How to Finance Your Van Conversion
A van conversion is a significant purchase. Here are the real financing options, plus how our payment structure works so there are no surprises.
You can finance a van conversion through personal loans (7–15% APR, 3–7 year terms), RV loans (5–8% APR if your state allows RV titling), home equity loans, or savings. At Emery Custom Builds, payments are spread across milestones: a $6,000 deposit to book your slot, 50% of the contract 30 days before the build starts, 20% at the halfway point, and the remaining balance at completion. Most customers use a combination of savings and financing.
A professional van conversion costs between $30,000 and $120,000+ depending on scope, plus the cost of the vehicle. That's a real number, and most people don't have that sitting in a checking account. The good news: there are several ways to fund a build, and most of our customers use a combination of methods.
Here's a straightforward look at your options.
What are the financing options for a van conversion?
Personal Loans
The most common route. Personal loans from banks, credit unions, and online lenders typically offer $25,000–$100,000 with terms of 3–7 years. Interest rates depend on your credit score — expect 7–15% APR for most borrowers. Credit unions often offer the best rates.
Pros: No collateral required for unsecured loans, fast approval, flexible use (covers both vehicle and conversion).
Cons: Higher interest rates than secured loans, shorter terms mean higher monthly payments, amount may be limited by income.
RV Loans
If your converted van can be titled or registered as an RV in your state, you may qualify for an RV loan. These typically have lower interest rates (5–8%) and longer terms (10–20 years) than personal loans, which means lower monthly payments.
Pros: Lower interest rates, longer terms, potentially higher borrowing limits.
Cons: Requires RV title/registration (varies by state), the van is collateral, not all lenders finance converted vans, may require specific documentation from the builder.
Check with your state DMV about RV titling requirements before counting on this option. Some states require certification from an RVIA-registered builder or specific systems (like plumbing) to qualify.
Home Equity Loan or HELOC
If you own a home, a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) can offer some of the lowest interest rates available (typically 6–9%). You're borrowing against your home's equity, which means the rates are competitive but your home is collateral.
Pros: Low interest rates, potentially tax-deductible interest, large borrowing capacity.
Cons: Your home is at risk if you default, approval process is slower, closing costs may apply.
Savings and Cash
The simplest option with no interest payments. If you can save aggressively for 12–24 months before your build, you avoid debt entirely. Many of our customers save specifically for this — setting aside a fixed monthly amount into a dedicated account.
Pros: No interest, no monthly payments, no credit check, complete flexibility.
Cons: Takes time, requires discipline, delays your build timeline.
Combination Approach
Most of our customers use a mix: savings for the deposit and a chunk of the build, plus a personal loan or HELOC for the remainder. This keeps monthly payments manageable while avoiding the full wait of saving 100% before starting.
How does Emery Custom Builds' payment structure work?
At Emery Custom Builds, we use a milestone-based payment structure. You don't pay everything upfront — payments are spread across the build timeline so you can plan accordingly.
Deposit: $6,000
Books your build slot. This is a flat fee regardless of build scope, and it's credited toward your total contract value. You can pay this months before the build starts — it just reserves your spot in our schedule.
Build Commencement: 50% of Contract
Due 30 days before your van arrives at the shop. We need this lead time to order materials — ACH transfers can take 3–4 weeks to clear, and we start purchasing components immediately. Your full contract (with final scope, pricing, and payment schedule) is signed at this stage.
Halfway Point: 20% of Contract
Due at the midpoint of your build. By now you've seen real progress — framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing installed. We send regular photo updates so you know exactly where things stand.
Completion: Remaining Balance
Due at handoff after we've tested every system and walked you through the entire van. Nothing leaves the shop without passing our quality check.
Learn more about the full build process: How We Build Your Van.
How should you budget for a van conversion?
Budget the Vehicle and Build Separately
These are two different purchases. A used Sprinter runs $25K–$60K, a ProMaster $20K–$45K, and a Transit $20K–$50K. Add the conversion cost on top. Don't try to lump them into one number — it makes planning harder.
Add a 10–15% Buffer
Builds occasionally have scope changes — you decide mid-build that you want the upgraded countertops, or a component is backordered and you swap to something slightly different. A buffer prevents stress when small changes happen.
Know Your Monthly Payment Comfort Zone
If you're financing, work backward from what you can afford monthly. A $50K personal loan at 10% over 5 years is roughly $1,060/month. A $50K RV loan at 6% over 15 years is roughly $420/month. The financing method matters as much as the total amount.
Consider What You'll Save
If the van replaces rent, factor that in. Average rent in Southern California is $2,000–$3,000/month. Full-time van living costs roughly $1,500–$2,500/month total (including the van payment). The van can pay for itself in housing savings over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you finance a van conversion?
Yes. Common options include personal loans, RV loans (if the van can be titled as an RV), home equity loans, and savings. Most of our customers use a combination approach.
Can a converted van get an RV loan?
Potentially. If your state allows RV titling for converted vans, you may qualify for lower-rate RV loans. Requirements vary by state and lender — check with your DMV first.
What is Emery Custom Builds' payment structure?
$6,000 deposit to book your slot, 50% of the contract 30 days before the van arrives, 20% at the halfway point, and the remaining balance at completion. The deposit is credited toward your total.
How much should I save before starting?
Budget for the vehicle plus the full conversion cost plus a 10–15% buffer. You don't need it all upfront if using financing, but understand the total commitment before signing a contract.
Is a van conversion a good investment?
Not in the financial sense — vehicles depreciate. But full-time van living can save $1,500–$2,500/month in rent, which adds up quickly. The real value is in lifestyle freedom, not resale.
Let's Talk About Your Build Budget
Tell us what you're thinking and we'll help you figure out a realistic plan. No pressure, just honest numbers.
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