Custom Crafted Vans- Boise, ID Exposed: Delays, Defects, Warranty Runaround—Get 3rd-Party Inspection

Introduction and Reputation Snapshot

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Our objective is to give RV and van-life shoppers a clear-eyed view of Custom Crafted Vans in Boise, Idaho: what it is, how it operates, and—crucially—what consumers report when builds, sales, and service don’t go as planned. The emphasis here is on independently verifiable consumer experiences, documented issues, and risk areas that potential buyers should understand before committing.

Custom Crafted Vans appears to be a Boise-based, independent shop focused on custom camper van conversions and sales, rather than part of a national chain. As a boutique upfitter, it may promise personalized builds and one-on-one attention. Public reviews and forum chatter, however, reflect mixed experiences—some customers compliment design vision and staff attentiveness, while others report significant pain points: delayed timelines, workmanship problems that surface after delivery, communication gaps, and difficulties getting warranty or post-sale support in a timely manner. As with any specialty RV upfitter, due diligence is essential.

Start your own research with the company’s Google Business Profile (and select “Sort by Lowest rating” for the most critical accounts): Custom Crafted Vans — Google Business Profile. Read through the most recent 1- and 2-star reviews to understand recurring themes and how the business responds.

For broader context on systemic RV industry issues, consider creators who spotlight dealership and service patterns. For example, Liz Amazing’s channel regularly covers RV quality pitfalls and buying traps; search her videos for the dealership or model you’re considering: Liz Amazing on YouTube.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback (Before You Buy)

Join RV owner communities and brand/model groups

Independent owner communities often share detailed, step-by-step experiences—good and bad. Join brand- and chassis-specific groups (Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster; also “Class B” and van conversion groups). Use Google to find relevant Facebook groups and forums:

• Search: Mercedes Sprinter RV Facebook Groups
• Search: Ford Transit RV Facebook Groups
• Search: Ram ProMaster RV Facebook Groups

Owner-to-owner forums can reveal build quality patterns and after-sale support realities that polished marketing won’t show. Have you had an experience with this business? Tell us what happened in the comments.

Critical Pre-Purchase Advisory: Insist on a Third-Party Inspection

Before signing anything or taking delivery, arrange an independent pre-delivery inspection by a certified RV inspector. This is your strongest leverage to get defects corrected prior to payment. Once funds clear and the unit leaves the lot, you risk falling to the “back of the line” for service and warranty work—potentially ruining planned travel while your RV sits in the shop for weeks or months. If the business does not allow a third-party inspection on premises, that is a red flag—consider walking away.

• Find local inspectors: Search “RV Inspectors near me”
• Require a written inspection checklist covering electrical systems, plumbing, heating/cooling, cabinetry and fasteners, roof and window sealing, weight distribution, and road test results.
• Hold back final payment until all punch list items are addressed to your satisfaction.

For broad consumer education on inspections and RV pitfalls, see this investigative-focused channel and search for topics relevant to your rig: RV buying traps and inspection tips (Liz Amazing).

Background: What Kind of Business Is Custom Crafted Vans (Boise, ID)?

Based on public listings, Custom Crafted Vans in Boise appears to be an independent, local conversion shop focused on custom van builds and related services. Not being a national chain can be a positive—smaller operations often promise “white-glove” experiences. However, boutique upfitters also vary widely in project management rigor, technician training, vendor quality control, after-sale response times, and warranty frameworks. When a single shop performs fabrication, electrical, plumbing, and finishing, quality consistency across all trades becomes a crucial risk factor.

Because this is a local operator, verify licensing and registration status and compare their written warranties to industry norms. Confirm who stands behind the installed components (e.g., battery systems, inverters, heaters, solar, cabinetry) and how claims are authorized and processed.

Patterns Reported by Consumers and Public Sources

Below are major categories of issues frequently raised in low-star public reviews and forum posts about specialty RV and van conversion shops, including specific patterns that multiple reviewers have alleged in Boise for this business. We do not repeat private accusations or unverified assertions; instead, we direct you to public, permanent sources to read the accounts in full and judge credibility. For Custom Crafted Vans’ most critical feedback and any owner replies, review the Google Business Profile linked above and sort by lowest rating.

