back in the day, while stationed in Key West, I took a Ford Econoline and converted it into a camper, I drove it thru 2 re-assignments and the kids loved it
as we did, (this was before the modern version)I drove it everywhere. It finally died while we were stationed in Galveston Texas and I used it for storage. As for your question, only you and your son can make that decision. With the van if you have the time, knowledge and money to spend you can build it to "make it your own" from the start. If you are in a hurry then maybe another option might be best. Good Luck and happy camping