Scott Turpin is no stranger to the road. A climber, cyclist, and all-around adventure enthusiast, he first hit the highway in a self-built Dodge van designed for solo missions up the side of a mountain. But life evolves—and so do vans.
Fast forward to now: Scott’s upgraded his adventure rig to a custom-built van from The Vansmith that fits not just him, but his wife and son too. The build is more than just an upgrade—it’s a mobile home base for the family’s ever-expanding adventures, from ski slopes to Canadian road trips and everything in between.
Video Chat, Testimonial and Van Tour
From Dirtbag Dreams to Family Adventures
Scott’s first van was a DIY project. It had just enough space for a guy, his climbing gear, and the open road. But once his son was in the picture, and the trips started involving snow gear and longer routes, the Turpins quickly ran out of elbow room.
Enter The Vansmith.
Scott Turpin's Transition to a Family Van Conversion
With a background in van building and electrical systems, Scott didn’t walk into the build process blindly—he came with ideas, questions, and expectations. What he found was a team ready to meet him there, collaborate, and deliver a van that could keep up with the pace of his family’s life.
Built to Move, Built to Stay
This van isn’t just for weekend warriors. It’s the basecamp for weeklong ski trips, 5-6 week summer odysseys through British Columbia and Alberta, and plenty of spontaneous getaways throughout the year.
Inside, it’s all function-meets-feeling:
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A twin bed for the kiddo with a driver’s seat that swivels into the mix
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A stack of kitchen essentials: microwave, fridge (Family Handyman), and drawers for dishes, snacks, and all the gear that doesn’t have a name
Collaborating with The Vansmith for the Perfect Family Adventure Van
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A toilet and sink to extend the stay without relying on pit stops
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Ample storage up top and a garage-style setup below
And of course—a large, comfy sleeping setup that makes crashing after a long ride or drive a whole lot easier.
Scott puts it simply: the van just works. Everything has a place, and that sense of order makes a huge difference when you’re on the road for weeks at a time.
Designing a Functional Family Van Conversion for Long Journeys
A Platform That Fits the Family
After years with the Dodge, Scott made the leap to a Mercedes platform (Mercedes-Benz). Why? Better drivability, especially for his wife. The cockpit adjusts more easily, and the overall ride is smoother and quieter.
The trade-off? Maintenance costs are higher, and sleeping sideways isn’t as roomy. But the comfort, longevity, and road feel made it worth it for the Turpins.
The Fine Print That Matters
One of the most practical pieces of advice Scott shares? Get the right insurance.
“Not necessarily cheaper or easier” is how he describes the van lifestyle—especially once it’s custom. Scott recommends looking into RV-specific insurance (RVIA) to make sure the build is covered in full. For his family, a Progressive RV policy offered the best mix of coverage and simplicity.
More Than a Van—It’s a Way of Life
Scott’s van turns heads at trailheads and parking lots, and he’s proud of what they’ve built. But more than the specs or the finish, it’s about what the van enables: a life on the move, full of nature, experiences, and connection.
Why a Family Van Conversion is the Ultimate Adventure Basecamp
Ready to start your own family van conversion journey? Explore our services to see how The Vansmith can craft the perfect adventure van for your family.
From showing his son the world to chasing one more ride, one more route, one more morning coffee with a view—this van is the vehicle, literally and figuratively.
Scott summed it up best:
“The most important part is being together and it just working.”
Inspired by Scott’s story?
Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your own DIY dreams, we’re here to help you create something that just works—for you, your people, and wherever you’re headed.
Let’s build something unforgettable.
👉 Start your custom build
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Scott Turpin to upgrade to a family van conversion?
Scott Turpin upgraded to a family van conversion to accommodate his growing family and their adventurous lifestyle, needing more space for longer trips and additional gear.
How does a family van conversion enhance road trips?
A family van conversion provides a mobile home base with essential amenities like a kitchen, sleeping areas, and ample storage, making extended trips more comfortable and organized.
What features are essential in a family van conversion?
Essential features include a comfortable sleeping setup, a functional kitchen area, a toilet and sink, and sufficient storage for gear and personal items.
How did The Vansmith contribute to Scott Turpin's van conversion?
The Vansmith collaborated with Scott to design a custom van that met his family's needs, ensuring the van could handle their active lifestyle and long journeys.
Why did Scott choose a Mercedes platform for his family van conversion?
Scott chose a Mercedes platform for its better drivability, smoother ride, and comfort, despite higher maintenance costs, making it ideal for family travel.
