Your Van Build
The Ultimate Guide to Van Toilets: Convenience on the Road
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 Vans with Showers
The question comes up in almost every van life conversation: "Does your van have a shower?" For some people, a camper van with shower capability is a nice-to-have luxury. For...
How The Vansmith Helps You Choose Between a Sprinter or Transit Van
Choosing between a Mercedes Sprinter van conversion and a Ford Transit van conversion is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your van life journey. Both platforms offer...
How to Power Your Van: Solar, Batteries & Electrical Explained
Van electrical systems are the invisible foundation that makes modern van life possible. Get your power system right, and you'll enjoy reliable electricity for everything from LED lights to...
Ultimate Van Build Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
"How long does it take to convert a van?" It's one of the first questions every aspiring van lifer asks, and unfortunately, it's also one of the most difficult to...
Van Conversion Mistakes to Avoid (From Real Builders)
Learning from other people's mistakes is much cheaper than making them yourself. After nearly a decade of van conversions in Colorado and working with hundreds of van life enthusiasts, we've...
How Much Solar Do You Need for Van Life? Complete Sizing Guide
Getting your van solar system sizing right can make the difference between energy independence and constantly worrying about dead batteries. Too little solar leaves you scrambling for power, while oversized...
Ford Transit Trail 2025: The Vansmith Complete Guide to Adventure-Ready Conversions
The Ford Transit Trail represents Ford's most adventure-focused factory offering, but is it the ultimate foundation 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 conversion from a cramped mobile bedroom into a spacious two-story adventure base. The additional headroom, sleeping space, and overall livability that a...
Sprinter Van Heater Guide: Best Heating Solutions for Van Life
Colorado winters have taught us one thing: a reliable sprinter van heater isn't a luxury—it's essential for comfortable and safe van life. Whether you're following snow sports, exploring winter landscapes,...
Van Layout Ideas for Solo Travelers, Couples, and Families
One of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—parts of planning a van conversion is designing the perfect layout. Unlike traditional homes where rooms serve specific purposes, van layouts require creative solutions...
Van Build Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Start
Starting a van conversion can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, looking up at the summit, wondering how you'll ever make it to the top. The good...