What type of vehicle do you have?

Sprinter 144, 4WD Diesel

What got you into the campervans to start with?

A brand new '86 VW Poptop was our first.

Does your van have a name?

"Bluey" It's blue/grey and we have our blue heeler travel companions.

Where are some of the favorite travel destinations you have been to in your van?

We recently returned from a three-month, 10,000 mile, 26 State journey with our two dogs and mountain-bikes. It is hard to pick favorites out of all the deserts, mountains, forests, prairies, farms, and friend's driveways that we've visited. Southern Utah, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Pennsylvania - all come to mind for starter. We try to stay 99% off-grid on public land - but East of the Rockies, that gets harder. We found plenty of farms, ranches, wineries, etc... via Harvest Host.

What are your two favorite features and/or parts in your van?

The Stout Solar and electrical system allows us to use our 12V toaster, air-fryer, and induction range are great for allowing us to make our own meals. The reading lights at the head of our bed on either side of the Capsules gets used every single night. The AC system is also a must. It allows us to leave dogs safely and comfortably when we go off on 3-hour mountain bike rides in 90 degree heat. The composting toilet stored under the sink is also a game changer.

What advice, insights, or experience would you like to share with others about having a campervan?

We like to go slow and keep our travel time to 4 hours. The dogs need exercise and so do humans. Pack only what you need - and that's far less than you think you need! Have a place for everything, know where that is and return it to its place after every single use. NO CLUTTER! It's good for your sanity. Bring back-up lighting, safety equipment, tools, etc... You might not always have internet service. Most of all - HAVE FUN!

What type of vehicle do you have?

2024 Sprinter 144 all wheel drive Evergreen Dream

What got you into the campervans to start with?

Both Lorraine and I have multiple type Vans and conversions. VW buses, Westfalia poptops , Sportsmobile Poptop and recently a Pleasureway Tofino.

Does your van have a name?

Bubba

Where are some of the favorite travel destinations you have been to in your van?

Great Sand Dunes National Park near Durango Colorado. Boondocking in the Valley of the Gods.

What are your two favorite features and/or parts in your van?

Lorraine loves the entire galley arrangement. The custom extra long bed is my favorite.

What advice, insights, or experience would you like to share with others about having a campervan?

The freedom you have to go anywhere. Having a van at 19foot and lifted gets you just about any place without limits.

Brooklyn Campervans started with a dream that the world could be a home. 

As two travel filmmakers, Arthur and Oliver have spent years on the road, but despite beautiful hotels nothing could replace the feeling of a familiar bed or kitchen. They asked themselves, "What if we can feel at home in the wildest of places?"

​Brooklyn Campervans blends upscale craftsmanship with minimalist design and clean aesthetic. They’ve spent over 20,000 miles on the road carefully testing and tweaking their builds to provide the same quality and care for their customers. 

​After building over 40 camper vans, they now have a full team of incredibly talented van builders in Brooklyn, New York. Let's learn more about them here.

What Vanspeed products do you like best, and why? 

Our favorite are the bed Capsules. It is our go-to-solution for clients who want more sleeping length. Vans are small spaces, and if a person can sleep sideways and not in the direction of the van, that means a ton of space saved. It makes the difference of having an indoor shower or not. What a simple solution for such a big problem!

Finally, it adds 11.5” of space. That’s a lot and every inch matters. I may not be 6’5”, but I like moving around the bed without my head or feet bumping into the walls. The bunk windows are also perfect for a cross-breeze or for me to check surroundings when I wake up. 

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Roof rack + mule system

What type of vehicle do you have?

Mercedes Sprinter Van 2021

What got you into the van life to start with?

The ability to travel around in the comforts of a large vehicle with all of our belongings. It also allows us to bring the dogs along and provide them comfort.

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

The mule system on the back of the van was a significant improvement to our setup! It allows us to carry extra gear without having to jam everything in the garage section of the van anymore. The drop-down table is such an added benefit as well, we love to use it as extra table space when we are set up for the night. We also really like it because it works with our bike rack so we never have to sacrifice what to bring.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Southern California to visit our daughter!

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Front bumper bar, and hopefully more in the futre.

What type of vehicle do you have?

2019 Sprinter 144 High Roof, 4wd

What got you into the van life to start with?

