When I first started dreaming about owning a camper van, I wasn’t totally sure I’d use it enough. I had questions—Will this be worth the investment? Will I feel comfortable traveling solo? What if I don’t know how to maintain it?
Spoiler alert: Building my van with The Vansmith turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. And I’ve used it way more than I ever expected.
From “Just Looking” to “This Is the One”
I never named my van—maybe I’m just not that creative in that way—but it’s definitely become part of the family. I use it mostly for camping, all throughout late spring, summer, and fall. And come winter? It’s my go-to vehicle for snowy drives and loading up skis when my electric car doesn’t cut it.
The idea to build with The Vansmith came after a lot of poking around online and eventually seeing one of their vans in person at an RV show. What stood out immediately was the simplicity and the quality—a combination that’s surprisingly rare. Their designs are beautiful, but not overcomplicated. That clean, spacious feeling was exactly what I wanted.
Designing the Layout That Works for Me
Before placing my order, I spent a lot of time using their online builder tool and looking through past builds for ideas. I knew I wanted something that felt open and functional. After checking out the founder’s personal van at the show and laying down in the bed, I said: “This is the one.”
The only big tweak I made? I upgraded the mattress from the standard 6-inch to an 8-inch one. Best decision ever. It’s unbelievably cozy and still fits well—even if it peeks over the windows a bit. No regrets there!
I also opted for a solid bamboo countertop without a built-in cooktop. Instead, I use a portable induction burner from Amazon that I tuck away when not in use. It frees up counter space and makes replacements easy if anything breaks.
Sustainability That Feels Good (and Warm)
Sustainability mattered to me too. I went with solar panels from the start and appreciated The Vansmith’s use of wool insulation and bamboo. That combo keeps the van warm and cozy—something I didn’t fully appreciate until my first cold night in the mountains.
Support You Can Actually Count On
One of the biggest reasons I chose The Vansmith? Their people. They helped me select the right base van, walked me through the options, and never made me feel like my (many) questions were silly. Even after the build was done, they stayed available for anything I needed—like when I wasn’t sure how to winterize my water system. I called, and they simply said: “Come on over, we’ll show you.”
That kind of support matters, especially when you’re new to van life.
What I’d Say to Anyone Thinking About a Van Build
If you’re seriously considering it—go for it.
I use my van more than I ever imagined. I find myself looking for excuses to get out of town, even just for a night. As a single woman, I feel safe, comfortable, and completely at home in my van. And when I’m not solo, it fits my small dog and even my son when he tags along with a camping pad or tent.
The freedom this van has brought into my life is incredible. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Want to Build Your Own Van?
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time road tripper, The Vansmith can bring your vision to life. Their team makes the process easy, fun, and full of possibility.
