Getting your Wayfarer is refreshingly simple. We don’t do complicated systems. We don’t go over the top with bells and whistles. But what happens after you drive off? How much time and money does it really take to keep your van humming along?

Good news – it doesn’t take much.

We’re big believers in simplicity. Your camper van should make travel easier, not add to your to-do list. From our thoughtfully designed conversions, to our choice to build on the RAM ProMaster and Ford Transit vans, everything that leaves our shop is meant to be low-maintenance and worry-free.

But just like anything you love: your bike, your boots, or your garden, your van needs a little TLC along the way. After 10 years of building and owning vans, we’ve learned what really matters when it comes to keeping things running smoothly.

Why We Chose Our Vans

We only convert two types of vans: the RAM ProMaster and Ford Transit. Both are known for their reliability, so when you hit the road in a Wayfarer, you’re in good hands for the long haul.

And when you do need service? Just about every small town has a mechanic who knows how to work on your RAM or Ford. Whether you head to a dealership, independent mechanic or a quick-lube chain, chances are you’ll find someone who can help. Parts are easy to find too, so you won’t find yourself hunkered down in a hotel for days on end, or footing a four-figure towing bill. And for our friends who went the other direction with big RV motorhomes or Sprinter vans, best of luck getting your service done quickly at a Jiffy Lube 😬

Vehicle Maintenance Schedule

How often your vehicle needs regular maintenance will vary depending on how much you drive. But these milestones will help you make sure you have your bases covered along the way. Regular maintenance on your van can help avoid costlier repairs down the line.

Before every trip:

• Check tire pressure and tread wear – including the spare (pro-tip: sometime we see vans, especially used ones, that don’t have a spare, make sure you’ve got one and know how to access it)
• Check oil level
• Top off washer fluid
• Check lights: turn signals, headlights, tail lights
• Brakes: make sure there’s no grinding or vibration
• Battery level: keep a sticky note of your battery expiration, and be sure to change it out a little ahead of time

Every 8–10k miles (or at least twice a year):

• Oil change and filter replacement
• Rotate tires
• Inspect brakes, battery, suspension and steering components
• Check and top off all fluids
• Inspect air filter
• Inspect windshield for chips – small ones can be filled before they grow

Every 15–30k miles:

• Replace engine and cabin air filters
• Inspect belts and hoses

Every 40–60k miles:

• Replace tires as needed

Every 60–100k miles:

• Check van exterior (caulking around windows, roof and vent fans)
• Replace spark plugs
• Transmission fluid flush
• Coolant system flush
• Brake fluid flush
• Inspect wheel bearings
• Replacing timing belt or chain if needed

We recommend keeping a record of your maintenance in whatever format makes sense for you. That might be a notebook in the glove compartment, a notepad file on your phone, or an Excel sheet on your laptop: however you like to stay organized.

Conversion Maintenance Schedule

Don’t worry, your Wayfarer conversion requires so little attention, that we hesitate to call it “maintenance” at all. But with just a little regular care, you’ll keep things looking great and working smoothly for years to come.

After each trip:

• Sweep the van
• Seal or remove all food
• Wipe down the countertops and sink
• Empty the fresh and gray water tanks.
• If you have the Dometic toilet, give it a good wipedown with disinfectant

Twice a year:

• Deep clean your floors, walls, ceiling and cushions
• Sanitize your fresh and gray water tanks (a little bleach, a good rinse and letting them fully air dry does the trick)
• Flip your mattress to avoid moisture buildup
• Check that all furniture bolts are secure in the L-track
• Snug up any loose ceiling and wall hardware with a Phillips head screwdriver

Give your accessories some love
Depending on what items you have, you’ll need to add a few more things to your biannual checklist. A little love will keep things humming along smoothly for years to come:

• Vent fans: swap out remote batteries and clean the bug screen
• A/C: Remove the air filter and blow it off outside the van with a blow dryer on the cool setting; check the remote battery too
• Power station: check for firmware updates, store the power station inside during extreme temps, and remember that trickle charging is better for long-term battery health than frequent surge charging.
• Solar panels: give them a cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, rinse well, and avoid abrasive cleaners
• Swivel seats: keep them turning smoothly by greasing the plates with white lithium grease, PTE (Teflon) spray or graphite powder
• Propex heater: even in summer, fire it up occasionally so it doesn’t sit idle for months; check that the outside vent pipe is clear of dirt or damage, and hasn’t encountered any rocks (aka dings) on your recent travels

Long-term Parking

If your lifestyle calls for leaving the van parked in one spot for a long time – around three months or more, you can take a few extra steps to help keep your van in top shape. The best approach for your van will depend on how long it’s sitting and what type of environment you live in.

• Vehicle Battery: Either disconnect it or use a trickle charger to maintain a charge.
• Fuel: Add STA-BIL to the gas tank to prevent fuel breakdown.
• Tires:Use tire covers to shield rubber from the elements.
  Inflate tires to maximum pressure to prevent flat spots.
  If you have an older set of tires, consider storing your good tires inside the van and using the old ones for storage-only parking.
• Exterior: A full vehicle cover will protect the paint and seals from weather and UV damage.

Your Tool Box

Having a few tools in your van will help you handle maintenance issues that may pop up along the road. We keep the following packed in our vans:

• 9/16” wrench
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat)
• Battery-operated tire inflator
• Tire gauge
• Tire chains

How Much Does This Cost?

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Costs can vary depending on whether you go to a dealership, independent mechanic, or go the DIY route. And your location can make a difference too.

There are multiple websites out there that estimate the cost of maintenance for the vehicle’s life. But keep in mind that those numbers include everything from a lightly used camper van to a commercial delivery van that is driven all-day, every-day with lots of stops.

That said, for both the ProMaster and Transit vans, the average maintenance and repair in the first five years typically sits around $4,500-6,000, or $1,000 to $1,200 annually. That includes everything from oil changes and tire rotations (about $150-200 per service), to scheduled maintenance and the occasional bigger repair.

A good rule of thumb is to budget $75-$100 per month. If you do that, you should be in a good spot to stay on top of your van’s maintenance needs.

Thoughts For The Road

Owning a camper van doesn’t mean you are signing up for a mountain of maintenance. One of the best parts of owning a Wayfarer is how simple and stress-free it is to care for. Whether you are a weekend warrior, or a full-time van dweller, a little regular TLC goes a long way. Stay on top of your basic maintenance, plan ahead for the occasional bigger service, and you’ll enjoy a reliable, adventure-ready rig for years to come.