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Vandoit Customer Stories: The Newmans Read More »
In this episode, we interview Jena and Derek Newman who own a dog training business, and when they’re not busy training other people’s pets, they’re taking the van to bike trails with their own dog, Barry.
General Maintenance On Your Vandoit Adventure Van Read More »
If you’ve been shopping for a camper van, chances are good that you have read up on the advantages a camper van provides when it comes to maintenance, especially in comparison to the care required for an RV. Vandoit owners often comment on how the water system is much easier to maintain and winterize than on other RVs.
To give you an idea of what to expect when you choose a Vandoit or to help maintain yours, here is Vandoit’s General Maintenance Checklist. We divided the checklist into items that require maintenance at different intervals: before each trip, monthly, every three months, every six months, and as needed.
Before each trip, turn on your water pump and test water flow and pressure by spraying the shower hose or turning on the kitchen pod faucet. If the water sputters or does not work, Vandoit has published troubleshooting steps in the online Vandoit Knowledge Base, like this article for a DO model.
For winterizing the water system, follow the steps in this article.
Before each trip, open the cap on the shore power plug to inspect the prongs. Make sure they are not bent or broken and are free from debris. Test your shore power cord by plugging it into a different device and checking that it receives power.
While the shore power cord is plugged into the van, check your inverter screen to ensure the van gets a charge from shore power.
Press the power button on the keypad and verify the fan opens and spins freely with no binding or squeaking. Check the charge level on the handheld remote by viewing the battery indicator at the top of the screen.
Periodically check the condition of the air vent seal around the air vent on the van’s roof for leaks or damage.
Turn on the air conditioner and verify that the system kicks over from the fan to the cooling setting and feels cold. Let it run for 20 minutes, and then check to ensure no leaks exist around the inside flange.
Seeing condensation from the exterior on the ground around it is normal. An external drain hose exits the roof, and condensation drains down the steepest part. If the van has a DC-powered air conditioner, check to ensure the remote’s batteries are still working.
First, verify you have more than a 1/4 tank of fuel in your van. Nothing should be within 1 foot of the air vent on the Espar box, and the external exhaust pipe on the driver’s side should not be pinched or blocked.
Set the thermostat to higher than the ambient temperature, and press the power button. Wait a few minutes for the Espar to start and get warm. Eventually, the Espar should change to a lower fan speed or cycle off when it achieves the requested temperature.
Turn on your inverter and test each outlet in your van with a device such as a phone charger. If any outlets are not powered, check the AC breakers to ensure there isn’t one that’s tripped.
Test the gear slide by pulling the red release knob and then pulling it out. Verify that the gear slide moves smoothly and clicks into each catch point along the rail system. With the red knob still pulled, verify that the endpoint stoppers prevent the gear slide from going too far in or out of the van.
Test the system by turning the handle clockwise to raise the bed. The bed should ascend evenly and not bind at any point. Spin the handle counterclockwise to verify the bed lowers evenly. (Tip: Sometimes, you may need to add a little pressure or weight on top.)
Wipe the actuator shafts clean of any dust or debris that has built up, so they raise and lower freely.
Ensure the black turn knobs are tight on the bed brackets attached to the skeleton. The brackets on the beds should also be secure. Make sure you have enough eyelets on the beds and they are tight. Wiggle the cargo buckles attached to the ceiling to verify they are secure.
If you’re moving seats in and out of the van for your trip, make sure you have pull tabs on the bottom before installing. Once fully seated, test each seatbelt to ensure it feeds freely and retracts smoothly.
Dometic Air Conditioner:
Once a month, remove the return air filter behind the return air vent grille to make sure it is clear of debris and anything that might block airflow.
If it is dirty, wash it with soap and water and let it dry completely before reinstalling or replacing it.
As needed, clean the ADB (Air Distribution Box) housing and the control panel with a soft cloth dampened with mild detergent.
Espar Heater:
Run the Espar monthly for about 20 minutes, even in warm weather. See this article for additional recommended maintenance on the Espar heater.
Inspect the Espar exhaust pipe (under the driver’s side of the van) to ensure it is perpendicular to the van’s length and undamaged.
Check the seals around these components every three months by viewing them from the roof of your van using a safe ladder or scaffolding. Check for cracks or gaps in the seal.
If your fan or air conditioner exterior flange has Flexseal, clean the existing sealant with rubbing alcohol and apply a new layer of Flexseal every three months. If gaps or cracks are visible, replace the Flexseal immediately.
