Wondering which conversion van company is best? Learn about them all in this comprehensive list.
Full-size conversion vans have so much versatility. They offer space, luxury, safety, style, functionality and endless customizable features. Conversion vans can be used as family vehicles, company cars, for commercial limousine services, camping and road trip vehicles, utility and storage purposes, mobility vehicles for those with disabilities requiring wheelchair equipment and much more.
Conversion vans are full-size cargo vans that are customized and outfitted by various third-party conversion van companies and kits for a specific purpose, such as camping, mobility and commercial needs.
Conversion vans were extremely popular in the 1980’s, with many dozens of companies taking standard van chassis and converting them with features and finishes far beyond the basic vehicle. GMC Savanas, Chevrolet Express, Ford Econolines, Dodge Rams and other models were popular for building upon.
Today, there are fewer conversion van companies out there; however, these manufacturers continue to change the industry drastically. Modern conversion van companies take chassis such as the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, Mercedes Metris and Sprinter, and transform them into state-of-the-art vehicles for everything from work to luxury travel.
For instance, the classic American RV and campervan company, Winnebago, specializes in building state-of-the-art Class B motorhomes like the Travato, Revel and Solis on Ram ProMaster and Mercedes Sprinter chassis.
Below is an alphabetical list of mainstream conversion van builders that take the everyday full-sized van and build upon it.
Customizers Conversion Vans
Since 1979, Customizers, Inc. has been manufacturing conversion vans and trucks in Maryland. The company, based in Hagerstown, Maryland, specializes in commercial, wheelchair and specialty conversions. They use the Nissan NV, Chevrolet City Express, Ford and GM chassis. The builders also convert high occupancy vans for schools, churches, universities and other organizations specializing in safety features.
Their commercial van conversions are built on Chevrolet City Express, Ford and GM chassis, and they use a variety of industry-leading work van materials. Customizers uses Adrian Steel® bin packages in their commercial vans. Adrian Steel produces high quality storage systems for work vans.
El Kapitan Vans
Located in sunny Huntington Beach, California, El Kapitan has been producing quality conversion vans for over 30 years. They have produced over 15,000 executive and luxury vans, making them one of the largest producers on the market. They primarily build upon Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis and are a Certified Sprinter Van Master Upfitter.
El Kapitan specializes in commuter vans, extremely high end executive limousine vans, and vans that are specifically built for carrying gear such as bicycles, snowboard/skiing equipment, camping gear, etc. All of their finishes are in-house, meaning everything from the fabric, the wood grain detailing and flooring are all custom made.
Explorer Van Conversions
Explorer Vans builds upon Ford Transit, Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana and Mercedes Metris chassis. The family-owned and operated company has been producing quality conversion vans in Warsaw, Indiana for over 30 years.
Explorer Vans are perfect for everyday use, business use and luxury travel. You can have your van built from scratch in mere weeks! No worries, they never sacrifice quality for time. Many of their employees have been with them for decades.
Southern Comfort Conversions/MCM Custom Vehicles/Storyteller Overland
Southern Comfort Conversions was a well-renowned custom vehicle manufacturer founded by Rod McSweeney in 1979. At one time, it was the largest converter of vans, pickup trucks and SUVs in the country. Southern Comfort was eventually sold to MCM Custom Vehicles, an Alabama manufacturer that specializes in performance trucks, vans and other converted vehicles.
While new Southern Comfort Conversions are no longer being produced, there are many high quality used ones available on the market. What’s more, the holdings of the former founder—McSweeney—are now affiliated with a company called Storyteller Overland, which specializes in 4×4 Class B “adventure vans” built on Sprinter chassis
Sherrod Vans
Since 1979, Sherrod Vans has been manufacturing high-end, luxury designed conversion vans. They create mobility vans as well as specialty muscle cars and pickup trucks. They build upon GMC/Chevy, Dodge Ram ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit Chassis.
Now based in Waycross, Georgia, Sherrod Vans transforms standard cargo vans into custom-fitted masterpiece conversions for customers all over the globe. The company also invests heavily in research and development in order to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technological advancements.
Tuscany Vans
Tuscany Motor Co. is another producer of conversion vans that has moved more into the truck and SUV market. They were originally producing vans on Ford Chassis in Indiana, and have since moved to Fort Worth, Texas. There are many quality, used Tuscany vans still to be found on the market.
Vanworks
Vanworks builds conversion vans on Dodge Promaster and Mercedes Sprinter chassis to suit a variety of needs. They specialize in manufacturing vans for those who love extreme sports such as climbing, cycling, motocross, snowboarding, skiing and more. They are located in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Waldoch Custom Vans
Forty years ago, David Waldoch founded Waldoch Custom Vans out of his garage in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Today, the company builds luxury, shuttle, limousine, and mobility vans on Ford Transit and Dodge Ram Promaster chassis.
The company is known for its Galaxy Ford Transit 9-15 passenger conversion van which features:
- 8″ LCD GPS screen
- Steering wheel hand controls
- 10-way power seats
- Lumbar, heated seats dual power
- Dual airbags
- High intensity sound system
- Bluetooth
- USB charging ports
- Plenty of overhead storage
Some of the other features that can be added to the Waldoch Galaxy Ford Transit are motorized roller shades, 6-way adjustable captain’s chairs, luxury carpet and hardwood flooring upgrades.
America’s #1 Conversion Van Dealer
Are you looking for a new or used conversion van? At Classic Vans, we have the nation’s best selection of new and used conversion vans from Explorer and a variety of other manufacturers.
Family-owned and operated for 30 years, Classic Vans has been pairing conversion vans, motorhomes and mobility vans with customers all over the San Francisco Bay area and the West Coast.
Don’t live in California? No problem! Ask about low-cost nationwide van delivery. Browse our inventory or call us at (866) 370-8222.