Our Process
Start
01
Initial Consultation
Every build begins with a conversation. We take time to understand how you live, travel, and plan to use your van, both now and over time. During this call or in-person meeting, we walk through our build options, discuss layouts and features, and provide clear, experience-based guidance to help you determine the right path forward.
This step is about alignment, clarity, and setting realistic expectations from the start.
02
Commitment & Scheduling
Once we’ve aligned on a direction, we secure your place in our build calendar. At this stage, we confirm your build type, estimated timeline, and budget range.
If you already have a van, we review it to ensure it meets build requirements. If not, we can assist with vehicle sourcing to ensure the platform is a good fit for the intended build.
03
Design Finalization
With your build slot secured, we move into final design. Layout, materials, finishes, and system choices are confirmed and documented before the build begins. This upfront resolution allows the project to move forward smoothly and minimizes changes once construction is underway.
Our goal is to make decisions early so execution can remain focused and uninterrupted.
04
Build Phase
Your van is built entirely in-house over approximately 10–12 weeks. Work is done at a controlled pace, with hands-on attention throughout the process and no overlap with more than one other build.
We blend CNC precision with experienced craftsmanship – using technology where it improves accuracy, human skill to ensure intelligent design.
We provide progress updates along the way. Some clients enjoy seeing the build take shape through photos, while others prefer to save the experience for pickup day. We’re happy to accommodate either.
05
Delivery & Orientation
When your van is complete, you’re invited to pick it up at our Salt Lake City shop, located about 15 minutes from the airport. We’ll walk through every system, feature, and detail, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident before heading out.
If in-person pickup isn’t possible, delivery can be arranged for an additional fee, along with a detailed video walkthrough.
06
Final Details & Support
Before delivery, final pricing is confirmed and any approved upgrades or adjustments are completed. We provide clear documentation and ongoing support as you transition into life with your van.
Our relationship doesn’t end at handoff. We’re available to answer questions and support you as you begin using the van in real conditions.
Core Features
Each of our vans is built for life on the road — with smart electrical systems, quality materials, and real-world functionality guiding every decision. Whether you choose a spec build or a fully custom layout, you’ll find these core elements at the heart of every Vertical Van.
Power & Off-Grid Systems
Our vans are designed to support real daily use without constant oversight. A thoughtfully sized electrical system includes approximately 500 watts of roof-mounted solar, appropriate lithium battery storage, and multiple charging sources. The system is designed to comfortably handle workdays, cooking, and downtime, with intuitive monitoring that keeps everything simple and reliable while off-grid.
Kitchen and Cooking
Each build features a clean, functional kitchen designed for daily use, not just occasional meals. An induction cooktop provides efficient, reliable cooking without propane, paired with a durable work surface and a layout that supports real food prep.
The kitchen sink is supplied with hot water, making everyday tasks simple and comfortable. Integrated storage, including a pull-out spice rack, keeps cookware, dry goods, and essentials organized and within easy reach, so cooking feels intuitive rather than cramped.
Materials and Finishes
We prioritize durable, long-lasting materials that age well over time. Cabinetry is hand-crafted with an emphasis on strength, fit, and finish. Materials are chosen to feel refined and timeless, creating an interior that remains calm, functional, and cohesive through years of use.
Bathroom & Water Systems
Each van is equipped with a pull-out toilet that stays discreetly stored when not in use while remaining easy to access when needed. Hot water is available for daily routines, and a garage-mounted shower provides a practical solution for rinsing off after climbing, biking, or time on the road.
The gray water system is designed for straightforward access and easy dumping, reducing friction during travel and extended use. Everything is laid out to be simple, functional, and easy to live with over time.
Sleep and Storage
The sleeping area is designed as a true place to rest, not an afterthought or daily chore of making the bed. The bed platform includes integrated reading lights with adjustable lighting options, allowing you to wind down or read without lighting the entire space.
Flares (fiberglass bump outs) are incorporated to create additional width, making it possible to sleep straight with your legs fully extended rather than at an angle. This added space improves comfort night after night, especially for full-time or long-term use.
Storage around the bed is designed to support daily routines, keeping essentials within reach without crowding the space. Everything is placed with intention, so the bedroom feels calm, functional, and comfortable over time.
Add-Ons and Specialty Gear
Additional options allow each van to be tailored further, whether that includes specialized storage, upgraded systems, or exterior accessories. These additions are integrated thoughtfully into the build rather than treated as afterthoughts, ensuring they feel seamless and intentional.
What to Expect
Personalized Consultation
Every build starts with a deep dive into your needs, lifestyle, and travel goals — so your van reflects how you actually live on the road.
Expert Guidance
We bring years of experience (and real-world van life) to help you make smart, informed decisions about layouts, features, and materials.
Transparent Pricing
No surprises. We walk you through every cost up front — from base package to custom upgrades — so you know exactly what to expect.
Fully-In-House Builds
From design to final install, everything is handcrafted under one roof by our skilled team. No outsourcing, ever.
Ongoing Updates
Stay connected to your build with regular progress updates, photos, and check-ins as your van takes shape.
Seamless Delivery
Pick up your completed van in Salt Lake City with a full walkthrough, final photos, and a smooth hand-off — ready for the road ahead.
When I envisioned having a van, I never imagined that it would be so nice. Billy’s attention to detail and eye for design blends well with his engineering background.
Billy and his team made the overall process and customization easy, he always made time to help me figure out colors, materials, or how my personal lifestyle/usage translates into decisions for my solar and battery needs.
You can tell he really thinks through and tests the systems and designs that he implements. Everything from power-saving measures such as a way to turn the Starlink off when I don’t need it, to the location of outlets, batteries, and van storage, to the elegance of the kitchen water system.
Vertical Vans are as functional as they are beautiful.
If you’re looking to get a van built out, I can’t recommend Vertical Vans enough.
Built Around You
Every layout, feature, and finish is crafted to match your lifestyle — whether you live full-time on the road or escape on weekends. Your van, your way.
Proven Craftsmanship
We obsess over the details — from joinery to wiring. Every van is backed by our workmanship guarantee and built to last wherever the road leads.
Small Batch
We build each van with care and focus—no assembly lines here. Every build is crafted start to finish by our expert team, ensuring lasting quality, rock-solid reliability, and the kind of attention to detail your adventures deserve.
