VAN BUILD COST! How Much Was Our Self Build Van Conversion?
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2020
- How much did our self-build van conversion actually cost? We go through a detailed breakdown of the exact cost to convert our Mercedes Sprinter panel van into a Luxury Camper Van.
To watch our full build series please click here:-
• Self Build Campervan -...
You can get a FREE copy of our van parts list here:-
www.dropbox.com/s/zvtyj0z7cde...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
We do hope you find all our videos to be helpful to you if you are planning your own self-built camper van. If you would like to say thanks with a small donation you can do so here www.paypal.me/gregvirgoe
Thank you very much for watching
Best wishes
Greg & Lou
#vanlifeuk #offgridliving #howmuchisvanlife
I think Greg is a bit of a genius. His videos were recommended to me by a work colleague and I've addictively binge watched them. A fantastic bench mark for any DIY van conversion. Inspiring and enthralling.
Thanks for fantastic feedback.
The craftsmanship, time and thought gone into that van is priceless.
my thoughts exactly..he must be proud as punch.i know i would be.
@@arthurconrod9825 no
I just watched you spend 27 minutes reading out a spreadsheet and was enthralled the entire time. Why can't work budget meetings be as entertaining?
I thought that when I was editing it. "How cani make this more inetresting?" :D
I wonder if anyone is going to sit and watch me readout my figures for half an hour?
But thankfully you have :D Cheers
Uncle Greg has taught me more in his series about valuable skills and traits within one month than my 1st year in uni. I am forever grateful and hope I can one day begin my own build.
Greg, I really must thank you for the brilliant meticulous way you have gone about your Van build. As someone contemplating a build myself your videos are easy to follow, full of ideas and easy to listen to. I realise you may recoup some of your investment through these videos but I certainly think you’ve earned it. Thanks again and we’ll done to you and yours.
I hope that the videos do give you some helpful tips when you come to do your own build. Thank you for watching 🤩
You are such a gent, with a kind heart, not many like you out there. Your build is first class and done for your comfort, so you don't need to justify the materials used. May you have many enjoyable years in her, well done, brilliant video's.
Wow, thank you! That really does make my day to read your kind words. Best wishes 😊
That’s an amazing price for what you’ve achieved and shared with so many. My bare van alone was just under your your total price and I’ve spent another £20k self converting it. At the end of the day these are very personal projects and a chance to create something unique. And in my case they never seem to end! Just adding air suspension and Wi-Fi.Thanks for taking us along for the ride Greg and safe travels.
The sky is the limit as to what you can spend. We certainly spent more than planned but have been living in it full time now for over 4 yrs so when you compare that to the cost of running a home it’s actually a huge saving. 👍🏼😃
I just want to thank you for the incredible detail of your van build videos. I'm now building out my own van, and if mine can be even half as good as yours I'll be very pleased! I do have a sinking feeling that my original budget was, like yours, well below reality. By the way, your furniture panels are absolutely brilliant, and were well worth it. Your build looks like it came out of the factory! Thanks again for documenting everything so well. I've learned SO much from your hard work, and I'm very grateful.
That’s very kind of you to say so. Although it was expensive the furniture board does look amazing and it’s extremely good quality. Cuts very cleanly which makes it easier to get a good finish.
for the end product .. that is a bargain , as Greg said for a ' pro ' coachbuild you would shell out at least double ( and because he build it himself , he will have an idea where to start faultfinding any issues )
That’s very true. I know every screw in the van and how to use it to it’s best ability too. 😃👍🏼
Finally we get to the juicy stuff 🤣keep being awesome Greg and Lou!
Greg you are amazing! The detail contained within your build is second to none. We’ve missed your vlogs so good to hear from you. Keep them coming Greg. Take care.👍🐶🐾😀
Just how organised are you ! 😊. Fabulous
Greg, this is fantastic to understand a budget, just been working on my own, and this confirms i am way out, at moment best option van wise is around 10k but still looking every day,. Thanks for the posts learning more every time
Love your van and videos, the standard and quality of your build is amazing, you can see that you really enjoyed doing this!
Just as I thought: Greg and Lou kept meticulous detail on the cost of the build. Incredible (and incredibly useful).
Greg, you're being exceedingly modest. I'd stand your roughly £22,000/$27,600 build up against upfitters' conversions of £80,000/$100,000!
