I thought my van build would cost around $3,000. The reality? After mistakes, re-dos, and unexpected upgrades, the final cost was closer to $9,000.
In this video, I break down the real cost of my DIY van build — from solar panels and wiring to storage mistakes, appliances, and all the “little extras” that quietly blew out the budget. You’ll see the struggles, the near fails, and the wins that actually made vanlife worth it.
If you’re planning your own van build, this breakdown shows exactly where the money really goes, which mistakes to avoid, and what I’d do differently if I started again today.
💡 What you’ll learn:
How much a DIY van build actually costs in 2025
The mistakes that cost me thousands
The budget hacks and cheap wins that saved my sanity
What’s worth spending on — and what isn’t
For me, $9,000 wasn’t wasted. It was tuition. Every mistake taught me how to build a van that fits my life. Hopefully, you can take these lessons without paying the same price.
🎮 Yes, I game and edit videos from my van!
🔗 GEAR I ACTUALLY USE (Affiliate Links)
🧊 Kings 110L Upright Fridge – https://geni.us/j4AXx
🛏️ Double Mattress – https://geni.us/nTz5b
🌬️ EcoFlow Wave 2 – https://geni.us/4Clb3is
🚽 Seaflo 4.8 Gallon Toilet – https://geni.us/Ninqv
🎮 ASUS ROG Ally X – https://geni.us/SS50CvX
🔋 Victron 100/50 MPPT – https://geni.us/MIqcb
⚡ Victron SmartSolar MPPT 12/24/100 – https://geni.us/yl0yeA
🔌 Victron SmartShunt 500A – https://geni.us/B3BPQLs
💨 Gaiatop Fan – https://geni.us/Uf1CMUB
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🔗Links & Gear
https://linktr.ee/ashlywixks
🚐 This Week in the Van
https://shorturl.at/E7CAv
🔥 Camp Cook-Ups
https://shorturl.at/4RllH
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