Kits vs. Custom
Ford Transit Conversion Kits: Are They Worth It?
Transit conversion kits promise a shortcut to van life. Here's an honest look at what you actually get, what's missing, and when a custom build makes more sense.
If you've been researching Ford Transit conversions, you've probably come across conversion kits. The pitch is appealing: buy a pre-designed package, install it yourself (or have someone install it), and save money compared to a ground-up custom build.
That pitch is partially true. Kits can work well for certain people and certain use cases. But they also have real limitations that most kit sellers don't emphasize. We build custom Transit conversions at our shop in San Diego, so we'll be upfront about our bias — but we'll also be honest about when kits actually make sense.
What Transit Conversion Kits Typically Include
Kits vary widely in scope and quality, but here's what most offer at different price points:
Basic Interior Kits ($3,000–$8,000)
- •Pre-cut insulation panels (usually Thinsulate or rigid foam)
- •Wall panel templates or pre-cut panels
- •Bed frame (usually a fixed platform design)
- •Basic installation hardware
Missing: electrical, plumbing, climate control, cabinetry, kitchen, flooring finish
Mid-Range Kits ($10,000–$20,000)
- •Everything in the basic kit
- •Flat-pack cabinetry (CNC-cut plywood)
- •Basic kitchen unit with sink cutout
- •Sometimes a basic electrical package (100W solar, small battery, charge controller)
Missing: hot water, proper plumbing, climate control, full electrical sizing, custom fitment
Comprehensive Kits ($20,000–$35,000)
- •Full interior package with finished cabinetry
- •Electrical components (solar, batteries, inverter, wiring harness)
- •Basic plumbing kit (tank, pump, sink, fittings)
- •Fan and sometimes a heater
At this price point, add 200–500 hours of your labor, and you're approaching professional build territory in total cost.
Transit-Specific Kit Considerations
The Transit has some characteristics that affect how well generic kits fit:
Body Width and Wheel Wells
The Transit's interior is narrower than a ProMaster — about 68 inches between the walls at floor level. The rear wheel wells also intrude into the cargo area. Kits designed for "Transit or Sprinter" often don't account for these differences precisely, which means shimming, trimming, and custom fitting on your end.
Multiple Roof Heights
The Transit comes in low, medium, and high roof configurations. Most conversion kits are designed for the high roof only. If you have a medium-roof Transit, you'll likely need to modify kit components or find a kit designed specifically for your roof height.
AWD Floor Differences
If you have a factory AWD Transit, the floor geometry is slightly different from a 2WD model — the driveshaft tunnel and rear differential change the underside profile. This affects floor insulation, underfloor tank mounting, and some bed platform designs. Most kits are built for the standard 2WD floor.
Year-to-Year Changes
Ford has made changes to the Transit across model years — different mounting points, relocated factory wiring, and body panel variations. A kit designed for a 2019 Transit may not fit a 2023 the same way. The more specific the kit is to your exact year and configuration, the better it will fit.
When Kits Make Sense
We're not going to tell you kits are always a bad idea. Here's when they can work well:
- •Weekend and vacation use: If you're building a weekender — not a full-time rig — a basic kit with a bed platform and simple storage might be all you need. You don't need a full electrical system or plumbing for occasional trips.
- •You enjoy the build process: If the project itself is part of the appeal, a kit gives you a starting point. Some people genuinely want to build their own van. That's a completely valid reason.
- •You have construction skills: Woodworking, electrical, plumbing — if you already have these skills, you can work around kit limitations and customize as you go.
- •Tight budget, flexible timeline: Kits let you phase the build. Buy the interior kit now, do electrical next month, add plumbing later. A professional build happens on a fixed schedule.
When Custom Builds Make More Sense
A professional custom build is usually the better choice when:
- •You need integrated systems: Electrical, plumbing, and climate control need to work together. In a custom build, we design the electrical system around your actual power needs, route the plumbing to avoid freeze points, and make sure the diesel heater doesn't interfere with the battery bank. Kits don't coordinate these systems.
