Beginner’s Guide to Vanlife by The Vansmith
What Is a Class B Camper Van? A Comprehensive Guide to Class B RVs
What Is a Class B Camper Van? If you've ever asked, “What is a Class B camper?” you’re not alone. Class B camper vans are the smallest motorized RVs on...
Best Portable Power Stations for Your Campervan, RV Life
Find the best portable power station for van or RV life, compare top models, and choose reliable off-grid power that actually fits how you travel.
How to Start Full-Time Camper Living?
Get honest pros, cons, and practical tips for full-time camper living, from budgeting and downsizing to layouts that actually work on the road.
Best Travel Trailers for Couples in 2026 Under 30 Feet
Most couples do best with a travel trailer or fifth wheel under 26 to 30 feet: models like the Grand Design Imagine, Rockwood Mini Lite, Keystone Cougar, and small Grand...
Diesel vs Gas RVs: Complete Guide to Motorhomes
Diesel RVs offer superior torque for mountain driving and towing, better fuel efficiency, and a smoother, quieter ride with a rear-engine design and higher overall power.
Discover the Best Class B Camper Vans: Transit AWD Guide
TL;DR The best Class B camper van brand depends on how you actually travel. For full-time living, Pleasure-Way and Leisure Travel Vans (both on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis) lead on...
Best Van for Full-Time Living: Top Vans for Life on the Road
Finding the best vans for living full-time starts with knowing how space, comfort, and dependability work as one on the road. Whether you are chasing powder in the Rockies or...
How Much Does It Cost to Live in an RV Full-Time?
Many travelers ask how much does it cost to live in an RV, and the answer depends on travel style, rig type, and how often you move. Full-time RV life...
Best Camper for Full-Time Living
Living on the road full-time demands more than weekend comfort. The best camper for full-time living supports daily habits, changing weather, remote work, and long stretches off the grid. At...
How RV Toilets Work: Simple Guide to Camper and Motorhome Bathrooms
Many new travelers ask how do camper toilets work and how does a RV toilet work when living or traveling on the road. RV toilets use gravity, sealed tanks, or...
Camper Van Storage Ideas: Top RV Organization & Space Hacks(2026)
Every inch matters when you live on the road. Smart camper van storage ideas turn tight quarters into neat, cozy spaces that feel like home. Whether you’re looking to stash...
Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Living
Trading a traditional home for life on the road sounds romantic - and in many ways, it is. But before diving into full-time camper living, it's worth weighing both the...
Ford Transit Reliability: What Vanlifers Should Know Before You Buy
If you've spent time around van people, you've likely heard the question: Are Ford Transit vans dependable? The short answer: yes, the Ford Transit is generally considered a reliable, highly...
Class B RV Bathroom Guide: Do These Camper Vans Have Showers?
If you're shopping for a Class B RV with a bathroom, you might be wondering - do these smaller rigs really include toilets and showers? The short answer: yes. Most...
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Dimensions, Height & Features: How Tall is it?
The Sprinter van dimensions are one of the main reasons this platform is so popular among travelers and vanlifers. If you’ve ever wondered how tall is a Sprinter van or...
What’s the Best Van for Vanlife?
Choosing the best van for van life depends on how you plan to use it. A solo traveler taking weekend trips needs something different from a couple living on the...
Best Camping Van and Vehicle Options for Adventures in 2026
TL;DR SUVs, trucks, and minivans can all work for camping, but a van is the only option that gives you standing headroom, a real kitchen, and enough space to actually...
Living in a Van: A Practical Guide to Starting Full-Time Van Life
Discover full-time van life with The Vansmith— resources for beginners, van types, layouts, costs, and tips on minimalism, cooking, power, and more.
Van With Best Gas Mileage: Most Fuel-Efficient Vans of 2026 With Real US MPG Numbers
Quick answer: If fuel economy is your top priority, the most efficient camper base you can buy new in the US in 2026 is the Toyota Sienna Hybrid (EPA-rated 36...
RV Storage Cost Guide 2026: How Much Does It Cost to Store an RV?
If you’re an RV owner, sooner or later you’ll ask: how much does it cost to store an RV? Whether you’re a full-time vanlifer taking a break from the road,...
12v Van Air Conditioner Guide: How to Install Efficient Cooling in Your Rig
When summer hits hard and the road takes you through hot deserts or humid forests, a solid cooling setup can make or break a trip. Installing a 12V AC unit...
How Much Does a Camper Van Cost? Average Monthly Van Life Costs Explained
Monthly living expenses in Colorado for van life typically range between $800 and $3,000+, depending on lifestyle and travel habits.
Best Van Life Battery Setup & Capacity Guide for DIY Campers
When it comes to van life, battery size isn’t just a nice extra - it’s a must-have. Whether you're running lights, fans, fridges, or laptops, the right van life battery...
Camper Van Bed Design Ideas and Plans: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
Turning Dreams into Reality: Build a Bed in the Back of a Van Whether you're converting a van for weekend getaways or planning to hit the road full-time, one thing...
Camper Solar Power: How Much Do You Really Need for Your Setup?
Solar power is the backbone of easy, off-grid van life - especially in Colorado where sunshine is plenty but winter sun hours and mountain weather can affect how well it...
Step-by-Step: How to Customize Your Van Online
By Eugene Smit, CEO Learning how to design your van has never been easier with modern online tools. Our easy-to-use platform guides you through every choice, from floor plans to...
Window Flares & Camper Van Windows: Essential Upgrades
Installing windows and Flarespace flares in your Sprinter van boosts natural light, expands interior space, and lets you sleep sideways in comfort.
Espar Heater Maintenance Guide: Cleaning & Inspection Tips
When you're deep in the Colorado backcountry and the temp drops to single digits (Weather.gov), your Espar diesel heater turns into more than just a comfort feature. In those situations,...
The History of Camper Vans- From Trendy to Timeless
Van life began in the 1960s–70s counterculture and has evolved into a mainstream lifestyle embraced by digital nomads, adventurers, and freedom-seekers today.
Campervan Insurance Cost: What You’ll Really Pay to Insure Your Rig
Campervan insurance runs $500–$1,600/year ($40–$135+/month) on average. Compare costs by van type, coverage level, and top providers before you buy.
DUO XL vs DUO XLS Camper Van
Choosing between The Vansmith's DUO XL and DUO XLS is one of the biggest choices in your van life journey. Both layouts build on our proven DUO foundation, but they...
Benefits of a Short Wheelbase Camper Van for Van Life
Urban van life is a unique mix of city exploring and travel. It's gaining fans among people who want to enjoy cities deeply while keeping the freedom to move on...
Best Van Life Gear in 2026 (What's Worth the Money)
Don't waste money! Van life essentials that actually work tested picks for reliable power, kitchen gear & storage to optimize your mobile home.
Buying a Used Van vs. New for Van Life: Pros and Cons
Compare new vs. used camper vans: new offers tech and reliability, while used vans are more affordable, customizable, and avoid rapid depreciation.
