Let’s be honest. Building your own camper interior is a real pain in the neck unless you are a qualified carpenter or a next-level ninja DIY’er with a full workshop of tools. An interior build is never as easy as it looks online, the costs are always double your budget, and the build is never, ever complete. Eventually, you travel with a ton of tools, glues, and silicone that should really not be taking up space in your rig.
Overlanding has surged in popularity as a lifestyle and travel method, and for many, the convenience and versatility of using vans as overland vehicles have made them the go-to choice. Vans offer an ideal balance of space, comfort, and mobility, making them well-suited for long-term travel, off-grid living, or weekend adventures. However, when it comes to converting a van for overlanding, one of the most crucial decisions is whether to hire a professional van builder or attempt the build yourself.
Choosing a professional interior van builder is often a significant investment, but it comes with numerous benefits that take more work to achieve with DIY or quick-install options.
Why Are More People Choosing Vans for Overlanding?
Although generally less capable off-road than many overland vehicles such as 4WD pickups and trucks, vans do provide a unique combination of space efficiency, stealth camping capabilities, and ease of customization, making them ideal for overland travel. With a van, you have the flexibility to design a home on wheels that perfectly suits your needs, whether it’s storage space for gear, a cozy sleeping setup, or off-grid power solutions.
For many overlanders, the allure of vanlife (yes, apparently, that is still a thing) lies in its simplicity and freedom. A properly built van can take you through relatively rugged terrain while still providing the comfort of home, which is why the demand for professional van builders has seen an uptick. These builders create durable, well-designed interiors that maximize space while ensuring safety and functionality for long-term travel.
Why Choose a Professional Van Builder?
- Quality and Customization: Some professional van builders specialize in creating personalized designs catering to clients’ needs. They work closely with you to understand your lifestyle, travel goals, and technical requirements, ensuring the build meets all these criteria. From layout designs that maximize space to customized electrical and plumbing systems, attention to detail is hard to match in DIY projects.
- Experience and Expertise: A professional builder should bring years of experience and industry knowledge to the table. They know which materials work best for different climates, the safety standards for electrical and gas installations, and how to ensure durability for rough overland terrain. This expertise often results in a more reliable and long-lasting build.
- Time-saving: A DIY project can take months or even years to complete, especially if you have limited time, resources, or experience. A reliable, professional builder can complete the build in a fraction of the time, which means you can hit the road much sooner.
- Warranty and Support: Most professional builders offer warranties and ongoing support, which can give you peace of mind. If something breaks or malfunctions, they can assist with repairs, modifications, or adjustments, whereas DIY solutions may leave you scrambling to fix things on your own.
The Cons of Hiring a Professional
- Higher Cost: The most significant drawback of hiring a professional van builder is the cost. Depending on the complexity of the build, it can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. However, a quality, personalized build may be worth the investment.
- Less Control: While professional builders offer custom builds, you may have less hands-on control than a DIY project. You’ll be working with their timeline and design constraints, which may not appeal to those who enjoy building things themselves.
DIY or Quick Install versus Professional Build
If you’re handy, a DIY approach can save money and give you the freedom to work at your own pace. On the other hand, quick-install kits offer a middle ground—ready-made interiors that require less skill but lack the bespoke design and durability of a professional build.
Ultimately, choosing a professional van builder is an investment in quality, expertise, and longevity. For serious overlanders, the peace of mind and reliability that comes with a professional build may far outweigh the benefits of a DIY approach.
In this Buyers Guide, we’ve curated a list of reputable professional van builders currently offering their services for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ram ProMaster, and Ford Transit vans.
Momentum Vans
Momentum Vans is a family-operated business based in Arlington, Washington. The Wright father and son team have experience in boat building and now in-house van conversions. Momentum Vans specializes in van reconfigurations for Mercedes Sprinter vans, specifically the 144- and 170-inch 4×4 models. Their builds are eye-catching and practical and cater to full off-grid living, making them perfect for long-term travel and overlanding. They use marine-grade materials with flexible design options, which include bamboo cabinet fronts, Corian countertops, and high-quality flooring. Momentum Vans provides assistance with partial installs and has a wide range of accessories, such as Scheel-Mann seats and Agile Offroad suspension kits, enhancing the performance of their vans as well as the driving experience.
