CUSTOM RV PRICING & OTHER INFO



PRICING





A Similar or Lower Cost as Mass-Market RV's



For around the price of a new mass-market Mercedes Sprinter RV, you can have a custom-designed, VOC-free Mercedes Sprinter van RV built to fit your specific needs.


Not including the vehicle itself which you'll provide, a conversion of a cargo van, bus, box truck, or cargo trailer into a complete RV starts at about $90k. The average price is $125k . To start your design and reserve your spot in our build schedule, purchase the a design package here.


Interior remodels of fairly new RV's can be as low as $40k when the infrastructure can be reused. We can turn an existing toxic RV into one with much healthier materials.


To quote a new RV conversion project, we start by working closely with you to complete a design just as we would for a custom home (yes, we're also building architects). For a typical van conversion, we start with space planning and interior elevations for $2,199. Once this phase is complete, we'll know the size and type of the vehicle needed. Next we provide more detailed pricing drawings and product specifications for an additional $2,199. You'll own this information and have products links for the 150+ products quoted even if you decide not to have us complete the build-out for you. Then we provide an accurate build quote and completion timeframe.




financing





Yes, You Can Finance Your Custom RV Build



We do not offer in-house financing, but you can finance much of the cost of your conversion on a new Sprinter van or box truck through a Mercedes dealership, and we can refer you to a dealer that has made the process quick and easy.


We’ve also teamed up with LightStream to offer low-interest financing. LightStream has an easy online application process, and provides a quick response during business hours. This is a confidential process between you and LightStream. For more information or to apply here.


You can also refinance your van conversion with an RV loan after the work is complete and it's been reclassified as an RV with the DMV. RV loans have much longer terms than car loans which means much lower monthly payments.





lead time & delivery





Comparatively Quick Turnaround Time, Delivered Nationwide



The timeframe to complete a custom RV depends on our current workload, so please contact us to inquire as to our current lead time. A typical timeframe is a completion date of about 8 months from the start of design where as most RV builders have a 12 to 18 month wait time.


Once your vehicle is complete, we will deliver it anywhere within the continental U.S. and pick-up it up at the start of your project for $1.50/mile from Santa Barbara, CA, and sometimes less depending on our workload. We work with Mercedes Sprinter dealers near us who can deliver your new van to our shop.



safety





Safety is our Number 1 Priority



Safety is our number one priority. Our upper cabinets have a super strong welded steel frame bolted to the vehicle's structural ribs. As far as we know, no other company does this. Our lower cabinets are also bolted through the vehicle's floor as well as the vehicle walls' structural ribs with steel brackets and high sheer-strength bolts. All our cabinetry is crafted in-house with high-strength wood, biscuits, screws, and glue. We use strong wood for millwork throughout....no particle board here!


Most van builders aren't knowledgeable about RV life-safety codes. As building architects, we know codes! Our build-outs adhere to the following standards adopted by the RV Industry Association for the construction of RVs:


2018 edition - NFPA 1192 Standard for RVs Plumbing, Propane and Fire & Life Safety

2018 edition – ANSI/RVIA LV Standard 12 Volt Electrical System

2015 ANSI A119.5 PMRV Standard Plumbing, Propane, Fire & Life Safety, Construction

2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) 120V Electrical Systems (Art 551 RV, Art 552 PMRV)

2018 edition - ANSI/RVIA LV Standard Low Voltage Electrical Systems

2018 edition - ANSI/RVIA EGS-1 Engine Generator Sets for RV Safety Requirements

2014 ANSI/RVIA UPA-1 Uniform Plan Approval for RVs



healthy materiALS





The ONLY chemical-free RV



Most RV's are full of toxic chemicals which is often obvious by the smell inside. Being small enclosed spaces, toxic materials are even more detrimental to your health than in a building. We only use healthy products such as formaldehyde-free wood and flooring, VOC-free paints, stains, and adhesives, organic sheep's wool insulation, organic latex mattresses and cushions.



reclassifying yOUR VAN AS AN RV





Reclassify with the DMV for Insurance & Warranty Purposes



If we're converting a cargo vehicle into an RV, you'll want to reclassify your vehicle as an RV so that it can be insured and warrantied as an RV. RV insurance is typically less expensive than cargo vehicle insurance, and the new value of your vehicle will be covered. You'll need to file some paperwork with the DMV once your conversion is completed. Each state has different procedures. In California, the DMV requires an original copy of the the Title, our quote and invoices showing that the conversion qualifies as an RV along with DMV form 256A. If there's a lender on the vehicle, you'll provide our quote and invoices to the lender, and they'll send the title to the DMV where you can finalize the process.


Because your RV is meant for travel, and it's unlikely you'll be near our shop if a repair is needed, we highly recommend you purchase a warranty which you can do after your vehicle is reclassified. We can refer you to a wholesale warranty company that is very affordable. We only warranty our work for three months after completion since it's unlikely you'll be near our shop if you have any issues. RV warranties also cover the base vehicle itself which is a huge plus. If you're out in the boonies, they'll send a mobile tech to wherever you are.



RV INTERIOR DESIGN





Design & Product Specifications for RV Manufacturers & Individuals



We provide design and product specification services to other RV manufacturers as well as individuals. If you're an RV manufacturer interested in designing a line of non-toxic RV's and would like prototype designs, you've come to the right place. We want ALL RV's to be healthy, not just the ones we build. If you're an individual who would like to use your local RV builder near you, and want drawings and specifications for a beautiful, healthy, durable, and safe RV for your builder to follow, give us a call.






Visit our sister company, Zen Spaces, to create a space which supports health & wellness through science-based interior design



Copyright 2020. All Rights Reserved.

Elisa Garcia Architects Inc. and Zen Den Soulstream Inc.