DIY Van Conversion vs Class B RV: The Real Cost of Freedom

Campeur ProMaster DIY vs VR Classe B : Guide #1 des coûts

March 17, 2026

If you’ve been dreaming about hitting the road in 2025, you’ve probably noticed two main paths to vanlife:

Buying a brand-new Class B RV, or

Converting your own camper with a DIY van conversion with options like the RAM ProMaster camper conversion kit by Roadloft.

Both will get you adventure-ready — but the cost difference is staggering. Let’s take a look at what each option really costs, and why more and more travelers are choosing the Roadloft way.

The Price of a New Class B RV in 2025

Class B motorhomes come pre-built with every amenity — but that convenience comes at a steep price.

Typical listings this year:

Winnebago Travato (ProMaster chassis) — starting around $156,000 USD

Airstream Interstate 19 (Mercedes-Benz) — between $200,000 and $270,000 USD

Safari Condo (ProMaster or Sprinter chassis) — starting around $125,000 to $160,000 USD, depending on the model and configuration.

Even the most affordable Class B models typically exceed $120,000 USD before taxes, registration, or insurance — a serious investment that keeps many adventurers from ever making the leap.

Unlike fixed and expensive conversions that require weeks of work and thousands of dollars upfront, Roadloft’s ProMaster camper conversion kit offers a unique approach.

The Roadloft Advantage

Transforming a Ram ProMaster with the Roadloft Conversion Kit costs less than half the price of a new Class B RV — while offering the same comfort, freedom, and functionality.
You’ll save up to $200,000 USD, travel farther, and enjoy the flexibility to use your van your way — for weekends, long journeys, or everyday life.

The Roadloft Alternative: DIY Van Conversion

Instead of buying a motorhome, start with a Ram ProMaster cargo van and install a Roadloft ProMaster Conversion Kit — a modular, pre-finished system that transforms your van into a fully functional camper in just a few hours.

It includes:

A comfortable double bed with a high-density foam mattress

An integrated kitchen with pull-out drawers and a cutting board

Large, organized storage (up to 246 L)

A clip-assembly system easy to assemble and remove

An eco-friendly, lightweight, removable design

All at a fraction of the cost of a Class B RV.

Cost Comparison (USD)

Option	Estimated Total Cost	What’s Included
New Class B RV (e.g. Safari Condo)	$140,000 – $260,000	Factory build, fixed layout, higher maintenance
New ProMaster + Roadloft Kit	$55,000 – $75,000	New van (~$45,000 – $55,000) + Roadloft Kit + optional upgrades
Used ProMaster + Roadloft Kit	$35,000 – $55,000	Used van (~$25,000 – $40,000) + Roadloft Kit + optinal upgrades

That means you can save between $80,000 and $200,000 — enough to fund years of travel, upgrades, and adventures.

Optional Add-Ons (Choose Only What You Need)

Unlike factory-built RVs, you decide what goes into your setup:

Electrical system: battery, inverter, solar panels

Comfort: heater, Maxxfan, insulation, Rolef curtains

Accessories: fridge, awning, lighting, camping gear

No forced upgrades, no luxury bundles — just what fits your travel style and your budget.

Why the Roadloft ProMaster Kit Makes More Sense

Half the price, full freedom.
A fully functional, beautiful camper setup without the six-figure debt.
Simple and reliable.
No complex systems that require specialized maintenance — everything is designed for easy setup and servicing.
Eco-friendly design.
Flat-pack shipping and sustainable materials reduce both shipping costs and carbon footprint.
Modular flexibility.
Remove or reinstall your kit anytime. Your van stays versatile — a camper one weekend, a cargo van the next. Start with the DIY Van Conversion kit, improve your setup over time. It’s all about freedom.