Look familiar?

If you follow the work of Ford and Vandoit, you may have seen this teaser and thought, “That looks like something Vandoit would do.”

You’d be right.

Vandoit, founded by the Kline family, has a longstanding relationship with Ford that goes back multiple generations to the founding of Kline Motors in 1947 in Chillicothe, Missouri. Over the years, Vandoit and the Klines have collaborated with Ford on many projects, from marketing to design and more. So a phone call from Ford is not uncommon in the day-to-day activities at the Vandoit production facility in Blue Springs, Missouri.

But one phone call in July 2022 was a little different.

A Blind Yes

This call from Ford was to share an idea like no other. “We’re working on a new Transit package,” the Ford representative explained, “And we want an upfitter to work with.” Ford had a quick timeline–about four months. Would Vandoit be willing to build out the interior of this new vehicle in such a short time frame?

The answer was an immediate yes from Vandoit leadership. It was an opportunity to work closely with Ford and improve the products made by both companies.

But it was a bit of a blind yes: Vandoit didn’t know the precise scope of this new Transit package. The Vandoit team was going to be building on the interior of a van they had never seen before. How Ford was planning to market this new vehicle was unknown at the time. What the Vandoit team did know is that their focus would be on upfitting the interior of the van, leaving exterior components like wheels, tires, lift, and roof accessories to the Ford team.

The Ford Transit Trail

This new Ford Transit package–called the Transit Trail–is built on a cargo chassis. This presented an immediate challenge to the Vandoit engineering team, as they were used to building on the Transit passenger chassis. Vandoit had established an efficient assembly line approach to upfitting the Transit passenger chassis, so the team had to quickly adapt those processes to this new cargo version.

To launch the Transit Trail interior buildout process, the Vandoit engineering team worked closely with the Ford design team to establish production and quality parameters for the upfit. Ford also communicated their vision for the upfit: The van would contain only the driver and passenger seats in the cabin–no rear passenger seats–and have the ultimate vanlife setup for the couple who wants to wake up next to the beach and be able to prepare a gourmet breakfast from the convenience of their van. Vandoit knew immediately that their new galley and storage modules, especially the storage and counter space they create, provided the perfect solution. They also knew they could round out the ultimate van kitchen space by adding a hanging cabinet and a magnetic spice rack above the countertop. Once those parameters and vision were established, Ford gave Vandoit complete creative freedom to upfit the interior of the Trail.

Vandoit’s Goals for the Transit Trail

Very early on, the Vandoit engineering team established goals for this upfit project:

Create the ability to sleep sideways. This is a feature often requested by current Vandoit owners, as the DO and LIV models orient the beds from front to rear, rather than side to side. The blank canvas of the Transit Trail was an ideal opportunity to create a completely new bed system, especially as the Trail does not have the rear windows the Transit passenger van has: Turning the bed sideways meant no loss of visibility.
Create airplane-like overhead storage above the bed. The bed is always a prominent feature in any campervan, but storage solutions often require hopping out of bed or climbing underneath it. Having storage within arm’s reach of the bed is a major comfort value-add, so the engineering team created built-in cubbies above both the head and foot of the bed.
Utilize removable kitchen modules. This goal was easy to accomplish, given that Vandoit had released these new modules only a couple of months prior to the Transit Trail project. The Vandoit engineering team selected a single sink module to go on top of a slide-out storage cabinet for water storage. This was installed between a Dometic refrigerator on one side and a single cubby/three-drawer module on the other for more kitchen storage. The modules can all be rearranged or removed altogether using simple tools.
Expand Vandoit’s palette of materials and finishes. On the Transit Trail upfit, the engineering team hand-cut wall panels from ACM (aluminum composite material) rather than the ABS plastic panels used in the Vandoit assembly line, put in honeycomb insulation for the first time, and used new vinyl coated polyester flooring.
Install the best power system to suit the Trail. Vandoit has installed the Mastervolt lithium power system in vans for a couple of years now, so using Mastervolt in the Trail was the obvious choice. The power system Vandoit built for the Trail is small but powerful–equivalent to the capacity of a typical AGM power system, but with the reliability of lithium technology. The marine grade components provide the durability and ruggedness needed to match the Trail’s profile.
Make lighting practical and versatile. The Vandoit team installed interior zone lighting for the first time on the Trail upfit to accomplish two things: To use lighting to set the mood for every occasion–sleeping, stargazing, reading, relaxing by the campfire, or watching the sunrise. The zone lighting also makes it possible to turn on a light without waking a partner sleeping in bed. The new ice blue interior accent lights tied together the look and the mood.

The Upfit Process

The clock started ticking as soon as the new Transit Trail chassis pulled into the Vandoit facility in Blue Springs. The Vandoit engineering team laid eyes on the Trail for the first time and immediately assessed the cargo chassis. They needed to take quick inventory of the design changes that would need to be made from the usual Vandoit passenger chassis upfit.

The next step was a familiar one: Gut the van. The Vandoit team removed factory headliners, panels, and a few other Ford parts to make way for the new honeycomb insulation, electrical wiring, and flooring.

Next, the Vandoit engineering team worked from the back of the van to the front, mocking up the upfit structure and layout for the power box, bed platform, and storage areas. The Transit Trail cargo chassis truly provided a blank canvas for the team, as the absence of air bags, rear HVAC, and seat rails meant establishing a completely new geometry for the aluminum extrusion structure. These aspects of the cargo chassis also meant there was more interior space to work with near the van’s ceiling–the perfect spot for those airplane-style storage cubbies.

