The Vansmith Blog
Your guide to buying, building, and owning a camper van.
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 Vansmith, we see travelers ask about inverters...
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...
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Beginner's guide
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 ...
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
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...
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...
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
Ski Van Setup: Layouts That Work
A solid ski van starts with the right bed, garage, heat, and wet-gear flow. This guide breaks down what works for cou...
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 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
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, ...
Vans for sale
Camper Van Financing Rates 2026
Wondering what a custom van really costs to finance in 2026? Here’s a grounded look at rate ranges, term lengths, dow...
Vans for sale
New vs Used Camper Van: Which to Buy?
Sticker price is only part of the story. This guide breaks down financing, warranty, inspections, and refit risk 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...
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 ...
