Van DIY Conversion Kits :: Buyers Guide

Vanlife has captured the imagination of many overlanders driven by the desire to have their cake and eat it, too. While many overlanders enjoy the simple, minimalist experience of living out of a compact 4WD, there is a growing trend toward the comforts of home while having the capability to explore far reaches of the globe. In recent years, we’ve met many who prefer the blend of adventure and convenience that vans offer at the expense of true off-road capability. For myself, I love traveling in our Land Rover Defender. It has personality, living space, and character and can take us literally anywhere. However, if I were to embrace a digital nomad lifestyle—seeking out thrilling adventures with the ability to earn an income—a van would do just fine.

We undertook the project of converting our Land Rover Defender 130 from a double cab into a single cab with a camper back in search of the best of both worlds, a capable vehicle that could house a family of four. Despite budgeting minimally, the build costs almost doubled, if not tripled from our initial, naive projections. In hindsight, I would have gladly spent the money upfront if we had the option to install a DIY conversion kit for our interior with a simple “plug-and-play” concept. It would have saved my family and me the headache and challenges of building an interior while on the road.

There are many pros and cons to building your own interior versus a DIY conversion kit, which are outlined below:

Pros

Cost-effective: While DIY conversion kits may initially seem expensive, considering the costs of materials, labor, and time, it becomes evident that having a professional handle the work with specialized equipment like CNC cutters and access to wholesale materials can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Convenience: Most DIY conversion kits come with pre-cut materials, detailed instructions, necessary hardware, and support from the supplier. Many suppliers also offer installation videos, providing additional guidance.

Customization: These kits typically offer modular components that can be adjusted to fit personal preferences, lifestyles, and needs, often for an additional fee.

Self-installation: Even though the kit is pre-cut and ready for assembly, installing it yourself provides valuable hands-on experience. This approach will prepare you mentally for any repairs that need to be made while on the road.

Quality products: Most reputable DIY conversion companies use high-quality materials and components, often with limited warranties or guarantees. Many kits also feature eco-friendly and lightweight materials.

Cons

Hidden costs: Although DIY conversion kits are generally ready for installation, some may require additional specialized hardware or tools that are not included. Unexpected costs for breakage should also be considered.

Customization: Some suppliers do not offer customization for bespoke conversions and some kits lack creativity and flexibility. Additional costs may be incurred to achieve a truly personal build.

Legal and safety considerations: Building a van requires a certain level of skill and knowledge, particularly in areas like electrical work, insulation, ventilation, gas installation, and solar systems. Poor wiring and incorrect installations can pose serious risks, including fire hazards.

Quality control: Some companies may prioritize weight reduction over quality, using lighter but potentially inferior materials. It is advisable to research reputable suppliers and seek advice from experienced vanlifers.

We have curated a list of suppliers who specialize in DIY van conversion kits. These suppliers offer a range of options to suit different needs and preferences.

Timber Van Kits

Timber Van Kits has an extensive range of products available on its website. Its modular DIY kits are available for installation in the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster, but don’t let that deter you from taking a peek at its website—it has a fully-fledged store with additional items.

Several modular components that can be purchased to help you design your dream interior. Timber’s furniture, wall, and ceiling kit is made from Baltic birch plywood and .5-inch marine plywood for flooring. The overhead cabinetry has gas struts and stainless-steel marine latches and hinges. The kitchen galley/cabinets have a black Formica countertop, stainless steel sink, faucet, two water tanks, and a water pump. The bed unit can be stacked while traveling, and the wheel well cabinets that it sits atop have ample storage space and can hold another water tank or the power system.

A complete DIY kit is only currently available for the Mercedes Sprinter 144 and 170-inch high-roof. The complete kit includes a full kitchen, bed system and cabinetry, paneling and insulation, flooring, indoor shower, and a full plumbing system with a complete electrical system including a heater, solar panels, power station, and 12-volt fridge. The professionally installed kit is available for Sprinters, Transits, and ProMasters.

