious, but anyone can do it if they have the knowledge!

Join Nate at his free online training (running today) and he will teach you exactly how he does this!

The Van Conversion Guide (14th Edition)

The guide anyone can use to convert a van into a camper! This best-selling guide, now in its 14th Edition, has been used by thousands of people to transform a van into a camper.

• 150+ page eBook
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• Diagrams for all the main systems
• FREE mini-course - 28 video tutorials

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Best Vans for Families of 2024

There are plenty of cars in the US that can haul a family around town without breaking a sweat, but when it comes to Cheaper by the Dozen families or long road trips where you might want a little personal space from time to time, then family vans are one of the best choices. The best van for a family of 5 or 6 can often be a minivan, but if you want the best van for a family of 8, then full-size passenger vans are more appropriate. This is a list of the top vans for families in the USA for 2024:

2023 Ford Transit Passenger Van

2023 mercedes-benz metris passenger van, 2023 gmc savana passenger van, 2022 ram promaster city passenger wagon, 2023 ford transit trail camper van, characteristics of the best passenger vans for large families.

Since a few different body styles can fall into this category, the characteristics that define them can be varied. However, there are certain things any van meant for big families should have.

What to Consider When Buying a Family Van

Vans are seldom at the top of any shopping list for a new vehicle, but they offer certain benefits above and beyond what you’d get from other good family cars. Of course, there are drawbacks you need to consider, too.

• Unparalleled levels of passenger space
• Very easy access to the rear-most seats
• Good safety ratings
• Comfortable over long jaunts
• Powerful engine options for towing
• Often seen as unattractive
• Not fun or easy to drive
• Limited feature availability
• Heavy on gas

What is the best passenger van for a large family?

When it comes to moving your family, safety and comfort are often top of mind, which is why the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van is a top choice. It boasts an upscale interior and more features than you’d find in many rivals. The Ford Transit Connect and Ram Promaster City models are cheaper alternatives but still very good ones. Ford and Mercedes both offer larger variants of their vans if you need even more space.

What family van gets the best mileage?

Smaller vans can achieve respectable fuel economy, similar to that of minivans. The Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon manages 24/28 mpg city/highway, while the Ram Promaster City Passenger Wagon gets 21/28 mpg.

How much do the best vans for large families cost?

While you won’t find a large van for less than $30,000, the starting price is not usually much higher, with Ford and Ram both having products in the mid-$30k region. Mercedes vans start at around $40,000.

How reliable are 7-seater family vans?

Often based on their cargo-hauling siblings, passenger vans can take a real beating, and even without meticulous maintenance, they manage long lifespans. Take care of them, though, and they will help you transport your kids from kindergarten all the way through to college.

Best Minivans for Families

We’ve put together the following guide to the best minivans for families, with a detailed look at features to help you choose the best one for your needs.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

Great Choices With Versatility and Room for the Whole Gang

Minivans may not be getting the same kind of showroom love as SUVs these days, but the fact remains that no SUV offers the combination of passenger room, versatility and cargo capacity that you'll find in a minivan.

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Some minivans, including the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica, offer the added traction of all-wheel-drive, just like an SUV. And thanks to fuel-efficient engines and available hybrid powertrains, most minivans deliver better significantly fuel mileage than many SUVs.

If you’ve got a small crowd to get around, your passengers will thank you for choosing an minivan over an SUV. With big sliding power side doors and second row seats that slide forward for easier third row access, getting into the back of a minivan is much easier than most SUVs. Plus, there’s better leg an headroom once you’re there.

With all that in mind, we’ve put together the following guide to the best minivans for families in 2022, with a detailed look at features to help you choose the best one for your needs.

More on the 2022 Honda Odyssey

• See 2022 Honda Odyssey Photos  »
• Find 2022 Honda Odyssey For Sale  »
• Read the 2022 Honda Odyssey Full Review  »
• See Minivan Rankings  »

Kia Motors America |

5) 2022 Kia Carnival

Overall score: n/a | safety score: 9.8/10.

Overview: Introduced for the 2022 model year, the Kia Carnival is the newest entry in the category and brings a lot to the table. Strong points include a long list of standard features and an upscale, spacious cabin. The Carnival may not be as quick as some competitors or offer a ride that’s quite as cushy, but it does bring strong value for the price.

Safety: The Carnival earned top marks in crash tests conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway safety, and it comes equipped as standard with many advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Predicted Reliability: As this is written, the 2022 Kia Carnival does not yet have a predicted reliability score. The Carnival is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile limited factory warranty and a 10-year/10,000-mile powertrain warranty.

More on the 2022 Kia Carnival

• See 2022 Kia Carnival Photos  »
• Find 2022 Kia Carnival For Sale  »
• Read the 2022 Kia Carnival Full Review  »

2022 Kia Carnival

Interior score: 8.4/10.

Passenger Space: The Carnival can accommodate either seven or eight passengers, depending. The first and second row seats are roomy and comfortable, but the third row is short on headroom for adults.

Cargo Volume (Max Cargo Volume: 145.1 cu ft): With the third-row seats in the up position, the Carnival has an impressive 40.2 cubic feet of cargo room. Fold those seats into the floor, and capacity increases to 86.9 cubic feet. Folding the second row boosts cargo room to 145.1 cubic feet, but that’s not an option with the second-row lounge chairs, which do not fold and are not removable.

Family-Friendly Features: Standard features include an easy-to-use infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay , and a quiet mode that turns off all speakers except those in front. Available features include a rear-seat entertainment system, an in-vehicle intercom and a passenger-view camera. The Carnival is equipped with either four or five sets of LATCH connectors, depending on configuration.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. |

4) 2022 Toyota Sienna

Overall score: 8.0/10 | safety score: 9.6/10.

Overview: With a comfortable and upscale interior, a long list of standard tech and safety features, a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain and capable handling combined with a comfortable ride, the Toyota Sienna is an easy to live with family chariot. A strong safety score adds to the appeal, along with its available all-wheel-drive.

Safety: The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a top overall safety rating of five stars from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, receiving five stars in the side crash test and four stars in frontal crash and rollover tests. IIHS awarded the Sienna a rating of Good in all six of their crash tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+ .

Predicted Reliability: The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a predicted reliability score of 74 out of 100, which is considered average. The Sienna is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile limited factory warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.

