Blog
Van conversion guides, product reviews, build tips, and behind-the-scenes stories from our Costa Mesa shop.
Espar Heater for Van Conversions
Complete guide to Espar heaters for vans: how they work, why we use them, installation, costs, and real-world performance in SoCal vans.
Product Reviews & InstallsLagun Table Install Guide for Vans
Complete guide to installing a Lagun tabletop system in your van conversion: mounting, setup, and why they work so well for van living.
Product Reviews & InstallsVan Insulation: Thinsulate Guide
Complete guide to van insulation: materials, R-value, thermal bridging, and why Thinsulate is our choice for every Emery Custom Builds van.
Product Reviews & InstallsSprinter Exterior Upgrades Guide
Practical exterior upgrades for Sprinter vans that improve durability, function, and resale value without wasting budget.
Product Reviews & InstallsSprinter Roof Rack & Solar Guide
Complete guide to choosing and installing roof racks and solar panels on Sprinter vans, covering rail options, panel layout, mounting, and cable routing.
Van Build GuidesOff-Grid Water Systems for Vans
Full guide to designing fresh water, gray water, and drainage systems for self-sufficient van conversions, including tank sizing, pumps, and filtration.
Behind the ScenesA Week in Our Van Build Shop
What a typical week looks like inside the Emery Custom Builds shop in Costa Mesa — from vehicle inspection to systems testing and everything in between.
Product Reviews & InstallsSpare Tire Water Tank Install Guide
Step-by-step guide to mounting an auxiliary water tank in a Sprinter spare tire carrier, including bracket options, plumbing connections, and fill setup.
Van Life TipsVan Life Kitchen Setups Guide
Practical kitchen design for van conversions, covering layout options, appliance choices, countertop materials, and storage solutions that last.
Van Build GuidesVan Conversion Timeline by Tier
Honest timeline breakdown for van conversions by build tier, what affects schedule, and how to plan your project around realistic expectations.
Van Build GuidesVan Conversion Mistakes to Avoid
The most common van conversion mistakes we see, from undersized electrical systems to poor ventilation, and how to avoid them during your build.
Van Build GuidesVan Life Solar: How Much Power?
Practical guide to sizing solar systems for van life, from calculating your daily power draw to choosing panels, batteries, and charge controllers.
Van Build GuidesBest Vans for Conversion in 2026
Which vans are actually worth converting in 2026? Comparing Sprinter, ProMaster, and Transit on availability, pricing, and real-world reliability.
Van Build GuidesOff-Grid Van Conversion Guide
How to build a true off-grid van system with solar, battery, and water independence. Complete guide to systems and sizing.
Van Build GuidesCargo Trailer Conversion Guide
A complete walkthrough of the cargo trailer conversion process from start to finish, including timelines, costs, and real builds.
Van Build GuidesFord Transit Conversion Cost in 2026
What does a Ford Transit van conversion actually cost? Breakdown of Basic, Standard, and Premium builds with real numbers.
Van Build GuidesSprinter vs ProMaster vs Transit
Comparing the three most popular van conversion platforms: Sprinter, ProMaster, and Transit. Pros, cons, and which one fits your needs.
Van Build GuidesVan Layouts for Full-Time Living
Full-time van living needs the right layout. Here are five proven floor plans that maximize space, comfort, and livability.
Van Build Guides Van Conversion Cost Guide (2026)
Honest breakdown of custom van conversion costs in 2026. Real pricing by system and tier from a builder in Costa Mesa, CA, with actual numbers.
Van Build GuidesCustom Van Builds vs Factory RVs
Factory RVs don't match what you need. Here's why custom van builds are the smarter choice for Southern California adventurers.