Taking to the road with a pet is in many ways like traveling with a child. Finding space for all the necessities in a van can be daunting. It may seem like the food, gear, medication and other supplies for a 10-pound terrier take up more room than any human passenger on the adventure. And, if you’re not used to being in close proximity 24/7 with your four-pawed family members, it’s a unique, albeit fantastic experience that takes some time adjusting to. Fortunately, living the van life with one or more pets is totally doable. In fact, bringing your pet along is certain to add memorable events to the journey!
If you’re planning a first time road trip with a pet, or finally ready to take your experience from vacation to full-time van life status, but aren’t sure which camper is best for you, we’ve done the research for you. We found five Class B vans that are great for bipeds and quadrupeds sharing space! Keep reading for more details.
Controlling Expectations: Yours and Theirs
Before we discuss what makes the campers great choices for traveling with pets, let’s talk about the journey you’re about to embark on. You may be imagining a care-free lifestyle exploring the great outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Your pet, on the other hand, may think all road trips end at the vet’s office or grandma’s house. One trip is filled with lots of love and playtime. The other may not be so great. You may be anxious to go with the flow and just see what lies ahead. But that uncertainty may be a source of stress for your pet.
Your vet can help you prepare your pet for extended periods in tight quarters. And, if your pet requires any maintenance medication, ask your pet’s doctor how to get refills on the road and how to find a vet if your pet is injured or gets sick. Bearfoot Therapy has a great check list to help you plan a trip with a dog. Most of their tips for dogs can be modified for cats, ferrets and other pets with your vet’s help. Now, let’s talk vans.
Winnebago Revel – Click to Browse Inventory
The Class B Winnebago Revel camper van design is flexible, yet built for maximum functionality. From the 140-cu ft. gear storage beneath a power lift bed, to the stainless steel sink with single control faucet, every feature was intentionally designed to improve comfort and performance. The all-in-one gear closet and wet bath serves dual-duty, maximizing every square inch of the interior.
Other Notable Revel Features Worth Mentioning Include:
- 3-liter turbo-diesel engine w/325 lbs./ft. of torque
- 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis
- LED ceiling lights w/dimmer switch
- MBUX touchscreen multimedia infotainment center w/navigation
- On-demand 4WD system
- Powered patio awning w/LED lighting and Bluetooth control
- RAM Tough-Track mounts throughout
- Running boards w/ground effect lighting and rubber trim
- Solar panel/battery charger
- Two 125-amp-hour Lithium ion batteries w/dedicated second alternator to charge the system
Roadtrek Chase – Click Here to Browse Inventory
The Roadtrek Chase is a Class B camper van that is perfect for a single person traveling with a pet companion. The van is built on a sturdy Ram ProMaster 3500 extended van chassis. This camper will also accommodate two people with an optional folding mattress that forms a sleeping space across the front two captain’s seats. Although compact, the Chase features include twin beds with a Froli sleep system, a 5.0 cu ft. refrigerator, propane stove, microwave oven, 24-inch smart television and large windows with peek through vents.
Other Notable Roadtrek Chase Features Worth Mentioning Include:
- 12ft power patio awning
- 330 watt solar panels
- Flip-up counter extension with charging station
- Fully enclosed wet bath
- Magnetic screens for rear and passenger side door
- Outdoor shower
- Power steps
- Underhood generator
Tiffin Cahaba – Click Here to Browse Inventory
The Tiffin Cahaba is elegant, yet packed with features that optimize space. This van is perfect when you want a van that will get you to the most out-of-the-way places for exploring, but want a comfortable spot to land at the end of the day.
Opposing benches that convert to a bed when night falls, leave floor space for pets to stretch out when not in their kennel. Rear door and passenger side sliding door screens provide ventilation and opportunities for your dog to see what is happening outside when parked. And, the power patio awning with LED lights makes relaxing outdoors more comfortable any time of day.
Other Notable Tiffin Cahaba Features Worth Mentioning Include:
- 12V stainless steel refrigerator/freezer
- Exterior LED front light bar and rear spot light
- Full size, rear-door mounted tire carrier and spare
- Portable single burner induction cooktop
- Rear mounted MOLLE gear rack with attached bike rack
- Running board w/12V lighting
- Side-mounted ladder
- Solar panel/battery charger
- Volta power system
- Wet-bath with retractable shower screen
Thor Tranquility – Click Here to Browse Inventory
The Thor Tranquility 19P and 19PL Motor Coach camper vans are built for adventure! With a Mercedes Sprinte 2500 4 X 4 chassis and an 188HHP diesel engine, you can have confidence wherever your wonderlust leads you, your van is ready to take you there. Even with all this power, the unit is easy to handle, easy to park and loaded with pet-friendly features.
Options included a 3,500-lb trailer hitch, an Onan 2500 LP generator and off-road tires for rugged terrain. If biking is your passion, you’ll find the Thule back-door mounted bike rack a perfect addition. The features that make traveling with a pet more comfortable, especially if your pet is large, include large opening side doors for easy access and ample pull-out storage trays in the rear (19L) to stash your supplies.
Other Notable Thor Tranquility Features Worth Mentioning Include:
- 190-watt solar panel with solar charge controller
- Dual burner gas stove
- Leather, swivel, captain’s chairs
- Fold-out electric rear sleeping area (19P)
- JBL FLIP speaker and wall mount
- 24 inch top mounted TV (eliminates cord tangling as pets move about)
- Shower with Cassette toilet
- Side steps for cab doors
- Thule power patio awning with integrated LED lighting
- Top mounted LED light bar with cover
- Winegard ConnecT WiFi
Pleasure Way Recon – Click Here to View Inventory
If you’re looking for a powerful 4×4 van that can handle off-the-grid exploration, the Pleasure Way Recon is a terrific choice. Space-saving features include a removable Murphy bed system, a flip-down workstation in the driver’s seat that moves out of the way when not needed and a well-equipped galley kitchen designed for efficiency. The fold-away bed gives your pet more wiggle room when not in use.
This van also has an enclosed shower plus an exterior shower (with a handheld wand) for quick cleanup before entering your living space. The 400-watt solar panel package and multiple charging ports keep you connected when electricity access is limited.
Other Notable Recon Features Worth Mentioning Include:
- Bed up and down garage storage area (44 inch X 72 inch)
- Black Rhino Havasu rims
- Dimmable LED light banks and LED perimeter lighting
- L-track tie-down system
- Power patio awning with LED lights
- Toyo all-terrain tires
- Truma AquaGo comfort plus water heater controls
If you need more help deciding which van is right for you and your pet, we can help you compare campers in depth. Contact us or browse our inventory today!
