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The Vansmith blog
Your guide to buying, building, and owning a camper van.
How to Remodel a Camper on a Budget
We get this question often. Where do you start with remodeling camper trailer projects without overspending? Most people come in thinking they need a full o...
Beginner's guide
Best Overlanding Fridges & Freezers in 2026
One question we hear often from travelers preparing for long trips is simple. What is the best fridge for camping th...
Beginner's guide
Best Portable Power Stations for Your Campervan, RV Life
People often ask what the best power station for van life really is. The answer depends on how you travel, what you ...
Beginner's guide
RV Spring Maintenance: How to Get Your Rig Ready for the Road
After a long winter, many travelers ask the same question. How to get your RV ready for spring without missing a key...
Beginner's guide
RV Maintenance Checklist: Complete Guide
RV Maintenance checklist covering tire pressure/wear, roof seals, brakes, batteries, propane detectors, slide-outs, a...
Beginner's guide
RV Wiring Guide: Understanding RV Electrical Systems
Every year we meet people who feel sure driving a van across mountain passes but pause when it comes to the power pa...
Beginner's guide
National vs Boutique Van Builders: What Really Sets Them Apart
Compare big national van brands with boutique van builders on process, materials, and service so you can choose the r...
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Beginner's guide
RV Classes Guide: Different RV Types Explained
One of the first questions we hear is simple: What are the different classes of rvs? Most people start with what an R...
Beginner's guide
Base vs. Premium: What’s Included in Camper Vans for Couples?
When choosing how you want your van set up, one of the most common questions we hear is simple: What is in a camper ...
Beginner's guide
Sprinter vs Transit: Red Flags to Watch for in a Conversion Company
If you are putting money into a van, you have likely asked yourself, what red flags should I look for in a conversio...
Beginner's guide
How Long Are Class B Camper Vans in the Shop for Repairs?
One of the first questions we hear when someone brings their van in is simple: How long will my van be in the shop? ...
Beginner's guide
RV Kitchen Essentials: What to Pack for Easy Cooking on the Road
When people ask about rv kitchen must-haves, they often picture a long checklist. In practice, cooking in an RV work...
Beginner's guide
Mercedes Benz Sprinter Off Road: Questions to Ask a Van Conversion Company
Before you commit to a project, it is worth asking one simple question: What questions should I ask a van conversion...
Beginner's guide
Is Van Life Worth It? The Real Cost of Van Life Explained
A practical, money-first guide to deciding whether van life is right for you. Learn Total Cost of Ownership, sample b...
Ultimate Guide to Camper Van Bathrooms: Options & Considerations
Explore the essentials of adding a bathroom to your camper van. From toilet choices to shower setups, learn how to en...
How to Choose and Use Van Roof Racks for Camper Vans: Load Limits, Rack Types, and Practical Installation Tips
A practical guide to selecting, installing, and using van roof racks safely. Learn rack types, weight limits, install...
Best Sprinter Van Bed Systems for Ultimate Comfort
Discover the ideal Sprinter van bed systems to maximize comfort and space. From fixed to folding and sliding beds, fi...
Ford E-Series Van Conversion: High-Tops & Custom Layouts
Discover the benefits of converting a Ford E-Series van with high-top options and custom layouts. Learn about parts a...
Ford Transit Medium Roof: Real Interior Heights Explained
Discover the real interior heights of the Ford Transit medium roof. Learn how insulation and footwear affect standing...
Van builds
How Camper Van Windows Change Light, Heat, and Privacy
Practical guidance on choosing camper van windows, films, and shading to balance daylight, thermal comfort, and priva...
Van builds
Best Campervan Toilet Options for Van Life: Complete Guide(2026)
When it comes to adventures on the road, we understand that having a clean, safe, and convenient toilet on board can ...
Van builds
The Ultimate Guide to Camper Van Shower Options(2026)
The question comes up in almost every van life talk: "Does your van have a shower?" For some people, a camper van wi...
Van builds
Sprinter vs Transit: How The Vansmith Helps You Choose Van
Choosing between a Mercedes Sprinter van build and a Ford Transit van build is one of the most key choices you'll ma...
Van builds
Complete DIY Van Electrical System Guide: Solar, Batteries & Power
Van power systems are the hidden base that makes modern van life work. Get your power system right, and you'll enj...
4x4 Van Conversion Kits: Costs, Benefits, and Considerations
Discover the essentials of 4x4 van conversion kits. Learn about costs, benefits, and considerations for enhancing you...
AWD vs 4x4: Which Cargo Van Reigns Supreme?
Explore the differences between AWD and 4x4 cargo vans. Learn about their capabilities, performance in different cond...
Vans for sale
Used Camper Van Checklist: What to Look For Before You Buy
A practical checklist for buying used camper vans: verify title and VIN, inspect for water damage, test electrical an...
Vans for sale
Why a Ford Transit Camper Van Is a Smart Choice for Van Life
Explore why the Ford Transit camper van is a favorite for conversions: roomy, serviceable, and conversion-friendly wi...
Vans for sale
How to Tell If Camper Van Solar and Craftsmanship Are Built to Last
Practical signs to spot a durable camper van conversion: through-bolts, backed cabinetry, sealed penetrations, organi...
Vans for sale
Camper Van Checklist: Questions to Ask About Camper Van Storage Before You Buy
A prioritized, on-site checklist for buying a camper van: title and conversion checks, exterior and roof red flags, m...
Service
Lithium vs AGM Camper Van Batteries: Which Is Right for Your Off-Grid Van?
A practical guide to choosing between LiFePO4 and AGM camper van batteries. Compare usable capacity, cycle life, weig...
Service
Van Electrical Safety: Standards, Best Practices, and When to Use a Professional
A practical guide to van electrical safety: learn standards, common wiring mistakes, inspections, and when to hire a ...
Service
Diesel vs Gas: How to Choose the Right Camper Van Heater
A practical comparison of diesel and propane heaters for camper vans. We cover installation, safety, running cost, co...
The Best Camper Van Upgrades: A Practical Guide to High-Value Installs
Practical guidance on which camper van upgrades give the biggest safety, comfort, and resale value. Prioritize electr...
Service
Four Season Family Camper Van: How to Build a True Year-Round Rig
Practical, engineering-minded guidance to make your four season camper van usable year-round: insulation, heating cho...
Service
4x4 Camper Van Solar Systems Explained: Batteries and Alternators
A practical, end-to-end guide to camper van solar systems—how panels, charge controllers, batteries, and alternators ...
Service
Essential Winter Van Living Tips for Staying Warm and Prepared
Most van travelers agree that having running water in their van is a big upgrade for comfort and ease. Whether it’s a...
Diy
DIY Van Conversion Guide: Build a Sprinter Van Mobile Office
A safety-first, weekend-friendly van DIY guide that walks beginners through planning, tools, insulation, electrical, ...
Diy
Insulation & Sound Design for a Campervan for Family of 4 Ford Transit
Tested insulation and sound solutions for Transit interiors. Practical material choices and installation tips to impr...
Diy
Campervan Ceiling Ideas & Sprinter Interior Materials
A practical guide to choosing wall and ceiling materials for Sprinter conversions — comparing plywood, composites, FR...
Diy
Transit Van Insulation & Soundproofing vs mercedes sprinter msrp
Practical, tested strategies for insulating and soundproofing Ford Transit interiors — R-values, moisture control, ac...
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 m...
Diy
DIY Van Build vs. Professional Craftsmanship: Which Is Right for You?
By The Vansmith The van life trend has won the hearts of many, offering a life of freedom, travel, and a simple wa...
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 ...
