Getting a van converted is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an aspiring van lifer — and one of the most exciting. But it’s also one where bad information can cost you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.

We’re Beachside Custom Vans, a professional van conversion shop based in Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville, Florida. Over the past five years, we’ve built everything from bare-bones weekend rigs to fully-loaded luxury vans. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “I wish someone had told me that before I started.”

This guide is that conversation. Everything you need to know about getting a custom van conversion in Florida — from choosing your platform to understanding costs, timelines, and what makes a build actually last.

Choosing Your Van Platform

The first decision in any van conversion is the van itself. There are three major platforms dominating the conversion world right now, and each one brings something different to the table.

Mercedes Sprinter — The Premium Choice

The Sprinter is the van that started it all — at least in the modern van life era. It’s the most popular platform for high-end conversions, and for good reason:

Best-in-class headroom — the high-roof 170″ wheelbase gives you over 6 feet of interior standing height
Diesel efficiency — the turbo diesel engine gets solid fuel economy for a vehicle its size
Build quality — Mercedes engineering means tight tolerances and a refined driving experience
Resale value — Sprinter vans (especially converted ones) hold their value better than almost any other platform

The trade-off? Price. New Sprinters start around $55K+ for a cargo van, and parts/service tend to cost more. But if your budget allows it, the Sprinter is hard to beat.

Ford Transit — The Versatile Workhorse

The Transit has quietly become one of the most popular van conversion platforms in the country — and it’s easy to see why:

More affordable — lower purchase price and significantly cheaper parts and service
Ford dealer network — there’s a Ford dealer in virtually every town in America, which matters when you’re on the road
Multiple configurations — available in various lengths and roof heights to match your needs
Gas engine option — easier and cheaper to maintain than diesel for many owners

The Transit is the smart choice for people who want a great van without the Sprinter price tag. It’s incredibly capable and versatile.

Ram ProMaster — The Budget-Friendly Option

The ProMaster is the wildcard that a lot of people overlook — but shouldn’t:

Widest interior — thanks to front-wheel drive (no driveshaft tunnel), the ProMaster has the flattest, widest floor of any cargo van in its class
Lowest price point — generally the most affordable of the three platforms
Easy to work on — simple mechanical systems and widely available parts
Great for maximizing space — that flat floor means more usable square footage for your build

The ProMaster isn’t as refined to drive as the Sprinter or Transit, and it doesn’t have AWD options. But for pure interior space per dollar, it’s tough to beat.

Not sure which platform is right for you? We wrote a detailed comparison: Sprinter vs. Transit vs. ProMaster: Which Van Should You Convert?

Types of Van Conversions

Not every van conversion is the same — and they shouldn’t be. The right build depends entirely on how you plan to use it. Here are the main categories we see:

Weekend Warrior

You’ve got a 9-to-5, but your weekends belong to the outdoors. A weekend warrior build focuses on the essentials: a comfortable bed, basic electrical for lights and charging, and enough storage for your gear. Think of our Baseline model — clean, functional, and ready to roll on Friday afternoon.

Full-Time Living

This is the van that replaces your apartment. Full-time builds need everything: robust electrical with solar, a full kitchen, dedicated workspace, ample water storage, climate control, and a bathroom solution. Our Kona is built for exactly this — fully self-contained living for people who want to hit the road and stay out.

Family Builds

Van life with kids is a completely different game. You need more sleeping space, more storage, better organization, and layouts that account for the chaos of traveling with little humans. The FamVan was designed from the ground up for families — because a van built for two adults doesn’t magically work for two adults and two kids.

Specialty & Work Vans

Not every conversion is about living. We’ve built vans for mobile businesses, gaming setups (yes, seriously — our Gamer Van is a thing), and unique combinations of work and play. The Oasis is another model we offer that blends relaxation with functionality. The point is: if you can dream it, it can probably be built.

Explore all of our custom build options to see the full range of what’s possible.

The Van Conversion Process Step by Step

So what actually happens when you commission a van build? Here’s the process from start to finish, based on how we do things at Beachside Custom Vans:

Step 1: Consultation

Everything starts with a conversation. We want to know how you’ll use the van, what matters most to you, what your budget looks like, and what your timeline is. This isn’t a sales pitch — it’s a design conversation. Some people come in with detailed Pinterest boards and CAD drawings. Others come in and say, “I want to travel with my dog and work remotely.” Both are great starting points.

Step 2: Design & Planning

Based on our consultation, we create a detailed build plan. Layout, materials, systems, finishes — everything is specified before we touch the van. Our cabinetry and panels are designed in Fusion 360 CAD software, which means we can show you exactly what your van will look like before a single cut is made.

