Blog
Van conversion guides, product reviews, build tips, and behind-the-scenes stories from our Encinitas shop.
Van Build Guides Why Your Van's Smart Alternator Needs a DC-DC Charger
Newer Sprinter, Transit and ProMaster vans use smart alternators that vary voltage and can starve your house battery. Here's why a DC-DC charger fixes it.
Van Build Guides Signs Your Van Electrical System Was Installed Wrong
Undersized wire, loose connections, and skipped fusing are common signs of a bad van electrical install. Here's what to check and what to ask first.
Van Build GuidesQuestions to Ask Before You Hire a Van Conversion Builder
Hiring a van conversion builder is a five-figure decision. Here is what to ask about warranty, timeline, and workmanship before you sign a contract.
Product Reviews & Installs Solid-State Lithium Batteries: Are They Worth It for Vans?
Solid-state batteries are showing up in van power gear reviews. Here's what the tech means for your build and why we still spec proven LiFePO4 banks.
Van Build Guides Camper Van Water Heater: Electric or Diesel, and Why
How to choose a camper van water heater based on how you actually use the van. Shore power electric versus diesel fired, and what each costs elsewhere.
Van Build Guides Why Quality Parts Matter in a Custom Van Conversion
Two van build quotes can look identical and land $20,000 apart. Here is what we spec inside the walls, and why cheap parts cost more later.
Van Build Guides Best Surf Van Conversions for San Diego and Baja Trips
What makes a great surf van for the SD and Baja coast, which platforms work best, and how we build them at our North County shop.
Behind the Scenes North County San Diego Van Builder: Meet the Builder
Emery Custom Builds is an owner-operated custom van conversion shop in North County San Diego. Meet the builder, see the work, learn the process.
Van Life Tips Why San Diego Is the Van Life Capital of California
San Diego offers the best climate, geography, and community for van life in California. Here's why van lifers keep choosing SD over LA, SF, and beyond.
Van Life Tips Van Life in San Diego: Where to Park, Camp, and Explore
Your practical guide to van life in San Diego. Best campgrounds, overnight parking tips, day trips, and why SD is the ultimate van life home base.
Van Build Guides How Much Does a Van Conversion Cost? Full Price Breakdown
Real van conversion costs from an Encinitas custom build shop. Pricing by budget, system, and platform with actual 2026 build numbers.
Behind the Scenes A Week Inside Our Van Build Shop — Behind the Scenes
What a typical week looks like inside the Emery Custom Builds shop in Encinitas, from vehicle inspection to systems testing and final walkthrough.