Product FAQs
I’ve looked at your products but I’m still not sure if I’m ready to take the plunge, what can I do?
We get it, investing in your van build is no easy decision. We recommend first checking out our Install Guides page, as well as the FAQ page for the product you’re interested in. After that, reach out to us at info@featherbuilt.com and we can schedule a time to chat on the phone to answer any of your van build questions.
What is your lead time for shipping?
Please take a look at our Shipping Policy for information about different products and their current shipping times.
What vans do you make products for?
We make products for Sprinter (144, 170, and 170 Extended), Transit (148 and 148 Extended) and ProMaster (136, and 159) vans.
Most of our products are designed for the high roof style, cargo configuration. If you have a mid roof, standard roof, or low roof van, our products may still be compatible. We make every effort to note that on the product page. Reach out if you have questions!
What materials do you use?
Our materials are chosen for their durability, ease of use, and for their charming good looks. Our standard materials include white laminated plywood, natural plywood, black hex ply, bamboo plywood, and aluminum rails. We prioritize durability, ease of cleaning, and good looks.
Check out our Materials Page for more info.
Can I install this myself?
Yes! We design all our products to be accessible for the DIY-builder. However, we won't promise that this is going to be challenge-free. At the end of the day, you are still taking on a massive project that will require some basic handy skills, familiarity with a collection of tools, and patience.
And we'll be here to guide you along the way!
What tools will I need for installation?
Every product will come with an individual install guide letting you know what tools you’ll need for install. Check out this Blog Post for more info on our favorite install tools.
Do you offer installation?
Yes, we offer installation at our shop in Denver, CO! Book a consult or get in touch to schedule a time.
Do you make custom products?
At this time, we are focusing on products that can be mass-produced, and cannot offer customizations.
If you're interested in working together on a line of products for yourself or your own van build company, reach out to us!
Are your products compatible with other brands or kits?
Through a series of partnerships, several of our products are directly compatible with other brands and kits, such as GoCode, VanEssential, and EXPLORIST.life.
There is a high likelihood that many of our products are also compatible with other kits, but we cannot guarantee a fit. If you're unsure, we encourage you to compare hardware and measurements before ordering.
Can I purchase some products now and add more later?
Absolutely! The entire Featherbuilt system is designed around the ability to add and modify at a later date.
Many customers build their vans in stages. If you're planning to add products later, we're happy to help make sure everything works together as your build progresses.
Do you have a warranty?
Yes! We stand behind our designs, the materials we use, and the work our team puts in to create your products. If you have issues with your purchase, please contact us.
Foundation Kits
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What is a Foundation Kit?
A Foundation Kit includes our Wall Panel Kit, Ceiling Panel Kit, modular aluminum rail system, and the components needed to install the system.
Together, they create the foundation for a finished interior while providing secure mounting points for cabinets, shelving, and accessories throughout your van.
The exact contents may vary slightly depending on your vehicle and the options you select. Please refer to the product page for the complete list of included components.
How do I know which Foundation Kit is right for my van?
Each Foundation Kits is designed for specific vehicles, wheelbases, and roof heights.
Please make sure you select the correct vehicle when ordering. If you're unsure, we're happy to help you choose the right kit.
What's included in a complete Foundation Kit?
- Wall Panels
- Ceiling Panels
- Rails
- Rivet Nuts
- 1/4-20 Machine Screws
- Install Wrench (5/32" Allen)
What tools do I need to install the kit?
- Drill
- Step-up Bit
- Phillips Head Driver
- Rivnut Gun/Rivnut Setter
- 5/32 Wrench
How much does a Foundation Kit weigh?
The total weight depends slightly on the material you choose, but a complete Foundation Kit weighs less than 200 pounds.
How hard is it to install?
We design all our products to be approachable by backyard DIY-builders, not just professionals in fancy shops. However, we do like to remind our customers that taking on any kind of assembly, fabrication, or installation is still a big project and should be approached with preparedness and patience.
Your van build journey probably won't be easy, but we're here to help you do it yourself - which means, you have to be prepared to Do It Yourself!
Can I purchase individual panels?
No.
