How It Works

We strive to be better than the vehicle manufacture that provides these vans. We check factory standards; such as caulk, frame adhesives and noise dampening. We often order warranty products to bring the vehicles up to our BTV standards.

Because the factory noise dampening is limited, we use NOICO; sound dampening mats to line the interior spaces not covered by factory dampening. This helps to keep your vehicle quite as you drive.

After sound dampening has been installed, 1" K-Flex foam insulation is applied to all the interior walls and ceiling. Insulation is also filled into any open chanels within the van frame.

On top of the factory framing, each van is framed with 1/8" aluminum backing. This helps to create supports for wall panels as well as overhead storage, bed supports and any other wall/ceiling mounted installations.

After removing the factory floor and trim, we line the floors with two layers of thin insulation. We then install 3/4" marine grade plywood as a sub-floor. Once the sub-floor has been bolted through the floor of the van, we make sure all seams are filled and leveled to make a perfectly smooth surface.

Once the sub-floor is installed, we install the flooring finish chosen by each customer. This consists of a variety of waterproof materials cut to fit each corner of the van. These materials include a durrable vinyl, synthetic tongue and groove, or synthetic flex tiles.

1/4" plywood is cut to fit lower and upper wall panels. Wall finishes can then be attached to these panels. Lowers often match the floor with durrable Lonseal vinyl, while the uppers are often assembled with foam and fabric. Tongue and groove is also on option on any of the van interior surfaces.

With the weight that goes in even our base configurations, these vans need a basic suspension upgrade to keep passengers safe and comfortable while traveling.

Before we can start designing, we want to know about you. By filling out our conversion survey, we can get a better understanding of what you like to do and the best uses for your van conversion.

After the initial contract is signed, our sales team hands off the project to our design team. The designers and client work through detail drawings to come up with the perfect van conversion.

After sketches are rendered, the design goes on to our engineers desk for detailed spec drawings. These drawings are checked for strength and durability. Along with durability, it is important that each component of the van fits each appliance and leaves enough space for mobility.

Once our designs have passed through the engineers desk, detailed drawings are sent to the our fabricators to begin production. Once the frames have been welded together, they are send to tha cabinet department to be assembled and finished.

Before the build begins, each van is pre-wired to keep all wiring hidden behind the walls. Wiring is run from given points through chanels in the van, and wrapped in conduit to keep the wires from rubbing and wearing over time.

The solar load is determined by the appliances installed in each van. This can range from minimal power going to lights and charging ports, to a robust system powering a fridge, freezer, A/C unit, TV, etc.

Many of the vans utilize fresh water tanks that are built around the wheel wells. The water is then pumped through a solar powered 12V pump and heated with a diesel furnace.

We use the Rixen Diesel Furnace for all our in-van heat. This system is generally used to heat the water and air for the van, but can also be used to heat the floors or battery for colder tempuratures.

Our cooling systems can vary from a simple fan installation, to a full A/C unit or A/C and fan combination.

With many styles and lengths to choose from, our signature overheads are engineered with an angled, signature wood piece to keep items from sliding out while driving, and to provide more open shoulder space while walking through the van.

Wheel wells can provide a challenge for efficiently using space. The boxes installed around these wells can be used for personal storage, or hide functional amenities such as the vans plumbing and electric systems.

Kitchen galleys store some of the most important features for mobile living. Our galleys are meant to be funcional and stylish. They provide space for kitchen storage, while also housing the necessary amenities to create a home cooked meal such as a stove, refrigerator and sink.

With a variety of bed options, each style utilizes its space by providing different ways to add seating or sleeping in the van. The bed styles we use most combine a strong alluminum frame, with signature hardwood slats.

Although not every van adventure requires bathroom amenities, it can be nice to have the comforts of a shower and toilet wherever you go. We provide a range of amenities from slide out toilets, to full bathrooms with a shower, toilet and personal sink.

Extra seating can provide comfortable travel or leisure seating while camping or on the road. With that space provided, modular prep tables or dining spaces can add a comfort that brings any living space to the next level.

BTV designs custom, powder coated roof racks to fit each van perfectly. Each rack has cutouts depending on A/C or fan units, and displays a lasercut BTV wind guard at the front. Solar panels are then placed intentionally, to leave as much leisure deck space as possible.

For many of the vans, nerf bars, or running boards, can provide an easier way to enter and exit an often liften vehicle. These steps are custom fabricated and powder coated.

Front and rear bumpers can be installed as an option to provide protection as well as adding that rugged feel to the vehicle. With multiple options, Backwoods Adventure Mods supplies durrable powder coated bumpers.

For any offroading adventures, we recommend upgraded rims and tires. Black Rhino supplies a variety of rugged looking rims that match any of the All-Terrain tires we install.

When exploring the backcountry, it often helps to add a little extra clearance to your rig. We install some of the most popular Agile Offroad rip kits and lift kits to make offroading that much easier.

As a company that takes part in a variety of passions and outdoor activities, we appreciate and understand the need to bring all kinds of toys on your adventure. Owl Vans provides an array of different accessories to keep your toys safe and secure on your way to the next adventure.