When it came to the power system in particular, the Vandoit engineering team listened to the input of current Vandoit owners to better position outlets and switches than the current DO and LIV layouts. For example, an outlet was added on the front of the sink module for easy use of kitchen appliances. These changes led to a new wiring layout and power box layout during the mock up phase. The team was forced–in the best possible way–to go back to the drawing board and see what they could do better.

As the new power system was being built, the Vandoit design team also began manufacturing the wall panels one by one. Most were hand-cut to fit the new Trail geometry, and plenty of fitment testing went into the process to get the panels just right. The final product was both practical for storage and aesthetically pleasing.

Since the bed was a main focus of the upfit, the Trail’s bed platform was a completely different design from the current LIV and DO bed systems. The Trail’s bed is essentially static; however, it can be shifted up and and down using tools to lock in at a specific height. It was important to create a full size bed that would sleep two comfortably, and as mentioned before–finally fulfill the often-voiced desire to sleep sideways. And the storage space the bed creates underneath is crucial to any van lifer for carrying supplies and outdoor gear. The addition of one of Vandoit’s three-drawer storage modules at the rear of that storage space completed the area’s utility.

As the team built each component and area of the van’s interior, they did so with careful consideration of how well the build could be replicated. The Vandoit engineering team did not view the Transit Trail interior upfit as a one-off build; rather it is a new blueprint designed to be replicated and offered again in the future.*

Approaching the Deadline

As the deadline to complete the Transit Trail’s interior upfit approached, the Vandoit team spent many late nights at the shop, putting heads together and hands on components to figure out how to finish everything to meet–and exceed–Ford’s expectations. In the final days of the upfit, two to three team members were constantly working on the van’s interior at any given time. With any spare time they found, the team made what changes they could to improve the build.

The day before the deadline, the engineering team made the final touches to the upfit, and then the Vandoit marketing team stocked the van with bedding, kitchen supplies, and decorations. The fully upfitted Transit Trail interior was ready to present to Ford.

The next day, representatives from Ford and VaynerMedia came to the Vandoit factory for a showcase of the completed Transit Trail interior. Afterwards, the Vandoit team joined Ford and VaynerMedia on set for the video shoot of the Transit Trail teaser video. Finally, the Trail was loaded onto a transport truck and headed to Detroit for additional marketing and its product release in early November.

Vandoit & Ford: Synergy & Acceleration

The outcome of this collaboration between Vandoit and Ford was a lot of synergy and an acceleration of product development for both companies. “The Transit Trail offers a lot of new features to the already proven Transit line of commercial and passenger vehicles”,” Vandoit CEO Jared McCauslin says. “Vandoit was forced to take on a lot of new challenges and obstacles. We ventured into product development scopes our company hasn’t been to in a long time. We are using our current knowledge to make our product better and broaden our horizons.” Likewise, the upfit Vandoit created in the Transit Trail gave Ford a new vision for what the Transit product can be.

*At the time of publication of this article, Vandoit does not offer the Ford Transit Trail as one of its upfit options. Vandoit does have Transit Trails on order and plans to do production runs of this new upfit. However, the timeline of this offering is yet to be determined.

7 Reasons A Vandoit Camper Van Is Better Than An RV

Vanlife

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If you’ve spent any time researching the purchase of an RV, you’ve undoubtedly come across an ad or Youtube video about a camper van.

Camper vans aren’t truly new to the market (think 60s VW hippie van), but they’ve taken off in recent years. This was especially true during the height of the Covid pandemic when everyone was looking for a safe way to stay at home while itching to not be at home. Traveling the country in a van or an RV was an appealing way to get out and enjoy the world while still avoiding getting sick or spreading germs.

Now that Covid restrictions have been lifted, many people who jumped on the camper van bandwagon are discovering that it’s not just a way to escape quarantine but a new way of life. And many find that their nomadic lifestyle is more sustainable in a camper van than in an RV.

So if you’re ready to launch into your own nomadic lifestyle but are unsure whether an RV or a camper van is right for you, we have a few reasons why a camper van is the way to go. (And yes, we’re a little biased. But we’re also confident that we make a pretty amazing van.)

1: Size

An obvious reason to go with a camper van is the size. A camper van is just that – a van and a class B vehicle that can still fit in a standard parking space. The Ford Transit, which is the platform Vandoit builds on, is 19.6 feet (long chassis) or 22 feet long (EL chassis) and just over 8 feet wide, compared to an RV that can be up to 41 feet long and 2 to 3 feet wider than a van.

Vans are easier to park and back up and handle more like an SUV than you might think. So when you arrive at your campsite after dark, you can roll right in with your van rather than having to maneuver a large RV into the campsite.

Many people who go the RV route opt for a pull-behind trailer or fifth wheel. These RVs come with their own logistical challenges, from hooking and unhooking from the hitch, leveling, backing into a parking spot, and storage. Not to mention that it requires another vehicle altogether to tow it. With a campervan, especially the Ford Transit, towing is your choice, not a necessity.

In fact, if you’re worried a van won’t give you enough room to store all your toys like bikes and kayaks, the Transit standard factory tow package allows you to tow those items behind the van, and you can always opt to add a Thule bike rack for easy exterior storage.

2: Offroad Capabilities

Because the camper van is smaller and has a lighter load capacity, it can go places RVs simply can’t go, like washboard roads or offroad altogether. You can travel to even more hard-to-reach destinations when you add options to your camper van, like all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension, and the Quigley QLift. So, rather than parking your RV and hiking to see the sunset from a canyon vista, why not just park at the vista?

3: Camper Van Modularity

Camper vans clearly have less interior room than RVs do – an important limitation to consider while shopping for your next adventure vehicle. But with Vandoit’s modular design, you can have all the comforts an RV offers, just in simplified form. And by modular, we mean that your kitchen, water system, and rear passenger seats aren’t permanently installed. You can move them around in the van or remove them altogether.

