9 Amazing Step Van Conversions for Van Life
Key takeaways
Considering a Step Van Conversion for Van Life?
With tons of interior space and affordable pricing, step vans are a good option.
But which step van is best? And what are the downsides of converting a step van?
In this post, we’ll find out.
9 Amazing Step Van Conversions
With square walls, plenty of overhead room, & tons of living space, step vans provide a good platform for designing a layout… but which is the best?
Here are 9 of the coolest step van conversions ever:
#9: Step Van Build with Shower, Large Fridge, and Custom Roof Rack
- Highlights: This DIY step van build has a large cozy bed in the back, and a small kitchenette complete with a full stove and oven, a sink, and a large 12 van fridge. The owners installed a custom roof rack on top for storage and to mount solar panels.
- Van: 1989 Grumman Olson Kurbmaster
- Owner: @_adventuregalley_
#8: No-Build Step Van Conversion with Custom Painted Exterior
- Highlights: This simple step van conversion has a couch that slides out into a bed, across from some desk space and a kitchen area with a sink. Simple plastic storage bins are used for organization throughout. The owner custom-painted the exterior of the van.
- Van: Chevrolet Step Van
- Owner: @tashtmblweed
#7: Professional Vintage Step Van Conversion
- Highlights: This 60’s Chevy milk truck has had a total makeover. Inside, it has storage cabinets, a crate fridge, and a versatile convertible bed. The kitchen slides out from under the bed at the rear, and comes with a sink, stove, and storage.
- Van: 1965 Chevrolet Step Van
- Owner: @captain.camper
#6: Two-Level Boho Step Van Conversion with Stained Glass Windows
- Highlights: This non-mobile tiny home bread truck conversion has two separate floors. The bottom is a living area with a couch, kitchen, and fireplace. The top floor has a bedroom. The whole van is decorated with gorgeous stained glass windows and a custom door.
- Van: Step Van
- Owner: @roadhomepdx (more photos at hipcamp.com)
#5: Step Van Build with Rear Bed, Couch, and Bathroom
- Highlights: This gorgeous DIY step van build has a rear bed below a skylight. In front of the bed are a couch and a slide-out table, across from the kitchen area. The front of the van build has a toilet and shower.
- Van: Tool Truck Step Van
- Owner: @_gypsyblood_
#4: Simple Step Van Build with Three Bed Modes and an Awning
- Highlights: This step van build has a creative three-mode bed system. It can be set up as a flat daybed, a couch, or a queen-sized bed. Across from the bed is some overhead cabinetry, and the front of the campervan has a small kitchenette. Outside, you’ll find a roll out van awning for more outdoor space.
- Van: 1990 Chevrolet P30
- Owner: @greenie_machine
#3: Bread Truck Conversion with Dinette and Aluminum-Walled Shower
- Highlights: This practical bread truck revamp has a one-wall kitchen with lots of cabinetry, a sink, and room for a camp stove. Across from the kitchenette is a small dinette or workspace. The gorgeous wet bath has aluminum walls and wood slats over the drain.
- Van: 1989 GMC P30
- Owner: @breadtrucker
#2: Step Van Camper with Rear Twin Bed and Hidden Toilet
- Highlights: This step van build has a small rear bed behind a booth and slide-out table. The front has a corner kitchen with counter space and a stovetop. One bench seat lifts up to reveal a toilet underneath.
- Van: 1990 GMC Gruman Olson Step Van
- Owner: @sylvansecrets
#1: Step Van with Huge Countertops and Hanging Bunk Bed
- Highlights: This gorgeous red and white step van is home to a single mother and her daughter. The rear has a lower bed below a hanging bunk bed. The kitchen area has tons of countertop space and a sink.
- Van: 1985 GMC Step Van
- Owner: @thewilderdiary
10 Reasons Why Vanlifers Like Step Vans
Step vans are unique, affordable, and spacious – but are they the best option for vanlife?
