Contractors for camper van build

Hi,

I am currently saving up to buy a van and want to see what resources there are in the NorCal area for helping me build out the van. I am not experienced in any of the skills that are required for the task, but am willing to learn in order to cut some of my costs.

Is there anyone on this forum that has experience building van interiors for climbers or has built the interior of their very own van? Any information or tips would be appreciated.

watch a lot of RV/trailer/van conversion videos. ask some friends who do construction what they think. also 90% of it is just winging it.

It sounds like do it yourself van buildouts are very time consuming, especially if you don't have experience. I sense I will hire this task out, and have someone else more qualified than me do the work.

Rich zz wrote:also 90% of it is just winging it.

I built out my van from Walmart and home depot. I also have construction experience. Took me 5 separate days for the project and cost under 500$. Don't hire someone else to do your home because it will be built to their likings l. Not yours. Wing it buddy you won't regret it when your done.

Just wanted to add to the "just do it" column. I'm finishing up an ambulance to camper conversion and had minimal carpentry experience. Watch a couple of YouTube van conversion videos, sketch out what you want on the back of an envelope and watch some more videos. It will be frustrating, you'll spend more time than you think you should planning and you will make mistakes but it feels so good when it comes together. On top of that sense of accomplishment, you will know exactly how it was designed and built. Feel free to ontact me through MP if you want to talk about builds and getting started.
James

I also think that you should consider doing the work yourself. Paying someone to do the work for you will be relatively expensive and will likely produce a van less tailored to your needs. It is very likely that you will want to do some modifications later and knowing how the thing was built will be invaluable.

The complexity of your build is up to you. I've seen some van-builds that could be done in a weekend. Others could take 80+ hours of work. Do you want integrated propane, electric, shower, solar or plumbing? You could consider contracting out a technical project like electrical, and doing the rest of the work yourself.

Check out XPCamper.com. The company is about an hour from Sac. and specializes in truck-based, overland-style campers. Maybe they could help you.

If you do decide to contract out the project, you will need detailed specifications and drawings of everything that you want. There are plenty of van-build blogs and video blogs out there with great design ideas and solutions.

James,

Look at the following builders for ideas:

- outside van
- the van specialites
- sportsmobiles

Blogs:
- sprintervandiaries.com/abou…
- rayphungphotography.com/van…

Like always the devil is in the detail... which insulation materials, how much solar/batteries, etc.

Having regular access to a driveway, workbench and woodworking tools really make the project easier. I'm fortunate to have a community tool library in my town and a willing neighbor. Good luck!

I was gonna tell you to just do it yourself when you first posted this, but thought I'd let someone actually answer your question... but really, just do it yourself man. I had no building experience (I'm a professional cook for christ's sake) and recently built out a vehicle for almost nothing (some would venture to call me a professional scavenger as well...). The hardest thing for me was electrical and I did enlist an electrician buddies help, but a twelver and dinner paid for that...

Depending on what level of sophistication, timeframe and budget you have will give you a pretty solid answer to your own question. If you have the time I would build it out yourself. Don't be too scared, there is a shit ton of info out there to help you along in any and all facets of the build. My build out was moderately sophisticated and it took me around 15-20 days to get it done. Just do a ton of research on different builds and get a really good idea of what you want to do and then start biting pieces off.

If you have any questions when you are ready to move forward there are MANY people that will be glad to help you with information, myself included. Ray Phungs built is nice and he is a stand up dude!

Far Raider wrote: I'm finishing up an ambulance to camper conversion ...

Start a profile and get involved at sportsmobileforum.com. You'll find volumes and years of experience - there are tons of guys who are incredibly well versed at building vans, everything from 4x4 conversions, interior conversions, pop-tops, accessories, and interior builds. You'll also find endless info about pro's and con's of different types of insulation, effectiveness, etc. All are welcome, whether you are a van owner, pickup dweller, professional (U-Joint and Agile Offroad) or other; despite the name, it has no affiliation with Sportsmobile brand. Best of all, the people on that forum are the most friendly and helpful of any interwebs forum I've ever used, nothing like the people on some sites - ahem, mtnprj - that make a guy like me avoid contributing or asking a question at all cost.

In a 2-3 months I should be finishing up my E-350 bus build, then taking off to travel and climb for a while. I've been toying with the idea of helping people with their van builds on my travels as well. Solar, custom fab work, interior design, wrenching on the vehicle itself, I've done it all. I would love to use my knowledge and skills to help people and build a network of fellow vandwellers. Feel free to PM me. If the timing works out maybe I can stop by. If not I can at least share some knowledge.

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone that contributed to this post. You all provided some very useful and much appreciated advice.

Pm me if you would like help. I run a furniture company called @greywoodesign and have worked on several builds. I own a transit connect. Thanks!

I live in Southern Ohio and trying to find somebody with my camper bill does anybody know anybody in this area?