How many RVs allow you to move furniture like that, much less an entire system? And how many other camper vans allow you to do that at all?

4: Multifunctionality

Because of Vandoit’s modular design, your van can be truly multifunctional.

One weekend, you can install all the seats to haul the kids to basketball practice. The next, you can remove the seats, load in the outdoor gear, and lower the beds for a camping trip. And during the week, you can remove everything to haul cargo for work and construction materials for that home DIY project.

In fact, so many Vandoit owners use their vans for both pleasure and business, it made a lot of sense for Vandoit to launch a Commercial Van Division in 2023. This multifunctionality is a feature that not only sets Vandoit apart from RVs, but apart from other camper van builders, too.

5: System Simplicity

This is a HUGE one. The simplicity of camper van systems, especially water and electrical, in comparison to RV systems is a plus we can’t emphasize enough. We could go on all day about this one, but we’ll save you with a few handy bullet points instead.

In an RV, bleach and other chemicals are needed to treat the water tanks. In a camper van, bleach is still an option for a when-you-need-it cleaning job, but a good water and vinegar solution will do in the Vandoit water system.
The gray water tank in an RV has to be emptied using a multistep process, hoses, and a gray water dump site. In a Vandoit, just remove the gray water tank, dump at an appropriate site, and re-install.
RVs have black water (sewage) tanks that can be a pain to drain, not to mention a potential health hazard. Vandoit has no sewage system to deal with at all. Instead, you have the option to use a dry-flush toilet, which operates in a clean, mess-free fashion. (Think diaper genie.)
Most RVs require a water pressure regulator. Since the Vandoit water system requires no hookup, no regulator is needed. It’s a simple, self-contained system.
Winterizing (and de-winterizing) the water system in an RV is a laborious, multistep process that can take hours. It requires adding gallons of antifreeze and removing water filter cartridges, among other things. De-winterizing requires sanitizing the water lines with bleach and waiting for hours before draining and using the water system. Winterizing the water system in a campervan is often much more straightforward. In fact, winterizing the Vandoit water system involves only a handful of simple steps, depending on the model of your van.
The electrical system in an RV can be complex and confusing, especially when it stops working the way it’s supposed to. Depending on where you purchase your RV, you may not have support from the RV dealer to troubleshoot these electrical issues. The Vandoit Support Team is available to work with you to troubleshoot your issues and get your system up and running in no time. The team has even published a catalog of Knowledge Base Articles that may provide just the instruction you need to troubleshoot and resolve an issue on your own!
Unlike an RV’s electrical system, there is no need to add water to lead-acid batteries in the Vandoit electrical system. In fact, there is little maintenance to do on the batteries at all, aside from monitoring the voltage levels and making sure they stay well charged to preserve cycle life.
When setting up at a campsite, every RV requires water and electrical hookups. The Vandoit water system, on the other hand, requires no hookup, and an electrical hookup is optional. Choosing to boondock is something you can do on a whim in a Vandoit.
Nearly all RVs require propane to run the heater, water heater, and cooking implements. In a Vandoit, the Espar heater sips off of the gas tank, the water heater is electric, and cooking elements are up to you!

6: Camper Van Maintenance Cost

If you’ve spent any time RVing, you know that the number (and cost) of accessories you can (and often should) buy for maintenance, cleaning, and organization is endless. With a camper van, a much smaller number of items are needed, and in the case of purchasing from Vandoit, many of these are included with your van. That way, you can spend more of your money on the bells and whistles you really want to put in your van.

7: The Cool Factor

Let’s admit it: A van with a bumper, lift, aggressive all-terrain wheels, and floodlights just looks a whole lot cooler coming down the road than a boxy RV. And the curb appeal (pun intended) of a van can be easily enhanced with the addition of a vinyl wrap–think subtle nature scene, rather than the industry-typical stripes (the color of which you don’t get to choose) down the side of an RV.

In general, a camper van can be more stealthy and subtle than an RV. When you see a Ford Transit on the road, you can’t always tell if it’s a family’s kid-hauler, company work truck, or adventure vehicle. But when you see an RV? Well, it’s most likely an RV. For those who prefer not to be the center of attention, a nondescript Transit can be the way to go.

On the other hand, if you enjoy your vehicle being the center of attention, you can create a colorful, eye-catching wrap design that makes it impossible not to spot your van, which can be great for your company’s branding–or just for your family’s fun. It’s a lot easier to make a camper van look like you.

Try Before You Buy

The choice of your next (or first) adventure vehicle is a big one. We encourage you to do plenty of research, ask RV and camper van owners lots of questions, and try them out for yourself.

You can rent a Vandoit for a few nights or see one in person before you make that all-important decision. RVs and camper vans are available for rent on sites like Outdoorsy. If you have questions about Vandoits in particular, one of our Sales Gurus would be happy to chat with you!

Happy shopping, adventurers!

(written with contributions from Andy Nix )

New no deposit bonuses at Highway online casino

Uncategorized

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No-dep is a promotional action, in which new customers of the site are given money and free spins without depositing. It allows you to start without investment and receive prize money without risks. The offer from Highway casino https://highwaycasino.com/no-deposit-bonus can include money and freespins. To activate them, you need to register an account and fulfil other requirements, if any.

Why casinos give out no-deposits

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Once the funds and freespins vanish, an individual may opt to prolong their gaming experience. In doing so, they enhance their likelihood of making a deposit and transitioning from a novice to a frequent player. The operator relies on the concept of no-deposit becoming a fee to boost customer engagement.