Base Pricing:

$1,800/wall and ceiling kit, $225/overhead cabinetry, $1,600/kitchen galley, $3,750/bed and wheel well unit, $24,500/professionally installed full van conversion kits, $16,000/complete DIY kits | timbervankits.com

Z2Overland

Z2Overland was established by long-term overlanders Bryan+Jen Danger, who have over eight years of experience living and traveling full-time in vans and years of experience in architectural and furniture design. Their skills in building vans have led to a successful business. Z2Overland offers high-quality DIY van conversion kits for vans and expedition builds. The durable yet elegant kits are designed with an aluminum frame and stunning bent bamboo panels, known for their durability and sleek appearance. They are modular and utilize the vehicle’s factory holes, making them easy to install and customize but also easy to remove. Additional upgrades and accessories like LED lighting and appliances are available, along with customization options that include stained finishes and powder-coated frames.

The base cabinetry kit includes a kitchen/galley, a three-panel stackable and removal bed system and upper cabinets with large storage cavities and a fold-out gear drying rack.

Z2Overland can facilitate the installation of the kit and provides assistance with the installation of components for DIY projects. Optional components include bamboo wall and door panels with .5-inch bamboo ceiling slats, fixtures/appliances, LED lighting, and/or other upgrades. All products are produced on order (and backed by a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects). Custom layouts and configurations are common.

Base Pricing:

From $18,000/Base cabinetry kit for short wheelbase vans, From $22,000/Base cabinetry kit for long wheelbase vans | z2overland.com

VanLab

VanLab specializes in affordable, high-quality, DIY van conversion kits that cater to various van models such as the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Chevy Express, Ford E Series, Ram ProMaster, and many more. Their conversion kits are made from sustainable Baltic birch plywood, and they are comprehensive, including everything needed for a complete conversion, from kitchen setups to sleeping arrangements. The conversion kits all offer flooring, a queen-sized-fixed bed, under-bed storage, a bench, a customizable kitchen counter with storage, water, and portable toilet storage areas with optional integrated wiring loom and showers.

One of VanLab’s standout features is the ease of installation and assembly, and VanLab has made it its mission to ensure that its kits are easy to assemble. From flat packing their kits to providing all the hardware, with engravings on each panel that correlate to the instruction manual, to booking a Thumbtack handyman in your area to help with your installation, VanLab is the “IKEA of van conversion kits.”

VanLab also offers financing options with Affirm, with 0 percent interest over a 3-, 6-, or 12-month period (with a 15 percent APR rate).

From $6,995 | wearevanlab.com

Vantopia Vans

Vantopia Vans offers a versatile range of DIY van conversion kits designed to transform Sprinter, Transit, and Promaster vans into personalized, mobile living spaces. According to multiple reviews, their kits are meticulously crafted to combine innovation with convenience, making them ideal for adventurers looking for a home on wheels.

These conversion kits are designed for flexibility and ease of installation, and include essential components such as bed kits that include a seating and sleeping area with a raised bed, a cabinetry kit with storage and a bed bunk kit for the overlanding family. The kitchen module features bamboo countertops and fold trays, and the bathroom module has a pre-assembled shower and toilet pod closet. Several storage solutions are available, including full-height closets for clothes and gear, a bike slider and a pantry combo module for additional kitchen storage, and a window combo module.

Some stand-alone components offered by Vantopia include insulated Europly flooring, beadboard and ACM panel kits for walls and ceilings, and prewired fuse and switch panels with GoalZero expansion packs.

In addition to DIY installation, Vantopia offers factory installation services of their conversion kits along with the installation of electrical and solar systems.

Base Pricing:

$5,950/bed base kit, From $1,150/wall and ceiling panel kit, $1,950/combo module, $9,950/bathroom module | vantopiavans.com

Happier Camper

Happier Camper offers a modular and flexible interior solution for Sprinter passenger, cargo, and crew vans. Their DIY conversion kits are made from 100 percent fiberglass and are designed to provide versatile and customizable living space with modular cubes that can be reconfigured to enable you to change the layout of your living space.

Their conversion kit stands out for its innovative design that uses a specialized fiberglass floor (available at an additional cost) that has grooves embedded that securely hold the modular cubes in place, so no glues, screws, or rivets are required during installation. The fiberglass composition of the cubes makes them strong, lightweight, and able to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Happier Campers conversion kits typically start with the floor kit, wall and ceiling kit, and front wall kit. Additional components include modular cubes, countertop lids, a kitchenette with clean and gray water hookups, a cooler cube, and a toilet system. The kits are available in various colors, including Mojave Sage, Bishop Red, and Pacific Blue, with custom colors available at an additional charge.

