August 2023

The crackling excitement in the air, the aroma of sizzling barbecue, the sea of vibrant colors, and the unified chants of passionate fans – there’s nothing quite like the experience of a college football tailgate. But what if we told you that you could take this exhilarating experience up a notch by embarking on a road trip in a campervan? Buckle up as we dive into a journey of gridiron glory, mouthwatering feasts, and unforgettable camaraderie.

Hitting the Road: The Campervan Adventure Begins

Picture this: you and your friends packed into a cozy campervan, cruising down scenic highways with the anticipation of the ultimate tailgating experience ahead. The road trip itself becomes a part of the adventure, offering picturesque landscapes. Explore roadside attractions that add an extra layer of excitement to your journey.

1. The Deep South Showdown: LSU Tigers

When it comes to college football fervor, few places can match the intensity of Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers’ tailgates. Head down to Baton Rouge, where the aroma of Cajun cuisine fills the air and the sea of purple and gold welcomes you with open arms. From mouthwatering jambalaya to spirited chants of “Geaux Tigers,” this tailgate is a sensory experience like no other.

2. Bleed Orange with the University of Texas Longhorns

Austin, Texas, is more than just the state capital; it’s also home to the University of Texas Longhorns and their legendary tailgates. Park your campervan and immerse yourself in a sea of burnt orange. The blend of Texan hospitality and football fervency creates an atmosphere that’s as warm as the brisket on the grill. Don’t forget to join in the iconic “Hook ’em Horns” hand gesture as you cheer for the Longhorns.

3. Boulder’s Rocky Mountain Football Frenzy: University of Colorado Buffaloes

For those seeking a tailgate with breathtaking natural backdrops, a trip to the University of Colorado in Boulder is a must. Nestled against the stunning Rocky Mountains, this tailgate offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and football fanaticism. Swap stories with fellow campervan travelers while gazing at the picturesque landscapes that surround you.

4. The Unmistakable Charm of Ole Miss Rebels

Venture down to Oxford, Mississippi, and discover the genteel yet passionate tailgating culture of the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss. With its stately oak trees and antebellum architecture, the campus provides a backdrop that’s straight out of a Southern novel. Indulge in classic Southern comfort food as you join the “Hotty Toddy” chants that echo through the groves.

5. The Unrivaled Energy of University of Michigan Wolverines

No list of college football tailgates is complete without the inclusion of the University of Michigan Wolverines. Ann Arbor comes alive on game days, with a camaraderie that transcends generations. The tailgate scene here is a grand symphony of maize and blue. It’s filled with spirited debates, grilled delights, and the thunderous chants of “Go Blue!”

As you roll back the miles in your trusty campervan, each college football tailgate offers a unique slice of American culture and sportsmanship. From the sizzling grills to the camaraderie among fans, these experiences promise memories that will stay with you long after the final whistle. So, pack your jerseys, stock up on snacks, and hit the open road. Enjoy a world of unforgettable college football tailgates awaits your exploration.

The 7 Best Materials To Use in Your Campervan

Troubleshooting/Understanding Your Van, Uncategorized, Vanlife

The 7 Best Materials To Use in Your Campervan Read More »

At Vandoit, our mission is clear: to provide every adventurous soul with a modular vehicle that unlocks the ability to experience life to its fullest. A life where you’re free to work, travel, and play without compromise.

Not Just Any Vehicle

Our campervans are not just vehicles; they are your home on the road, built to withstand the rigors of adventure while offering the flexibility you need. We achieve this by carefully selecting and integrating a range of top-quality materials into our campervan designs. By utilizing durable products such as high grade aluminum, bolts, vinyl flooring, and other marine-grade materials–while at the same time maintaining the quality of assembly with a 400+ point checklist–we ensure your van will have fewer malfunctions and increased quality. Here are the 7 best materials we use to ensure your van is built to last.

1. HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

High density polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer manufactured in sheets. We use HDPE to create rugged cabinetry, drawers, and storage compartments. This material is not only lightweight but also highly resistant to chemicals, making it perfect for withstanding the challenges of life on the road. It is used for cutting boards, counter tops, and shelves in our vans.

2. Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a transparent polymer that is manufactured in sheets and can also be molded or thermoformed. Some common brands are Lexan and Plexiglass. It has a high level of impact resistance and can be clear or tinted. This allows us to cover the electrical components in our power boxes while still being able to see inside, which is helpful for monitoring or troubleshooting your electrical system. These panels provide a protective barrier, shielding sensitive electronics from dust, moisture, and potential damage.

3. Aluminum Extrusion

The backbone of your campervan’s structure lies within the aluminum extrusion frame. This material allows us to create versatile and adjustable structures that can be easily customized to meet your specific needs. From installing shelves to creating storage solutions, aluminum extrusion provides the framework for a truly modular interior.

4. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, also known as ABS, is a thermoplastic polymer that comes in different size sheets and thicknesses. It is strong, chemical resistant, and has excellent high- and low-temperature performance. ABS is easily machined, allowing us to use it for many applications in our vans such as cabinet sides and shelves, bed platforms, electrical box covers, mounting plates, and many others.

5. Polyvinyl Flooring

Our flooring is polyvinyl–flat or woven– that is waterproof and resistant to many chemicals, durable, and easy to clean up. It offers a comfortable surface underfoot, making it ideal for both living and adventure spaces within your campervan. We bond it with insulation foam to improve thermal insulation and reduce vibration and road noise.

6. ACM (Aluminum Composite Material)

Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) is a thin aluminum sheet bonded to both sides of a composite core. The resulting panel is fireproof and resistant to weather, water, and chemicals. It is easy to machine and fabricate and is used in many applications in our vans both inside and outside. Our newest show van includes ACM on the rear doors accompanied by our aluminum extrusion for hanging gear. It comes in many different finishes and brings a clean and professional look to our vans.

