Custom camper-van conversion company Benchmark Vehicles created the Leithaus camper van on a 170-inch 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter while its business was booming during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Leithaus is only one example of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit-based custom camper vans Benchmark Vehicles can create. But unlike other Benchmark vans, the Leithaus has a pop-top roof, a vinyl wrap with extra exterior finishes, and several lounging and sleeping areas, according to Leland Gilmore, founder and owner of Benchmark Vehicles.
Like other camper-van conversion companies, Benchmark Vehicles saw a surge in public interest during the coronavirus pandemic, starting in May. Since then, the company's numbers have been incredible. According to Gilmore, the business boosted 300% in 2020 compared to 2019. And this growth has stayed resilient throughout the year: Benchmark went from a six-month lead time in June, to an 18-month lead time in October.
To meet the demands of the camper-van boom that has rippled across the industry, Benchmark Vehicles had to expand its floor space twice during the coronavirus pandemic. However, every additional "build slot" the company posted as a result of its expansion has already been filled.
As a result, Benchmark Vehicles now has a fully booked 2021 schedule, as well as a potentially busy 2022.
"The waitlist for 2022 builds is already over 30 people long, even with the understanding that we will not be able to begin their build for a minimum of 18 months," Gilmore told Business Insider in an email interview.
This 30-person waitlist is already more than the company can accommodate in 2022, and it's the first time Benchmark has needed to keep a waitlist for new clients, according to Gilmore.