View source for Pre-built or self-built?

The decision to buy a '''pre-built campervan''' or to '''convert your own vehicle into a camper''' is one of the biggest [[vehicle features to consider]], but certain factors may help make that decision for you: <includeonly><section begin="vehicle feature comparison" />Do you want a [[Pre-built or self-built?|professionally-built or self-built camper]]? This decisions is one of the biggest considerations, but certain factors may help make that decision for you.</includeonly> Pre-built may also be known as '''manufactured campers''' or '''commercial conversions'''. Self-built may also be known as '''DIY conversions'''.<section end="vehicle feature comparison" />
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== Pre-built ==
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'''Buy pre-built''' if you:
* Have more money than time
* Have more money than construction skills
* Want a professionally designed and constructed living space
* Are willing to spend a lot for high build quality, or willing to spend less and live with low build quality
* To save a lot of money, buying a [[used vehicle]] (built professionally or by another amateur) will save you quite a bit of money.
* Pre-built vehicles include [[motorhomes]], [[travel trailers]], and commercially-built conversions of [[cargo vans]], [[passenger vans]], and other vehicles.
* {{ad|RVT text link}}
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== Self-built ==
</noinclude>'''Convert your own''' if you:
* Have more time than money
* Have basic construction skills or are willing to learn
* Want a living space designed for your specific needs
* Want complete control over build quality
* Self-built conversions can be virtually any vehicle that meets your budget and needs. First, check out [[vehicle options]] and then start [[planning your build]].

{{tag|Common questions|Vehicle features to consider}}

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Buying a pre-built campervan or commercial campervan ("Class B") would seem to be a real win. In practice, though, there are many advantages of building your own.

Especially after the surge in interest in RV and Van travel that began in 2020, the quality of pre-made vans and RVs has dropped ''precipitously''. It's gotten to the point that even [https://www.rvtravel.com/pathetic-quality-rv-dealers-fed-manufacturers-producing-1017b/ RV dealers themselves are fed up]. The amount of money that you'll pay for something of extremely questionable quality is astounding, with top of the line Class-B RVs [https://www.winnebago.com/models/product/motorhomes/camper-van/revel|pushing over $200,000].

Even if you already own your van and take it to an upfitter, you can expect between $25,000-$50,000 (on top of what you paid for the van!) to have a fairly complete build out.

That being said, going full DIY isn't for everyone and Craiglist (or other used vehicle marketplaces) are often full of vans that have been gutted and partially finished by someone who got themselves in over their head without realizing how big the project is. Building out a van is a ''very'' significant investment in time, tools and materials. However you can do it for [[as cheap or as expensive as you want]]. It all depends on your needs and what you prioritize.

Fortunately there does exist a happy medium of "DIY Conversion Kits" available from companies like [https://rbcomponents.com/ RB Components], [https://www.paradigmvanconversions.com/ Paradigm Vans] or [https://adventurewagon.com/ Adventure Wagon] that sell prefabricated parts that bolt into place. This can significantly reduce the amount of time/effort required for a build, but still gives you plenty of space to customize and make it your own. (Note: There are ''dozens'' of these type of kits and conversions available, a simple google search will yield a plethora of results targeting all types of builds and skill levels)

== pre-built ==

Advantages:
* quicker
* easier in the very short term

== building your own ==

* much cheaper
* you install what ''you'' want and are not stuck with what someone else wanted or thought you might want. You can make it as simple or complicated as you like.
* you put things where you want them
* you control the quality and specs of the components
* you can fix things on the road because you know where they are, what they do, and how they work
{{Resources}}
{{rvwiki|url=doku.php?id=lifestyle:faq_prebuilt_camper}}[[Category:Imported pages]]