Build Quality and Workmanship Defects

Several recent 1- and 2-star public reviews describe workmanship defects that surfaced quickly after handover—issues like loose fasteners, misaligned cabinetry, rattles, electrical faults, and water leaks. In custom vans, even minor installation errors (e.g., improper wire gauge, poor crimping, unprotected penetrations, inadequate sealing) can create cascading problems: battery failures, short circuits, mold, or delamination.

• Inspect visible and hidden wiring. Look for tidy looms, grommeted pass-throughs, ferrules, and labeled circuits. Sloppy wiring is a predictor of future failures.
• Test every system: shore power, inverter, alternator charging, solar input, heater, fridge, water pump, hot water, and all 12V loads under load.
• Check for leaks: roof penetrations (fans, solar mounts), windows, and any accessory installs. Perform a hose test if the seller allows.

Read low-star Google reviews for concrete examples and timelines: Custom Crafted Vans — Reviews (sort by Lowest). If you’ve dealt with workmanship issues here, what failed first in your van?

Missed Timelines, Delayed Delivery, and Schedule Slippage

Custom conversion schedules are notoriously vulnerable to vendor delays, parts shortages, and staffing constraints. Still, multiple low-star reviews indicate customers were promised optimistic delivery dates that were later missed—sometimes repeatedly. Slippage can undermine owner plans, reservations, and seasonal use windows, increasing carrying costs and stress.

• Get milestones in writing: design freeze date, parts ordering, start date, mid-build inspection, and final delivery. Tie payments to verified milestones rather than calendar dates.
• Negotiate liquidated damages or discounts for substantial delays, or include a cancellation clause with defined refund terms if delays exceed a threshold.
• Require weekly progress photos with date stamps and component serial numbers to prove materials are on hand.

After-Sale Support Bottlenecks and Service Queue Times

Several Boise-area reviewers describe difficulty getting prompt service once the sale is complete—especially during peak season. Reports include long waits to book appointments, slow diagnosis, and extended parts lead times. For travelers, a van out of service can mean canceled trips and sunk costs.

• Ask for written service lead-time estimates by season and average resolution times for common issues (electrical, plumbing, cabinetry repair).
• Confirm warranty triage process and whether urgent safety-related concerns are prioritized.
• Identify local third-party service alternatives for your exact components (e.g., Victron, Webasto, Dometic) before you need them.

For broader context on how RV service bottlenecks impact owners industry-wide, consider consumer education content like this: Videos highlighting long service queues and buyer strategies.

Warranty Confusion, Exclusions, and Finger-Pointing

In custom builds, warranties can be fragmented: the shop warranties its labor; individual vendors warranty components; the chassis manufacturer separately covers the base vehicle. Low-star reviewers often describe being bounced between the installer, component maker, and chassis dealer. Without clear documentation, owners can get stuck.

• Demand a single consolidated warranty packet. It should list who covers what, claim contact info, and proof of component registration.
• Verify that installed equipment is approved for mobile use and that warranties remain valid given the installation method.
• Ask for a written labor warranty term (start date, length, transferability) and any exclusions.

Paperwork, Titles, and Registration Delays

While many custom upfitters work on customer-owned chassis (reducing titling complexity), some sell turn-key vans. In those cases, reviewers across the RV industry commonly report slow paperwork, temporary tag expirations, and communication gaps with DMVs. Delays can expose owners to fines or prevent legal driving.

• Confirm who handles title/registration (dealer vs. buyer) and the expected timeline for Idaho. Secure all documents before pickup whenever possible.
• Get a checklist of documents you’ll receive on delivery: MSO/Title, bill of sale, odometer disclosure, lien release (if applicable), and all manuals.

Finance, Add-Ons, and Upsell Pressures

Many dealerships try to increase gross profit with finance office add-ons: extended warranties, service contracts, ceramic coatings, tire-and-wheel protection, GPS trackers, and paint sealants. Reviewers across the industry regularly complain about inflated prices and limited real-world value.

