The Journey of DM Vans: From Garage Startup to 800 Camper Vans
In the heart of Rifle, Colorado, a remarkable story is unfolding in the world of camper vans. DM Vans, a company founded in 2018 by Dave Ramsay and Matt Felser, has achieved an extraordinary milestone—producing 800 camper vans in just eight years. This journey from a modest single-car garage in Gypsum to a thriving manufacturer illustrates the power of innovation, community engagement, and a dedication to quality.
A Humble Beginning
The road to success for DM Vans began in a small garage, where the founders envisioned creating a product that resonated with outdoor enthusiasts. With a focus on direct-to-consumer sales, they aimed to provide not just a product, but a lifestyle choice for adventurers looking to explore the great outdoors.
Today, DM Vans specializes in building what they call
Lifestyle Vehicles®, designed to meet RVIA standards. Their commitment to quality has seen rapid growth, highlighted by their recent achievement of selling out their entire 2026 model year three months ahead of schedule. This not only demonstrates the increasing demand for their vehicles but also reflects the company's continuous improvement based on customer feedback.
Customer-Centric Innovation
The ethos of DM Vans is centered around a strong customer-oriented approach. Co-founder and president Matt Felser emphasized this sentiment, stating, "We're never done getting better." This mantra is backed by their proactive outreach to customers, gathering insights and suggestions that shape future models. According to the owners, some of the most significant improvements come directly from their experiences in the wild.
For the 2027 model year, DM Vans is set to introduce several exciting features, including:
- - 600 amp-hours of lithium power
- - 400 watts of solar panels
- - Composting toilets
- - Insulated window covers
- - Full-length roof racks
These enhancements have been developed in response to input from the van-living community, ensuring that each new iteration meets the desires and needs of their adventurous clientele.
Community and Connection
The success of DM Vans extends beyond the physical product; it fosters a tight-knit community of passionate owners. They engage through social media platforms, utilizing a dedicated Facebook group to plan meetups and adventures together. The company even organizes happy hours at van shows across the country, enabling owners to connect and share their experiences.
Customers like Susan from Nebraska, who owns a 2025 LV7 model, rave about their investment, citing, "It's the best investment we have ever made." Owners often cite not only the excellent performance of their vans but also the on-going support they receive from DM Vans. Each new owner is greeted with a personalized walkthrough of their vehicle on 'New Van Day' along with a three-year craftsmanship warranty and lifetime phone support.
Looking Ahead
As DM Vans gears up for the next phase, they are already accepting reservations for their 2027 builds, starting at an accessible price point of
$99,800, which includes the reliable Ram ProMaster chassis. With models detailed on their website, potential customers have transparency on pricing and features, further enhancing the brand's trustworthiness.
Conclusion
From its inception in a garage to a robust production facility, DM Vans stands triumphant as a testament to what passion, dedication, and innovation can achieve. As they continue to grow, their commitment to quality and community remains unwavering. For adventurous souls seeking reliable and thoughtfully designed camper vans, DM Vans is undoubtedly the brand to watch.
About DM Vans
DM Vans is a direct-to-consumer camper van manufacturer based in Rifle, Colorado. Founded by Dave Ramsay and Matt Felser, the company has reached a milestone of 800 vans in its first eight years, proving that simplicity and quality can uniquely cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. They wholeheartedly promise their customers, _"We built it. We back it. Mile after mile."_ Explore more about their offerings at
dmvans.com.