Best Vans for Conversion for Sale in Los Angeles, CA (2024)

FAQs

What is the best used conversion van to buy? ›

What are the best vans for camper conversion? The best vans for camper conversion include popular models like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster. These vans offer ample space, versatility, and customization options, making them ideal choices for turning into your dream camper van.

When converting a van yourself, you can invest as much or as little money as you want. However, when a company converts your van, base prices are often fixed, and you can add additional features for an extra cost. Professional conversions can vary from $30,000 to upwards of $200,000.

While it's certainly not going to be cheap, converting a campervan can bring some significant savings over buying one off-the-peg - though you have to be careful with your budgeting.

What is the most reliable van for camper conversion? The Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit again rank highly for reliability. These vans are known for their longevity and robust performance, making them popular choices for both DIY and professional conversions.

You'll need to consider how often you're driving it, the kinds of trips you'll be taking, what storage and appliances you want, how many people will be sleeping/travelling in it and what kind of layout you'd like, plus of course the colour of your van.

And, adding storage, seating, and sleeping areas to make it a home away from home. On this basis, the average cost of a van conversion ranges from £500-£40,000. A DIY expert could probably convert a van for £500. We're talking a basic build here, where you do everything, yourself using recycled/second-hand materials.

Fixed platform beds are one of the most popular camper van bed styles. Most DIY camper builders like a platform bed because it provides lots of storage space underneath the bed for storing outdoor gear such as bikes, dirtbikes, snowboarding gear, surfboards, etc. Pros: Lots of storage space underneath the bed.

By using your campervan as a daily driver, you eliminate the need to maintain a separate vehicle, which can reduce many of these costs. It means only one vehicle that needs an oil change, only one vehicle to buy tires for, and only one vehicle to worry about unexpected costs for.

A basic van chassis will cost you around $30,000 to $40,000. Then come the customization costs, which can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on your preferences. High-end materials, specialized equipment, and intricate designs can substantially inflate the budget.

What is the best van for first conversion? ›

Ford Transit - Combining versatility, practicality, and sturdiness, the Ford Transit remains a top choice for van/campervan conversions. Being a Ford, they are easy to drive, often inexpensive to run, and are a great choice for any first-time campervan owner.

As reported by Auto Trader, converted campervans and motorhomes do keep their value longer than cars, but they will begin to lose value over time. If you keep your van in top condition, with as low miles as you can, then it's likely that your van will retain around 70% of it's value by the time you want to resell it.

While most van builds will take between three and 12 months, this is just an estimate; for some owners, it can take up to two or even three years.

Consumer Reports 2021 reliability ratings for cargo vans placed the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as the most reliable full-size van, with the Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit as close runners-up.

The Mercedes Sprinter van is a widespread choice for people who want to make a long-lasting investment. That's because it comes with a long-lasting diesel engine.

Comfort for the Horse

At Southwest Horseboxes, we only build on Renault Masters, Vauxhall Movano and Nissan Insterstar chassis. This is because each of these vans has suspension that offers optimal handling compared to trailers, especially when driving on rural terrain that we're so used to as horse owners.