If you’re thinking aboutconverting a van, you’re probably wondering “how much does a van conversion cost?” The simple answer is that it depends; many factors affect the overall conversion cost.
The cost of a van conversionvaries greatlydepending on the materials, amenities, labor, and whether you go the DIY or professional route. Not to mention, if you don’t already have the van, you’ll have to factor in the price ofbuying a van as well. Read on to discover more about van conversion costs and how Esplori’s price compares.
TheCost of the Van
The first step to determining the cost of yourcamper van conversionis considering your ideal van model and budget.
Van Model
Several types of vans are appropriate forvan life, includingMercedes Sprinter Vans,Ford Transit,Dodge Promaster,Chevrolet Express, and more. Each van has its pros and cons, as well as price variations. Check outthis articleto learn more about the characteristics of each van model.
New vs. Used
In addition to the van model, you must decide if you’ll buy a new or used one. Vans can be purchased anywhere from $1,000 (used) to upwards of $80,000 (new, luxury). This range gives you a lot of flexibility when deciding how muchmoneyyou’ll spend on a van.
When purchasing a used van, you get what you pay for. Cheaper vans will probably need more work than those that are more expensive and in better condition.
Here are some factors to consider when buying used:
- Gas/overall mileage
- Rust
- Size of the van
- Condition of the brakes, engine, and body
A new van, for example, could cost anywhere from $35,000 for a Dodge Promaster with a short wheelbase to roughly $70,000 for a Sprinter Van with a long wheelbase and upgrades. Sprinters are one of the more expensive models, but they are known to be more reliable.
4x4/AWD or 2WD
Another factor influencing the price of a new van is whether it has 4-wheel, all-wheel, or 2-wheel drive. Mercedes Sprinter Vans (2015-present) are equipped with 4x4. They are the only full-size cargo vans available in 4x4 from the factory. However, starting in 2023, the Mercedes Sprinters will join the Ford Transits with their own all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This luxury may come at a price; however, it’s sometimes essential to have 4x4 or AWD forvan lifeadventures.
Type of Conversion
After considering the cost of buying a van, you will need to decide whether to do aDIY van conversionor a professionalvan build. When converting a van yourself, you can invest as much or as little money as you want. However, when a company converts your van, base prices are often fixed, and you can add additional features for an extra cost.
Professional conversions can vary from $30,000 to upwards of $200,000. Here you can find a detailed list of pros and cons for doing a DIY versus aprofessional van conversion.
In the following section of the article, we will discuss different factors affecting the conversion price.
Materials
The price of materials used to build the interior of your van can vary depending on type and quality. For example, premium hardwood is more expensive than cheap plywood. Some builders may use more inexpensive materials to cut costs and then not reflect that in the overall build price. Be sure to inquire about materials used in the following areas:
- Ceiling
- Walls
- Floor
- Cabinets
- Furniture
- Insulation
- Countertops
- Sink
- Plumbing
At Esplori, we’ve ditched the traditional carpet-wood duo and instead use aluminum panels to build the ceiling, walls, and cabinets. It’s more durable, versatile, and lightweight.
Amenities, Appliances, and Features
One of the biggest reasons some conversions are more expensive than others is the amenities, appliances, and features installed in a van. A basicconversion will costless than a more extravagant one.
How you use your van (i.e., full-time, part-time, or just for occasional travel) will influence the amenities needed. For example,full-timeliving may require installing additional kitchen or bathroom features, like a toilet and shower. This could, however, add significant expense for more intricate plumbing and a more extensive water system.
You can opt for a smaller water tank and basic plumbing when doing a more standard build with just a bed, kitchen, and living area. Low-cost water tanks start around $100, whereas high-end tanks can be close to $1,000. The van kitchen can range from $100 to upwards of $10,000, depending on how high-end you want.
Additionally, more appliances (fridge, stove top, lights, TVs, blenders, charging stations, etc.) require greater electrical power. As a result, electricity is often a significant expense for van conversions. Power grids can range from $500 to upwards of $25,000, depending on how basic or intricate they are.
As you can see, the cost varies greatly depending on what installations you choose for your van.
Labor
The cost of labor is the final factor influencing the price of a van conversion. When doing a professional build, labor will typically account for around 50% of the cost. However, hiring a professional builder has its benefits.Van conversion companiesknow how to construct a long-lasting van interior that meets safety requirements and doesn’t fall apart in harsh road or weather conditions.
When choosing aDIY camper vanbuild, you maysave moneyon labor, but you must also factor in the materials and tools needed to build if you don’t already have everything.
The Price of a Conversion with Esplori
At Esplori, we specialize in building the base for yourSprinter van conversion. Our cleverly craftedinterior kitprovides a functional and versatile foundation to make any necessary installations. There are several installation options, each priced differently, based on whether you choose a DIY or more professional option.
Sprinter Van 144 Interior Kit - DIY: $15,995
Sprinter Van 144 Interior Kit - Assisted DIY: $17,995
Sprinter Van 144 Interior Kit - Factory Install: $21,995
Additional parts and accessories can be purchased and installed. View priceshere.
Why Esplori?
Our builds set you up to have the ultimate adventure. The processes and materials we use are eco-friendly and efficient. As mentioned earlier, we use aluminum to make your van lighter, so you take more people and gear on each adventure. Additionally, aluminum is eco-friendly, long-lasting, and easy to wipe down after each trip.
Are you interested in building with Esplori? Let’s get started today! Visitour websitefor more information.
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