A van conversion quote isn’t just a price — it’s the spec, the timeline, what’s included, what’s excluded, and what you’ll be held to if something goes wrong.
A lot of problems start because the quote is vague. Two converters might both say “Full camper conversion – £18,000”, but one includes a proper electrical system with named components and the other is basically a leisure battery and a couple of USB sockets.
This guide shows what a good quote looks like in the UK, what to insist on in writing, and a few simple examples you can use to compare quotes fairly.
Quick takeaway (read this first)
A good quote should clearly show:
The exact layout and build items (not “conversion package”)
Named components for key systems (especially electrics/heating/roof)
What’s included vs optional extras
Lead time + build duration
Payment stages and what triggers each payment
Warranty / aftercare in plain English
If it doesn’t, ask for the quote to b1) The basics every quote must have
Business details
Legal business name (Ltd/sole trader) and contact details
Quote date + quote reference number (helps later)
VAT status (is VAT included or not?)
Red flag: invoice name doesn’t match the bank account name.
Your vehicle details
Van make/model/year
SWB/LWB, roof height, tailgate/barn doors (if relevant)
Any existing work already done (windows, wiring, seats, etc.)
2) Scope: what is actually included
A good quote lists work in sections, for example:
A) Layout & furniture
Bed type (rock’n’roll / fixed)
Cabinet materials and finish
Flooring type
Upholstery included (yes/no) and what it covers
Ask for clarity on: number of cupboards, storage type, table, overhead lockers, etc.
B) Insulation & lining
Insulation type (and where)
Vapour barrier (yes/no)
Ply/lining material
Red flag: “Fully insulated” with no details.
C) Windows, vents and roof (if applicable)
Which windows (side/rear) and type (fixed/sliding)
Roof vent/fan model if included
Pop-top brand/model if included (this is a big cost driver)
3) Electrics: the quote must be specific (this is where vague quotes hide)
Electrics should never be written as “Full electrical system”.
A good quote includes:
Battery type + capacity (AGM/Lithium, Ah)
Charging method(s):
DC-DC charger (brand/model)
Solar (panel wattage + controller brand/model)
Mains charger (brand/model)
Fusing/protection:
what fuse type (MIDI/MEGA etc.) and rough ratings
What circuits you’ll get:
lights, USBs, 12V sockets, fridge feed, heater feed, etc.
If 230V is included:
inverter brand/model (if any)
sockets and RCD protection
Green flag: they name components (Victron/CTEK/Votronic etc.) and explain why.
Red flag: “Split charge system included” with no mention of DC-DC (important on modern vans).
4) Heating, gas, water: clarity matters
Diesel heater
Quote should state:
heater make/model and output (e.g., 2kW vs 5kW)
install location
intake/exhaust routing approach
what controller is included
Gas (if used)
bottle location and ventilation
regulator type
whether a gas test/cert is provided (if they do it)
Water
tank sizes (fresh + waste)
pump type
where the fill/drain points are
Red flag: “Plumbing included” with no tank sizes or pump info.
5) “Included vs optional extras” should be obvious
A professional quote makes it easy to see what you’re paying for.
It should include:
A clear base spec
A list of optional upgrades with prices
A list of exclusions (“Not included”)
Examples of common exclusions people miss:
carpet lining
pop-top bed boards
swivel seats
electrics upgrades (lithium/solar/inverter)
diesel heater
extra windows
upholstery upgrades
6) Timeline: lead time vs build time (people confuse these)
A quote should state both:
Lead time: how long until they can start (your slot)
Build time: how long the work takes once started
Example (good):
“Lead time: approx 12–16 weeks. Build time: 4–6 weeks depending on parts availability.”
Red flag: no dates, no estimate, or vague promises.
7) Payments: stage payments are safer than one big deposit
A good quote should show:
Deposit amount and when it’s due
Stage payments tied to milestones
Final payment terms (e.g., on completion / after snagging)
Safer milestone examples:
Deposit to reserve slot
Stage payment when materials ordered
Stage payment when build starts
Final payment after handover/snags
Red flag: huge deposit with no milestones.
8) Warranty / aftercare: get it written down
Good quotes mention:
workmanship warranty length
what’s covered and what isn’t
how issues are reported and fixed
Green flag: they have a written process for aftercare.e rewritten before you pay a deposit.
Quote examples (so you can compare “apples to apples”)
Example A: Too vague (warning)
“Full conversion package – £18,500
Includes insulation, electrics, furniture, lighting, bed and storage.
Deposit £5,000. Lead time TBC.”
Why it’s a problem: nothing is measurable, nothing is named, and “TBC” is how delays happen.
Example B: Good (what you want)
“Weekend camper conversion – £14,950 (incl VAT)
Includes: insulation + ply lining, floor, rock’n’roll bed, basic kitchen unit, lighting.
Electrics: 110Ah AGM battery, DC-DC charger (brand/model), mains charger (brand/model), fused distribution board, 4 LED lights, 4 USB points.
Lead time: 10–12 weeks. Build time: 3–4 weeks.
Payments: £750 holding deposit → 30% at start → balance on completion.
Warranty: 12 months workmanship + manufacturer warranties.”
Why it’s good: named kit, defined scope, timeline, payment structure.
Example C: Premium with options (best for comparing quotes)
“Full camper conversion – £23,900 (incl VAT)
Base spec includes: insulation (type), ply lining, carpet lining (colour), RnR bed, cabinets (material), flooring, windows (x2), roof vent (model).
Electrics base: 200Ah lithium (brand), DC-DC (brand/model), 300W solar + MPPT (brand/model), 30A mains charger (brand/model), 1000W inverter (brand/model), 2x 230V sockets, RCD protection.
Optional extras: pop-top (brand/model) +£X, diesel heater (brand/model) +£X, extra window +£X.
Lead time: 16–20 weeks. Build time: 6–8 weeks.
Payments: 10% booking → 30% at start → 30% mid-build → balance at handover.”
Why it’s great: base spec vs upgrades is clear, perfect for comparing multiple quotes.
How to compare two quotes properly (simple checklist)
Before you compare prices, make sure both quotes include:
Same bed type and upholstery scope
Same window count/types
Same heater (or both none)
Same battery type + charging methods
Same lining finish (ply vs carpet etc.)
Same “extras” included
If one quote is missing key items, it may look cheaper but isn’t comparable.
FAQ
Should a quote list brands/models?
For major systems, yes. Especially electrics (battery, chargers, solar controller), heaters, pop-tops, fridges, and inverters. If a converter won’t name components, ask why.
Is it normal for a quote to change?
It can change if you change the spec, or if you discover issues with the van (rust, wiring faults, hidden damage). But a good converter should explain clearly what can change and how it will be priced.
Should I pay a deposit without a proper quote?
No. Get the spec and payment schedule in writing first.
Next step
Before you pay anything, use this guide as a checklist and ask for a revised quote if anything is vague.
If you’re still choosing who to approach, start here: