Van Build Tips & Guides by The Vansmith
Best Campervan Toilet Options for Van Life: Complete Guide(2026)
When it comes to adventures on the road, we understand that having a clean, safe, and convenient toilet on board can significantly enhance your travel experience. This is true whether...
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 with shower ability is a nice extra. For...
Sprinter vs Transit: How The Vansmith Helps You Choose Van
Choosing between a Mercedes Sprinter van build and a Ford Transit van build is one of the most key choices you'll make in your van life journey. Both platforms offer...
Complete DIY Van Electrical System Guide: Solar, Batteries & Power
Van power systems are the hidden base that makes modern van life work. Get your power system right, and you'll enjoy steady power for all your gear, from LED...
Van Conversion Timeline: How Long It Really Takes to Build Your Van
How long does it take to convert a van?" It's one of the first questions every new van lifer asks. Sadly, it's also one of the hardest to answer well....
Biggest Van Conversion Mistakes to Avoid(From Real Builders)
Learning from other people's errors is much cheaper than making them yourself. After nearly a decade of van conversions in Colorado, we've worked with hundreds of van life fans. We've...
How Much Solar for Van Life? Your Complete Sizing Guide
Getting your van solar system sizing right can make the difference between energy independence and always worrying about dead batteries. Too little solar leaves you scrambling for power. Big systems...
Ford Transit Trail Conversion Guide 2026: Build an Adventure Van
The Ford Transit Trail is Ford's most adventure-ready Ford van, but is it the best base for van life conversions? After nearly a decade of building adventure vans in Colorado's...
Van Pop Top Guide: Best Pop Up Roofs for Your Conversion
A van pop up roof transforms your build from a cramped mobile bedroom into a roomy two-level base for trips. The extra headroom, sleeping space, and overall comfort that...
Sprinter Van Heater Guide: Best Heating Solutions for Van Life
Colorado winters have taught us one thing: a good sprinter van heater isn't a luxury. It's a must-have for comfy and safe van life. Whether you're chasing snow sports, checking...
Camper Van Layout Ideas for Solo Travelers, Couples, and Families
One of the most fun—and sometimes stressful—parts of planning a van conversion is planning the perfect layout. Unlike normal homes where rooms serve clear jobs, van layouts need creative solutions...
Ultimate Van Conversion Checklist: What to Know Before You Start
Starting a van conversion can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, looking up at the summit, asking how you'll ever make it to the top. The good...
