🚐 Why I Chose the Renault Trafic (2nd Gen) for My Stealth Vanlife

Choosing a van to live in during the week isn’t just a practical decision — it’s an emotional one. After a lot of research and comparison, I chose a second-generation Renault Trafic. It’s not perfect, but for what I need, it’s the right balance between what I want and what I can afford.

Here’s why:

🔧 Reliability and Easy Maintenance

• Known for durability and solid construction

• Simple mechanics — most garages can service it

• Spare parts are cheap and easy to find

• Shares components with Nissan and Opel models (Primastar/Vivaro)

🛏️ Comfort for Driving and Daily Use

• High, comfortable driving position

• Smooth and quiet engines (especially the 2.0 dCi)

• Six-speed gearbox makes long drives easier

• Drives more like a car than a truck

📦 Interior Space and Layout

• Usable volume between 5.2 and 8.6 m³ depending on version (L1H1, L2H1, etc.)

• Enough room for a bed, storage, kitchen, and moving space

• H1 versions fit into underground parking lots

• Flat interior walls make conversion easier

❄️ Easy Thermal and Sound Insulation

• Regular side panels — ideal for Armaflex, wool, or other insulation

• Great thermal and acoustic comfort when well-insulated

• Essential for sleeping in cities or cold areas

⛽ Fuel Consumption and Economy

• Efficient engines (6.5–7 L/100km mixed driving)

• 80L tank offers over 1000 km of autonomy

• Reasonable insurance and taxes

• Cheaper to run than a VW Transporter or Mercedes Vito

🕶️ Stealth for Urban Vanlife

• Looks like a regular work van — very discreet

• Ideal for sleeping in urban or industrial areas unnoticed

• No roof boxes, windows or flashy colors

• Doesn’t attract attention in parking lots or residential areas

⚙️ Quick Comparison with Other Vans

• VW Transporter T5/T6: great reputation, but expensive

• Ford Transit Custom: spacious but less stealthy

• Mercedes Vito: comfy, but costly to maintain

• Peugeot Expert/Citroën Jumpy: shorter, less versatile

• Renault Trafic: best overall balance of space, cost, efficiency and stealth

💭 Personal Reflection

For me, the Trafic represents a mindset: functional, discreet, flexible.
I don’t need a luxury mobile home. I just need a space to sleep, work, and live simply — with fewer distractions.

It’s a technical choice, yes — but also an emotional one. A way to regain control, escape the noise, and live with only what matters.