This is precisely the reason I chose a 2011 Ford E-350 cutaway with 12' Supreme Iner-City box (FRP) as the platform for my self-conversion. The cost for my truck with 75,000 miles on the odometer was $14,500. An additional consideration for my truck was that it was fleet maintained, so it's in excellent condition. As added bonuses, the truck came with a 1,000W pure sine wave inverter (though a larger inverter is needed to run the induction cooktop, etc.), and is equipped with a 1,600 lb. lift gate that functions as a back porch.
All tolled, my build budget is $11,000. As I already possess every tool needed, purchase materials wholesale and am doing 100% of the work myself, I'm confident in this figure. Included in this budget are lithium batteries (24V/120A/3kWh), urine diverting composting toilet, recirculating indoor shower, lift bed, undermount tanks from large diameter PVC pipe and ultra-filtration water system, all of my design and construction. These alone save me at least $7,000!
So, in the end, while a non-traditional RV, I'd stand mine up to anything available commercially at $100,000+. All for $25,000.
Due to modular construction techniques, everything in the box is removable. This restores the truck to a utilitarian cargo carrier while affording reuse of the components in future builds. My plan is that this maximizes the available market for the truck when it's time to upgrade to a newer chassis. Of course, completely removing the box, with all it's contents, and installing it on a newer chassis is also an option. This could also prove extremely useful in the event that the truck chassis is damaged beyond repair in a collision (God forbid!).
By far the best series of how to do a campervan conversion on CZcams, the detail you go into is brilliant. Thanks so much for sharing.
What a great van build series. I watched everyone from start to finish. Very professionally done Greg. 😎😎
Excellent resource for the self build camper van person, thank you for your generosity in sharing this.
Greg it's a stunning van❤️ and a credit to you both, well worth the effort and the joy it brought to your Audience is priceless ♥️ ♥️
The van conversion is a delight and your knowledge and willing to share all your research and how-to videos with us is more than generous. Thanks Greg.
If it helps others achieve the enjoyment we have it’s so worth it. Thanks for following us. 😃
Can't tell you how helpful this video is... just about to start a 2019 Crafter conversion... on air ride.... Thanks for taking the time..🙏
Thanks again Greg for another very informative video! Without your channel we doubt we would have taken on the challenge of our self build.. Your videos made the difference! A huge thank you once again! 😀👌🏽👏🏽
Calmly explaining the build was a winner for me a very watchable guy, in one word inspirational thanks for all the help 👌🏻🇬🇧
Thanks for taking us through you can adventures. I'll be using some of the lesson taught.
This is absolutely awesome. Well done to both of you. Amazing
Been waiting for this video Greg!
Mercedes Sprinter van £6,600
Appliances and materials £15,000
Experience of building your dream camper van
PRICELESS!
Well done!
I couldn't agree more.
iMax $28000...
At a guess conversion $13000...
Lots of research...
Many 'debates'...
Humbling mistakes...
Much fun...
Looking forward to seeing Australia now...
The best van conversion on CZcams!! Worth every penny. I'm embarrassed to say my van stands me in about £1200 with a build budget of £3000 🙄 lol
Well done for such a high standard build. Thank you for being Honest.
Thanks Greg. Another brilliant, well informed and useful guide which is helping me no end through my van conversion. Cheers!
A superb account of how everything comes together. Your channel really is an awesome resource.
Cheers Dan, much appreciated
Thank you very much. Great to get a true picture of what it really costs. Appreciate the time you take making your videos.
It’s worth it to get such great feedback. Thank you 😊
Finally - the video we've all been waiting for ! How Much!? Actually not as much as we had thought. A great job which you can be rightly proud of. We have been following since you took that fence down in 2017. Well done both of you. And thanks for being so open with the costings, and throughout the build. Hope you get to travel in it again soon.
So informative and really helpful to someone just starting the panel van conversion project. Your videos have really helped me! Thanks Greg 👊🏼
Pleased they have been useful to you. Thanks for watching.
Your channel is a wealth of information and I thank you for all the effort you have put into it. Fantastic conversion. Hats off.
I’m pleased you like it 👍🏼thanks for watching
Fantastic conversion Greg, I was expecting a lot lagrer amount :) I really appreciate that I've put in so much effort to detail everything. I hope your mobile home has no copyright ;) because it looks like perfect project for me to build and for my needs. I hope you enjoying full time living in your own build
honest and realistic summary of true costings,not to mention the top shopfitting skills that went into it,well done.
