Real numbers

The Real Cost

Every major purchase I tracked while turning the empty Transit into Forest Queen Van.

Total Build Cost
$30,500
28 line items • 4 years of purchases
💵
💸
🛠️
$30,500
DIY Build Cost
🏭
$60k - $120k
Professional Conversion
💰
$30k+ Saved
By building yourself

Category Breakdown

Where the money went

Structural

18.0% of total build
$5,500

Electrical

23.6% of total build
$7,200

HVAC

14.8% of total build
$4,500

Plumbing

5.9% of total build
$1,800

Propane

3.9% of total build
$1,200

Decor & Interior

22.0% of total build
$6,700

Storage

2.6% of total build
$800

Sewage

4.3% of total build
$1,300

IT & Connectivity

4.9% of total build
$1,500

Every Line Item

All 28 purchases

Structural

T-slotted aluminum framing, carriage bolts, angle brackets

80/20 aluminum extrusion system - the foundation of the entire build

$5,500
18.03%
Electrical

Lithium Ion Batteries x 4

Battle Born 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries

$4,000
13.11%
Decor

Wood Paneling

Birch plywood for walls and ceiling

$3,000
9.84%
Decor

Wooden Slats and Integrated Lights

Signature poplar slat ceiling with 10 puck lights

$2,000
6.56%
HVAC

CRLawrence T vent windows

Multiple windows for ventilation and natural light

$1,400
4.59%
Electrical

Victron Multiplus 3000 Inverter

3000W inverter/charger with automatic transfer switch

$1,300
4.26%
HVAC

Webasto Propane Heater and Control

Primary heating system with thermostat

$1,300
4.26%
HVAC

Dometic Fridge 95

95L 12V compressor fridge

$1,300
4.26%
Sewage

Nature's Head Composting Toilet

Composting toilet system

$1,300
4.26%
Electrical

Solar Panels

3 x 175W panels, 525W total solar array

$1,000
3.28%
Propane

Dometic Propane Range/Oven

3-burner cooktop with oven

$1,000
3.28%
Decor

Swivel Seats

Front seat swivels for interior living space

$1,000
3.28%
Storage

Upper Cabinets (Titan DIY)

Overhead cabinet storage system

$800
2.62%
Electrical

Victron MPPT Solar Controller

MPPT charge controller for optimal solar efficiency

$700
2.30%
IT

Starlink Satellite and Modem

Satellite internet for remote work

$600
1.97%
IT

Netgear 5G Modem and Antenna

Cellular 5G connectivity

$600
1.97%
HVAC

Maxxair Fan

Roof-mounted ventilation fan with rain sensor

$500
1.64%
Plumbing

Water Tank - 27 gallon

Food-grade fresh water storage

$500
1.64%
Plumbing

Plumbing hardware (pump, accumulator, pipes, valves)

Complete water distribution system

$500
1.64%
Plumbing

Water Heater - Bosch 8-gallon tank + Bosch 1-gallon tank

Bosch tank water heaters

$400
1.31%
Plumbing

Ruvati Stainless Steel Sink + Kohler Faucet

Kitchen sink with high-end Kohler faucet

$400
1.31%
Decor

Fabric Upholstery

Tweed fabric beneath slats

$300
0.98%
IT

Weboost Signal Booster

Cell signal amplifier

$300
0.98%
Electrical

Heated Floor

Electric floor heating pad for cold weather

$200
0.66%
Decor

Tile Peel and Stick Backsplash

Kitchen backsplash

$200
0.66%
Decor

Floor Vinyl

Vinyl plank flooring for walkway

$200
0.66%
Propane

Horizontal Propane Tank

Mounted propane storage

$100
0.33%
Propane

Propane Hardware

Regulators, lines, valves, safety equipment

$100
0.33%

Spending Timeline

When the money was spent

June 2020
Windows
$1,400
September 2020
80/20 Framing
$5,500
May 2021
Wood Paneling
$3,000
July 2021
Plumbing System, Air Conditioning
$1,800
August 2021
Solar Panels, Roof Components
$1,700
September 2021
Propane System, Slats & Lights
$3,200
March 2022
Upper Cabinets
$800
July 2022
Batteries, Inverter, Floor System
$6,800
April 2024
Butcher Block Extension, Final Touches
$500
💡

Money Lessons

📈 Would Spend More
  • •Better floor insulation (spray foam upgrade)
  • •Professional electrical inspection for peace of mind
📉 Would Spend Less
  • •Bought too much 80/20 aluminum (overestimated needs)
  • •Ordered excess poplar for slats (204 sq ft, needed ~100 sq ft)

Ready to Start Your Build?

Use this breakdown to plan your own van conversion budget

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