Vanworks
Vanworks is a family-owned, RVIA-certified van conversion company in Loveland, Colorado, founded in 1978, that customizes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster chassis into Class B RVs and sells them direct-to-consumer to adventure and van-life buyers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1978
- HeadquartersFort Collins, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Vanworks does
Vanworks is a 48-year-old, family-owned van conversion company founded in 1978 by Keith Hess and headquartered in Loveland, Colorado (4350 Byrd Drive). The company specializes in converting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster chassis into Class B RVs under four primary model lines: Nomad, Switchback (S2/S4 variants), Greyrock, and Basecamp Plus. Core technical capabilities span electrical systems (400-600W solar arrays, up to 840Ah EcoFlow battery systems, inverters), climate control (48V AC, Espar diesel heater), kitchen and water plumbing, bamboo and aluminum cabinetry, and custom insulation. Vanworks holds RVIA certification on all three chassis and is recognized by Mercedes-Benz as an Expert Upfitter.
The business operates a direct-to-consumer go-to-market model after transitioning away from a historical dealer-pool arrangement that had distributed over 2,000 units to 175 dealers across 18 states. Customers consult directly with a sales manager and coordinator to spec chassis, model, and options, with financing offered through a partner bank on RV loans up to 20 years at rates starting at 6.99%. Revenue is generated from one-time van sales priced between ~$63K (pre-owned) and ~$182K (fully-loaded Switchback S4 Sprinter), recurring van rentals, ancillary van and auto upgrade services (window tint, PPF, lift kits, bed liners), and optional extended warranty coverage up to 7 years/100,000 miles. Primary customer segments are adventure enthusiasts and van-life lifestyle buyers — individual SMBs/retail consumers using vans for family camping, overland travel, ski trips, surfing, cycling, and year-round off-grid living.
Vanworks currently produces nearly 200 vans per year from a team of approximately 25 named individuals across office, retail, and workshop roles, with cumulative sales exceeding 25,000 vans since founding. The company is privately held, with Keith Hess as Founder & CEO and Preston Hess as President, and operates exclusively in the United States. A new production facility with attached retail store and expanded workshop is scheduled for grand opening on April 25, 2026, representing the most significant recent capacity expansion.
Vanworks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Vanworks
- Legal name
- Vanworks Inc
- Website
- https://vanworks.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1978
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Vanworks is a family-owned, RVIA-certified van conversion company in Loveland, Colorado, founded in 1978, that customizes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster chassis into Class B RVs and sells them direct-to-consumer to adventure and van-life buyers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Vanworks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Camper Van Conversions / Class B RV Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Motor Home Manufacturing (336213)
- SIC
- Motor Homes (3716), Services-Auto Rental & Leasing (No Drivers) (7510)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Campervan Rentals (Class B / Converted Vans) (THADAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Bus & Coach Body Manufacturing (Coachwork) (IMACAGAE)
Keywords
Where Vanworks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fort Collins
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Vanworks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Camper Van Sales: Sale of custom-converted Class B RVs built on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster chassis. Vehicles sold range from ~$62,999 (pre-owned) to ~$182,007 (fully-equipped new builds). Sales include both in-stock show vans and custom-ordered builds.
- Financing Services: Vanworks offers financing through partner banks, enabling customers to finance both the van chassis and conversion build together on RV loans up to 20 years with rates starting at 6.99% interest.
- Van Services and Upgrades: Professional installation and upfitting services including window tint, PPF (paint protection film), suspension lifts, leveling kits, bed liners, and accessory installation for vans and trucks.
- Van Rentals: Van rental services allowing customers to rent camper vans for their adventures without purchasing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One-time purchase | Base Model (Nomad) pricing for Sprinter 144 |
| Unit Pricing | One-time purchase | Mid-Range (Switchback S2) pricing |
| Unit Pricing | One-time purchase | Premium (Switchback S4) pricing |
| Unit Pricing | One-time purchase | Pre-owned and entry-level pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Vanworks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Vanworks is a direct-to-consumer van conversion company that customizes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster chassis into RVIA-certified Class B camper vans. Its product lineup spans four core conversion models (Nomad, Switchback, Greyrock, and Basecamp Plus) available across multiple wheelbase configurations, with options including solar power, lithium battery systems, climate control, kitchens, plumbing, and sleeping accommodations. The company also offers pre-owned inventory, post-sale van/auto upgrade services, van rentals, and partner-bank RV financing.
Product overview
Vanworks is an RVIA-certified van builder and dealership specializing in converting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster vans into Class B RVs for outdoor adventures. The product portfolio centers on three core conversion models: Nomad (available in Transit 148" and Sprinter 144"), Switchback (offered in S2 and S4 variants across Transit 148", Sprinter 144", and Sprinter 170" configurations), and Greyrock (built on Sprinter 170" wheelbase). Basecamp Plus serves as an entry-level RVIA-certified option. Beyond new builds, Vanworks offers van and auto upgrade services including window tint, paint protection film, wheels and tires, lift kits, and bed liners. The company also provides van rentals and financing options up to 20 years on RV loans.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Nomad Entry-to-mid-tier camper van conversion model available in Transit 148-inch and Sprinter 144-inch wheelbase configurations, featuring kitchen galley, sleeping area, and essential amenities for adventure travel. Targeted at adventure consumers seeking a compact Class B RV.