More on the 2022 Toyota Sienna

• See 2022 Toyota Sienna Photos  »
• Find 2022 Toyota Sienna For Sale  »
• Read the 2022 Toyota Sienna Full Review  »

2022 Toyota Sienna

Interior score: 8.1/10.

Passenger Space: Three rows of standard seating give the Sienna ample room for up to eight passengers, while available second-row captain’s chairs drop that to seven. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the second row is very spacious. Adults can fit in the third row, but kids will find the space more accommodating.

Cargo Volume (Max Cargo Volume: 101cu ft): With the third-row seats up, the Sienna has 33.5 cubic feet of cargo room. Folding those seats into the floor allows for 75.2 cubic feet of storage behind the second row. The second-row seats do not fold flat and are not removable, limiting total cargo capacity to 101 cubic feet.

Family-Friendly Features: Standard features include an intuitive infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot and either four or five LATCH anchors depending on configuration. Options include an in-vehicle intercom and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Stellantis |

3) 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Overall score: 8.4/10 | safety score: 9.5/10.

Overview: The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shares many virtues with its gasoline-only counterpart (which we'll cover next), including three spacious rows of seating, a long list of standard safety and convenience equipment and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Pacifica Hybrid can save you $1,000 or more in fuel compared to the gas model but is not available with all-wheel drive or Stow ’N Go seats which are available in the gas-only model.

Safety: The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from NHTSA, with four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests and five stars in the side crash test. IIHS awarded this van its highest rating of Superior for the standard vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention system, and Advanced for its standard vehicle-to pedestrian system. IIHS named the Pacifica Hybrid a Top Safety Pick+.

Predicted Reliability: The Pacifica Hybrid has a below-average predicted reliability score of 63 out of 100. Chrysler backs the Pacifica Hybrid with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty for its hybrid components.

More on the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

• See 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Photos  »
• Find 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid For Sale  »
• Read the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Full Review  »

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Interior score: 8.5/10.

Passenger Space: The Pacifica Hybrid seats up to seven passengers in three spacious rows, with sufficient room for two adults in standard second-row captains chairs and three more in the third row.

Cargo Volume (Max Cargo Volume: 158 cu ft): The Pacifica Hybrid has 32.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, which is on the low end for the category. With the third row folded, cargo room increases to 87.5 cubic feet. Maximum cargo capacity is 140.5 cubic feet.

Family-Friendly Features: Standard features include an easy-to-use infotainment system and four sets of LATCH anchors, while options include a rear-seat entertainment system, games for road trips and a rear-seat monitor.

2) 2022 Chrysler Pacifica

Overall score: 8.5/10 | safety score: 9.9/10.

Overview: Thanks to a generous assortment of standard features, a spacious and versatile cabin combined with a large cargo area, a strong safety score and a punchy yet fuel-efficient V6 engine, the Chrysler Pacifica lands near the top of our list of the best minivans for families. It’s available with either front- or all-wheel-drive. The downside is, the Pacifica is one of the more expensive choices in the category.

Safety: The Pacifica earns a near-perfect safety score, beating out all minivan competitors. NHTSA awarded the 2022 Pacifica with its highest overall safety rating of five stars, with a five star rating for both frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test. IIHS gave the Pacifica its highest rating of Good in all six crash tests and named this minivan a Top Safety Pick+.

Predicted Reliability: With score of 63 out of 100, the Pacifica is considered below average when it comes to reliability. Chrysler covers the Pacifica with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

More on the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica

• See 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Photos  »
• Find 2022 Chrysler Pacifica For Sale  »
• Read the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Full Review  »

2022 Chrysler Pacifica

Passenger Space: In the base trim, the Pacifica can seat up to seven people in three rows. An optional configuration adds a small middle seat in the second row, bringing total seating capacity to eight. Either way, there’s ample room for adults in all three rows, and the front seats are supportive and comfortable. Second-row Stow ’N Go seats fold into the floor for added versatility, but the compromise is thin padding and less comfort on trips.

Cargo Volume (Max Cargo Volume: 140.5 cu ft): The Pacifica has decent cargo room for the class, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 87.5 cubic feat with the third row folded. With both rear rows down, the Pacifica offers 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Family-Friendly Features: The Pacifica's features include an available built-in vacuum, optional rear-seat entertainment system with video games, a rear-seat monitor and either four or five LATCH connectors depending on configuration.

1) 2022 Honda Odyssey

Overall score: 8.9/10 | safety score: 9.8/10.

Overview: The Honda Odyssey is a well-rounded and family friendly choice, offering all the interior room, versatility, safety features and comfort buyers are looking for. Other attributes include an upscale cabin, a smooth and potent V6 engine that returns good fuel economy, and a smooth and quiet ride.

Safety: The Odyssey earned a top safety score from NHTSA, with an overall safety rating of five stars. It scored five stars in frontal and side impact tests and four stars in the rollover test. IIHS gave the 2022 Odyssey the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+.

Predicted Reliability: The 2022 Odyssey has a predicted reliability score of 77 out of 100. Honda backs the Odyssey with a three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty.

2022 Honda Odyssey

Interior score: 9.0/10.

Passenger Space: With comfortable seating for up to eight passengers in three rows of seats, the Odyssey offers notably accommodating and supportive seating in the first two rows and room for adults even in the third row. The second-row seats tilt forward or back as needed for easier access, or can be removed completely for cargo.

Cargo Volume (Max Cargo Volume: 158 cu ft): The Odyssey easily edges out competitors for overall cargo room, with up to 158 cubic feet available with second-row seats removed and the third row folded into the floor. With the second row in place, the Odyssey offers a generous 92.3 cubic feet of room. Cargo room behind the third row is among the best in the segment, at 38.6 cubic feet.

Family-Friendly Features: Standard features include a rear-seat reminder, and three sets of LATCH connectors for the second row and two more for the third-row outboard seats. Other standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while options include a Wi-Fi hot spot, an in-car intercom system, a rear-seat camera and driver controls for the rear-seat entertainment system.

U.S. News & World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is your best resource for up-to-date buying information, whether you’re shopping for a minivan, SUV, or any other type of vehicle. You’ll find complete details and rankings on any of these new minivans, or any other vehicle you’re thinking about, by checking out our new car rankings .

If you're looking for a family-friendly vehicle but you're not sure a minivan is the right choice, check out our Best Cars for Families awards to see all the winners.

