Converting our Metris into a camper cost us just over $5,000. We primarily worked on the van on weekends and weekday evenings, as both of us were working full-time. Within about 2 months of starting the project, we went on our first trip in the van. At this point, the van had the bare essentials: a bed, insulation, and heat.
After about 5 months, the van was essentially complete – storage compartments, walls, and running water. All that remained were the finishing touches: building the storage racks, lining the drawers, staining the walls etc. We finished these smaller projects at a fairly leisurely pace, enjoying the lack of pressure and the natural flow of creativity. Eight months in, and our to-do list had all but disappeared.
Cost breakdown
| Cost | Product |
|---|---|
| $820 | Propex HS2000 heater |
| $700 | Swivel seat adapters |
| $600 | Building materials (wood, hardware, etc.) |
| $350 | Roof rack cross bars |
| $339 | CTEK battery chargers |
| $325 | Bike rack drawer slides |
| $322 | Wool Insulation |
| $223 | Renogy 100 Ah Battery |
| $215 | Maxxair fan |
| $320 | Water System |
| $130 | Cedar wall paneling |
| $100 | Igloo Fridge |
| $64 | Noico sound deadening mats |
| $40 | Automotive carpet |
| $38 | Fuse block |
| $36 | Water sprayer & hose |
| $28 | Plastic drawer liner material |
| $26 | Lights |
| $20 | Propane hose & gauge |
| $700-ish | Misc |
| $5,340 | Approximate Total Cost |