Mango Vans Build Process
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EXPLORE
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Read our FAQs, watch our YouTube videos, check out our Instagram and Facebook pages, and view our available layouts and pricing options. If we sound like a good fit, full out a contact form here to discuss your project.
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DEPOSIT
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Once we’ve discussed a general design, budget, and timeline, if we’re all on the same page, you put down a $5K deposit to get on our waiting list and begin creating your design!
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DESIGN
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Select one of our layout configurations for your bed, kitchen, bathroom, storage, and electrical system. You can add lots of extra features like windows, awning, roof rack, heater and air conditioning. Once we determine the final design and budget, sign a contract and pay your first installment.
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BUILD
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Your van gets dropped off or delivered to the shop, and we get started. Quality craftsmanship doesn’t rush, expect 2-3 months for a full buildout.
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ADVENTURE
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It’s finally here! Come pick up your van, full tour of how everything works, user manuals, warranties, pay final installment and you’re on the road!
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Mango Vans FAQ
CAN YOU BUILD A CUSTOM DESIGN?
Every build is custom, ranging from 20K for some basics to 100K and up for all the comforts of home and more, our average conversion cost is 65K for parts and labor, prices don’t include the van. We offer a few fully custom designs on occasion, pricing is completely different for full custom. Learn more about our available packages.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED, WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?
Our shop is in Miami, Florida, by appointment only.
WHAT KIND OF VANS DO YOU WORK ON?
DO YOU ONLY BUILD CERTAIN MODELS OF VANS, DO YOU BUILD OTHER STUFF?
HOW DOES IT WORK, DO I BRING YOU THE VAN OR THE VAN IS INCLUDED?
We work primarily with ProMaster, Sprinter and Transit. You bring us your own van, or have it delivered to the shop. We can work with a local dealer to find you a ProMaster. We are not building out skoolies, trailers, minivans, etc. at this time.
HOW LONG IS YOUR WAITING LIST?
Typically, we can get your van in the shop 2-3 months from placing a deposit. A build usually takes 6-8 weeks.
CAN YOU JUST DO SOME WORK ON MY VAN?
CAN YOU JUST DO THE WIRING AND CUT HOLES?
We focus on full custom build outs, but try to fit in small jobs whenever possible. We install windows, air conditioners, roof racks, bike racks, and electrical systems. Shop rate $150/hr.
For quality control we only install components we provide from our product partners. We are dealers and installers of roof racks and ladders by Aluminess. Windows by AM Auto. Electrical components by Battle Born Batteries and Victron Energy. Bike racks by Rocky Mounts, 12V rooftop air conditioners by Nomadic Cooling.
WHAT KIND OF INSULATION DO YOU USE?
We install natural wool insulation. 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.
To learn more about this and other materials we use in our builds please watch this video.
​CAN I RUN AIR CONDITIONING OFF BATTERIES?
Yes, we are dealers for 120V units like Houghton, and 12V rooftop air conditioners like Nomadic and Mabru, we recommend using with at least 300Ah lithium battery bank.
CAN I HANG OUT ON THE ROOF?
Yes, we really like building roof decks for a great spot to lounge, set up the lawn chairs, the tripod, and even additional sleeping area. This video shows a rooftop deck we built from sustainably-sourced hardwood. We are also a dealer and installer of Aluminess, their roof racks come in designs like the Double Loop, or baja style roof rack that comes with slatted floor or perforated aluminum.
HOW MUCH?
Our average build is around $65K not including the van, equipped with bedroom, plumbing, off-grid lithium power supply, marine-grade interior, and tons of upgrades like awning, roof racks, air conditioning, windows, etc.
CAN YOU BUILD A MOBILE OFFICE?
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.
CAN YOU ADD A BATHROOM AND SHOWER?
Yes we have designed our own Mango Shower, a great space-saving feature- a kitchen cabinet with a counter that flips up to reveal a space for a portable toilet and removable shower curtain. We do not install black water tanks.
WHAT MAKES MANGO VANS DIFFERENT?
We strive to create our own distinctive, instantly recognizable designs of bright and open layouts with clean lines that are comfortably minimalist. We offer a balance in cost and quality of our craftsmanship and parts used providing a great value.
WHAT IS YOUR WARRANTY?
We take pride in the quality of our work and stand behind it with a one year workmanship warranty. If something we built isn't working right, we will address it as soon as possible at our shop.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS?
We have been world travelers and outdoor adventurers for years. Mat made his first overland journey in 2003 summiting the highest peak of every country in Central America driving through the highlands in an old “chicken bus”.
We built our first camper van “Bertha” years ago for a kiteboarding trip down the East coast from Cape Cod to Key West. After an awesome trip, we put the van up for sale and were amazed by the big response it got. It kept growing from there!
WHY ARE YOU CALLED MANGO VANS?
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.