When you’ve decided which vehicle is right for you, use the U.S. News Best Price Program to save the most money on your new car purchase. Shoppers who use the program save an average of more than $3,000 off their new car.

Best Minivans for Families in 2022

5) 2022 Kia Carnival: Overall Score: N/A | Safety Score: 9.8/10 4) 2022 Toyota Sienna: Overall Score: 8.0/10 | Safety Score: 9.6/10 3) 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Safety Score: 9.5/10 2) 2022 Chrysler Pacifica: Overall Score: 8.5/10 | Safety Score: 9.9/10 1) 2022 Honda Odyssey: Overall Score: 8.9/10 | Safety Score: 9.8/10

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The Best Big Van for Large Families

This post may contain affiliate links. please see my disclosure and privacy policy for more information. as an amazon associate i earn from qualifying purchases..

So, we made a pretty big purchase a few months ago, and we are pretty excited about it! When it comes to large family living , sometimes you have to do things a little to the extreme to make it work. We had been driving and riding in a 2015 Honda Odyssey for nearly five years, and while I LOVED that van, my six kids were pretty cramped. When we found out we were going to be adding baby #7 to the family, we knew we had to upgrade to a big van. Let’s take a tour of the Ford Transit 350 XL 15 passenger van for large families !

What is the best van for a large family?

Before we purchased our Transit, we debated on purchasing the Nissan NV 3500 or the Ford Transit 350. I really liked the look of the NV, so we did a lot of research and watched a lot of reviews. Most of the reviews I watched said that the NV drove more like a truck and the Transit drove more like a van. I was really nervous about driving a bigger vehicle. Ultimately, after we got insurance quotes we decided to go with the Transit because the insurance was significantly less than the NV. And if you’re wondering, yes my kids do own shoes, but will refuse to wear them unless we are going somewhere! Haha!

We purchased a new van and our choices within our driving range were rather limited. We ended up going with a Ford Transit 350 XL 15 passenger van. It ticked a lot of our boxes; it had vinyl seats, no carpet, a sliding door, and the larger screen for the backup camera. It also came with Apple CarPlay, which is pretty awesome.

Large Family Van Tour

Here’s a look at the rear controls for the heat and air. My kids actually get really cold and keep blankets in the van!

Here’s steering wheel, which is actually smaller than you would expect. A few things I forgot to mention in my video, the van keeps track of the lanes and there are actually warnings if you’re drifting or getting too close to a vehicle in front of you. If you drift too much, there is an option where the van will self-correct. Also, I love the blind spot indicators in the side view mirrors. They help so much when changing lanes.

Here’s a look at the back of the van from the front. We took out two seat in the very back to make space for cargo. The seats are very roomy. I can actually fit in the seat between my girls. There is no console in between the two front seats, so if I’m riding shotgun I can easily walk from the front of the van to the back.

There’s a huge storage compartment up above the windshield. There are grips to keep things from sliding, but we are still careful about what we put up there.

Here’s a look at the screen. When my phone connects to the van, I can use the screen for navigation, to play my music, make calls, or play podcasts. Apple CarPlay is definitely one of my favorite features. I also like the large screen for the backup camera. There are lines that assist with backing this beast up, which is so helpful for me. It also beeps if you get too close to anything.

Our van is the EcoBoost and gets around 21 mpg on the highway. It has lots of cup holders and USB plugs for the kids’ devices while we are traveling. It is definitely the best large van for our family! We are really enjoying it.

Pros and Cons of the Ford Transit 350

I think I’ve mentioned all of the pros. We love the vinyl seats, the lack of carpet, Apple CarPlay, and all of the space. We do have the Ford Transit 350 XL mid-roof. The mid-roof is great because we can easily stand up in the van, so we are all comfortable. It also doesn’t sway too much on the highway when there is wind. 

The mid-roof is a problem for some drive-thrus and parking garages. We can still get through the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru and Panda Express!

A few other cons to this van: It doesn’t have heated seats, the front seats aren’t automatic, either. Other than that, I don’t have any complaints.

Do you drive a large family vehicle?

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We love our Transit! It’s actually easier to drive than our previous Chevy Express. Debated getting the low roof, but for us, the benefits of mid height is definitely worth a little hassle of not fitting into parking garages. Being able to stand up inside makes it so easy to get kids in and out of car seats, and is more comfortable for tall teens too. My kids love the fact that all the seats (except the rear row) recline a little. Biggest con is the scarcity of seats with LATCH attachments for car seats. And the lack of storage space in the 15 passenger- you really do need to take out two seats to have space for groceries, stroller, etc. The Nissan NV looked nice, but we decided against it because it didn’t have a 15 passenger version, had little/no storage under the seats, and was more expensive than the Transit.

Use a small cargo trailer or ladder with roof rack.

Loved your comment about the kids’ shoes. I have 4, and when they were little, I used to keep their shoes in the minivan. They wouldn’t wear them unless we were going somewhere, so at least they were easy to find! Thanks for the info on the Ford Transit van. Are kids continue to live with us as adults (special needs), so we want something bigger that will accommodate them and give us a comfortable drive.

I married earlier this year and we’re planning on having a family that demands a large suv/minivan, so thank you for this review! (I grew up with the Ford E-350, so this looks like a lovely similarity.)

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Best Minivans

Car and Driver 's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of more than 400 vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the Best Minivans based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.

Best Minivans at a glance

2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid

2025 Kia Carnival

2024 honda odyssey, 2024 chrysler pacifica.

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.css-gpjca5{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin:0rem;} 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid

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2024 Ford Transit ®

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• ®</sup> Van"> 2023 Transit ® Van

Plenty of space. Multiple configurations. Interior versatility. Prepared for all life’s journeys.

Passenger Van XL

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Adaptive Cruise Control - Includes Adjustable Speed Limiting Device (ASLD)

Safety Canopy ® Side Curtain Airbags*

*Always wear your safety belt and secure children in the rear seat.

Passenger Van XLT

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS ® ) with Cross-traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage 10
• Safety Canopy ® System with Side-Curtain Airbags*
• Available Dark Palazzo Gray Cloth, 10-way power heated Driver and 10-way power heated Passenger seats

Standard SYNC ® 4 with 12-Inch Touchscreen

Designed to Take On Life’s Adventures

Shown with available and aftermarket features.

Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.

