HOW MUCH DID OUR DIY SPRINTER VAN CONVERSION COST?

[@isavanweers6737]

I'm only 13 years old which is super young, but I know exactly what I want to do with my life: traveling. I love your channel and you're such an inspiration for me :))

[@mikemanjo2458]

Good for you! Thinking and planning ahead! I taught 8th grade for many years and it is always nice to meet a young person who is planning ahead. Keep up the good work. I see lots of success in your future. Best wishes! Jane in SC❤️🙏🏻

[@isabellajanevska9249]

same, I'm 12 btw

[@menkaagarwal2220]

Same

[@jeannie20001]

You are an awesome young lady you know what you want to do. Go for it. 💓

[@Grace-ir3kl]

Same but I’m 14 I can’t wait to live in a van all I want is a roommate/ bestie who will stay withhhh meee 😭 all my friends think I’m crazy

[@lindabowers2616]

The last build I asked about from a conversion company was $120,000.00…and that DID NOT include the van!!! 😮😮😮 Thanks SO MUCH for revealing the cost: so many “custom” places act like the cost of vans is a dark, ancient secret, which in reality it ought to be shared at the outset, because if you can’t afford it, you can’t afford it. Thanks for sharing!

[@MrDaveB123]

Good job I have only $60 K to work with from my retirement money so gives me hope in building something decent Thanks for all your help and information . I have watched so many builds in several years and this layout seems to be the wisest one for me.

[@beautifulstorm027]

My gosh that total cost was ridiculous! I was expecting it to be in the 70K range. Thanks for the great tips and advice for future van lifers

[@i2ambler2002]

I dont see anyone finding a sprinter for 17 grand, unless it is an absolute pile of shit.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Maybe in 2023, not in 2019/2020. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@i2ambler2002]

@@mariajoseandchase I guess 'Van Converters' have realized that there are a lot of trust fund kids they can fleece by fooling them into thinking that THEY TOO can live the Instagram life.

[@tj8114]

Your cost breakdown is very helpful for a newbie like me. I love that you have included the needs of your dogs in your build and travel plans. Kudos!

[@ElizabethCar]

I've been thinking about doing vanlife vs. Living in an apartment and have realized that vanlife would be more $$ at the beginning, but less $$ over time than an apartment. So I've been watching several of these videos about the cost of the van build itself. For the most part I've seen a lot of people spend as much on the build as they did on the van itself with like $20,000 -$40,000 for the van alone. Then I've seen the opposite where someone got the cheapest van and the cheapest build possible and spend around $3000. So I've been a little discouraged to see that if I want to live comfortably I'd need an excessive amount of $$, but your video was very encouraging to see something more in the middle and still comfortable to live in.

[@cherylmarie3662]

This is the most generous video I have seen on Vanlife. So many vanlifers are always hustling to make money on information that they acquired for free! Thanks for the honest transparent and informative video! And you are funny and entertaining to boot! You two are my new favourite vanlifers! ❤️

[@jeromeedmonson]

P lol lplppll pop 0

[@i2ambler2002]

LoL.. these people are selling their van build guide for 50 bucks. So generous!

[@natalieforshee]

This was perfect!! I have been looking to build my own van for a while, and this has helped so much! Love you guys!!

[@mariajoseandchase]

Love to hear that Natalie! 🙌🏻 can’t wait to see you on your own van. ❤️

[@michaelbmw1931]

I want to join u! 🏝️🏝️

[@partiuestradaafora]

Travel and share

[@davidklenk5253]

Have you done a video about the skills and experience you brought to the van conversion? Lots of people have the impression that they don’t need any building experience or technical skills to do a quality van build. The quality of your build is far beyond what most people do. Great job, I love the layout and details.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Hey David! We've mentioned it a few times before, but we had extremely limited experience when converting this van. I "learned" while building the bus we had before buying the van, but it was very basic understandings. Everything done came with additional referencing on forums and on KZbin and a lot of trial and error. Sorry this is a few years late!

