Your Buying Guide
From first click
to first trip
Here's exactly what to expect at every step.
Build Your Van
Use our online builder to choose your model, trim, color, and options. Save your build, share it with your partner, or email yourself a build sheet. The whole process takes about 15-30 minutes.
Place Your Deposit
A $2,500 deposit secures your build slot. Pay by credit card or wire transfer. This locks in your model, trim, color, and position in the build queue. Your deposit is applied to your final balance.
Confirmation Call
Within 1-2 business days, your dedicated sales contact calls you. They'll review your build choices together with you, confirm all options, answer your questions, and walk through the timeline. You'll work with the same person throughout the entire process.
This is a good time to ask about upgrades, accessories, or anything you've been thinking about since placing your deposit.
Finalize Financing
Three options, whichever works best for you.
Finance Through Us
One application goes to multiple lenders. We help you find the best rate. Typical terms: 10% down, up to 20 years.
Your Own Bank
Already have a lender? We provide all the paperwork they need. Most credit unions and banks finance RVIA-certified RVs.
Pay Cash
Wire transfer instructions provided after your confirmation call. Simple and straightforward.
We Build Your Van
Your van goes into production at our shop in Rifle, Colorado. Current build time is 4-8 weeks from deposit. We build approximately 3 vans per week. You'll receive stage-by-stage updates as your van moves through production.
Chassis prep
Electrical
Insulation & walls
Cabinetry
Plumbing
Final assembly
QA & RVIA inspection
Want to visit during the build? Schedule a trip to Rifle and see your van being built in person.
Payment & Delivery
Full payment is due before delivery. Then choose how you want to receive your van.
Pick Up in Rifle, CO
Fly into Denver (DEN), take the Amtrak California Zephyr to Glenwood Springs — a scenic 5.5-hour ride through the Rockies — and we'll pick you up from the station. Many buyers make this part of the adventure.
Shipped on Insured Flatbed
Your van arrives on an insured flatbed trailer. You'll get the driver's contact info and tracking. Shipping costs vary by region. Do a walk-around inspection on delivery.
New Van Day
Your van is here. After delivery, schedule a New Van Day call with our customer success team. They'll walk you through every system via video: electrical, water, heater, AC, toilet, and all the features.
Pro tip:
Live with the van for about a week before your walkthrough call. That way you come with real questions based on actual use.
Registration & Titling
This is the step most buyers have questions about. Read every section below. We've handled 700+ van deliveries and this guide covers everything.
What We Provide
DM Vans is a Colorado manufacturer. When your van is complete, we give you three documents:
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
The "birth certificate" for your van. Proves DM Vans built it.
Bill of Sale
Legal proof of purchase with price, VIN, and date.
Temporary Colorado Registration
Valid for 60 days. Lets you legally drive while you complete permanent registration.
What You Handle
You register the van at YOUR local DMV. Here's what to expect:
Bring your documents to the DMV
Both MCOs (one from RAM, one from DM Vans), the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your ID.
Tell the clerk exactly this:
"I'm registering a new, RVIA-certified Class B recreational vehicle from a Colorado manufacturer."
Pay state and county taxes
Taxes are NOT included in the van price. The amount varies by state and county. This is standard for any vehicle purchase from an out-of-state manufacturer.
If you have a lien (financed the van)
Coordinate with your bank on title assignment before going to the DMV. Your lender will need to be listed on the title.
If the DMV clerk is confused
Some clerks haven't processed an independent RV manufacturer before. This is normal. Common issues: they may try to classify it as a "van" instead of an "RV," or be unfamiliar with Manufacturer's Certificates of Origin. Have them call us directly at 970-688-4060 and we'll walk them through it. We do this regularly.
Let 50 State DMV Handle It For You
We partner with 50 State DMV, a professional titling service that handles the entire registration and titling process on your behalf. They know exactly how to process our vehicles in every state. Most buyers choose this option.
Your sales contact will provide details and pricing during your confirmation call.
Complete registration within 60 days
Your temporary Colorado tags expire after 60 days. Start the process within the first two weeks to leave time for any delays at your local DMV.
Insurance
You need RV insurance, not standard auto insurance. All DM Vans are RVIA certified, which makes getting RV coverage straightforward.
Roamly
RV-specific insurer that understands camper vans. Many DM Van owners use Roamly for comprehensive coverage built for how you actually use an RV.
Any RV Insurer
Any agency that insures Class B RVs will work. Progressive, Good Sam, National General, and others all cover RVIA-certified vehicles.
Your First Trip & Beyond
You're on the road. Here's your quick-start checklist for life as a DM Van owner.
First-trip shakedown
Plan a short 2-3 night trip close to home. Test every system. Make a list of questions for your New Van Day call.
Monthly heater maintenance
Run your heater at maximum temperature for 60 minutes once a month. This is the single most important maintenance task for your van.
Join the DM Vans Owners group
Connect with 500+ other owners on Facebook. Trip ideas, tips, and a community that gets it.
Save our support number
970-688-4060 (Mon-Thu). We're here for the life of your van.
Ready to start?
Pick your starting point. Every path leads to the same place: your van, built your way.
Common Questions
How much is the deposit to order a DM Van?
A $2,500 deposit secures your build slot. This is applied to your final balance. Pay by credit card or wire transfer.
How long does it take to build a DM Van?
Current build time is 4-8 weeks from deposit. We build approximately 3 vans per week at our shop in Rifle, Colorado.
Can I pick up my van in person?
Yes. Many buyers fly into Denver (DEN), take the Amtrak California Zephyr to Glenwood Springs (a scenic 5.5-hour ride through the Rockies), and we pick them up from the station. You can also drive to Rifle, Colorado directly.
How do I register my DM Van?
We provide a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, Bill of Sale, and temporary Colorado registration valid for 60 days. You register at your local DMV and pay state and county taxes at that time. We also partner with 50 State DMV if you'd like a professional titling service to handle the process.
Do I pay sales tax when I buy a DM Van?
Sales tax is NOT included in the van price. You pay state and county taxes when you register the van at your local DMV. The amount varies depending on where you live.
What insurance do I need for a camper van?
You need RV insurance, not standard auto insurance. We recommend ROAMLY, which specializes in RV coverage. Any insurer that covers Class B RVs will work since all DM Vans are RVIA certified.