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Van Build Budgeting Guide

The number one question people ask about van conversions: “How much does it cost?” The real answer depends on your scope, but here’s a transparent breakdown so you know what you’re looking at.

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Package Totals by Tier

These are total build costs (labor + materials). The vehicle is not included.
TierTotalWhat You’re Getting
Basic15K–15K–30KA solid, livable van — bed platform, basic electrical, simple water setup, insulation, wall panels, basic cabinetry
Standard35K–35K–55KA full-featured home on wheels — kitchen with countertops, upgraded electrical with solar, proper plumbing with hot water, quality finishes
Premium60K–60K–100K+Everything — full bathroom, large solar array, lithium battery bank, custom hardwood cabinetry, premium materials and appliances throughout

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Cost Breakdown by System

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Interior (Insulation, Walls, Flooring, Cabinetry, Bed)

ComponentBasicStandardPremium
Insulation (Thinsulate + XPS)✓✓✓
Wall panelsBasic panelingTongue & groove or similarPremium hardwood or custom finish
FlooringVinyl plankQuality vinyl or laminateHardwood or premium vinyl
CabinetryBasic plywoodFinished plywood, soft-close hardwareCustom hardwood, dovetail joints
Bed systemFixed platformConvertible dinette/bedCustom platform with storage, powered features
System total6K–6K–12K18K–18K–25K28K–28K–45K

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Electrical

ComponentBasicStandardPremium
Battery bank100–200Ah lithium200–400Ah lithium400–600Ah+ lithium
Solar200–400W400–800W800–1200W+
InverterNone or 1000W2000W3000W+
Shore powerOptionalIncludedIncluded
DC-DC chargerBasic30A50A+
MonitoringBasicVictron appFull Victron or Simarine system
System total2.5K–2.5K–5K6K–6K–12K12K–12K–20K
Detailed electrical specs →

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Plumbing

ComponentBasicStandardPremium
Fresh water tank15–20 gal25–35 gal35–50+ gal
Grey water tank10–15 gal20–25 gal30–40 gal
Hot waterNoneTankless (propane)Tankless or tank heater
FixturesKitchen sinkKitchen sink + showerFull bathroom
ToiletNone or portableCompostingComposting or cassette
System total1.5K–1.5K–3.5K4K–4K–7K7K–7K–18K
Detailed plumbing specs →

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Exterior

ComponentBasicStandardPremium
Roof fanMaxxAir or similarMaxxAirMaxxAir + additional ventilation
Solar mountingBasic bracketsRail mount systemCustom rack + panel mount
Roof rackOptionalIncludedCustom rack system
AwningNoneOptionalIncluded
Exterior showerNoneOptionalIncluded
Body modsNoneMinor (ladder, etc.)Custom (flares, skid plates, etc.)
System total2K–2K–5K5K–5K–10K10K–10K–25K+

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What’s NOT Included

  • The vehicle itself. These are conversion costs only. A used Sprinter 144” might run 25K–25K–45K. A new 170” can be 55K–55K–70K+.
  • Vehicle modifications that aren’t part of the conversion (lift kits, bumpers, winches — we can discuss these separately).
  • Registration, insurance, and taxes on the vehicle.

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Where to Spend vs. Save

If you’re working within a budget, here’s where we recommend prioritizing: Spend here (hard to change later):
  • Insulation — it’s behind the walls, so you can’t upgrade it after the build
  • Electrical system — undersizing means you’re stuck or paying to redo it
  • Plumbing layout — moving tanks and lines after the fact is expensive
Save here (easy to upgrade later):
  • Countertop material — can be swapped later
  • Faucet and shower fixtures — easy to replace
  • Decorative elements — curtains, cushion fabric, accessories

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Download the Full Budget Guide

We put together a detailed PDF budget guide that breaks all of this down further, including per-system cost ranges and what’s included at each tier. Download the Van Build Budget Guide →

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Get a Custom Quote

Every build is different. The best way to get an accurate number for your project is to talk to us. Schedule a free consultation →