If you are considering converting a camper van on your own, you may be interested to know how much it will cost. The question on your mind is, “how much will it cost to convert my van to a campervan?“.
Well, it depends. Just like building a house, you can decide to go cheap or spend exorbitantly on luxurious and expensive items.
The cost of converting a van into a campervan typically varies due to some factors and variables. The price ranges from as low as $1,000 to over $15,000 or more, depending on the cost and quality of the conversion materials. Your choice of expert van conversion firm and the type of van build you’re searching for will determine how much it will cost.
However, if you need a speedy response, the price of a professional camper van conversion often ranges from $30,000 to $80,000 for the conversion alone (not including the van). On the other hand, at the extremes, some high-end businesses can cost more than $15,000, while others can convert for as little as $5,000.
If you own a van, you will spend between $5,000 to $15,000 to convert it into a camper. But if you want to buy a new base vehicle, it will cost around $50,000 to $150,000, while a second-hand vehicle will cost around $10,000 to $110,000. The conversion cost may vary depending on the size of the campervan, the fitout, and the model of the base vehicle.
The truth is that converting a camper van would cost you a lot but be encouraged because this article will give you a detailed guide on how to convert a camper van easily. So let’s break it down and see what you need to look out for when choosing a camper van and how much it would cost.
When selecting the ideal van for a camper van conversion, there are several factors to take into account. Many people interested in buying a camper van frequently think about their possibilities. These could include a high or low roof, whether it should be a new or fairly old van, whether you plan to use it full-time or part-time, if you need a 44/AWD or 2WD, or whether you’ll be taking the whole family or just yourself, etc.
Many reputable conversion firms for camper vans only work with more recent brands and models. It usually consists of Ram Promaster, Ford Transits, and Mercedes Sprinters. Nowadays, it is challenging to locate someone to convert an old van.
Most companies focus most of their expenses on more recent models, and there are only a few of them. By limiting their conversions to just a few models, they can keep costs down for their employees.
Older vans tend to have low roofs and more curves, which reduces their comfort and space for adaptations. Many companies and agencies may not want to use inefficient, second-hand vehicles because they perceive new vans will naturally perform better on longer distances.
The following are important features that you will find in any modern camper van:
Walls.
Cabinet.
Bed.
Fridge.
Sink.
Counter.
Plumbing.
Vent fan.
Flooring.
Insulation.
Electrical.
The electrical system is the most expensive on this list. It would cost you anything from $1,500 to $5,000 to get a decent-sized off-grid solar setup for your camper van. This will provide enough power for your devices, including laptops, cameras, phones, fans, lights, fridges, TVs, blenders, etc.
Campervan Conversion Cost – The Van Itself
If you want to convert a campervan yourself, there are two costs you need to be mindful of. First is the cost of the van, and the other is the cost of the conversion. There is a huge price gap when it comes to purchasing a van. You can get cheap vans on the market for $100, and you can as well spend over $110,000.
Looking for a quality van is important, even if you are on a budget. You will get what you pay for. That being said, the following are important factors you can’t ignore when purchasing a van on a budget.
The size of the van.
Mileage.
Rust.
Body of the vehicle.
Condition of the brakes, engine, and other parts.
The Price of a Used Van
You can find used vans at great prices if you don’t have enough money for a new van. The price of the used vans depends largely on the year, the model, and amount of miles. Some vans are known for their retention value compared to others.
Below is a rough price estimate of second-hand vans used for camper conversion:
Used Sprinter Van: $20,000 to $27,000.
Used Ram Promaster: $9,000 to $20,000.
Used Ford Transit: $10,000 to $20,000.
Used VW Crafter: $25,000.
Although these prices are estimates of second-hand vans, you can still get vans for as low as $1,000. Still, it would be best if you exercise caution when buying any cheap and inexpensive van. A van of $1,000 may require $12,000 of work.
The Price of a New Van
Here are some rough price estimates of the best new vans for camper conversion:
New Sprinter Van: $35,000 new SWB or $50,000+ LWB with upgrades.
New Ram Promaster: $27,000 new SWB or $45,000 LWB with upgrades.
New Ford Transit: $25,000 SWB or $42,000 LWB with upgrades.
New VW Crafter: $49,000 SWB or $85,000 extended LWB with upgrades.
