Recreational Vans
Van conversion kits are pre engineered packages that turn a bare cargo van into a livable space using standardized modules. Instead of sourcing each component separately, a kit bundles furniture, mounting hardware, and sometimes wiring or plumbing into a cohesive system. Many kits are platform specific, designed for wheelbase and roof height combinations on common vans like Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster. Others are universal modules that fit multiple vans with adjustable brackets or rails.
Kits typically fall into three tiers. Furniture only kits include a bed platform, storage boxes, and a galley cabinet. Mid level kits add insulation, wall and ceiling panels, flooring, and a roof vent pattern. Full interior kits integrate power distribution, lighting, and water systems with pre cut panels and labeled harnesses. Modular systems can be installed in stages, letting owners start with the essentials and add features later.
Materials vary. Light plywood with durable laminates balances weight and cost. Aluminum extrusions deliver stiffness and modularity with bolt together assembly. High pressure laminates and composite honeycomb reduce weight and resist moisture. Hardware matters too. Threaded inserts, rivnuts, and load rated rails provide serviceable mounting points that do not compromise the vehicle structure when installed correctly.
Weight and balance are central to a safe result. Every item adds mass and affects handling. A good kit will state its installed weight, load paths to the vehicle, and any effect on seating or cargo ratings. Choosing the right combination means aligning trip style with capacity. A surf weekend setup weighs less and demands fewer systems than a ski season rig with heat, water storage, and ample batteries.
Kits solve common problems quickly. Pre cut panels reduce layout time. Repeatable parts help finish a build in days rather than months. Fitment standards ensure doors close cleanly, windows are trimmed neatly, and utilities are tucked away. For many buyers, that predictability is the biggest benefit, especially in a first build.
There are trade offs. A kit optimizes for the average user, not a specific family, pet, or hobby layout. Fixed cabinet dimensions may not clear a longboard, a mountain bike inside the aisle, or a motorcycle tie down zone. Sound behavior differs by material choices and mounting methods. Thin panels can drum; solid wood can creak; aluminum can transmit vibration if not isolated. Attention to fastening and foam isolation is essential for a quiet ride.
Electrical choices deserve careful review. Some kits ship with fused distribution and labeled wire runs for lights, fans, and outlets. Others assume a separate power system. Check wire gauge charts, protective devices, and grounding methods. Household wiring practices do not belong in a moving vehicle. Look for marine grade tinned copper wire, correct overcurrent protection near the energy source, and documentation that matches the hardware.
Ventilation and moisture management are common blind spots. Insulation improves thermal comfort but must pair with vapor control and airflow. A roof vent and cracked window create cross flow that fights condensation. Materials like closed cell foam reduce moisture absorption. Panels should be removable for future access to hidden areas for service.
A well documented kit includes step order, torque specs, and a simple tool list. The most time consuming steps are measuring, drilling, corrosion proofing any bare metal, and finishing edges. Plan for two pairs of hands when placing long panels or overhead ceiling planks. Dry fit everything before final fasteners. Treat each penetration with primer and sealant. Disconnect the vehicle battery prior to any electrical work and verify circuits with a multimeter.
Start by mapping your use case. Weekend camping needs differ from a month on forest roads. Create a packing list, then measure the largest items. Sketch traffic flow. Can two people stand and move without collisions. Do doors open fully. Is the bed height correct for storage bins. This low tech planning prevents expensive rework.
Assess total system weight. Add kit weight, water at eight pounds per gallon, batteries, racks, and gear. Compare the sum to payload capacity on the door jamb label. Stay within axle ratings. Pick materials that preserve payload for people and equipment.
Power capacity should match consumption, not wish lists. Tally the current draw of fridge, lights, fans, water pump, and outlets. Size battery capacity for real daily use and include a margin for bad weather if solar is planned. Ensure charging options from alternator or shore power are safe for the battery chemistry.
Safety is not optional. Anchor points for beds and cabinets must land on structural members or load rated rails. Use corrosion protection on any new holes. Avoid routing wires near airbag harnesses or seatbelt hardware. Maintain clearances around heaters and use certified exhaust components. Protect edges with grommets. Label everything for future service.
Pricing varies by scope and material. Furniture kits often start in the low thousands. Full interior solutions with insulation, flooring, panels, a galley, and lighting can reach the mid teens or more before power or water systems. Install time for a basic furniture kit can be a weekend with two experienced hands. Full interiors can span several long days, especially when sound deadening, thermal layers, and penetrations for vents are included. Plan buffer time for fit adjustments and sealing.
If you need wheelchair access, sleeping for a growing family, motorcycle transport inside the van, or heavy winter use with advanced heat and power, a one size kit may force compromises. In those cases, a professionally designed build matches structure, power, and storage to your exact travel reality. The result drives better, stays quieter, and feels finished in a way that is hard to achieve with generic modules.
Knowledge from kit shopping helps you define what matters. Cabinet volumes, aisle width, service access, and power math all carry forward. If your list points beyond the limits of pre packaged modules, consider a professionally built interior where layout, materials, and systems are designed as one solution. That is where a custom shop can turn your notes into a clean, safe, and reliable van.
Tell us your travel story and we will do the heavy lifting. Our team builds complete recreational adventure vans, overland ready platforms, and precise partial upfits that integrate power, cabinetry, and storage with serviceable access and clean finishes. See how our process turns a blank van into a reliable companion, then choose the path that suits your timeline.
What we do We design and build complete custom vans, partial upfits, and adventure ready interiors with pro electrical, cabinetry, and mounting solutions. We do not rent vehicles or support DIY builds. We listen first, build second, and hand off every rig with a clear walkthrough so you can hit the road with confidence.
Ready for a van that fits your life without guesswork. Share your goals and timeline. Our team designs and builds complete recreational vans and partial upfits with pro grade materials and clean integrations. Tell us how you travel and we will map the smartest path from empty cargo space to a finished rig built to last.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com