Fantastic video! You are a talented craftsman and even better teacher! Cheers!
Absolutely à fantastic build....... This is like a production someone could find on a TV programme... Brilliant... 📺👍👏
That’s very kind of you many thanks 😊
£22k and your workmanship has produced an absolutely brilliant van. Well done! Your videos are well produced, informative and honest.
Thank you Chris. Much appreciated
I really found fantastic the way you explaining how you built your van step by step. I have a clear idea how I will built my. Well done!!!!!
Superb. Extremely thorough - well done fella!
👍
Thank you 🙏🏼
Thanks for the budget breakdown. This has answered a lot of my questions
You are welcome. This was a top end build and you could save money in a few places I think.
Absolutely brilliant honest down to earth video,this should be a must see video for anyone contemplating the self build journey,thanks for taking the time to make and publish it,stay safe guys.
DIY Campervans And Variety thank you for great feedback 👍🏼😃
Greg Virgoe a well worthy video as always Greg 👍
Excellent video. Clear & comprehensive. Now subscribed
Thank you 🙏🏼😊
Excellent Info thanks Greg!
Thanks for these great videos of your van build, the information you provided is priceless to anyone wanting to start there own project. You and your partner should be proud of your achievement..
A smashing conversion, and you still have the tools for future use. Well done, great vlog.
Who knows there may be another build in the future.
Worth every penny mate, top job!
Thanks Greg, it's really helpful to see a breakdown of the costs, I wish other builds would share this level of detail too. The breakdown will help others decide on where to follow suit and where to perhaps go for lower cost options. Your van is top quality, better than most factory builds. I have seen a few videos of whats under the skin of some factory builds, such as insulation and wiring and some definitely cut corners on what's not seen, you built in quality right the way through.
I really appreciate that. I’m really keen to design and build a van on a minimal budget. I think I could still turn out a good standard of build but use reclaimed and recycled products throughout. Eco build 🤩🚌
Hi Greg, well done. I must admit I did smile a little when you mentioned the possible cost of the sprinter and the conversion. Your honesty and thorough cost breakdown is a wow factor, but it really does give one the idea of cost which is what one really needs at the outset. Especially if one has no idea of the full reality. So thanks for all your diligent accountancy.
Thanks Greg for all your videos, I have just completed my van build and I must say I borrowed quite a lot of your ideas lol. I agree you put all this effort into building a van why cut corners on quality totally the best van build series on CZcams thanks again
Our plans for the van evolved as did our long term travel dreams. It turned out great and I’m very happy with it. 😃
Can’t thank U enough Greg. U master by far camper conversions
Greg, you are a legend! Thank you for sharing all your work, insights and research. The dropbox list of parts is also massively helpful too, along with all the other resources you've shared. You are Lou seem super lovely and I wish you all the best adventures.
Thank you very much Doug. Im pleased it is helping you. Thanks for watching. 😃
Hi Gregg I have been watching your videos on the Sprinter and have to say you have given me the drive I need to get going. Your videos are fantastic and very detailed im really impressed .Once again thanks for the videos they are truly amazing.
Hi Greg you van looks amazing glad to see you making vids again hope you are both well xxx
Thanks for this Greg - just doing budget at the minute but good to know what your finish comes in at. Thorough as always.
Your videos are GOLD ❤❤❤ Thank you for doing them, I'm just about to start my conversion and I feel so much more confident after watching your videos! You're a star!
Thank you love your attention to detail
Very informative as usual. I am currently starting to working on my own van, and I appreciate all the tips and tricks you provided.
Thanks for the support and best luck with your own build. 👍🏼😃
I have watched your conversion and I think you have done a fantastic job, and you should be very proud of yourself, job well done.
Great information. Thank you. I enjoy your videos.
Super video Greg and what a fantastic finished product. A real credit to your handcrafting and organising skills. There are really not too many out there that could deliver this - I know for sure I couldn't and I'm reasonably handy. Now time to enjoy😊
Brian McClure I have seen many other viewers vans that I would be proud to call my own. The same guys I’m sure will say they had no prior experience but have turned our incredible looking vans. It’s a lot of work but the rewards are fantastic.
great helped a lot with simple stuff for me a novice thank you
I’m pleased it’s helped you 👍🏼😊
Best van build series I’ve seen. Van is a credit to yous. Excellent level of finish, really impressed.