We are a family of 6, and needed a larger vehicle for our active lifestyle here in the Pacific NW. We love to go camping, snowboarding, numerous kids activities such as baseball tournaments, and visit family in other states. We decided do more roadtrips (instead of flying), and our minivan was too small once we packed it up. After a lot of research and talking with other people in the van community, we sold the minivan and purchased a Sprinter.

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

I decided to get the Van Mart front bumper bar because I wanted more lights on the front, as well as some additional front bumper protection. I called your customer service to discuss more about your bumper, as well as met some of your team at an Overland Van Expo here in OR. I added four extra KC lights, and it was been very helpful for night driving - and the bumper looks awesome!

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

We love going to go camping on Oregon coast. We also go to Mt. Hood a couple times a year, which is a close second.

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Capsules

What type of vehicle do you have?

2019 Sprinter 4x4 2500 144”

What got you into the van life to start with?

I have been a heavy camper my whole life, starting from childhood. Once I had a daughter of my own, I got her out in the woods almost instantly. We started with ground tents and moved to roof top tents which seems safer, but tents are a pain to put away in the rain in Oregon. So eventually I saved up all I could to get us into a blank canvas of a van and I’ve been working on it ever since.

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

I have been a heavy camper my whole life, starting from childhood. Once I had a daughter of my own, I got her out in the woods almost instantly. We started with ground tents and moved to roof top tents which seems safer, but tents are a pain to put away in the rain in Oregon. So eventually I saved up all I could to get us into a blank canvas of a van and I’ve been working on it ever since.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

My favorite place to travel to is Eastern Oregon. Bend Oregon area.

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Vanspeed Sprinter Side steps, Dakar roof rack with KC hi-lites, Baja designs LP9 Pair

What type of vehicle do you have?

2018 Sprinter 144” high roof

What got you into the van life to start with?

My wife and I go to Tahoe often and we realized we were paying about $250-$300 per night for a rundown unrenovated motel. We wanted to put that money to something that we love and we knew we’d be able to get a campervan build going and then pay about $35 per night for a drive-in camp site in Tahoe area.

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

For me the Dakar roof rack was amazing. My wife and son and I use it as a deck to sit on and chill and watch sunsets or have picnics with a view. We haven’t actually used it to load anything or mount solar or storage yet, but it’s a nice spot when we’ve been parked at an overlook point for a little snack.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Hands down it is Lake Tahoe. It’s only about 3.5 hours away and we go there year round. We go skiing/snowboarding almost every weekend from December to April. And then in the summer time we load up the inflatable paddle boards or hike around. It’s the spot where it doesn’t matter what season it is, you can enjoy it, especially with the van.

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Crl window trim rings

What type of vehicle do you have?

2019 MB sprinter 2wd, 2500

What got you into the van life to start with?

We had a March 2020 trip out to moab planned but then covid hit, ending our trip. With the uncertainty of future travel we decided to start looking at getting a van and using it as our mode of travel..having more control and spontaneity. A friend was also building his second van and we'd always been picking his brain a out it

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

The trim ring, as simple a product as it is, made my life very easy. I installed the crl bunk window and eventually made my own wall panels amd planned to upholster them. A few failed attempts at bad geometry making my own trim trim rings later..I stumbled upon the van mart. This made my build go much easier and allowed me to use it as a emulate to make the trim for my 2nd bunk window

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Being in the northeast, we love to travel to new Hampshire and Vermont regularly to climb and mountain bike. Our initial trip when the van was doe was to the southwest.. which h we need to get back to

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Sprinter hood strut kit

What type of vehicle do you have?

2021 Sprinter 170” 4x4

What got you into the van life to start with?

Freedom of travel where standard RV’s can’t go.

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

After driving 6500 miles across the country and back and having to prop open the hood to fill the def fluid every couple thousand miles in 20*f and high winds was no fun, having the hood strut kit made life so much better, no more fiddling around with that finicky prop bar.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Utah, Colorado and Pacific Northwest. There just is no equal beauty here on the east coast where we live.

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Lagun Floor mount

What type of vehicle do you have?

Dynamax Isata 3 RV

What got you into the van life to start with?

