How to Save Money When Converting a Van
In this lesson, we will cover a very important topic: how to save money on the van conversion itself. This is a beefy lesson, and we are going to cover a lot. You will get a LOT of actionable takeaways on how to save money during your van conversion. We will provide this lesson as a downloadable PDF.
Set Up a Budget for the Build
If you don’t set up a budget, you are likely to end up spending thoughtlessly on unessentials. Like when you grocery shop, you should put together a “shopping list” before you build! Check out the supplies list we provided to estimate the cost of each part of the build.
Prioritize Essentials
Focus on essential components first, such as insulation, ventilation, and basic furnishings, before adding non-essential features. This will allow you to “live as you build.” Consider creating a functional living space as you build essential components. For example, start with a bed platform, basic storage, and a portable stove. This way, you can begin using the van for short trips even before the entire conversion is complete.
Minimalist design is a style that can help you save money on your van conversion. We’ll go into details on the essentials later in this lesson and discuss what you can perhaps cut from your build.
DIY Rather Than Use a Professional Company
Try to DIY as much of the build as you can and only outsource what you have to, such as upholstering cushions.
Upcycling Materials
Explore upcycling and repurposing materials for furniture and fixtures, saving on the cost of new items. Reclaimed wood is popular and can often be found at construction sites. Ask friends and family if they have spare wood or other materials. Upcycling electronics is also possible if you have the skill.
For example, Liam purchased a dead Propex heater and fixed it.
Best Places to Get Extremely Cheap or Free Supplies
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore (used furniture and household items)
- Garage sales
- Pawn shops
- Construction sites
- Salvage yards and auto wreckers
- Old RVs and boats can be great for salvaging materials
- Junkyards
- Thrift stores
- ThriftStore Locator: an app to find thrift stores
- Freecycle and free stuff websites like freecycle.org
Bulk Purchases
Buy materials and supplies in bulk to take advantage of discounts, especially for items like insulation or lumber.
Comparative Shopping
Research and compare prices from various suppliers to find the best deals on materials and equipment. You can create a spreadsheet (or use our supplies sheet) to note the prices from different suppliers.
Order Online, Pick Up in Store
Ordering online and picking up in store allows you to make use of coupons and can often be cheaper. Examples of stores that offer this service include Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone.
DIY Stores vs. Lumber/Trade Yards
DIY stores are generally more expensive than lumber and trade yards. If you must shop at a DIY store, here are the 10 cheapest in the USA:
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Menards
- Harbor Freight Tools
- Ace Hardware
- Walmart
- Dollar Tree
- Big Lots
- Ollie's Bargain Outlet
- Family Dollar
Buy Refurbished or Open Box Products
Consider buying refurbished or open box products to save money. Amazon Warehouse is a good source for these items.
Don’t Oversize Your Electrical System
The electrical system is the most expensive part of a van conversion. The best way to save money is to size your system correctly. Our Van Life Academy discusses van conversion electrics in depth, including the size and type of leisure batteries, how many solar panels, and the type of battery charger required.
Buy Coupon Codes or Discounted Gift Cards
You can buy coupon codes or discounted gift cards for stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. Google "buy Lowe's coupon" or check out websites like eBay, Etsy, and lowescouponscode.com.
Shop on Cash Back Websites
Shop on cashback websites like rakuten.com and topcashback.com, or use cashback credit cards to save money on your purchases.
Wait for Sales and Discounts
This will require patience and flexibility. Sign up for the newsletters of websites you want to buy parts from, and keep an eye out for sales and discounts. Black Friday and holiday season clearances are particularly good times of year to purchase van conversion materials.
Price Tracking Websites and Apps
- CamelCamelCamel: Tracks the price history of products on Amazon and notifies you when the price drops.
- Honey: A browser extension that finds and applies coupon codes at checkout and tracks prices, notifying you of drops.
- Keepa: Similar to CamelCamelCamel, Keepa is a browser extension that tracks Amazon product prices and provides price drop alerts.
- InvisibleHand: This extension automatically notifies you if the product you're looking at is available for a lower price elsewhere.
- ShopSavvy: An app that lets you scan barcodes and QR codes to compare prices and set up price alerts for specific products.
- Slickdeals: A community-driven site that shares the latest deals, allowing you to set up deal alerts for specific products or categories.
Social Media
Follow brands and retailers on social media platforms. Many companies announce promotions, discounts, and sales through their social media channels.
Don’t Spend Unnecessarily on Tools
Consider using shared maker spaces, borrowing from friends and family, renting, or buying pre-owned tools to save money.
Attend Vanlife Gatherings
Vanlife gatherings often have a marketplace where people sell new or gently used vanlife items at a discount.
Social Media and Forums
Check out social media and forums for deals on items like sinks, stoves, and refrigerators. Facebook groups, Craigslist, and eBay are all good places to start.
Cut Foam for Your Bed Yourself
Instead of having foam for your bed cut to shape professionally, look into buying a cheap foam mattress at Ikea and cutting it to shape yourself.
Negotiating on Price When Buying Second Hand
When negotiating on price when buying second hand, use the acronym model (Chris Voss - Never Split The Difference) that we discussed earlier in this course:
- Set your target price
- Set your first offer at 65% of the target price
- Three raises are 85, 95, 100% up to your target price
Go Really, Really Cheap
If money is a problem stopping you from pursuing vanlife, consider using camping or temporary equipment. Use a sleeping bag and roll mat instead of a bed, skip solar and use a split charge instead, and consider skipping insulation, a fan, or a permanent sink. Use a portable camping stove, power bank, tiny inverter, cooler, and wash basin to save money. Ultimately, getting into nature is the most important part, so don't let money stop you from hitting the road in your van.