Flarespace is a popular platform for outfitting and customizing adventure vans. With its user-friendly design tools and wide selection of components, Flarespace makes it easy to envision and build your perfect camper van.
However, Flarespace is not the only game in town when it comes to adventure van products. There are a number of alternatives worth considering if you’re in the market for van build parts and accessories.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top Flarespace alternatives, weighing the pros and cons of each option.
Alternatives To Flarespace For Customizing Adventure Vans
Here is a list of those competitors;
- SylvanSport
- Adventure Wagon
- Van Specialties
- Sportsmobile
- Outdoorsy
- RB Components
- Ujoint Offroad
- Wilderness Exploration Vehicles
- Vanlife Customs
- Explorer Vans
Let’s talk about those alternatives.
SylvanSport
One of the top alternatives to Flarespace is SylvanSport. This North Carolina-based company offers a wide range of van conversion products, including bed platforms, storage solutions, electrical systems, and more.
Pros
- Large selection of DIY van build components. From basic cabinets to full camper van interiors, SylvanSport has all the parts you need for your van build.
- High quality materials and construction. Their products are made with durable metals, composite materials, and quality hardware.
- Customization options. Many of their products can be customized with different colors, sizes, and add-ons.
- Helpful customer service. Their team is happy to answer any questions and help you design the perfect layout.
Cons
- Pricing can be high, especially for full camper conversion kits. The high-quality materials come at a cost.
- Limited selection of appliances and electronics. For fridges, solar panels, etc., you’ll likely need to source those separately.
- No online design tools. You’ll have to layout your build manually or work with their team.
Overall, SylvanSport is a great choice for DIY builders looking for durable, customizable van components. The quality warrants the higher prices, and their customer service makes the design process easier.
Adventure Wagon
Based in Colorado, Adventure Wagon manufactures and sells a variety of adventure van products online and in their Denver storefront.
Pros
- DIY-focused product line. Their components are designed for customers building out their own vans.
- Affordable pricing, especially on basics like cabinets and beds. Great option if you’re on a budget.
- Helpful learning resources. Their site offers van build tips and detailed product guides.
- Responsive customer service. Their small team is quick to answer questions and make recommendations.
Cons
- Less selection than some competitors. Their more limited product range can be restricting.
- No customization options. What you see is what you get for sizing and materials.
- Limited inventory. Popular components often go out of stock quickly.
- No design tools. You’ll have to plan your layout and ordering carefully.
For DIY builders looking to save money, Adventure Wagon is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a more basic product selection and limited customizability. Their affordable pricing and helpful resources help offset those limitations.
Van Specialties
Serving van builders for over 25 years, Van Specialties offers everything from basic camper components to complete custom van builds.
Pros
- Huge selection of van build products, from basic plumbing to entire build kits. They have every component you could need.
- Custom builds available. If you don’t want a DIY build, their team can create a complete camper van to your specifications.
- High quality components and craftsmanship. Their products are made to last.
- Excellent customer service and expert advice. Their team can provide guidance for any van build.
Cons
- Very high pricing. Their products come at a premium cost, especially full builds and custom work.
- Long lead times. Custom builds can take weeks or months to complete.
- Less focus on DIY customers. Caters more to full custom builds and conversions.
- No online design tools. You’ll need to work directly with their team.
For anyone looking for super high-quality components or a fully custom camper van, Van Specialties is a top choice. Just be prepared to pay more and wait longer than DIY-focused companies.
Sportsmobile
Specializing in camper van conversions for over 50 years, Sportsmobile offers factory-direct van builds with multiple floor plans and components.
Pros
- Huge selection of layouts and options for van builds. Very customizable.
- Factory-direct conversions done to your specifications.
- Excellent build quality and materials. These are built to last.
- Resale value. Sportsmobile vans maintain value well if you ever want to sell.
Cons
- Very long lead times. Expect to wait 6 months or more for your van.
- Extremely high cost. Their pricing is among the highest in the industry.
- Primarily for full van builds. Less suitable for DIY projects.
- No online design tools. You’ll work directly with their team.
For anyone interested in a professionally-converted camper van, Sportsmobile is arguably the best in the business. But their long build times and very high pricing make them less than ideal for budget-minded DIY builders.
Outdoorsy
Unlike other companies listed, Outdoorsy is not a manufacturer but rather a van rental marketplace. You can browse thousands of vans across the U.S. and book the perfect camper van rental for your next adventure.
Pros
- No upfront costs. Get a camper van without owning or building one.
- Try before you buy. Test different layouts and features to inform your own build.
- Flexible booking. Rent for as little as a weekend or as long as a month.
- Nationwide selection and delivery. Find and book the perfect van for your needs.
Cons
- No ownership. You have to return the van after renting.
- Limited availability. Vans can book out far in advance, especially in peak season.