[@rambunctiousmedia3350]

You two call it a "wild and wierd" adventure. As a romantic who hopes to do something like this with a girlfriend, I call it "fun, cathartic, and truly, TRULY, magical." I envy what you two have.

[@crystalsharadin9772]

Wow, the final total of everything was a lot less than I thought it would be. Y'all did a lot of research and hard work. I'm impressed!

[@michaelbmw1931]

🏝️

[@danielstevens8765]

I was expecting 100k that is what I have budgeted for my build I need to seriously make a spread sheet and start shopping. 30k was way less than I thought was possible.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Ohhh that’s great news!! 🙌🏻 what type of van are you thinking of building?

[@danielstevens8765]

@@mariajoseandchase I am used to driving box trucks so I am going with a Mercedes 170 extended. Needs internal storage for my bikes. So will probably make a fixed bed. Thinking I might make the back lift so it can function like a really wide chase lounge. Shower mid driver side. Seating area with table at the front of the van. Seating for 4. Two lagoon tables. one for driver other for front passenger. Skinny kitchen across from shower/toilet and passenger bench.

[@lilymurfitt6187]

Loki? norseman? wait.....

[@0xaliciaaa]

people convert their vans for less than $10,000. anything is possible.

[@VvDiverDownvV]

I've been able to work an entire 26ft box truck into about $40k dollars which includes the truck and full build. I don't think it's a horrible price to pay to be honest.

[@YasLoLo7]

Your build is the best I've seen in layout and functionality. Thanks for sharing.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Ohh thank you so much! We worked very hard to get it perfect for us.

[@henryzhang6489]

@@mariajoseandchase is there any layout drawing that can download ? Thanks

[@DaveM-FFB]

That's a beautiful van. Looks better than many commercially built vans, at a fraction of the price. Safe travels to you, and thanks for sharing such an informative video.

[@SonnyKnutson]

I guess you should factor in the cost of workhours as well. Even if you build it yourself. It is time spent. Either by not working during the period or building every hours you are not working which can be quite stressful. So even if you don't pay for the hours. It's worth factoring in to see the value of the hours compared to others.

[@marksstudio]

Great video and a wonderful cost analysis. The overall cost came in far lower than I expected. Plus, you guys did a terrific job. Very encouraging and thank you.

[@rontalley]

I absolutely LOVE this video! So informative and an easy watch. The format of explaining things helps me to plan my "our" near future build. Thank you so much for sharing your journey!

[@SunshineMix101]

It's a great achievement for you guys. It's a testimony to your own hard-work and creative prowess. Well done. :)

[@mariajoseandchase]

Thank you so so much

[@karenparle5219]

Yay, I have a 2016 sprinter extended van. So far I have spent a total of $42k including van and build. I bought the van brand new in 2017. It only had 20 miles on it and had been sitting on the lot for a year. I've done all the work myself but I don't live in it. So, my needs are different than a full timer. I'm glad to see people using common sense with the money when building a van. good for you!

[@RainaTeachings]

I’ve seen Sprinter builds up to $120k so you did such a great job!

[@jeannie20001]

I love your van/home because this is just what it is your home. I love how you broke everything down if I had the money I really would own one. Seriously. Thanks for sharing. I have subscribed. ✌❤🙏

[@fanniep3286]

Amazing job on the build and thrift shopping! Obviously all of your hard work paid off in many ways including financial!! $35,859 all-in is absolutely incredible!

[@TheHiveDrive]

It's the Red Bull expense for me! Haha. Your build cost is AMAZING and your van itself is THE most beautiful. Absolutely amazing you guys. Totally a 6 figure-worthy van!

[@mariajoseandchase]

Arguably the most important line item. 😅 Thanks friends! Love and adore you both.

[@bitminerbob6731]

Think yous did really great for the van and build at that price. It would be worth much more than that now too, given the huge demand for vans.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Aww thank you so much! ❤️ we appreciate it so much.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

WOW! Amazing build and amazing how you kept the costs low. I subscribed to your channel when you were in the big bus. Now I see you have transferred your skills to the Sprinter. And I am again impressed by what you built AND by the very nice styling inside too (love the light color interior and use of wood and cane, details, shower, etc.). Thanks for sharing the costs and your examples of how you saved money too. Very useful info to have and inspiring example!

