Choose Your Adventure Platform
Built for the Way You Travel
Built for the Way You Travel
Every great adventure starts with the right vehicle. At Exploration Vans, we transform Mercedes Sprinter, Chevy Express, and Ram ProMaster vans into fully custom overland vehicles built to marine-grade standards. Find the one that fits your journey.
Our Overland Overland Vehicles
Each platform brings its own strengths, from off-road capability to interior space and long-term serviceability. Explore each option to see how it supports different styles of overland travel.
Mercedes Sprinter Overland Builds
The Sprinter is well suited for long distance travel, interior standing height, and fuel efficiency. With available AWD and a diesel platform designed for range, it supports extended off-grid travel and mixed terrain routes.
Why choose a Sprinter:
Up to 6'4" standing height in high roof builds
Available AWD for varied terrain
Diesel efficiency for extended range
Comfortable highway driving
Chevy Express Overland Builds
The Chevy Express is known for durability, mechanical simplicity, and ease of service. It is often chosen for remote travel where reliability and service access matter more than complexity.
Why choose a Chevy Express:
Proven drivetrain options
Serviceable almost anywhere
Strong platform for moderate off road travel
Lower cost of ownership
Ram ProMaster Overland Builds
With the widest interior and a low floor height, the Ram ProMaster supports open layouts and easy movement inside the van. Its front wheel drive design also makes it easier to drive and park day to day.
Why choose a ProMaster:
Widest interior at 72 inches
Low step in height
Flexible layout options
Easy city driving
How to Choose the Right Overland Vehicle
No two overland builds are the same. The best platform depends on how you plan to travel, where you want to go, and how you intend to use your vehicle day to day.
Off-Road Priority
If your plans include rugged terrain and remote routes, the Mercedes Sprinter with AWD offers strong traction and ground clearance for confident off-road travel. For lighter off-road use, the Chevy Express AWD delivers reliable performance at a more accessible price.
Serviceability
For long-term travel, easy maintenance matters. The Chevy Express can be serviced almost anywhere in North America, with readily available parts and lower long-term maintenance costs.
Budget-Conscious
For maximum value, the Chevy Express provides the most affordable path to a custom overland build with proven reliability. The Ram ProMaster offers excellent space per dollar, giving you more flexibility without stretching your budget.
Interior Space
The Ram ProMaster offers the widest interior at 72 inches and a low floor height that supports open, flexible layouts. The Sprinter provides the tallest interior standing height, ideal for extended time inside the van.
City Plus Adventure
If you need a vehicle that works for daily driving and weekend escapes, the Ram ProMaster stands out. Its front-wheel drive and tight turning radius make city driving and parking easy, while still supporting adventure-focused builds.
Fuel Efficiency
For long-range travel, the Mercedes Sprinter diesel delivers strong fuel economy and extended range. Fewer fuel stops mean more time exploring and less time planning logistics.
Compare Overland Builds
Every adventure vehicle starts with the right vehicle. Compare key features to find the best fit for how you travel.
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Mercedes Sprinter
☑️ Best for: Long-distance travel and extended off-grid use
☑️ Drivetrain options: AWD Available
☑️ Off-road capability: Strong traction & clearance for varied terrain
☑️ Tallest interior: Up to 6’4” standing height
☑️ Fuel efficiency: Excellent (diesel) and long-range
☑️ Parts availability: Readily available nationwide
☑️ Narrower interior than Chevy & Ram options
☑️ Serviceability: Dealer-based service network may be a drawback to some due to convenience or budgetary reasons
☑️ City parking and driving: Larger footprint than the RAM ProMaster
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Chevy Express
☑️ Best for: Durability and long-term reliability
☑️ Drivetrain options: AWD available
☑️ Off-road capability: Reliable for moderate off-road travel
☑️ Serviceability: Serviceable almost anywhere
☑️ Parts availability: Excellent availability and affordability
☑️ Lower roof height than the Mercedes and Ram options
☑️ Wider interior width than Mercedes options; narrower than Ram ProMaster
☑️ Lower fuel economy than Mercedes
☑️ City parking and driving: Larger footprint than the RAM ProMaster
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RAM ProMaster
☑️ Best for: Interior space and daily usability
☑️ Interior width: Widest interior at 72”
☑️ Interior standing height: Modest standing height
☑️ Fuel efficiency: Good efficiency for gas platform
☑️ Seviceability: Widely available service
☑️ Parts availability: Strong availability
☑️ City driving and parking: Easiest to maneuver
☑️ Off-road capability: Better suited for paved and mixed-use travel
☑️ Only available in front-wheel drive
Built for Overland Travel, Not Just Van Life
Our builds are designed for real use in changing conditions. Every overland vehicle we produce is engineered to support long-term travel, remote access, and extended time off-grid.
Marine-grade electrical and plumbing systems
Four-season insulation and heating strategies
Durable materials selected for vibration and climate changes
Layouts designed for long-term comfort and reliability
These are vehicles built to be driven, lived in, and relied on.
Ready to Start Your Overland Build?
Whether you already know which platform fits your travel style or want help thinking through options, our team is here to guide the process.
FAQs When Choosing an Overland Vehicle
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The right platform depends on how and where you plan to travel. Some vans prioritize off-road capability, while others focus on interior space, long-distance efficiency, or ease of service. We help align each build with real-world use, not just specs.
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Yes, Mercedes Sprinter, Chevy Express, and Ram ProMaster vans can all be built for full-time travel when the layout, systems, and materials are designed correctly. The differences come down to comfort, capability, and long-term maintenance preferences.
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Every Exploration Vans build is fully custom. Electrical systems, heating, water capacity, storage, and interior layouts are designed around how you plan to use the vehicle, whether for weekend trips or extended travel.
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Yes, our overland builds are designed for extended time off-grid, with power, insulation, and climate systems planned to support remote travel and changing conditions.
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No, many clients begin with travel goals rather than a specific vehicle. We help narrow down the platform that best fits your plans and guide the process from there.