The Vansmith Blog
Your guide to buying, building, and owning a camper van.
Ford Transit Tire Size Recommendation and Upgrade options
This guide explains how to choose the right Ford Transit tire size for a camper van, including factory specifications, load ratings, tire upgrades, clear...
Beginner's guide
RV Air Conditioner Not Cooling or Blowing Cold Air?
At The Vansmith, we often hear from van owners whose RV air conditioner runs but leaves the cabin warm. When your RV ...
Beginner's guide
Why Is My RV Battery Not Charging When Plugged In? Causes & Easy Fixes
An RV battery not charging can leave you without reliable lights, water, or essential equipment after a long day on ...
Beginner's guide
RV Carbon Monoxide Detector & Alarms Safety Guide
A reliable RV carbon monoxide detector is one of the first safety items we consider in an adventure van. Carbon monox...
Beginner's guide
How to Charge an RV Battery With a Charger?
Charging an RV battery with a battery charger is a basic skill that makes life on the road easier. At The Vansmith, w...
Beginner's guide
DC to DC Battery Chargers for RV, Van & Off-Grid Systems (Guide for 2026)
A DC-to-DC battery charger is one of the most useful parts of a modern van power system. We often see owners ask how...
Beginner's guide
Best RV Inverters: What Does an Inverter Do in an RV? 2026 Buying Guide
An inverter for RV use becomes important when you want household-style AC power away from shore power. At The Vansmi...
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Beginner's guide
How to Sell Your RV: A Complete Guide to Easy Steps & Best Practices in 2026
Selling an RV gets easier when the vehicle is ready, the price is realistic, and the paperwork is organized. At The ...
Beginner's guide
Complete Guide to Van Dwelling: Is Van Dwelling Illegal?
Van dwelling is the practice of living in a motor vehicle, often a camper van, as a full-time home or temporary mobi...
Beginner's guide
Beginner’s Guide to Overland Camping: What Is It and How Do You Start Overlanding?
Overland camping usually starts with a simple question: how far can you travel while carrying what you need to stay ...
Beginner's guide
Ford Transit Van Dimensions Guide
Ford Transit van dimensions are one of the first things we look at when helping someone choose a van for travel. Aft...
Beginner's guide
Starlink for RVs in 2026: Guide About Plans, Pricing, Speeds, Setup & Reviews
When customers ask us about Starlink for RV use, the question usually comes down to one thing: will it give them rel...
Beginner's guide
Hybrid RVs: Combining Comfort and Efficiency in 2026(Pros and Cons)
A hybrid recreational vehicle can mean different things depending on the design. Some hybrids are towable campers wi...
Beginner's guide
Las Vegas to Zion National Park Drive Guide
Driving from Las Vegas to Zion looks simple on a map, but route choice, campground location, and shuttle logistics ca...
Beginner's guide
Van Camping Near Denver: 10 Easy Escapes
Need a quick Front Range reset? This guide breaks down easy van camping areas near Denver and Boulder by drive time, ...
Beginner's guide
Winter Van Camping Colorado Guide
Colorado winter van trips go better when you pick the route first, camp lower more often, and treat heat as one part ...
Beginner's guide
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Box Van Build Guide
A Sprinter box van can make a great adventure rig, but it needs a more technical plan than a standard cargo van. This...
Van builds
Best Campfire Games by Age and Group Size
Need a game for tonight's fire ring? This guide sorts the best options by age, group size, and campsite vibe, with a ...
Van builds
Dog Friendly Beaches Near Me by State
Some beaches welcome dogs on the sand. Others only allow them in set zones, on short leashes, or outside peak season....
Van builds
Small Van Weekender Mods That Work
A dual-use van can camp well without a full build. Here’s how to pick removable sleep, power, and water gear, secure ...
Van builds
Best Places to Snorkel in the U.S.
Planning a snorkel road trip? This guide narrows top U.S. spots by region, skill level, water clarity, and where you ...
Van builds
RV for 6 People: What’s Real in a Van
A van can work for a family, but six equal indoor beds is rarely the real outcome. Here’s the honest breakdown of wha...
Van builds
Family Camper Van Layout: Seats, Beds, Trade-Offs
Picking a family van layout gets easier once you separate travel seats from sleeping spots. This guide breaks down ca...
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
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)
TL;DR A camper van shower comes down to three main types: a wet bath (shower, toilet, and sink share one waterproof r...
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
White Sprinter Van vs Black: Heat & Care
Color changes more than looks on a Sprinter. This guide breaks down heat, scratches, swirl marks, stealth, and where ...
Vans for sale
Sprinter Passenger Van or Cargo Base?
Passenger or cargo sounds like a simple starting choice, but it changes windows, seat removal, HVAC, cost, and resale...
Vans for sale
Class B RV vs Custom Van: Which Wins?
A factory Class B and a custom van can start with the same chassis, but ownership feels very different. Here’s how pr...
Vans for sale
Conversion Van vs Camper Van: Which Fits You?
These two van types sound close, but they solve very different problems. Here’s how to sort out comfort-focused trave...
Vans for sale
Where to Buy a Camper Van in Colorado
Buying a camper van in Colorado means more than finding one for sale. This guide breaks down dealers, builders, and p...
Vans for sale
Best Camper Van for Tall People
Tall van shoppers need more than roof claims. Here’s how Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster compare for standing room, ...
Service
RV Battery Monitors for Van Life: Types, Features & Best Options in 2026
When a customer asks us why their van battery seems to drop faster than expected, the answer often starts with bette...
Service
Mercedes Sprinter Maintenance Schedule 2026
A 2026 Sprinter camper follows Mercedes' A and B service pattern, but real ownership costs often come from brakes, DE...
Service
Camper Van Maintenance Cost by Year
Owning a camper van means budgeting for more than fuel and trips. This guide breaks annual upkeep into real service b...
Service
4x4 Sprinter Conversion Cost in 2026
Trying to price real off-pavement capability for a Sprinter in 2026? Here’s what factory AWD costs, what tires and su...
Service
Diesel Cargo Van Fuel Guide
Diesel van ownership gets much easier once you sort out ULSD, biodiesel blends, DEF, and storage. This guide breaks d...
Service
3k in Miles: Essential Van Maintenance for New Owners
The 3,000-mile mark isn’t just a number—it’s your van’s first big turning point. Learn the essential checks, habits, ...
Diy
Camper Van Craftsmanship: 7 Signs It Will Last
A sharp-looking van can still hide weak systems. Here are 7 practical signs that point to real build quality, durable...
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
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 mo...
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 ...