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®</sup> van FWD/AWD?" }" data-fd-metrics-open="{"id":"action0020","app":"Brand","variables":{"onclick_onclickLinkName":"{($sitePrefix)}:vehicle:home:content:action{($nameplate,: ford)}","onclick_onclick":"vhp content:accordion:is the transit® van fwd/awd?","onclick_contentType":"vhp:none:features accordion"}}" data-headline-text-color-expanded="color: #000000;" data-headline-text-color-collapsed="color: #5E5E5E;" style="background-color: #FFFFFF; color: #5E5E5E;"> Is the Transit ® van FWD/AWD?

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Properly equipped, the Transit ® can tow up to 4,500 pounds. *

*When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.

®</sup> van take diesel?" }" data-fd-metrics-open="{"id":"action0020","app":"Brand","variables":{"onclick_onclickLinkName":"{($sitePrefix)}:vehicle:home:content:action{($nameplate,: ford)}","onclick_onclick":"vhp content:accordion:does the transit® van take diesel?","onclick_contentType":"vhp:none:features accordion"}}" data-headline-text-color-expanded="color: #000000;" data-headline-text-color-collapsed="color: #5E5E5E;" style="background-color: #FFFFFF; color: #5E5E5E;"> Does the Transit ® van take diesel?

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10 Best Adventure Vans Of 2023

If you’re nursing a bite by the wanderlust bug, the best home base for your wanderings might just be an adventure bus. After all, the only thing better than a road trip is doing it with the comforts of home in tow!

Today, we’re taking a close look at ten of the best adventure vans we’ve seen out on the road or on the Internet. If you’re planning an off-grid adventure, peruse our list for ideas to complete your own camper conversion . 

The Best Adventure Vans for Off Grid Living

Imagine pulling up to a beautiful view, putting it in park, and really savouring it as long as you want, cup of tea in hand. That’s the adventure van lifestyle, that allows off-grid adventures to continue indefinitely. 

But which is the best adventure van for you? It all depends on your budget, lifestyle, and destination. The ultimate camper will look different for everyone; it may be an all terrain camper , compact camper van , or maybe a stealthy pop top camper . 

Regardless of your situation, there’s a solution out there for you. To help you get the wheels turning, we’re looking at ten of the gnarliest off-road camper conversions to serve as the best van for your next adventure. 

1. Storyteller Overland MODE

First up on our list of the best adventure vans is the MODE 4×4 by Storyteller Overland . This epic Mercedes Sprinter conversion  embodies the six essential qualities of an off-grid home on wheels: it’s safe, simple, fun, flexible, rugged, and most importantly, ready to go.

With these factors as the basis of the build, you’re getting a vehicle that’s purpose-built for all stripes of life. Whether you’re barreling down dirt tracks or just making a run to the grocery store, the MODE camper is up to it.

Inside, the Overland MODE has everything you need to live comfortably. There is enough storage onboard for all the gear you’ll need to live life on the wild side. Beneath the bed at the back is a “garage” area large enough to store travel bikes, climbing gear or blow up paddle-boards.

If you need even more space, then the bed can fold away, allowing more storage area when in transit. In the living space, you’ll find a galley kitchen, a seating area that converts into a second bed, storage, and a toilet. There is even a hidden camper shower system, giving you the luxury of a hot indoor or outdoor shower after a day on the trail!

The Storyteller Overland MODE would make a great van for any vandwellers wanting to upgrade to a monster camper off-road rig. 

2. Winnebago Revel 4×4

The Winnebago Revel 4×4 is another all terrain camper that has earned a spot on our list of the best adventure vans of 2020. It’s chock-full of off-road capabilities that allow you to easily take the road less traveled.

The Revel 4×4 features a rugged roof rack to transport any adventure gear that won’t fit inside the camper van. You can access it via ladder, which is where you’ll also find solar panels to fuel your gadgets on the go. Finally, an electronic awning doubles your living space and gives you some shade from the elements. 

One of the most unique features of this adventure bus is the power lift bed. This allows you to raise the comfortable double bed to the ceiling of the van. At the press of a button, you open up a massive 140 cubic ft. garage, perfect for all your van life essentials.

The rest of the interior clearly keeps adventure firmly in mind; the flooring, cabinets, wall coverings, and seats are all made out of easy-to-clean materials, so don’t worry too much how wet or muddy you are when you get back to your home base. As well as the bed, this camper features a full kitchen with hob, sink and fridge, seating areas with table and front swivel seats, gear closet and wet bath, as well as overhead storage.

The Winnebago Revel 4×4 starts at $163,292.   

3. Adventure Truck XT 

Next up on our list of the best adventure vans we have the Adventure Truck XT . Aptly named, these off road trucks are built with a long expedition in mind and are perfect if you’re planning a long overland trip to remote corners of the earth.

The Adventure Truck XT is ideal for living off the grid long term, as they can be fitted out and upgraded to suit your needs. Whether your camper base model is a pick-up truck or something a little larger, the modular Adventure Truck XT kit attaches directly to the vehicle. 

The spacious interior of the Adventure Truck XT is perfect for full-time truck life . There’s enough room to compare directly to a small apartment!

An over-cab sleeping area allows the main space of the camper to be utilised as a living space. And the camper comes complete with a full kitchen, bathroom, a dining area that converts into an extra bed, plus heaps of storage.

The Adventure Truck XT also has heating and air conditioning that runs off of the solar electrical set up. This camper can even be fitted with a washing machine, which is perfect if you plan on living off grid for months on end.

Prices for the Adventure Truck XT start at $368,000.

4. Mitsubishi 4WD Terrain 

Small campers have many benefits; they’re often more affordable, more fuel-efficient, and are easy to drive and park. Pair the benefits of a compact driving experience with a full 4×4 conversion, and you have the perfect adventure campervan for exploring those off-road tracks. 

Enter a treat for the small van fan, the Mitsubishi 4WD Terrain .

This Mitsubishi camper van is built on a Delica base, with a switchable 4WD option to give you full control on and off the road. 

While the Mitsubishi 4WD Terrain may be small, it still has room to sleep and seat four–ideal for traveling with kids or friends.

Two can sleep on the double bed in the pop-top roof, with two on the rock and roll bed downstairs. That rock and roll bed also doubles as a seat-belted seating area, providing a safe space for extra passengers.

The kitchenette can be used to whip up campervan recipes either inside or out, meaning you can create delicious meals on the go no matter what the weather throws at you.

This great little camper is affordable too, coming in at a starting price of £27,995. 

