Comparing Camper Van Builders? Start Here.
See how The Vansmith compares on customization, pricing, warranty, and how your van gets built.
Free · 15 minutes · talk directly with a build expert
Vans tailored to you
Pre-built, tailored, or full custom, all from the same Boulder shop.
Direct to You
No dealerships, no middlemen. You work directly with the people who designed your van, so your money goes into the engineering, not commissions.
Lifetime warranty
Lifetime cabinetry & craftsmanship coverage.
Compare Leading Camper Van Builders Side by Side
See how The Vansmith compares on build approach, pricing, warranty, service, and customization.
| Builder | Build | Price | Warranty & service | Aesthetic & quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The VansmithSince 2016 | Custom + specSprinter & Transit — Bivy, Duo & Family sizesPre-built, tailored & full custom | $ – $$$$ Build-only From $46K Van + build From $114K Direct | Lifetime (cabinetry & craftsmanship)In-house, same Boulder shop | Refined & warm, understated exteriorMarine-grade hardware, real wood cabinetry |
| Storyteller OverlandSince 2018 | SpecSprinter, 144″/170″Named MODE trims (5 for 2026, 6 for 2027), no configurator | $$$ Complete van, 2026 models $192,206–$272,208 Complete van, 2027 models $149,498–$285,983 Dealer network. $15,000 rebate on new 2026 MODE vans through Nov 30, 2026 | 1 yr / 15,000 miDealer network | Stealth exterior, trail-ready trimsTrademarked systems (DreamWeaver bed, BoomBox bath) |
| Outside VanSince 2007 | Custom + specSprinter, 144″/170″, 4WD/AWDFixed models + separate full-custom path | $$ Complete van $89,000–$235,000 Direct & dealer | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (workmanship & structural)Owner resources + resale program | Minimalist-premium, earth tonesHigh-end components, rugged-tested |
| GeotrekSince 2021 | Semi-customSprinter, 144″/170″Flatiron, Teton & others, each with configurable options | $$$ Complete van $119,950–$198,775 Direct only | 3 yr / 36,000 miLimited, no ongoing program | Utilitarian, function-first interiorDurability-tested −40°F to 120°F |
| VanworksSince 1978 | SpecSprinter 144″/170″, Transit 148″ & ProMaster 159″Fixed named lines + finish/option configurator | $$ Complete van $114,900–$194,900 Direct only | 3 yr / 36,000 miNot published | Mainstream premium, outdoor-lifestyle polish48 years building, 25,000+ vans sold |
| Wayfarer VansSince 2015 | SpecProMaster 136″/159″ & Transit 148″4 fixed models, no configurator | $ Build-only (kit) From $22,500* Van + build $70,500–$87,500 Direct only | 1 yr, no mileage capIn-house, Colorado Springs shop | Minimalist, purpose-built designFast turnkey install (1–2 days) |
| VancraftSince ~2016 | Semi-customSprinterFixed models + separate configurator line | $$$ Complete van $124,000–$168,000 Direct only. Year-end offer: up to $20,000 in savings on remaining 2026 vans, until sold | 1 yr / 24,000 miIn-house, Denver & San Diego | Warm wood interior, rugged exterior accentsOrder-form customization (finishes, leather) |
| TourigSince 2015 | CustomSprinter, 144″/170″Consultative custom process, reference floor plans | $$$$ Complete van $229,999–$274,999† Direct only. Site FAQ still says from $149,000 | 5 yr (2024+ builds), 3 yr (2016–2023)Dedicated Service Center (est. 2022) | Overland/expedition-focused, performance-drivenTiered warranty by build year, transparent terms |
| RossmonsterSince 2010 | Custom + specSprinter (Loft/Havn/Skye) + Ford chassisNamed production models + true custom-build configurator | $$$$ Complete van $238,871–$308,998 Direct & dealer. Truck-based Baja models to $454,623 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi7-day support, dealer-routed | Luxury four-season, refined finishesMolded-shell design, premium mattresses |
| Vanlife CustomsSince 2016 | Custom + specSprinter, Transit & ProMasterFull custom + fixed Alpine Series | $$ Build-only $85,000–$180,000 Direct only | 1 yr / 24,000 miDedicated 3-bay center, any brand | Functional minimalism, beetle-kill pine accentsEngineered-from-scratch, no stock layouts |
| Boulder CampervansSince 2016 | CustomSprinter & Transit (custom); other platforms pre-builtCustom consultation + separate pre-built inventory | $$ Build-only $100,000–$175,000 Direct (custom); dealer-sourced chassis | 1 yr / 12,000 miService, detailing, parts shop | One-of-a-kind, client-driven design3-phase design process (Vision → Blueprint → Build) |
| Forged Vans | Custom + specSprinter, 144″/170″5 named packages + full-custom commission | $ Build-only $35,000–$130,000* Direct only | Named warranty, terms not publishedDelivery walkthrough only, no ongoing dept | Technical overland, function-as-engineeringHavelock wool insulation, aluminum framing |
