Vanlife Stories

boondocking - Friends camping by van with fishing gear and dog

Boondocking: Essential Tips, Gear, and Best Spots for Van Lifers

— Eugene Smit
Tagged: best boondocking spots boondocking boondocking etiquette boondocking for beginners boondocking gear boondocking tips Ford Transit off-grid camping Sprinter conversions van life
Your ultimate guide to boondocking: what it is, must-have gear, etiquette, and how The Vansmith’s van builds help you camp free and off-grid with confidence.
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Is Camper Van Travel Right for You? A Realistic Guide to Van Travel Lifestyle

— Eugene Smit
Tagged: camper van lifestyle Ford Transit Sprinter The Vansmith van build van conversion van life van life reality van travel costs van travel lifestyle
Decide whether the van travel lifestyle fits you with practical trade-offs, budgets, and test options. Learn next steps and explore Vansmith builds.
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Parked Vansmith van beside a mountain lake at sunrise

Is Van Life Worth It? The Real Cost of Van Life Explained

— Eugene Smit
Tagged: total cost of ownership van conversion van life van life cost vanlife
A practical, money-first guide to deciding whether van life is right for you. Learn Total Cost of Ownership, sample budgets, common pitfalls, decision checklists, and trial strategies for weekenders, full-timers, and families.
Read Is Van Life Worth It? The Real Cost of Van Life Explained