5. Cascade by Outside Van

We’re halfway through our list of the best adventure vans, and at number five we have the Cascade by Outside Van ! These folks are the masters of custom vans , letting you control exactly what you would like in your conversion.

A Ford Transit chassis constitutes the base for this camper. It comes complete with a 4×4 conversion, tyre and wheel upgrades, safari roof rack, extra exterior lighting, ladders, and an L-track mounting system. Outside Van have also mounted a roof tent to the top of the camper, creating an extra ‘bedroom’ perfect for kids or friends to come on the road with you. 

Inside the camper is plush yet rugged, with all of the comforts of home ready and waiting for your next road trip. At the back of the van is a large double bed with a garage storage area below.

This storage tucks away from the rest of the van behind the two extra passenger seats at the foot of the bed. Beyond the seats is the kitchen which includes a sink, hob, fridge, and storage space.

We love the materials and colours used in this van; it stands out from the crowd and looks more homely than many off road campers  that prioritise function over form.

Prices vary depending on conversion, so contact Outside Van for more information!   

6. Zion by Roadtrek

At number six on our list of the best adventure vans, we have Zion from Roadtrek . The Zion is built on a Ram Promaster chassis, seats up to five, and can sleep three (unlucky if you’re passengers four and five!)

This build is perfect if you are looking for a more versatile interior space in your campervan and need less storage for gear.

The bed at the back of this camper van converts into a large seating area, with two comfortable bench seats running along both walls. These seats are perfect for lounging around in the day, with more space to entertain friends (or keep your kids occupied on a rainy day). At night, the benches can be flattened into a comfortable double bed, with a single bed set up in the cab are. 

Beyond the bed is a kitchen and lots of storage cupboards for clothes and other essentials. If you do need to carry gear on board, this can be stored in the central aisle of the camper and removed once you park up.

Roadtrek’s Zion camper is great for trips all year round with a propane furnace to keep your warm in the colder months. After all, a good heating system in a camper is essential to stop the cold becoming a barrier to getting outdoors.

The Zion camper van starts at $101,681.

7. Project M by Four Wheel Campers

Pop up campers are perfect for anyone who just wants to get out into the wild and isn’t too bothered about having all the bells and whistles. And that’s exactly what you get with the Project M Truck Camper by Four Wheel Campers: Simplicity.

Moreover, this is an affordable adventure vessel for exploring the world, ideal for the outdoorsy (but cash-strapped) younger generation. The Project M slides onto your truck bed, so if your vehicle is compatible, there is no need to splash out on another truck. This drastically undercuts the cost of buying an RV, making road tripping more accessible to all.

The Project M gives you an over-cab bed, which can be extended to comfortably sleep two while the roof is popped open. In the most basic model, this is the main feature of the Project M–a true adventure crash pad!

The rest of the interior space is dedicated to storing your gear, or building out your conversion piece by piece. Optional extras include pre-wiring for power and lights, a roof rack for even more gear and L-track on the interior walls.

Four Wheel Campers ‘ Project M starts at just $8,995 and is a great base to use to be able to get outside. 

8. Chinook Countryside

The Chinook Countryside  is a luxury RV built to be the best on the road. This swish campervan may not be to everyone’s taste, but if you’re looking for a bit of decadence, then this is the camper for you.

Sporting cream leather seating and glossy veneer cabinetry, the interior of the Chinook Countryside feels like a luxury yacht. There’s plenty of seating for extra passengers, and the bench at the back folds down into a bed when it’s time for a snooze.

A full bathroom takes up one side of the camper, complete with a porcelain toilet, shower, and a retractable clothesline. Opposite this is the kitchen, where you can whip up anything from a quick snack to a full three-course meal. The kitchen comprises of a dual microwave/convection oven/grill, two-burner cooktop, sink, and fridge.

The Countryside’s Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis can be upgraded to a 4×4 conversion, allowing you to combine luxury with the dirt road. What’s not to love!

9. Sportsmobile Classic 

We’re coming to the end of our list of the best adventure vans, and at number nine we have my all-time-favourite: the Sportsmobile Classic 4×4. This is a great vehicle if you like your road trips with no limitations.

Built on a 4×4 Ford Cutaway chassis, this heavy-duty adventure van’s body is moulded with a steel-reinforced fibreglass shell for maximum durability. And, this camper has a complete and extensive off-road conversion; you can travel over dirt roads, up mountains, through ravines, and across any terrain!

For all its muscle, the Ford Cutaway is a relatively small vehicle. To make up for its compact size, Sportsmobile include a pop top penthouse roof. There’s more than enough space to stand up and move around inside.

The interior layout is customisable depending on what your needs are. Nevertheless, conversions typically include a full kitchen, a cosy sleeping area, dining area, plus plenty of space to store gear and added extras.    

10. Timber Den by Outside Van 

Our last camper on our list of best adventure vans is the Timber Den by Outside Van . This another excellent example of the kind of custom off-grid-paradise that the company can produce.

The Timber Den is the ultimate gear-hauling camper, with space to carry an extensive amount of equipment inside–including a motorbike! This comes thanks to an open-plan layout, with minimal ‘home comforts’. Meanwhile on the exterior, there are surf/SUP racks, plus solar panels for off-grid power. 

Aside from the storage space, the interior of this campervan features two different sleeping layouts: bunk beds or a double at the back. The double bed is ideal when there is enough room around the gear; but, the bunk beds work just fine if you need the space for all of your snowboards or skis.

The camper doesn’t have a full kitchen, but it does come with a fridge for storing tasty snacks. If you want a suitable base that is well-equipped for all manner of outdoor sports, from then the Timber Den is for you. 

Final Thoughts…

There are so many different adventure vans out there to suit your individual lifestyle and budgets. While the vans on this list may all vary in shape, style, size, and cost, they do have one thing in common: they will help you to get off the sofa and out there into the world! 

Sure, choosing the right adventure van is important; but not as important as the journey that you will find yourself on when you’re out on the road. So what are you waiting for? Choose a van and start exploring!

Itching to try out Full Time Van Life ? Want to reveal to the world that you’re a weekend warrior ? Head over to our brand new Facebook Group ! It’s a place to pick up vanlife tips , share ideas, and meet other van life enthusiasts from around the globe!

More Content From The Van Clan Team!

• Meet the adventure bus that’s taking Instagram by storm!
• We’ve made a list of the best DIY camper conversions on the planet!
• Which are the best RV brands ? Van Clan investigates!