New no deposit bonuses at online casinos in 2023

Running free online slot machines and winning real money through a no deposit bonus upon registration is prohibited on certain platforms. Majority of casinos instead provide welcome rewards exclusively upon initial deposits. However, specific operators like casino Highway incorporate bonuses when users create their accounts.

Bonus real money on registration

After creating an account, players are endowed with funds specifically designated for betting. This unique promotional variant boasts numerous distinctive qualities:

The bonus balance receives the funds.
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Free spins

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Bonuses by promo code or bonus code

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How to get bonuses without deposit

It’s entirely feasible to engage in free, unregistered gameplay on slot machines, coupled with a no deposit bonus, by adhering to the activation guidelines of the promotional offer. Generally, the requirements to fulfill are minimal. Platforms strive to keep regulations straightforward for new players, to prevent any intimidation factor from deterring their participation.

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Instructions for activating the promotional offer can be found on the dedicated webpage of the operator’s site. If you require further clarification, feel free to contact the customer support service for assistance.

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Creating a second account is strictly forbidden, as it goes against the rules. In the event of such an attempt, the offender’s profiles will be completely blocked.

Plan of action

To embark on your online casino journey with a registration bonus that doesn’t require an initial deposit and allows for withdrawals, a series of steps must be taken:

Familiarize yourself with the guidelines. The promotion page contains all the information regarding the terms and conditions of the no-deposit offer
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In the event that all the requirements are met but the bonus fails to be received, it is imperative to reach out to the support team via chat. Occasionally, the activation of no-deposits might necessitate manual intervention from the administration.

Selection criteria

Users are enticed by the chance to earn cash and freespins without having to deposit any money, but not all promotions are equally advantageous. It is important to consider various factors before making a decision. Prior to signing up, one must assess multiple aspects of the promotion in question.

Simplicity in obtaining

Activation after registration can be a helpful choice. However, fulfilling various requirements such as verification, client download, phone number confirmation, and more may pose challenges. The website gains an advantage if it permits immediate no-deposit access. If this isn’t the case, one must carefully review the rules, requirements, and the time required to complete them.

Gambling requirements

A gambling site’s no-deposit offering is enhanced when it imposes fewer regulations and limitations. It is crucial to consider factors such as the wager amount, duration of wagering, variety of available machines, betting limits, and additional prerequisites.

Account withdrawal without replenishment

Numerous platforms lack provisions allowing users to withdraw funds without an initial deposit. When registering, the cashout option remains inaccessible to the user. To activate the withdrawal feature and enable payment systems, a deposit must be made through the designated tab.

The advantage lies in the lack of an obligation, which, when effectively implemented, allows for funds received to be swiftly directed to the account holder’s information without the need for any initial investment.

Terms and conditions of withdrawal of winnings

Gambling operators place certain demands on customers seeking to withdraw their earnings via promotional offers. Verification stands as the primary requirement, mandating individuals to authenticate their identity before gaining access to the cashout feature. Submission of scanned copies or photos of essential documents such as passports allows the security service to conduct the necessary verification process.

Campervan Storage: 8 Reasons Vandoit Solutions Are Phenomenal

Gear, Troubleshooting/Understanding Your Van

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If you’ve taken a trip in a campervan, then you know one of the keys to a successful journey–and successful relationships with road trip buddies–is storage.

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night and needing that one small item buried at the bottom of a bag. Where is the bag? And where is my flashlight so I can search for that bag?

If you’ve been around Vandoit long enough, you’ve picked up on the fact that the signature feature of our design is modularity.

*editor’s note: Modular: MAAH | ju | ler, adj. constructed with standardized units or dimensions for flexibility and variety in use

A modular design can make storage flexible and a breeze. Forget backpacks or duffel bags. Vandoit provides camper van storage options that keep your necessities at your fingertips.

Vandoit Galley And Storage Modules

One of the perks of working at a campervan company is that I get to borrow one occasionally. On our most recent mountain bike race trip, my husband and I got to try out a LIV camper van. The van had Vandoit’s new Galley & Storage Modules configured like this:

Two Slide-Out Storage Cabinets were perfect for storing the Dometic powered cooler and Dry Flush toilet out of the way.

The four metal drawers made it easy to keep everything we’d typically have stuffed in bags. One drawer for my husband, one for me. Another drawer for the dog’s supplies and first aid kit, and one for kitchen utensils and our Jetboil.

With a Single Sink Module on the top right of the configuration, we had continuous counter space on the top of the three modules. It made prepping meals easier than finding a spot in the van to set things down.

At night, turning the counter space into tooth-brushing and face-washing stations before bed was super simple. And clean-up of everything took no time since the module tops are food-grade cutting board material.

(This isn’t the only module configuration, though–check out this web page for plenty more setups!)

Hanging Cabinet and Shelves

The Galley & Kitchen Module setup was a big game-changer for us. Also, having the hanging cabinet with a shelf just above the modules completed the kitchen setup.

We put biking water bottles on the bottom shelf with energy drink packets, jerky, nuts, and granola bars for my husband’s biking fuel. The top shelf was for coffee, camping meals, and mugs.

Having all our food and drink items hanging above the galley setup made meal prepping much smoother. No more digging through bags and boxes to find that all-crucial bag of sugar to sweeten my coffee in the morning!

And while we were driving, bungees across the front of the cabinet kept everything safely in place.

The Vandoit Gear Slide

The Gear Slide is by far my favorite Vandoit feature. This cargo platform slides in and out of the back of the van. This makes it easy to secure, access, and remove all those large but essential items.

It holds up to 750 pounds of cargo. We’ve used it to store our tandem bike, my husband’s mountain bike, a toolbox, cases of water bottles, and a few other odds and ends on a trip to Bentonville, Arkansas.

