Our Van Conversion Cost + Full Shopping List of Materials
Van conversions can vary greatly from electrical systems to build outs. Some are barebones while some are a place to call home with all the upgrades. After looking for inspiration I knew I wanted something in between that would be a great on-the-go vacation home for us. Something comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
We had a budget of $10,000 set aside to cover all of our van conversion costs excluding the purchase of the van itself. I thought it would be easy but costs and upgrades add up fast! Our primary goal was to get it done as quickly as possible to start enjoying it. If we had several months to finish our build, I would've planned and repurposed items/thrifted. Overall I’m thrilled with how it turned out in under 7 weeks!
I haven’t finished calculating what we actually spent until right now. Scroll to the bottom to see how we did! I recommend budgeting for the big price tag items first (12v refrigerator, composting toilet, electrical, heater, new tires, etc.).
We initially purchased the van for $20,827 (including sales tax). A few weeks after purchasing something under the car came loose and ended up costing $700 to fix. We had to replace the front and rear brake pads and rotors a few months after purchasing as well which cost $1,320.45. With the repairs, the van cost a total of $22,847.45. After looking at many new and used vans, I’m thrilled at the deal we were able to get on our used 2015 3500 Ram Promaster 159” WB.
The Build
Insulation Materials
3M High Strength 90 Spray (4 bottles)
Great Stuff Foam Spray (4 bottles)
Ez-Cool Insulation Kit - 200 SF/ 50’ foil
Flooring Materials
3M Super 77 Spray (for foam insulation)
XPS Foamular 150 4’x8’x1.5” (3)
Stair Edge (2)
Interior Build Out Materials
Wood ($442.56 total)
2” x 3” x 8’ Select Framing Stud (7)
1” x 2” x 8’ Furring Strip Board (3)
1” x 3” x 8’ Furring Strip Board (18)
5mm 4’ x 8’ Underlayment Plywood (3)
2” x 4” x 96” Whitewood Stud (10)
2” x 6” x 8’ #2 Kiln-Dried Spruce Lumber (2)
1/8” x 4’ x 8’ Utility Plywood (3)
1” x 8” x 12’ Whitewood Board (2)
1” x 4” x 12’ Whitewood Board (18)
1” x 2” x 8’ Whitewood Board (2)
2” x 2” x 8’ Whitewood Square Board (2)
1” x 3” x 8’ Whitewood Board (2)
1” x 4” x 6’ Whitewood Board (2)
Liquid Nails (2)
Self Drilling Screws
Steel Truss Clip (4)
Corner Brace (2)
Kitchen Materials
12V Refrigerator
Water Tank Garden Hose Quick Connect
CABINETS
3- 18x5”
1- 18x15”
Maximera Drawer High 18x24” (1)
Maximera Drawer Low 18x24” (3)
Cabinet Legs (3)
Utrusta Shelf (2)
Child Safety Locks for drawers
Countertop Sealer (Walrus Oil x2)
Backsplash (Peel & Stick Tiles)
Electrical System
Solar Panels + Charge Controller (200 Watt Solar Kit)
Batteries (2 125Ah AGM)
LED Reading Light with USB (2)
Circuit Breaker (2)
5/16” Copper Ring Terminals with Heat Shrink
Power Distribution Bar
ANL Fuse Holder (2)
Assorted Heat Shrink Wire Connectors
Light Dimmers (3)
Light Dimmer Cover (Really a doorbell cover)
Tools
We have almost every kind of tool back in South Carolina so purchasing new tools was painful. We decided to use as few as we could get away with here. The only other tool we already had with us and didn’t have to purchase is a drill. It’s important to budget in your tools because all the little (and big) things add up quickly.
Drill Bit (different size)
Exterior Upgrades
Miscellaneous
Must Have’s
Insulated window covers (I made my own from left over insulation, reflectix & fabric)
The Cost Breakdown
All in with the van, interior build out and exterior upgrades we are at $34,731.75. I didn’t include the miscellaneous items because it’s not part of the actual build. For a 7 week (weekend only) build during COVID where supplies were limited I’m not disappointed with our all in cost. We knew we would be over budget because we weren’t originally going to add all of the exterior upgrades this early. I hope this helps you budget as you’re putting together your materials!
