Finding used camper vans at a decent price can be a real challenge. That’s why there are numerous websites and social media pages dedicated to connecting sellers with potential buyers around the country. Moreover, van conversions are notoriously varied, leading to even more complex decision-making for those looking for their home on the road.
But among those who fully embrace the van life for months or years at a time, there’s something even more important: How cool does it look?
In the case of Escape Campervans, the answer is very cool, indeed. This L.A.-based brand, with rental operations all over the country, has long offered rentals of its stylish campers, which all feature colorful paint jobs from real artists paid by the company. Those artists even get celebrated on the brand’s website with a photo and bio.
Now, the company’s brightly colored, psychedelic vans are on sale — a benefit of the sad news that Escape Campervans is going out of business. After 18 years, this early adopter of the modern van life movement will finally close its doors. The only silver lining of that news is the “holy grail” deals the brand is offering as it liquidates its inventory.
“For those of you who are still dreaming of that camper van on your trip — now is your chance to call it your own,” the company’s team said in a statement on the website. “And for those of you who never got a chance to rent with us, we have five models of road-ready, custom-built, well-maintained vans at all price points. And there’s nothing we’d want more than our vans to start their next chapter with you.”
Escape Campervans: Why It’s Closing
GearJunkie has featured Escape Campervans quite a few times over the years. From our guide to campervan rentals to our rugged rentals for affordable off-road adventure roundup to our pet-friendly camper van rentals piece — we clearly believe that Escape was doing something right.
The brand weathered the pandemic’s economic headwinds, rapid inflation, and dips in international travel, but “ultimately made the tough call to wind down,” a representative of the company told GearJunkie this week.
“From bucket-list road trips through national parks, to cruising the Pacific coastline on the iconic 101, to months-long cross-country adventures, you’ve brought our vans to life in ways we’ll never forget,” the company said in its farewell. “Ultimately, the time has come for this special, extraordinary chapter to close. But we’re excited to announce the good news for you: We have camper vans for sale!”
Campervans: Online Auction
Escape Campervans’ entire remaining fleet of about 600 vehicles will be sold online. Though used as rentals, the vans have been well-maintained and remain “adventure ready,” a spokesperson said.
They’re being sold to the public through weekly, no-reserve auctions on Bidadoo, eBay’s largest commercial auction partner. It’s a rare chance to score a fully converted (and tested) van life rig with a reasonable price tag. Add on the beautiful artwork, some of which comes in a removable wrap, and you’re looking at a truly special deal.
Available vehicles include many recent models with low mileage and all-wheel drive. Some have pop-top campers, and some don’t. Some of them have tasteful artwork reminiscent of vintage national park posters, and some were painted by edgy graffiti artists. In other words, there is plenty to choose from, both practically and artistically.
New inventory will drop every Tuesday until it’s all gone. Currently, there are several dozen vans on the Bidadoo webpage for Escape Campervans. Makes and models range from modern Ford Transits to older E-150s — all including extensive conversions. You’ll also find numerous James Baroud rooftop tents sold separately.
A Range of Options
It’s probably no surprise that a rental van company would have such a huge range of inventory on hand. The most expensive options published on the auction site on Tuesday include 2023 Ford Transits with AWD and low mileage.
For example, this 2023 Transit is listed at $62,500 OBO, has less than 9,000 miles, and offers a laundry list of features. Those include a pop-top tent, internal bench beds, air conditioning and heat, a kitchenette, storage, and more.
An example of a mid-range option is this 2018 Ford Transit with 136,000 miles that just sold for $16,211. There are also much older models selling for rock-bottom prices, like this 2013 Ford E-150 with more than 360,000 miles.
If your preferred van is already sold by the time you read this, just remember: It’s not your last chance. More vehicles will be posted on the webpage every Tuesday until all the inventory is gone. So if you’re on the hunt for a stellar deal on a converted van, check back next week. You might just find an incredible deal on a van that’s also a genuine work of art.
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