GMC Savana Conversion Vans — Discover Custom Creations

In the hands of skilled builders, the GMC Savana can transform from basic transportation into cozy campers, rugged adventure rigs, or modern mobile offices. If you want to leave the conventional behind for life on the open road, keep reading. Our experts at Cochran Buick GMC have put together this guide to third-party conversion vans made from GMC Savanas.

What Is a Conversion Van?

white and black gas range oven by Clay Banks is licensed with Unsplash License

Think of your living room rolling down the highway. That’s a conversion van. Unlike factory models, these vehicles boast captain’s chairs, beds, entertainment centers, and sometimes kitchens or bathrooms. Conversion specialists strip standard vans and rebuild the interiors to fit buyers’ needs.

Each conversion is unique, from upgrading seats and sound systems to adding solar power, custom cabinets, and off-grid systems. Need a weekday office that camps on weekends? What about a family rig that sleeps six on trips? The possibilities are endless, so long as you have the budget.

The GMC Savana as a Conversion Van Base

Since 1996, the GMC Savana has been a top conversion choice, with 36,008 units sold in 2021 alone. Van conversion companies love its tough yet simple, fixable mechanics. The GMC Savana’s cargo and passenger configurations let you choose between 150 cubic feet of cargo space or seating for twelve. There’s ample room for creative transformations without the complex electronics of newer van models.

The GMC Savana offers a range of powerful engines:

• 4.3L V-6: 276 horsepower and 298 lb-ft of torque
• 6.6L V-8: 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque
• Duramax diesel 2.8L: 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque

Top Third-Party Converters of GMC Savana Vans

These experienced van conversion builders can bring your vision to life:

• El Kapitan Vans: With over 15,000 luxury vans built over 30 years, El Kapitan specializes in executive transport with leather seating, custom woodwork, and superior sound insulation. Clients include corporations needing VIP transport and professionals requiring mobile workspaces.
• Explorer Van Company: Based in Warsaw, Indiana, for over 30 years, Explorer creates family-friendly vans with stain-resistant fabrics, smart storage, and entertainment systems. Enjoy captain’s chairs, mood lighting, and quality sound for families seeking road-trip comfort.
• SHERROD Vans: SHERROD crafts luxury Savana conversions with subtle exterior modifications and premium interiors featuring precision stitching, custom trim, and tasteful lighting.
• Storyteller Overland: Storyteller Overland specializes in adventure-ready Savanas with four-wheel-drive capability, smart storage, easy-clean surfaces, and off-grid systems.
• Waldoch: Started in Donald Waldoch’s Minnesota garage 40 years ago, Waldoch balances function with comfort through practical storage and adaptable seating, appealing to families seeking midrange upgrades with current entertainment systems.
• Vanworks: Vanworks creates adventure-focused conversions handling rough roads and heavy gear. Its storage systems accommodate equipment such as surfboards with materials that withstand wet suits and muddy boots, plus outdoor showers for active lifestyles.
• Customizers Quality Conversions: Maryland-based since 1979, Customizers begins with a consultation before starting the design process. This approach serves diverse clients, from families with special needs to businesses with unique requirements.

Key Features and Options Offered by Conversion Van Companies

When looking for the perfect conversion company, prioritize features you’ll actually use. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for when designing your dream van.

Interior Layouts and Designs

With a converted Savana, families enjoy captain’s chairs and screens, adventurers get gear storage with sleeping areas, and professionals use desks and meeting spaces. With 40% more cabin space than typical SUVs, conversion van builders have plenty to work with.

Remember, good designs blend form with function — dining areas can become beds, seats can fold away, and walls can hide storage. Durable materials keep everything secure during travel.

Comfort and Entertainment Features

Modern conversions offer home-like comfort with supportive seating, climate control, and thoughtful lighting. Entertainment options include flat-panel TVs, surround sound, and device connections. Premium builds add wireless headphones, satellite capability, gaming options, and off-grid Wi-Fi.

Safety Enhancements

Basic Savanas come with airbags, daytime lights, stability control, traction systems, OnStar, rearview cameras, and hill-descent assist. Good converters add proper restraints for custom seats, better visibility, and backup sensors. Quality builders strengthen seat mounts, distribute weight properly, preserve crash protection, and even do extra impact testing.

Performance and Towing Capabilities

Towing capacity varies: V-6 models pull 7,400 pounds, diesel versions manage 7,000 pounds with better efficiency, and V-8 configurations handle up to 10,000 pounds. Payload capacity ranges from 3,060 to 4,280 pounds, so don’t worry about overpacking. The Savana can handle it. Many converters also add brake controllers, transmission coolers, and heavy-duty hitches for versatility.

Customization and Extended Warranty Options

Take your customization to the next level with distinctive paint, specialized mounts, and tailored layouts. Good builders can also handle pet needs and medical gear integration.

GMC warranties cover just the base van, so conversion parts need their own protection. Quality builders offer solid coverage, sometimes better than factory terms. Always get written details on what’s covered, for how long, and how claims work.

Things To Consider Before Deciding

First, consider what you’ll use your van for. Family transport? Weekend adventures? Mobile office? Each use suits different builders. Discuss your budget early — quality conversions can cost over $30,000 above the base van, with premium builds hitting $100,000.

Always inspect a builder’s work in person. Photos hide flaws that become obvious during hands-on testing. Check warranty terms — coverage ranges from one to five years. Ask whether repairs require returning to their facility or if you can use local shops. These details separate true professionals from those selling on appearance alone.

Questions To Ask Your Van Converter

Good builders welcome tough questions. Ask about their experience working with GMC Savanas — skills with other vans don’t always transfer. Check photos of past work and chat with long-term clients about how their conversions held up.

Dig into timelines, materials, and common problems. Solid companies will freely discuss their expertise, references, material options, budgets, completion times, warranty details, after-sales support, typical issues, special needs options, and whether they subcontract.

Benefits of Owning a Converted GMC Savana

There are many pros to conversion vans:

• Home is anywhere you can park.
• Families travel comfortably in one vehicle that handles daily driving and weekend getaways.
• If you go on week-long trips five times a year, you’ll save thousands on hotels and dining.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Conversion vans do come with a few downsides:

• Conversion costs anywhere from $70,000 to $150,000, depending on model and features.
• Fuel economy is only 12-18 mpg.
• At 19 feet long and over 6 feet tall, the Savana may be too large for most parking garages.
• Special insurance for custom parts can cost more than standard policies.

Embrace the Freedom of Custom GMC Savana Conversions

From simple family haulers to tough adventure rigs, Savana conversions create your ideal vehicle. Find the right builder who understands both the technical details and your vision. Whether you want weekend family trips, a rolling office, or cross-country adventures, a well-built Savana changes how you travel. Contact us today or visit our Youngstown, Ohio, dealership to see our Savana lineup and talk with experts who know these vans thoroughly.