Van Build Process

At Freedom Vans, our focus is to provide our clients access to off grid living, with the comforts of home in a vehicle specifically tailored to their needs, We offer high quality, functional custom van conversions and spec models meant for seasonal living and various hobbies. We also provide smaller services at our Service Center. Below is more information about working with us on a van conversion.

Initial Inquiry and Reservation

We’re excited to hear about your van dreams! Start by filling out the Van Conversion Inquiry Form on our website, and we will reach out to you with more information or to schedule a call to discuss your build. Whether you’re starting fresh or have a van in mind, tell us what inspires you and how you look forward to using your van. This initial stage is about understanding your needs and ideas to tailor our approach. Your insights guide us toward the next step: designing your dream van.

If we are a good fit for your project, a $1500 non refundable project deposit will be due to reserve a production spot.

 

Shop Tours

Stop by our shop for a tour! We will be happy to show you what we’re working on, and discuss in more detail the functionality, quality, and attention to detail that goes into each of our builds. We recommend calling in advance to make sure that we’re available for a tour.

A shop tour is not a required part of our process. We work with clients all over the country and are happy to create your vision with you remotely.

Pricing

Estimating & Customization
Spec models include a feature at the bottom of the page that will allow you to build an estimate for your build, including your material choices and add ons. You have the option of submitting this form, and then we will schedule a call to dial in the details of your project.

For our custom projects, we will talk in detail about what you’re looking for and if it aligns with your budget for the project during the initial call. An itemized estimate will be sent once we’ve completed your custom design.

The spec model builder can also help to give you an idea of pricing on our custom conversions- just keep in mind that there is a 5% design fee for our custom projects.

 

Phase 1 or Partial Builds

Phase 1 projects include everything you need to get started with van life! (Insulation, paneling, HVAC, solar power system, bed platform, and lighting, etc) typically cost between $20k-$60k *depending on material choices, wheel base, and design. The higher end of this range typically includes exterior accessories and some cabinetry.

*$20k-$60k+

Short wheel bases

Short wheel bases (144″ Sprinter or the Short Ford Transit) generally range between $60k-$150k+ for a full conversion. Try our short wheel base spec model builder to get an idea of what your dream build would cost!

*$60k-$150k+

Long wheel bases

Long wheel bases (170 Sprinter or Long / Extended Ford Transit) between $80k-$180k+ for a full conversion. Try our long wheel base spec model builder to get an idea of what your dream build would cost!

*$80k-$180k+

Design and Next Steps

Our design process typically begins 2-3 months before your reservation date.

For our standard layouts, we’ll schedule a call to finalize project choices. Following this, we’ll send a rendering of your design with material options and an estimate for your review. Upon finalizing the design and estimate, a 50% project deposit is required to commence material ordering.

If you’ve chosen a custom build, we’ll provide a design worksheet and material selections. Fill this out to detail your van preferences, including links to specific components or videos for our consideration.

After completing your worksheet, we’ll arrange a design call to delve into your build. This session allows us to understand your needs better, clarify queries, and review your preferences in depth.

Post-call, we’ll craft a 3D rendering of your design within 3-4 weeks. Collaboratively, we’ll fine-tune the layout to match your vision. Once the initial design is sent, we’ll share a detailed estimate. Upon finalizing the design and estimate, a 50% deposit is required.

During your build, a second 25% deposit is due upon completion of the foundational work (up to paneling). The final payment is expected upon completion, marking the exciting moment to pick up your van!

Our commitment is to exceed your expectations in both the final product and our communication throughout your project journey!

During the Build

Let’s get started on your dream build! Building typically starts 6-8 weeks after we receive the deposit and completed purchase agreement.

You are welcome to hold on to your van until we get closer to build commencement, or have your van delivered to our shop. There are also local storage facilities that will store your van in a secure, monitored location for extra peace of mind- we are happy to facilitate picking your van up from one of these locations prior to the build getting started.

During the build process, you will receive weekly photo updates of your van and on going communication regarding the build and any changes or adjustments needed.

At the moment, our projects average about 4-6 months from when we start building. We will be able to schedule a pick up date as the project gets closer to completion. We cannot guarantee deadlines as there are many moving parts to these conversions. We want to make sure it’s done right for you, and that you are a happy camper leaving our shop.

When all is said and done, we will send you home with your dream van.

We want you to experience the full FREEDOM of van life. That feeling of comfort when you need a break from skiing, and you have hot chocolate and a warm van waiting for you in the parking lot. Maybe you rest for a minute, and that turns into a power nap before hitting the slopes again. For us, it’s that cold beer and sound system after riding a new bike trail. What does your freedom van look like?