The Hottest Custom Camper Van Conversion Trends of 2023

Have you considered turning a boring Ford Transit or Mercedes Benz Sprinter cargo van into a camper van? Typically people think of Pleasure Way or Winnebago when they think of camper vans but a lot of people are going with a custom model from van builders because of the versatility and personal touch. Because of that, custom camper van conversions aka class b RVs are all the rage and offer a unique way to travel and live on the road.

In 2023, the trends with camper van conversion companies are evolving to create even more personalized and comfortable spaces. From eco-friendly materials to full-on entertainment centers, the possibilities are endless. Get ready for a tour of the top 5 custom camper van conversion trends!

Off-Grid Van Capabilities

Some of the best camping experiences happen when you're out in the middle of nowhere, away from the hustle and bustle of civilization. That's why camper van conversion companies are embracing the ability to go off-grid. Solar panels and lithium batteries allow for electricity and water to be generated on the go, making it possible to stay in remote locations for longer periods of time.

Solar Panels & 12V Electrical Systems

Many people who live van life are looking for ways to be more sustainable and self-sufficient on their travels. Installing a solar panel is a great way to do this as it can provide renewable energy for powering appliances, electronics, a hot water system and even air conditioning units. The price can get away from you depending on the size of the system you need but it's an excellent opportunity to go off-grid and explore in your campervan.

Starlink Roam

With the Starlink Roam satellite internet, you can take your work, streaming services, and research with you on the road, allowing for more remote adventures. Working from your house is even better in motorhomes.

Picture this, you're sitting under an awning in the middle of nowhere because your house is actually the most popular van to convert. Did I mention that it's solar powered and has four wheel drive and you're happier than ever living the RV lifestyle?

No this isn't an ad for the ol' Elon Musk, we just use Starlink ourselves and it's amazing for the price.

Creative Storage Solutions for Van Conversions

When living in a camper van, every inch of space counts. That's where creative storage solutions come in. From pull-out drawers to hidden cubbies, van conversion companies are getting more and more creative in maximizing space with easy access. 

Roof storage

An increasingly popular storage solution for camper vans is to install a Thule gearbox on the roof. Not only does this free up floor space and interior room, but it also takes advantage of the height of the vehicle to store bulky items like coolers or camping gear. Thule boxes come in a variety of sizes and are designed to fit securely on the roof, making them an attractive option for those looking to maximize storage room at an affordable cost.

Door stuffy bags

RB Components is a great resource for customizing your camper van and maximizing storage space. Their 'stuffy net' storage solutions are a popular choice for van conversions as they can be easily mounted to L tracks as well as door panels, making use of otherwise unused space. The stuffy nets come in a variety of sizes, making them great for storing anything from clothes to camping gear. You can order online from their website, they sell components for Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter vans.

Soft Goods

This means many things to many people! Soft goods refer to fabrics, cushioning, and other accessories that can make the interior space of your camper van conversion much more comfortable. From soft storage to bug nets, van builders and accessory companies are creating functional soft goods for all types of custom vans.

Rolef Bug Screens

Everyone in the van conversion world has heard of Rolef! They're a company out of Quebec, Canada, that supplies custom-made bug screens of the highest quality to van builders across North America. Having a bug screen on your sliding door allows you to enjoy your outdoor adventures even if you're whipping up a quick meal on your single-burner stove inside the van. Keep those big doors open and let that fresh breeze hit your nostrils without getting hit by a thousand mosquitoes. Here you can see it in our Van Gogh Ford Transit Conversion.

Mule Bags

These modular bags from Adventure Wagon are the cat's pajamas. They have a unique modular design that allows you to configure them wherever you need to in your van and remove them to pack your gear with a quick removable design.

Eco-Friendly Van Materials

In today's world, it's important to reduce our carbon footprint in any way we can. Designers are taking this into account by using innovative and sustainable materials for camper van conversions. Think of repurposed wood, bamboo, and even recycled plastics. Not only do these materials help the environment, but they often have unique textures and designs that add character to the camper vans interior.

Havelock Wool Insulation

Havelock Wool is a great material for insulation in campervans due to its natural breathability and durable properties. This material is often paired with eco-friendly wood or recycled plastics to create a stylish and comfortable living space. In addition, Havelock Wool is naturally fire-resistant and acts as a sound barrier in the van, making it a good alternative for campervan insulation. 

Modular Custom Van Designs

Camper van conversions are getting more and more versatile thanks to modular designs. Imagine being able to move around furniture pieces or even add new ones depending on your current lifestyle needs. That's the beauty of modular design in a living space. You can create new spaces within your van without having to do a complete overhaul.

Adventure Wagon

Adventure Wagon is a camper van conversion company that supplies modular base camp packages to van lifers giving them a fantastic starting point for their custom van conversion. Their kits include enough components to install their full-sized beds, sleeping cots, plenty of modular storage space, and even a wiring harness to ease your electrical system installation. They do this by installing architectural backing and L-track, or airline tracking, throughout the vehicle as mounting points for all of their components.

We do our own version of this at our camper van conversion company, Paved To Pines, in Saskatchewan Canada, to install all of our components as well! It provides a fantastic base that doesn't lock you into a set layout you can't make changes to if your situation or tiny home needs to change later on.

Murphy Bed

Some custom camper vans allow your bed to fold up freeing up floor space for daytime activities like more workspace or more storage in your garage. It's a popular trend that allows for maximum flexibility in your van. Here is a photo of a small walkway that allows you free movement throughout your campervan

Platform Bed

Camper van conversion companies heavily use platform beds as it is an easy way to gain a ton of storage. More recently it has become wildly popular for removable platform beds so that you can take out the bed if you needed to store bigger items like a motorbike. You can even stack platform beds above each other so you can sleep up to four people in van builds without a pop up roof!

Conclusion

Whether you're a digital nomad, retiree, or just looking for a new adventure, custom camper van builds offer a unique opportunity to explore the world on your own terms. With these top 5 trends, you can create a comfortable and personalized home on wheels that showcases your style and needs. From eco-friendly materials to modular designs, the possibilities are endless. So, get ready to hit the open road and live your best van life in 2023!

If you're looking for a van conversion company, an upfitter package, or just to get an idea of the cost for a custom van conversion, this is your sign to to contact us through our website. You're already on it so just click here and you'll get to our contact page.