For more content from the Van Clan Team join us on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Tour de Romandie: Maikel Zijlaard wins prologue from early start on dry course

Cameron Scott second with Julian Alaphilippe completing podium in Payerne

Tudor Pro Cycling's Maikel Zijlaard put in the best performance of his career, powering to his first WorldTour victory in the 2.3km prologue of the Tour de Romandie .

Zijlaard started early in the day before intermittent drizzle made the city circuit in Payern treacherous. 

Australian Cameron Scott (Bahrain Victorious), one of the last riders to start, managed to keep the bike upright and come within a second of the Dutchman but was unable to kick him out of the hot seat.

Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-Quickstep) finished third just over two seconds behind Zijlaard.

Zijlaard's previous best result this year was seventh place at Nokere Koerse and he surpassed his expectations with the victory.

"It's crazy - I can't believe it," he said. "I started quite early, and the last two hours have been the worst two hours of my life because of the stress. I wanted this so much for myself for the team. It's super nice to show that we are capable of doing stuff like this and it's a super team.

"I know I'm quite good at this stuff, so I was going in here with a goal which was the prologue. It's quite hard to believe but it's reality and I'm really happy.

"I don't really have the words. To win here in my first road to victory for a Swiss team in Switzerland - it's a bit of a dream."

How it unfolded

Maikel Zijlaard (Tudor Pro Cycling), nephew to ex-pros Michael and Leontin Zijlaard Van Moorsel, set the fastest early time, eclipsing the likes of Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers), Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) and Tao Geoghegan Hart (Lidl-Trek) in the violent 2.3 kilometre prologue.

Zijlaard went three seconds quicker than early starter Dorion Godon (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) and withstood a huge effort from Julian Alaphillippe (Soudal-Quickstep), who went 2.3 seconds slower.

Ethan Hayter (Ineos Grenadiers) was keen to try to win the prologue but almost crashed twice and lost all chances before the line, coming just 15 seconds shy after coming to a near stop.

A bit of drizzle fell on the later starters, making the twisting, turning course in Payern slippery and forcing riders to take caution, but Cameron Scott (Bahrain-Victorious) managed to come within one second of Zijlaard's time, pushing Alaphilippe into third.

Of the overall contenders, Lenny Martinez (Groupama-FDJ), Aleksandr Vlasov (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Ayuso finished six to seven seconds down, defending Tour de Romandie champion Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) was eight seconds down, Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) at nine seconds, with the rest over 10 seconds behind.

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Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.

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The Evolving Danger of the New Bird Flu

An unusual outbreak of the disease has spread to dairy herds in multiple u.s. states..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Sabrina Tavernise, and this is “The Daily.”

[MUSIC PLAYING]

The outbreak of bird flu that is tearing through the nation’s poultry farms is the worst in US history. But scientists say it’s now starting to spread into places and species it’s never been before.

Today, my colleague, Emily Anthes, explains.

It’s Monday, April 22.

Emily, welcome back to the show.

Thanks for having me. Happy to be here.

So, Emily, we’ve been talking here on “The Daily” about prices of things and how they’ve gotten so high, mostly in the context of inflation episodes. And one of the items that keeps coming up is eggs. Egg prices were through the roof last year, and we learned it was related to this. Avian flu has been surging in the United States. You’ve been covering this. Tell us what’s happening.

Yes, so I have been covering this virus for the last few years. And the bird flu is absolutely tearing through poultry flocks, and that is affecting egg prices. That’s a concern for everyone, for me and for my family. But when it comes to scientists, egg prices are pretty low on their list of concerns. Because they see this bird flu virus behaving differently than previous versions have. And they’re getting nervous, in particular, about the fact that this virus is reaching places and species where it’s never been before.

OK, so bird flu, though, isn’t new. I mean I remember hearing about cases in Asia in the ‘90s. Remind us how it began.

Bird flu refers to a bunch of different viruses that are adapted to spread best in birds. Wild water birds, in particular, are known for carrying these viruses. And flu viruses are famous for also being shapeshifters. So they’re constantly swapping genes around and evolving into new strains. And as you mentioned back in the ‘90s, a new version of bird flu, a virus known as H5N1, emerged in Asia. And it has been spreading on and off around the world since then, causing periodic outbreaks.

And how are these outbreaks caused?

So wild birds are the reservoir for the virus, which means they carry it in their bodies with them around the world as they fly and travel and migrate. And most of the time, these wild birds, like ducks and geese, don’t even get very sick from this virus. But they shed it. So as they’re traveling over a poultry farm maybe, if they happen to go to the bathroom in a pond that the chickens on the farm are using or eat some of the feed that chickens on the farm are eating, they can leave the virus behind.

And the virus can get into chickens. In some cases, it causes mild illness. It’s what’s known as low pathogenic avian influenza. But sometimes the virus mutates and evolves, and it can become extremely contagious and extremely fatal in poultry.

OK, so the virus comes through wild birds, but gets into farms like this, as you’re describing. How have farms traditionally handled outbreaks, when they do happen?

Well, because this threat isn’t new, there is a pretty well-established playbook for containing outbreaks. It’s sometimes known as stamping out. And brutally, what it means is killing the birds. So the virus is so deadly in this highly pathogenic form that it’s sort of destined to kill all the birds on a farm anyway once it gets in. So the response has traditionally been to proactively depopulate or cull all the birds, so it doesn’t have a chance to spread.

So that’s pretty costly for farmers.

It is. Although the US has a program where it will reimburse farmers for their losses. And the way these reimbursements work is they will reimburse farmers only for the birds that are proactively culled, and not for those who die naturally from the virus. And the thinking behind that is it’s a way to incentivize farmers to report outbreaks early.

So, OK, lots of chickens are killed in a way to manage these outbreaks. So we know how to deal with them. But what about now? Tell me about this new strain.

So this new version of the virus, it emerged in 2020.

After the deadly outbreak of the novel coronavirus, authorities have now confirmed an outbreak of the H5N1 strain of influenza, a kind of bird flu.

And pretty quickly it became clear that a couple things set it apart.

A bald eagle found dead at Carvins Cove has tested positive for the highly contagious bird flu.

This virus, for whatever reason, seemed very good at infecting all sorts of wild birds that we don’t normally associate with bird flu.

[BIRD CRYING]

He was kind of stepping, and then falling over, and using its wing to right itself.

