What a custom build on wheels costs
Short answer
In the US a new custom food trailer typically costs $60,000 to $150,000+, a custom food truck on a new chassis $100,000 to $350,000, and a professional camper van conversion $30,000 to $120,000+ without the van. RV remodels and cargo or toy hauler conversions vary too much with scope for one range, so builders quote them from your plan.
Last reviewed by the Trailer3D editorial team · How we source prices
| Build | Typical price | Build time | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food trailers | $60,000 to $150,000+ | 10 to 16 weeks after the design is signed | 12 to 34 ft |
| Food trucks | $100,000 to $350,000 | 4 to 6 months, chassis availability included | 12 to 26 ft box |
| Camper van conversions | $30,000 to $120,000+ | 6 to 16 weeks once your van is at the shop | 144 in to 170 in extended |
| Class C RVs | Varies with scope | Depends on the shop and the scope | 21 to 33 ft |
| Class A RVs | Varies with scope | Depends on the shop and the scope | 29 to 45 ft |
| Cargo trailer & toy hauler conversions | Varies with scope | Depends on the shop and the scope | 12 to 32 ft |
What moves the price on every build
Size sets the floor: more length means more frame, walls, wiring and finish. After that, the systems decide the number. Cooking with grease needs a Type I hood and a fire-suppression system, a generator or a large battery bank adds thousands, and plumbing (especially a wet bath in a van) is labour-heavy.
Finish is the last big lever. A painted exterior and stock cabinets cost a fraction of a full wrap, custom wood interior or stainless walls. Each vehicle page has a table of the factors that push a build to the lower or higher end.
What the price includes
Food truck ranges include a new chassis. Camper van ranges are the conversion only, because most buyers bring their own van. Food trailer ranges are a complete trailer with a full hot line; coffee and dessert trailers often come in lower.
RV and cargo conversion jobs run from interior refreshes to full custom builds, so we do not publish one range. Builders on Trailer3D quote them after seeing your plan.
How to get a price you can rely on
Ranges are what builders commonly quote, not offers. The fastest way to a real number is to send the same detailed plan to several builders. Design a food trailer or truck in the 3D studio to see an itemised estimate first, or answer a short questionnaire for other builds, and we share it with up to 4 verified builders who serve your area.
Questions
Why do builder quotes for the same build differ so much?
Usually because each builder priced a different guess of what you want: different equipment, power or finish. When every builder quotes the same dimensioned plan, the remaining differences are labour, materials and the shop itself, which is what you actually want to compare.
Is a used vehicle cheaper to build on?
Often. Refitting a used step van can bring a food truck well under $100,000, and buying a used van lowers a camper build's total. Budget for an inspection first: rust, an old electrical system or a chassis near its weight limit can erase the savings.
How are these ranges sourced?
From what builders commonly quote in the US, reviewed by our editorial team on the date shown. Our pricing methodology page explains the sources and their limits.
Describe it once and up to 4 verified builders who serve your area send quotes. Free, no obligation.
