Frequently Asked Questions
What material are the cabinets made from?
All cabinets are built from premium 1/4" Baltic Birch plywood, known for its strength, light weight, and beautiful grain. Choose from raw birch, pre-finished birch, white or colored formica laminates, or upholstered panels depending on the product.
What tools do I need for assembly?
Most kits require just a power drill, drill bits, and a Phillips bit. Each product page lists the specific tools needed. No specialty woodworking tools or CNC equipment required — all pieces come precision-cut and ready to assemble.
What’s the difference between the three finish levels?
Wood cut-outs only: Raw CNC-cut pieces requiring DIY edge sanding. Most affordable. Cut-outs + sanded edges: Edges are sanded and broken — requires assembly and installation. Fully sanded and assembled: Ready to install, local pickup/delivery only.
Do you ship to Alaska and Hawaii?
We ship to the lower 48 states and DC. For Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories, email
DIY@thevansmith.com for a custom shipping quote.
How long does shipping take?
Orders are typically ready to ship within 2–4 weeks. Shipping times vary by location but most deliveries arrive within 1–2 weeks after shipping. Fully assembled cabinets are available for local pickup in Boulder, CO.
What warranty do you offer?
All DIY kits include a
1-year warranty on materials and CNC cut quality, covering defects such as wood delamination, warping from manufacturing, and incorrect or missing cuts. This does not cover assembly errors, improper installation, normal wear, modifications, or water/heat damage. To file a claim, email
DIY@thevansmith.com with photos of the defect and we’ll ship replacement pieces.
What is your return policy?
DIY kits are
cut to order and cannot be returned. Please verify your van model before ordering — each product page lists compatible vehicles. If your order arrives with
damaged or missing pieces, contact
DIY@thevansmith.com within 14 days of delivery with photos and we’ll ship replacements at no cost. If we shipped the wrong item, we’ll send the correct parts with a prepaid return label.
What size bed does the VersaBed Sprinter 144 make?
Compact: 59.5" x 66.5" | Fully extended: 74.5" length — close to queen size.
Does the Sprinter 144 VersaBed require drilling into the van?
No. The kit mounts to the factory rear interior metal structure using precision-fit steel braces. No custom holes required.
Is this compatible with both high roof and standard roof Sprinter 144 models?
Yes — the system mounts to the rear wall structure which is consistent across roof heights.
How long does installation take for a first-timer?
Most DIY builders complete the install in 2–4 hours with basic hand tools.
Can I remove the VersaBed later without damaging the van?
Yes. The mounting system is fully reversible — no permanent modifications.
How long is the sleeping surface in the Sprinter 170 VersaBed?
Please refer to the product specifications for exact dimensions, as configurations may vary.
Can I fit a kitchen and the VersaBed in a Sprinter 170?
Yes. The 170's extra length makes it one of the most popular platforms for a bed + kitchen combo. The VersaBed mounts to the rear, leaving the front half of the van for a galley setup.
Does the Sprinter 170 VersaBed use the same mounting system as the 144?
The mounting method is the same (factory wall structure, no drilling), but the rail and bar dimensions are sized specifically for the 170 wheelbase interior.
Is this kit right for full-time van life?
Yes — the Sprinter 170 with the VersaBed is one of the most popular setups for full-time van lifers. You get a near-king sleeping surface plus room for all the systems you need to live comfortably on the road.
Where is this kit made?
Designed and shipped by The Vansmith in Boulder, CO.
What size sleeping area does the Ford Transit 148 VersaBed create?
Please refer to the product specifications for exact expanded dimensions, as configurations may vary.
Can you sleep east-west in a Ford Transit 148?
Yes, for most adults up to around 5'10". The Transit 148's interior is wide enough for a side-to-side sleeping position. Taller builders typically prefer a north-south setup.
Does the Transit 148 VersaBed require drilling into the van floor or walls?
No. The system uses the factory interior metal structure for mounting and is fully reversible.
How does the Transit 148 VersaBed differ from the Transit 148 Extended version?
The standard 148 kit is sized for the shorter wheelbase. The Extended version provides additional floor length — ideal if you want a fixed north-south bed along with a full kitchen setup.
Is this kit good for a Ford Transit 148 high roof build?
Yes. The VersaBed is compatible with both medium and high roof Transit 148 configurations.
Does The Vansmith ship this kit to Colorado?
Yes — free shipping is available to all lower 48 states. The Vansmith is based in Boulder, CO and can assist with fitment questions directly.
How much extra floor space does the Ford Transit 148 Extended have vs the standard 148?
Approximately 10" more cargo floor length — enough to meaningfully change your layout options (north-south bed + kitchen + garage vs. having to choose).
Can I fit a full north-south bed and a kitchen in a Ford Transit 148 Extended?
Yes. The Extended's ~143" floor length (before build-up) supports a full-length north-south VersaBed platform and a compact galley kitchen without compromising either.
Does this kit work in a Ford Transit 148 Extended high roof?
Yes — the VersaBed mounts to the rear wall structure which is consistent across roof heights on the Transit 148 Extended.
Is the Transit 148 Extended VersaBed the same kit as the standard Transit 148 version?
No. The Extended kit has longer rails and cross bars sized specifically for the Extended wheelbase interior. Using the standard kit in an Extended van will leave unused floor space at the rear.
Where is this kit designed and shipped from?
The Vansmith, Boulder, CO. Free shipping to lower 48 states.