Should you D.I.Y. a campervan?… here’s what I learned

IS D.I.Y. better than custom?

The idea of taking your home on wheels anywhere you want to go, with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, a cozy bed, and all the comforts of home, is a dream that’s more attainable than ever.

Whether you're dreaming of buying a campervan or thinking about building your own, there’s a lot to consider. Many DIY enthusiasts set out to convert their own vans, but after producing over 30 custom campervans in just a couple of years, we’ve seen firsthand how much time, money, and trial-and-error goes into the process.

Is there another option?

Let’s be honest: building your own campervan is a major project. From insulation and electrical work to cabinetry and plumbing, the learning curve is steep. Most DIYers we talk to end up redoing multiple parts of their build after realizing they could’ve done it better—or they wish they had known about a smarter solution earlier.

We’ve already made those mistakes so you don’t have to. Our team has refined the process, upgraded the materials, and streamlined the layout based on real-world use and feedback. Each build we complete improves on the last.

With over 30+ custom van builds under our belt, we know what works and what doesn’t.

Quality Materials, Built to Last

We believe your campervan should be a long-term investment. That’s why we use solid oak wood in every build—no particleboard, no shortcuts, no toxic glues.

Our vans are designed to last a lifetime, whether you're heading out for weekend adventures or embracing full-time van life.

And here’s the best part: we can build a fully equipped, off-grid-capable campervan for under $100k. That’s often less than what you might end up spending doing it yourself—especially when you factor in the cost of tools, time, and inevitable do-overs.

Ready to Camp, Ready to Explore

When you buy a custom van from us, you skip the stress and get straight to the good part: exploring. Our goal is to get you out on the road as quickly and smoothly as possible, with a campervan that’s reliable, functional, and beautiful.

We currently build two vans per month, and demand continues to grow year after year. Whether you're looking to go off-grid, explore national parks, or start your next chapter of freedom and adventure, we’re here to help make it happen.

Still want to build your own?

Ready to Hit the Road?

If you're ready to stop dreaming and start driving, let’s talk.
Whether you're interested in buying a custom-built campervan or just want to explore your options, we’d love to help you find the perfect fit. Send us an email—we’re here to help you hit the road in style and comfort.

have questions? Just email us!

Inside Our Custom Camper Van Workshop

A Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Welcome to our workshop! We're excited to take you behind the scenes of our custom camper van build process. Whether you're dreaming of your own adventure van or just curious about how we create our builds, this tour will give you a glimpse into our process, our workspace, and our team.

we typically have at least two vans inside, while a few others are prepped and ready to go outside.

Meet the Team

Rick, who has over 40 years of construction experience, is our go-to expert for creative solutions, especially when it comes to cabinetry and structural elements. Kenneth is in charge of assembly, while Doug oversees the van’s systems, making sure everything is foolproof and built to last a lifetime.

THE STORY:

Why Choose NEXT CHAPTER?

Unlike traditional campervans that come with a sky-high price tag, our mission is simple:
✔️ Provide top-tier quality for a fraction of the cost
✔️ Design vans that last a lifetime
✔️ Offer the freedom to explore without limits

Whether you’re embarking on weekend getaways, remote work adventures, or full-time van life, NEXT CHAPTER VANS gives you the freedom to explore without compromising on comfort or quality.

have questions? Just email us!

Luxury Van Life for Half the Price! ✨🚐

If you’ve ever dreamed of hitting the open road with all the comforts of home, you’re not alone. The van life movement is booming, but for many, the price tag of a high-end campervan—often exceeding $200,000—makes it feel out of reach. That’s where NEXT CHAPTER VANS comes in.

YOU WON’t PAY MORE THAN $99K

At NEXT CHAPTER VANS, we specialize in crafting off-grid, adventure-ready vans that offer all the amenities of a luxury campervan—but for less than half the price. Whether you're a weekend explorer, a full-time traveler, or just looking for a mobile escape, our vans are built to last a lifetime, providing freedom, comfort, and adventure wherever the road takes you.