| Titan VansSince 2017 | Semi-customSprinter 144″/170″ & Transit 148″/148″ ELBuild-to-order configurator + pre-built inventory | $ Build-only $44,995–$99,995* Complete van (pre-built listings) $139,995–$163,995 Direct only | 3 yr / 36,000 miDedicated dept, services any brand | Engineering-forward, function over lifestyleMercedes eXpertUpfitter + RVIA certified |
| Tiny Planet | Semi-customSprinter, 144″/170″Named models with Essential, Expedition & Max packages | $$$$ Van + build $225,000–$328,000 Direct; van bought through partner dealers | 1 yr craftsmanship†Warranty page says 6 mo / 8,000 mi | Three package levels per modelSacramento, CA; 4–6 week production |
| Wanderful Wheels | Custom + specSprinter AWD 144″ & Transit AWD 148″Wanderlust & Wandering models + custom builds | $$$ Complete van From $146,000 Direct only | 12-month builder warrantyDurango, CO shop | Spec models plus custom workFree one-way flight to Durango for pickup |
Prices are each builder's own published figures, re-checked on their current sites on October 25, 2026. Limited-time offers are shown only where active on that date and may end sooner. Price tiers ($ to $$$$) are ranked purely by each builder's lowest published starting price, split into even quartiles across all 15 builders — not a subjective quality judgment. "Build-only" means the price covers the conversion/kit only and the base van is purchased separately; "Complete van" means the published figure already includes the base vehicle. Where a builder publishes both, both are shown. * = builder's own site explicitly calls this a kit/conversion-only price. † = this builder's own site shows more than one figure for the same build type; both are shown here. Confirm directly with any builder before making a decision.
The chart tells you the specs. Here's what it doesn't.
Two builders can post similar prices and similar warranties on paper. What's harder to see from a spec row is who answers the phone after delivery, whether your layout is a template or a conversation, and whether the shop that quoted you is the shop that builds your van.
Why The Vansmith
Built around how you actually want to travel.
Choose how much of the van is decided for you, and how much gets decided with you.
A build path that fits you
From proven Bivy layouts to tailored and full custom builds, you choose how much of the van is decided with you.
A wider range of starting points
Build-only options start at $46K, while complete van + build options cover a broader range.
Real customization
Pre-built, tailored, or full custom. The same Boulder shop, with more control over how your van comes together.
Lifetime cabinetry & craftsmanship warranty
Lifetime coverage on cabinetry and craftsmanship, backed by the same shop that built your van.
Built and supported in Boulder
The same shop that builds your van is the place you can return for service, repairs, and future work.
A direct relationship
You work directly with the people building your van, rather than through a dealer network.
This is what a Vansmith build looks like
Cabinetry
Galley
Bed
Power
ShowerReal wood, marine-grade hardware, and a layout built around how one specific person travels.
Different builders. Different levels of flexibility.
The real question isn't who's "custom." It's how much of the van gets decided with you.
Fixed / pre-built
A proven design with most decisions already made.
Configurable / tailored
A defined starting point with more decisions made with you.
Full custom
The build starts with your specific needs.
Start with a proven design or start from a blank page. You decide how much of the van gets built around you.
More ways to build
the right van.
Every Vansmith build falls into one of three tiers. The difference isn't quality, it's how much gets decided before you drive away versus decided with you.
Pre-built · Bivy
Van + build
From $119K
A finished Bivy, ready to go. No design process required.
- Fully built and ready to drive away
- No design calls, no waiting on decisions
- Best for: a proven layout, right now
Tailored · Duo / Family
Build only
From $46K*
Van + build
From $114K*
*Personalized from a proven layout. Base vehicle pricing varies.
- Starts from the Duo or Family layout
- Personalize finishes, layout & add-ons with a designer
- Best for: a head start, with your say in the details
Full custom
Varies by scope
Priced to your build
Starts with your needs. We'll quote it after the design call, not before.
- Every decision starts with how you travel
- Full design consultation before any price is set
- Best for: you already know what you want
Vansmith's own published pricing by model, October 2026. "Van + build" includes the base vehicle; "build-only" means you supply the van. Choose the level of customization and investment that fits your trip.
Owner stories
What owners say
Built for you.
Not for everyone.
Your build starts with a conversation.
Built in Boulder, Colorado · 300+ vans since 2016
15 minutes · no obligation