Step 3: Insulation & Vapor Barrier

The foundation of any good build. In Florida, insulation is less about staying warm and more about keeping heat out. We use closed-cell spray foam and reflective barriers to create a thermal shell that fights Florida’s brutal summer heat and humidity.

Step 4: Electrical System

This is the heart of the van (more on this below). Wiring runs, battery mounts, solar prep, shore power inlet, breaker panels, inverter installation — all done before the interior walls go up so everything is clean and accessible.

Step 5: Plumbing

Fresh water, grey water, pump, sink, and depending on the build — hot water heater, outdoor shower, or full wet bath. Plumbing lines are run alongside electrical before the interior closes up.

Step 6: Cabinetry & Interior

This is where our CNC router really shines. Every cabinet, panel, shelf, and trim piece is precision-cut to tolerances that hand-building simply can’t match. The result is furniture-grade cabinetry that fits the van like it grew there. No gaps, no shims, no “close enough.”

Step 7: Final Install & Quality Check

Appliances, hardware, trim, countertops, upholstery — all the finishing touches that bring the build together. Then we test every system: electrical loads, water pressure, gas connections, ventilation, and climate control. You get a full walkthrough before taking the keys.

Van Conversion Costs in Florida

Money talk. Here’s what you can expect to spend on a van conversion in Florida, based on build complexity:

Basic builds (Baseline-level): $30,000–$50,000 — essentials like bed platform, basic electrical, lighting, and storage
Mid-range builds: $50,000–$80,000 — full kitchen, solar electrical system, water system, quality cabinetry, and climate control
Premium/full builds: $80,000–$120,000+ — the works. Full electrical with large battery bank, complete plumbing, premium materials, and every comfort of home

These are conversion costs only — the price of the van itself is separate. A new Sprinter cargo van runs $55K+, while a used Transit might be $30K–$40K.

For a much deeper dive into pricing, including hidden costs and what affects your total, read our full breakdown: How Much Does a Van Build Cost in 2026?

One important note: Florida doesn’t charge sales tax on labor, which can save you thousands compared to having your van built in other states. That’s a real financial advantage of choosing a Florida van builder.

Electrical Systems: The Heart of Your Van

If there’s one system that makes or breaks a van conversion, it’s the electrical. A bad electrical system will haunt you for the life of the van. A great one will power your life on the road without a second thought.

Here’s what a proper van electrical system looks like in 2026:

Lithium Batteries

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are the standard for modern van builds. They’re lighter, last longer, charge faster, and deliver more usable capacity than lead-acid alternatives. Most of our builds run 200Ah–400Ah of lithium, depending on power needs.

Solar

Rooftop solar panels keep your batteries topped off without running the engine or plugging in. In Florida, solar is incredibly effective — we get more sun than almost any other state. Most builds run 200W–600W of solar on the roof.

Victron Energy Management

We use Victron components exclusively for our energy management systems — inverters, charge controllers, battery monitors, and shore power chargers. Victron is the gold standard in the industry for a reason: reliability, monitoring capability (you can check your system from your phone), and modular expandability. We’re Victron-certified installers, which means your system is designed and installed to their specifications.

Shore Power

When you’re at a campground or parked at home, shore power lets you plug into a standard outlet to charge your batteries and run your systems. A proper shore power setup includes a transfer switch and charger that integrates seamlessly with your solar and alternator charging.

Alternator Charging

A DC-to-DC charger pulls power from your van’s alternator while you drive, charging your house batteries from the engine. This means every mile you drive is also charging your living systems. It’s an essential part of a well-designed electrical package.

Florida-Specific Considerations

Building a van for Florida is different than building one for Colorado or Oregon. The climate here creates specific challenges that your builder needs to understand. Here’s what matters:

Air Conditioning is Non-Negotiable

Let’s be real: you cannot comfortably use a camper van in Florida without AC. Summer temperatures regularly hit 95°F+ with crushing humidity. A rooftop Maxxair fan is great for ventilation, but it’s not going to cut it in July. We install dedicated AC units — either rooftop or under-bench — designed to actually cool a small space efficiently.

Insulation for Heat, Not Cold

Most van build guides are written for people in northern climates. They focus on staying warm. In Florida, your insulation strategy needs to focus on keeping heat out. Closed-cell spray foam, reflective barriers, and proper ventilation are critical. You’re fighting radiant heat from a metal roof in direct sun — that’s a different problem than staying warm in a snowstorm.