[@joannfroman4976]

Thank you for sharing your van build expenses and the type of items you chose for your van. Enjoy your journey! I will keep watching and learning.

[@charlieandkimberlyhaire8299]

This is the best layout I have seen. I have been researching different design Plans, layouts and ideas not for a van but for a tiny houseboat/shanty boat build. I believe this will work perfectly with what I'm wanting to do. Thanks!

[@carolsloan352]

Wow! Never got to hear the entire cost of doing a van over! You kept great records!

[@fegusu]

I've been watching van builds and this one is the best! And the price is great, I thought it was at least a $50.000 build, good job guys... BTW I'm from Venezuela also 🇻🇪

[@1doublem]

I love you guys! You have just confirmed that I can convert a Sprinter and not be looking at a six figure price to get it done. Yes it's 2 years ago this video and price will be a bit higher. I'm just in research, planning, shopping for van stage but I'm ready!!! Thanks! ❤️❤️

[@mariajoseandchase]

Hey Mitch! What an awesome comment and compliment for us to be starting our day with. We’re sending love right back your way. Also, just saw your email come through, we’ll get back to you there today. Absolutely! The cost of materials is a bit more now, but not TOO much more. We always strive for beauty and function on a budget. There’s no reason to spend 6 figures on a van build or a bus build and we cringe every time we hear people pushing that limit or beyond. Even with a brand new 80k van I’m confident we could still come in under 100k. So it’s just wild to us. Haha

[@robbelle3707]

Looks totally doable ,I have almost every tool known to man and I have and still do work in the trades (IBEW electrician)but finding a sprinter van even used for under 45k is tough,those built out sprinters around here are 150-200k.

[@HOPEbus]

That price for ur home on wheels is amazing ! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 well done guys. Ur home is stunning 😍 🤩, great video thanks for sharing ur journey 💫

[@sophiemarcaurele]

Wow! What resourcefulness, good taste and an eye for deals can accomplish. I’m sure you could sell this van as is for twice as much, at least! Thank you two so much for your generosity: you invest so much time and creativity into well-edited, informative and entertaining videos. Dream team all around! 🙏🤗🚐😍

[@michaelbmw1931]

Ig? 🏝️

[@angelady6725]

Thanks so much for the cost detail is very helpful. I been watching lots of van conversion videos. Love your layout great job .I haven’t been travel since my husband had brain injury from accident.he lots his memory and eyesight .Try to travel the same places again. to helping him to bring back memories. your cost detail support me to go forward thanks again and wishing you all the best and safe travels.

[@kellyk3933]

No doubt you saved a ton of money by doing everything yourself, but I know it was worth every penny you spent. The problem is that I'm not handy in the least. I'm much better at writing checks :(

[@forkyleandabby]

WOW! You guys are great - not only is your presentation charmingly informative but I also appreciate your experience in this whole process. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

[@entry0131]

Perfect for those who love traveling. God Bless you guys.

[@vantelontheroad1750]

That is amazing. Our van was $38,000 just for the van.

[@64maxpower]

Of all van I like yours best. All 4 of you did amazing on it

[@jordanlong872]

I learned a lot from this video. I quite literally took notes. Thank you for this great content.

[@Scrambler85]

I watched all the van build series and it was impressive and entertaining 👏. It's good to see you enjoying your team efforts 👏 And a thumbs up for the video 👍

[@ExploreTravelTV]

wow, not bad at all for a nice build out! I am seeing people trying to sell used ones for $100-$150K on FB marketplace. You could def make a profit if you decide to sell

[@rongiannusa9284]

Excellent video..first one I watched that showed exact costs of each thing...thank you ...

[@jimwlouavl]

Thanks so much for this detail. I really enjoyed this and am totally impressed with your skills. I’d love to see a video about preventive maintenance and other costs of being on the road. I would have expected around $70k.