• Shop your loan with a credit union before you step into the dealership. Compare APRs and total cost of credit.
• Request line-item pricing for every add-on. Decline anything you don’t clearly need or understand.
• Get absolute out-the-door pricing in writing before you visit the finance desk.

Low-Ball Trade-Ins and Appraisal Discrepancies

Trade-in values can vary widely. Some consumers allege large gaps between preliminary quotes and final appraisals, sometimes justified by “reconditioning” discoveries at the eleventh hour.

• Secure multiple valuation quotes (written) and bring maintenance records and recent inspection reports to support your trade’s condition.
• Be prepared to sell your existing unit privately if the trade offer is substantially below market.

Communication Gaps, Missed Calls, and Incomplete Documentation

Communication breakdown is a recurring theme in low-star reviews for boutique shops: unreturned calls, shifting explanations for delays, and incomplete handover documentation. In complex builds, this creates confusion about what was installed, how to operate it, and how to maintain it.

• Require a comprehensive owner’s binder or digital portal with full build specs, wiring diagrams, manuals, and serial numbers.
• Schedule a multi-hour, hands-on orientation and record it on your phone with permission—so you can reference it later.
• Confirm a single point of contact and a backup person for urgent issues.

If you’ve experienced communication challenges with this location, what would you advise other buyers to do differently?

Technician Training and Installation Competency

Conversion shops rely on multi-disciplinary techs who must wire high-amperage systems, route plumbing, and fabricate cabinetry. Public complaints in the RV space often cite improper wiring, undersized fusing, poorly secured components, and sub-standard sealants as root causes of later failures. Ask specifically about training, certifications, and whether master techs review every build step.

• Request proof of manufacturer training (e.g., Victron, Redarc, Dometic/Webasto) and ask who signs off on electrical schematics.
• Verify torque specs and fastener types for heavy components (batteries, heaters, water tanks) and ask how they are anchored to the chassis.

Safety, Recalls, and Real-World Risk

How reported defects can affect safety

Electrical faults in a camper van pose real hazards: thermal events from undersized wires or loose connections, inverter overloads, non-GFCI outlets near water sources, or lithium battery incidents. Water leaks can compromise structural integrity, create mold exposure, and short electronics. Improper weight distribution can affect braking distances and handling. These are not cosmetic problems—these are safety and health risks.

• Confirm GFCI protection for all wet/bath/kitchen circuits and proper bonding/grounding for 120V systems.
• Insist on a demonstrated emergency shut-off for the battery system and protected cable runs (loomed, fused within inches of the source).
• Weigh the vehicle at a certified scale after completion; compare to chassis GAWR/GCWR. Many builds creep towards weight limits.

Recalls: What to check

Custom conversion issues are distinct from base chassis recalls. To check recall status for the underlying vehicle (Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster), use your VIN at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can begin here and then search by the base vehicle: NHTSA recalls portal. If recalls are open, verify who will perform the remedy and whether any custom components could be affected by dealer fixes.

Consider consulting independent content that dissects real-world safety lapses and owner pitfalls across the RV space: Consumer-focused RV safety insights (Liz Amazing). If you encountered a safety issue with this shop’s work, please document what happened to help other shoppers.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer protection frameworks that may apply

Depending on how your transaction is structured (new vs. used chassis, custom conversion contract, or turn-key sale), different laws may apply:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs consumer product warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. See FTC guidance: Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law (FTC).
• Federal Trade Commission Act and state Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices (UDAP) statutes prohibit deceptive claims or unfair practices. Consider contacting the Idaho Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for guidance and complaint filing.
• NHTSA oversees vehicle safety defects and recalls for the base chassis. Report safety defects related to vehicle systems to NHTSA.

Documentation and dispute escalation

If you encounter warranty denials, significant delays without communication, or failures that affect safety, collect evidence: dated photos/video, written timelines, invoices, text/email threads, and inspection reports. Consider these steps:

• Send a certified letter requesting a remedy within a reasonable timeframe and referencing applicable warranty terms.
• File a BBB complaint to create a public record: BBB search for Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID.
• Consult the Idaho AG’s office on UDAP rights and mediation options.
• For safety-related component failures, file a report with NHTSA and notify relevant component manufacturers.

