SERVICE & INSTALLATION FAQS

What’s included in the quoted installation price?

Our baseline installation costs are prices for installation into an empty cargo van. Any time required to modify/work around an existing build out is billed hourly for actual time spent at $140 per hour. Similarly, any materials used will be billed separately. In some cases, additional troubleshooting of existing systems may also be required and is billed hourly.

When installing items that require an electrical connection (120 volt AC or 12 volt DC), we will test the functionality of the installation with our own, external power system to validate the full functionality of the installation prior to connecting the item to any power system available in the van/vehicle. This “known” reference electrical system allows us to distinguish any installation problem from potential issues/failures that might be caused by the electrical system installed in the vehicle itself. Typically our baseline installation costs do not include connecting devices to an existing electrical system but this can be requested and is charged hourly at $140 per hour.

How does scheduling and the deposit work?

We’ll work with you to schedule an appointment window and do our best to give you an accurate window of time. When the appointment is made, we will invoice you for a 50% deposit of the estimated costs. Any remaining balance is due when you pick up your vehicle.

Where is the work done? Where are you located?

All work is performed at our facility in Sarasota, Florida. The address is 1150 Snead Ave, Sarasota, FL  34237.

Can I come by the shop and talk to you guys about my install prior to my scheduled installation?

As much as we love hanging out with other vanlifers we have a lot going on at the shop and warehouse most days working on other vans and fulfilling orders from the store. So, we kindly ask that you only come about 15 minutes prior t0 your scheduled appointment. Having this little bit of extra time allows us to get to know you a bit and to discuss any details about the installation.

Can I hang out and watch the installation?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a waiting area at our location and (due to liability reasons) customers are not allowed to be in the work area during installs. However, Sarasota is an awesome town! So, we recommend you explore the area while you’re here.

Our location is just north of downtown Sarasota and you can take a free trolley from there to various other areas of town and the beaches. Many of our customers will ride a bike or take an Uber to one of the trolley stops and check out the town and barrier island beaches with the trolley.

Also, keep in mind that in some cases, the install may take longer than the allocated time. We will do our best to keep you updated on when to return to pickup your vehicle. Typically we try to provide a status update via phone call one hour before pickup.

Below are links to some restaurants and things to do in Sarasota.
Things to do: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34618-Activities-Sarasota_Florida.html

Top Restaurants: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34618-Sarasota_Florida.html

How long will the work take?

When we schedule your appointment we’ll give you our best estimate on the time the work will take. In mind that in some cases, the install may take longer than the allocated time. We will do our best to keep you updated on when to return to pickup your vehicle. Typically we try to provide a status update via phone call one hour before pickup.

What if I am late or need to cancel?

We understand that life happens and we try to be flexible. However, if you’re over 30 minutes late we have to charge you a $100 late fee. If you’re over an hour late, the late fee is $200 and if you’re over two hours late we’ll have to cancel your appointment.

If you need to cancel, we ask that you give us at least 72 hours. Cancellations made less than 72 hours are charged a $150 fee that is taken from your deposit.

Can I camp at your facility prior to or during the installation? Is it safe?

Sure, you’re welcome to camp overnight in our parking lot (stealth camp) the night before and during your installation. Our facility is in a relatively safe industrial area about a mile from downtown Sarasota, but of course, we can not be held responsible if anything happens to you or your van.

If we’re installing something that requires a roof penetration we need to use sealants which need time to cure/dry overnight. In those cases we recommend that you keep your van parked inside our workshop. Unfortunately, we can’t allow you to camp inside your van when it’s parked inside so we recommend you make arrangements well in advance of your appointment since Sarasota is a popular tourist destination – particularly in the winter.

While you’re here, we can provide you with a 15 amp “shore power” connection and you can also fill up your fresh water tank(s)!