[@alexanderlepelch4530]

How many miles did your van have at purchase time? $18,000 seems really low...

[@ingridr.269]

What an amazing and cost-effective build! I would have never guessed that it was 35k. Congrats on the amazing job and thank you for the great, informative video! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I only have one question: how long did it take you guys the build everything? Thanks!

[@stefdrieskens2905]

Spoiler alert😅

[@christinebrand5433]

The perfect Van! Thank you for these facts, very interesting. Greetings from Berlin, Germany

[@sentientbeingslove]

I have serious plans to purchase and use your build, it's by far the smartest and most fitting that I've seen... But now that I am starting to look at vans, I have to ask - how ON EARTH did you find such a great deal??? I would greatly appreciate resource tips, I've no clue where to shop. You're both so inspiring, thank you!

[@mildredwebster2822]

Honestly you both are adorable. I like how you both explain pricing!!!

[@joeynieves7677]

That’s way less than I thought! I wanna do this so bad it’s my goal this year to buy a van I’m looking for something used but I know I want a Mercedes sprinter van this video helped a lot thank you ! Buenos noches

[@bee-anca236]

Omg this is a steal and so beautiful! And yeah - a pro-build would easily be 3 times (if not more) than that!

[@linamimeault7191]

Hi there :) I bought your van’s floor plan a year ago. I still think it’s beautiful!! :).

[@debracottrill7989]

The character purchased are going to be a great return if you decide to sell. Both of you have obviously brought mad skills to this build. Great advertisement for hiring yourself out for consulting or building. It's aesthetically pleasing, nice job!

[@justgigi9545]

That's not a bad cost at all! I'm pleasantly surprised.

[@monabouknight5134]

Enjoyed your video! First I’ve seen to break it down the way you both did. Very informative. When the day comes that you’ve had enough of the road life, you could easily start your own custom conversion van business!

[@gene_in_real_life]

Definitely cost less than I thought. Gorgeous build. 👍🏿

[@eduardoaguero5856]

Excellent description and well done video.. thank you....

[@robertwarren4248]

Very affordable prices everything considered but, it's more important to me to stay in my community and help those suffering and in need. So, you guys enjoy your roadtripping and I'll enjoy helping the children in my area who are thrilled just to be able to travel to a state park or a Saturday afternoon movie. Happy motoring!

[@dopakojones8464]

Omg!! I love this. Great explanations. Thank you so much.

[@cathietonkin5577]

Great build!!! 👏👏👏👏. Congratulations…. It’s totally awesome!!!!

[@Robinaa26]

I just subscribed. You two are amazing and thank you for every detail. We are in the process of buying and building our van and we watch all your videos.

[@Zakarayas]

Great video, well explained going through all the details and different cost areas.

[@kathleenhuber8421]

your van build is one of the best that I've seen. Its beautifiul. thank you for sharing your cost and showing us your van. I love it. kathleen

[@mid-shoreraceway5557]

Awesome job and build. This is the best build out I have seen to date and love the looks.

[@shawndawhite9631]

Wow that’s so inspiring I was over here thinking I needed to sell some body parts to have something like this! Thank you for sharing

[@Thumper7818]

You did a good job on the cost. I would have expected more.love the build.

[@jimlinn9974]

Our build is $43,988.00 plus ext length, with High Roof. Our new Mercedes DELUXE was $87,629.00

[@sarajean1954]

I loved this, not only is your build very cute and aesthetic, you did it within a reasonable price. I'm just wondering how you found your van for such a good deal, im currently on the hunt and I'm seeling 2005 sprinters for 17k with high miles.

[@ianhumphry1]

That's awesome, unfortunately for me, I dont have the skillset to do it myself so I will have to have it built. Are there any quality, fair priced builders you know of in the USA?

