The REAL cost of our off-grid van build

In this video we share the FULL cost break down of our dream DIY Transit camper van build project we've been sharing on this channel for nearly two years. From all of the components all the way down to the screws and tape; we've kept receipts so we can share with all of you how much we ACTUALLY spent in materials for this van build.

It's important to note that this was NOT a low budget build and that was never the goal. We used high quality materials and components but we installed or built everything ourselves; saving costs on labor. We never used tools that the average DIYer wouldn't already have in their garage. We never used CNC machines, 3d scanners, and the random 3d printed pieces we used are either available for purchase or not mission critical. The goal here was to build a van ourselves with an outcome of similar quality to the top commercial van builders on the market like Storyteller Overland or Outside Van; which we achieved at about half the price:

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:

FULL ELECTRICAL INSTALLS:

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES:

00:00 Introduction
00:40 Sound Control
01:59 Windows
03:02 Window Jambs
04:10 Branch Circuit Wiring
05:10 Interior Lighting
05:39 Switches and Outlets
06:15 Air Conditioner
07:00 Maxxair Fan
07:55 Roof Rack
08:44 weBoost
09:16 Flooring
10:34 Insulation
11:10 Walls
11:49 Swivel Seats
12:01 Electrical and Solar
12:36 Plumbing
13:06 Toilet
13:25 Cabinets
14:00 Kitchen
14:44 Bed
15:18 Bug Screens
15:57 Tank and Temp Sensors
16:22 Lift Kit
16:48 Wheels and Tires
17:22 Bumper Nudge Bar
17:55 Exterior Lighting
18:47 Garmin Power Switch
19:31 Exterior Storage
20:07 Window Covers
20:39 TOTAL COST OF BUILD

[LVPokerCoach]

Love this video and want to add a "hack" to this. None of these cost videos mention that another way to save money is to buy things in a smart way. Amazon, Home Depot, tire/wheel centers, all of those places have financing that can help you buy things at 0% interest and pay within a year. That can be ideal here because you aren't going to need everything at the same time and you can pay things off as your build progresses (let's be honest, most builds are going to take at least a year). Now, to be sure, you have to have good credit for this and you *must* keep up with the monthly payments to avoid the crushing interest rates! But if used correctly, these kinds of deals are perfect for a build that's going to take you a while to do anyways and may allow you to get some more expensive options that aren't always possible in a single payment.

[searlearnold]

That woodwork with l track and screws lined up with precision is very satisfying to my OCD eyes.

[tomwilliam]

This is what I like about your Channel you're very free with your information as well as your honesty what everything costs and lastly call your videos are excellent to help people do what you do to your van

[justgivemethetruth]

I have an induction cooktop at home and I love it. I just need one burner and if I was in a van that is what I would want. I have an oven at home which if I were in a van I would want to have a microwave/convection oven instead.
You guys' van looks so nice. The special shots you took make that thing look like it is about a football field long, and it is so nice and clean and streamlined. Really great job.

[GeertSamuel]

The best thing about this video; the options. In the initial video you said you wouldn’t consider costs, but to would took convenience over costs. Which is logical. So now actually giving the options is just great.

[GirdHerd]

An excellent recap of expenses. It really gives anyone who is thinking of building a van like yours an understanding of just how expensive a van build-out can be.

[davidw]

Great channel and love what you do with the vans.
I live in the UK and I've taken on board your how tois and tips and will be embarking on my own van. To live in full time.
I will be getting a 7.5 ton box truck (box being 22ft in length). I have a budget of £18k all in.
£4k for truck and £12k for build.
Most of this will go on the electrical system, the insulation and the appliances.
I will use my sofa and my beds in the first instance.
Once I have more money (saved from vanlife) the last stage will be to build my own lounge part.
Thank you for the great videos and ideas. Invaluable 👍😍

[manubisbee]

THANK YOU! amazing job on break out of everything. Huge respect on quality videos

[calvinarena]

I’m in process in Promaster 2021 conversion about 95% complete, so far have about 10, 000$, wires running through, but, still need batteries, solar and converter DC to DC not installed yet, have shore power, still looking for better ways for build, over two years and going on, your builds helped in many ways, learn a lot, thanks
Calacokid

[dmwi]

Great video and series. Thanks for sharing.
Your van has so much more quality and many more features that you would NOT find on commercially available models.
Battery capacity, over the top interior and exterior lighting, suspension upgrade, all the bolt on accessories, ample solar, upgraded alternator, A/C, all the L-Track that makes this van so versatile and and upgradeable if needed.
You really hit this out of the park!

[smalltimeadventures_usa]

Thank you for posting this video. It is very insightful as we begin our van build journey.

[telemaster]

Nice bookend to a very helpful series Steph. I spent a bit more on mine; my buildout cost was about equal to what I paid for the new '21 Transit. I didn't install an AC, but I have a winch bumper, Flarespace flares, a custom Roam Rest mattress, an aftermarket 3rd-row seat, and more extensive 8020 cabinetry. And I want more lights, and a cell booster, It all adds up. If I did it over, I would definitely change a few things to save money, (less 8020 for example), but our van was a (mostly) fun project, it's tuned to our lifestyle, and we love it.

[RVwithTito]

Very helpful information and van setup. You did a great job providing information and pricing on alternative options. 👍

[mrmudstud]

Excellent Build, first hand quality with expertise placement. Quality as good as Humble

[craigbrowning]

For Roof Vents used the cheapest MaxxAir Dome Fans (we can even be replaced under solar panels sometimes. I opted for the smallest Free Standing AC I can get it mounted it to the security door that divides the cab from the back.

[robbehr]

Very cool! I'm modifying a run-of-the-mill travel trailer. Everything I do seems to take about 5 times the time and costs about twice as much, due to deconstruction/removal and necessary upgrades surrounding my modification. Starting with a bare van avoids an obstructive course. That's an effective time and money savings.

[Adam_Gray]

Impressive! And I must have been doing my homework as I was in the ballpark of $7K on the low end. 🙌🏼

[GK]

Excellent content. Thanks for sharing.

[KA-pqyz]

Very interesting and informative video. Thanks

[cheryl]

Another fantastic video! Thanks for sharing this information.