Looking for a quality van interior builder

[jeffscharbor]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a 2009 Ford E350 van. The exterior was converted by SMB, however the interior needs a camper conversion. I contacted SMB West regarding the conversion and found them to be cost prohibitive. I'm looking at the RB50 with several options which would run well over $30k. Obviously, the majority of that is profit, not material cost for SMB. Does anyone have a recommendation for a interior conversion company that you have used and are happy with? Thanks for your recommendations.

[rallypanam]

Well, it ain't cheap.. The only other option people seem to have good reviews of is Van Specialties in Oregon, but if you are looking for a full buildout with appliances, water, cabinets, upholstery, etc, it won't be much cheaper if at all. But give them a call, they are super nice and people are happy with their work.

[BroncoHauler]

FWIW, my guess is that the largest contributor to price is labor, and not profit. For a similar build-out though, I don't think you'll find much savings from other conversion companies. More options and more customization, definitely. But yeah, the dollars add up fast.

KTMrider used somebody that he really liked. You should be able to find it with a search on his username. Location can also make all the difference in the world, especially if you need to go back for adjustments or modifications. What's your rough location?


Herb

[rallypanam]

I believe he said he was in Tahoe area on a previous thread..

[jeffscharbor]

Originally Posted by rallypanam

Well, it ain't cheap.. The only other option people seem to have good reviews of is Van Specialties in Oregon, but if you are looking for a full buildout with appliances, water, cabinets, upholstery, etc, it won't be much cheaper if at all. But give them a call, they are super nice and people are happy with their work.

"Thanks for the recommendation, I'll give them a call"

[jeffscharbor]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

FWIW, my guess is that the largest contributor to price is labor, and not profit. For a similar build-out though, I don't think you'll find much savings from other conversion companies. More options and more customization, definitely. But yeah, the dollars add up fast.

KTMrider used somebody that he really liked. You should be able to find it with a search on his username. Location can also make all the difference in the world, especially if you need to go back for adjustments or modifications. What's your rough location?


Herb

"Thanks for the recommendation, I'll give them a call. I live in Lake Tahoe/Truckee area."

[BrianW]

I always thought that van conversion prices are steep. I know it's a lot of work, but even with a mostly custom layout I don't see why they often cost more than a full home kitchen redo!

In SMB's case, they have templates for all the different cabinets, etc., so it's not like they are creating one-off designs.

[mikracer]

It probably has a lot to do with the lack of competition. If you're one of the only sources to do what you're doing, you can set prices at any level. It's pretty clear that customers have been and continue to take their vans and money to SMB, so they continue to charge what they do.

[unimogdave]

Jeff were are you located.

[jeffscharbor]

Originally Posted by unimogdave

Jeff were are you located.

"Lake Tahoe/Truckee CA"