How much does it cost to build a camper van? -typical build costs components

All of our vans are built to order so there is a wide range of costs on any build. This article will cover major components of our typical builds and typical ranges of key elements in our builds. We get asked this a lot. It varies, typical builds start with a Sprinter "Crew" trim van usually are $20-35k well equipped, cargo vans tend to be $10k more at least because we have no walls or windows. We have as well done very minimal builds just installing a few items like a bed and some vented windows and call it a day as well.

Walls and Headliner

Wall panels in a van car vary a lot. With a crew van you may only need a few panels that can range from $500-$1200 depending on if window trim is needed for a pill window or just flat panels. Cargo vans with no wall panels depending on trim level can range from $7-10K. Costs can vary depending on material, door trim, window trim, and other various factors.

Sound deadener and Insulation

We do a very extensive job with our sound deadening and insulation. Using only top quality materials and extensively installing it in as many places as possible including all doors and even if needed on the floor greatly improves driving comfort, heat, and cooling ability. This starts at $3300-5000 depending on how extensive the application and size of the van.

Upper Track for Cabinets

This is done usually when van is taken apart or when panels are being made, Generally L track is around $2100, with bracing suitable for cabinets. Cabinets range from $250 -$450 each depending on type.

Interior LED Lighting

Interior lighting can vary depending on requirements and usually around $1000, but can be more depending on requirements and fixtures that might be wanted. This should be done when wall panels are done or panels are taken off.

Fan

Fans typically are around $950 installed assuming headliner is down. Should be done with wall panels, or if a headliner is in van this needs to come down to install a fan correctly.

Flooring

You can leave floor as is, cover stock floor, or upgrade a floor. The van must be empty to do flooring work and should be done when van is empty. Pricing can range from $1200-4000 depending on what type of floor is needed.

Flooring with seat tracks

This system with seats starts around $9000 with covering and trim pieces+ costs of seats that generally range from $2500-4000 per seat. (Crash Testing Seating System) You cannot add seat tracks safely to "stock flooring". This system can easily be $14-20k in a van with seats.

Captains Chairs

Refer to "Flooring and seat tracks: for general costs. You cannot safely just "bolt down" chairs in a thin steel floor. It is vital to use proper reinforcement tied into a frame of a van and be crash certified to insure safety of passengers. These cannot be added on in replacement of a stock "bench seat" in a sprinter generally speaking.

Larger Tires

You must modify the wheel well in a sprinter for larger tires. This modification is around $700

Roof Mounted accessories

In a Sprinter you need Roof Rack Rails, this must be installed if not from factory. This requires headliner to be down. Rails generally are around $1000 plus installation, we ONLY recommend OEM roof rails, they are superior to after market roof rails. Transits may require alternative mounting systems or a roof rack.

House Electrical Systems

Prices vary greatly for house electrical systems ranging from around $3300 for a DC only basic system to as much as $16000 for a large system. The requirement of AC power (110v) to run appliances figure those systems are around $8-10k that truly integrate into a van. Size of batteries, battery type, and quality greatly vary costs.

Outlets (DC/AC)

Outlets once you have a house electrical system are $150-250 each depending on type

Solar

This varies depending on van type and a roof mounted rails are usually required ideally. This ranges from $2200-3000 depending on requirements, size, and van type. Headliner must be out for this to be done properly. Solar does NOT run the power system, it refills the batteries and acts as a "gas pump" to fill up the "battery gas tank". Itself does not power an electrical system.

Bed

Modular Bed options with out a mattress range from $2200-$7500. From a simple 3 panels, to dinette, or adjustable height bed greatly affects price. So many options with varying price ranges and functionality.

Water

Large water tanks to simple faucets set ups can range from $800-2200. Hot water can be an option with the larger tank systems heated with propane. Simple but economical hot water options weekender style.

Heater

Espar Heaters range from $3200-4600 depending on van and gas type.

Windows

Windows are a must have for ventilation and range from $800-$1300 each depending on type and location. Some windows like pill and awning windows require interior panel and finishing work adding on to costs.

Swivel Seats

Swivel seat sets range from $1100-$1500 depending on brand and type

Tables

Tables vary in location and application but are ideal with swivels seats and on crew and passenger vans. Cost on these generally range from $850-1200 or more depending on type and application. They can be mounted on floor, bench seat, b pillar, and wall.

Fridge

We generally prefer portable fridges that can be used in your backyard as well as your van. They are $800-$1200 depending on size

Kitchenettes

Generally these range from $4000-6000 depending on specifications such as sink type, stove, or even a built in fridge, They can be involved and generally not removable. however we can also do a very simple sink that can be taken in/out for $800.

Other

Roof racks, side steps, wheels/tires, spare tire rack, ladders, outside lighting...can ad significant costs to any build. It is super easy to spend and extra $10-$30k on these items. Its very important to incorporate these in a build as some items like lighting require electrical work that has to be planned out during the build.