Custom Van Conversions
More than a van build. A home built for you.
Every Sandy Van starts with a conversation. We specialize in custom Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van conversions designed for van lifers, overlanders, remote workers, and adventure travelers who refuse to settle for cookie-cutter builds.
From 3D floor plan design to premium electrical systems, insulation, cabinetry, and final delivery, our San Diego shop handles every stage in-house. No subcontractors. No shortcuts. Just a build team that takes your van as seriously as you do.
Our Process
From concept to completion, we guide you through every step of the journey
Initial Consultation
Every build starts with a real conversation. We dig into how you actually plan to use your van: weekend overlanding trips, full-time van life, remote work on the road, or family adventures. We ask about your must-haves, your dealbreakers, and your budget so we can put together a customized build plan that makes sense for your lifestyle, not just a template off a shelf.
This is also where we talk about whether you are bringing us your own Sprinter or purchasing one through us. We work with 144" and 170" wheelbases in both standard and high-roof configurations, and we will help you understand which platform fits your build goals best.
Design & Planning
Once we have locked in your vision, our team will walk through every aspect of the design and help lock in your vision. This stage is where the build really comes to life: you will review your layout, approve material selections, and sign off on the electrical and mechanical specs. If you want see plan out your dream van before yourvan deposit, visit our Virtual Builder.
We offer six signature Sandy Vans layouts including the Scout, Social, Captain's Quarters, Business Class, Stretch 170, and FamVan add-on, or we can design something entirely custom. Every floor plan is designed with real-world van life in mind: smart storage, thoughtful traffic flow, and future-proof electrical capacity.
Build Process
This is where our craftsmen get to work. Your van comes into our San Diego shop and goes through a full custom conversion: insulation and sound deadening, framing, cabinetry, flooring, electrical and solar installation, lighting, plumbing, HVAC, and any exterior modifications like roof racks, awnings, or off-road upgrades.
We use premium materials throughout and build every system to handle the demands of real-world adventure travel, not just showroom photos. Our electrical builds are designed by Abe, our in-house electrical specialist, and our interior cabinetry is led by Evan, who has built more Sprinter interiors than most shops have sold. Every component is sourced with durability and repairability in mind.
Quality Inspection
Before your van ever leaves our shop, it goes through a thorough multi-point quality inspection. We test every system: electrical loads, solar charging, water flow, HVAC function, door and drawer operation, and structural integrity. Every finish is reviewed by hand.
We take pride in the details because we know the details are what you will live with every day on the road. If something does not meet our standard, it gets fixed before delivery, full stop. Our goal is that you drive away with zero punch-list items and complete confidence in your build.
Delivery & Support
Pickup day is one of our favorite days. We walk you through every system in your van so you know exactly how everything works before you hit the road. You will leave our San Diego shop knowing how to operate your solar setup, water system, HVAC, and any smart systems or accessories included in your build.
But our relationship does not end at delivery. Sandy Vans stands behind every build we produce. Our team is reachable for questions, troubleshooting, and support after your van leaves the shop. We also carry a full line of van parts and accessories online, so you can upgrade and expand your setup as your adventures evolve.
San Diego's custom van conversion specialists
There are a lot of van builders out there. Here is what makes a Sandy Vans build different.
Built in San Diego
Every Sandy Van is built in our shop at 9393 Trade Pl, San Diego, CA. No outsourced labor. You can visit your build in progress, ask questions, and see the craftsmanship firsthand.
Expert electrical systems
Our in-house electrical team designs every system for real-world demands including solar, lithium batteries, inverters, shore power, and smart monitoring. Built to go off-grid for days at a time.
Proven layouts, custom execution
Choose from six signature Sandy Vans layouts or go fully custom. Every build is tailored to the way you actually live and travel, not a spec sheet someone else designed.
Financing available
A custom van build is a significant investment. We offer financing options to help make your dream van more accessible. Learn about financing.
Parts & accessories included
Sandy Vans is also a full van parts retailer. After your build, you have direct access to the same components we install, with fast shipping and people who actually know your van.
Transparent process
Follow along on SVTV as our team documents real builds from start to finish. No smoke and mirrors. Just honest craftsmanship and the van life community we have built around it.
Shop Address: 9393 Trade Pl, San Diego, CA 92126
Shop Hours: Monday - Friday | 9AM - 5:30PM
Shop Phone: 619-812-1903
Email: Sales@sandyvans.com
Common questions about our van build process
Everything you want to know before reaching out. If your question is not here, fill out the form above and we will reach out
Do I need to supply my own van?
You can bring us your own Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or we can help you source one. We work with both new and used Sprinters in 144" and 170" wheelbases, standard and high roof. If you are looking to purchase a van before your build, our team can walk you through what to look for and what to avoid when buying used.
Can I customize the layout?
Absolutely. We offer six signature Sandy Vans layouts as starting points, but can customize those further.
What can does Sandy Vans build on?
We specialize in Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van conversions. The Sprinter is the industry standard for custom van builds because of its reliability, interior height, parts availability, and the wide range of wheelbase and roof configurations available. We work with 144" and 170" wheelbases in high-roof configurations.
Do you offer a warranty on your builds?
Yes. Sandy Vans provides warranty coverage on our craftsmanship and the systems we install.Review our full warranty terms here.We also stand behind our builds with ongoing post-delivery support, so if a question comes up on the road, you can reach our team directly.
Can I visit the shop during my build?
Yes, and we encourage it. Our shop is located at 9393 Trade Pl, San Diego, CA 92126. Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5:30PM. We welcome clients to come in, see the progress on their build, ask questions, and connect with the team. Give us a call at 619-812-1903 to coordinate a visit.
What is included in a typical Sandy Vans build?
Every build is different, but most Sandy Vans conversions include insulation and sound deadening, custom framing, flooring, wall and ceiling panels, custom cabinetry, a solar and lithium electrical system, lighting, ventilation, and finished interior trim. Kitchens, plumbing, wet baths, roof racks, awnings, and suspension upgrades are common add-ons. We will spec everything out during the design phase based on your priorities and budget.