Things like eagles and condors and pelicans.

We just lost a parliament of owls in Minneapolis.

Yeah, a couple of high profile nests.

And also in the past, wild birds have not traditionally gotten very sick from this virus. And this version of the virus not only spread widely through the wild bird population, but it proved to be devastating.

The washing up along the East Coast of the country from Scotland down to Suffolk.

We were hearing about mass die-offs of seabirds in Europe by the hundreds and the thousands.

And the bodies of the dead dot the island wherever you look.

Wow. OK. So then as we know, this strain, like previous ones, makes its way from wild animals to farmed animals, namely to chickens. But it’s even more deadly.

Absolutely. And in fact, it has already caused the worst bird flu outbreak in US history. So more than 90 million birds in the US have died as a result of this virus.

90 million birds.

Yes, and I should be clear that represents two things. So some of those birds are birds who naturally got infected and died from the virus. But the vast majority of them are birds that were proactively culled. What it adds up to is, is 90 million farmed birds in the US have died since this virus emerged. And it’s not just a chicken problem. Another thing that has been weird about this virus is it has jumped into other kinds of farms. It is the first time we’ve seen a bird flu virus jump into US livestock.

And it’s now been reported on a number of dairy farms across eight US states. And that’s just something that’s totally unprecedented.

So it’s showing up at Dairy farms now. You’re saying that bird flu has now spread to cows. How did that happen?

So we don’t know exactly how cows were first infected, but most scientists’ best guess is that maybe an infected wild bird that was migrating shed the virus into some cattle feed or a pasture or a pond, and cattle picked it up. The good news is they don’t seem to get nearly as sick as chickens do. They are generally making full recoveries on their own in a couple of weeks.

OK, so no mass culling of cows?

No, that doesn’t seem to be necessary at this point. But the bad news is that it’s starting to look like we’re seeing this virus spread from cow to cow. We don’t know exactly how that’s happening yet. But anytime you see cow-to-cow or mammal-to-mammal transmission, that’s a big concern.

And why is that exactly?

Well, there are a bunch of reasons. First, it could allow the outbreak to get much bigger, much faster, which might increase the risk to the food supply. And we might also expect it to increase the risk to farm workers, people who might be in contact with these sick cows.

Right now, the likelihood that a farmer who gets this virus passes it on is pretty low. But any time you see mammal-to-mammal transmission, it increases the chance that the virus will adapt and possibly, maybe one day get good at spreading between humans. To be clear, that’s not something that there’s any evidence happening in cows right now. But the fact that there’s any cow-to-cow transmission happening at all is enough to have scientists a bit concerned.

And then if we think more expansively beyond what’s happening on farms, there’s another big danger lurking out there. And that’s what happens when this virus gets into wild animals, vast populations that we can’t control.

We’ll be right back.

So, Emily, you said that another threat was the threat of flu in wild animal populations. Clearly, of course, it’s already in wild birds. Where else has it gone?

Well, the reason it’s become such a threat is because of how widespread it’s become in wild birds. So they keep reintroducing it to wild animal populations pretty much anywhere they go. So we’ve seen the virus repeatedly pop up in all sorts of animals that you might figure would eat a wild bird, so foxes, bobcats, bears. We actually saw it in a polar bear, raccoons. So a lot of carnivores and scavengers.

The thinking is that these animals might stumble across a sick or dead bird, eat it, and contract the virus that way. But we’re also seeing it show up in some more surprising places, too. We’ve seen the virus in a bottle-nosed dolphin, of all places.

And most devastatingly, we’ve seen enormous outbreaks in other sorts of marine mammals, especially sea lions and seals.

So elephant seals, in particular in South America, were just devastated by this virus last fall. My colleague Apoorva Mandavilli and I were talking to some scientists in South America who described to us what they called a scene from hell, of walking out onto a beach in Argentina that is normally crowded with chaotic, living, breathing, breeding, elephant seals — and the beach just being covered by carcass, after carcass, after carcass.

Mostly carcasses of young newborn pups. The virus seemed to have a mortality rate of 95 percent in these elephant seal pups, and they estimated that it might have killed more than 17,000 of the pups that were born last year. So almost the entire new generation of this colony. These are scientists that have studied these seals for decades. And they said they’ve never seen anything like it before.

And why is it so far reaching, Emily? I mean, what explains these mass die-offs?

There are probably a few explanations. One is just how much virus is out there in the environment being shed by wild birds into water and onto beaches. These are also places that viruses like this haven’t been before. So it’s reaching elephant seals and sea lions in South America that have no prior immunity.

There’s also the fact that these particular species, these sea lions and seals, tend to breed in these huge colonies all crowded together on beaches. And so what that means is if a virus makes its way into the colony, it’s very conducive conditions for it to spread. And scientists think that that’s actually what’s happening now. That it’s not just that all these seals are picking up the virus from individual birds, but that they’re actually passing it to each other.

So basically, this virus is spreading to places it’s never been before, kind of virgin snow territory, where animals just don’t have the immunity against it. And once it gets into a population packed on a beach, say, of elephant seals, it’s just like a knife through butter.

Absolutely. And an even more extreme example of that is what we’re starting to see happen in Antarctica, where there’s never been a bird flu outbreak before until last fall, for the first time, this virus reached the Antarctic mainland. And we are now seeing the virus move through colonies of not only seabirds and seals, but penguin colonies, which have not been exposed to these viruses before.

And it’s too soon to say what the toll will be. But penguins also, of course, are known for breeding in these large colonies.

Probably. don’t have many immune defenses against this virus, and of course, are facing all these other environmental threats. And so there’s a lot of fear that you add on the stress of a bird flu virus, and it could just be a tipping point for penguins.

Emily, at this point, I’m kind of wondering why more people aren’t talking about this. I mean, I didn’t know any of this before having this conversation with you, and it feels pretty worrying.

Well, a lot of experts and scientists are talking about this with rising alarm and in terms that are quite stark. They’re talking about the virus spreading through wild animal populations so quickly and so ferociously that they’re calling it an ecological disaster.

But that’s a disaster that sometimes seems distant from us, both geographically, we’re talking about things that are happening maybe at the tip of Argentina or in Antarctica. And also from our concerns of our everyday lives, what’s happening in Penguins might not seem like it has a lot to do with the price of a carton of eggs at the grocery store. But I think that we should be paying a lot of attention to how this virus is moving through animal populations, how quickly it’s moving through animal populations, and the opportunities that it is giving the virus to evolve into something that poses a much bigger threat to human health.