If you are considering buying a van to build a campervan, it is highly imperative for you to take note of the entire campervan conversion cost beforehand. You don’t want to purchase a van for $45,000 and spend $5,000 converting it.
Campervan Conversion Costs and Essential Factors To Consider
The Base Vehicle
Typically, you should expect to spend more on the base vehicle than any other area when converting a campervan. A brand new van will likely cost around $40,000 to $120,000, while a second-hand van can be purchased for around $3,000 to $95,000.
Before buying the van, you would want to consider how you will use it, how often you’ll be using it, how far you will be taking it, and how far you will be taking it. If you don’t plan to use the vehicle frequently or you intend to use it during the holidays and festive periods, it will be economical to get an older van model and not a new van. However, if you intend to use the van for long road drives and regular trips, you should get a newer model with fewer km on the clock.
Spending on a reliable vehicle upfront will save you thousands in vehicle repairs and maintenance in the long run. By getting a newer model, you are less likely to spend on the initial mechanical costs and repairs.
Some of the popular van models that are converted into campervans include:
Fiat Ducato
Brand New Cost: $45,000 – $60,000.
Second-Hand Cost: $3,000 – $30,000.
Ford Transit
Brand New Cost: $50,000 – $63,700+.
Second-Hand Cost: $3,000 – $56,000.
Volkswagen T5 or T6
Brand New Cost: $49,000 – $85,000.
Second-Hand Cost: $12,000 – $55,000.
Mercedes Sprinter
Brand New Cost: $65,000 – $120,000.
Second-Hand Cost: $7,500 – $95,000.
After purchasing a van, the next investment will go into the items to go into the van. You can include many items in the conversion, and we’ve provided a detailed breakdown of these costs below.
Electricity and Lighting
Electricity, perhaps, is one of the important facilities you need in your campervan, especially while traveling. The electrical system can be adjusted to your taste depending on your power needs and consumption.
What type of electrical appliances do you have, and how many do you intend to use in your campervan? A simple battery system may work if you want to turn on a few lights and charge your phone and mobile accessories. However, you’ll need an expensive plug-in system if you intend to use electricity-heavy appliances such as TVs, fans, washing machines, microwaves, dishwashers, and hairdryers.
If you can’t install the electrical system, get a professional. Although this can increase the campervan conversion cost, it will ensure your safety. You may spend over $2,000 on electrics and lighting alone. We recommend investing some money into electricity to make your campervan bright and comfortable.
A low-cost electrical system can be configured for around $500:
Battery isolation switch.
Fuses and cables.
Fuse box.
USB sockets.
Inverter.
Solar charge controller.
LED lights.
100-watt solar panel.
Leisure battery.
A mid-range electrical system can be configured for roughly $1,100:
12V LED strip lights.
Battery isolation switch.
Fuse box.
Fuses and cables.
USB sockets.
LED lights.
Split charger.
Solar charge controller.
Pure sine inverter.
3×100 watt solar panels.
AGM battery.
This system model provides solar power alongside a split-charge relay. Another benefit of the electric system is that the battery can be recharged while driving or on the go.
A high-end electrical system can be configured for roughly $2,000:
Solar display.
Battery isolation switch.
Fuse box.
Two 12V LED strip lights.
USB sockets.
Fuses and cables.
Plug sockets.
Split charger.
2x LED spotlights.
Solar charge controller.
Pure sine inverter.
2×360 watt solar panels.
Lithium battery.
The major difference with this electric system is its lithium battery and increased solar power. Although the lithium battery is pricey, it is extremely powerful and can last up to 5x better than other batteries. Moreover, adding solar power is a top-up to the electrical system.
Ventilation and Windows
Adding windows is a good way to increase ventilation and prevent moisture and mold build-up in your campervan. You can easily do this with a Jigsaw and a drill. Consider getting pop-up ventilation hatches if you have a small budget.
You can consider getting fan ventilation since it does a better job of removing moisture and smells from the vehicle. In addition, fan hatches have the extra advantage of pulling in cool air inside the vehicle during the hot summer months.
You can add a layer of ventilation under your mattress. Products like Hypervent help remove moisture under your bed and prevent mold build-up. Consider installing windows or a skylight in your campervan conversion if your van lacks natural light.
The following tools will save you a lot of money on professional windows installation in your campervan:
Sealant (optional) – $15.
