During the pandemic, campervans have been acquired by adventure-seeking travelers at a higher rate than ever before — and the trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

So what exactly is at the core of this boom in campervan sales? What is motivating droves of people to trade in the keys of their traditional motorhome or day-to-day commuter for a compact adventure van?

The answer is found due to a few different reasons. From pandemic-driven changes in lifestyles to the incredible benefits of these small motorhomes, the following are five key influences leading to the boom in campervan demand.

#1: Freedom to Find Adventure

In 2020, many people were stuck sitting in houses and apartments waiting out the pandemic. And, in many cases, these people were paying high rent costs in major cities without the benefit of enjoying what the city had to offer. This left many to wonder, is there a better way to spend my time and money?

For a rising number of people, they sought the freedom of the road. Rather than spending thousands in rent each month, many people opted to instead purchase a campervan and enjoy spending time in nature, getting away from the cramped spaces of downtown apartments, and shedding the worries of being located in dense population centers during the pandemic.

Campervans over the course of lockdowns began to epitomize the idea of adventure, giving people a way to escape the mundane.

Simultaneously, for many, the pandemic led to an assessment of life goals. A questioning of the purpose of routines previously taken for granted. Campervans began to take center stage as a model for leaving the norm behind.

#2: Take the Less Traveled Path

While the pandemic played a role in the increasing popularity of campervans, the concept of traveling with a home on wheels isn’t entirely new. However, many people began to see the benefit of a campervan over alternative options, such as Class A RVs, due to the ability for a campervan to take on tighter roads and less traveled paths.

The adventurous began to flock to campervans as a viable option, a sort of best of both worlds. A recreational vehicle that offered all the basic amenities of a traditional motorhome with the ability to go almost anywhere.

In fact, campervans afford the adventurous the ability to go many places that RVs traditionally have been restricted from using due to vehicle lengths. This opens up the door to more affordable and less crowded camping options. For those focused on outdoor adventure, this has a huge appeal.

Goodbye RV parks and hello mountain vistas and secluded beaches.

#3: Ease of Driving

Not only are campervans a good pick for those who prefer to travel the less beaten path, but they are also a great option for those who aren’t keen on driving big rigs. Class A RVs can be difficult to navigate in urban centers or along hairpin roads — Million Dollar Highway anyone?

The maneuverability of a campervan in contrast has made it a popular choice for people who are willing to have less space for improved drivability.

In fact, many modern campervans are as easy to drive as a normal consumer vehicle. They are equipped with all the same safety features and technology upgrades as a truck or car, such as lane assist, backup cameras, and more. And, with their smaller body, they can be parked in standard parking spaces and driven down more narrow and windy roads.

#4: Improved Gas Mileage

Traditionally, RVs have been notorious gas guzzlers. With their large bodies and powerful engines, they have frequently gotten gas mileage in the 5 to 8 miles per gallon (MPG) range.

Campervans are the clear winner here. In many cases, a campervan built on a Ford Transit or Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis can get gas mileage in the 14 to 28 MPG range.

This makes campervans a great choice for long road trips or for those who plan to travel full time. The money saved on gas can be used to fund the next adventure!

#5: Take Remote Work on the Road

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons for the uptick in campervan sales and the #VanLife trend is the ability today for many professionals to take their work on the road. The pandemic forced companies around the world to jump-start their remote working capabilities. And, many businesses came out on the other side realizing that their employees were equally, if not more, productive than when they were working in an office.

Added to this trend in remote work options is the fact that technology has improved dramatically. From mountain tops to ocean-front beaches, the ability to access the internet from almost anywhere has come a long way in recent years. Many professionals are now realizing that armed with the right technology, they can easily do their job from anywhere, including from a campervan as they traverse the country.

Find Your Next Adventure with Antero Adventure Motors

It is easy to see why campervans continue to rise in popularity. With all the amenities needed to enjoy traveling in comfort packed into a compact build, campervans provide the adventurous traveler with the perfect chance to see and do more.

Find your next adventure with Antero Adventure Motors. Whether you opt for the Pikes Peak or the Longs Peak, you’ll fall in love with the comfort and luxury of these premium vans. Find a dealer near you today.