Distinguishing Features: Attention to detail; thorough field testing; and attractive design elements of their branding on their builds, such as on the custom-made wine rack.
Pricing for their van conversions depends on the design and bespoke features chosen, but it typically falls within the range of $150,000.
Tiny Planet
Tiny Planet is a well-reputed van conversion company based in Sacramento, California. They primarily work on Mercedes Sprinter vans, especially the 170-inch wheelbase models, but also customize Ram ProMaster vans, offering different layouts and designs depending on clients’ needs. Designs are well thought out and tailored to the high-end experience with luxurious interiors, including tropical stone showers, heated floors, sliding toilet systems, and roof decks. Natural stone for showers, premium leather, and wood paneling further emphasize the poshness factor. Iterations include Eucalyptus, entry-level; Terra, a natural feel with shades of brown accented with wood and stone; Boho Desert, complemented by sand, light wood, and marble features; Bamboo, a more retrofit with bamboo; Forest, a soothing cabin feel; Bali, a tropical forest with plants, wood and stone accents, and lastly, Art House, bold and modern. Pre-built vans are available from $132,000.
Distinguishing Features: Refined luxury, LED lighting designs.
Prices for their conversions range from $60,000, depending on the model and iteration options. They offer financing options to make the purchase more accessible for their clients.
Tommy Camper Vans
Tommy Camper Vans, based in Phoenix, Arizona, was founded by Michael “Mikey” Rudman and specializes in converting the well-known van lines along with the Ford Econoline vans into fully functional overlanding camper vans. Their focus on practical design for real-world use, over 10 years of experience in van building, and quick turnaround time have helped them stand out in the market. Tommy Camper Vans utilizes high-quality build products such as hard maple, walnut, and baltic birch for their interior builds and outfits their vans with trusted brands.
Distinguishing Features: A design balance that enhances the space without overpowering it; admirably, most of their proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The company offers new and used vans, with pricing around $35,000 for a used van base and $29,000 for interior personalized designs. They also provide financing options, making it easier for customers to make the transition to vanlife. For those interested in testing out the vanlife before committing, Tommy Camper Vans also has a rental division, with rates starting at $189 per night.
Rossmönster Vans
Rossmönster Vans, based in Longmont, Colorado, was established by Ross Williamson, who spent some time living in Sweden and was inspired by the Swedish concept of “mönster,” meaning to design beautifully and skillfully. The company started as a woodworking shop and evolved into creating unique adventure vehicles. They specialize in converting a range of popular vans but can build on any van chassis. Rossmönster incorporates high-quality materials such as teak, birch, walnut, and pine woods to create elegant, warm interiors. The company’s attention to detail extends to specially engineered cabinets, leather upholstery, wooden floors, and ceilings. A woodworking background gives their builds a sophisticated, artisanal feel, and they also provide ongoing customer support with an industry-leading warranty.
Rossmönster stands out because it outfits and sells custom-built vans and the popular Baja Series camper. This makes it a one-stop shop for van and overland enthusiasts, whether you’re looking to buy an adventure or weekend getaway.
Distinguishing Feature: They outfit and build interiors for fully electric camper vans; their in-house fabrication department can create components tailored to fit each customer’s vision.
Custom van builds typically start at $125,000 and go up depending on the complexity and specific requests of the client.
Vancini Conversions
Vancini Conversions, a Canadian company based in Ancaster, Ontario, is known for its personal approach to tailored van builds. Vancini Conversions primarily works with Mercedes Sprinter vans and other high-roof van models, such as the Mercedes Sprinter 170WB. Their interiors feature underfloor heating, quartz countertops, tailor-made cabinetry, and seating solutions like upholstered aqua cushions. High-end amenities such as composting toilets, induction cooktops, and specialized storage solutions further elevate the van’s functionality. Vancini uses a combination of high-quality materials for their van interiors, such as birch plywood with UV lacquer for structural elements, melamine for cabinet doors, and specially designed cedar shower pans. A range of accessories are available tailored to van living, including upgraded suspension, awnings, lights, solar panels, and more.
