Want to live the #vanlife but not very handy? Leave the carpentry and wiring to the pros. These top van builders will make your dream vehicle a reality.
Living out of your car, for some, is not a stigma. It’s a badge of honor. For them, whittling their belongings to whatever fits on four wheels has become a life goal, so much so The New Yorker dubbed #vanlife the “Bohemian social media movement” of wanderlusting, photo-hungry Instagramers.
Many of the amenities that make a home with a parking brake romantic and not merely cramped require a skilled hand and careful planning. Fortunately, there are outfitters dedicated to turning your rig into a live-in camper that would make any #vanlifer jealous. Here’s a few.
1. Sportsmobile
The OG of van life manufactures, Sportsmobile has converted all types of vans into rolling homes since 1961. Sportsmobile is known for pop-top lifting roofs and pioneered many of the ergonomic interior layouts used today. It has three factory locations around the country: Fresno, Calif., Huntington, Ind. and Austin, Texas.
2. Van Specialties
Based in Tualatin, Ore., Van Specialties began building all manner of custom vans in 1973. The company even manufactures vans for other companies on this list. It offers services that range from maintaining and upgrading your current adventure van to full custom campers built to your spec.
3. Colorado Camper Van
Based in Loveland, Colo., Colorado Camper Van builds a variety of campers with high- and low-top pop-top roofs. It offers full interior builds and custom exterior components, like roof racks and bumpers.
4. RB Components
Known for trailer, shop, and garage accessories, RB Components also builds full-custom vans. It specializes in space savings and organization products available since 2002. The company is based in Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
5. Outside Van
Van lovers know Outside Van for aggressive styling and custom interiors designed for active lifestyles. Outside Van often configures designs specifically for a certain adventure sport or lifestyle. The Troutdale, Ore., company’s roots thrive in the active outdoor world of the Columbia River Gorge.
6. Van Works
Van Works builds custom vans, specifically tailored to each customer on the Promaster and Sprinter platforms. Whether you want a toy hauler, mobile office, or full camper build, this Fort Collins, Colo., company has you covered.
7. Tour Rig
Modular, versatile, custom solutions to your Mercedes Sprinter #vanlife aspirations are what drive Tour Rig, out of Golden, Colo. This company makes Sprinters that are designed for adventure.
8. Van Life Customs
Denver-based Van Life Customs specializing in homey, full custom wood interiors made to order. Dave Walsh has made his passion for the van life into a business, using his handyman skills to make other’s #vanlife dreams realities.
9. Recon Campers
The new Nissan NV200/Chevy Express vans are the latest additions to the small van market in the U.S. Recon Campers converts these little efficient vans into modern-day VW Westy-style adventure campers. The company builds these vans in southern California, but expect to see them at dealerships near you soon.
