Camper vans today are not your typical soccer mom vans. Camper vans have come a long way since the flower children began dotting the cities and country sides in their brightly colored Volkswagen buses in the 1960’s.
When the term “camper van” is used, most people think of a Class B RV.
Wikipedia describes the 3 classes of RV’s as follows:
Class A (also known as Integrated)
A Class A motorhome often has a reputation for being the most luxurious and expensive of vehicles. It has a solid body with the driving area integrated into the standard living accommodation. This style of motorhome will have a large and expansive front window which offers a good view of the road and surrounding landscape. Berths convert from lounge or dinette areas.
Class B (also known as Semi-integrated)
A Class B motorhome is also referred to as a low profile or semi-integrated motorhome. It is built in the same way as a Class C motorhome, except no berths are provided over the cab area. As a result, the overall height of this motorhome is lower than a Class C. There is usually a fixed double bed in rear of the vehicle.
Class C (also known as Alcove)
A Class C motorhome may also be known as coach built. It has a trailer or caravan-style body which is mounted onto a van or truck chassis. There is usually a double berth over the driving cab.
Class B’s are self-contained and offer all of the comforts of a larger RV without all the hassles. Driving, parking and fuel savings are the three major advantages over a larger RV. Class B vehicles, or camper vans can be easily parked at your home, apartment or office.
Class B RV’s can be very expensive, in fact most cost more than the larger Class C and some can cost as much as the big guys; the Class A. Most new Class B RV’s today will begin in the high $70,000 range to approaching $200,000 depending on the brand and amenities. That’s a lot of money. The Class B will have basically the same amenities as the larger classes, but on a much smaller scale.
Perhaps this high cost is what’s causing the explosion of cargo van conversions today.
Basic cargo vans are selling like hot cakes today. In addition to contractors and other commercial businesses, but to the civilian population as well. The average person today who wants the freedom to travel in an RV, but can’t afford the high prices, is the person who is buying a cargo van and converting it into a camper van himself. Anyone, male or female with some basic skills can convert a cargo van into a camper van with all the amenities including an interior toilet and shower in a few weeks time. The savings can be great. For example, this picture below is my van.
My RAM Promaster High-Top before window installed in slider door.
After window was installed
This is a brand new 2019 RAM Promaster high-top cargo van that I purchased for just under $30,000.00. It has all I need including a back-up camera, cruise-control, power windows and mirrors, etc, etc. Following is a list of items I used to build out my van:
Sub floor, insulation then flooring
Insulation in sides and ceiling
Luan wood paneling
Cabinet with sink, faucet, drawers and space in bottom for my water system
Bed with 8″ memory foam mattress
MaxxAir Fan
Portable Solar Panels to keep house battery charged when off-grid
AGM Deep Cycle house battery to power all my electric needs when off-grid
Dometic refrigerator
Power Inverter
Portable shower
Portable (combination) Butane/Propane stove
Porta-potti
Window in side slider door
Cost for all the above items was right at $4200.00.
Since a couple of family members and I did the build out, there was no labor cost
Plenty of storage under the bed for all my needs
You can see I now have a new and very comfortable conversion van for $34,100.00.
When you compare that to the lowest priced new Class B RV (built on the same RAM Promaster Chassis as mine), I’ve saved almost $40,000.00. Perhaps this helps explain why there are so many cargo van conversions on the road today.
I have no parking issues. I can park my van in any space a typical car will fit in. The only restriction I have is underground parking garages due to its height.
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Until next time…
