Dave & Matt Vans is just one of what seems like endless van builder outfitters nowadays. Especially where I live in Colorado, there is no shortage of vans: whether used, stock, conversion companies, or full-on custom builds. Colorado is home to companies like Wayfarer Vans, Vanworks, Vandoit, Mountain Made Vans … the list goes on, and that’s not even including DIY builds.
One of the biggest reasons I got an opportunity to test the newest fleet of Dave & Matt Vans is because it’s local. For me, it was as simple as a drive over Vail Pass, packing up a duffel and my gear, and planning an adventure for me, my van, and the open road.
In short: So, what did I experience while demo-ing the van life? A whole lot. Renting a van not only gave me a taste of what long-term van life is like, but this van in particular came with all the amenities I needed to travel, work remotely, store gear, and live off-grid for a while. The fully featured LV Five series (that’s “lifestyle vehicles” for short) conversion was a great test for living in a small space, and living the van life with a pet. If I do ever buy a van, the Dave & Matt LV Five Series is one I’ll seriously consider.
- Vehicle: 159" wheelbase Ram ProMaster AWD
- Transmission: Automatic
- Power: Electrical, solar panel package (optional), adapter for full hookups
- Sleeps/Seats: Up to 4
- Purchase price: $93,495 and up
- Rental price: $180/night
- Pet-friendly rentals: Yes
Pros
- Roomy table/bench workspace
- Comfortable bed, bed height provides good storage
- High-tech kitchen with induction burner
- Ample overhead storage
- More user-friendly electrical than past models
- Front seats swivel for extra living space when parked
Cons
- Light floor and cabinet colors meant van was hard to keep clean
- Tricky to get to roof if you need to clean solar panels (in winter)
- Very different storage options between 5.1 and 5.2 models
- Van is heavy to drive up steep roads/mountain passes