The Vansmith Blog
Your guide to buying, building, and owning a camper van.
Which Camper Van Fits You? Pick by Size, Climate, Budget
Choosing the right camper van depends on your travel group, climate, budget, and off-road requirements. This guide explores The Vansmith’s Duo, Family, and B...
Beginner's guide
Real Sprinter Van Interiors: Lessons From 300+ Vans
Real Sprinter van interiors look different from the renderings. After designing and refining layouts across more than...
Beginner's guide
The Vansmith Production Timeline: How Long Each Stage Takes
Planning a camper van means planning more than the vehicle itself. The production timeline affects when you can trave...
Beginner's guide
Common Sprinter and Transit Repairs From Our Service Bay
Sprinter and Transit repairs follow patterns. After years in our Boulder service bay, we see the same issues on vans ...
Beginner's guide
5 Year Cost of Ownership: New Van, Used Van or RV
The 5-year cost of ownership tells you more than the purchase price. Fuel, insurance, storage, maintenance, repairs, ...
Beginner's guide
Camper Van Height Clearance: Will It Fit Your Garage?
Before buying or driving a camper van, one question can prevent a costly mistake: Will it fit? The answer depends on ...
Beginner's guide
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 specificat...
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Beginner's guide
RV Air Conditioner Not Cooling or Blowing Cold Air?
A common complaint with van AC units is that they run but leave the cabin warm. When your RV air conditioner is not b...
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...
Beginner's guide
Miami to Key West Drive: Best Stops & Camping
Trying to decide between a fast run to Key West or a slower scenic trip? Here’s how long the drive really takes, wher...
Beginner's guide
The Great Loop: Route, Cost, Timeline & Boat
Thinking about the Great Loop? Here’s the plain-English version of the route, how long it usually takes, what kind of...
Beginner's guide
Skyline Drive Guide: Overlooks, Fees & Camping
Skyline Drive is best planned by section, not as one long scenic road. Here’s how to pick your entrance, shortlist th...
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...
Van builds
Work Van Build Out Guide for Trades
A smart work van starts with job flow, then matches storage, power, and floor space to the way you actually work. Thi...
Van builds
What Is a Carabiner? Types and Uses
A carabiner can be a life-safety climbing tool or just a handy gear clip. This guide breaks down shapes, locks, ratin...
Van builds
John Glenn Astronomy Park Guide
Thinking about a Hocking Hills night under the stars? Here's how John Glenn Astronomy Park works, what you can see, w...
Van builds
Superstition Mountains Guide for Van Travelers
The Superstitions reward planning. This guide breaks down the best first trailheads, where to camp, how the Lost Dutc...
Van builds
Best Free Camper Van Design App Options
Trying to sketch a van layout without paying upfront? Here’s how SketchUp Free, Vanspace 3D, Floorplanner, and RoomSk...
Van builds
Kayak Camping Gear List for Overnight Trips
A compact overnight kayak kit is less about bringing more and more about packing the right gear in the right place. T...
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
Sprinter vs Transit: Which Cargo Van Is Better for Camper Conversions?
A practical comparison of Sprinter vs Transit for camper-van buyers. Payload, roof height, fuel economy, serviceabili...
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...
Service
Agile Off Road RIP Kit: Cost and Fit
Trying to figure out if an Agile RIP setup is worth it? Here’s how Sprinter and Transit pricing, weight, and ride sym...
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...
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 ...