If your fan or air conditioner exterior flange has Dicor Lap Seal, apply a new bead of Lap Seal if gaps or cracks are visible or if moisture leaks into the van.
Use a safe ladder or scaffolding to inspect the rooftop solar panels. Ensure they are clear of debris (i.e., leaves, snow, dust, etc.) to ensure maximum solar input.
If you cannot wash the van, wipe them off with window cleaner.
Inspect the panels for any cracks or breaks. Broken/cracked panels will likely become problematic as the solar cells experience moisture. This will shorten the panel’s life and probably decrease its energy output.
In a Vandoit van with an AGM system, visually inspect the terminals on the batteries in the power box to ensure they are securely attached. In a Vandoit van with a Mastervolt lithium system, check the ethernet cables on the top of the batteries to ensure they are fully seated.
The bolts at the joints of the Vandoit aluminum t-track frame are M5 and M6. They may loosen over time due to movement and vibration.
Use a low-profile ratchet wrench or a stubby L-style Allen wrench to tighten bolts. Standard sizes are 4mm, 5mm and 6mm for the bolt heads.
Once a year, check for the following:
Use this article as a guide to annual Espar maintenance.
As Needed:
If batteries in your Vandoit power system are not holding a charge or seem to be losing charge quickly, remove them from the rear power box in your van and take them to a local Batteries Plus or auto parts store for testing. If recommended, replace the batteries.
Test the wall outlets by turning on the inverter and plugging an item like a phone charger into each outlet.
Ensure the awning crank handle for the Thule awning is in the van. Loosen the collar on it to lengthen the handle, and then tighten the collar to secure the handle.
Next, ensure the crank fits up in the awning keyway, and try extending and retracting. Both movements should be smooth. Once completed, remove the crank from the awning and put it back in the van.
A note on Ford vehicle maintenance:
Vandoit built our adventure vans on the Ford Transit for several reasons, including dealership warranty and availability, affordable maintenance and repair costs, quality, van availability, and affordability.
For Ford vehicle maintenance, speak with your local Ford dealership or use this link to find a Ford maintenance schedule tailored to your specific vehicle: https://www.ford.com/support/maintenance-schedule/
Why We Build On Passenger Vans Read More »
There are a multitude of reasons why Vandoit builds on passenger vans. One of the major reasons is safety. The passenger van is equipped with factory seating and side curtain airbags. The passenger van comes with everything to keep you and your family safe.
Ultimate Camper Van Kitchen and Storage Options Read More »
We’re excited we take you through our recommended kitchen and storage module layouts. We have recommended setups for one modules, two modules and three modules to fit everyone’s needs. With that being said let’s jump into it!
How Would You Spec Your Van Read More »
Vandoit provides the framing and the components, but you provide the vibe. With endless mounting possibilities, vandoit is the friend to the tinkerer and the DIYer.
4 Guys, 2 Vans, 2 Dirt Bikes, 3000 Miles, Endless Memories Read More »
When I told my pregnant wife I wanted to leave her and our two-year-old daughter to drive around in a van for two weeks, I expected to hear, “Are you crazy?!”
Instead, she gave me the go-ahead because she knew it would be a rare opportunity and an experience that would help me in my new career as a Sales Guru at Vandoit. I just had to promise to call or FaceTime at every opportunity and send lots of pictures. (I still owe her a trip of her own.)
Our trip started with a long, arduous drive from Blue Springs, Missouri, to Flagstaff, Arizona, for the Overland West Expo. We drove 15 hours in one day to minimize time away from our families.
Chris (another Sales Guru) and I each drove a van, and we met some other team members in Arizona for the show.
This was my first exposure to the overlanding community, and I could write a separate story on my four-day experience there. (In summary: lots of dust, awesome people with great stories, and “camping” vehicles worth more than my house).
After the show, we picked up Austin and Marcus–Vandoit Marketing team members–from the airport. From there, Chris and I had the task of driving them to cool spots across Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado so they could take sweet pictures of the vans.
Austin and Marcus provided artistic talent with their camera and drone skills, while Chris and I got to drive the camper vans all around the Mountain West and occasionally pose for pictures.
Our first stop was The End of the World in Arizona. We drove 30 miles up a mountain on dirt, gravel, and rocks. At the summit, we experienced a view like no other. We were sitting on a plateau in a tall pine forest with a view of a vast valley full of craggy, volcanic rock and sandstone.