(some features have been recently upgraded and are details below)

Your Home on Wheels

Forget cramped living—our vans are designed for maximum comfort and functionality with features that make life on the road feel like home:

✅ Sleep in Comfort – A spacious (RV) queen-size bed (76×60) with an 8-inch memory foam mattress ensures you get a great night’s sleep no matter where you park.

✅ Stay Fresh on the Road – Enjoy a hot water shower at the rear and a full-size kitchen sink—because cleanliness shouldn’t be a luxury.

✅ A Kitchen That Travels With You – With an induction cooktop, built-in refrigerator/freezer (12V), and ample counter space, cooking delicious meals on the go has never been easier.

✅ Bathroom Included – A cabinet with a cassette toilet comes standard, with an optional Dry Flush toilet upgrade for added convenience.

Stay Powered No Matter Where You Go

Off-grid travel is effortless with a powerful and reliable energy system:

🔋 450W solar panels + alternator charging keep your system running.
⚡ BLUETTI AC300 Power Station with B300K Expansion Battery (3200Wh) offers off-grid power via solar, alternator, or shore power.
🔥 Electric heater and optional lightweight gas generator to keep you comfortable year-round.

Adventure-Ready Features

Designed for both practicality and adventure, our vans include:

🚐 MAXAIR reversible roof vent with remote for airflow.
🌞 Optional Thule 8×12 crank awning for shade and outdoor comfort.
🛻 Open garage pass-through for bulk storage or additional sleeping space.
🎨 CRL slider door window with screen + backsplash window with screen for ventilation and natural light.
🔌 Multiple 110V outlets & six USB chargers to power your devices.
🚗 Optional trailer hitch for towing gear or extra storage.

Why Choose NEXT CHAPTER?

Unlike traditional campervans that come with a sky-high price tag, our mission is simple:
✔️ Provide top-tier quality for a fraction of the cost
✔️ Design vans that last a lifetime
✔️ Offer the freedom to explore without limits

Whether you’re embarking on weekend getaways, remote work adventures, or full-time van life, NEXT CHAPTER VANS gives you the freedom to explore without compromising on comfort or quality.

have questions? Just email us!

What your camper van needs to go off-grid for less than $99K

Building a camper van is a dream for many adventurers and travel enthusiasts. The idea of having a home on wheels that can take you anywhere, anytime, is incredibly appealing. However, there's a common assumption that building a camper van is an expensive endeavor. But why do people think this way? at Next Chapter, we’ve actually streamlined the process for all of our vans that keep the costs under $99K

So what do you need?

Well, this is what we recommend:

*reversible roof vent WITH remote

*20-gallon potable tank 

*13,500 BTU compressor AIR CONDITIONER

*(RV) queen size bed with an 8-inch memory foam mattress

*Induction cook plate

*Table on swivel arm

*Front passenger seat swivel

*Sound-proofed water pump

*Refrigerator/freezer that runs on 12v or 110v

*Cabinet with (Dry Flush optional) toilet

*Open garage pass-through for bulk storage or additional sleeping

*Hot water shower at the rear and full-size kitchen sink

*12v off grid hot water heater

*roof solar and alternator charging

*Electric heater

*2048 watt hour solar charger | charged via solar/alternator or shore power

*Multiple 110v outlets

*Six USB chargers

*crank awning (optional add-on)

*plus, you can add an Optional lightweight gas generator for off grid air conditioning.

While there are legitimate reasons why building a camper van can be perceived as expensive, there are also plenty of ways to mitigate costs and build a functional, comfortable camper van on a budget. It all comes down to careful planning, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn and adapt. With the right approach, the dream of having a home on wheels can be accessible to more people than one might think.

Interested in going off-grid, but don’t want to build it yourself?

Check out one of our custom vans here.

- Doug Smith
(Founder & Craftsman of Next Chapter Camper Vans)

I didn’t want to work for anybody else… so I started making camper vans

I worked for corporate America for 20+ years before the company I was with was sold out from under me. A couple years later, I was let go… but I wasn’t ready to retire. So instead, I made my hobby my career — My Next Chapter.

THE STORY:

It’s your chance to get away, to go wherever you want, Whenever you want.

Check out one of our custom vans here.

- Doug Smith
(Founder & Craftsman of Next Chapter Camper Vans)