- Inconsistent quality and cleanliness. Since they are privately owned, vans vary greatly.
- Expensive long-term. Daily rates add up quickly for longer rentals.
For people wanting to temporarily try #vanlife, Outdoorsy is a great Flarespace alternative.
But it lacks the long-term ownership and customization that DIY builders want.
RB Components
RB Components offers a wide variety of camper van hardware, materials, and parts for builders on any budget.
Pros
- Massive selection of DIY van building supplies. Anything you need from toilets to tires.
- Affordable prices, especially for basic components. Good option if you’re on a tight budget.
- Helpful customer service and resources. Their team can advise you on designing your build.
- Custom parts available. They can fabricate custom pieces to your specifications.
Cons
- Less focus on pre-designed components. You have to source and assemble parts individually.
- Materials and build quality can be inconsistent. Some parts are higher quality than others.
- Limited selection of appliances and electronics. You’ll likely need to source these elsewhere.
- No customization of existing components. What you see is what you get.
For DIY builders on a tight budget, RB Components is worth a look. Just know you’ll be sourcing parts individually rather than full camper conversion kits, so be prepared for a scratch build.
Ujoint Offroad
Ujoint Offroad manufactures rugged truck and van suspension lift kits along with off-road accessories.
Pros
- Huge selection of lift kits sized 1-4′′ for improving ground clearance.
- Steel construction and quality materials withstand tough conditions.
- Designed specifically for adventure vans and overlanding rigs.
- Affordable pricing compared to custom fabrication.
Cons
- Less focus on interior components for camper conversions.
- Installation can be complicated without experience.
- Limited customization options beyond their kit sizes.
- Lead times can be long for some applications.
For adventure vans tackling rough terrain, Ujoint’s lifts help increase clearance while keeping costs down versus fully custom work. Just know their focus is on exterior and drivetrain vs interior components.
Wilderness Exploration Vehicles
Specializing in off-grid camper vans and expedition vehicles, Wilderness Exploration Vehicles (WEV) converts vans and trucks into rugged, self-sufficient adventure rigs.
Pros
- Professionally converted camper vans designed for remote exploration.
- Heavy duty construction including roof racks, expanded fuel capacity, and long-range components.
- Custom builds available. They can fabricate a custom van to your specs.
- Excellent resale value if you ever want to sell.
Cons
- Astronomical pricing, easily $100k+ for conversions.
- Long wait times of 6 months or more for builds.
- Less suitable for DIY projects and budget builds.
- No online design tools. Full custom work.
For deep pocketed adventurers planning extended off-grid excursions, WEV’s pro-built expedition vans deliver. But costs put them out of reach for many.
Also Read: How Thor Axis And Vegas RV Are Different?
Vanlife Customs
Vanlife Customs converts vans into fully-equipped campers, offering several floor plans and models.
Pros
- Complete camper van packages, including solar, plumbing, kitchenettes, etc.
- Quick 2-3 week build times once ordered.
- Reasonable pricing starting around $25k for their basic models. Good value.
- Nationwide installations available once converted.
Cons
- Less customization than a true custom build.
- Lead times can still be long depending on demand.
- Components can’t be purchased individually.
- Online design tools are basic.
For a turnkey camper without the wait of custom builds, Vanlife Customs provides a middle ground. Just expect more of an off-the-shelf versus bespoke feel.
Explorer Vans
Explorer Vans handcrafts custom camper van builds focused on quality and self-sufficiency for off-grid travel.
Pros
- Meticulous build quality and attention to detail on every van.
- Excellent off-grid capabilities like solar, composting toilets, etc.
- Completely customized builds to match your travel lifestyle.
- Vans engineered for full-time living if desired.
Cons
- Starting price around $100k. Their work is expensive.
- Build times typically over 6 months. Requires patience.
- Not as DIY-friendly. They handle everything custom.
- Limited online design tools or stock parts.
For deep-pocketed overlanders wanting an exceptional fully-custom camper van, Explorer Vans delivers the ultimate build quality. Just be ready to pay for it.
Final Thoughts
While Flarespace has become a popular choice for outfitting adventure vans, there are a number of compelling alternatives on the market. Companies like SylvanSport, Adventure Wagon, and RB Components offer more affordable, DIY-focused solutions.
For anyone interested in a custom van build done to your exact specifications, Sportsmobile and Van Specialties are leaders in the industry. And for those looking to simply try the #vanlife temporarily, rental marketplaces like Outdoorsy provide unique flexibility.
The right Flarespace alternative for you depends on your budget, timeline, skill level, and desires for ownership and customization. By evaluating the pros and cons of each option, you can find the best adventure van products and services for bringing your camper dreams to life.
The road trip of a lifetime awaits – all it takes is choosing the right van build platform to get you there.