Small Window Curtains and Curtain Rods – $25.
Hypervent (under the bed) – $80.
Window Fitting Kit (optional) – $100.
Roof Vent with Fan – $180.
Windows – $250 to $1,000 each (depending on the size and glaze) [Optional].
Skylight Vent (optional) – $250.
Low-cost van ventilation and windows should cost around $300.
A simple non-motorized vent.
Window and fitting kit.
Mid-range van ventilation and windows will cost roughly $720.
Motorized vent.
Windows and fitting kit.
High-end van ventilation and windows will cost roughly $1,199.
Skylight.
Two Maxxair motorized vents.
Windows and fitting kit.
To give your van an exquisite look and use top-notch materials, you will need two Maxxair fans. While one fan pulls clean air inside the van, the other drives air out. As for the skylight, it will be great for stargazing.
Materials for Furniture Builds
When converting a campervan, you need to consider the lumber for your build. Based on your campervan idea and design, you may want to include lumber for your bathroom, bed, living room benches, kitchen, and any counter inside the vehicle.
A small van will require less lumber, which means less money to spend. However, the more elegant and bigger your campervan layout ideas are, the higher you spend on lumbar. Wood quality is the most significant factor affecting the price of materials for van conversion. Even though you can acquire materials for campervan conversion for cheap, they may not be as durable as the high-end materials.
For a low-costvan conversion, the materials will cost you roughly $300.
Plywood/ MDF Sheets – $200.
Screws and Fixtures – $25.
Wooden Battens – $75.
An ideal way to minimize spending and reduce the cost of van conversion is to find where to get lumber for free. You can consider using old furniture that isn’t used. Pallet wood is a good material to use for your van.
Fortunately, it is easy to find; you can get it for free if you are lucky. If you can source pallet wood for free, the rest of the campervan conversion will cost you less than $50.
You will spend $700 on the materials for a mid-range van conversion.
Screws and Fixtures – $50.
Wooden Battens – $200.
Plywood/ MDF Sheets – $400.
For a high-end van conversion, the material will cost roughly $2,200:
Wooden Battens – $200.
Screws and Fixtures – $300.
Oak Worktop – $600.
Plywood Sheets – $1,000.
The quality of the wood and materials goes a long way in differentiating your campervan from a low-cost or midrange to a high-end campervan.
Bedroom
When converting your campervan, you don’t have to spend much on bedroom construction. Setting up the bedroom will be cheaper if you know how to knock up the bedframe yourself.
All that is needed is some bed slats and a few logs of wood (plywood). You can also build your storage drawers and options under the bed. The mattress is the most expensive part of the campervan bedroom. You don’t need a big mattress or spend so much on the mattress itself. Look for a decent-sized mattress and add a bedsheet for comfort. If the bed is going across your vehicle, you can modify the mattress or find a foam with the proper size.
Materials and cost:
2X Draw Runners – $20.
Bed Slats – $50.
Down Duvet – $60.
2X Down Pillows – $100.
Plywood for Bed Frame and Hinges – $100.
Queen Size Mattress – $250 – $1,500 (depending on the brand, size, and quality).
Van Bed
A low-cost van bed will cost you around $100 to $130.
Ikea Mattress – $100.
A mid-range van bed will cost roughly $200.
Memory foam mattress – $200.
A high-end van bed will cost you around $1,000.
Custom-made mattress to fit the van bed measurement at $1,000.
Van Wi-Fi
Mid-range van Wi-Fi will cost you around $200.
Signal Booster – $55.
Portable Router – $100.
High-end van Wi-Fi will cost you around $400.
Multi-directional antenna $375.
With this antenna, you can get a strong Wi-Fi connection even in remote places, which is an added advantage if you are working or streaming Netflix content from the comfort of the van.
Water System
Your campervan needs a water system, but it doesn’t have to be too expensive and complex. You can install a water system for shower and kitchen use in your campervan.
Most people prefer a simple, cost-effective way of connecting their shower and kitchen sink to the same water tank through pipes and pumps. But if you have a bigger budget, you can consider spending on higher water pressure by getting an accumulator.
Your preference between hot and cold water might be the difference in the cost of the water system. Tankless instant water heaters (typically connected to an LPG tank) are cheaper and more cost-friendly. However, if you want hot water rushing from your tap, you should install a boiler inside the campervan.
