In tight economic times, with gas prices an ongoing concern, a camper van can be the solution to your customers' open-road longings. Camper vans, known in the industry as Class B motorhomes, have come a long way from their do-it-yourself origins. Today's camper van distributors carry a wide range of models that feature all the luxuries of a standard recreational vehicle at lower cost, better fuel economy and superb maneuverability.

A shorter wheelbase doesn't have to mean cramped quarters. Camper van manufacturers have incorporated innovative technologies to allow for full standing height, functional kitchens and bathrooms with showers, a range of entertainment media including widescreen TVs and satellite radio and comfortable seating and sleeping for up to four travelers. To deliver on your customers' camper van fantasies:

1. Get to know the range of options available from leading camper van manufacturers.

2. Direct customers to custom camper van conversion and repair services.

3. Contact camper van distributors of replacement parts and upgrades for customer service.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Survey the latest product lines from camper van manufacturers

Camper vans are positioned as an affordable alternative to larger RVs and motorhomes, but even within this segment of the market there is a wide range of options, from a simple camper van that can double as a second family vehicle to top-of-the-line models with luxury appointments. Contact camper van manufacturers to learn more about their arrangements with camper van distributors and dealers.

I recommend: Coach House, a FL manufacturer, offers several camper van models, including the basic Platinum 230 with twin beds. Xplorer's Sprinter Xplorer Xtreme is a 21-foot model built on a Dodge van base. Mercedes Benz powers the Vista MB from Conquest Motorhomes, a division of Gulf Stream, and organizations have named it the best in its class for fuel economy. RV leader Winnebago recently introduced its Era line of camper vans, available in basic Touring and luxury Limited packages; both are powered by Mercedes and feature Winnebago's Smartspace technology for maximum seating, storage and countertop flexibility.

Identify custom camper van conversion and repair services

You can add to the services you provide camper van customers by helping them locate custom van conversion and camper van repair.

I recommend: Custom Van Conversion.com will help your customers tailor a GMC camper van to their own specifications. For repair services in the Midwest, Matt Castrucci Conversion Van Land, with three locations in OH and KY, is a nationally recognized camper van repair resource.

Connect with sources of camper van replacement parts

Whether you provide camper van repair services yourself or just want to be able to steer your customers to quality replacement and upgrade parts, it's a good idea to establish relationships with suppliers who carry strong inventories.

I recommend: Contact V-Sales for a wide range of in-stock camper van parts and add-ons, including windshields and glass available from its DCM Company division; they carry hard-to-find parts for a number of obsolete models. Discount RV Parts maintains an online catalog of parts for many camper van models.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The camper van market is volatile, and camper van manufacturers regularly shuffle product lines or go out of business. Camper van distributors who offer repair service need to maintain good connections with parts suppliers that stockpile components for discontinued models or out-of-business manufacturers.