- •You want it done right the first time: Kit installations average 200 to 500+ hours of labor for a complete build. A professional shop does it in 6 to 16 weeks with experienced builders who do this every day.
- •You plan to live in it full-time: Full-time van life puts constant stress on every system. Professional builds are designed for daily use — proper wiring, secured plumbing, tested appliances, and finishes that hold up over thousands of miles.
- •Resale value matters: A professionally built van with documented systems and clean finish work holds its value significantly better than a DIY kit build.
Real Cost Comparison: Kit vs. Custom
People often assume kits save a lot of money. Here's what the numbers actually look like when you account for everything:
| Cost Factor | Kit Build (DIY) | Custom Build |
|---|---|---|
| Kit/build cost | $15K–$30K | $30K–$75K |
| Additional materials | $5K–$15K | Included |
| Tools (if you don't own them) | $1K–$3K | Included |
| Your labor (200–500 hrs) | $0 (your time) | Professional |
| Mistake/redo costs | $1K–$5K (typical) | Included |
| Total out-of-pocket | $22K–$53K | $30K–$75K |
| Timeline | 3–12+ months | 6–16 weeks |
The gap narrows fast when you add up all the extras. And if you value your time at anything above zero, a professional build is often cost-comparable to a comprehensive kit installation — with better results and less frustration.
Why We Build Custom
We don't sell kits, and we don't install them. Every build at Emery Custom Builds starts with a blank van and a conversation about what you need.
That's not a philosophical stance — it's practical. When we design a Transit conversion, the electrical system is sized for your actual power usage. The plumbing is routed for the Transit's specific body geometry. The cabinetry is built to fit your van, your gear, and your lifestyle — not a standard template that sort of works for everyone.
That level of integration is what separates a van you tolerate from a van you love living in. It's also what holds up over 100,000 miles of road use, which is where most kit builds start showing their seams.
If you're comparing kit builds vs. custom, we're happy to talk through the trade-offs honestly. Reach out and tell us what you're thinking — no pressure either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in a Ford Transit conversion kit?
Most kits include some combination of insulation, wall panels, a bed frame, and sometimes basic cabinetry or a kitchen unit. Higher-end kits may include a basic electrical package (solar panel, battery, charge controller). What they almost never include: plumbing, climate control, wiring for your specific appliances, or custom cabinetry built to your dimensions.
Can I install a Transit conversion kit myself?
That's the idea behind kits — they're designed for DIY installation. Some people do a great job with it, especially if they have woodworking or general construction experience. The challenge is that kits assume standard dimensions and simple systems. Anything that deviates — an oddly placed wheel well, an AWD model with different floor geometry, or systems that need custom wiring — and you're problem-solving on your own.
How much do Ford Transit conversion kits cost?
Basic interior kits (insulation, wall panels, bed frame) run $3,000 to $8,000. More complete kits with cabinetry, a kitchen unit, and basic electrical range from $10,000 to $20,000. Add in your own time (typically 200 to 500+ hours) and any mistakes or redo work. By the time you buy a comprehensive kit and install it, you're often within striking distance of a professional build in cost — without the warranty or systems integration.
Are Transit conversion kits worth it?
For some people, yes. If you want a basic setup, enjoy hands-on work, and have realistic expectations about the finish quality — a kit can save money compared to a professional build. Where kits fall short is integrated systems: properly sized electrical, plumbing that doesn't leak, climate control, and cabinetry that fits your specific van. That's where professional builds earn their cost.
Can Emery Custom Builds install a kit I purchased?
We build custom — we don't install pre-made kits. If you've started a kit installation and gotten stuck, we can consult on next steps. But in most cases, if you're hiring a professional builder, you're better off starting with a custom build designed for your specific van and your specific needs.
Custom Beats a Kit — Let's Talk
Tell us about your Transit and what you want out of it. We'll give you a realistic picture of what a custom build looks like, what it costs, and how long it takes.
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