The extruded aluminum track, metal eyelets, and bungee cords made it simple to tie everything down–and remove everything quickly.

A more petite person like me could easily slide the platform in and out to reach everything. I’ve even used a gear slide to transport ⅔ of a pallet of water bottles to a charity biking event!

Vandoit equips the LIV with lights in the cargo area to make it easier to find supplies on the Gear Slide at night.

Front Bulk Head Storage Shelf

I’ve lost track of how many items I kept on this shelf. Vandoit installs this above the driver and front passenger’s seats. Shoes, hats, electronics, books, snacks–you name it, I’ve tossed it there!

It’s the perfect place to put those items you don’t want to forget to grab on your way out for a day of adventure.

Molle Panels

Continuing the modular theme, MOLLE (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) panels are perfect for strapping small bags or clipping items using carabiners. The panels mount on the walls or the camper van’s ceiling. This ensures the stored items are out of the way but easy to reach when needed.

I liked having a MOLLE panel mounted on the ceiling above the bed. It makes nighttime items like my flashlight, glasses, and phone easy to find.

Thermal Curtains with Pockets

Vandoit’s thermal curtains regulate the van’s internal temperature and provide privacy, and the set with mesh pockets adds a ton of storage space.

I put our dog’s leash and supplies in the pocket just behind the slider door, so those items were easy to grab when on our way out. I used the pockets on the curtains above the kitchen area as extra food item storage options. And the pockets on the rear doors were perfect for bike helmets and other bike gear.

Vandoit Under-Bed Bin Storage

The under-bed bins are a new storage option from Vandoit. The system great for organizing smaller items you want to keep track of in the van’s garage, like tools, shoes, or even clothing items.

Three large plastic storage bins are suspended on a track underneath the bed and slide out the back or the front of the bed for access. You also have the option to swap out one bin to suspend a 26-inch bike wheel there instead.

I liked this storage system’s use of space. It’s worth mentioning that having the bins under the bed created a height limitation. I had to raise the bed reasonably high to allow enough space for the containers and tall items like bikes, or you’ll need to lay them on their side.

Ratcheting Paper Towel Holder

This item might not sound like it qualifies as a storage option, and you’re probably wondering why the paper towel holder is a ratcheting one. First, I can’t tell you how often I’ve spilled something in a van and needed a paper towel in a pinch.

Vandoit mounts the paper towel holder on the ceiling just behind the driver’s seat. It was within easy reach of the kitchen area but didn’t take up counter space.

Secondly, if any wind blew through the van and your paper towel roll was not on a ratcheting holder, I got a long banner of paper towels flying out the door. The ratcheting paper towel holder Vandoit offers keeps the roll from unraveling. It’s a minor, simple feature that made a big difference.

But wait…that’s not all!

This certainly isn’t a complete list of Vandoit’s storage options. These eight are some of my favorites, and I haven’t even touched on the exterior storage options like the Aluminess Deluxe Box or 1Up Double Bike Rack.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of campervan storage, check out these web pages:

Vandoit Storage Accessories
Vandoit Galley & Storage Modules
Vandoit Organization Accessories

The Oshkosh AirVenture: Airplanes, Helicopters, and a Campervan!

Events

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The 2022 Oshkosh EAA AirVenture Air Show is “the largest annual gathering of aircraft and aviation enthusiasts” and has new Vandoit fans, too!

What is AirVenture?

During the week of July 23-31, 2022, fans got to enjoy aircraft “neighborhoods”, The neighborhoods on the airfield showcased everything from homebuilt aircraft to seaplanes, twice-daily aerobatic air shows, a nightly fly-in theater, and flights in a MASH helicopter or World War II-era bomber.

The nighttime air shows included fireworks, and there was a space to watch remote control aircraft or fly your own drone! Daily workshops helped attendees grow their aircraft-building skills. The KidVenture area gave the littlest aviation enthusiasts the chance to build their own wooden planes.

The AirVenture Air Show undertook what they call the One-Week Wonder. This is the building of a single aircraft by a team of volunteers throughout the week of the show. More than 650,000 guests from 92 different countries and a record number of aircraft were in attendance – along with one remarkable campervan.

Vandoit at AirVenture

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Air Show has been running for over 30 years. This was only the second year Vandoit was among 839 vendors at the world’s largest air show, and Vandoit was the only campervan brand in the exhibition.

Vandoit Trade Show Rep Andy Brown brought a Vandoit DO model with a roofnest tent mounted on top. It drew lots of visitors looking for earthbound adventures, including Major Michelle “MACE” Curran, the second female lead solo Thunderbird Pilot. Curran shared that she would like to make a Vandoit her next vehicle purchase.

Other visitors commented on the van’s great use of space and how open the interior felt. “I love the way you can move things around,” one van enthusiast said about the new galley and storage modules. “Look at that electrical panel. I would show it off, too!” exclaimed another.

Why You Should Come To Oshkosh Next Summer

Brown described the AirVenture atmosphere this way: “It is truly impossible to convey the magnitude of the event. Thousands of private aircraft are spread out camper-style on the tarmac, most with tents under their wings. The airfield was surrounded for miles by tens of thousands of tents and campers of all types.

The event is pretty much non-stop airshows in the afternoon. Including everything from bi-planes to the Air Force Thunderbirds and massive cargo planes doing flyovers. There are even mock bombing runs and dog fights.

Everyone in the aircraft industry has an exhibit, from Boeing, Garmin, Beechcraft, Cessna, Piper, and anyone else who builds aircraft. Did you know that one of the Walton family member (the founders of Wal-Mart) builds carbon fiber planes in Bentonville (Wal-Mart headquarters)? It’s like the LA auto show, only bigger and for aircraft!

