At Front Range Custom Van’s, we specialize in building unique vans that allow our clients to have the freedom to travel wherever, experience tiny living, and have all the comforts of home inside of a vehicle. We take pride in every van we build and make it a point to not skip any parts or rush the process in order to provide the best quality service. We like the idea of building custom vans because we believe that your home should be wherever you want to park it.
How did your business idea come to life?
Front Range Custom Vans came about when Clayton started building his own personal van back in November of 2018 – he realized he needed help and thought who better to recruit than his lifelong friend Dominic who has a background in fabrication, machining, and metal work. At that time Clay was doing full time finish trim carpentry work and Dominic was a fence contractor. For the both of them, it was a weekend project that wouldn’t be completed until the Fall of 2019. Shortly after that, Clay took a road trip to Oregon where he met a couple who were so inspired by his personal van build, that they wanted a quote to build their own van out. Immediately, Clay began the search for a shop, it fell into his lap quickly and the couple drove their van out to begin the build process in Golden, Colorado. Over the process of building out this van, both Clay and Dom quit their jobs and turned custom van building into their full-time profession.
What makes Custom Cargo Vans unique?
We specialize in building cargo vans from scratch which requires a plethora of skills – from installing windows and fans, as well as insulation; plumbing toilets, showers and sinks, laying flooring, wiring a solar system with a battery bank, building custom cabinetry and trim finishes, installing swiveling captain and passenger seats, installing heaters, painting and staining, and adding all the finished hardware. Other services we include are welding, solar consult and build as well as custom cabinetry.
What is the most challenging aspect of running your business?
The most challenging aspect would have to be the actual building of the van. Unlike a house, nothing is square you are constantly having to scribe and make pieces fit to the contour of the van. Also, each van is a slightly different layout that all starts with a vision. You have to be ready and accept that your vision may have to slightly change as you go deeper into the process of building the van.
Why do you do what you do?
The most rewarding aspect of building vans is the satisfaction of everything coming together before your eyes. Especially when things like the solar and plumbing come together and work first try! Above all, the most rewarding part is when the build is done and revealed to the customer - being able to witness the surprise on their face is priceless when you reveal to them their brand-new custom van. Both Dom and I are lucky to be doing our dream job.
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