So you want a camper van but know you can’t build it by yourself — this post is for you! If you’re thinking about building a camper van and realize you need help, or you want to hire a professional custom van builder to handle the entire job, you’ve probably noticed one thing: it’s not easy to figure out which conversion van builders you can actually trust.
Converting a van into a camper isn’t like buying a toaster. It’s more like building a tiny house that’s going to shake down the highway at 70 mph, bounce along dirt roads, and hopefully take you on the adventures of your life.
The truth? Not all camper van builders are created equal. Some are pros who’ve been doing this for years, others are weekend warriors trying to make a quick buck. So how do you find the right van conversion company to trust with your wheels *and* your wallet?
I’ve spent years around camper van builds — building my own, helping friends, supporting customers. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Here’s my straight-talk guide to choosing a van builder without losing your mind (or your shirt).
By the way, if you want to hear about my latest camper van build, check out our podcast on the topic here!
Step 1: Spend Time in Camper Vans Before You Decide What You Want
Here’s my number one tip: before you even call a builder, spend time in converted vans. Rent them for a few weekends. Walk through friends’ vans. Go to camper van meetups like Peace Love & Vans. You’ll learn more in several nights of camping than in weeks of scrolling Instagram.
People ask me all the time, “Mike, how big of a fridge should I get?” My answer? “I don’t know — how much food do you eat?!”
The same goes for everything else:
– Bed size? Try sleeping in a few.
– Shower? See if you’d actually use it.
– Kitchen? Cook a meal in a van before deciding you need a full stove.
– Water tank size? Depends… How long are your showers?
– Solar panels? Well, what items are you looking to power? Have you considered a secondary alternator?
A good camper van builder can help you refine your ideas, but they can’t tell you how you live. That part’s on you.
Step 2: Start Local, But Don’t Stop There
Sure, search for “van conversion company near me” or “custom camper van builder
But don’t limit yourself. Some of the best van builders in the U.S. are booked out months in advance — and worth the drive or shipping cost.
When researching, look for:
– Van type specialization (Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster)
– Online reviews (Google, forums, Facebook)
– Social media portfolios (Instagram is basically the showroom for this industry)
– And don’t forget to check out our directory of van builders!
Step 3: Check Their Street Cred
You wouldn’t hire a tattoo artist who’s only done two tattoos. Same goes for camper van builders. Ask:
– How many years have you been doing van conversions?
– How many of your completed camper vans are on the road?
– Can I talk to past customers?
And don’t just ask for references — actually call them. Ask: Did the builder answer your calls? Was the project on time? Has the van held up after real miles? If past customers dodge your questions or sound lukewarm, that’s a red flag. And check out my companion article: “10+ Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Camper Van Builder”.
Step 4: Style & Craftsmanship
Every camper van builder has a vibe. Some crank out modern, minimalist builds. Others lean rustic, cabin-style. Don’t hire someone whose portfolio doesn’t match what you want.
Then look closer at the craftsmanship:
– Cabinetry: Do they build in-house? CNC cut for precision?
– Materials: Lightweight and durable or heavy house-grade stuff?
– Details: Are finishes clean? Do doors close tight? Does the wiring look like a spaghetti mess?
Pro tip: Visit the shop if you can. Seeing their workspace tells you a lot about their standards.
Step 5: Systems Matter — Electrical & Plumbing
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Anybody can glue wood to the walls. But electrical and plumbing? That separates the pros from the DIY YouTubers.
Ask:
– What brands do you use (Victron, Epoch, SOK, etc.)?
– Who does the wiring and plumbing?
– What safety standards do you follow?
A bad electrical job isn’t just inconvenient — it’s dangerous. And trust me, you don’t want to find out your plumbing leaks while you’re sleeping in the van.
Step 6: Talk Money (and Be Upfront About Your Budget)
Let’s get real: Camper van conversions cost money. Lots of it. A partial build might start around $20,000. Full custom builds can run $100,000 or way more — before you even buy the van.
When collecting quotes, ask for:
– Transparency (no hidden fees)
– Payment schedules
– Line-item breakdowns
Some van conversion companies offer financing or partner with lenders. Ask early if that’s an option.
Step 7: Safety, Legal, and Warranties
This is the boring stuff most people skip, but it matters:
– Does the van meet legal safety codes?
– Will it pass insurance inspections?
– Do they warranty their work?
If they look at you funny when you ask these questions, that’s your sign to run.
Step 8: Communication & Trust Your Gut
You’re not just buying a camper van build, you’re starting a months-long relationship. If they don’t listen, talk down to you, or are slow to respond before you give them money — it’s not gonna get better.
Ask directly:
– How do you handle surprises?
– What happens if timelines slip?
– What support do you offer after delivery?
Then trust your gut. If you don’t feel good, walk away.
Final Thoughts
Your converted van is your dream on wheels. Don’t rush this decision. Take time to figure out your must-haves, spend some nights in camper vans, and ask the hard questions. The right van conversion company will be proud to answer them.
And hey, if you want a quick-hit checklist of the questions I recommend, check out my companion post: ’10+ Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Camper Van Conversion Company.’
Do it right, and soon you’ll be hitting the road in a van that actually fits your life.
FAQs About Choosing a Camper Van Conversion Company
How much does a camper van conversion cost?
Depends how wild you go. A super simple weekender setup might start around $20,000 (not including the van). A full-blown custom camper van with solar, plumbing, cabinetry, and off-grid systems can easily hit $80,000–$120,000 (again, before buying the van). Always get detailed quotes.
How long does it take to build a camper van?
Most van conversions take 6–12 weeks, depending on complexity and the builder’s schedule. Partial builds can be quicker, high-end customs may take several months. Always ask about timelines and potential delays.
Should I hire a camper van conversion company or DIY?
If you’ve got the skills, tools, and time, DIY can save money and be rewarding. But if electrical wiring or plumbing or cutting holes in your van freak you out, a professional van builder is worth it. Many people do a hybrid: DIY the easy stuff, hire pros for the technical work.
How do I find a camper van builder near me?
Start with Google searches like ‘van conversion company near me’ or ‘Sprinter van builder
What’s the best van for a camper conversion?
The big three are:
– Mercedes Sprinter: tons of aftermarket parts, tall roof, diesel.
– Ford Transit: affordable, AWD options, widely available.
– Ram ProMaster: boxy shape, front-wheel drive.
The best choice depends on your budget and lifestyle.
How do I know if a camper van builder is legit?
Look at their portfolio, talk to past customers, and visit their shop. A legit van conversion company is transparent about costs, timelines, and safety standards. If they dodge questions, walk away.
Do van conversion companies offer financing?
Some do, some don’t. Larger shops sometimes partner with lenders. You can also check with credit unions, RV loans, or personal loans for funding.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when hiring a camper van builder?
Not knowing what they want and not doing the research! Spend time in vans first. Figure out if you really need a shower, how much fridge space fits your lifestyle, and whether a toilet is worth it. Don’t let Instagram decide your build for you.
