Beginner’s Guide to Vanlife by The Vansmith

Find your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's 12V starter battery under the driver's seat, not under the hood or in a trunk. Covers both NCV3 (2007-2018) and VS30/907 (2019-present) generations, Group 49 (H8) and 48 (H6) AGM fitment, and safe replacement steps.

Understand RV insurance water damage coverage, what’s excluded, and how to protect your camper or van before you file a claim.

Get honest pros, cons, and practical tips for full-time camper living, from budgeting and downsizing to layouts that actually work on the road.

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...

If you travel often, you may wonder how do cassette toilets work and why they are popular in vans and caravans. Cassette toilets are simple, clean, and easy to maintain....

Cold weather battery charging tips for van lifers: protect lithium batteries, avoid damage, and keep your off-grid power reliable all winter.

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...

Use this step-by-step guide to dewinterize camper van systems, from water and electrical to safety checks, and get your rig ready for spring adventures.

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...

TL;DR A camper slide-out that scrapes, sticks, or leaks is almost always an alignment problem, not a broken unit. Level the RV, cut the power, and identify your slide type...

Discover how class b rvs with slide outs work, their pros and cons, and smarter layout alternatives to maximize space in a compact camper van.

Compare rv vs camper types, costs, and comfort so you can choose the right rig for your travel style and budget. Get expert tips from van builders.

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,...

By Eugene, CEO and Owner Our camper van conversion kits bring professional-grade components to DIY builders nationwide. These comprehensive packages include everything needed for successful van conversions. Quality materials, detailed...

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,...

Discover the best sprinter van suspension upgrades for heavy builds and off-road travel, plus expert tips from The Vansmith to dial in your ride.

Honest winnebago revel review from a Colorado van builder—real-world pros, cons, and better alternatives for serious off-road travel.

Compare new vs. used camper vans: new offers tech and reliability, while used vans are more affordable, customizable, and avoid rapid depreciation.