Cool Custom Van Tips

Vans are among the most versatile of vehicles. A simple van can be a utilitarian workhorse--or a home away from home for traveling families. With the right upgrades, an ordinary van can be transformed into both a thing of beauty and a practical vehicle.

Create a Home Office

  • These days people are expected to be available no matter where they may be. If you have been itching to take a long vacation but worrying about taking so much time off work, you can enjoy the best of both worlds by turning your van into a rolling office. By installing a work table and desk chair that can be attached to the floor of the van, you can create your own office--and from there you can get your work done while you see the country.

Put Your Comfort First

  • One of the best things about owning a van is that it can be a very comfortable vehicle to drive--if you have the right amenities. The seats that come with most vans leave a lot to be desired, but it is easy to install your own captain's chairs in both the driver's and passenger's seats. Replacing the seats that came with your van with a more comfortable option will make the driving experience much more pleasant--especially if you plan to be on the road a lot.

Create Your Own Mini-RV

  • Many dream of hitting the open road in their own RV, but few of us have the money (from $50,000 to $100,000) to pay for a full-size RV. If you have a quality full-size van, you can create your own miniature version of those full-size RVs for a fraction of the price. By installing foldaway beds, benches, tables and other amenities designed for vans, you can create a comfortable sleeping environment for you and your family without breaking the bank.

Exterior Touches

  • While a focus on comfort is certainly important, van owners may also want to customize the exteriors of their vehicles. Special touches like chrome wheels, chrome bumper steps and spoilers can add a custom look to any van. Adding a sunroof can also make the van more appealing and more fun to drive.

Entertaining Options

  • Keeping the family entertained on those long road trips is always a challenge, but van owners can combat the boredom by building entertainment into their van designs. Adding a flip-down DVD player or video game console can keep even the most jaded teenagers entertained on the road.

    Adding a built-in cooler is an excellent way to keep everyone well fed on the road while helping the family save money. Instead of wasting money on the overpriced food at those roadside attractions, van owners can simply grab a sandwich and a couple of drinks from the cooler.