Factory Class B RVs or a Custom Vansmith Conversion? A practical comparison
Choosing between a factory Class B and a custom conversion is one of the first big choices new van owners face. Both paths can give you a nimble, cozy home on wheels. But, they differ in price, service, options, and long-term value.
Below, we walk through the tradeoffs, give real-world cost ranges, and offer a simple choice guide. This will help you pick the option that fits how you live and where you roam.
Inside resource: Sprinter conversion guide is a useful primer if you’re leaning toward custom work.
What defines a Class B RV (factory) vs a custom conversion?
Factory Class B RVs are completed at the plant or by approved OEM builders on van frames like the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit. (Ford) They come with maker guarantees, packaged floorplans, and dealer support. Custom vans are built by independent shops (like The Vansmith) and are tailored to an owner’s needs—different materials, alternative layouts, and a higher degree of personalization.
Quick baseline comparison
- Warranty & dealer network: Factory Class B — stronger OEM warranty and national dealer service. Custom — shop workmanship warranty (The Vansmith offers a multi-year workmanship warranty) plus focused post-build support.
- Price predictability: Factory — fixed MSRP with options; Custom — variable depending on systems and finishes.
- Design flexibility: Factory — limited to offered floorplans and OE options; Custom — near-unlimited layout and material choices.
- Resale and value: Factory — consistent market recognition; Custom — value tied to build quality, documentation, and outcomes.
Cost: what you’ll actually pay (realistic ranges)
Understanding real cost ranges helps you weigh options objectively.
Factory Class B RVs: New models often start around $85,000 and many well-known Thor and similar Class B motorhomes sit in the $100,000–$130,000 range before dealer fees and options. Higher trim levels can push pricing well beyond that band.
Custom builds: For a ready-to-go Sprinter or Transit conversion expect a wide range—about $100,000–$200,000 based on insulation, cabinetry, electrical systems, plumbing, and off-grid capability. The Vansmith average ready-to-go projects land near $120,000 (including a multi-year workmanship warranty and owner orientation).
What drives the cost?
- Chassis & drivetrain (new Sprinter vs used donor)
- Electrical: inverter, lithium battery bank, and solar array size
- Plumbing & bathroom type (wet bath vs cassette)
- Cabinetry and finishes (custom woodwork vs laminate)
- Systems integration and labor hours
Service, maintenance, and warranties
Factory Class B: Strong benefit for plant warranty on car systems and a wide dealer service network—useful for owners who plan long highway drives and value nationwide support.
Custom vans: Craftsmanship guarantees cover the build; car mechanical guarantee stays with the chassis maker if the chassis is new and well-kept. At The Vansmith we pair a multi-year craftsmanship guarantee with hands-on support for solving electrical, solar, and component issues.
Service note: For owners with certain extra needs like suspension improvements, solar issues, or heater installs, a focused conversion shop often gives quicker, more targeted fixes than general RV dealers. If you're considering an affordable campervan or a budget class B RV, these shops can be especially valuable.
See our service options page for common post-build work like solar add-ons and heater maintenance: Vansmith services. One quick note—if you travel abroad or to far-off places, double-check dealer support for factory vans before relying on it as your only backup.
Flexibility and customization: how much personal control do you want?
Factory Class B: You choose from selected floorplans and factory options, making it a fast and easy choice. But, changes beyond these options are limited and can be costly, even for those seeking budget RVs or the best camper vans.
Custom builds: Every choice is yours—layout, materials, insulation levels, electrical power, and unique extras like Starlink installs, on-board air pumps, or custom bedding systems. This is the best path if you have exact needs (e.g., mobile office layout, dog-friendly storage, or wide off-grid ability). We’ve seen owners ask for surprisingly simple but useful add-ons—like a dedicated camera mount or bike-specific storage—that really improve daily life.
Performance & daily living: weight, mpg, and liveability
Fuel use is mostly set by chassis and driving habits. Diesel Sprinters usually get 18–20 mpg on highway; gas Transits often see 14–16 mpg. Builds add weight that may affect fuel use and load—good design and light materials help with this.
Standing room: High-roof Sprinter and Transit builds usually offer 6'3"–6'5" of usable headroom. Touring a completed build is the best way to confirm the feel of the space.
Decision framework: Should you buy factory or build custom?
Answer these questions to help decide:
- Do you need nationwide dealer support and factory warranty for peace of mind? If yes, lean factory.
- Do you require a highly specific layout or off-grid systems? If yes, custom is likely the better fit.
- Is upfront price your primary constraint or is long-term value and personalization more important? Tight budget → factory; investment in personalized lifestyle → custom.
- Do you want a quick delivery or are you willing to wait for a tailored build? Factory is faster; custom takes planning and build lead time (Vansmith lead times are typically 8–10 weeks for standard Sprinter/Transit projects).
Side-by-side: Thor Class B example vs a Vansmith Sprinter conversion
Thor (example): Ready floorplans, maker guarantee, dealer network, MSRP usually $100k–$130k. Great ready-to-go option if you want steady buying and countrywide service support.
Vansmith custom Sprinter: Higher possible custom options, typical ready-to-go near $120k, multi-year craftsmanship guarantee, and focused post-build support. You can spec heavy-duty systems like larger battery banks, extra insulation, and off-road-ready suspension upgrades. Many owners choose custom builds specifically for these heavy-duty electrical and thermal systems.
Internal resource: For platform-specific insights, see our Sprinter vs Transit comparison.
Real owner considerations: resale, upgrades, and long-term ownership
Resale: Factory Class Bs have basic market awareness, which can help resale. Custom vans, when recorded and well-built, can get strong prices—especially if they have top systems and clear upkeep records.
Upgrades: Custom builds are easier to improve later (adding solar, changing cabinets, swapping fridges). Factory vans may need dealer-approved steps for some changes and can be limited by OEM rules. One practical tip: keep a folder of build invoices and system specs—buyers love that paperwork.
What The Vansmith recommends
We suggest factory Class B models for buyers seeking quick delivery, steady warranty cover, and the ease of dealer service. Choose a custom build if you want a home tailored to your adventures—especially if off-grid ability, unique layouts, or top materials matter most.
Before choosing, spend time touring a factory Class B and a similar custom build. Sit, sleep, and test systems—real-world use shows much more than specs on paper. And if you’re unsure, a short talk usually clears up the right path quickly.
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Curious which route fits you? Schedule a free consultation with The Vansmith. We’ll review your needs, outline real costs, and show related completed builds so you can decide with confidence.
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FAQs
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Q: How much does a factory Class B cost compared to a custom conversion?
A: New factory Class Bs usually start around $85,000, with many well-known models in the $100k–$130k range. Custom builds often range $100k–$200k based on systems and finishes; Vansmith’s typical ready-to-go projects land near $120k.
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Q: Can I stand up in a Class B camper?
A: Yes, high-roof Sprinter and Transit builds often provide 6'3"–6'5" of usable headroom. We suggest touring completed vans to confirm the feel of the space.
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Q: Are custom vans good for full-time living?
A: Definitely. A well-planned custom van with plenty of storage, smart kitchen, and enough off-grid power supports full-time living comfortably. Vansmith focuses on layouts designed for long-term use.
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Q: How long does a custom conversion take?
A: Vansmith lead times are usually 8–10 weeks from contract to handover for standard Sprinter or Transit projects; times vary for more complex builds.