We rode dirt bikes on the rolling dirt roads all around us, flew the drone for incredible shots you’ll see on the Vandoit Instagram and TikTok, and cooked some tasty hot dogs for dinner on my Coleman camp stove.
The next day we drove to Moab, Utah. At the Overland West show, Chris had struck up a conversation with an overlanding enthusiast who owns some property there. Chris’s personality and enthusiasm for overlanding were enough for him to invite us to camp and shoot photo and video content on his beautiful property along the Colorado River in Moab. He even offered us a hot shower in the campground they were renovating along the river.
I did my duty and parked the camper van perfectly for the guys to do their camera magic. Then I hiked up a couple of slot canyons on the property. On this solo adventure, I reflected on my fortunes. I hated my previous job. Now, I’m on a work trip with views I would typically chase on vacations.
We woke up in the morning with our sights set on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Western Utah (and a pit stop in Salt Lake City for some In-N-Out Burgers).
We spent the bulk of that day riding dirt bikes and taking pictures. I sat in the van for a while to do some work. Selling vans is even more fun when you are sitting in one on what looks like the surface of an unknown planet!
We left with sunburns, salty skin, and unbreakable smiles. Using iOverlander, we found a nearby campsite with a fantastic view of the next sunrise.
Fremont Ridge in Wyoming was our next stop. We arrived, and a road greeted us we weren’t sure we should be traveling on. So we put our vans’ all-wheel drive, Qlift, and suspension upgrades to the test and conquered the obstacles with no issues other than some white knuckles.
We were rewarded with more unbelievable views, cooked hot dogs, and soaked in the beauty.
The next day, we gathered ourselves and some supplies in Jackson, Wyoming. Chris and I did some work from Roadhouse Brewing Co. (Sorry, boss! The coffee shop was closed–we promise!)
Our campground for the night was at the base of Shadow Mountain. This spot provided an unobstructed view of the Grand Tetons. We drove up the mountain a bit for some more views and pictures.
We hoped to find a more isolated campsite but ended up staying in the lower campground with some neighbors. In the middle of the night, I learned the effects of having hot dogs for dinner too many days in a row. (Apparently, four is the magic number).
I was sleeping in the Roof Nest rooftop tent and could not get down in time–my dinner was now down the side of the van. Austin was almost asleep inside the camper van beneath me and had to ask if a bear was outside. He was relieved to hear that I was the sick bear.
Our morning view of the Tetons was spoiled by rain, so we headed northeast with the destination of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Along the way, we encountered a snowstorm in June!
This was especially wild to me, considering we were in the desert just a few days before. The campsite we hoped for was closed due to the snow, so we traveled down the mountain, then back up to another spot we found using iOverlander.
The pines blocked our view of the mountains but gifted us with seclusion. We were incredibly excited when we found bear droppings and the bare bones of what we believe was once a deer. That night in the Roof Nest tent, I was constantly wondering if the noises I heard were wind or a hungry bear.
The next day we drove to Denver and cleaned our salt, dust, mud, and mustiness out of the camper vans. It took the four of us only about an hour to return the two vans to trade show quality.
We transitioned back to civilization by parking in the driveway of one of Chris’s relatives for the night. We arrived during a neighborhood block party and enjoyed pizza, beer, and tons of questions about what we were doing and what we were driving.
We left the camper vans in airport parking for some coworkers to pick up for a trade show in Denver the next week, and we headed home with some fantastic stories and sunburns.
When I returned home, I got to change every diaper for a week to make up for the lost time. I missed my family dearly, and some days it was tough to be away from them. However, I look back with no regrets.
These pictures and memories are irreplaceable. I built great friendships with some guys I barely knew before. I learned things about Vandoit vans that I would have never known without using them in the elements and climates we encountered. I could do my job from the back of a van with views of mountains, valleys, and deserts. The cherry on top was when I saw my first moose!
When clips of our trip are on the Vandoit Instagram or TikTok, I eagerly show my wife and daughter. Then it triggers a memory of that fantastic journey. I finished the trip knowing, confidently, that the camper van was the easiest way to see the most beautiful parts of our country.
With every Vandoit that rolls out our door, our goal is to simplify the journey Read More »
Our Vandoit adventure van builds keep adventure simple. There is tons of storage and endless places to mount gear. Every component is marine-grade and very durable.
Movement is Medicine Trailer | Travis Brewer Read More »
After a major injury in college soccer, Travis was told by his doctor that it was unlikely that he would ever be able to play sports again. He was motivated to prove him wrong.
