Van Build Tips & Guides by The Vansmith
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 choose the platform that fits your travel style.
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 right bathroom setup for van life comfort.
The Ultimate Guide to Camper Van Shower Options(2026)
TL;DR A camper van shower comes down to three main types: a wet bath (shower, toilet, and sink share one waterproof room, most space-efficient, $3,000 to $5,000 installed), a separate...
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 builders before you start your build.
Van Conversion Timeline: How Long It Really Takes to Build Your Van
Get a realistic van conversion timeline for pro and DIY builds, with phase-by-phase breakdowns and planning tips so you can hit the road on schedule.
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
Van solar system sizing made simple! Learn to build your setup—from 200W to 1000W+—using real-world usage like 4W lights or 100–300W devices. Avoid overspending.
Ford Transit Trail Conversion Guide 2026: Build an Adventure Van
Discover if a Ford Transit Trail conversion is right for your adventures and how The Vansmith builds reliable, Colorado-tested rigs.
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 travel. The extra headroom, sleeping space, and basic comfort that a...
Sprinter Van Heater Guide: Best Heating Solutions for Van Life
Learn how to choose and install van heaters like Webasto or Espar. Explore diesel, propane, and hydronic options, plus key safety and installation tips.
Camper Van Layout Ideas for Solo Travelers, Couples, and Families
Explore van layout ideas designed for solo travelers, couples, and families—maximize space, functionality, and lifestyle with expert design tips.
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...
Van Conversion Cost Breakdown (With Real Examples)
Let's be real—when you start dreaming about van life, one of the first questions that pops up is "how much does it cost to convert a van?" It's a totally...
Why The Vansmith Leads Van Conversion Colorado Adventures
Why The Vansmith leads Colorado’s van conversion scene—artisan craftsmanship, Colorado-tested vans, modular builds, eco-conscious materials, and support.
Ford Transit Off Road: Vansmith's Ultimate Adventure Package
Built for Adventure. Engineered for the Wild. Hit the road—or no road at all—with the Vansmith Off-Road Package for the Ford Transit. Whether you're driving rocky mountain passes, sandy desert...
