Builder of the Month - Activan Conversions
Builder of the Month - Activan Conversions
Activan Conversions was founded to inspire and enable others to pursue their travel dreams, and to do it beautifully and comfortably in their hand crafted vans.
Their crew outputs an optimal blend of professional carpentry, electrical design, and metalwork to each of their van builds. They build dozens of vans per year, tailor made for the customer, with their in-house crew in Reno, Nevada.
Let's learn more about them from their Founder, Chris Feulner...
Where are you from and what is special about the area?
I am originally from Sacramento, California, but currently live in Reno, Nevada, which is where the Activan headquarters is located. Lake Tahoe is in our backyard, which is one of the adventure van meccas. Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and being central to be able to get to the California Coast or even Jackson Hole, Wyoming in a day is what makes our area so special to me.
When did you first realize that you wanted to become a camper van builder?
Well, honestly, the profession chose me in a way. When I built my first van for personal use, I did not intend on creating a business out of it…but one thing led to another and here we are today. I have a background in construction and performance vehicle modification, so I think it was a natural progression.
Chris Feulner, Founder & Design Lead
What sets you apart from other camper van builders?
What sets us apart from other camper van builders, I think, is our attention to detail and our aesthetic. We carry out a very specific intentional aesthetic in each of our vans. Each of our vans require a clean color palette and exposed straight lines. I know that me being me, I am insanely meticulous and particular about how and what goes into our vans, and I think that's really what sets us apart. Our vans are simple and beautiful.
What Vanspeed products do you like best and why?
We exclusively use the Vanspeed Capsules on the Sprinter 170, 144 and Transit 148 chassis. That allows you to sleep sideways in the van so that you essentially gain 20 inches of extra space in the interior. We've actually specifically designed floor plans around the use of these capsules and we're able to stack refrigerators and microwaves in places that you normally wouldn't be able to with a lengthwise bed and still carry out our clean, open, and functional aesthetic.
Stretch out with the Vanspeed Capsules
What advice would you like to share with other builders and or people embarking on a DIY project?
Don't just try to create something that just looks good on the surface. Make sure your infrastructure is dialed and do your research, so you're not having problems down the road. It’s an exciting endeavor and it’s going to take you much long than you initially plan for!
JT Higgins, Head of Carpentry Design
How did you come up with your company name?
I came up with the name Activan Conversions because it's really a play on words. You take these adventure vans out and become active people. Activan just really just rolled off the tongue and really stuck.
And then lastly, please share anything else you'd like to add...
We're big lab people! We’ve got two black labrador retrievers (Bruce & Wayne, father and son) and a white labrador retriever (Luna). So we got a nice little Oreo trio of labradors here in the shop. They're fun. They run around together, get in fights, play, do lab things. And I don't know, it's all encompassing because I feel like van people are also big dog people. So, here we are.
Another thing that we really enjoy here at Activan is our company culture. We're all super close. We're essentially a little small shop family here. We got six people and we're all tight.
From Left to Right: Kati Salowsky, Aiden Johnston, Chris Feulner, JT Higgins, Paul Brinkley, Andrew Johnston
We do stuff together, play golf, dinner parties, even help each other move. We BBQ at the shop at least once a week. The number one value takeaway is we can all really count on the people that we spend most of our waking hours with, and that's really special to me.
Learn more at ActivanConversions.com
Additional Features & Expanded Insight (The Buildout Shop Exclusive)
Design Philosophy & Build Standards
Activan Conversions is known for a minimalist, precision-driven approach to van design. Every build emphasizes straight lines, open layouts, and efficient use of space—qualities that translate directly into real-world livability. Their vans are intentionally free of unnecessary clutter, focusing instead on balance, proportion, and function.
Infrastructure-First Builds
One of Activan’s defining characteristics is their focus on infrastructure before aesthetics. Electrical systems, plumbing, insulation, and structural mounting points are engineered first—ensuring long-term reliability—before cabinetry and finishes are installed. This philosophy aligns directly with The Buildout Shop’s emphasis on builder-tested, professional-grade components.
Why Activan Uses Vanspeed Capsules
By designing entire floor plans around Vanspeed Capsules, Activan is able to:
- Gain up to 20 inches of usable interior space
- Enable sideways sleeping on multiple chassis platforms
- Stack appliances vertically for better workflow
- Maintain clean sightlines and open interiors
These capsules are a cornerstone of Activan’s layouts and a prime example of how smart components elevate overall design.
Builder-Tested Products You’ll Find at The Buildout Shop
Inspired by Activan Conversions builds:
- Vanspeed Capsules (Sprinter 144 / 170 / Transit 148)
- Modular cabinetry solutions
- Electrical system components
- Space-saving galley configurations
- Structural mounting hardware
All products available through https://thebuildoutshop.com/ are selected because they meet the same standards Activan holds themselves to: durability, precision, and design integrity.
Why Activan Conversions Is a Perfect Builder of the Month
Activan embodies what the Builder of the Month series represents:
- Professional craftsmanship
- Thoughtful, intentional design
- Real-world testing
- Strong company culture
- Builder-approved product integration
Their work demonstrates how high-level design and practical engineering can coexist—setting an example for both DIY builders and professional shops.
Explore More at The Buildout Shop
Looking to build with the same components trusted by Activan Conversions?
to explore capsules, accessories, and builder-approved parts used by some of the best van builders in the industry.