Every step from first call to New Van Day, explained.
The DM Vans’ buying process isn’t like buying a car off a lot. It’s a straightforward process, but it has specific steps and timelines that are helpful to understand upfront. Here’s exactly what to expect from your first conversation to the day you drive away.
Step 1: Free Consultation Call
Everything starts with a conversation. Our sales ambassadors will discuss your travel plans, lifestyle needs, and budget to help you figure out which model, trim level, and options make sense for you. This call is free, no-pressure, and typically covers model differences, pricing, financing, and answers to all your questions. And the best part? Our sales ambassadors are both full-time vanlifers, so you’re going to get real answers.
Sales ambassadors offer video calls and virtual van tours anytime.
Step 2: $2,500 Deposit
When you’re ready to move forward, a $2,500 non-refundable deposit secures your van. If you’re buying from current inventory, the deposit pulls that specific van off the available list. If you’re pre-ordering a 2026 build, it locks in your build slot and your pricing.
The deposit can be paid by credit card with no processing fee. It counts toward your final purchase price — it’s not an additional fee. However, it is important to note that it’s non-refundable because we begin ordering parts and preparing our production schedule for your specific build as soon as the deposit is placed.
Step 3: Enter the Build Queue
Your van is slotted into the production schedule. Build queue position depends on current demand and model availability. Your Sales Ambassador will give you an estimated timeline based on where the queue stands when you place your deposit and will continue to keep you updated on timing.
Step 4: 10% Down Payment
Your downpayment is due for your van to enter production (your $2,500 deposit is deducted from this amount). The down payment amount differs based on payment terms. If a customer is financing, the minimum down payment our banks require is 10%, but we require a 50% down payment if it is a cash deal.
This is paid via ACH, wire transfer, or cashier’s check (no fee), or credit card (3% fee on amounts above the deposit).
If you’re financing, your BMO credit application should be submitted approximately 2 months before expected delivery. The application is good for 60 days.
Step 5: Your Van Is Built
The build takes approximately 4–5 weeks once your van enters the queue. Every van is built at our facility in Rifle, Colorado, with cabinetry custom-cut in-house using our CNC machine. Special color orders can take 6 months or more due to chassis availability from Ram. Our Sales Ambassadors will explain all of this to you as well depending on what you are trying to order.
Step 6: Financing Finalized
This differs slightly from the normal car-buying experience.
Final invoices are due upon completion of your van when it is pick-up ready, NOT when you pick up your van.
For cash deals, the final invoice will be sent to you like your down payment invoice. It is payable via ACH/Wire transfer or cashiers check. For financed deals, we must be able to submit your loan documents to the bank and secure funding before we release the van to you.
While your van is being built, financing paperwork is processed with BMO (or your chosen lender). BMO’s retail installment contract requires wet (physical) signatures and is mailed to you.
Your first monthly payment to BMO is due 45 days from the date of sale, giving you a buffer to get settled.
Step 7: Pickup or Delivery
Pickup: Come to our facility at 6 Power Line Road, Rifle, Colorado. Fly into Eagle County Regional Airport (closest, approximately 30–45 minutes from Rifle), Denver International Airport (cheapest flights — take the Bustang bus up I-70, approximately 4 hours, tickets around $32), or Grand Junction Airport (approximately 45 minutes from Rifle). We can help coordinate local transportation.
Delivery: We ship nationwide (except Hawaii and Alaska) via a fully insured flatbed trailer. Shipping costs vary by distance, with the maximum approximately around $4,300. Delivery takes just a few days.
You need active insurance before the van build is complete, whether you’re picking up or receiving a delivery. Your van comes with 60-day Colorado temporary tags (extendable to 120 days if needed). We will work with you on the title and registration process for your van while you have your temporary tags.
Step 8: New Van Day
As part of the DM Vans’ buying process, every owner receives a comprehensive New Van Day walkthrough covering every system in the van — electrical, plumbing, toilet, heating, water, kitchen, and everything else. For in-person pickups, this happens at the facility and takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on your questions. For shipped vans, it’s done virtually with our customer experience team.
This isn’t a one-time thing. Our customer experience team is available for the life of your van, at no charge. Approximately 90% of issues can be walked through over the phone since the build is designed to be simple.
Total Timeline
Typical deposit to delivery takes about 5–7 weeks, depending on build queue position and model availability. Special color orders can take significantly longer due to chassis availability from Ram. If you have a specific target date, let your sales ambassador know so we can try to align the build schedule accordingly. It’s always best to start looking before you think you’re really “ready!”
Once your van is finished, we can hold it on our lot for up to 60 days if you need to coordinate your pickup timing.
Ready to Start?
Schedule a free consultation call. There’s no commitment, just a conversation about your plans, your options, and what the DM Vans’ buying process looks like for your specific situation.