Our Foundation Kits are sold as complete kits, and individual wall panels, ceiling panels, or rails are not available for purchase.
What cutout options are available?
We offer a variety of standard cutout options for items such as windows, vent fans, lighting, and other common accessories.
After you place your order, we'll send you a cutout form so you can select the options that match your build before production begins.
At this time, we only offer our standard cutout options and do not provide custom cutouts.
If you're not sure which cutouts you'll need, don't worry, we're happy to help you choose the right options for your build.
Do the panels come finished?
The White Laminate and Black Hex panel options are completely sealed. The Bamboo and Natural Plywood are shipped raw/unfinished and will require some kind of oil, wax, or stain.
What rail system do you use?
We use low-profile aluminum strut channel, aka Unistrut. Channel nut hardware is used to mount things on the rails.
Can I use another rail system?
Our products are specifically designed to be compatible with Unistrut. You may be able to use a different rail system, but you may have to modify the panels to do so and we cannot offer advice or installation support.
Wheel Well Cabinets
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What are the Wheel Well Cabinets?
Our Wheel Well Cabinets are storage cabinets specifically designed to fit over your van's wheel well area, allowing you to take advantage of what is often dead space.
We offer them for your plumbing and electrical systems, but they can also be used for other storage.
Can I customize the cabinet?
At this time, we don't offer custom cabinet sizes or modifications.
Our cabinets are designed and tested to provide the best fit and performance for their intended application.
Does the Electrical Cabinet include the electrical components?
No.
The cabinet includes the cabinet components, hardware, and assembly instructions. Batteries, inverters, chargers, wiring, and other electrical components are sold separately.
Does the Water Cabinet include the plumbing components?
No.
The cabinet includes the cabinet components, hardware, and assembly instructions. Tanks, pumps, and all other plumbing components need to be purchased separately.
What Electrical system is compatible with it?
Our Electrical Cabinets were designed in collaboration with EXPLORIST.life and are specifically sized to fit their EXPLORE, EXPLORE Lite, and EXPLORE+ electrical systems using Victron components. The electrical system is sold separately.
What plumbing components are compatible with it?
Any water tank offered on our website is compatible with our Wheel Well Cabinets. Be sure to select the correct tank for your vehicle when ordering.
There is space for water pumps and water heaters, but please check the dimensions of the cabinet and your components before purchasing and installing.
How hard are these to assemble?
While basic DIY skills and standard tools should suffice, please keep in mind that this is not your standard Ikea cabinet. It features upwards of 30 different pieces and is designed to fit around curved metal. But fear not! We are here for every single step and have a variety of resources available. You can definitely DIY.
Materials and Finishes
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What materials do you use for the panels and cabinets?
- Natural Baltic Birch – Great if you plan to stain, paint, or apply your own finish.
- Bamboo – A premium natural wood option with a distinctive grain.
- White Laminate – Durable, easy to clean, and ready to install.
- Black Hex – A modern, textured finish that's ready to install.
Which materials come pre-finished?
Our White Laminate and Black Hex panels arrive ready to install.
Natural Baltic Birch and Bamboo should be sealed with a finish such as polyurethane, hard wax oil, stain, or paint before installation.
Can I paint or stain the wood?
Yes!
Natural Baltic Birch and Bamboo are designed to be finished however you'd like. Many customers stain, paint, oil, or apply a clear protective finish to match their build.
Can I order upholstered panels?
Not at this time.
Can I order a custom wood species or laminate?
At this time, we offer our standard finish options and do not offer custom wood species, laminates, or colors.
Can I mount things to the panels or cabinets?
Yes.
Our ¼" panels are strong enough for mounting lightweight accessories such as hooks, organizers, and other small items, while our ½" cabinets can hold heavier items.
For much heavier items, we recommend fastening into the Featherbuilt rail system or the vehicle structure rather than the panel itself.
Which wood material is the lightest?
All of our panel materials are lightweight and designed specifically for van conversions.
Natural Baltic Birch is approximately 5–10% lighter than our other panel options, but the overall weight difference is minimal.
We're here to help.
While we work on updating our FAQs, go ahead and ask us some. You might see them listed here someday soon!