Distinguishing Features: A genuine passion for vanlife, as many of their team members have lived in vans themselves; their interior designs encapsulate the slogan less is more.
The cost of the conversion depends on the design but typically falls in the range of $55,000, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to venture into the lifestyle.
Dicot Designs
Dicot Designs is a boutique woodworking studio based at the bottom of the iconic Boulder Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado, and was founded by Chris McGurrin, a carpenter and vanlifer.
Dicot Designs works with various vans, tailoring each project to the customer’s needs. They offer bespoke builds for popular van models, providing both full builds and à la carte services like cabinetry, water systems, and more. Dicot Designs offers entirely bespoke van reconfigurations, whether a full top-to-bottom remodel or furniture installations; they focus on bringing their clients’ visions to life. They also rent out their flagship fully equipped AWD 2023 Mercedes Sprinter on Outdoorsy to test their build quality (and for an adventure).
Distinguishing Features: Personalized service, attention to detail, craftsmanship, interior van designs, and bespoke wood furniture in the online store.
Pricing at Dicot Designs is highly variable, depending on the project’s scope. Each build is personalized, so prices are provided on a project-by-project basis, but a basic build ranges from $40,000.
Vanlife Customs
Vanlife Customs Company, based in Arvada, Colorado, is home to a team of passionate van enthusiasts with a wealth of expertise in handcrafting unique van rebuilds. They focus on meeting their client’s specifications, specializing in the favored van range while accommodating other makes and models upon request.
Vanlife Customs Company offers a range of versatile remodels, with the most popular builds being the Mesa and Vista models. These rebuilds are designed to cater to distinct customer preferences, incorporating features like fold-up benches, adjustable workspaces, and sleeping accommodations. They are suitable for full-time vanlifers, weekend warriors, and mobile professionals, ensuring that each customer’s unique needs are met. The interiors feature Formica walls and ceilings with various color options, engineered Click Lock flooring, and cabinetry. While Vanlife Customs primarily focuses on interior van rebuilds, they do offer vans for sale, either pre-converted or available for unique builds.
Distinguishing Features: Specialized installation services for mobility and wheelchair accessibility, veteran-owned and operated.
Their base conversion models start at $65,000. Prices will rise depending on optional upgrades, custom features, and additional amenities.
LiveMore Campervans
Live More Campervans is based in Kennesaw, Georgia, providing van interior upgrades and rentals for customers interested in vanlife and camper travel. The company specializes in converting various van models. Live More Campervans stands out due to their “Adventure Ready” layouts, allowing customers to choose a build with transparent pricing easily. The company also offers a “Try Before You Buy” program, allowing prospective customers to rent a van before committing to a purchase.
Live More Campervans has carved a niche with its clear and simplified build process, making van conversions approachable for both seasoned vanlifers and newcomers.
Distinguishing Features: Flexible finance options, a three-year warranty with service centers nationwide, and lifetime support.
Their pricing is transparent, and they offer different layouts with detailed pricing breakdowns for upgrades and additional custom tailoring choices ranging from $35,000.
2Pines Outfitters
Based in Saskatchewan, Canada, 2Pines Outfitters specializes in tailor-made camper van interior refitting for clients across North America, making their services accessible to both Canadian and US residents. They outfit the popular range of vans, including micro-vans, and sell custom-built vans, assisting customers looking to purchase vans through local dealerships. 2Pines Outfitters offers a seamless process, even handling transportation and paperwork. Builds range from off-grid adventure rigs to more luxurious mobile vans, with personalized designs based on the client’s needs, including off-grid electrical systems, seating, sleeping areas, etc. Featured vans like “Denny” and “Beluga,” along with 10 other designs, demonstrate the wide range of styles and setups 2Pines Outfitters can create. Distinguishing Features: There is a DIY shop where customers can purchase individual components for their builds, and the company outfits mobile medical and outreach vans at a reduced cost to support community programs.
Prices for their tailor-made interior refitting vary depending on the complexity and size of the build but can range from $55,000.