Vendors show up to sell salvage aircraft parts and anything related to flying. There is constant activity and noise. I met people from a dozen different countries, including lots of Australians and South Africans. The air show has a really positive vibe. Families and kids were excited about the air show, getting to tour a massive cargo plane, and watching a presentation on building a plane.”

Recap video: https://fb.watch/eJalKHrdCW/

Event photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eaaairventureoshkosh/albums/72177720300686785

At first glance, showing a campervan at AirVenture might seem a little out of place, but Vandoit has found that the air show community shares our sense of adventure, just in a vehicle that happens to be airborne. Vandoit is privileged to be part of an event that brings together so many people of diverse backgrounds with a shared sense of adventure.

See a Vandoit at one of our next events!

Vandoit Sponsors The 49th Annual RAGBRAI: Like The Tour de France… But Not

Events

Vandoit Sponsors The 49th Annual RAGBRAI: Like The Tour de France… But Not Read More »

When you think of multi-day cycling races, what comes to mind? Yellow jerseys, winding Alpine switchbacks, and the French countryside? Or cornfields, nightly concerts, and roadside dunk tanks?

RAGBRAI can be similar to races like the Tour de France…but distinct differences exist.

The 49th annual RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) took place July 23-30, 2022. Over seven days, a total of 40,000 cyclists (and a few inline skaters) traveled from Sergeant Bluff to Lansing, Iowa. This number of participants matched pre-covid editions.

Presented by Tipico Sportsbook, this iconic cycling event gives bikers from across the country the chance to experience Iowa from a unique perspective. “There’s no better way to see a land and its people than on foot or bike,” said bike mechanic and RAGBRAI XLIX participant Brent Borgmeister of Chicago.

The ride winds west to east across Iowa’s cornfields and soybean crops, stopping in a small town each night to experience genuine Iowa hospitality. The organizers dedicated this year’s ride to John Karras, co-founder of RAGBRAI, who passed away in November 2021.

RAGBRAI is far more than your typical organized bike ride.

Like the Tour de France, cyclists complete the ride in daily stages. Unlike the famous French race, cyclists frequently stop for beer, homemade pies, and digging for fossils. RAGBRAI is less of a bike race and more of a carnival-meets-happy-hour.

Here’s a glimpse of the rural roadside atmosphere: One Iowa farmer offered lunch to riders in hopes of collecting donations for his church. The trailside attraction expanded as he invited a local school district to hold a dunk tank fundraiser for its athletic programs.

Soon a lemonade stand, a petting zoo, and a giant bull added to the fun, and an ask-a-farmer booth helped satisfy riders’ curiosity about the verdant landscape through which they’d spent the day pedaling.

At the end of the 454.1-mile ride, many participants dip their bikes in the Mississippi River for the perfect end-of-race photo op:

Video: https://fb.watch/eDPIvkL0Cf/

Ok, so it’s nothing like the Tour de France.

The RAGBRAI vendor expo takes place the afternoon and evening before the ride begins in Sergeant Bluff.

Vandoit was one of more than 80 vendors at this gathering that included a lineup of live music and the Tipico Sportsbook Fun Zone, where visitors could test their skills in baseball, football, basketball, and boxing challenges.

Vandoit Co-Founder Brent Kline and his family showcased a DO model Vandoit van at the expo that featured every storage solution imaginable.

Visitors adored the bungee cords stretched across ceiling sections and the cargo net under the bed platform. Baskets hung on the wall framing, and MOLLE panels (that also served as cabinet doors) created numerous attachment points for bike gear and gadgets.

Vandoit displayed a set of new galley storage modules in the van. They provided organization for the water system and drawer storage. They also served as a durable work surface, accommodating a twin-sized bed when not in use. This modular storage had campervan fans talking nonstop about the storage-oriented setup.

Ready to design your storage-to-the-gills camper van? Reach out to a Van Guru today!

[insert link: https://vandoit.com/contact-us/]

The Ultimately Transmogrifiable Van

Van Owners Stories, Vanlife

The Ultimately Transmogrifiable Van Read More »

Kevin and Diana have taken their Vandoit on many adventures since owning their van.

They have been to Lake Leatherwood in Ark., Tinkertown Museum in Albuquerque, the red sandstone formations of Sedona, the White Mountains of Calif. and Nev., hot springs south of Lake Tahoe, and camping on the beach near Los Angeles. Their ultimately transmogrifiable van has taken them to various locations for paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, biking, hammocking, and reading.

All in the first two months of owning their van.

You read that right–two months.

This couple knows how to grab life by the horns, strike while the iron’s hot. Any other expression you can think of to convey that their van is helping them live life to the fullest, in the present, here and now.

Camper Van Shopping

After shopping extensively for a camper van, Diana came across Vandoit in an online list of best conversion vans. When she opened a link to the Vandoit website, she immediately said to Kevin, “This is what we have to have.”

Watching videos of the vans and their components sealed the deal, and they reached out to Vandoit Van Guru Sharon Crandall the next day. Diana and Kevin enjoyed the process of working with Sharon to design their van. “She was very knowledgeable and provided great guidance. She helped us make choices where we were kind of on the fence,” Diana said.

Waiting a year and a half for their van was not as bad as they thought. They are thrilled with the aesthetic and versatility of the van. “Other vans look like another RV on the inside and only do one thing,” they commented, referring to the permanently fixed interior components often featured in other camper vans’ designs. They love that the components in the Vandoit interior can be moved to create a variety of layouts.

