BRING YOUR OWN VAN
You have the van. We have the expertise.
Have you been dreaming of turning your Mercedes Metris into a camper van? We’re offering a unique opportunity to BYOV (Bring Your Own Van) to our shop! Our talented team will get you outfitted and road trip ready with one of our expert conversions.
In the early days when we first launched our modern camper van business, we were able to build out camper vans for people who brought in their own Metris. As our partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Seattle grew and demand for new vans increased, we shifted away from these projects to work directly with the dealership.
This year, with a limited number of 2022 chassis available paired with continued international supply chain shortages, we want to ensure that as many folks as possible are able to experience the joy, wonder, and discovery of a camper van road trip.
With greater bandwidth, a larger team, and more dedicated space, we’re able to offer a limited number of BYOV conversion projects. This makes it easier than ever for you to convert your Metris with us, whether you purchased it new or used.
If you’re looking to convert a van with us—and you aren’t able to or interested in buying a new 2022 van from Mercedes-Benz of Seattle through our partnership—there are several options to BYOV. You can find a 2022 model on a dealer lot, special order one from a dealer (keep in mind this takes several months), or purchase a used van on the open market.
When pursuing any of these options, here are some important things to keep in mind:
For a complete conversion—either a Full Camper or a Weekender—you’ll need a Passenger Model van.
If you just want a Pop-Top conversion, some limited finish work, and are going to complete the interior build out yourself, a Passenger Model or a Cargo Model will work.
If you want our seats or cabinetry installed, it must be a Passenger Model.
We can work on any year Metris with any set of features. Here are some very important features to note when purchasing your van:
Second Battery (X27 option)
While we can retrofit the second (camper system) battery, if the van you bring us doesn't have the X27, it will add about $600 to the build price.
Power Seats
It’s difficult and quite expensive to modify power seats to work our the swivel seats. However, heated seats are fine.
Factory Bike/Trailer Hitch
We use the factory hitch as an install point for our shore/solar power options. While we don't need this specific hitch to install those, an aftermarket hitch adds about $1,100 to the total cost and the aftermarket hitches tend to sit a bit lower than the factory set-up.
Barn Door STYLE Rear Door
Don’t let the barn door style deter you from a good deal—we can work on either lift gate or barn door style of rear door. If you’re looking for a used van, most of them have the barn door configuration. It works great and just takes some getting used to. Some people even prefer it!
Purchasing a used van and bringing it in to us can be a wonderful way to enjoy some cost savings. If you’re in the market for a used Mercedes Metris van, here are a few things to keep in mind during your search:
Get a CarFax or similar report
Review service records—preference vans that have been dealer serviced
We generally don’t see problems on Metris vans out of warranty (3 years/36,000 miles)—they seem to be holding up really well
Ready to bring a van to us and have us convert it? Schedule a call below
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Which camper van conversion should I get?
The Mercedes Metris is your all-purpose camper van—with an ideal footprint designed for extended road trips, it also doubles as an outstanding daily driver that you can easily park in a garage or driveway. We absolutely love the convenience of this van.
Choose from three camper van conversions to fit your lifestyle:
The Full Camper
This is the Swiss Army Knife of camper vans—all of the modern conveniences strategically built to fit perfectly into the Metris. This full build out offers the comfort of a home on wheels. It features a small kitchen set-up with sink, two beds for sleeping (folded down rear seat and pop-top), ample cabinetry for storage, and plenty of dedicated spaces for all of your camping essentials. Our Full Camper is particularly fabulous for people newer to longer trips adventuring in the great outdoors, although seasoned campers will love the easy access this conversion provides. Whether you’re spending a night or a month on the road, our Full Camper is an excellent way to experience nature with creature comforts.
The Weekender
The Weekender conversion is fantastic for folks needing more cargo space or a slightly wider rear bench seat. In addition to the pop-top, you get a seat that folds perfectly flat into a bed for two. The rear seat slides easily into three positions providing that extra cargo space where you need it. A convenient table attaches to the base of the bench seat and pivots in and out of the van. With dual sliders and swivel seats, this van is like an open air living room.
The Pop-Top
This one’s for our minimalists! This conversion looks and feels like your regular Mercedes Metris, but with the addition of the pop-top for sleeping. It’s ideal for those who want to be able to sleep in the van, but keep all other features as is. The van remains a comfortable 7-seater with all three rows of seats intact. If you’re looking for the capability to travel with more people, but also want the accessibility to sleep with ease in the van, our Pop-Top conversion is the perfect option for you.
Truly Custom
While we can’t put a hot tub or an aquarium in your Metris (long story, feel free to ask)—if you have a custom request, and we can do it safely and with the quality of finish we hold ourselves to, please give us a shout and we’ll see if we can make it happen.
Ready to begin your camper van journey?
We’re happy to answer any questions while you’re looking at Metris models. Once you’ve found a van you love, sign-up below for a spot in our queue to start your camper van conversion journey. We can’t wait to help you achieve all your outdoor adventure dreams!