Serving All of Orange County
Orange County's Van Builder — Just South of the Border
Our shop in Encinitas sits right below the Orange County line. San Clemente is 25 minutes away. Most of OC is under an hour via the 5. We build full custom vans on every major platform, and OC clients make up a big part of our business.
Why Orange County Clients Build With Us
Emery Custom Builds got our start in Costa Mesa — it's where we picked up our first OC clients and learned what coastal van owners actually need. We've since moved the shop to North County San Diego (Encinitas), but Orange County is still where a big chunk of our work comes from. Same builder, same standards, just a slightly longer drive than it used to be.
There aren't many dedicated van builders in Orange County. Most OC residents end up looking at shops scattered around LA, which means fighting traffic on the 405 every time you want to check on your build. We're the opposite direction — a clean shot down the 5 with no traffic headaches.
We're owner-operated. You talk to the same person who designs your layout, sources your materials, and does the build. No sales team, no project managers relaying messages. That direct relationship is why our builds come out the way they do — nothing gets lost in translation.
The initial consultation can happen by phone or video. During the build, we send regular photo updates. When you do visit, it's a straightforward drive. Most OC clients stop by two or three times total, and they always say the drive was easier than they expected.
Drive Times from Orange County
San Clemente
25 min via I-5
Dana Point
30 min via I-5
Mission Viejo
40 min via I-5
Laguna Beach
45 min via I-5
Lake Forest
45 min via I-5
Irvine
50 min via I-5
Costa Mesa
50 min via I-5
Newport Beach
55 min via I-5
Huntington Beach
55 min via I-5
Santa Ana
55 min via I-5
Anaheim
65 min via I-5
Fullerton
70 min via I-5
What We Build
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
Van Conversion Pricing
Every build is different, but here's where most projects land. These are labor and materials — you supply the vehicle.
Builds typically range from $30K to $120K+ depending on scope and finish level. Check our pricing page for a full breakdown, or reach out for a free quote.
Van Life Destinations from Orange County
OC is one of the best van life home bases in the country. You're an hour from Joshua Tree, two hours from Big Bear, five minutes from world-class surf, and within striking distance of the Eastern Sierras and Baja. A custom van turns weekends from "we should plan a trip" into "let's just go."
Beach & Coast
- Crystal Cove State Park — 15 min south, bluff-top beach camping
- San Onofre — 30 min south, legendary surf camping
- Doheny State Beach — 25 min, family-friendly
- Central Coast (Pismo, SLO, Big Sur) — 3.5–5 hours up PCH
Desert & Mountains
- Joshua Tree National Park — 2.5 hours east, world-class boondocking
- Big Bear Lake — 2 hours, year-round mountain camping
- Anza-Borrego — 2.5 hours southeast, free desert camping
- Eastern Sierras — 5 hours, alpine lakes and peaks
How the Build Process Works
Most OC 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. You're welcome to visit the shop anytime — and from most of OC, it's a quicker drive than fighting the 405 to an LA shop. When the build is done and every system has been tested, we do a full walkthrough and hand you the keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a van builder in Orange County?
Our shop in Encinitas is right below the OC border — San Clemente is 25 minutes away, and most of OC is under an hour via the 5. We handle full custom van conversions on Sprinters, ProMasters, Transits, and cargo trailers.
How much does a custom van build 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. See our full cost breakdown.
What makes Emery Custom Builds different from other van builders?
We're owner-operated. You work directly with the person building your van from start to finish. No sales team, no project managers, no handoffs. Every build is fully custom to your plans and budget, and we send regular photo updates throughout the process.
How long does a van conversion take?
Most builds take 8 to 16 weeks depending on complexity. We recommend reaching out 2-4 months before you want the build to start. Check our build timeline page for more detail.
Within OC, we also build for clients in Irvine and south Orange County. We also serve San Diego, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and all of Southern California.
Ready to Start Your Build?
We build custom vans for clients across Orange County. Tell us about your project and we'll put together a detailed quote.
Tell Us About Your Build