Here are 10 reasons why vanlifers like converting step vans:
- Inexpensive: Compared to box trucks and ambulances, used step vans are a bit less pricey. Most go for around $20,000, but you can find them for as low as $5,000.
- Reliable Engine: Step vans have pretty beefy engines that are designed to last a long time.
- Better Fuel Economy Than You’d Think: Compared to the size of the vehicle, the fuel economy of around 12-15 MPG isn’t all that bad.
- Room for all the Amenities you Need: Tons of interior room inside of a step van means that you’ll have room for a large bed, full kitchen, desk, couch, bathroom, plus whatever else you need.
- Ability to Tow: These strong engines mean you have the ability to tow. You can tow a smaller vehicle, or a trailer for extra storage.
- Great Vintage Options: There are a good amount of ‘60s Chevy P30 step vans on the market. You may need to rebuild the engine, but these older step vans look really cool.
- You can Stand up Inside: Step vans are designed so you can stand up inside. Unlike a smaller van, you won’t have to do any crouching.
- One-of-a-Kind: In a world full of Sprinters and Ford Transits, you can be sure that your converted step van will be completely unique.
- Custom Doors and Windows: Because you can easily sew into the side paneling of a step van, you can pretty much install any doors and windows you want.
- Usually Come Stripped: Unlike skoolie or ambulance conversions, a lot of step vans come totally empty inside, which means you won’t have to do much demo work before you start your build.
6 Reasons Why Vanlifers Dislike Step Van Conversions
As with every vehicle, there are downsides to converting a step van.
Here are 6 reasons why vanlifers dislike step vans:
- Slow: Step vans aren’t made for freeway driving, so don’t expect to consistently be able to drive over 60 MPG.
- Not Great for Long Distances: Step vans are designed for short trips around an urban area, going on long road trips can put a lot of wear and tear on the engines.
- Complicated to Insure: Explaining a step van conversion to your insurance company can be pretty complicated, though, it is possible.
- Difficult to Convert: Because there’s so much room inside, conversions can be pretty difficult. These aren’t ideal projects for first-time builders.
- Loud: Step vans can be super loud inside, especially at high speeds.
Older step vans have issues: Some step vans you’ll see on the market are from the ‘60s or ‘70s. Expect to do quite a bit of engine maintenance on older step vans. - May be Difficult to Repair: It can be difficult to find a mechanic that is super familiar with step van engines. Be prepared to do a good amount of DIY engine maintenance.
Cost, Dimensions, & Fuel Economy
Now that you know a little more about step vans, let’s see how they stack up against box trucks & ambulances.
Step Van Cost
Cost: Step Van vs Box Truck vs Ambulance
Model | New | Used | Price |
Step Van | $65,000 | $21,000 | Check Price |
Box Truck | $47,000 | $36,000 | Check Price |
Step Van Dimensions
Dimensions: Step Van vs Box Truck vs Ambulance
Model | Interior Height | Interior Length (cargo) | Interior Width | Ext Length |
GMC/Chevy P30 Step Van | 81 inches | 146 inches | 74 inches | 285 inches |
Chevy P10 Step van | 76 inches | 89 inches | 72 inches | 166 inches |
Step Van Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy: Step Van vs Box Truck vs Ambulance
Model | City | Highway | Combined |
GMC/Chevy P30 Step Van | 9 MPG | 12 MPG | 10 MPG |
Chevy P10 Step Van | 13 MPG | 15 MPG | 14 MPG |
Conclusion: Is a Step Van Right for you?
There are a lot of reasons to like step vans, they’re spacious, super unique, and have huge potential for cool builds – but they may not be right for you.
Biggest factors:
- Cost
- Interior Space
- Not Great for Long Distances
- Noisy
So should you get one?
Maybe! We’d recommend step vans for vanlifers who don’t plan on traveling long distances and prioritize space over mobility. Step vans are a great option because they offer maximal space while still being cheaper than box trucks or ambulances.