7. Honeycomb Panels

These lightweight panels consist of a honeycomb core sandwiched between durable outer layers. The result is a material that offers a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio. Honeycomb panels are used in various components of our campervans, contributing to their structural integrity and overall durability. Moreover, these panels support the modular design philosophy, allowing for easy customization and layout adjustments to suit your ever-changing needs.

From the day we sent out the very first Vandoit to today, quality has been top priority. Whether you’re seeking a mobile office, a weekend getaway, or a home on wheels, these materials come together to create a campervan that adapts to your desires and supports your adventures. At Vandoit, we don’t just build campervans; we craft opportunities for you to seize life’s moments and make memories that last a lifetime. Experience the freedom to work, travel, and play, all while journeying in a vehicle that’s as reliable and dynamic as you are. Your adventure starts here!

The Debut of The “Rep Van”

Product Reviews/Releases, Vanlife

The Debut of The “Rep Van” Read More »

Outdoor Retailer Summer 2023 was the debut of our Representative Van upfit–equipped with a bed, a desk with working space, and storage galore. This build is a product of the new Commercial Division Vandoit launched in early 2023. The Commercial Division was a natural progression for us, as we have been building vans for commercial purposes since our inception in 2017; however, we had decided to put more resources into custom camper vans once the Covid-19 pandemic hit and the camper van market skyrocketed. The industry has only grown since, and with a more streamlined production process than ever, we are able and excited to move forward with the expansion of our product. Not to mention our roots with parent company Kline Van & Specialty Rental, who—born in 1941–had developed a solution to the not-so-niche issue of traveling professionals.

The Versatile T-Track

Vandoit is known for designing and building marine grade components that easily bolt to an aluminum skeleton, also known as t-track. This track allows all Vandoit products to be modular. Because of their versatility and longevity, these modular components are a perfect transfer to a commercial design. Flexibility to adjust and change, as many commercial missions do, only provides more value to the vehicle.

The Ford Transit

Countless professionals trust the reliability of the Ford Transit, so building new commercial upfits on the Transit is a no-brainer for Vandoit. We have exclusively worked with Ford as a certified up-fitter, building on passenger chassis, and now branching into cargo–and with the well-known Transit Trail–a crew chassis.

Summer Outdoor Retailer 2023

Our presence at Outdoor Retailer Summer 2023 was that of a Silver Sponsor. With two booth locations, we showcased a LIV model, Disaster Relief/Mobile Crisis Center by the main entrance, and the newest Rep Van inside. The indoor booth depicted a stunning middle ground for our adventure and commercial divisions. This build is ideal for a traveler needing to display and store products, work remotely, and travel easily.

As a company that attends quite a few events annually, we are no stranger to the checklists, travel bookings, and natural calamity that comes from attending. While great for networking and sales, these events can be quite cumbersome logistically and financially. Thus, a vehicle up-fitted to be customizable and modular is ideal for the busy trade show representative. To see the Rep Van–and other Vandoit commercial build options–reach out to a Vandoit Sales Guru today!

Talk TO A Guru

3 Reasons I Chose Vandoit To Be My Campervan Upfitter

Van Owners Stories

3 Reasons I Chose Vandoit To Be My Campervan Upfitter Read More »

“I researched every van company in North America and kept coming back to you guys.” – Roman A.

New van owner, Roman, was brought into the Vandoit family a few weeks ago after buying a 2023 show van. The van made it out to Oregon for Overland Expo Pacific Northwest and back to the facility in Blue Springs, MO before getting scooped up by its new owner. The van was scheduled to be shown at several more outdoor industry expos during the 2023 season, but Roman couldn’t resist–he saw a van that was just right for him and couldn’t wait!

After researching van companies far and wide to meet his needs, Roman landed on Vandoit. Here, Roman shares the top three reasons he chose Vandoit for the purchase of his campervan.

1. Customer Service

After filling out the Vandoit contact form, a Sales Guru contacted Roman right away to gauge his needs and desires when it came to his van. Immediately, Roman took notice of the team member’s time and attention to him as a customer. Answering every question he had and responding promptly showed him how much the team cared. He came to the Vandoit facility for a tour as well to see in person the wide variety of options available to him. Because he had done so much research of Vandoit online, he thought he knew exactly what he wanted to see and ask for, but was blown away by the product in real life. Which brings us to the next reason Roman chose Vandoit:

2. “A Genius Engineering Team”

Roman got the pleasure of meeting Lead Engineer, Nick Eisenbarth, while working with the team to finalize his van. When we spoke, Roman raved about the Vandoit engineering team going above and beyond and doing things that are revolutionizing the vanlife and RV industry. “There are probably 40 things you all are doing that nobody else is. And all of those things make so much sense!” Roman shared. While the team was getting busy on the van, Roman was thrilled to be heavily involved with the process. He described the process as “designing his dream home,” which made it all the more joyous to experience.

3. Space For Everyone’s “Golf Clubs”

As Roman pointed out in our interview, many other companies in the campervan market utilize permanently affixed cabinetry, which gets points for simplicity, but it does not allow much space open for the customer to fill with equipment or DIY additions. Roman experienced this when checking out other builds and was relieved to find in a Vandoit, he could fit his ‘golf clubs.’ Although Roman is not a golfer, he used golf clubs as an example to cover all hobbies and activities one could partake in. No matter what your ‘golf clubs’ are, the modular, marine-grade components in a Vandoit can easily be shifted, removed, or added for every activity under the sun.

Leaving the Vandoit facility with a High Roof EL DO Model that is equipped with everything he needs, Roman is the happiest camper. He shares that he “couldn’t be happier with [his] choice and excited for the future with this van.”