Have you ever been in a situation where you’re planning a road trip with your favorite people but you’re not sure which type of vehicle is best? Using trucks and vans is the ideal car to bring on your adventure, but you need to find the right one that fits your needs, especially if you’re planning a road trip to Canada.
The power and flexibility of a truck
Using trucks is perfect for travelers who like exploring places that people have never been to. The trucks have powerful engines, which makes them ideal for driving into off-road terrain, whether it’s mountain trails or show trails.
The Ford F-150 Raptor or the Ram TRX boast enables you to tow heavy trailers for additional gear or a boat. The Raptor can make your ride potential smoother, while the TRX boasts a bit of what’s under the hood.
There’s a vehicle called Truck Campers, and it’s known for being a home on wheels. If you’re the type to travel comfortably, then consider getting a truck camper, as it’s a perfect mix of a truck’s off-road ability and the coziness of a mini RV. These campers come in a variety of styles, from lightweight pop-up models that can be folded down to luxurious hard-sided units that feel like you’re in the comfort of your own home.
When you reach the campsite, you can easily detach the camper and explore the place with your truck. This is ideal for those who love adventure but also appreciate sleeping comfortably after going off-road.
If you’re on a budget, you can also create a truck bed that fits the car that you already have. You just need your imagination and DIY skills to build one. You can build a lightweight platform with compartments for storage so you can have easy access to your gear, or go all out by building a rooftop tent so you can sleep comfortably. You can get creative as much as you want or go for something simple.
Things to consider about trucks and their setbacks
We all know that trucks are best for off-road adventures, but they also have a set of drawbacks. Even if their engines are capable of towing trailers and going through rough terrain, their fuel efficiency suffers compared to vans. When you’re driving it around the city, especially in tight areas, its size and weight become a drawback, especially when parking.
Even with the nice setup that you made for your truck bed, it might not be as comfortable as it is in your own home. Additionally, if you prefer driving off-road and doing customizations on your vehicle over fuel efficiency and comfort, buy the truck.
If getting a truck isn’t on your budget, some vans focus on comfort and mobility. This is perfect for city drives, and you’ll have no trouble with parking. The popular choices for vans are the Mercedes Sprinter or the Ram ProMaster. It has ample cargo space that’s ready to be transformed into a cozy living space.
Another idea that is perfect for travelers is that they can convert the van from something minimal with basic amenities to camper vans with built-in kitchens and bathrooms. This is what they call van conversions. Some companies offer pre-built options as well, but you can also do DIY to meet your needs and budget.
Things to consider about vans and their setbacks
Even though vans offer a comfortable living space, their towing capabilities are generally lower compared to trucks. Also, depending on how it gets converted, it’s possible that the van may not be ideal for off-road paths. It will be possible to go through rough terrain by upgrading the suspension and tires, but it doesn’t compare to the capability of an off-road truck.
Other vehicles can be used for travel, like small SUVs, motorhomes, and, as mentioned earlier, pop-up campers. Always consider what your priorities are when traveling and what type of traveler you are. Figuring out what you’re looking for is your first step.
If you’re an off-road adventurer, look for a truck that prioritizes towing capabilities for a trailer or a truck camper. If you’re a comfort seeker, consider doing a van conversion that has a dedicated living area and amenities.
For budget travelers, a small SUV or a pop-up camper. And, for solo explorers, a fuel-efficient car and a rooftop tent could be the ones that fit your needs.
So, depending on the type of vehicle you’ve decided to buy, always remember to plan and prepare to look into camping regulations, invest in gear, and maintain your vehicle for safe driving. As long as you do all of these, you’ll enjoy being out there traveling to where your vehicle can take you.
