In the heart of the Southern California High Desert, Lost Hiway Vans is thriving, serving both the DIY and professional van-building communities. With a deep understanding of the needs of modern adventurers, Lost Hiway has created a line of original, rugged, and lightweight components built for real use—and a shop that transforms client dreams into reality.
Building Lost Hiway: A Story Rooted in Opportunity
The spark for Lost Hiway Vans ignited in 2018, during a visit to one of the first Adventure Van Expos in Big Bear, California. Founders Brett and Desiree were looking for interior and exterior components for a ProMaster conversion but found the market less than welcoming to DIY builders.
“After a frustrating search, and realizing that no one would sell us products without a build, we decided to grab lunch, a couple of beers, and that is where we laid the future groundwork of Lost Hiway," explains Brett.
From that moment, their mission was clear: offer high-quality, accessible products for the DIY community without the barriers often found in the market.
Why Multi-Use Vans Matter
At Lost Hiway, van builds aren't just about adventure—they’re about flexibility. Being prepped for an adventure at any moment, and utilizing your van for more than just a weekender RV.
“You can daily drive these vans, have them fully loaded for a road trip at all times, and at the drop of a hat, be on the road to your weekend destination without the major prep of a large R.V.”
Their builds and components reflect multi-use philosophy throughout, designed to transition seamlessly from weekday errands to mountain escapes. Every Lost Hiway product and van build is crafted with the aim of empowering van owners to "use your van"—a simple but powerful idea that’s become their guiding slogan.
Rugged Roots: The Lost Hiway Style
Drawing from over 30 years in aerospace and structural steel fabrication and a lifelong passion for off-road motorsports, Brett brings a unique, rugged sensibility to every component Lost Hiway produces.
“It was an easy decision to take my knowledge and style and carry that directly into rugged, but lightweight, well-thought-out and designed aluminum van components.”
While many upfitters focus on beautifully custom wood-based interiors, Lost Hiway champions lightweight aluminum builds—ideal for customers who want durability and functionality without sacrificing weight or versatility.
"I just feel that the industry is making the shift to lighter weight products, materials and components, while stripping down the build features for the customer," Brett explains. "This again is mostly based on the multi-use van theory, and the ability for the van owner to use their investment at the soccer park during the week and the mountain resort on the weekends. This is our style, our mind set, and we will continue to build the best components and vans for this lifestyle."
Location, Builds, and Services
Lost Hiway Vans operates out of Hesperia, California, a central hub that offers quick access to the mountains, beaches, and deserts of Southern California.
- Van Builds: Next build slots are available July 2025.
- DIY Components: Most products are in stock or available with short lead times.
- Additional Services: Full suspension and exterior upgrades under their Vanguard Overland brand—same facility, same faces.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or ready for a professional build, Lost Hiway is ready to help you hit the road.
Explore Lost Hiway's Original Products Built for Adventure
Lost Hiway's catalog of original products is designed to meet real-world needs with flexibility and efficiency. Two standout systems anchor their product line:
Fender Box/Dinette System:
Originally designed to house power supplies, water tanks, and provide flexible sleeping/sitting areas, this system continues to evolve with customer needs.
“With the gaining popularity of the multi-use lifestyle, this product has changed more into narrow boxes for storage and taller beds allowing for more garage space for active lifestyle items like mountain bikes, skis, snowboards.”
Overhead Cabinets:
Lost Hiway’s industry-leading aluminum overhead cabinets offer lightweight, durable storage that keeps gear organized and off the floor. Available in multiple configurations for Sprinter and Transit vans, some models even include microwave-capable options.
“We want our clients to start with the basics, use the van, and add on the other features later once they have figured out what they want.”
More Top Products:
Lost Hiway's intentional focus on modularity helps van owners grow their build over time, rather than investing everything upfront.
Deep Connection to the Outdoors
Brett’s passion for the outdoors runs deep, rooted in a childhood filled with hunting, fishing, and camping trips. "We raised our two children the same way, and our grandson is being raised to play face down in the dirt," Brett says.
“The outdoors is a gift from God for us to explore, maintain and preserve for future generations. You do not need a van to go to the hills for a hike or to check out some great desert destinations, but we are here helping those van owners explore in a much more comfortable and fun space by giving clients a quality build for exploration."
By helping van owners build functional, rugged vans, Lost Hiway supports exploration while encouraging a lifestyle that values and protects outdoor spaces.
Since launching out of a garage in 2018 and officially opening their facility in 2019, Lost Hiway has stayed true to its mission: building tough, lightweight, and functional components for both DIY customers and professional upfitters alike.
Reach out to Lost Hiway to learn more about their available van build slots and shop Lost Hiway products at Campervan HQ.
