Brooklyn Campervans started with a dream that the world could be a home.
As two travel filmmakers, Arthur and Oliver have spent years on the road, but despite beautiful hotels nothing could replace the feeling of a familiar bed or kitchen. They asked themselves, "What if we can feel at home in the wildest of places?"
Brooklyn Campervans blends upscale craftsmanship with minimalist design and clean aesthetic. They’ve spent over 20,000 miles on the road carefully testing and tweaking their builds to provide the same quality and care for their customers.
After building over 40 camper vans, they now have a full team of incredibly talented van builders in Brooklyn, New York. Let's learn more about them here.
Where are you from and what is special about the area?
We are from Brooklyn, New York as our name suggests. The #VanLife community is growing and it’s exciting to be here. We’d liken it to what Van Life in the West Coast was before it got too popular - before good spots got too busy, and the police would give you a knock if you’re parked illegally. In NYC, no one gives a hoot, and it is totally legal to sleep in your car. You get to enjoy the city with the most expensive rent in the world rent-free. There’s also plenty to see and we’ve written a complete guide on VanLife in NYC.
When did you first realize that you wanted to become a campervan builder?
Oliver and I both had the dream for many years before pulling the trigger - and even before meeting each other. During the pandemic when everything stopped, we were building furniture for my new apartment. We were cutting and sanding wood in what would otherwise be the busiest sidewalks of Brooklyn. After my apartment got furnished, we pondered what else we could build. That’s when we communicated our interest in camper vans and the many years of resources and inspiration we gathered separately. We decided, “no more excuses!” it’s time to fulfill our dreams!
What sets you apart from other campervan builders?
Our goal is to build the best custom camper van possible for YOU. The vast amount of customization options means that home can really feel like home. We aim to blend the best of capability and design. To achieve this level of excellence, we make strategic choices—building only four vans at a time to ensure each van and client gets the attention it deserves, and by investing heavily in research and development focusing exclusively on Sprinters.
The result is a camper van that seamlessly blends aesthetics, functionality, and cutting-edge technology – from enhancing Starlink, integrating the newest battery solutions, to our own proprietary BKC Swing Out Panels and unique use of a slide out skylight - we have so much that sets us apart. You can see for yourself with the Sprinter Camper Vans we have for sale.
What Vanspeed products do you like best, and why?
Our favorite are the bed capsules. It is our go-to-solution for clients who want more sleeping length. Vans are small spaces, and if a person can sleep sideways and not in the direction of the van, that means a ton of space saved. It makes the difference of having an indoor shower or not. What a simple solution for such a big problem!
Finally, it adds 11.5” of space. That’s a lot and every inch matters. I may not be 6’5”, but I like moving around the bed without my head or feet bumping into the walls. The bunk windows are also perfect for a cross-breeze or for me to check surroundings when I wake up.
What advice would you like to share with other builders and/or people embarking on a DIY project?
Triple your build time projection. Also find a reputable resource. There is an influx of Van Build influencers, and the amount of quality information gets harder to find.
How did you come up with your company name?
Brooklyn is home for us. For us it’s about building community, and this is where we want to build it. We have no plan on expanding, much less to other locations. The choice to be in Brooklyn is to have a good work / life balance, build the best vans, and do it with a wonderful community around us. We have been committed to that dream since Day 1, hence the name “Brooklyn Campervans”.
Brooklyn Campervans #VanLife Block Party happens every 3 months!
Please share anything else you’d like to add… a joke, a funny van name, a ritual around your shop, etc…
Our first two vans were named Scotchie and Sardine named after our favorite beverage and food combo…Scotch and Sardines.