Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /home3/thevanl6/public_html/wp-content/themes/acabado/functions.php on line 1920
Finding the perfect van for you can be a complex process as we all have different wants and needs in a motorhome. In this article we weigh up the pros and cons of buying pre-built versus self converting.
Here is everything you need to know about buying a van pre-built vs buying a van to convert yourself
The Pros of Converting a Van Yourself
You get to design your perfect van, no compromise
Inevitably when you are looking at a pre-built van there will be a level of compromise in the build. You might miss out on that inbuilt shower or the upright fridge you desperately wanted. When you buy a van to self convert you get to customise the build to your own specifications and make that dream build a reality. No compromise!
Save on total cost
Building your own van can save you money in the long run, especially if you are able to complete the majority of the work yourself. Paying for trades to convert a van for you can be a costly expense so the more you can DIY the better. You can also shop around, reuse and salvage materials that are more cost effective.
Cons of a Self Build
Mistakes can be costly
A van conversion can become more expensive than necessary if you don’t set a budget and do your research. If this is your first (or even second) van build you can expect to make some mistakes. Measure twice, cut once as they always say. This has never been more important in a van build as the price of lumbar at the time of writing this article is unusually high and miss cuts may cost you $$$
It’s a whole lot of work
With the right information and resources (and a lot of motivation), anyone can pull off the van build they’ve been dreaming of. However, converting a van is not for the faint-hearted, especially if you are installing water and electrical systems for the ultimate off-grid home. Converting a van requires a lot of labour and the job is complicated by the fact that most vans don’t have square walls, meaning cabinetry may take longer to plan and install than you expect. No matter your skill set and experience level, there are plethora online videos to guide you through the overall process and the details; just be prepared to learn, make mistakes and put in a lot of hours. It’s a labour of love
Pros of Pre-converted Van
Buying a van prebuilt has its advantages, especially if you don’t have the time or will to build your own.
All the essentials are already there!
The work has been done for you, and now you can focus on packing up your food and supplies and living the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. It’s the personal touches that make a van a home and with the building and technical work out of the way you are free to put all your energy into the important part: decorating!
Road Tested
Another bonus in a prebuilt van is that it’s been put to the test on the road and usually has had minor adjustments or additions made to make living on the road a bit smoother (and everything that needs to be secured, bolted, latched or glued down has hopefully been identified by now).
Cons of a Pre-build
Less adjustability
Once furnishings have been built into a van’s limited space adjustments can be difficult, but not impossible. Often to change one thing you might need to move another and it can be a bit of a Chinese puzzle box.
Paying for things you won’t use
When you buy a van pre built you’re paying for all the previous owners choices and that might mean paying for things you won’t use, like a bigger fridge or a compostable toilet you may not need.
Summary: Pre Build Vs Self Conversion
There are positives and negatives for both pre built and self converted vans and it will come down to your personal needs and situation. Our best advice: hire a camper van to stay in before deciding which option is best for you. This will allow you to test out all the mod cons and decide what you want, need and could do without in your van.