Answers to Popular Questions
Can you build a custom design?
Yes. We offer custom design based on your specific needs and our years of experience building and owning camper vans.
Where are you located, what are your hours?
Our shop is in Miami, Florida, one of only a few camper van outfitters on the East coast.
We are open by appointment only, please get in touch if you would like to visit.
When you come to pick up your finished conversion, Miami is an awesome spot to start a road trip, we are a quick drive to Disney World, the Florida Keys, and just a few blocks away from the famous art district of Wynwood.
We are open by appointment only, please get in touch if you would like to visit.
When you come to pick up your finished conversion, Miami is an awesome spot to start a road trip, we are a quick drive to Disney World, the Florida Keys, and just a few blocks away from the famous art district of Wynwood.
How does it work, do I bring you the van or the van is included?
You can bring us your own van, or we also work with dealers who can get you a new or used van that meets your needs and budget.
We provide this as a free service if you hire us to build your van.
We provide this as a free service if you hire us to build your van.
Can I have my van shipped to you?
Yes. Most of our clients are from out of state and have their vans shipped on a transporter truck through a company like uShip. You fill in the info of your van and your location, our zip code for the shop is 33162.
What kind of vans do you work on? Do you only build certain models of vans, do you build other stuff?
We mostly build out Ram ProMaster and Mercedes Sprinter, but will work on other models. You can see some examples of our work here.
We have worked on other projects including houseboats and container homes, but our focus is camper vans.
We have worked on other projects including houseboats and container homes, but our focus is camper vans.
Can you build a mobile pet grooming van?
Yes, we have worked with several companies that don’t want a traditional camper van, but still need the type of work that we do in the shop everyday, like install fans, lights, air conditioners, water tanks, pumps, generators, etc.
We are always open to discussing how we can help build your project.
In this quick video, we built a mobile repair shop for an RC race car business, we really enjoy taking on these unique projects.
We are always open to discussing how we can help build your project.
In this quick video, we built a mobile repair shop for an RC race car business, we really enjoy taking on these unique projects.
Does the cost depend on the type of van?
Not really. There would be a difference in cost between a tiny low roof van and building out a shipping container, but between van models, it’s basically the same amount of labor and materials.
There are some kits we can install that are only compatible with certain vans and prices vary depending on model.
Since most of our work is handmade, our pricing is based on the overall layout and features requested, which doesn’t change too much between various van makes and wheelbases.
There are some kits we can install that are only compatible with certain vans and prices vary depending on model.
Since most of our work is handmade, our pricing is based on the overall layout and features requested, which doesn’t change too much between various van makes and wheelbases.
Can I visit the shop to see progress, or just come by to hang out?
We’d be happy to have you to stop by, even if you aren’t having a van built by us, we just ask you to schedule an appointment.
We also encourage you to bring snacks, and coffee or beer, depending on time of day. :)
We also encourage you to bring snacks, and coffee or beer, depending on time of day. :)
Can I help with the build? Can I learn more about the build process?
Sorry, our lawyers said you can’t play with the tools.
But, we send frequent updates during the build so you feel like you're right there each step of the way. And we are happy to share as much detail about our process as you’re interested to know.
But, we send frequent updates during the build so you feel like you're right there each step of the way. And we are happy to share as much detail about our process as you’re interested to know.
can you just do some work on my van? Can you just do the wiring and cut holes?
Yes, we can add parts like windows, fans, electrical systems, extra seating.
Get in touch with what parts of the build you want us to handle for you, even if you want to provide your own materials, we’ll quote you on the cost of labor, our shop rate is $60/hr.
We are also dealers and installers of parts by Aluminess and RB Components with lots of great products like roof racks, ladders, brush guards, and light bars.
Get in touch with what parts of the build you want us to handle for you, even if you want to provide your own materials, we’ll quote you on the cost of labor, our shop rate is $60/hr.
We are also dealers and installers of parts by Aluminess and RB Components with lots of great products like roof racks, ladders, brush guards, and light bars.
What kind of insulation do you use?
Ah, the great debate on insulating your van!
You may have already invested countless hours on YouTube and blogs about this widely discussed topic. From a combination of sources, including my family construction business that has been building homes for 40 years, our own experiments with many products, and consultation with scientists at MIT (seriously, we have some smart friends), we install natural wool insulation, specifically from the good people at Havelock.
There are many reasons for this decision, all of which you can read about on the Havelock site where they have a whole page dedicated to wool insulation for vans and you can find Mango Vans listed as one of their official installers.
You may have already invested countless hours on YouTube and blogs about this widely discussed topic. From a combination of sources, including my family construction business that has been building homes for 40 years, our own experiments with many products, and consultation with scientists at MIT (seriously, we have some smart friends), we install natural wool insulation, specifically from the good people at Havelock.