Have camped all my life, this RV is best for convenience, size and economy

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

Didn’t have a good table option or place to mount the Lagun until I found this product.  Now I can get rid of 2 tv trays that never liked. Will make eating in the RV much easier.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Anywhere west of the Mississippi.   Santa Fe and Estes Park are equal favorites.

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Rear Step

What type of vehicle do you have?

Sprinter

What got you into the van life to start with?

Living the outdoor lifestyle. A van let's my wife and I go more places, stay in the outdoors for longer, and are incredibly fun to build.

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

The rear step is awesome to kick back and sit on after a long day on the trails. It is very stylish and very functional. Definitely one of the better upgrades to the exterior of the van.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Colorado mountains

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

VANSPEED Capsules

What type of vehicle do you have?

2020 sprinter 170

What got you into the van life to start with?

Wanting to live a cheaper lifestyle than renting and being able to move locations easily

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

The capsules allowed me to sleep sideways in the van which freed up SO much space in the van for a shower. This has made life on the road much more pleasant

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

California! On the coast or in the desert are both great

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Side Steps

What type of vehicle do you have?

VS30

What got you into the van life to start with?

Had to slow down. Used to drive long travel

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

The sliders set the van apart from all the rest. When in pull up at meets someone always asks who made them. Makes getting in and out a breeze.more so when my hands are full!

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Baja Mexico

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Bumper

What type of vehicle do you have?

Sprinter 4x4

What got you into the van life to start with?

My dog Doctor and chasing the snow

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

Price was at a great deal and the service was good too. I also liked the functionality of the product and how it would compliment the aesthetics of my van.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Any mountain town with good snow and a resort for boarding.

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Capsules + Light rack

What type of vehicle do you have?

2014 Sprinter 144 2wh, 2015 Sprinter 170 4x4, 2021 Sprinter 144 4x4, 2022 Sprinter 144 4x4

What got you into the van life to start with?

My wife wanting a travel van. We started to rent it and it expanded from there.

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

The Pods in particular have been a game changer. The space savings has been helpful and I love the look of the product.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Alaska

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Bug screens + Side Steps

What type of vehicle do you have?

2022 144 Sprinter

What got you into the van life to start with?

Life “Your never promised tomorrow enjoy it on the road”

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

Getting in and out of our 4x4

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

New places, old places, new friends, visiting friends and family. Enjoying the freedom a Van offers. Seeing our great country!

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Side Steps + Rear Door Cargo Carrier

What type of vehicle do you have?

21 - Sprinter 170 4x4

What got you into the van life to start with?

Ability to leave anywhere anytimeand spend more time with the family of 6.

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

Makes getting in and out a lot easier with the steps! Rear door racks give us more functional space and the ability to carry more gear.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Mammoth and Colorado

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Extra cab handles

What type of vehicle do you have?

Sprinter

What got you into the van life to start with?

It was a way to still explore and get out during the beginning of the pandemic.

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

The handle makes it easier to get in and out of the cab

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

We love to go to the desert areas in California. Joshua Tree primarily. I also like to paint at the ocean in the van as a portable studio

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Side ladder + side steps

What type of vehicle do you have?

Sprinter van

What got you into the van life to start with?

Been over landing / camping for the past 7 years & wanted to get into something bigger & more comfortable

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

The side steps were a game changer! Getting in & out of the van is super easy.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

So far my favorite destination would be Mammoth Lakes Ca . It’s an amazing place full of adventure!

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

Van capsules - van speed wheel carrier - side ladder

What type of vehicle do you have?

2022 sprinter 2500 2wheel 144” Sprinter van

What got you into the van life to start with?

Always loved being outdoors so when I was able to afford this dream set up I made it happen

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

Side ladder forsure. Loading surf boards off and on my roof is a dream. This way when I camp I don’t have 2 9’6 logs in my kitchen!! Also helps me clean my solar panels daily

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Yosemite always

What products have you purchased through The Van Mart?

VANSPEED Mule Carrier System (Passenger Side)

What type of vehicle do you have?

Mercedes Sprinter 2500

What got you into the van life to start with?

The desire to travel

How did the product(s) you purchased from The Van Mart made your experience on the road that much better?

The comfort in knowing if I need my spare tire, it is not shoved under the bottom of my van and is now easily accessible.

Where is your favorite travel destination in your van?

Eastern Sierras