Last updated on February 27th, 2024 at 08:30 am
You have a lot of options when it comes to converting a regular van into a camper van. But the first, and one of the biggest decisions is whether or not to full DIY or pick up a van conversion kit.
For most people, the conversion kit will be the best option because it saves time, ensures a standard of quality, and keeps costs predictable. However, if you have more time than money or you have a lot of construction experience, going the full DIY route can save money and give you customization options that aren’t always possible with kits.
We’ll take a closer look at all these pros and cons so you can decide which makes the most sense for you. Let’s get started!
Pros Of Van Conversion Kits
Let’s start with the pros of van conversion kits. The big picture here is that van conversion kits will save you time while allowing for predictable budgeting and quality.
Conversion Kits Save Time and Stress
Saving time is likely the biggest pro of going with a van conversion kit. Most folks who decide to take on van life are ready to start today…not weeks, months or even years down the road when they finally finish the van conversion!
We had a conversation with Anri Uznali, the founder of Van2b, a company that produces and sells van conversion kits. Anri mentioned that it’s quite common for individuals to invest around 5 years in a full do-it-yourself (DIY) van conversion.
Compare that to the few weeks or sometimes even days that it can take to complete a conversion with a kit and it’s easy to see the appeal. For a better idea of just how much this really takes to pull off, check out this timelapse DIY build that took a year and a half to complete and pay attention to all those little details!
You can also get support from the kit manufacturer so if you run into a problem there’s someone who has your back. But if you’re going full DIY, it’ going to be much more difficult to get help on your specific project without the costly process of bringing an expert out to look at your rig.
So if you prioritize getting on the road as soon as possible, or it’s your first time completing a conversion, a kit is usually the best option.
Conversion Kits Give You Consistent Quality
You know what you’re getting when it comes to a conversion kit. You can see photos, videos, and read reviews. You can even see the completed conversion in person in many cases.
While that might sound a little too cookie-cutter for some folks (and we’ll cover that later), knowing exactly what you’re going to end up with can be a huge relief for others. It also means that you can plan your trip before you’re even done.
Not sure if you’ll have room for that scuba tank or trying to squeeze a road bike in your rig? Check the specs on your kit to see exactly what you need.
You also know that the materials are the right materials for van life. For example, it’s not uncommon for less experienced DIY’ers to use household insulation instead of automotive insulation. The problem is household insulation can absorb moisture and lead to mold, while automotive insulation is designed to handle the rigors of road life and doesn’t. This difference is huge and when you go with a kit these little details are already handled.
Finally, there’s safety. Van conversion kits aren’t required to go through crash testing or extensive safety testing like a vehicle would, but they’re still made by professionals who understand the need for safety- whether that’s the correct wiring for more advanced kits to simply keeping the kit within the appropriate weight limits these critical safety concerns have been considered by the kit manufacturers.
Conversion Kits Give You Predictable Costs
Conversion kits don’t have price increases after you buy them. I know, that’s pretty obvious but with a DIY project, you can have a lot of unexpected costs. If you’ve ever done any renovation project (or maybe just watched The Property Brothers) you know how often unexpected costs can come up.
It can also be hard to budget for your project if you’re not experienced and you can find folks completing van conversion for everything from a few thousand dollars to more than $50,000.
However, it is worth mentioning that you could save money by going full DIY and I’m not saying that kits save you cash- because in most cases they don’t. But they do allow you to plan and budget more easily than a DIY build.
Cons Of Van Conversion Kits
Now, let’s cover the cons where the big issues are costs, customization, and safety.
Kits Are More Expensive Than DIY
You’re paying for the convenience of having everything you need along with the blueprints to build it so in most cases the conversion kit will cost more than DIY build.
However, this assumes that you already have many of the tools that you need for DIY van conversion or can get access to them for cheap or free. But if you have to buy multiple tools or rent them multiple times (remember this project will take weeks at least) then the costs will add up quickly.
Van conversion kits will require tools to complete the project, but typically much fewer than you’ll need for a full DIY project.
Limited Customization
If you know what you’re doing or have the resources to pay those who do, there’s no limit to the creative customizations you can add to your van conversion.
On the other hand, most kits will limit you pretty significantly. There are more and more options modular options out there or builds that let you pick what features you want, similar to choosing the specific floorplan for you RV. Still, just like with an RV’s floorplan, you will have limits and your van will have more a generic design compared to if you built it exactly to your specifications.
However, most folks don’t have the skill to really take advantage of full customization in the first place! There’s also a bit of sweet spot where you can use a kit and plan on adding your own custom designs for the best of both worlds.
How To Decide What’s Best For You
For most folks, the kit will make the most sense because it makes the entire process easier and gets you to the fun part: van life. But let’s look at a few other scenarios to consider.
If you’re short on time and eager to hit the road, opting for a van conversion kit is your best bet. These kits can drastically cut down the conversion process from potentially years to just weeks or even days, offering a stress-free path to van life. They come with pre-designed parts and support from the manufacturer, making the build straightforward even for first-timers.
If you’re experienced in DIY projects and value customization, undertaking a DIY build allows for infinite creativity and potentially lower costs, assuming you already own or can access the necessary tools affordably. For those who seek a balance, consider a modular kit that offers some customization options, allowing for a personalized touch while benefiting from the convenience and reliability of a professional kit.
If you’re tight on cash but you have time, then taking on a full DIY could make sense if you’re ready to learn on the go. You can save a lot of money if that’s your priority but you should be prepared to commit years to your conversion project. That means you’ll also need the space to keep this project in progress while you’re building.
Closing Thoughts
Whichever path you choose, it’s about making your van life dreams a reality, tailored to your needs, skills, and aspirations. Here’s to the journey ahead—may it lead to unforgettable adventures and stories worth telling. Safe travels and happy converting