The Vansmith Blog
Your guide to buying, building, and owning a camper van.
RV With Bunk Room: Best Floor Plans for Families
When families begin shopping for an RV with a bunk room, the conversation usually starts with sleeping space. After years of helping travelers choose layout...
Beginner's guide
Can I Use an Induction Stove for an RV?
For many travelers, the kitchen quickly becomes one of the most-used areas inside an adventure van or RV. One of the...
Beginner's guide
RV Tips and Tricks for Beginners
If you're searching for practical RV tips and tricks, you're probably asking the same questions we hear every week. ...
Beginner's guide
Is the Sprinter AWD Reliable?
When customers ask us about the Mercedes Sprinter AWD, reliability is almost always their first concern. They want t...
Custom class B camper van conversion companies in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most rewarding regions in North America for camper van travel. From the rugged Or...
Beginner's guide
Best class b camper vans for winter camping
Winter opens up some of the most rewarding camping experiences, from snow-covered mountain passes to quiet national ...
Beginner's guide
How to find class B camper van dealerships in California?
California is one of the best places in the country to shop for a Class B camper van. From coastal highways and nati...
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Beginner's guide
Class b camper vans with built-in kitchen
A built-in kitchen is one of the features that transforms a camper van from simple transportation into a comfortable...
Beginner's guide
What Are Common Class B Camper Van Insurance Requirements?
Owning a Class B camper van gives you the freedom to travel while enjoying many of the comforts of home. Whether you...
Beginner's guide
Where to Service a Class B Camper Van in the Southwest Region
Owning a Class B camper van means enjoying the freedom to travel across deserts, mountains, national parks, ...
Beginner's guide
Hymer Grand Canyon S 4x4 vs. Custom Sprinter Build: European vs. American
If you're shopping for an adventure-ready camper van, the choice between the Hymer Grand Canyon S and a custom Merce...
Beginner's guide
EarthRoamer vs. Sprinter 4x4 Camper Van: Is Worth It or Is a Custom Van Better?
For many adventure travelers, the idea of owning the ultimate expedition vehicle is incredibly appealing. Massive wa...
Beginner's guide
What to Do If Your 4x4 Camper Van Breaks Down in the Backcountry
A mechanical breakdown in the backcountry can quickly turn from an inconvenience into a serious emergency. Unlike a ...
Beginner's guide
Remote Work Van Power Guide
A solid van office needs more than rooftop solar. This guide breaks down batteries, inverters, shore power, alternato...
Beginner's guide
Is Van Life Worth It? Real Costs & Fit
Van life can be amazing, but it isn't a magic cheap-living hack. Here's how to weigh real ownership costs, camping li...
Beginner's guide
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Box Van Build Guide
A Sprinter box van can make a great adventure rig, but it needs a more technical plan than a standard cargo van. This...
Beginner's guide
Adventure Van Expo 2026: Highlights, Events & Insider Guide
Uncover the best of Adventure Van Expo 2026—tour custom vans, join workshops, and connect with the vibrant van life c...
Van builds
Camper Van Timeline: What to Expect
Getting into a camper van usually takes longer than buyers expect. This guide breaks down the full path, from researc...
Van builds
Van Conversion Beds: Safety, Mechanisms & Comfort
A good seat-to-bed setup does more than fold flat. This guide breaks down travel-seat safety, bed mechanisms, sleepin...
Van builds
Custom Ford Transit Connect: What’s Realistic?
A Transit Connect can make a smart compact build, but only if you stay light and keep expectations in check. Here’s w...
Van builds
Inexpensive Camper Van: Smart Budget Paths
A cheap van isn't always a cheap camper. Here's how to buy a used cargo van wisely, compare Transit and ProMaster opt...
Van builds
Small Camper Sleeps 4: Best Pop-Top Layouts
A compact family camper can work well, but only if the layout does. Here’s how pop-top vans really sleep four, where ...
Van builds
Sprinter Van With Bathroom: Real Layout Guide
A bathroom in a Sprinter can be a huge comfort upgrade, but it changes layout, storage, tank use, and maintenance. Th...
Van builds
Best Campervan Toilet Options for Van Life: Complete Guide(2026)
Explore the best camper van toilet options, including composting, cassette, and portable chemical toilets. Find the r...
Van builds
The Ultimate Guide to Camper Van Shower Options(2026)
The question comes up in almost every van life talk: "Does your van have a shower?" For some people, a camper van wi...
