How Much Does a Custom Van Conversion Cost Without the Van?

Our pricing is for the conversion only, not the vehicle. You bring a late-model Transit or Sprinter in very good condition, or we help you find one. For a truck camper, you bring the truck, or we help you find it, and we build the camper.

What this page covers

This is the conversion budget: living systems, layout, and finish. We do not sell finished conversions off a lot. You own the chassis, and we build on it.

What “From” means

Thrive does not publish fixed sticker prices. Ballpark “From” figures come from Build Your Rig. Configure the van or the truck to get a directional estimate. It is not a checkout, and it is not a final quote.

Final pricing is confirmed on a consult with Lisa. After that, a $2,500 deposit holds your build slot. The full path is on Bring Your Own Rig.

Build Your Rig is a shared starting point. You pick platform and options so Lisa can see the shape of the build. The consult turns that ballpark into a quote with a materials list. Until then, treat any number as directional.

What actually moves conversion cost

Price moves with capability and finish, not with a menu of fixed sticker prices. Cost usually rises when you add:

  • Electrical: more lithium capacity, solar, inverter size, monitoring, and charging.
  • Water and heat: tank sizes, filtration, on-demand or hydronic hot water, indoor shower / wet room versus outdoor shower only.
  • Kitchen and bunk: galley length, fridge type, induction and microwave choices, bed size and capsules.
  • Cabinetry and finishes: painted versus natural wood, wall and ceiling materials, countertops, fabric.
  • Exterior and garage: racks, ladders, awnings, bumpers, L-track, storage trays, suspension and wheel upgrades.

Every build is configured for how you will actually use it. That is why the honest next step is Build Your Rig, then a consult, rather than a single number on this page.

Two builds with the same wheelbase can land far apart if one stays simple on electrical and wet systems and the other pushes lithium, hydronic heat, and a full exterior. That is normal for a hand-built conversion, and it is why a single “average cost” figure on the internet usually misleads.

Moab vs Snowbird

Layout is a use decision first, not a priced tier.

  • Moab: open concept with a work or dining area. A good fit when you want open living space.
  • Snowbird: indoor shower / wet room. Available in 144 and 170 plans, including dinette / convertible bed and fixed-bed options on longer wheelbases.

See Floorplans for the layouts we build from, including truck camper plans. Layout choice can change plumbing, electrical load, and cabinetry hours. Decide it by how you cook, sleep, and wash, then confirm wheelbase.

Payment and timeline

We are usually booked 6 to 8 months out. Once a build starts, it typically takes 5 to 6 months.

Payment: $2,500 holds 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.

The $2,500 hold locks a calendar slot while you finish chassis decisions. The thirds line up with real build milestones: start, mid-build, and completion. Full steps are on Bring Your Own Rig.

What else to know

  • You provide the van or truck, or we help you find one.
  • We do not offer financing or payment plans. Most people who need financing work with a credit union, a smaller bank, or a home equity loan.
  • We warranty our workmanship for 12 months. Components are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Thrive conversion cost without the van?

Pricing is for the conversion only. Ballpark “From” figures come from Build Your Rig. Final pricing is confirmed on a consult. Clients bring a late-model Transit or Sprinter in very good condition, or Thrive helps find one. Trucks for truck camper builds are confirmed on the consult.

How does payment and timing work?

$2,500 holds a build slot. Then one-third at start, one-third six weeks in, and the final third at completion. Usually booked 6 to 8 months out. Builds typically take 5 to 6 months.

Does the conversion price include the chassis?

No. Pricing is for the conversion only.

Is this the same shop as Thrivans?

Yes. Same family. Same craft. The shop is Thrive Overland now.

Where is the shop?

Public address: 1942 N. Main Street, Spanish Fork, UT. Email lisa@thriveoverland.com.

Next step

Get a ballpark in Build Your Rig, then request a consult. Or email lisa@thriveoverland.com.

Process details: Bring Your Own Rig. Layouts: Floorplans.