Vanlife Conversions
Vanlife Conversions is a premium van conversion company based in Essex in the United Kingdom, known for crafting campervans that cater to diverse adventure needs. Established by founders Oli and Emily, the company emerged from the pair’s personal passion for vanlife, which began with converting their own van, “Archi,” to explore Europe. Vanlife Conversions specializes in transforming a variety of vans, including popular models and the Volkswagen Transporter. The company uses high-quality materials, from natural wood for cabinets and countertops to premium textiles for soft furnishings. Vanlife Conversions has three designs: Kunu, with an open-plan layout, fixed bed, and garage; Milo, a dinette layout with a large seating area; and Rudi, with a shower room, sociable seating, and a fixed bed.
Distinguishing Features: Innovative van designs, such as accommodation for a mobile pole and flexibility instructor; camper van interiors are designed and crafted by overlanders.
Vanlife Conversions offers tailored pricing based on the level of modification selections and the specific van model, although prices range from $60,000.
The Resource List below makes mention of additional professional van conversion companies that offer comparable services but were not included in the above Buyers Guide.
Resource List
Outpost Vans from Colorado provides custom van transformations for Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter models, creating interiors that maximize space and functionality. They also offer gear and fully outfitted vans for sale.
Live More Campervans, based in Georgia, offers “adventure ready” rebuild options for Ford, Sprinter, and Ram models. They are well respected, have extensive industry experience, provide van rentals, and will soon be adding teardrop campers to their range.
Van-Craft, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializes in premium off-grid campervans built on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis, offers direct-to-consumer sales, and provides campervan rentals from multiple locations.
San Juan Vans of Durango, Colorado, has a selection of high-quality van build designs for Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter vans and is now offering composite camper builds for trucks as an additional service.
Glampervan, based in Oakland, California, offers stylish camper van refits designed for adventure and luxury, focusing primarily on Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit models. Their new lineup includes slide-in and flatbed composite campers.
Papago Vans from Arizona offers a wide array of build tiers for outdoor enthusiasts with Ford, Mercedes and Ram vans. Their build quality is of high quality and has a well-known reputation.
Off Highway Van, based in Utah, specializes in rugged camper van design configurations and tailor-made rebuilds for outdoor enthusiasts. They primarily fit Ford Mercedes vans, offering specially engineerd interiors and off-road improvements.
Vanture Customs, based in Pennsylvania, offers various van build layout solutions, from cargo vans to Ford Transits and Ram ProMaster vans. They also have a fleet of outfitted vans available as daily rentals.
Vanthony Conversions, based in Washington, focuses on high-quality van builds for various platforms, including Westfalia, Ford Transit, and Sprinter. They are known for their attention to detail and customer-centric approach.
Camp Life Customs, based in San Diego, works with various van models, focusing on creating functional and stylish interiors that enhance the camping experience. They offer bespoke fabrications with a luxury/elite line of van layout designs.
Chewy Design Co of Austin, Texas, transforms popular camper vans into fully customized mobile homes. Chewy Design Co. designs everything from scratch based on the customer’s specifications.
Ready Set Van, located in New Jersey, works with Ford and Mercedes models, creating interiors that focus on comfort and functionality. They have a range of conversion options available, along with optional made-to-order builds.
Van Ovation, based in Squamish, Canada, specializes in van repurposing from vans to skoolies. They provide complete conversion services as well as partial installs.
Sync Vans, based in Idaho, offers van transformations primarily for Sprinter van models. Sync Vans also provides fully outfitted vans and accessories for sale and has a forum for van enthusiasts.
United Kingdom
Out and About Campers, located in Henfield, has a range of various camper van layout platforms specific to VW platforms, such as the Volkswagen Transporter and Crafter. The company uses high-quality materials to create comfortable interiors. They have a large variety of outfitted VW vans for sale.
Love Campers, based in Sussex, builds interiors for the VW Caddy, Transporter, Crafter, Ford Transit, Fiat Ducato, and electric van conversions. They have an extensive range of outfitted camper vans for sale.
Taylored Campervan Conversions, based in North Devon, has a range of van setups for small minivans and SUVs to Sprinters and offers services like pop-top roof installations and diesel heater fittings. In addition to van reconfigurations, they sell accessories and base vans.
Read More: SUV, Van and Pick-Up Camping Conversion Kits :: Buyers Guide
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