That really does mean a lot to me thank you 🙏🏼😃
Very useful thank you.
Thank you to my friend Max for recommending your videos too.
I’m glad you are enjoying the videos. 👍🏼🤩
Thanks Greg for it. Great Job. Sylvie France
G'day Greg. Thanks for sharing the financials for the conversion you undertook, very detailed. While we have a caravan not a motorhome I still understand the items you mentioned as they are similar in a caravan. You have inspired me to watch your fit-out series which I will now do. Thanks again mate, from us in Oz kmdc.
Ah thank you 😊 I hope you enjoy the videos. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Very informative Greg. Watched it all 😎🍷🇬🇧🚍
Thanks for your vids Greg I’ve been working on my day van for 14weeks I’ve finished it now your vids were superb thanks 😊
Ian Bird nice one ☝️ glad they helped you
A very comprehensive build cost video. And you know all of the jobs are done properly. 💙❤💙❤💙❤
Yes indeed every screw and nut accounted for 👍🏼😊
After having a '74 VW bus and living in it in 1990, it's time for me to get on the road again. I'm pretty useless with my hands, but I'll definitely be giving some of it a go. Your videos are amazing and they've inspired me. Looking at vans now. Thanks for the inspiration and the amazing attention to detail :)
Sorry mate I just went straight to the end 😂👍
Also guilty 🤣
ditto lol sorry
I watched the whole thing, clearly I'm a bigger fan hahaha ;)
Luke's Van Life! I went back to the start to rewatch so im just a cheating fan 😂
Lol that’s funny mate. Love it! 😃👍🏼
Great video again Greg, downloads very helpful.
Cheers 👍
Glad it is useful to you 👍🏼
Thank you for sharing this vital information. It helps me to get a realistic sense of such a project.🙂
Hats off to you Greg , you made a great home, and don’t forget the labour , top job👍
If I factored that into the cost would treble I think 🤔🤣
Greg Virgoe But it only took half an hour, didn’t it?? Hehe!
Diana even I have that tee shirt 👍
Your van is the best build van I've ever seen. You are amazing!
Thank you very much 😊🤩
Thank you for your clear info
I found it amusing the disparity between your original and resultant budgets but fact is your van is stunning and your engineers expertise showed through on every step of the build. Vantastic 👍
Really informative video Greg and a fantastic build for the money, totally spec'd to your personal requirements. Always love your t-shirt collection as well! Cheers Greg and Lou.
Without doubt the best self build I have seen, your attention to detail during the build was unsurpassed compared to others; that said each to their own and all manage to fit out to suit their needs. I am one of those with not a clue and purchased a van conversion already done, but from a small quality company Murvi in Devon; certainly not cheap but great quality and gives me peace of mind when using it. Just shows if you have the skills and time you get a quality van conversion and the satisfaction of having done it all yourself. Congratulations
Thank you very much. At least you are able to enjoy yours straight away 😃
I found it very helpful to keep a spreadsheet as I built mine I had a good figure to give the insurance company for value, and a list of modifications for the DVLA to re-register it.
well done Greg thanks for the info
Wow it's been a pleasure to follow you throughout the 2 years of building your van,
Keep the series going when not in lockdown as I want to see the adventures you now have in your new home,
Take care be safe 👍😎
Thanks, will do! There's lots more to come.
Have you watched our previous two trips into Europe?
@@GregVirgoe
Yes I've been watching most if not all your videos from the build to trips in Europe, well documented and very informative information, keep them coming 👍😎
I have never in my life given a comment on a video but i really take my heat off to you Mr. Vigroe. Your calm demeanour and detailed explanation really help to make a leap of faith into free and more meaningful way of life without winning a lottery. Sincerely, Ivan
Hello Ivan, I’m honoured that you have broke silence on my channel. Thank you.
I hope the videos give you the tools to build a more fulfilling life for yourself 🥳
I honestly thought you spent a lot more. Well done, you've set the standard for how a build should be done. I'm coming to the end of my own van fit out. My budget was a lot smaller then your's but I reference many things off your video and you helped me a lot. I'm also an engineer (Mechanical) and I really enjoyed your how technically discriptive your videos are. Hope you have many more years of enjoyment with your van. Many thanks, Charlie.
Brilliant video and great breakdown. I was as shocked as you probably were with the final price.
