What to Choose? Drifter Campervans

Full disclosure: Since I co-own a customized van conversion firm, I are inclined to imagine constructing a customized van is the best choice. There’s no proper or fallacious reply to the query, however there are definitely professionals and cons. Let’s go over them collectively, you then resolve.

The van mannequin itself isn’t an element. What you need to take into account is: 

1. Worth 

2. Timeline

3. High quality

4. Certifications. 

5. AND MOST IMPORTANT: Degree of customization, in design, performance, and format. 

General, pre-manufactured conversions ought to be cheaper than customized builds. And in case your finances is proscribed, it is perhaps your alternative.

However beware: if you happen to see value tags for so-called “high-end pre-manufactured fashions” which might be near the worth as high-end customized conversions – corresponding to which Drifter Van makes – you have to be asking questions.

Like why would the costs so excessive for one thing in-built a sequence? 

And why spend that a lot cash if you happen to nonetheless should compromise on what you’re getting?

In the event you’re in a rush and wish to begin touring quickly, then shopping for a van from an RV dealership is certainly sooner than constructing a customized one. 

With a customized conversion, one made completely for you, the method can take a little bit of time: to supply the van, design the format, select your private options, and construct it. Realistically, this may take a minimum of 3–4 months, presumably longer relying on the builder’s backlog.

However as they are saying, high quality takes time.

Talking of high quality, this relies largely on the corporate you select.

Not all pre-manufactured RVs are low in high quality; some manufacturers do a nice job. Likewise, not each customized conversion is top-shelf: some will not be solely poor high quality however really harmful.

Nonetheless, the general high quality of customized builds is increased – however provided that you’re employed with a critical firm.

Driftervans believes in and practices solely the best high quality design, one thing that works ideally for you, the shopper. 

RVIA certification is a bit sophisticated, however right here’s a fast abstract:

RVIA means your construct meets sure security requirements, and that the builder is a member of the RVIA (sure, you turn into licensed by becoming a member of the membership, not simply by constructing wonderful vans).

I’ve seen RVIA licensed conversions with good high quality and a few with horrible high quality. In order that little sticker? Take it with a grain of salt. 

Alternatively, I’ve seen non-certified conversions that ought to have had higher inspections, and nonetheless others constructed to a a lot increased commonplace than RVIA requires.

At Driftervans, for instance, our requirements are sometimes increased than RIVA’s, which is usually supposed for pre-manufactured vans with little customization. The reality is, RIVA’s standardization typically doesn’t provide sufficient flexibility for top finish or luxurious design.

Some campgrounds may ask for RVIA certification, however personally, I’ve by no means heard of a shopper being turned away due to it.

It’s often simpler to get RV financing for RVIA licensed, pre-manufactured vans. However that doesn’t imply it’s not possible with customized builds. In the event you work with a critical customized builder and never only a DIYer, financing remains to be attainable.

At Drifter Vans, we work with a number of financing firms that supply loans for the total bundle, or simply the construct if you happen to already personal your van.

Right here’s the actual cause why I imagine in customized conversions, and after I say “customized,” I don’t imply selecting between two wall colours and calling it a day.

At Drifter Vans, we construct a whole van that’s designed completely you. Your wants. Your tastes. Your components. No two vans we construct are the identical. You inform us what you want, what you want, how you intend to make use of your van, and we make it occur. 

You don’t have to select from current layouts. We will adapt one in all our signature layouts to your measurement, life-style, or wants. 

When you have the time, the finances, and if you happen to hate to compromise, why purchase a mannequin that’s sitting on rather a lot, the identical as hundreds of others? At Drifter Vans, we create a van that’s distinctive to you, and appears like dwelling.

At Drifter Vans for instance, we don’t simply ask if you would like an air conditioner or a pull-out storage. We ask: what’s going to you do together with your van?

In the event you plan to boondock, you may want a bigger battery system to energy the A/C.

In the event you’re working remotely, possibly 5G isn’t sufficient, possibly a set satellite tv for pc system is healthier or possibly a cellular one, what about each?

At Drifter Vans, no matter your scenario is, we determine it out collectively. And if it’s doable, we’ll make it occur. 

To sum all of it up, if you happen to’re in a rush, have a smaller finances, and don’t want something particular, there’s nothing fallacious with shopping for a pre-manufactured van.

However in case you have the time… if you would like your van to really feel like an actual dwelling… if you would like it to match your wants, and never another person’s concept of van life…

Go along with an actual customized builder. We recommend you select Drifter Vans. However no matter your alternative, dwelling on the street, whether or not full-time or weekends, is an expertise you’ll always remember!