Your water system should include important components such as a water pump, waste water tank, gray water tank, water filter system, freshwater tank, pipes, hoses, and connectors. The prices of these items vary depending on their tank sizes:
A low-cost water system will cost you around $100.
A 12V Submersible Pump.
A 20L freshwater tank.
A 20L grey water tank.
A mid-range water system will cost you around $150.
12v Submersible pump.
A 20L grey water tank.
80L fresh water tank.
A high-end water system will cost you around $700.
A 12V Submersible pump.
A 50L underslung grey water tank.
A 100L underslung water tank.
A water filter system.
The larger or bigger the water tank capacity, the longer you will get to stay off-grid. It is worth noting that the size of the water system you intend to install depends on your needs.
Anyone using a lot of water in the shower may need a tank with a large capacity. However, if you don’t intend to build an off-road can conversion where you will have your showers inside the van, you may opt for a smaller and cheaper water system.
Insulation and Soundproofing
Insulating is an important factor to consider when converting your campervan. You will want to consider how you will use your campervan throughout different seasons, such as winter and summer.
Suppose you plan to use your campervan in cold climates or alpine regions such as Germany, Italy, Monaco, France, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Austria. In that case, you may want to install different layers of high R-value insulation. If you want to use the campervan in the summer only, you might not require too much high-quality insulation.
Remember that insulation will help prevent rust and mold. It also absorbs moisture while keeping the van soundproof. If camping in cold climates and freezing conditions, ensure that insulation covers the water pipes, roof, and floor. If your water pipes freeze, they will crack and leak their content, so you must take the insulation of your campervan seriously.
If you plan to insulate your campervan, it may interest you to find different options. These options come in different prices, but the price isn’t the most important factor in this context.
When insulating your van, the temperature you intend to take the campervan is the biggest factor. Let’s say you plan on taking your van in only a mild climate, you can choose a more minimal insulation, but if you are taking your van to any region with a colder climate, you will need a more sophisticated level of insulation.
Here are the items and their prices:
Spray Foam (for hard-to-reach areas) – $50.
Rigid Foam Board Insulation (for floor and ceiling) – $100.
Piping Insulation (optional) – $120.
Internal Thermal Blind Set -$180.
Sheep Wool Insulation (for the van’s walls) – $200.
Additional Soundproofing (optional) – $200.
You may spend over $900 on the insulation and soundproofing of your campervan.
Low-cost insulation will cost you around $120.
Insulation foil.
Mid-range insulation will cost you around $520.
Sound deadening mats.
50 mm insulation foam board.
30 mm insulation foam board.
Insulation foil.
High-end insulation will cost you around $650.
Sound deadening mats.
Thermo fleece.
Thermo van liner.
Van Heating
Mid-range van heating should cost you around $200.
Chinese Diesel Heater.
High-end van heating will cost roughly $650.
Propane Heater – $650.
Although this heat is costlier than other options, it can connect to your campervan’s LPG supply; and is efficient and economical.
Cladding, Lining, and Flooring
You can’t choose to ignore the walls and flooring aspect when converting a campervan. The lining, walls, and following of your campervan dictate the appearance of the interior. Depending on your type of material, you can opt for a simple, modern look or a rustic, cool vibe.
Regarding flooring, you can use any material you want, whether carpet, timber, or a combination of both. Timber floors are easy to clean, whereas carpeted floors can be more comfortable, especially in colder climates.
Most campervan converters use timber because it is cheap to obtain and easy to cut to size. Using cheaper timber cuts (plywood) behind the kitchen bench or under the bed can help you save costs. You can use high-quality timber cladding for the rest of the van. You can apply oil and paint on the timber cladding to improve the appearance.
Below are the materials:
Staining Oil (optional) – $20.
Carpeting (optional) – $60.
Plywood (for unseen areas) – $85.
Roofing Timber – $115.
Paint and Primer (optional) – $150.
Flooring Timber – $200.
Timber Cladding (for walls) – $400.
If you are on a tight budget, you can install the floors and walls to match your small budget. If you have exquisite taste, you can install luxurious pieces of wood that make the campervan a wonder to behold.
Low-cost floors and walls will cost you around $150.
Lino flooring material – $50.
Lightweight cladding – $100.
Mid-range floors and walls will cost you around $500.
Basic flooring material – $200.