What Diana and Kevin Love about Their Vandoit

Diana was the first to get excited about van life; Kevin was skeptical at first. “Do we really need a van to live in?” he wondered. But as Sharon kept them updated on their build process and answered their questions, they found that Vandoit really was the perfect fit for them.

“What you guys do really fits our aesthetic. The ability to move things around really fits us,” Kevin remarked. Diana added, “We make things, so sometimes we’re going to need to load things in it and we have different kinds of toys, so it needs to adapt to all of those things. If you’re like us and like to do things in a different way, and have handy skills–just do it!”

They saw a Vandoit in person at an expo after paying the deposit on their van. “It might be crazy to spend so much money on something we had never touched. We felt confident even before seeing the van in person, but seeing one confirmed our confidence,” said Diana.

Coming from a background in the museum industry, both Kevin and Diana notice and care about details. They have been wholly impressed with Vandoit’s attention to detail in every aspect of the product. “It’s the ultimately transmogrifiable van!” Diana exclaims, referencing Calvin and Hobbes.

Vandoit Modularity

They picked up their van the day after the school year ended for Diana, a teacher, so they jumped full tilt into making the most of summer trips.

Very quickly, Diana and Kevin found three different layouts that work well for their van: One for when they travel together, one for Diana and their dog, and one for when Diana and a friend make a girls’ trip together. The modularity of Vandoit’s design allows them to quickly and easily rearrange interior components to suit each trip’s needs.

Kevin and Diana enjoy woodworking and creating, so they have enjoyed adding their personal DIY touches to the van, including fabricating their own wooden storage trays for kitchen utensils, and adding hinged wooden doors to the hanging cabinet, kitchen pod, and hide-a-toilet cabinet.

Happy Trails!

When asked what they enjoy most about their van, several things came to mind. Kevin says the van is a pleasure to drive, and they love that it helps them to be self-sufficient. “We don’t have to ask permission,” Diana shares, meaning that they can boondock or disperse camp, and they don’t always have to reserve accommodations in advance or make sure a location allows dogs.

The van empowers them to be more spontaneous in their travels and adventures. “You get to places that are unexpected,” says Diana. For example, one evening she was dispersed camping in the White Mountains, taking in the beauty of the Minarets, the Mammoth Lakes, and the Sierra Nevada Range. When she turned around, she realized the sun was setting behind her while the moon was rising over Death Valley–a stunning view you can’t get from a hotel room.

One of Kevin’s favorite features is the blackout thermal window curtains because there’s no need to make sleeping arrangements–when it’s time to go to sleep, they just go to sleep. “Van sleep is the best sleep!” Diana says.

Ready to jump into van life like Kevin and Diana did? Reach out to a Van Guru today!

Vandoit & Visit Bentonville Host VOX5 Van Owners’ Experience

Events

Vandoit & Visit Bentonville Host VOX5 Van Owners’ Experience Read More »

In early June, the fifth Van Owners’ Experience (VOX#5) was held in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Vandoit Owner’s Experience (VOX) events are a gathering of Vandoit van owners, organized through the Vandoit Owners and Future Owners group on Facebook. The sole purpose of VOX is for Vandoit owners to share the love of their vans and the adventure lifestyle that comes along with them. Over 40 vans (and a couple of tents) from as far away as Washington state gathered to camp together for 5 days at the Applegate Property, adjacent to the Applegate Trail. Vandoit owners Kurt Schuler and Stephanie Kelly planned VOX#5. Vandoit and Visit Bentonville were privileged to help host this event. Staff from both organizations got to join in on the fun!

Because Bentonville is about a 4-hour drive away from the Vandoit headquarters in Blue Springs, Missouri, this VOX kicked off differently from past owner gatherings: With a factory tour and lunch at Vandoit! On the morning of Wednesday, June 1, a number of owners and their families got to see the van build process from start to finish. They also took a peek at some newly released components and even picked up some Vandoit swag. Owners from around the country chatted over lunch. Shortly after they departed in a caravan from Blue Springs south to Bentonville.

The Vandoit Owners Began Their Caravan To Bentonville

Vans began arriving at the Applegate Property on Wednesday afternoon, followed by the caravan from Vandoit. Upon arrival, owners began setting up awnings, chairs, cooking implements, and other van setups. Following setup, a group set out for a group ride at the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, just a short ride away from the campsite. The following morning, Vandoit provided coffee at the campsite before everyone took off to explore Bentonville for the day. Shortly after, owners ventured out to the hiking and biking trails. Others visited museums and took part in other outdoor activities like kayaking and sightseeing. Later that evening, Local [moh-tiv] pulled their food truck up to the campsite. They served delicious pork tacos and beer braised brats. It was the perfect meal to end a perfect day.

Friday was another full day of exploring the Bentonville area–and beyond! Some Vandoit owners visited historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and the Buffalo National River. In the afternoon, everyone gathered back in town at Bentonville Brewing Company for a van owners’ happy hour. The brewery’s one-of-a-kind beers and cocktails–along with a dog park, kid-friendly outdoor area, and unique local food trucks–made for the perfect social atmosphere.

Saturday morning kicked off with more coffee served by Vandoit. Owners took part in adventures like the Women of Oz Ride and beginner’s mountain biking clinic. In the evening, Whole Hog Cafe Barbecue catered a mouth-watering dinner at the Applegate Property, followed by the Van Owners’ Talent Show. The show featured everything from singer-songwriter Charlotte Morris’ original music, to phenomenal piano pieces performed by some talented Vandoit kids, to hula-hooping, to a little stand-up comedy and a magic show, finished off with a whole lot of karaoke. The talent show had everyone laughing, smiling, and singing along!

