The Vansmith Blog
Your guide to buying, building, and owning a camper van.
How to Sound Proof a Compressor inside of a Van?
One of the quickest ways to make a van feel tiring over time is constant mechanical noise. We have worked on vans used for travel, mobile workspaces, bike s...
Beginner's guide
Camping Checklist: What to Take Camping
One of the fastest ways to ruin a camping trip is realizing you forgot something important after dark, in bad weathe...
Beginner's guide
How to Get Rid of Mold in RV?
Few RV problems spread faster or become more expensive than mold. We have seen small condensation issues turn into d...
Beginner's guide
How to Fill RV Water Tank with Freshwater?
One of the easiest ways to create problems on the road is filling an RV water system incorrectly. Over the years, we...
Beginner's guide
Sleeping in a Van: How to sleep in a van
Sleeping in a van sounds simple until you spend a few nights dealing with condensation, uneven bedding, noisy parkin...
Beginner's guide
Where to Camp for Free in the USA
One of the first lessons many van travelers learn is that some of the best campsites in the country are not in paid ...
Beginner's guide
Truck Camper vs Camper Van
The truck camper vs camper van debate usually starts after someone spends enough weekends loading gear, chasing weat...
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Beginner's guide
How Does an RV Fridge Work?
One of the questions we hear most from new van owners is simple: how does an RV fridge work when you are miles from s...
Beginner's guide
How Much Does an RV Weigh?
Learn RV sizes, width & weight: most RVs are 96–102 inches wide and about 8 ft tall. Explore weights from 3,000 t...
Beginner's guide
How Do You Wire a 50-Amp RV Plug?
Electrical questions usually come up once people start spending more time in their vans. One of the most common is h...
Beginner's guide
How to Fill an RV Water Tank?
Water is one of those systems you do not think much about until you are off-grid. Then it becomes essential. Many ne...
Beginner's guide
How Can Rv’s Be Convenient
Convenience is one of the main reasons people move toward van travel. But how can RVs be convenient in real, day-to-...
Beginner's guide
What Is a Ford Transit Van?
The Ford Transit comes up often when people start exploring van travel. What is a Ford Transit van, and why does it ...
Stealth Camping: Expert Tips, Best Vans, and Essential Gear
Unlock urban adventure with stealth camping—find out how to stay undetected, what vans blend in best, and which gear ...
Beginner's guide
What Is a Class B RV? Features, Benefits, and Real-World Examples
Curious about Class B RVs? Explore their unique features, standout benefits, and top models. Find out why these compa...
Beginner's guide
Boondocking: Essential Tips, Gear, and Best Spots for Van Lifers
Your ultimate guide to boondocking: what it is, must-have gear, etiquette, and how The Vansmith’s van builds help you...
Beginner's guide
Hippie Van Culture: Iconic History, Customization, and Road Trip Inspiration
Explore hippie van culture from its iconic VW Bus roots to modern custom vans. Learn about customization ideas and ro...
Van builds
2026 Conversion Van Models: Features, Innovations & Trends
See what’s new in 2026 conversion vans—from modular interiors and off-grid power to eco-friendly materials. Unpack th...
Van builds
Top RV Dealers in Colorado: Where to Find Your Dream Adventure Rig
Explore the top RV dealers in Colorado and what sets them apart. From major networks to local gems, find out where to...
Van builds
Top RV Dealers in Texas: Where to Find the Best Selection and Service
Explore the leading RV dealers in Texas, from Alvarado to Houston, and see how they make sourcing your dream van or a...
Van builds
The Essential Guide to RV Dealers in Florida: Best Locations & Brands
Looking for the best RV dealers in Florida? Explore the top locations, top-selling brands, and how to find the right ...
Van builds
Custom Driver & Passenger Sliding Door Options for Van Conversions
Learn how custom driver and passenger sliding doors can transform your van’s accessibility, security, and style. Get ...
Van builds
Best Camper Ceiling Fans: Top Picks, Installation & Ventilation Tips
Explore the best camper ceiling fans for 2026, with expert reviews, installation advice, and tips for optimal ventila...
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
Sprinter Van Options, Features & Customization: 2026 Buyer’s Guide
Get the full scoop on 2026 Sprinter van options, features, and customization. See why this van sets the gold standard...
Vans for sale
Small RV Motorhomes: Best Options, Real Benefits & Smart Features
Explore why a rv motorhome small is the smart choice for modern adventurers. See the best 2026 models, comfort featur...
Vans for sale
Ram ProMaster Van: 2026 Specs, Features & Customization Guide
Uncover everything about the 2026 Ram ProMaster van—from class-leading cargo specs to real-world reviews and top cust...
Vans for sale
Best Ford Van Models for Conversion: 2026 Comparison & Features
Dig into 2026's best Ford van models for conversion. We compare specs, features, and real-world pros and cons so you ...
Vans for sale
Class B Camper Vans: Features, Benefits & How to Choose
Learn what makes a class B camper unique, from compact size to off-grid comfort. Compare features, costs, and see how...
Vans for sale
Class B Motorhomes: Features, Reviews & Top Models for 2026
Get the inside scoop on class b motorhomes—compact, feature-packed, and perfect for road freedom. Learn about top 202...
Service
Vented Van Conversion: Best Systems, Benefits & Installation Tips
A vented van is the secret to year-round comfort, fresh air, and dryness in your Sprinter or Transit build. Learn abo...
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
Camper Van Winterization: How to Prepare for Cold-Weather Travel
Camper van winterization checklist for safe cold-weather travel. Protect plumbing, batteries, and heat with pro tips ...
Service
Best Campervan Battery: Lithium vs AGM for Off-Grid Van Life
A practical guide to choosing between LiFePO4 and AGM camper van batteries. Compare usable capacity, cycle life, weig...
Service
Camper Van Electrical Safety: Standards, Best Practices, and When to Hire Pros
Van electrical safety made practical: standards, wiring tips, and when to hire a pro so your camper van stays safe, i...
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 ...
