How much does a build cost?

Typical builds range from $50k-120k (van not included).

How does payment work?

5% slot deposit → 45% van drop-off → 40% mid-build → 10% on completion.

Where are you located?

We’re based in Los Alamitos, California — just down the coast from Long Beach.

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How long does a build take from start to finish?

Most full-scale builds take us about 4-6 weeks to complete from when your van lands at our shop to when it’s ready to hit the road.

What’s the first step to work with the Good Van?

Shoot us a text, give us a call, or swing by the shop if you’re local — we’re always down to chat vans over coffee. The first step is just starting the conversation.

Do you offer partial builds or upgrades?
We do, as long as the van is an empty shell. For liability reasons, we can’t take on vans that have been partially built or previously converted by another builder or DIYer.

Do you have layouts to choose from, or are you fully custom?
We’ve got a few tried-and-true layouts that we highly recommend as a starting point — they’re well-tested, functional, and beautiful. From there, you can tweak and personalize things to fit your lifestyle and aesthetic.

What kind of electrical system do you install?
All of our systems are built using Victron components — industry-leading, reliable, and designed for real off-grid living.

How are your systems powered?
Each van comes with three ways to charge: rooftop solar, shore power hookup, and alternator charging while you drive. You’ll always have options to stay powered up wherever you park.

Do you offer hot water and/or showers?
Every Good Van build includes a 12V water heater and exterior shower by default. For full-time travelers, we can also add an interior shower setup.

What materials do you use for cabinetry and walls?
We use Russian Baltic Birch for all cabinetry and wall panels — durable, marine-grade, and made to last. Cabinets are typically laminated in Formica for a clean, cohesive finish, and the walls are wrapped in Duramax for a seamless, UV and water-resistant surface.

How do you insulate your vans?
We insulate using a combo of Havelock wool and 3M Thinsulate for the perfect balance of sound-deadening, temperature control, and breathability.

Can your builds handle cold weather or full-time living?
Definitely. Most of our clients stick to the California coast, but if you’re chasing snow or colder temps, we can insulate and winter-proof accordingly. And yes — plenty of our Good Van builds are full-time homes on wheels.

What kind of maintenance does a camper van require?
Your van’s mechanical systems will need the usual care (oil changes, tire rotations, etc.), but as far as the build goes — treat it kindly, and it’ll do the same for you.

Can I choose my own finishes and layout?
For sure. We’ll start with one of our proven layouts and build from there. Colors, materials, lighting, textures — all the aesthetic details are up to you.

Do you offer renderings or mockups before building?
Yes. Once we finalize your estimate and layout concept, we’ll create a digital mockup so you can visualize how everything will come together before we start cutting wood.

Do you offer a warranty on your work?

Absolutely. Most of the components we use have their own 3-5+ year manufacturer warranty. We also include a three year warranty on cabinetry, electrical, and plumbing installations. And honestly — once you’re part of The Good Van family, you’ve got our support for the long haul.

What kind of support do you offer after pickup?
Clients text or call us all the time — sometimes for troubleshooting, sometimes just to share where they’re camping that weekend. We’re always happy to help however we can.

Can I come back for upgrades later?
Of course. If we built your van, we’re always open to adding upgrades, tweaks, or new systems down the line.

Do you help with walkthroughs and maintenance tips?
Yes! On pickup day, we’ll walk you through every system and switch until you feel confident using your van. And if questions pop up months later — we’re still just a call away.

What makes you different from other builders?
We build vans that feel good. Function matters, but so does warmth, flow, and character. We don’t believe you have to sacrifice aesthetics to chase adventure — our builds reflect the lifestyle we live: surf, motorcycles, photography, coffee, and craftsmanship.

Do you host events or meetups?
We do! We’ve started hosting Happy Days, our community meet-up series that brings together clients, local vendors, and friends of The Good Van. Keep an eye on our socials for upcoming dates.

Can I visit your shop or schedule a consult?
Definitely. We’re appointment-only so we can give you our full attention, but we love having folks stop by. Head to our contact page to set up a visit or design consultation.