Custom vans are more detailed than ever thanks to advances in technology and affordability of component parts. Any custom van can be made into a statement of personal style and travel taste. The interior and the exterior are important parts to look at when reviewing a custom van. A custom van can be specialized and enhanced with a special needs passenger in mind who cannot otherwise enjoy the view or sat comfort form standard factory fittings or ceiling and floor dimensions. But custom vans have grown into travel and hobby show craft projects with extraordinary results.

Today's custom van can have electric light, touch panel television, shaded night lights on the dashboard, and plush interior carpeting or deluxe mattresses with custom upholstery.

Custom vans started out as proprietary vehicles projects for companies whose equipment was too difficult to reassemble after transit, and thus was installed into a vehicle. Radio stations, medical units, surveying teams, and sports enthusiasts all need varying requirements yet need the same standard van. Thus many ranges of "dull" and uninspired utility vans are the best sellers by many leading vehicle manufacturers.

The vans may start out plain, but custom van owners found a way to make exterior options more personalized and interior features more enjoyable. Fittings for sports uses for a custom van can include racks for skis, surfboards, and windsailing equipment. Electrical, gas, water, and waste facilities make a custom van a standalone personal travel venue as well as a transit vehicle.

Every type of standard feature, such as stereo speakers, seating, lighting, wall trim and instrument display can be enhanced and modified with a theme such as sports or luxury design. Paint colours can vary from the uninspired white colour that comes factory standard on most utility vans.

The shape of the exterior of a custom van be changed using dropped access rails and raised ceiling or roof areas. Extending back and side panels can create the illusion of a polygon shape that looks different and creates interest. A dropped front spoiler can show a smooth rectangular shape enhanced with glossy paint in custom colours. Side stripes and trims, mural finishes and sleek corporate logos make custom vans vehicles designed to get noticed. Light covers, grill gages, and custom tires can give a signature exterior look.

Custom vans can be part of a movie or sports franchise themes. The colours and styles of the interior can be space age tech or minimalist economy spare. Cartoon or video game images can enhance a plain van, but extender pieces and rear top spoilers can build a fantasy machine out a custom van project. The specialization of the interior and exterior options can be limited only by the radical ideas of the custom van designer.

The framework of a custom van begins with alteration to the metal skeleton. Shaving drip rails, cutting out windshields, and seaming extender chassis parts together should be done by qualified professionals. Those van owners wishing to expand the utility of their van without the full expense of a camper van or recreational vehicle adopt a custom van approach.

A custom project for a custom van might easier with the popularity of certain models of custom vans. Popular vans such as the Ford Econoline will have an entire aftermarket for special fitments and component parts.  Companies providing interior parts for common models of custom vans can trim expenses.