At the end of the night, Vandoit gave out awards for various van achievements:

VOX5 was a memorable opportunity for van owners to make new friendships and renew existing ones. There was plenty of sharing of creative ideas on outfitting and decorating vans. Some owners even collaborated with one another to install an awning, set up ground fold-out solar panels, and shared ideas on getting the most out of the Mastervolt lithium battery system.
Make plans to join the next VOX6, Return to Moab, in October 2022!

Vandoit Sponsors World’s Most Inclusive Bike Race

Events

Vandoit Sponsors World’s Most Inclusive Bike Race Read More »

When you think of gravel cycling, do you think of inclusivity for athletes of all races, genders, and backgrounds?

The creators of the Ned Gravel Race do–and have made it their aim to be the world’s most inclusive bike race. On July 9, 2022, Vandoit was proud to be one of an elite group of sponsors for the second annual Ned Gravel Race in Nederland, Colorado. Nederland is one of the most beautiful venues Vandoit has ever visited. “We believe everyone should feel welcomed to participate, regardless of experience, gender, race or sexual identity/orientation,” race organizers share on the event’s website. To that end, the race offers equal prize money for women and men, women-led and women-only biking clinics, and coaching and gear for select athletes of color.

In an interview with Denver Life Magazine, race creator Gavin Coombs expressed the race’s vision: “Cycling has traditionally not been a welcoming and inclusive space. We believe that gravel riding is for everyone and that the more people on bikes, the better. So, we set out, in our small way, to start to move the needle in terms of creating a space where everyone, and we mean EVERYONE, feels welcome.”

Ned Gravel Race Supports Many Great Charitable Causes

Ned Gravel is put on by Peak to Peak Endurance, a one-stop shop for cycling coaching, retreats, and races. The event benefits three charities close to Ned’s heart. These charities are the Ride for Racial Justice, a nonprofit that ensures BIPOC cyclists have access to resources, education, and community; The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease; and the Nederland Area Trail Organization, an all-volunteer crew of trail builders and advocates.

The Ned Gravel race is set up on 4 courses: The Silver Course (20 miles), the Gold Course (39 miles), the Tungsten Course (60 miles), and the Ultra (107 miles). Due to its popularity, the Ultra course even requires a lottery system to select participants! There are race categories for women, men, and non-binary participants. The majority of the race is above 8,000 feet. Riders had to be acclimated to the altitude and be prepared for the area’s unpredictable weather conditions. These videos from the 2021 race give you a great idea of what this one-of-a-kind race experience is like:

Racers’ friends and families had plenty to do while riders were out on the courses. During the race and expo event featured music, food, and games. The expo also included local artists and creators. Everyone got a taste of the all-are-welcome hippie vibe that Nederland and the Ned Gravel offer.

A Vandoit Is The Ultimate Cycling Van

At the race expo, Vandoit Trade Show Rep Andy Brown showcased a LIV model van equipped for all of a cyclist’s needs. Vandoit featured Bike fork mounts, a bike repair arm, and tool box. These items were all mounted to the van’s gear slide for easy storage and access to all cycling equipment. The gear slide also featured custom storage drawers for additional biking accessories. This makes bike maintenance and repair even easier. Hooks below the hydraulic bed are the perfect spot to hang helmets after a hard day’s riding.

This adventure van is built on the Ford Transit T350 high-roof with ecoboost motor and all-wheel drive. It is also complete with Quigley Motor Company’s new lift kit. The Quigley lift kit is designed for 2020 & newer Ford Transits. The Quigley lift provides a 2-inch specialty lift that maintains factory angles on the Transit’s driveline. Watch Vandoit’s Lead Engineer, Nick Eisenbarth, walk through some of these lift and suspension upgrades in this video:

Allison Murray

A Blind Yes

The Ford Transit Trail

Vandoit’s Goals for the Transit Trail

The Upfit Process

Approaching the Deadline

Vandoit & Ford: Synergy & Acceleration

1: Size

2: Offroad Capabilities

3: Camper Van Modularity

4: Multifunctionality

5: System Simplicity

6: Camper Van Maintenance Cost

7: The Cool Factor

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If you’ve taken a trip in a campervan, then you know one of the keys to a successful journey–and successful relationships with road trip buddies–is storage.

Vandoit Galley And Storage Modules

Hanging Cabinet and Shelves

The Vandoit Gear Slide

Front Bulk Head Storage Shelf

Molle Panels

Thermal Curtains with Pockets

Vandoit Under-Bed Bin Storage

Ratcheting Paper Towel Holder

But wait…that’s not all!

The 2022 Oshkosh EAA AirVenture Air Show is “the largest annual gathering of aircraft and aviation enthusiasts” and has new Vandoit fans, too!

What is AirVenture?

Vandoit at AirVenture

Why You Should Come To Oshkosh Next Summer

When you think of multi-day cycling races, what comes to mind? Yellow jerseys, winding Alpine switchbacks, and the French countryside? Or cornfields, nightly concerts, and roadside dunk tanks?

RAGBRAI is far more than your typical organized bike ride.

The RAGBRAI vendor expo takes place the afternoon and evening before the ride begins in Sergeant Bluff.

Kevin and Diana have taken their Vandoit on many adventures since owning their van.

Camper Van Shopping

What Diana and Kevin Love about Their Vandoit

Vandoit Modularity

Happy Trails!

In early June, the fifth Van Owners’ Experience (VOX#5) was held in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The Vandoit Owners Began Their Caravan To Bentonville

At the end of the night, Vandoit gave out awards for various van achievements:

When you think of gravel cycling, do you think of inclusivity for athletes of all races, genders, and backgrounds?

Ned Gravel Race Supports Many Great Charitable Causes

A Vandoit Is The Ultimate Cycling Van

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