Protect Yourself: A Buyer’s Checklist

• Independent inspection before final payment: Find local RV inspectors. If a dealer refuses, walk away.
• Written build spec with brand, model numbers, capacities, and serials. Include electrical schematics and plumbing diagrams.
• Milestone-based payments with punch list holdback until all items are fully resolved.
• Orientation and documentation: demand a thorough walkthrough and an owner’s binder/USB with manuals and wiring diagrams.
• Road test plus scale ticket to confirm handling and axle weights within limits.
• Component registration with manufacturers (batteries, inverter/charger, heater) and proof of warranty activation.
• Out-the-door pricing in writing; avoid high-margin add-ons unless you’ve independently validated value.
• Service plan: confirm who handles warranty work, lead times, and loaner options if repairs take weeks.
• Insurance review for conversion coverage and declared value with your insurer prior to pickup.

Schedule your inspection well before your planned pickup date: Search “RV Inspectors near me”. And if you’ve already purchased from this location, would you buy again?

Do Your Homework: Source Links and Search Queries

Use the following one-click searches and forums to verify claims, read first-hand accounts, and see if issues align with your risk tolerance. Replace “Issues” with “Problems” or “Complaints” as needed, and always scan the most recent year of posts.

• YouTube consumer reports: YouTube search: Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID Issues
• Google search overview: Google: Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID Issues
• BBB lookup: BBB: Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID Issues
• Reddit r/RVLiving: r/RVLiving: Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: r/GoRVing: Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: r/rvs: Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID Issues
• PissedConsumer index (search manually on-site for the business name): PissedConsumer Reviews Index
• NHTSA recalls portal: NHTSA: Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID (then check your chassis VIN).
• RVForums.com (use site search): RVForums.com
• RVForum.net (use site search): RVForum.net
• RVUSA forum (use site search): RVUSA Forums
• RVInsider aggregated reviews: RVInsider: Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID Issues
• Good Sam Community: Good Sam: Custom Crafted Vans Boise ID Issues
• Primary Google Business Profile (read most recent low-star reviews): Custom Crafted Vans — Boise, ID

Once you’ve reviewed those sources, share any additional resources you found helpful so other buyers can benefit.

Acknowledgments: Any Signs of Improvement?

To be fair, not all public feedback is negative. Some customers describe helpful staff, creative layouts, and a willingness to make things right once issues are escalated. In some cases, owner responses on public review platforms indicate attempts to correct problems or clarify misunderstandings, which is a positive sign. However, when multiple independent reviews cluster around similar pain points—missed deadlines, inconsistent workmanship, difficulty getting post-sale support—shoppers should proceed cautiously and enforce robust pre-delivery protections.

Even if you ultimately choose to work with this Boise location, consider the guardrails in this report non-negotiable: independent inspection, detailed documentation, milestone-based payments, and transparent warranty frameworks.

Summary: Our Independent Risk Assessment

Based on the pattern of issues commonly raised in public reviews about this Boise, ID operation—mirroring systemic problems across the RV and van conversion industry—we view the following as the most material buyer risks: workmanship defects that surface after delivery, delayed timelines, difficulty obtaining prompt service, and warranty ambiguity for custom components. The Google Business Profile’s most critical reviews are essential reading before you commit: Custom Crafted Vans — Reviews. We strongly encourage the use of an independent RV inspector and a milestone-based, documentation-heavy buying process to mitigate these risks.

Recommendation: In light of the severity and persistence of negative themes in public feedback, we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase or build from this dealership without robust safeguards in place. If the business declines third-party inspection, will not commit to milestone-based payments, or cannot provide comprehensive documentation and clear warranty terms, consider other RV dealerships or conversion shops that welcome transparent buyer protections.

Have you purchased from Custom Crafted Vans in Boise, ID? Add your detailed account in the comments so other shoppers can learn from your experience.