I contacted Suncoast Vans (SV) in May for a RV conversion of my Ford Transit cargo van to begin my travel by August 1, 2022. My partner died suddenly late-March. I want to spread his ashes along the route we planned together, and take his labradoodle, Buddy, to visit his 92-year-old mother in Vancouver, WA. We had sourced and purchased most of the components, bunk windows, Victron electronics, Battleborn batteries, Dometic fridge/freezer, lights, fixtures, sink, fresh & grey tanks, pump & accumulator, water heater.. MaxxAir, hatch/sunlight, Espar, seat swivels, roof rack, all already installed. Plus-nuts, 1/4-20, bolts stainless fasteners, t-nuts for modular roof rack, wire, lugs, fuses, we were beginning our build and we had stocked up. Our prototype was built, layout was final. SV needed to measure prototype to be sure toilet fit into the toilet drawer, paddle boards fit under bed/through the hallway, bike would fit into garage. Rob Thorington, an owner of SV, replied that they had a slot open because their next client's van had been delayed. SV could begin my build "right away." He provided me an estimate and contract for a full conversion (960 hours plus materials) of $54.5k, and agreed explicitly to deliver my conversion no later than August 1. May 14, I signed our agreement and transferred my deposit of $25k to SV. SV picked up my van to begin my build right away, however, SV took my van to a friend's house and stored my van in a driveway for four weeks and did not bring my van into their shop until June 13. June 15, I expressed concern about meeting August 1, 2022. Rob assured me I would have my van "by 8/5, 8/7 at the latest." July 21, Rob required another $13.5k deposit. The contract outlined that I was to pay 50% upfront and the balance upon completion of my van. Rob explained because all cabinetry would be installed completely early the following week, he needed me to pay another deposit and July 22 I paid SV another $13.5k, total payments to SV now $38.5k. As of 9/7, cabinetry is not installed completely, drawers are the wrong size, toilet drawer has no face, upper cabinets are not complete, pocket holes and screw heads showing everywhere, there are no locks, magnetic or otherwise, on the drawers or cabinets, so drawers are taped shut with blue tape, upper cabinets do not have gas struts, you have to hold cabinet up/open or will drop shut while you get/put anything out/in. Bed platform and cabinets are built too low, sink is top mounted not under mounted to fit height of toilet in drawer below, paddle boards no longer fit. SV did not build to the measurements of our prototype. When SV failed to provide 3D renderings promised in their Our Process page, I provided drawings and photos, including drawer sizes. SV did not follow. August 30, Rob admitted SV did not begin work on my van until June 25, 6 weeks after they picked up my van in May. SV missed deadlines of 8/1, 8/5, 8/7, 8/18 and on 8/25, Rob told me one SV builder quit in June and the second builder left on 8/23. Rob said he did not know when my van would be completed, he needed a sheet metal guy to fix the cuts and someone to install the windows. I found another shop to repair and install the windows and diagnose electrical and water systems. The new builder was able to install the windows. Now, I will need to take my van to a body shop for repairs to paint around the failed window cuts by SV. Someone else reviewing his work upset Rob. My van conversion is less than half-built and much will need to be redone. My total paid of $38,550 is 75% of SV contract amount to complete. I have incurred thousands in repairs to work completed by SV and thousands more will be required. Rob has terminated our contract, put an attorney in touch with me, and is demanding I pay him another $5k. Suncoast Vans is falsely advertising that they have THREE builders. There were TWO builders and now only ONE builder, Rob, owner of Suncoast Vans. Do not trust Rob Thorington of Suncoast Vans. I did and it is costing me dearly and I have had to cancel my trip. read more

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