After college Travis pursued a career in commercial real estate. Even though it provided him with financial success and stability, it didn’t bring him joy.
Vandoit Owner Stories: Marshall Mosher Read More »
This episode highlights Marshall Mosher, owner of Vestigo, a company that bridges the gap between outdoor teambuilding and virtual reality. When he’s not traveling across the country for work, he’s hitting the slopes, rapids, or skies with his endless amount of extreme sports gear and adrenaline.
Our First Vandoit Camper Van Adventure: Disney World for Adults! Read More »
In early July, my husband, Scott, and I became the proud new owners of a Vandoit adventure van! To get our feet wet in “Van Life,” we decided to pack up our new Vandoit and head south from our home in Buffalo, New York, to one of our favorite places.
The US National Whitewater Center (USNWWC) in Charlotte, N.C., is a mecca for rafters, hikers, mountain bikers, zip-liners, kayakers and climbers. We call it “Disney World for adults.” Since 2001, USNWWC has been creating opportunities for people to get together outdoors. The Center’s primary feature is the world’s largest and most complex recirculating artificial whitewater river. The river channels were designed by three-time Olympian and World Cup Slalom Kayak Champion Scott Shipley.
Driving almost 3,000 miles from Buffalo to Charlotte was a pleasure in the camper van. My husband, Scott, loved the lane centering and adaptive cruise control. Our exterior lights came in handy while driving to and setting up our campsite.
The site had an electrical hookup for shore power, so we just plugged in, unfolded the bed leaf, and got the coffee ready for the morning. The adventure van made the campsite setup so simple that we just started a campfire and relaxed until bedtime.
Sleeping was always more comfortable than tent camping, even on the warmer nights, using our two MaxxAir roof vent fans–one bringing air in and the other exhausting. (We have no regrets about not getting the rooftop air conditioner.)
On a cooler night, we put the fans on a lower setting and ran the Espar heater, which kept sleeping temps very comfortable. We really enjoyed sleeping in our Vandoit; it was very comfortable and relaxing.
We have been visiting the Charlotte area for more than a decade, and this trip was easier because there was more room for our stuff and Scott’s mountain biking gear.
We visited USNWWC the weekend of September 17, 2022, for the fourth annual Yoga Flow Fest, which offers over 40 yoga classes, vendors, and live music. And it did not disappoint! Our day started bright and early with a morning stretching practice and Fall Equinox meditation. I quickly headed into the forest for a peaceful slow flow amongst the fragrant Carolina pines.
Mid-day, we made our way to the River’s Edge restaurant at the Whitewater Center, which offered some outdoor shade to enjoy anything from fresh, healthy lunch options to a juicy burger and fries. (I chose the former–a refreshing Greek power bowl to refuel.)
The vendor shopping experience provided some retail therapy while we digested our delicious lunch. I purchased a couple of funky bracelets and sampled some free Kombucha. Then it was time for Arm Balance and inversions, where I was mostly an observer.
The highlight of the festival was an evening Glow Yoga practice, where everyone donned headphones and glow bracelets, and the lights were dimmed. It was more of a dance party than a true yoga practice. But it was a truly celebratory experience!
Although Charlotte is not known for its camping, we found a little slice of heaven at the McDowell Nature Preserve Campground–small in size but huge in amenities. This mostly undeveloped nature preserve in Mecklenburg County offered numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors.
The campground is the gateway to over 1,300 miles of trails surrounding the serene Lake Wylie, a nature center featuring live animals and a gift shop. The 56 reservable campsites range from primitive to RV pads with full hookups. Private, impeccably maintained restrooms and showers made this a spot we will surely return to!
Heading home was sad, with the exception of our halfway stop in Summersville Lake, W. Va. The Battle Run Campground provides first-come, first-served site rentals with gorgeous lake views. However, the bathrooms left much to be desired, but one night was doable. Note to self: We will definitely bring our Laveo dry flush toilet on our next trip.
We love traveling in our Vandoit so much! We already have the next trips planned! In the fall, Scott is planning a mountain bike excursion to Brevard, N.C., and will be using the van to haul two other friends, their bikes and gear to different trailheads for riding.
We’ll head back to Brevard in the Vandoit a few weeks after that to spend Thanksgiving with friends. We are also planning a two-week trip to Florida in January. When we’re home in Buffalo, Scott uses our Vandoit as his daily driver and mountain bike hauler for local riding.
To summarize this Van Life journey: sunny, warm weather, yoga galore, and traveling with my best friend–what could be better?
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