Bring Your Own Rig: How a Thrive Overland Build Works
Bring a van or a truck you already own, or let us help you find one. We build the conversion by hand.
This page walks through the full-build path: what chassis we take, the five steps from ballpark to pickup, how the deposit and payments work, how long the queue and the build take, and who you talk to before you put money down.
Who this is for
You want a finished high-end conversion, not a project you assemble on weekends. You already have a van or a truck, or you plan to buy one, and you want a shop that will build the interior and systems to a level you are glad to live with for years on the road.
If you are comparing converters, the useful questions are simple. Can Thrive build on a chassis you bring, or help you find one? What happens from the first ballpark through orientation day?
If you are building the van yourself, start with DIY resources. This page is for a full shop build.
Your chassis, or help finding one
Clients provide the van or the truck. We do not sell finished conversions off a lot. You own the vehicle, and we build the layout, systems, and finish on it.
Vans and trucks we convert
For a full van conversion, we accept a late-model Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter in very good condition. That is the van chassis bar. Bring one that is ready for a serious build, or let us help you find it.
For a truck camper, you provide the truck, or we help you find one, and we build the camper. We typically build on a Ford F-550 crew cab with the 6.7 liter Power Stroke, chassis only (no bed), and we can also fit our shells to a Ram 550. See Truck Camper conversions. We confirm fit on the consult.
What help finding one means
We work with local dealerships. If you do not have a van or truck yet, we can guide the search so you land on a good fit. You still own the vehicle, and we still build the conversion.
The build path
Five milestones, in a clear order of work and money.
Step 1: Build Your Rig, then a consult
Start in Build Your Rig. Configure the van or the truck to get a ballpark estimate. It is not a checkout, and it is not a final quote. After that, request a consult. Lisa owns the build conversation: layouts, slot timing, and whether the chassis you have or want is a fit.
Step 2: $2,500 holds your build slot
A $2,500 deposit holds a date on the build calendar. Once it is in, you get a scheduled start. The deposit is paid offline, not through shop checkout. We are usually booked 6 to 8 months out, so the hold is what locks your place in that queue.
Step 3: Start of build, first third due
You drop off your van or truck, or have it delivered, at the scheduled start. Before work begins, we send a detailed quote with a final materials list for your approval. When the build starts, one-third of the conversion cost is due.
Step 4: Six weeks in, second third due
About six weeks into the build, the second third is due. This is also when design choices land (colors, fabrics, finishes) if they are not already locked. The shop keeps building while you stay current on the payment schedule.
Step 5: Completion and pickup, final third due
When the conversion is complete, the final third is due. At pickup we walk you through a full orientation covering electrical, water, heat, and living systems, so you leave knowing how everything works.
Layouts
Use Build Your Rig for a ballpark. Final pricing is confirmed on a consult. See also Conversion cost.
Layouts start from the floor plans we actually build from.
- Moab: open concept with a work or dining area. A good fit when you want open living space and a simpler wash setup.
- Snowbird: indoor shower / wet room. Available as 144 and 170 plans, including dinette / convertible bed and fixed-bed options on the longer wheelbases.
See the plans on Floorplans. Truck camper layouts are there too. Moab vs Snowbird is a use question first (how you cook, sleep, and wash), then a wheelbase question.
Timeline
We are usually booked 6 to 8 months out. Once a build starts, it typically takes 5 to 6 months.
The $2,500 deposit holds your slot. Between deposit and start, you lock the quote and materials list. Mid-build, the second payment lands around six weeks in. At the end, you pick up a finished conversion and get a full orientation.
We do not promise a faster calendar than we can keep. If a trip, a vehicle sale, or a move sets your dates, say so on the consult, and Lisa will be honest about the next open slot.
Warranty, payment, and financing
Payment: $2,500 to hold the slot, then one-third to start, one-third six weeks into the build, and the final third upon completion. The hold deposit is paid offline.
Warranty: We warranty our workmanship for 12 months. Components used in the build are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Financing: We do not offer financing or payment plans. Most people who need financing work with a smaller bank or credit union, or use a home equity loan.
Who builds it
Lisa Warnick is who you talk to about a build. Jeff Warnick and their son Travis are in the craft. Travis came into the shop with a construction management background. The people who started it are still the people who build it.
Public address: 1942 N. Main Street, Spanish Fork, UT. Electrical work is done by ABYC certified technicians. Utah General Contractor License #13375675-5501. Legal entity: Thrive 1, LLC.
More of the story is on Our Story.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own van or truck?
Yes. Thrive Overland builds handcrafted van and truck camper conversions on client-owned chassis. For vans, we accept a late-model Transit or Sprinter in very good condition. For trucks, you provide the truck (or we help find one) for a truck camper build, and we confirm fit on the consult. We do not sell finished conversions off a lot.
What trucks do you build on?
For truck camper builds, we typically use a Ford F-550 crew cab with the 6.7 liter Power Stroke, chassis only (no bed). We can also fit our shells to a Ram 550. We confirm fit on the consult.
Are you the same company as Thrivans / Thrive Crafted Vans?
Yes. Same family. Same craft. The shop is Thrive Overland now.
How do I start?
Go to Build Your Rig for a ballpark, then request a consult. Email lisa@thriveoverland.com or use the contact page.
How does payment work?
$2,500 holds your build slot. Then one-third to start, one-third six weeks into the build, and the final third upon completion.
How far out are you booked, and how long does a build take?
Usually 6 to 8 months out. Builds typically take 5 to 6 months once started.
How do I get a conversion ballpark?
Use Build Your Rig. That is a ballpark only, not a checkout and not a final quote. Final pricing is confirmed on a consult.
Moab or Snowbird?
Moab is open concept. Snowbird includes an indoor shower / wet room. See Floorplans for van layouts and truck camper plans.
Do you offer a warranty?
We warranty our workmanship for 12 months. Components are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Do you offer financing?
No. Most people who need financing use a credit union, a smaller bank, or a home equity loan.
Next step
When you are ready to talk about a slot, email lisa@thriveoverland.com or start a conversation.
Ballpark first: Build Your Rig. Layouts: Floorplans.