Frequently Asked Questions
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After talking with us and deciding you want to move forward with a build the first step is to save your build spot with a $500 deposit.
We will go over the build and options you want. You will have choices of colors of materials used in your build. We then set a final build price. The payment is made in two payments. The first 60% is due when the empty van arrives to us. The remaining 40% is due when you pick up your completed van build.
A build takes 8-10 weeks.
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RAM Promasters, Ford Transits and Mercedes Sprinters. We prefer the size of the living area on Promaster to all other vans. But the choice of van is a personal preference.
For much more info on van chassis click here: Van Chassis Compared
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A few reasons.
It is super strong and lightweight. A perfect material for a van conversion. You can rest easy knowing your build will stand the test of time and stay in place if you have to break hard or get in an accident. No mass produced stapled together wood builds here.
Perfect dimensional stability ensures your builds square and strong.
It’s QUIET! All wood builds are usually squeaky and creaky going down the road from wood rubbing together. Not our builds. We make sure we have very quiet vans.
It will never swell, delaminate, warp or be ruined by moisture like plywood can. This is important in the changing climates a van sees.
Options. You can mount just about anything to anyplace you see exposed t-slot. And it will be removable later with no permanent holes like you would have if mounting things on wood. I have had clients easily add entire shelves to their van after the fact because of how easy 80/20 makes this. It’s perfect for customization!
Low maintenance. No future refinishing required! Just enjoy your van.
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King Starboard is a product from the marine industry. You may notice we use a number of things from the marine industry. That is simply because they are usually much better quality than things made for the RV industry.
Starboard is a fantastic alternative to plywood panels. It is made to take abuse from the sun and harsh wet marine environments. It will never swell, delaminate or rot when exposed to UV, humidity or water. It is also finished all the way through the board. No retouching needed all the time like you will have to do in a painted wood van build. It’s durable and easy to clean.
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Yes. How long depends on the battery bank size. But the standard battery bank would give you around 4-5 hours of AC usage. Not counting solar power coming in at the time. Obviously in 80-85 degree weather the AC uses less power which means it could run longer.
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Yes if the client requests it.
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We install tempered automotive glass that is urethane bonded to the van. Just like the windshield on your car.
We install windows on the slider door and the two rear doors, if desired.
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No. Our builds are fully electric besides the optional gas heater. No need to worry about filling another type of fuel.
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We use Thinsulate SM600L. This is the best insulation for van builds. Not only does it insulate well but it absorbs no moisture. This is important since it is on the metal walls of your van. You want the daily condensation that forms to be able to pass right through the insulation and evaporate. You want the van to breathe. Wool insulation actually absorbs and holds moisture depending on the humidity level. This is very bad for a camper. Fiberglass and Rockwool insulation allow tiny irritating particles into the air when they vibrate. Not something we want our clients breathing.
Thinsulate is also a great sound deadener that is made for vehicles. This helps keep our builds as quiet as any on the market. And thinsulate passes flammability tests with flying colors. It’s all around safe!
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Yes. All water and water lines are inside the van. We use Thinsulate SM600L insulation. You will want the optional gas heater if you plan to camp in cold weather. It does a great job of keeping the space toasty.
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Yes. A single burner portable induction cooktop is standard. We prefer the portable cooktop because it doesn’t take up your counter space when not in use and it allows you to easily cook outside the van.
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Yes.
We offer the Flatline Van Co. roof rack and Fiamma awning as options.
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We offer a 1 year warranty on the build. Individual components often have a longer warranty than that. For example Victron components have a 5 year warranty.
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Yes. Contact us for more information.
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Solid surface countertops are the best material for the changing temperatures and climates a van may see. It won’t warp, split or crack. It doesn’t need maintenance.
Butcher block is very popular in van builds but I have enough experience with splitting butcher block in vans to never do it again and highly recommend not using it.
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We offer upholstered wall panels in Marathon tweed fabric.
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No not directly. But we can recommend Lightstream as an option. They offer unsecured RV loans up to 10 years. You can learn more about them here:
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No we do not.
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No we do not install additional rear passenger belted seats.
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You can find the current material color options at the link below.
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We do not. Those things can easily be done by a mechanic you trust before bringing us the van or after the build is finished.