One cool feature of Happier Campers conversion kits is that some components can be removed and used as seating or tables outdoors. Happier Camper backs its products with a 1-year guarantee on structural elements and workmanship.

$6,950/flooring kit, $6,950/wall and ceiling kit, $1,950/front wall kit | happiercamper.com

Vanaholic

Vanaholic conversion kits are simplistic and lightweight and made with extruded aluminum and Alupoly panels. They are designed to create a practical and functional living space that is ideal for individuals who prefer a minimalistic approach while still enjoying the comforts of home. While these kits may not be extremely luxurious, they are built to withstand the toll of being used daily, and any failures can be repaired remotely. Each conversion kit comes with a detailed installation guide and additional video tutorials on their website for ease of fitment. *No trees were harmed while manufacturing the Vanaholic conversion kits.

Vanaholic conversion kits can be retrofitted into Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit passenger, cargo, and crew vans, as well as Dodge ProMaster standard and cargo vans.

Vanaholic offers three customizable van kits: the Newport, Moab, and Catalina. Each of these modules is designed with your comfort in mind, featuring cushions and/or a foam mattress, a black countertop, and a stainless-steel sink. The various van kits also include parallel benches, dinettes, and tables that convert to a queen bed, under-bed and overhead storage cabinets, and a kitchen sink and fridge galley. With these features, you can relax and feel at ease in your personalized living space.

Newport/$15,500, Moab/$17,500, Catalina/$19,500 | vanaholic.com

Camp N Car

Camp N Car, based in Port Townsend, Washington, offers a variety of custom conversion options alongside their popular Signature Builds, designed specifically for Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Chevrolet Astro vans. They also provide custom conversions for any van or SUV, with the option to purchase vehicles they have on consignment. Recently, they announced a new rental option for their vans.

The company sources wood from vendors who procure lumber from sustainably managed forests and employs a team of vanlifers and overlanders, ensuring they understand their customers’ specific needs.

Camp N Car’s conversion kits include a full-size bed, a sofa that converts into a guest bed, a kitchen unit with overhead storage, a sink and faucet offering filtered hot and cold water, a Dometic two-burner propane cooktop with a drawer system for storage, an outdoor shower, a Maxxair fan, a Webasto heater, a 400 amp-hour lithium battery, a 2,000-watt inverter, and 400-watt solar panels.

Additionally, Camp N Car offers stand-alone components, such as a trunk bed, a “home on wheels” kit, van shelves, and under-bunk side drawers. They can also assist with installing solar systems, propane setups, heating, freshwater systems, air-conditioning, complex electrical systems, and transforming furniture and cabinetry.

$72,500/Signature Build | campncar.com

Featherbuilt

Featherbuilt offers van conversion kits for many models, including Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster. Their extensive collection of conversion kits serves as an “ideas box” for designing custom rigs. Featherbuilt also provides kits for every wheelbase and roof height for Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vans. Their DIY foundation kits include wall panels, ceiling panels, and flooring, forming a solid base for any project. Storage solutions feature overhead cabinets and modular drawer systems, maximizing space and functionality. Additionally, Featherbuilt offers customizable interior options, such as bed systems, seating, and kitchen units, allowing customers to tailor their builds to specific needs.

A standout feature is their digital planning kits and conversion guides, which offer comprehensive plans and step-by-step instructions, which are particularly useful for beginners. The company emphasizes ease of installation, with user-friendly products accessible even to those with minimal experience.

Featherbuilt also provides easy-to-install components with straightforward installation guides akin to a “Dummies Guide.” Environmentally conscientious, they partner with One Tree Planted, planting trees for every product sold to support reforestation efforts.

Base Pricing:

$2,300/wall panel kit, $1,325/ceiling panel kit, $40,000/full build with furnishings, electrics and plumbing | featherbuilt.com

TNTvans

TNTvans offers DIY modular kits for vans like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, Chevy Express, GMC Savana, Nissan NV, and Ford Econoline. The units are built with 6063 aluminum frames and cabinet-grade plywood, which would suit an avid off-roader, hunter, skier, or outdoorsperson. Solid, durable, and practical, they might not be as suited for the long-termer looking for luxury and comfort.