Tongue and groove cladding [pine] – $300.
High-end floors and walls will cost you around $1,000.
High-quality wood cladding [cedar] – $700.
High-quality flooring – $300.
If you want to minimize spending and save money on flooring and wall installation, you can complete the walls and flooring after installing bulky items like kitchen cabinets and beds. The reason is that installing walls and flooring after putting these large components in place will make the process cumbersome as fewer materials will be required.
Kitchen
The kitchen is an important part of your campervan conversion. The cost of setting up a van kitchen varies depending on the utilities you want to include in it. In other words, your kitchen can be cheap or expensive depending on the appliances and fittings you use and how you add them.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on pre-fabricated kitchen frames and appliances you don’t need. If you want to cut the kitchen setup costs, consider building the frame with timber, such as plywood and pine board.
When shopping, look for quality countertops and appliances. You cannot have to spend on new appliances when there are a ton of second-hand fridges, gas hobs, sinks, and other appliances on the market. Buying expensive and bulky appliances will add more weight to the campervan.
If you are looking for a fridge, you won’t find many options to use in your van. However, the Dometic Waeco CRX50 is commonly used in most van conversions, but it doesn’t come for cheap.
The following are some of the materials you may want to consider featuring in your kitchen setup and their prices:
Plastic Rubbish Bin – $10.
Frame Fit-Out Materials – $100.
Kitchen Draws and Cupboards – $100.
Countertop – $200.
Sink, Tap, and Waste Drain – $250.
12V Fridge/Freezer Combo – $500.
2x Burner Gas Hob with Lid – $400.
A low-cost kitchen will cost you around $95.
Bowl for sink – $5.
Portable camp stove.
12v Cool Box – $60.
If you prefer a simple kitchen setup, you can use propane canisters to power up your kitchen.
A mid-range kitchen will cost you around $1,140.
Gas Regulator – $11.
Gas Detector $50.
2 Ring Gas Stove.
LPG filling pipe – $125.
11kg LPG Cannister – $280.
Compressor fridge.
For this kitchen setup, you can use LPG instead of propane since it is more economical.
A high-end kitchen will cost you around $2,600.
Gas Detector – $50.
Stainless steel faucet.
LPG filling pipe – $125.
Stainless steel deep sink.
60L compressor fridge – $1,300.
Dometic oven and cooktop.
Underslung LPG kit – $330.
Using an underslung LPG in your high-end kitchen set-up will help you save a lot of space in your campervan conversion. Moreover, it features an oven that can help you prepare different meals simultaneously.
Most campervan conversions do not even have a bathroom, but if you decide to include a permanent indoor toilet and shower, you must be ready to foot the bill.
Building a permanent indoor toilet and shower will increase the cost of campervan conversion as your budget will make provisions for larger water and waste tanks and the cost of building them.
A low-cost bathroom will cost you around $50 to set up.
Shovel.
Outdoor Solar Shower.
My favorite low-cost campervan shower solution features an outdoor solar shower coupled with curtains on the van’s back doors!
A mid-range bathroom will cost you around $300 to set up.
Portable toilet.
Outdoor Shower water heater.
With this setup, you are certain of hot outdoor showers even when it isn’t sunny.
A high-end bathroom will cost you around $2,600 to set up.
Shower Mixer.
Shower Tray – $100.
Combi Gas Boiler – $1,370.
Nature’s Head Toilet.
Shower Head.
Like the mid-range bathroom, this setup also lets you have hot showers in your bathroom.
Dining Area
Like the bathroom, the dining area consists of add-ons to your kitchen; therefore, you won’t spend much in this area. A simple storage bench can be an efficient way of including a seat and an additional layer of storage in your campervan.
If you construct a pull-out dining table in your kitchen frame, you have done yourself the favor of having a dining area. Adding a few cushions will make it a comfortable dining area.
Here are the items:
2x Extra Cushions – $20
Bench Cushion – $30.
Materials for Pull Out Table – $100.
Storage Bench with Seat – $200.
Tools
If you intend to do the campervan conversion yourself, you will definitely need some tools for the construction. Even if you own some tools already, there are a bunch of tools you probably don’t have. Tools like crowbars, hammers, jig saws, etc., are handy for any DIY conversion.
Below are some of the valuable tools you will need for a campervan conversion:
Jig Saw.
