The Vansmith Blog
Your guide to buying, building, and owning a camper van.
What Is a Class B Camper Van? A Comprehensive Guide to Class B RVs
What Is a Class B Camper Van? If you've ever asked, “What is a Class B camper?” - you’re not alone. Class B camper vans are the smallest motorized RVs on t...
Beginner's guide
Best Gas Mileage RV: Top Fuel-Efficient RVs for Road Trips
Finding the best fuel mileage RV is about going farther, staying flexible, and spending more time outdoors instead of...
Beginner's guide
Why Choose a Class B RV with Twin Beds?
When people start shopping for twin bed RVs, they're usually looking for more than separate sleeping spaces. They wa...
Beginner's guide
Best RVs with Two Bedrooms
When most people start searching for a 2-bedroom RV, they're usually trying to solve a practical problem rather than...
Beginner's guide
Can an RV Fit in a Standard Garage?
Search "RV that fits in garage" and you'll actually run into two very different questions. Some people mean: can I p...
Beginner's guide
How Long Does an RV Battery Last?
If you've ever watched your lights dim halfway through a dry-camping weekend, you've probably asked yourself: how lo...
Beginner's guide
RV With Bunk Room: Best Floor Plans for Families
When families begin shopping for an RV with a bunk room, the conversation usually starts with sleeping space. After ...
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Beginner's guide
Can I Use an Induction Stove for an RV?
For many travelers, the kitchen quickly becomes one of the most-used areas inside an adventure van or RV. One of the...
Beginner's guide
RV Tips and Tricks for Beginners
If you're searching for RV tips and tricks, you're probably asking the same questions we hear from first-time owners ...
Beginner's guide
Is the Sprinter AWD Reliable?
When customers ask us about the Mercedes Sprinter AWD, reliability is almost always their first concern. They want t...
Custom class B camper van conversion companies in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most rewarding regions in North America for camper van travel. From the rugged Or...
Beginner's guide
Best class b camper vans for winter camping
Winter opens up some of the most rewarding camping experiences, from snow-covered mountain passes to quiet national ...
Beginner's guide
Class b camper vans with built-in kitchen
A built-in kitchen is one of the features that transforms a camper van from simple transportation into a comfortable...
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...
Beginner's guide
Adventure Van Expo 2026: Highlights, Events & Insider Guide
Uncover the best of Adventure Van Expo 2026—tour custom vans, join workshops, and connect with the vibrant van life c...
Stealth Camping: Expert Tips, Best Vans, and Essential Gear
Unlock urban adventure with stealth camping—find out how to stay undetected, what vans blend in best, and which gear ...
Beginner's guide
Boondocking: Essential Tips, Gear, and Best Spots for Van Lifers
Your ultimate guide to boondocking: what it is, must-have gear, etiquette, and how The Vansmith’s van builds help you...
Van builds
Van Life Essentials: Sprinter Seat to Bed Conversion Guide & Safety
Practical guidance on seat-to-bed conversions for Sprinter vans, covering mechanisms, safety, mattress choices, and d...
Van builds
Camper Van Philosophy: What Built-to-Roam Means
A real van philosophy isn't branding fluff. It's the set of design choices that makes a camper safer, stronger, easie...
Van builds
Why a Colorado Camper Van Needs 4 Seasons
Colorado asks more from a van than a mild summer trip does. This guide breaks down the systems, road prep, and layout...
Van builds
Custom Ford Transit Connect: What’s Realistic?
A Transit Connect can make a smart compact build, but only if you stay light and keep expectations in check. Here’s w...
Van builds
Sprinter Van With Bathroom: Real Layout Guide
A bathroom in a Sprinter can be a huge comfort upgrade, but it changes layout, storage, tank use, and maintenance. Th...
Van builds
Ford Transit Conversion Kit Guide
Some Transit kits save real time. Others just shift the work around. Here’s how to judge floors, insulation, bed syst...
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...
Van builds
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 y...
Vans for sale
Camper Van Depreciation: What Holds Value?
Camper vans do lose value, but some hold up far better than others. This guide breaks down what really drives resale,...
Vans for sale
Van Conversion Companies Colorado Guide
Choosing a Colorado van builder gets easier when you look past the photos. This guide breaks down timelines, contract...
Vans for sale
Sprinter 144 vs 170 Camper: Which Fits You?
A Sprinter 144 is easier to park and often ideal for couples. A 170 gives you more room for a fixed bed, family sleep...
Vans for sale
Camper Van Cost of Ownership Guide
Buying the van is only the start. This guide breaks down yearly ownership costs like insurance, storage, maintenance,...
Vans for sale
How to Buy a Custom Camper Van Well
A great-looking van isn't always a well-built one. Here's a simple way to judge craftsmanship, builder trust, and lon...
Vans for sale
White Mercedes Sprinter Van: Best Color?
White is the safe, flexible Sprinter color for most buyers. It works with wraps, black trim, and future upgrades, whi...
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, ...
Service
Victron MultiPlus for Van Conversions: Features, Review & Install Tips
Curious about the Victron MultiPlus for your van? Dive into features, installation advice, and how it powers real van...
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 ...
