Builder of the Month - Scenic Vans

By Adewale Omotayo
4 min read
Builder of the Month - Scenic Vans

Builder of the Month - Scenic Vans

In 2018, Simon and Nelson Eric took a trip to New Zealand. Little did they know that this trip would start the journey that has become Scenic Vans.

Today, Scenic Vans is a fully-fledged van manufacturer and rental company, with the ability to construct 6-10 campervans simultaneously. Scenic has an impressive catalogue of designs and models with a state-of-the-art build shop in Rancho Cordova, CA able to produce high-quality campervan conversions at extremely competitive rates.

The Scenic Van Team enjoying activity, family, and the outdoors

Let's learn more about Scenic and hear what advice they have for you, as answered by COO Ilan Ghitman.

Where are you from and what is special about the area?

Scenic is from Sacramento, which is surrounded by so many beautiful places to visit. Sacramento is a great starting point for a road trip. The region allows easy access to lakes, mountains, and coastal adventures, making it ideal for testing campervan designs in real-world conditions. This proximity to diverse terrain also influences Scenic’s focus on durable materials, weather-resistant finishes, and versatile layouts that perform on any road.

The Scenic lobby

When did you first realize that you wanted to become a campervan builder?

The owners lived in a van and traveled across the country for about a year. They loved their experience so much they wanted to give that feeling to others. Their journey instilled a focus on comfort, functionality, and freedom—values that are now embedded in every Scenic Van build.

What sets you apart from other campervan builders?

Our speed, quality, and well-thought-out designs. Since we also have the rental side of the business, we learn from the feedback our customers provide us. We are constantly improving our product.

Scenic Vans also stands out because of their:

  • Multi-van production capabilities, enabling consistency without compromising customization.
  • Focus on family and adventure lifestyles, reflected in layouts with expandable sleeping capsules, modular kitchen units, and flexible storage.
  • Integration of high-quality aftermarket products (like Vanspeed capsules and side steps) into every build for enhanced functionality.

An impressive shop yields impressive builds

What Vanspeed products do you like best and why?

We like using Vanspeed's 144 capsules. We prefer the Vanspeed product over any of their competitors and have used it on nearly every Sprinter 144 build in the last year and a half. These capsules help maximize sleeping space while keeping the van interior organized and uncluttered—critical for long-term travel.

We also like the exterior Side Steps for Sprinter vans and offer them as a premium option because they look incredibly sleek and provide practical access for roof racks, solar panels, and gear loading. These small upgrades make a big difference in day-to-day usability.

Additional Scenic Van features include:

  • Reinforced floor layouts to support heavier payloads.
  • Modular cabinetry with secure latches for bumpy road trips.
  • Optional solar power packages for off-grid living.
  • Upgraded insulation and soundproofing for year-round comfort.
  • Custom seating arrangements with quick-convert sleeping setups.

What advice would you like to share with other van builders and/or people embarking on a DIY project?

Simple is often better, less is more. Patience and determination will get you far.

Scenic Vans also emphasizes:

  • Prioritize functionality first, aesthetics second.
  • Test every feature in real-world conditions before finalizing the layout.
  • Consider the end user experience, especially if building for families or long-term travelers.

An example of simplicity and elegance from Scenic Vans

How did you come up with your company name?

When the owners were living in a van, they had a sign above their bed that said “Always Take The Scenic Route.” We want our customers to enjoy their time in the van and see the scenic sites. The name embodies the idea of freedom, adventure, and immersive travel experiences—values that Scenic Vans strives to provide with every build.

Why Scenic Vans Aligns with The Buildout Shop

At The Buildout Shop, we work with professional builders who not only craft high-quality vans but also push the boundaries of campervan design. Scenic Vans represents:

  • Builder-tested product use, including Vanspeed capsules and side steps.
  • Innovative layouts that maximize space, comfort, and usability.
  • Commitment to adventure, demonstrating how well products perform in real-life travel scenarios.

Whether you’re a DIYer, a vanlifing enthusiast, or a professional builder, learning from Scenic Vans provides insight into efficient, high-quality builds with user-focused design.

Explore Scenic Vans-Inspired Products

Some products inspired by Scenic Vans builds that you can find at The Buildout Shop:

  • Vanspeed 144 Sleeping Capsules for Sprinter vans
  • Premium Sprinter Side Steps
  • Modular kitchen and storage units
  • Insulation kits and soundproofing solutions
  • Solar panels and off-grid energy systems

Every product we feature is tested and recommended by builders like Scenic Vans to ensure your van build performs on the road, off-grid, and on adventures of any length.

See More at The Buildout Shop

For anyone building their own van or looking for professional-grade parts, check out
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for builder-approved components, DIY inspiration, and products trusted by van builders like Scenic Vans.