What started as a chance meeting in South America has grown into Drifter Vans, a Detroit, Michigan–based custom van upfitter with one clear mission: to build truly one-of-a-kind vans that reflect the life and style of each client. From the beginning, co-founders Kim and Paul were aligned in their approach—no cookie-cutter templates, no one-size-fits-all layouts.
We do real custom builds. All builds are totally different, in layouts, features and design, keeping the process for all of us fun.
Drifter Vans leans into the unique stories and different needs of all their clients, building a van that will meet their specific needs.
Their client-first mindset shapes every part of the build process. “It starts with figuring out the layout and exact features that the van will need based on how the client will use it,” Kim explains. Helping their clients understand van components and technologies to choose from, before connecting their clients with in-house designers to help build out personalized mood boards and complete the design process.
"At Drifter Vans, we don’t compromise. We build real custom vans that really fit your needs, and we help customer make educated decisions on what they need instead of choosing from things they don’t know anything about." Building vans that are completely catered to each client's experiences. Their style blends clean, functional layouts with refined finishes and well-thought-out storage solutions.
For Drifter Vans, it’s about more than just the finished product—it’s about the journey of design and build for each van owner. With a main goal “to not offer the customer a van we make but build the van they need".
Their shop in Detroit is set up to handle everything from weekend warriors to full-time off-grid rigs. Drifter Vans is open to partial and full custom builds, and offers a 4-5 month build time after initial design, products, and layout are confirmed.
Taking the time to guide clients through decisions means their clients have full control over every build aspect. "Vanlife is a life full of compromises, We believe that with real custom builds like we do, we can limit the compromises that our clients have to make," Kim explains.
At the core of Drifter Vans’ philosophy is the idea that every van should be tailored to the person who owns it. While they’ve developed innovative products designed to make van life easier, the true hallmark of their work lies in customization.
“We created a few Drifter Vans products like the trifold pocket wall system, the adjustable table system, things that make the use of the limited space of a van better." These solutions are designed with functionality in mind, helping van owners maximize storage and usability without sacrificing comfort.
Their process prioritizes listening and collaboration, rather than fitting people into a pre-designed mold. For Drifter Vans, the goal is not just to build vans—it’s to create spaces that reflect each owner’s lifestyle, passions, and adventures.
The Drifter Vans Difference
From the first meeting to the final handoff, Drifter Vans keeps one philosophy front and center: your van should fit your life. With their combination of craftsmanship, personalization, and in-house capabilities, they’re building more than vans—they’re creating road-ready homes tailored for adventure.
Check out Drifter Vans for more information and details on available build slots.