There are many reasons for this decision, all of which you can read about on the Havelock site where they have a whole page dedicated to wool insulation for vans and you can find Mango Vans listed as one of their official installers.
How do I charge everything? How much power do I need?
We build our vans for the house power bank to be charged 3 ways, from the alternator while driving, shore power while parked, and solar.
Our Base Camp model includes a solar-powered lithium battery system.
But, of course, there are always upgrades available depending on your needs and budget. We work with ABYC certified electricians to design and install professional LiFePO4 power banks with the highest quality components available.
To determine how much power you need, check out this tool made by our friends at Parked In Paradise that should help you determine your daily power usage.
Our Base Camp model includes a solar-powered lithium battery system.
But, of course, there are always upgrades available depending on your needs and budget. We work with ABYC certified electricians to design and install professional LiFePO4 power banks with the highest quality components available.
To determine how much power you need, check out this tool made by our friends at Parked In Paradise that should help you determine your daily power usage.
Can I run air conditioning off batteries?
Yes, but you need a lot of batteries.
Our clients with air conditioning traditionally use their units while connected to shore power or a generator.
But, we’re working on a completely off-grid, renewable energy air conditioning system, stay tuned.
Our clients with air conditioning traditionally use their units while connected to shore power or a generator.
But, we’re working on a completely off-grid, renewable energy air conditioning system, stay tuned.
Can I hang out on the roof?
Yea! We love incorporating roof decks for a great spot to lounge, set up the lawn chairs, the tripod, and even additional sleeping area.
We’ve built several different style roof decks, ranging from materials like PVC composites to hardwoods like ipe, a lot like teak, sometimes referred to as “Brazilian Walnut”.
This video shows more of the hardwood ipe deck.
We are also a dealer and installer of the amazing products by Aluminess, their roof racks come in designs like the Double Loop, or baja style roof rack that comes with slatted floor or perforated aluminum.
We’ve built several different style roof decks, ranging from materials like PVC composites to hardwoods like ipe, a lot like teak, sometimes referred to as “Brazilian Walnut”.
This video shows more of the hardwood ipe deck.
We are also a dealer and installer of the amazing products by Aluminess, their roof racks come in designs like the Double Loop, or baja style roof rack that comes with slatted floor or perforated aluminum.
Can you make a desk and enough power to work on the road?
Yes, we’ve worked with folks like software engineers, graphic designers, photographers, freelance consultants, lots of jobs that allow you the freedom to live and work on the road that require some specific features to be productive.
We start every project spending a lot of time learning about your needs to create a customized design that works best for you.
We start every project spending a lot of time learning about your needs to create a customized design that works best for you.
Can I store wet and muddy gear in the back after romping around in the great outdoors?
Yes, we build these adventure vehicles to get used in all conditions.
We use durable, vinyl flooring in a variety of very nice designs to choose from, these are waterproof, lightweight, comfortable to walk on, and look great. You can easily sweep up dirt and sand to keep the space clean, and even hose down the interior after those extra muddy adventures.
We use durable, vinyl flooring in a variety of very nice designs to choose from, these are waterproof, lightweight, comfortable to walk on, and look great. You can easily sweep up dirt and sand to keep the space clean, and even hose down the interior after those extra muddy adventures.
Can you add a bathroom?
You may notice most of our builds use a portable toilet and outdoor shower. This is because our main goal at Mango Vans is building a product that is super efficient and minimalist, but still functional and comfortable.
From our personal experiences living in our own vans, it does not make sense to take up the space of a dedicated bathroom, with the additional cost of the build, and maintenance required to fill and empty holding tanks.
However, if you really want to take a shower in your van, we can of course make it happen.
From our personal experiences living in our own vans, it does not make sense to take up the space of a dedicated bathroom, with the additional cost of the build, and maintenance required to fill and empty holding tanks.
However, if you really want to take a shower in your van, we can of course make it happen.
What’s up with the hammocks?
We partner with Eno hammocks to include a double nest hammock in every van we build. This company shares our philosophy of being outdoors, responsible use of natural resources, quality materials, great product design, and building a brand that brings people joy.
We want a brightly colored hammock hanging in a cool camper van to be a distinctive, instantly recognizable feature that immediately tells you everything you need to know about Mango Vans.
We want a brightly colored hammock hanging in a cool camper van to be a distinctive, instantly recognizable feature that immediately tells you everything you need to know about Mango Vans.
What makes Mango Vans different?
Bright and open layouts, minimalist design, most affordable for professional quality craftsmanship and top industry parts installed.
Personalized experience, customization options, value, and handmade vs factory-assembled finish.
