AFFORDABLE CAMPER VANS
Get on the road for less
Custom camper vans for every budget, from our $8,970 Foundation to fully built Bivy adventure vans. Financing available, hand-built in Boulder, Colorado.
Get on the road for less
Custom camper vans for every budget, from our $8,970 Foundation to fully built Bivy adventure vans. Financing available, hand-built in Boulder, Colorado.
Affordable does not mean stripped down
A more affordable Vansmith is still a real Vansmith. Even our entry options include a hand-crafted bamboo interior, four-season wool insulation, LED lighting, and our lifetime cabinet warranty for the original owner. Start with The Foundation from $8,970, choose a Classic trim, or bring your own van to keep the cost down, then add to it over time.
Compare the Bivy lineup
Every Bivy and Bivy XL trim, from the entry Classic to the fully loaded Deluxe. The XL builds add length and room on the Sprinter 170 platform.
| Model | Starting price | Power | Bathroom & shower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bivy Classic | $118,200 | 5kWh off-grid + solar | Bathroom-ready bench (add later) |
| Bivy Plus | $144,345 | 10kWh off-grid + solar | Exterior shower + Laveo dry flush toilet |
| Bivy Deluxe | $191,070 | 15kWh lithium + air conditioning | Bench shower + 16-gal gray tank, hydronic heat |
| Bivy XL Classic | $152,200 | 5kWh off-grid + solar | Bathroom-ready bench (add later) |
| Bivy XL Plus | $179,345 | 10kWh off-grid + solar | Exterior shower + Laveo dry flush toilet |
| Bivy XL Deluxe | $226,070 | 15kWh lithium + air conditioning | Bench shower + 16-gal gray tank, hydronic heat |
Built the same way, at every price
Affordable does not mean basic. Every Vansmith uses the same hand-crafted bamboo cabinetry, quality materials, and attention to detail as our top-tier builds, so you get a warm, finished interior that holds up to years on the road, whichever trim you choose.
Start with The Foundation, then grow into it
The Foundation is our entry-level build, from $8,970, and it is made to grow with you. We insulate the walls with 3M Thinsulate, lay Coindot flooring, finish the walls and ceiling in prefinished birch, and add mounting brackets, a clean, finished shell you can start using right away. You do not have to build it all at once: add a bed, electrical, windows, cabinets, and the comforts you want over time, on your budget and your schedule. It is the perfect starting point for a DIYer who wants a professional base to build on, installed by the same team behind 300+ full conversions. Conversion only: bring your own Sprinter or Transit, or we can source one for you.
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Affordable camper vans, built to last
At The Vansmith, affordable does not mean cutting corners. We build custom Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit camper vans at a range of price points, from our entry-level Foundation to fully equipped Bivy adventure vans, so you can get into van life at a budget that works for you.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, we have completed more than 300 conversions since 2016. Every build, even the most affordable, uses the same hand-crafted bamboo cabinetry, four-season insulation, and lifetime cabinet warranty, so your van holds its value for the long haul.
The most affordable ways into a Vansmith
There is more than one way to keep the cost down:
- The Foundation, from $8,970: we insulate, floor, and panel the van and add mounting brackets, then you add a bed, electrical, and cabinets over time.
- Classic trims: the lowest-priced full build in each lineup, with the kitchen, bed, off-grid power, and heat already included.
- Conversion-only builds: supply your own Sprinter or Transit (or we source one) and pay only for the conversion.
- Financing: spread the cost into monthly payments with RV financing.
Start where it makes sense for your budget and add to your van as you go. Because every build is modular and made to order, you are never locked out of the features you want later.
What every build includes
Even our most affordable full builds come well equipped. A Bivy Classic includes a Sprinter 144 AWD, a near-king memory-foam bed, a full 60-inch galley with fridge, sink, and induction cooktop, a 5kWh off-grid power system with solar, and a diesel heater, all wrapped in hand-crafted bamboo cabinetry and four-season wool insulation.
Value that lasts: every Vansmith is backed by our lifetime cabinet warranty for the original owner and built by a team that has completed more than 300 conversions, so an affordable Vansmith still holds its value and its quality for years on the road.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most affordable Vansmith camper van?
The Foundation is our most affordable option, starting at $8,970. It is an entry-level conversion that insulates, floors, and panels your van and adds mounting brackets, so you can add a bed, electrical, and cabinets later. Among our full builds, the Bivy Classic is the lowest-priced turnkey option.
How much does a Vansmith camper van cost?
It ranges widely. The Foundation starts at $8,970, a fully built Bivy Classic starts at $118,200, and a top-of-the-line Bivy XL Deluxe runs $226,070. Conversion-only builds (where you supply the van) cost less than turnkey builds that include the vehicle. Browse the listings above for current pricing.
What is The Foundation?
The Foundation is our entry-level build. We insulate the walls with 3M Thinsulate, install Coindot flooring, finish the walls and ceiling in prefinished birch, and add mounting brackets for future cabinets, professionally installed in our Boulder shop. It is a smarter alternative to a DIY kit, and you can add bed systems, electrical, windows, and more whenever you are ready.
How can I make a custom camper van more affordable?
A few ways: start with The Foundation and build up over time, choose a Classic trim for the lowest full-build price, supply your own van with a conversion-only build, or finance the build into monthly payments. Because every build is modular, you can add features later.
Can I finance a camper van?
Yes. We offer RV financing so you can spread the cost into monthly payments rather than paying all at once. It is a common way buyers get into a build sooner.
What is included in a Bivy Classic?
Quite a lot for the price. A Bivy Classic includes a Sprinter 144 AWD, a near-king memory-foam bed, a full 60-inch galley with fridge, sink, and induction cooktop, a 5kWh off-grid power system with solar, and a diesel heater, all in hand-crafted bamboo cabinetry with four-season wool insulation. A shower and toilet can be added by stepping up to the Plus or Deluxe.
Do I have to provide my own van?
It depends on the build. Conversion-only builds and The Foundation are priced for you to supply the Sprinter or Transit (or we can source one for you), which keeps the cost down. Turnkey builds include the vehicle in the price.
What is the difference between the Bivy and the Bivy XL?
Both come in the same Classic, Plus, and Deluxe trims. The Bivy is built on the Sprinter 144 platform, while the Bivy XL uses the longer Sprinter 170 for more interior room and storage, at a higher price.
Is an affordable Vansmith still good quality?
Yes. Every build, even the most affordable, uses the same hand-crafted bamboo cabinetry, four-season insulation, and our lifetime cabinet warranty for the original owner, and is built by a team that has completed more than 300 conversions. An affordable Vansmith holds its value and quality.
Can I add features later?
Yes. Our builds are modular and made to order, so you can start with The Foundation or a Classic trim and add a bed system, electrical upgrades, windows, a shower, or a toilet down the road as your budget allows.
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Ready to Start Your Build?
Our team in Boulder is ready to help you design the perfect van for your lifestyle.
Or call us at (303) 414-6834 · info@thevansmith.com