- Switchback Versatile camper van conversion offered in S2 and S4 variants across Transit 148-inch, Sprinter 144-inch, and Sprinter 170-inch wheelbases, with flexible layouts, premium amenities including kitchen, bathroom facilities, and solar power systems. Targeted at consumers wanting configurable premium builds.
- Greyrock Premium camper van conversion built on the Sprinter 170-inch wheelbase, designed for extended travel and camping with a spacious interior and full amenity package. Targeted at consumers seeking a top-tier extended-stay Class B RV.
- Basecamp Plus Entry-level RVIA-certified camper van conversion available for Sprinter, Transit, and Promaster chassis, encompassing essential features for van life. Targeted at price-sensitive first-time Class B RV buyers.
- Van Upgrades Customization and upfitting service for existing van builds, including installation of electrical systems, cabinetry, insulation, and accessories. Targeted at existing van owners seeking post-purchase upgrades.
- Auto Upgrades Vehicle enhancement service including window tint (Carbon and Ceramic shades), paint protection film (PPF), wheels and tires, lift and leveling kits, bed liners, floor liners, remote start, grille and lighting installs, towing, heated seats, and tonneau covers for vans and trucks. Targeted at van and truck owners in the Loveland area.
- Van Rentals Rental fleet service allowing customers to experience Vanworks camper van conversions for short-term adventures without committing to a purchase. Targeted at consumers evaluating van life or planning short trips.
Quantifiable outcome
- 48 years in business with over 25,000 vans sold
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Vanworks
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Vanworks technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Vanworks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators5 records
Recent moves4 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Vanworks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Storyteller Overland: Adventure-oriented Class B van manufacturer building on Mercedes Sprinter chassis with off-grid and overland positioning. Competes head-to-head with Vanworks' Switchback and Greyrock models in the same enthusiast buyer segment.
- Sportsmobile: Long-standing custom van conversion specialist operating on multiple chassis with direct-to-consumer sales. One of the original independent Class B builders and a structural analogue to Vanworks' 48-year heritage.
- Advanced RV: Ohio-based high-end custom Sprinter van conversion shop focused on bespoke, premium builds. Comparable custom-build business model and pricing tier to Vanworks' Greyrock and Switchback S4 builds.
- Outside Van: Oregon-based custom Class B van conversion builder operating on Sprinter, Transit, and Promaster chassis with adventure-focused positioning. Closest operational and product analogue to Vanworks among independent custom builders.
- Pleasure-Way: Saskatchewan-based manufacturer of Class B motorhomes on Sprinter, Transit, and Promaster chassis. Direct competitor in the same chassis set, RVIA-certified product line, and price band.
- Leisure Travel Vans: Canadian Class B and Class C motorhome manufacturer under Triple E RV, producing Unity and Wonder models on Sprinter and Transit chassis. Comparable product range and target buyer to Vanworks.
Broad incumbents
- Coachmen RV: Forest River subsidiary producing multiple Class B models (Beyond, Galleria, Nova, Realm) on Sprinter chassis. Overlaps with Vanworks across the adventure and van-life buyer segments with much broader dealer reach.
- Winnebago Travato / Revel: Public RV conglomerate (Winnebago Industries) with established Class B offerings (Travato, Revel, Solis) on Ram Promaster and Sprinter chassis. Portfolio brand competing with Vanworks across the entry and mid-tier price bands.
- Airstream Interstate: Premium Class B motorhome line from Airstream (Thor subsidiary) built on Mercedes Sprinter chassis. Competes in the upper end of the same category as Vanworks' Switchback and Greyrock models, with substantially larger parent distribution.
- Roadtrek: Established North American Class B motorhome brand (now operating under new ownership after 2018 difficulties) producing Zion, Simplicity, and Chase models. Comparable Class B product portfolio with broader dealer distribution than Vanworks.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Vanworks social profiles
Digital presenceVanworks compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Vanworks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Vanworks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Vanworks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Vanworks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Vanworks
What does Vanworks do?
Vanworks is a direct-to-consumer van conversion company that customizes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster chassis into RVIA-certified Class B camper vans. Its product lineup spans four core conversion models (Nomad, Switchback, Greyrock, and Basecamp Plus) available across multiple wheelbase configurations, with options including solar power, lithium battery systems, climate control, kitchens, plumbing, and sleeping accommodations. The company also offers pre-owned inventory, post-sale van/auto upgrade services, van rentals, and partner-bank RV financing.
Is Vanworks a public or private company?
Vanworks is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Vanworks founded?
Vanworks was founded in 1978. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Vanworks based?
Vanworks is headquartered in Fort Collins, United States, in the North America region.
How does Vanworks make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Camper Van Sales are the primary driver. The others are financing Services, van Services and Upgrades and van Rentals.
Who are Vanworks's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Storyteller Overland, Sportsmobile, Advanced RV, Outside Van, Pleasure-Way and Leisure Travel Vans. Broad incumbents are Coachmen RV, Winnebago Travato / Revel, Airstream Interstate and Roadtrek.
Does Vanworks have an API?
No public API is recorded for Vanworks.
What industry is Vanworks in?
Vanworks's product category is Camper Van Conversions / Class B RV Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THADAIAA, Campervan Rentals (Class B / Converted Vans), with a secondary code of IMACAGAE, Bus & Coach Body Manufacturing (Coachwork). Its NAICS code is 336213 and its SIC code is 3716.