Keep up the great work :)
All those trips to screwfix or b&q definitely added up 😬
Greg you done a brilliant job. Your a perfectionist . And you bought the best . Hope you get to have a fantastic time travelling.
Amazing how things can mount up, we bought our LWB Sprinter 2014 80k £9,000 and the build cost is at just about at completion at £6,000 so total cost is £15k. People like you and many others have saved me thousands, I owe you a beer. 💙♥️💙♥️💙♥️💙💙♥️💙♥️💙♥️💙
You done well with those figures. I’m happy that it has helped you mike. I’ve have an IPA please 🍻 cheers 😀
Definitely, you are the master. A very well organized and descriptive work that you have done. As I said before, you and your work are my inspiration to build one of those beauties. Congrats
Wow, thank you! Thats very kind of you to say so. Thank you for watching too
Great build, I'm using some of your ideas in my little conversion, well done.
Do you regret not making a recirculating shower, instead of your regular shower? I've seen some people install those (look for a genius setup by Curt from Snow & Curt channel) and it feels like an absolute must-have, now that I know how it works. You save on water weight + can take proper unlimited showers.
Check out Curt's recirculating shower setup + walk through shower "room" + automated tilted solar roof using 12v linear actuators. They are all absolutely genius. He even has an AC running off his solar + Li-ion battery setup. He pretty much got everything one would want from a house (on wheels or not).
Now my ideal setup is pretty much everything from Snow & Curt channel, but with the finish, style & quality of Greg Virgoe's build. That would make for the best van on the planet.
No not at all. The thought of that puts me off straight away. There’s no shortage of water it pretty easily available everywhere you go
@@GregVirgoe Thanks for replying! Do you mind if I ask why?
A combo of solid 3-step charcoal filter + a UV filter will make your recirculating shower water cleaner, than what most people have coming out of their regular house tap. I agree, it sounds kinda gross, until you realise that it's no different to taking a bath. Accept for when taking a bath, the water literally stays the same, while in a recirculating shower it's getting cleaned & sanitised constantly.
And as far as water availability, I am not sure how it is all over Europe, but when I spent months travelling USA, sometimes it was really hard to find water sources, much less good ones (other than buying jugs of it from Walmarts, which is not sustainable & creates unnecessary waste). So it would have been nice to have a way to cut down on the amount of necessary water. And recirculating shower just sounds like a really good way of doing it, without sacrificing on comfort. Because what ended up happening is that drinkable water was always a priority, when you are in remote areas, where water sources are scarce, so shower had to be sacrificed, which is not very nice. With a separate shower tank & a water tank, that wouldn't have been a problem.
The Credible Hulk why not?
For these reasons.
Capital cost
Ongoing filter cost
Electric load for UV filter
Reduced water flow rate
Ongoing maintenance.
In two years of living full time in the van we’ve washed every single day and never had a situation where we went without water, ever. 🤔👍🏼
thanks for answering my question about fans, this is a super video I really took a lot from it, especially liked that you didn't use lots of loud graphics music or special effect just the facts well presented in a calm clear style - I really like it - thank you! will be watching more subsribing etc
Thank you 🙏🏼 I appreciate your support 😃
I think you’ve done a brilliant job building the van. It worked out cheaper than I expected, it’s a very professional looking conversion.
Allan Macdonald I’m surprised how many have said similar things 👍🏼😃
Give this man 1 million subscribers
Great videos and really useful information, thanks a mil!
You are welcome 🙏🏼 glad you liked it. 😊
That is awesome. Your van is amazing as is the workmanship. Great job!!!!!
What a lovely comment. Thank you Linda 😊
Well deserved.....curious if you were diligent in keeping track of labor hours?
Great content Greg keep up the good vlogs 👍👍
what a legend , i took a lot of advice and my vans great , your the best guy on the internet by an asses roar , keep them comming ,love the channel, Tommy in Ireland
Tommy Byrne that’s one I’ve never heard before 😃🤣 cheers 🍻 thanks for great feedback 👍🏼
Thank you - this is the rest of the information needed to make a rational decision on jumping into such a major project. I agree with the advantage of doing your own. I'm not sure what the manufactures are thinking, but I much prefer your design and space utilization.
Greg I watch all your videos because you are thorough in all you do. We are alike because on my last roof conversion of my house I itemised every cost, so at the end of the day, you just like you, I knew how much it cost me. Well done to you.
It’s good to keep a record too for insurance or selling later on 👍🏼😃