Should Your Van Conversion Include 4WD?
A Simple Checklist to Tell If You’re an Overlander or a Van Camper
Not all vans need to be able to scale a mountain, but if you’re in a van going up a mountain on a 4x4 track, it sure helps to have four-wheel drive. The reality of van life hardly ever calls for four-wheel drive. Driving from national park to national park, campsite to campsite (even dispersed sites), typically keeps you on paved roadways or, at the very least, maintained roadways. Overlanding and van life definitely overlap, and for some van lifers, 4-wheel drive is essential, while for others it’s a costly add-on that will hardly be used. If you’re wondering, Should Your Van Conversion Include 4WD? Continue reading below.
The 4WD Myth in Van Life
Social media often makes van life seem more than it actually is. Waking up at the tops of mountains overlooking alpine lakes, traversing wide open desert landscapes without a road in sight, and clambering across the sand at abandoned beaches in Baja is reality for only a select few. In reality, most van builds don't need four-wheel drive, and adding 4WD can be costly.
Quick Self-Assessment: Do You Actually Need 4WD?
Answer these honestly. If most of your answers are yes, four-wheel drive may make sense. If not, it’s probably overkill.
- Do you regularly drive unmaintained, rutted, or washed-out access roads where clearance and traction are challenges?
- Do you often seek out deep snow or mud for travel?
Are winter trips, off-season travel, or soft ground part of your usual plans? - Do you camp far from services and cell coverage, with no easy turnaround or quick help?
- Is self-recovery part of your travel plan?
You carry traction boards, a shovel, and know how to use them — and you’re comfortable turning recovery into part of the day.
How to read your results:
- 3–4 yeses: You’re leaning toward overlanding. 4WD could be a practical tool.
- 1–2 yeses: A capable 2WD setup with good tires is usually enough.
- 0 yeses: You’re a van camper. Spend your budget on comfort, not drivetrain.
You Might Be an Overlander If…
You might be an overlander if you seek out remote destinations and value the journey just as much as the arrival. You might be an overlander if your hobbies require getting out to remote wilderness destinations beyond where paved roads can take you. You might be an overlander if you travel in the winter across snow and ice or stay off-grid for weeks at a time.
You’re Probably a Van Camper If…
You’re probably a van camper if you plan to sleep near trailheads, towns, or designated campgrounds. You might be a van camper if comfort is your top priority in your build. You might be a van camper if you value fuel efficiency over engine performance. You might be a van camper if you’d rather tackle difficult terrain on foot, rather than behind the wheel.
What Matters More Than 4WD
Four-wheel drive gets a lot of attention, but it’s rarely the most important factor.
Tires often make the biggest difference in traction and confidence.
Ground clearance matters more than how many wheels are powered.
Weight management keeps your van predictable and capable on rough roads.
And most importantly, knowing when to turn around will get you farther than any drivetrain upgrade.
How Camp N Car Builds for Both Use Cases
We design interiors that work whether you’re driving a basic 2WD van or a fully built-overland rig. Our modular systems let you start simple and evolve your setup as your travel style changes. Instead of building for hypothetical trips, we focus on how people actually travel — and make sure the van supports that, not the other way around.
Before you decide on 4WD, think about where you go, when you travel, and what you actually do once you’re there. Build for your routes and seasons first. The specs should come second.