Van builds
Sprinter vs Transit: How The Vansmith Helps You Choose Van
Compare sprinter vs transit for van life, costs, and capability with real build experience from The Vansmith, then ch...
Van builds
Complete DIY Van Electrical System Guide: Solar, Batteries & Power
Design a reliable van electrical system with solar, batteries, and safe wiring. Get real-world sizing tips from pro b...
Vans for sale
Camper Van Mistakes to Avoid First-Time
A first camper van can be a great fit or an expensive mismatch. Here are the mistakes that cause the most regret, and...
Vans for sale
Van Conversion Installs: DIY vs Pro
DIY can work for some van projects, but the biggest gaps show up later in safety, service, insurance, and resale. Her...
Vans for sale
Pre Built Camper Vans vs Custom Builds
Trying to decide between a ready-to-go camper van and a custom build? Here’s a practical way to weigh speed, layout f...
Vans for sale
Luxury Sprinter Van: Family vs Executive
A premium Sprinter can work for kids, road trips, clients, or shuttle duty, but the right base van and layout depend ...
Vans for sale
White Mercedes Sprinter Van: Best Color?
White is the safe, flexible Sprinter color for most buyers. It works with wraps, black trim, and future upgrades, whi...
Vans for sale
How to Use RV Trader Oregon: A Smart Guide for Buyers & Sellers
Discover how RV Trader Oregon helps buyers and sellers find the perfect camper van or RV. Get local insights, safety ...
Service
Camper Van Solar, Batteries & Alternators
Solar panel wattage is only part of the story. This guide breaks down how batteries, alternator charging, and DC-DC c...
Service
Diesel Cargo Van Fuel Guide
Diesel van ownership gets much easier once you sort out ULSD, biodiesel blends, DEF, and storage. This guide breaks d...
Service
3k in Miles: Essential Van Maintenance for New Owners
The 3,000-mile mark isn’t just a number—it’s your van’s first big turning point. Learn the essential checks, habits, ...
Service
Vented Van Conversion: Best Systems, Benefits & Installation Tips
Explore the benefits of a vented van, top ventilation systems, and expert tips for your 2026 Sprinter or Transit. Tra...
Service
Victron MultiPlus for Van Conversions: Features, Review & Install Tips
Curious about the Victron MultiPlus for your van? Dive into features, installation advice, and how it powers real van...
Sprinter Station Schedule: Your Complete Sprinter Van Maintenance Guide
Get the full Sprinter station schedule, maintenance intervals, and expert tips to keep your van reliable for every ad...
Service
Essential Winter Van Living Tips for Staying Warm and Prepared
Stay safe living in a van during winter—prioritize good tires, brakes, insulation, and heating. Combat moisture and d...
Diy
DIY Van Conversion Guide: Build a Sprinter Van Mobile Office
Van DIY beginners: plan your conversion, pick tools, and follow a weekend-friendly build plan to get on the road soon...
Diy
Insulation & Sound Design for a Campervan for Family of 4 Ford Transit
Optimize your Ford Transit with bare boulder design for comfort and efficiency. Discover top insulation and soundproo...
Diy
Campervan Ceiling Ideas & Sprinter Interior Materials
Explore camper van ceiling ideas for Sprinter van interiors—compare plywood, wood, composites, and aluminum wall pane...
Diy
Transit Van Insulation & Soundproofing vs mercedes sprinter msrp
Practical guide to insulating and soundproofing Transit vans: R-values, moisture strategy, material tradeoffs, costs,...
Diy
Folding Showers Are One of the Smartest Ideas in Modern DIY Van Builds
For years, van showers felt like an all-or-nothing decision. You either committed to a full wet bath that permanently...
Diy
Best Van Insulation: Guide to Materials and Methods for 2026
Van insulation might not be the most exciting part of your conversion, but it's probably the most important. Get it r...
Diy
DIY Camper Van Sink System: How to Install Water in Your Van
A well-working camper sink transforms van life from camping to cozy living. Whether you're washing dishes after a m...
Diy
DIY vs Professional Custom Van Conversion
DIY van builds offer savings and customization but demand time and skill. Professional conversions ensure quality, sa...
News
E350 Conversion: Complete 4WD DIY Guide to a Camper Van
Your Dream Adventure Awaits Are you dreaming of hitting the open road in a cozy camper? The journey to convert your ...
News
The Vansmith Joins Elite Group of NOAH Certified Van Builders
Big news from Boulder. The Vansmith is officially NOAH certified, a milestone that formally recognizes the very high ...