Humidity-Resistant Materials

Florida’s humidity will destroy materials that aren’t designed for it. We use marine-grade components wherever possible — stainless steel hardware, moisture-resistant adhesives, and materials that won’t warp, mold, or delaminate in 80% humidity. This is a detail that separates Florida builders who know what they’re doing from out-of-state shops that don’t understand our climate.

Ventilation Design

Airflow is critical in a Florida van. We design ventilation systems that move air through the van even when you’re sleeping — roof fans, window options, and cross-ventilation strategies that prevent moisture buildup and keep the air feeling fresh.

UV Protection

Florida sun is brutal on materials. Window tinting, UV-resistant finishes, and exterior coatings that can handle year-round sun exposure are all part of building a van that will look good for years, not just months.

Timeline: How Long Does a Van Conversion Take?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is: it depends on the build. But here are realistic expectations:

Basic/Baseline builds: 4–8 weeks
Mid-range builds: 8–12 weeks
Premium full builds: 12–16 weeks

These timelines assume materials are available and the scope doesn’t change significantly mid-build. Custom orders (specific appliances, specialty materials, etc.) can add time.

A word of caution: be skeptical of any builder who promises a full build in 2-3 weeks. Quality van conversions take time. Rushing leads to mistakes, and mistakes in a vehicle you live in aren’t just inconvenient — they can be dangerous.

We’ll give you a realistic timeline upfront, keep you updated throughout the build, and never sacrifice quality to hit a deadline.

How to Choose a Van Builder in Florida

Florida has a growing number of van builders — which is great for the industry but makes choosing one harder. Here’s what to look for (and what to watch out for):

What to Look For

A real portfolio. Ask to see completed builds — not just one or two, but a body of work. Look for consistency in quality.
Transparent pricing. A good builder will give you a detailed quote, not a vague range. You should know what you’re paying for.
Specialization. Van conversions are a specific skill set. A general contractor or RV repair shop is not the same as a dedicated van builder.
Quality components. Ask what brands they use for electrical, plumbing, and hardware. If they can’t tell you, that’s a problem.
A physical shop. Visit the shop. See builds in progress. Meet the team. A legitimate operation is happy to show you around.
Reviews and references. Talk to past clients. Look at Google reviews. Check social media for real feedback.

Red Flags

No physical shop or works out of a driveway
Can’t show you more than one or two completed builds
Pricing that seems too good to be true (it is)
No written contract or vague scope of work
Unwillingness to let you visit during the build
Bad communication — if they’re hard to reach before you pay, imagine after

Questions to Ask

How many vans have you completed?
What electrical components do you use?
Can I visit the shop and see a build in progress?
What’s your warranty policy?
What’s your realistic timeline for my build?
Can I talk to a past client?

Why Beachside Custom Vans?

We’re not the cheapest van builder in Florida. We’re not the biggest. But we believe we’re one of the best — and here’s why:

5+ years of experience. We’ve been building custom vans since before van life was trendy. We’ve made our mistakes, learned our lessons, and refined our process to deliver consistently excellent builds.
CNC precision. Our CNC router means every piece of cabinetry is cut to exact specifications. No hand-measuring, no “close enough.” The result is furniture-quality interiors that fit perfectly and look incredible.
Victron certified. We’re certified Victron Energy installers. Your electrical system is designed and installed by people who actually know what they’re doing — not guessing from YouTube tutorials.
Small, dedicated team. You’re not a number here. Our build team knows your van, knows your name, and takes personal pride in the finished product.
Built for Florida. We live here. We build here. We understand the climate, the conditions, and the lifestyle. Your van is engineered for where you’ll actually use it.
Atlantic Beach location. Our shop sits minutes from the ocean in one of Jacksonville’s best neighborhoods. When you pick up your van, your first adventure is right outside our door.

Learn more about our team and our story on our About Us page.

Get Started

If you’ve made it this far, you’re serious about getting a van converted — and we’re serious about building it right.

Here’s what to do next:

Browse our builds. Check out the custom builds page and our gallery for inspiration.
Read more. Explore our services to understand the full scope of what we offer.
Reach out. Contact us to schedule a consultation. Tell us about your dream van — even if it’s just a rough idea. We’ll help you shape it into something real.

Whether you’re converting a Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster — whether it’s a weekend camper or a full-time home — we’ll build it right. No shortcuts, no compromises, no cookie-cutter builds.

Your van, your way. Let’s talk.

The Ultimate Guide to Custom Van Conversions in Florida (2026)