We get to know our clients, they call us for road trip tips and to share photos of their van journeys.
Few other shops offer the level of customization that’s built just for you.
Personalized experience, customization options, value, and handmade vs factory-assembled finish.
We get to know our clients, they call us for road trip tips and to share photos of their van journeys.
Few other shops offer the level of customization that’s built just for you.
How did you get into this business?
We first built our own camper van “Bertha” in 2016 to take a kiteboarding trip down the East coast from Cape Cod to Key West. Not knowing #vanlife was a thing, I used my skills from general contracting and boat building. We built a big box on the roof to store all the boards, which ended up becoming our first roof deck.
After an awesome trip, we put the van up for sale and were amazed by the big response it got. We decided to try building another to sell and kept growing from there!
After an awesome trip, we put the van up for sale and were amazed by the big response it got. We decided to try building another to sell and kept growing from there!
Why are you called Mango Vans?
We strive to be different from the other van builders, we like to keep it fun and light.
We started during mango season in the tropics, we came up with the logo of a mango van, and the rest is history.
We started during mango season in the tropics, we came up with the logo of a mango van, and the rest is history.
How much?
Pricing depends on many variables. We work hard to bring the most value in the industry. If you come to us with a fixed budget, we will work with you to help as much as possible.
We encourage you to reach out to other van builders for quotes to understand the rates in the market. The national average for the cost of a professional conversion is about $60,000 (not including the van).
Our average build is around $35,000 (not including the van), fully equipped to live in, with bed, kitchen sink and stove, swivel seats, storage, outdoor shower, and solar power. Then you can add upgrades like an awning, roof racks, air conditioning, paint job, etc.
We encourage you to reach out to other van builders for quotes to understand the rates in the market. The national average for the cost of a professional conversion is about $60,000 (not including the van).
Our average build is around $35,000 (not including the van), fully equipped to live in, with bed, kitchen sink and stove, swivel seats, storage, outdoor shower, and solar power. Then you can add upgrades like an awning, roof racks, air conditioning, paint job, etc.
I just want something simple, how much to just do the very basic?
We offer a Base Camp model with a fully insulated, framed and wired interior, with wood finish, roof fans, and solar-powered lithium battery bank for $10,000 (not including the van). You can then add on upgrades from there. It’s a pretty amazing value, we’re proud to make #vanlife more accessible to everyone by offering so many flexible options in the designs we build, and by offering financing, we want to get you out there in your own van.
Why is it expensive to build a camper van?
Having a cargo van transformed into a custom built, comfortable and functional living space by a business in this specialized industry is labor intensive, requires specialized skills and tools, and a lot of space.
Professional van conversion is essentially all the labor of building a tiny house, with all the framing, insulation, wiring, HVAC, finished interior, trim, cabinetry, furniture, plus an off-grid power station. Then, it all has to fit in an oddly-shaped metal box and withstand an earthquake everyday.
Professional van conversion is essentially all the labor of building a tiny house, with all the framing, insulation, wiring, HVAC, finished interior, trim, cabinetry, furniture, plus an off-grid power station. Then, it all has to fit in an oddly-shaped metal box and withstand an earthquake everyday.
Do you offer financing? Can I pay in installments?
Yes, we offer financing! First we should talk about your project, then you can apply here to get a quote.
How long does it take?
Once we’ve discussed the details of your project and you hire us to build your van, we accept a deposit to begin the design.
After we agree on the final design of layout, materials and parts, then get everything in the shop, a standard build takes about 6 weeks.
We have a waiting list of clients who have secured their deposit, but some projects are booked further out, so the wait time can vary based on how soon you want the van completed and when you can get it to us.
After we agree on the final design of layout, materials and parts, then get everything in the shop, a standard build takes about 6 weeks.
We have a waiting list of clients who have secured their deposit, but some projects are booked further out, so the wait time can vary based on how soon you want the van completed and when you can get it to us.
What if I change my mind and want to add things after you start?
We realize there are so many options of features and layouts. This is why we take our time with you during the design phase to minimize change orders. But, you still may decide you actually do want that extra window or an awning. Just get in touch as soon as you can and we will let you know how that will affect the schedule and cost, then we modify the contract with those changes.
Will #vanlife automatically solve all my problems?
No. We provide a service that makes it easier for you to do fun stuff like camping, hiking, working remotely, visiting family, and exploring the world.
Owning a camper van will not instantly make your life awesome, but it helps.
Owning a camper van will not instantly make your life awesome, but it helps.
How do we get started?
Now that we’ve hopefully answered most of your questions, if you’re ready to talk, please get in touch, fill out this form, include your phone number and tell us some more about what you’re looking for. Once we have discussed your project and all agree on a design and budget, we start building your very own van!