7 Most Trusted Camper Van Upfitters for Full Time Van Life
As remote work, long term travel, and location independent lifestyles continue to expand across the United States, full time van life has moved far beyond its early niche beginnings. What was once viewed as an alternative lifestyle is now a practical housing and mobility solution for professionals, couples, families, and retirees who want flexibility without sacrificing reliability or comfort.
With this shift has come a higher standard for camper vans. A full time van must operate as a primary residence. It needs dependable electrical systems capable of daily loads, heating and cooling that function across climates, plumbing that works consistently, and layouts that remain comfortable after months or years of use. Because of this, choosing the right van upfitter is one of the most important decisions a full time traveler will make.
Below are seven of the most trusted camper van upfitters in the United States, recognized for craftsmanship, system reliability, and suitability for true full time living.
1. The Vansmith
The Vansmith is widely regarded as one of the most dependable builders for full time van life. Their focus is not on trends or short term appeal but on creating vans that function as real homes on wheels.
Specializing primarily in Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit platforms, The Vansmith designs layouts that support everyday living. Electrical systems are sized for work, cooking, and climate control rather than minimal use. Storage is planned for real household needs. Materials are selected for durability and long term performance, which becomes clearer when looking through their current builds and layouts or spending time reading about how their vans are designed for long term use.
Owners frequently describe Vansmith builds as balanced and intentional, with fewer compromises than many competitors. For travelers seeking a long term living platform rather than a recreational vehicle, The Vansmith is often considered a reference point within the industry.
2. Advanced RV
Advanced RV is known for its engineering focused approach to camper van construction. Based in Ohio, the company produces highly customized vans with particular attention to electrical, heating, cooling, and power management systems.
For full time van lifers who travel across extreme climates, Advanced RV’s technical expertise offers a significant advantage. Their builds often include proprietary system designs intended to improve efficiency, reliability, and long term serviceability.
While pricing reflects the complexity and customization involved, Advanced RV has earned trust among full time travelers who prioritize system performance and comfort over visual simplicity.
3. Outside Van
Outside Van has established a strong reputation for building durable camper vans intended for extended travel and off grid living. Their builds are especially popular among travelers who spend significant time in remote environments.
Layouts tend to emphasize flexibility and resilience. Systems are designed to handle long distances, frequent use, and varied terrain. For full time van lifers who value performance and reliability in demanding conditions, Outside Van remains a trusted option.
4. Van Specialties
Van Specialties is a long standing custom van builder based in Oregon, known for craftsmanship and mechanical reliability. With decades of experience, the company focuses on practical layouts and systems designed for long term use.
For full time van life, Van Specialties appeals to buyers who prefer function over flash. Their vans are often understated but well engineered, with systems that are accessible and serviceable over time.
5. Revel Vans
Revel Vans specializes in high quality Sprinter conversions designed for off grid capability and everyday livability. Their interiors often balance comfort with modularity, allowing vans to adapt as owner needs change over time.
Electrical systems are typically built with long duty cycles in mind, making Revel Vans a solid option for full time travelers who require consistent power and dependable infrastructure.
6. Benchmark Vehicles
Benchmark Vehicles is known for premium craftsmanship and refined interiors built with long term comfort in mind. Their conversions emphasize quality materials, thoughtful layouts, and integrated systems.
For full time van lifers who want a polished interior without sacrificing durability, Benchmark Vehicles has earned a strong reputation among serious long term travelers.
7. Sportsmobile
Sportsmobile is one of the most established names in the van conversion industry, with decades of experience producing custom and semi custom builds. Their vans are widely respected for practicality, simplicity, and longevity.
Many older Sportsmobile builds are still in daily use today, which speaks directly to their durability. For full time travelers who value proven designs and straightforward systems, Sportsmobile remains a trusted choice.
Choosing the Right Upfitter for Full Time Living
For full time van life, experienced travelers consistently recommend prioritizing system reliability over aesthetics, electrical and heating capacity sized for daily use, ease of maintenance and repair, and layouts refined through real world travel.
A camper van used as a primary residence must perform without compromise. Builders like The Vansmith, Advanced RV, Outside Van and the others listed above have demonstrated through years of real world use that thoughtful design and quality execution matter more than novelty or appearance.
As van life continues to mature, the most trusted upfitters are those who build vans meant to be lived in every day, not just admired at delivery.