[@mrmotofy]

Solar/batteries- 200w panels made in the US with a 25yr warranty from ContinuousResources for $185/shipped For Lithium batteries Ampere Time and Chins have 100ah for $500 on Amazon. Will Prowse has done awesome tear down vids on em

[@BeYouSpa1]

Thanks

[@birdlady2725]

I am old but exploring options for this lifestyle, and your info has given a lot of inspiration! Just a suggestion is editing so smooth transition. It is visually and mentally distracting having scenes 'jumpy'. Due to head injury, a bit more sensitive to this. Otherwise, great job! Be safe and have fun. Give scritches to dogs for me please. Peace.

[@bettyvanwhite6745]

Great video. Thank you. So helpful as Im just beginning my build next week.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Congratulations Nancy! How fun, what type of van are you doing?

[@bettyvanwhite6745]

@@mariajoseandchase a Sprinter

[@Audiotorium87]

Great tip on using display items at reduced costs and free materials! 👌🏼

[@JakeandHeather]

Amazing build guys! excellent job on keeping costs down! We spent about the same on our build!! 😎😁 This should be very encouraging for couples looking to build a van themselves!

[@angiehernandez7671]

Awesome job. Can't believe you only spend that much. Thank you for the info...

[@baskinginhisbeauty374]

Ive been watching videos to learn which is better for conversion. Why did you choose the Sprinter van? Forgot the company's name, I think begins with a "V" and builder rated the Ford #1, Sprinter #2, and Ram Promaster #3. What do you think? New subbie!

[@edwinalu1943]

Thank you for sharing! You did a good job on building a nice van house as well as cost control!

[@solzan5128]

Amazing 🤩 love your built and your journey 🙌🏼

[@mariajoseandchase]

We are so happy to have you here. ❤️

[@solzan5128]

Also I am Originally From Venezuela and 4 pups own me so if you ever come up to Massachusetts please let me know and you can take a break in my driveway you will be welcome !

[@Luna_Kayk]

Wow 🤩 you guys did an awesome 👏 job on that Mercedes!!! I definitely was thinking 50,000 plus! I hope 🤞 I can do the same! I think my biggest problem will be finding a Mercedes Sprinter for a low price.

[@machambers00]

Great video! I bought your build guide yesterday! 😊

[@kylefurukawa2491]

Your Murphy bed is the best feature

[@jheighten7568]

You guys are awesome! Great job!

[@luizsantos2041]

congratulations, your project is very beautiful. I wish you great moments.

[@jenwhiskey]

Here I was thinking how I wanna save all my receipts and post them as is but my Red Bull requirement would get in the way lol .. glad I watched to the end, adore your build and the video editing 🧡❤️💛

[@vickiesweitzer8625]

Wow! That was a surprise! Shopping on van trader, so many of the vans are $80-10k. How many hours of labor did you put into the build?

[@kellygeraghty6830]

Wow, I expected the price to be much higher. Thanks for sharing.

[@bigggthinker2151]

I thought it cost more. Doing the work yourself helps that budget out a great deal. Those labor costs will kill you. Great job guys.

[@gunchief0811]

Can hardly wait to buy one.. Not sure if I'll get one PRE-BUILT or if I'll do the build myself... I only have 16'000$ So far But I'll also be able to bring in 2'700$ a month or so, so that's gonna help with materials and custom work if necessary .. I just now gotta locate A Van.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Heck yeah, Bryan! You're right on track for getting one then. It's so difficult to find vans these days. Best of luck!

[@benanderson3667]

Are you willing to share how many miles you had on it at purchase? Price seems crazy low but I know the market is hard now. Thanks!

[@rontalley]

Not the Red Bull!!! Love it!

[@captainm316]

Great vid guys, I’m looking into a build like yours soon and would love to see a step by step video. Beginning to end even in a time laps would do wonders for me. Thanks again

[@misterfanz]

Did I miss the ac component? How much did that cost? And which one did you go with? This is a very encouraging video. I would love to see the montage of how you actually accomplished everything. Well done.

