VAN BUILDING

Build Your Rig, Your Way

Everything you need to plan, build, and outfit your home on wheels — from first sketch to final coat of polyurethane.

Choose Your Platform

Every rig starts with the right base vehicle. Here's how the four most popular platforms stack up.

A converted cargo van camper parked in a forest

Cargo & passenger vans

Van

The classic choice. Sprinters, Transits, and Promasters balance drivability, stealth, and a manageable footprint for everyday use.

Pros

  • Easy to drive & park
  • Great stealth
  • Strong resale

Cons

  • Limited standing room
  • Tighter build space
A box truck converted into a tiny home camper in the desert

Maximum square footage

Box Truck

A boxy cargo area gives you full standing room and apartment-like space. Ideal for full-timers who want a true tiny home.

Pros

  • Huge living space
  • Full standing height
  • Flat walls simplify builds

Cons

  • Harder to park
  • Less stealthy
  • Lower MPG
A retired ambulance converted into an off-grid camper near mountains

Rugged & off-grid ready

Ambulance

Retired ambulances come with heavy-duty drivetrains, built-in electrical, and rugged bodies made for abuse and adventure.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty build
  • Existing wiring & storage
  • Extremely durable

Cons

  • Boxy aerodynamics
  • Heavy weight
  • Diesel maintenance
A truck-bed camper and towable travel trailer at a lakeside campsite

Truck campers & trailers

Camper

Keep your daily driver and add a truck-bed camper or towable trailer. Flexible, and you can leave camp set up while you explore.

Pros

  • Keep your vehicle
  • Leave camp behind
  • Lower entry cost

Cons

  • Towing/handling
  • Extra storage needed
  • Setup time