Serving Long Beach & South Bay
Custom Van Builder for Long Beach — Down the Coast in San Diego
Our North County San Diego shop in Encinitas is about 1.5 hours from Long Beach via the 5. Clients from LB, Torrance, the South Bay, Carson, and Lakewood work with us because the build quality speaks for itself — and our San Diego location means lower overhead than an LA shop.
Why Long Beach Clients Choose Our San Diego Shop
Long Beach has one of the most active van life communities in Southern California. Between the harbor, the surf spots, and the proximity to PCH, it makes sense — the lifestyle is right there. But finding a professional van builder nearby can be a challenge. Most shops are either up in LA with LA pricing or scattered around with inconsistent quality.
Our Encinitas shop is about 1.5 hours south on the 5. You get a professional shop with a proven track record, and you don't pay for LA rent in your build cost. Most of our Long Beach clients handle the initial consultation by phone or video, then visit the shop once or twice during the build.
Whether you're building a weekend warrior for Baja runs or a full-time rig to hit the road permanently, we'll put together something that matches how you actually want to use it.
Drive Times from Long Beach & South Bay
Long Beach
85–100 min via I-5
Torrance
90–105 min via I-5 / I-405
Carson
85–100 min via I-5 / I-405
Lakewood
85–100 min via I-5
Redondo Beach
95–110 min via I-5 / I-405
Seal Beach
75–90 min via I-5
What We Build for Long Beach Clients
We do full custom conversions on Mercedes Sprinters, RAM ProMasters, Ford Transits, and cargo trailers. Every build covers five core systems:
Interior & Cabinetry
Custom layouts, storage, beds, seating, countertops
Electrical
Solar, lithium batteries, inverters, shore power, lighting
Plumbing
Fresh/gray water tanks, sinks, showers, water heaters
Exterior
Roof racks, awnings, bike mounts, exterior lighting
Climate Control
Insulation, ventilation fans, diesel heaters, AC units
Builds typically range from $30K to $120K+ depending on scope and finish level. Check our pricing page for a full breakdown.
Van Life Destinations from Long Beach
Long Beach is perfectly positioned for van life. You've got the coast right outside your door, and PCH runs the entire length of California. Here's what our LB-based clients hit most:
Coast & South
- San Onofre — 1 hour south, legendary surf camping
- San Clemente — 50 min south along PCH
- Central Coast — 3.5 hours up PCH to Pismo, SLO, Big Sur
- Baja, Mexico — 3.5–4 hours to Ensenada
Mountains & Desert
- Big Bear Lake — 2 hours east, year-round camping
- Joshua Tree — 2.5 hours east, world-class boondocking
- Anza-Borrego — 3 hours southeast, free desert camping
- Sequoia / Kings Canyon — 4 hours north, epic forest camping
How the Process Works
Most Long Beach clients start with a phone or video consultation. We talk through your van, your plans, and your budget, then put together a detailed build plan and quote broken down by system. You approve everything before we start.
During the build, we send photo updates so you always know where things stand. When it's done, you drive down to Encinitas, we walk you through every system, and you drive home in your finished van.
See Our Full ProcessFrequently Asked Questions
How far is Emery Custom Builds from Long Beach?
Our Encinitas shop is about 1.5 hours south of Long Beach via the 5. Most clients handle the initial consultation by phone or video, then visit once or twice during the build.
How much does a custom van conversion cost?
Builds typically range from $30,000 to $120,000+ depending on scope and finish level. Basic builds run $30K-$50K, Standard builds run $55K-$75K, and Premium builds run $80K-$120K+. These prices cover labor and materials — the vehicle is separate.
What van platforms do you convert?
We build on Mercedes Sprinters, RAM ProMasters, Ford Transits, and cargo trailers.
How long does a van conversion take?
Build timelines depend on scope. Basic builds take 6-8 weeks, Standard builds take 8-12 weeks, and Premium builds take 12-16+ weeks. We send photo updates throughout the process.
We also serve San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and all of Southern California.
Ready to Start Your Build?
Professional van conversions from our San Diego area shop. Tell us about your project and we'll put together a detailed quote.
Tell Us About Your Build