What is a reasonable warranty on a custom van build

What a reasonable custom van warranty should cover

A fair warranty on a custom van build separates the vehicle makers obligations from the upfitters promises. The chassis and powertrain stay under the original manufacturer, while the builder backs the work they added. Reasonable coverage addresses defects in materials and workmanship across cabinetry, electrical integration, plumbing, heating and cooling, windows, sealants, and structural mounts. It should include a written process for claims, outline who pays for diagnosis and labor, and define what is considered normal wear. Expect the terms to protect you from installation errors and component defects rather than misuse or lack of maintenance.

A builder workmanship warranty typically promises that installed systems and assemblies meet spec and are free from defects for a set period. The warranty should include corrections for water intrusion from new penetrations, loose joinery in cabinets due to improper fastening, and electrical issues tied to integration rather than part failure. When a component itself fails, the part maker warranty usually governs the replacement while the builder may specify whether associated labor is covered.

Typical lengths and industry benchmarks

Across the industry, 12 months of workmanship coverage is common, and 24 months signals a higher confidence in process and materials. Some shops separate categories, offering one to three years on cabinetry structure, one to two years on plumbing assemblies against leaks, and one year on sealants subject to inspection and care. Powder coat on custom metalwork often falls into a one to three year range against peeling or adhesion failure, with surface rust exclusions where expected.

Most components carry their own manufacturer terms. Examples many buyers encounter:

• Roof fans and vents are commonly backed for around two years.
• Diesel or gas air heaters often include two years from the maker.
• Portable or built-in fridges typically carry two or more years.
• Inverters, chargers, and solar charge controllers often include three to five years.
• Lithium batteries frequently list eight to ten years limited coverage.
• Solar panels may carry ten to twenty five year performance guarantees.

Suspension parts, windows, rooftop AC units, and awnings each have distinct policies. A reasonable upfitter warranty will pass through these terms and explain how claims work when a brand requires registration or proof of proper installation.

Transferability and ownership changes

Some builders allow the workmanship warranty to transfer to a new owner within the original term, often with a small admin step. Transferability preserves value and signals confidence in the build quality. Expect clear documentation requirements and timing rules.

How claims are handled

A practical warranty names a single point of contact, details required photos or diagnostics, and sets timelines for response. If you are far from the shop, look for a process that authorizes qualified third party service with pre approval, so small issues do not wait for a cross country trip.

What is commonly excluded

Reasonable exclusions include normal wear on soft goods, damage from accidents or overloading, corrosion in harsh environments, owner modifications that alter circuits or structure, and lack of required maintenance like sealant inspections. Consumables such as filters, fuses, and brake pads are not warranty items.

Red flags and smart questions to ask

If a policy is only verbal, lacks written scope, or bundles the entire van under vague terms, proceed carefully. A solid warranty matches specific assemblies to timelines, references the component brands by name, and states whether labor is covered for manufacturer part swaps. Ask about mobile support options, authorized local service, and any caps on travel or diagnostic time. Clarify who handles registration of major components that require proof for coverage.

Request a copy of the maintenance checklist that preserves the warranty. This may include torque checks on roof racks, periodic sealant inspection around penetrations, battery firmware updates, and winterization steps for water systems. Documented walkthroughs and owner manuals reduce confusion when issues arise. Finally, confirm that the policy dates start at delivery and that punch list items are handled under the same terms.

How this applies when you choose a builder

You want a build partner who explains the separation between chassis coverage and the upfit warranty, lists the brands used, and provides receipts or serials for registration. Reasonable workmanship coverage of one to two years, plus clear pass through for components, is a strong baseline. Thorough installation documentation and a clear claim path matter as much as the duration printed on the page.

For shoppers comparing approaches, it helps to anchor on the use case. Full time travel with heavy electrical loads suggests emphasizing longer covered power components. Cold climate camping points to heater coverage and insulation details. Frequent dirt road miles call for attention to mounting strategies and metalwork finish terms.

Where OZK Customs fits into your decision

We build custom adventure vans in Fayetteville Arkansas with a focus on clean integration, known brand components, and clear documentation that supports real world coverage. Our handoff process includes a detailed walkthrough at Adventure Point and build records that simplify claims with part makers. If you value a straightforward claim process and practical timelines, you will find our approach aligns with the benchmarks outlined above.

• Explore build paths on our Recreational vans page: Recreational vans
• See how a tailored interior comes together: Custom build van
• Compare platforms that finance and start planning: Mainstream vans

Ready to define your coverage, parts list, and build plan together? Share your timeline and must haves, and we will outline your custom van with clear warranty terms and a simple support path.