The modular kits, designed for easy integration and reconfiguration, include a Camper Van Kitchen System, a two-part kit with a cabinet with sink, two water tanks, a fold-down faucet, and a manual foot pump. The second cabinet houses your ice chest or cooler on a slider with storage underneath and a storage space under the countertop. The rear bed can be built between 2 and 6 feet long and 19 and 51 inches high. This allows you to store gear underneath the bed, such as an e-bike or motorbike, and have it be an ideal length as a sleeping area for a family. The shelving supporting the rear bed houses transparent containers for easy access and visibility.

If you’re looking to keep your weight down, this may be a good option, as TNTvans’ average van conversion kit weighs just under 200 pounds.

Base Pricing:

$2,300/kitchen unit, $1,268/bed and shelving kit, $850/wheel well bench set | tnt-vans.com

Roost Vans

Roost Vans offers DIY van conversion kits and full-service conversions for Sprinter and Transit vans at their warehouse in Oregon. Their philosophy focuses on simplicity, quality, and affordability, providing durable and safe van-build solutions. Their smooth-rail mounting system is attached to your van’s interior ribs and walls, and interior wall and ceiling panels finish the look. This allows for quick installation of other components, such as the lockable bamboo cabinets and shelving, which can be attached and remounted to the mounting system, allowing you the freedom to redesign the interior living space of your van.

Their modular bed systems consist of the Fu-Kit bed system and the strap-up hanging bed system. The flip-up kit can be lifted at 90 degrees, allowing for under-bed storage, and can be reconfigured into a couch. The strap-up hanging bed can be installed at any height and made into a single, double, or queen or a bunk bed for the kids over the Fu-Kit bed. Additional components include kitchen cabinets, upper cabinetry and shelves, a lower bench storage cabinet, and the popular loo bench. Insulation and flooring kit is coming soon. The company’s name reflects the concept of providing a comfortable resting place akin to a bird’s roost.

Base Pricing:

$435/cabinets, $1,950/bed systems, $600/mounting system, $1,150/panels | roostvans.com

Trail Kitchens

Based in Truckee, California, Trailkitchens handcrafts all its modular kits for a stress-free van conversion. Its square aluminum tubing construction is skinned and riveted with either composite paneling or bamboo and equipped with stainless steel hinges, which ensures it is lightweight and durable and can be removed and used outdoors.

The available modular kits available for conversion include a kitchen pod with sink and optional extras such as a freshwater tank, water pump, and filtration system; a stove with electrical wiring and Dometic fridge; overhead cabinets; and a convertible sofa bed with two underbed drawers with the optional power system and 4-season heating system. A single or double Murphy bed is a pull-down or wall bed hinged vertically at one end to store it against a wall. My only concern with the double Murphy bed is the large, unappealing stainless support hinges, which may or may not hinder sleep. A rear gear locker is also available for purchase. The rear door gear locker is an innovative and convenient addition to all your dirty outdoor gear, such as chairs, a table, snowboards, and shoes. Trailkitchens also has a range of space-efficient portable workstation solutions solely for outdoor use.

Base Pricing:

$3,000/kitchen unit, $2,950/convertible sofa bed, $6,300/Murphy bed, $425/overhead cabinets | trailkitchens.com

Van-Jorn

“Van-Jorn builds quirky campers for eccentric people” is a tagline we can support. Managed by a group of young but learned entrepreneurs, the company is based in the Netherlands but can ship to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Although their modules are simplistic, they are fun and modern, clearly well-thought-out, and built by engineers. The company offers a range of interior modules to fit smaller vans and the popular Mercedes Sprinter models.

Van-Jorn offers the following modular kits for a van conversion: a fold-up queen-size bed, a wall-mounted queen-size bed, a single and two-seater bench with seatbelts, a kitchen cabinet with sink and faucet, an indoor bathroom, full and half-height hanging cabinets, a fridge cabinet, shelving, and storage cabinets. Additional accessories such as solar panels, vents, awnings, diesel heaters, cassette toilets, electric steps, and more are available to purchase.

Their website offers an online 3D configurator for designing your van’s interior, including the electrics, plumbing, and paneling. Although all the modules are made with FSC-certified wood, my only concern with the product is its durability for heavy-set folk, rumbustious children, and heavy off-road use.

Base Pricing:

$1,475/queen-size bed, $1,000/bench, $1,800/kitchen cabinets, $8,600/full bathroom | vanjorn.com

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