So the way it’s spreading in wild animals, even in remote places like Antarctica, that’s important to watch, at least in part because there’s a real danger to people here.

So we know that the virus can infect humans, and that generally it’s not very good at spreading between humans. But the concern all along has been that if this virus has more opportunities to spread between mammals, it will get better at spreading between them. And that seems to be what is happening in seals and sea lions. Scientists are already seeing evidence that the virus is adapting as it passes from marine mammal to marine mammal. And that could turn it into a virus that’s also better at spreading between people.

And if somebody walks out onto a beach and touches a dead sea lion, if their dog starts playing with a sea lion carcass, you could imagine that this virus could make its way out of marine mammals and into the human population. And if it’s this mammalian adapted version of the virus that makes its way out, that could be a bigger threat to human health.

So the sheer number of hosts that this disease has, the more opportunity it has to mutate, and the more chance it has to mutate in a way that would actually be dangerous for people.

Yes, and in particular, the more mammalian hosts. So that gives the virus many more opportunities to become a specialist in mammals instead of a specialist in birds, which is what it is right now.

Right. I like that, a specialist in mammals. So what can we do to contain this virus?

Well, scientists are exploring new options. There’s been a lot of discussion about whether we should start vaccinating chickens in the US. The government, USDA labs, have been testing some poultry vaccines. It’s probably scientifically feasible. There are challenges there, both in terms of logistics — just how would you go about vaccinating billions of chickens every year. There are also trade questions. Traditionally, a lot of countries have not been willing to accept poultry products from countries that vaccinate their poultry.

And there’s concern about whether the virus might spread undetected in flocks that are vaccinated. So as we saw with COVID, the vaccine can sometimes stop you from getting sick, but it doesn’t necessarily stop infection. And so countries are worried they might unknowingly import products that are harboring the virus.

And what about among wild animals? I mean, how do you even begin to get your head around that?

Yeah, I mean, thinking about vaccinating wild animals maybe makes vaccinating all the chickens in the US look easy. There has been some discussion of limited vaccination campaigns, but that’s not feasible on a global scale. So unfortunately, the bottom line is there isn’t a good way to stop spread in wild animals. We can try to protect some vulnerable populations, but we’re not going to stop the circulation of this virus.

So, Emily, we started this conversation with a kind of curiosity that “The Daily” had about the price of eggs. And then you explained the bird flu to us. And then somehow we ended up learning about an ecological disaster that’s unfolding all around us, and potentially the source of the next human pandemic. That is pretty scary.

It is scary, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by it. And I feel like I should take a step back and say none of this is inevitable. None of this is necessarily happening tomorrow. But this is why scientists are concerned and why they think it’s really important to keep a very close eye on what’s happening both on farms and off farms, as this virus spreads through all sorts of animal populations.

One thing that comes up again and again and again in my interviews with people who have been studying bird flu for decades, is how this virus never stops surprising them. And sometimes those are bad surprises, like these elephant seal die-offs, the incursions into dairy cattle. But there are some encouraging signs that have emerged recently. We’re starting to see some early evidence that some of the bird populations that survived early brushes with this virus might be developing some immunity. So that’s something that maybe could help slow the spread of this virus in animal populations.

We just don’t entirely know how this is going to play out. Flu is a very difficult, wily foe. And so that’s one reason scientists are trying to keep such a close, attentive eye on what’s happening.

Emily, thank you.

Thanks for having me.

Here’s what else you should know today.

On this vote, the yeas are 366 and the nays are 58. The bill is passed.

On Saturday, in four back-to-back votes, the House voted resoundingly to approve a long-stalled package of aid to Ukraine, Israel and other American allies, delivering a major victory to President Biden, who made aid to Ukraine one of his top priorities.

On this vote, the yeas are 385, and the no’s are 34 with one answering present. The bill is passed without objection.

The House passed the component parts of the $95 billion package, which included a bill that could result in a nationwide ban of TikTok.

On this vote, the yeas are 311 and the nays are 112. The bill is passed.

Oh, one voting present. I missed it, but thank you.

In a remarkable breach of custom, Democrats stepped in to supply the crucial votes to push the legislation past hard-line Republican opposition and bring it to the floor.

The House will be in order.

The Senate is expected to pass the legislation as early as Tuesday.

Today’s episode was produced by Rikki Novetsky, Nina Feldman, Eric Krupke, and Alex Stern. It was edited by Lisa Chow and Patricia Willens; contains original music by Marion Lozano, Dan Powell, Rowan Niemisto, and Sophia Lanman; and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Andrew Jacobs.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Sabrina Tavernise. See you tomorrow.

• April 24, 2024   •   32:18 Is $60 Billion Enough to Save Ukraine?
• April 23, 2024   •   30:30 A Salacious Conspiracy or Just 34 Pieces of Paper?
• April 22, 2024   •   24:30 The Evolving Danger of the New Bird Flu
• April 19, 2024   •   30:42 The Supreme Court Takes Up Homelessness
• April 18, 2024   •   30:07 The Opening Days of Trump’s First Criminal Trial
• April 17, 2024   •   24:52 Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ a Forever Problem?
• April 16, 2024   •   29:29 A.I.’s Original Sin
• April 15, 2024   •   24:07 Iran’s Unprecedented Attack on Israel
• April 14, 2024   •   46:17 The Sunday Read: ‘What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise’
• April 12, 2024   •   34:23 How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam
• April 11, 2024   •   28:39 The Staggering Success of Trump’s Trial Delay Tactics
• April 10, 2024   •   22:49 Trump’s Abortion Dilemma

Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise

Produced by Rikki Novetsky ,  Nina Feldman ,  Eric Krupke and Alex Stern

Edited by Lisa Chow and Patricia Willens

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Dan Powell ,  Rowan Niemisto and Sophia Lanman

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

The outbreak of bird flu currently tearing through the nation’s poultry is the worst in U.S. history. Scientists say it is now spreading beyond farms into places and species it has never been before.

Emily Anthes, a science reporter for The Times, explains.

On today’s episode

Emily Anthes , a science reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading

Scientists have faulted the federal response to bird flu outbreaks on dairy farms .

Here’s what to know about the outbreak.

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We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

Special thanks to Andrew Jacobs .

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

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