Duct Tape.
Hand saw.
Circular saw.
Pocket hole jig.
Tape.
Clamps.
Super glue.
Router bit set.
Screwdriver.
Screws.
Copper pipe cutter.
Spirit level.
Wrench set.
Pliers.
Utility knife.
A tape measure.
Hammer.
Crowbar.
Leveler.
Safety goggles.
Safety mask.
Straight Edge.
Nail Gun.
Gloves.
Power Drill and drill bit set.
Safety Equipment.
If you don’t have all these tools, you can save money by borrowing from friends and family. It is a good idea to ask around before purchasing anything at the market. Another way to save money on tools is to hire or borrow them from local hardware stores around you.
The total cost of purchasing all the tools for van conversion is roughly $400. If you have all the tools needed for campervan conversion but lack a specific tool, you can rent it from your nearest hardware store rather than purchasing it outrightly.
Cost of Van Conversion Finishing Touches
Everything you need to make your campervan lively and comfortable has been mentioned in this article, but something remains.
What’s that?
Of course, it’s the finishing touches!
To complete your campervan conversion, you need to add artwork, paint, rope trims, and a stunning kitchen backsplash to give your van a homely feel.
These finishing touches don’t have to be extravagant; they can be simplistic; it depends on how you want them.
Adding finishing touches for a low-cost van conversion will cost around $200. This budget will purchase nice-looking tiles and paint from your nearest hardware store.
Adding finishing touches for a mid-range van conversion will cost you around $600. This money will be enough to purchase gorgeous pains and tiles and get some items for van decoration.
Adding finishing touches for a high-end van conversion will cost you around $1,500. This money will not only go into the purchase of tiles and paint but also be used to get some artwork, paintings, tiles and paint, beautiful upholstery, and rugs.
Additional Costs When Converting a Campervan
Base Vehicle Repairs and Service
If you are buying a second-hand vehicle, it will probably require examination and servicing before it is used. Servicing the vehicle can save you the headache of heavy maintenance and repair costs in the future.
The cost of servicing a vehicle can be anywhere from $250 to $1,000, but you can budget $500 for the vehicle repairs and servicing. If you got yourself a second-hand vehicle, be sure to inspect the following areas:
Brakes.
Tires, Balancing, and Alignment.
Windshield Wipers.
Air Conditioning.
Seals.
Oils and Fluids.
Ball Joints.
Security and Sensor Features
After investing your time, money, and resources in your campervan, you definitely want to keep it safe. Don’t fret! You don’t have to spend a lot on securing the van. The cheapest way to secure your van is to purchase a steering wheel lock. With this device, no one will be able to steal the vehicle even if they succeed in breaking into the campervan.
Ideally, we recommend you consider installing deadlocks on both the rear and side doors. Doing this will prevent thieves and burglars from breaking into the campervan and stealing your property. Rear parking sensors don’t cost much to buy, and getting them will be beneficial for you in terms of reversing and parking.
Safety items and costs:
Rear Parking Sensors – $100.
Steering Wheel Lock – $35.
Deadbolt Lock Set (optional) – $50.
Engine Immobiliser (optional) – $150.
Decorating and Furnishing
Decorating and furnishing can take up a large or small portion of the total campervan conversion cost. Using some of your blankets and old curtains for your van will be cheaper. Also, featuring some wall decoration is something you want to see in your van.
Registration and Classification
In certain countries, all vehicles, including campervans, must undergo registration before they are used on the road. You may want to know if this applies in your country. In New Zealand, for instance, the annual cost of registering your campervan range between $250 to $300.
And if the vehicle is more than three years old, you will need to get a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) report. A Warrant of Fitness (WOF) annual cost is roughly $60.
Furthermore, Road User Charges will apply if the vehicle runs on diesel. Although these charges vary, campervan users are known to pay around $62 to $69 per 1,000km.
Total Cost of a DIY Van Conversion
Depending on your needs, below is a range of prices for campervan conversions.
A low-cost campervan conversion costs:
$2,500 for the conversion itself.
$2,000 – $10,000 for an older used van.
Grand Total: $4,082 – $12,500.
A mid-range campervan conversion costs:
$6,900 for the conversion itself.
$20,000 – $30,000 for a brand new or high-quality used van.
Grand Total: $27,520 – $37,100.
