For the past few years, I’ve been experiencing the highs and lows of van life while living part-time in a converted ambulance. The freedom and the sense of adventure were incredible, but I was always hesitant to go full-time or to venture too far outside of my comfort zone. My biggest concern was reliability—my ambulance wasn’t the most dependable, and the fear of breaking down in the middle of nowhere held me back.
But that changed when I contacted Campers Inn and decided to upgrade to an RV. Now I live on the road full-time, and my travels have pushed the boundaries of what I would’ve been able to do before. I’ve experienced both van life and RV life firsthand, and I want to share the biggest differences between the two.
Reliability & Peace of Mind:
One of the biggest reasons I made the switch was reliability. My self-built ambulance had quirks and mechanical issues that made long trips stressful. In contrast, my RV is professionally built and designed for travel. If something goes wrong, I can trust manufacturers and Campers Inn dealerships to help with repairs, rather than relying on DIY fixes or small repair shops. 
Build Quality & Safety:
The major difference is how these vehicles are built. My ambulance conversion was DIY and had its fair share of compromises in insulation, safety, and electrical work. With my RV, everything is built to last and meet safety regulations. I don’t have to worry about wiring issues, or whether my plumbing will hold up over time.
Repair & Maintenance:
One of my biggest stress points in van life was finding someone who could work on a custom build. Mechanics often aren’t familiar with DIY conversions, and getting parts can be tricky. Now, if something does go wrong, I can take it to Campers Inn RV or an authorized service center to get professional repairs. This makes a huge difference in long-term reliability.
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Storage & Space:
While my ambulance had decent storage, it was never optimized for full-time living. A Class B RV like mine may not be as spacious as larger RVs, but it offers well-designed storage solutions that make organization easier. From built-in cabinets to dedicated gear storage, it feels a lot more functional than my old van setup.
Stealth & Flexibility:
One downside of RV life, as compared to van life, is stealth. My ambulance was pretty discreet, and I could park in cities or neighborhoods without drawing too much attention. A Class B RV is still compact enough for urban camping, but it’s more obviously an RV, which can limit where you can park overnight.
Comfort & Amenities:
Van life is all about minimalism and adaptability. My ambulance had the basics: a bed, a bit of storage, and some off-grid capabilities. But it lacked many of the comforts that my RV now provides. Now I have a full kitchen, a built-in bathroom, heating and cooling systems, and a much more comfortable living space. Everything is designed for efficiency and comfort, making full-time living much more enjoyable.
Cost & Investment:
DIY van builds can be more affordable upfront, but costs add up over time, especially with unexpected repairs. A Class B RV is a larger investment, but it holds its value better, requires fewer surprise fixes, and is built for long-term travel. The peace of mind alone makes the big switch worth it for me.
Final Thoughts:
Van life was an amazing chapter in my journey, but making the switch to an RV has completely changed the way I travel. I no longer have to worry about breakdowns, lack of amenities, or unreliable DIY fixes. If you’re considering van life vs. RV life, I’d recommend that you think about your travel style, comfort needs, and long-term plans. For me, the reliability and convenience of an RV made it the best choice for full-time adventure.
So, if you want to hear more about the RV lifestyle and my adventures on the road, stay tuned! And if you’re thinking about making the switch, check out Campers Inn RV—they helped me find the perfect rig for my new chapter of full-time travel. Stay tuned for all of my adventures in 2025!