[@mariajoseandchase]

Hey Doug! There’s no aircon added to the build. The battery bank / solar+alternator isolator components required to run AC off-grid on the van would be almost impossible and since we travel with the seasons and the weather it has never been something we’ve needed. On a skoolie build or a larger rv with the massive space for batteries and solar panels, plus an easy-start add-on for the aircon it could be possible. We’ve never met someone with a rooftop unit mounted to their van who has been able to use it for any period of time without being plugged in to 30amp shore power. We’ve got a ton of videos dedicated to the build, a full tour, and a Timelapse of the entire build as well! We’re always happy to chat about the van, our systems, or any of the reasons we did something a certain way!

[@misterfanz]

@@mariajoseandchase thank you for the reply. I will monitor your channel and view your videos. Your craftsmanship is impeccable and I appreciate you sharing the cost. Are you happy with the 2500? How did you find it so inexpensive? I have been looking and they seem to be as much as you entire build today.

[@mariajoseandchase]

@@misterfanz absolutely! Thanks so much for the compliment. There’s still a lot of room for improvement and skill, but we definitely impressed ourselves with this one. The 2500 has been great. We added BOSS air lift assists under the rear to smooth the ride out after our first shakedown trip. Vans were getting more expensive when we purchased ours, but they’ve almost doubled in price since then, as almost everything else has as well. We’ve noticed the supply on used vans and new vans has almost dried up.

[@tamirarivas1061]

Thank you for sharing this information. I am dying to get started on the van build and it’s nice to have an idea. I thought it would cost way more.

[@semimba]

You are both very talented. What is your background in construction or did you just learn OTJ?

[@yolandagrajales-sutter6481]

Gracias por los detalles. Muy detallado , espero que sigan disfrutando la vida viajando y produciendo maravillosos videos .

[@rachelgreen4686]

Hey loved your Video! I‘m quite new in van building and I just wanted to know where you got your Murphy bed from and how much it cost? Unfortunately I couldn’t find it on your van built list on your website :(

[@clarapeckinpaugh]

Do you have videos about how you do life with your dogs? How you store you clothes and stuff etc?

[@LifeofJennyandJacob]

I thought it was going to be 60k-70k including the van. I was shocked at the total price 😯 I love seeing your videos ❤️ -Jenny

[@rustynmoore5808]

Love the video. Quick question! I’m building one out within the next few months and curious if you had any issues with supply shortages? Or delayed shipping on appliances? What was the turn around time for most of you materials? Thanks!

[@mariajoseandchase]

Hey Rustyn! Great questions. We were building the van at the very very beginning of the pandemic, so the delays were minor for the first half, and a little worse toward the end, but we had acquired almost everything we needed by that time. For appliances and stuff, we mostly ordered on eBay, because we new the listings were made for in stock product, or on amazon for the same reason. 2-day prime usually ended up being closer to 5-7 days just due to shipping bottlenecks. The only other issues we had were with the lines to get into the hardware stores and the increased prices for materials. We're going to be starting a few builds in the near future, so I'm certain we'll be experiencing much larger delays and backorder issues due to the ports being so backed up.

[@rustynmoore5808]

@@mariajoseandchase Thank you for the response! I've found that 99% of almost everything you need is available on Amazon so that makes things pretty easy :)

[@jamesguerratrevino5482]

Interested in what the asking price for the van and when y'all are looking to sell it.

[@erome1488]

Excellent video and I love your personal touches. I was wondering how many miles did your van have on it when you made your purchase?

[@irenecastillocasale5414]

¡Me encantó el vídeo! Yo pensé en una cifra bastante más alta ya que se ve tan linda 😂😂 me hizo pensar mucho y quizás el sueño de vivir en una furgoneta no está tan lejos :D sobre qué cosas me gustaría saber más en detalle: no entendí muy bien sobre el aparato bajo el asiento del copiloto para calentar la van hehe y también me gustaría saber más sobre los paneles solares y como lo gestionáis porque veo a mucha gente usando gas para la cocina y claro, pensaba que era imposible abastecerse solo con la energía solar que consigues en la furgoneta 😅 gracias por el vídeo! Lo disfruté un montón y me animó mucho