A high-end campervan conversion costs:
$17,800+ for the conversion itself.
$45,000 – $80,000 for a new van.
Grand Total: $62,120 – $100,000+.
What is the Cost of a Professional Camper Van Conversion?
While the DIY cost of campervan conversion isn’t cheap, it’s part of what you will pay for a professional van conversion. The actual cost of van conversion starts around $30,000, but this doesn’t include the price of the van itself but the minimal interior build.
A professional van conversion company may charge up to $100,000+ for their campervan buildout service.
There are different types of camper vans. These vans are categorized based on their costs, as they have different features and are built differently. They include:
Vanlife Customs
Vanlife Customs has a fantastic tool that allows you to estimate the price of a van conversion without contacting anyone.
Without work, the essential components for a professional camper van conversion through Vanlife Customs are anticipated to start at about $85,000. This camper van delivers the pinnacle of luxury with heaters, air conditioners, window flares, off-road modifications, and more.
Muse & Co Outdoors
Luxury campervans may be built starting at about $125,000 through Muse & Co Outdoors. It is ranked higher than the other van manufacturers. The three design layouts are called Endeavor, Venture, and Explorer.
The van can fit two to five people. Muse & Co. only customize Mercedes Sprinter vans that are 2019 model year or newer, so you frequently start with high van pricing and the luxury build-out. Consequently, the van and build-out can cost more than $175,000.
Contravans
Suppose you want a van other than a Mercedes Sprinter. In that case, Contravans is among the most outstanding experts when it comes to camper van conversion businesses (i.e., a Ford Transit or Ram Promaster conversion). In reality, they construct camper vans of all makes and models. Additionally, you can give them your camper van, and they will outfit it for you.
Their smaller vehicle builds begin at roughly $15,000. To help keep the expense down, they can keep the build simple or make it more exotic if that’s what you want.
Dave & Matt Vans
In Gypsum, Colorado, Dave & Matt Vans construct high-quality camper vans. Their mission statement is to open up the van life to everyone. They build vehicles that are not only incredibly functional but also modest.
Their least expensive van’s entry-level model costs roughly $79,500 (Including the van). As a result, the van modification and labor (excluding the vehicle) will cost about $35,000. Although simple, their build-out designs are lovely and valuable.
Wayfarer Vans
One of the most affordable professional camper van conversion firms is Wayfarer Vans. As there are no alterations to their van builds, they have fairly limited vans they can build.
Their entry-level kits cost between $5,580 and $12,930 (tax included), which is a relatively affordable price for a high-quality camper van conversion.
Which Option Is The Best: DIY Camper Van Conversion or a Professional Conversion?
You may ponder whether to build your campervan yourself or pay for a professional campervan conversion. The following factors will help you come up with the best decision/
1. Price
Building your own campervan conversion will cost lesser than a professional build. A professional campervan conversion can cost over $100,000. A DIY campervan conversion is the best option if you have a limited budget.
The benefit of building your campervan yourself is that it gives you more control over your resources and budget.
2. Construction Skills
Secondly, if you want to construct your campervan conversion without hiring the services of a company, then you should know how to fix it yourself. Although many professional campervan conversion companies offer warranties, they aren’t reliable on an off-grid adventure.
The process of converting your campervan gives you experience and teaches you a lot of construction skills.
How Much Does It Cost To Convert A Camper Van?
For a self-build van conversion, a camper van conversion might run you anywhere from $600 to $31,000 and up to $49,000 for a professional fit. The price of your camper conversion will vary according to your preferences, the accessories, and the manufacturer’s use. The camper van that would be best for you depends largely on your budget.
A simple campervan conversion typically costs between $1,200 and $6,000. In contrast, converting a large campervan costs anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000. A camper van conversion typically costs around $5,600. This considers all available van sizes and functions.
Conclusion
The cost of the materials you purchase and the amenities you select will typically influence the final cost. However, some choices can significantly affect the ultimate price. The cost will rise significantly if a bathroom and shower are added, the electrical system is upgraded, or expensive equipment is bought.
The quality of the material used has a huge impact on the price. In the end, getting accessories in your camper van according to your taste may cost more than you budgeted; from the basic build-outs, which start at roughly $5,000, to the more complex build-outs, which cost over $15,000 or more. We hope this article answers your question about how much it would cost to convert a campervan.
