I grew up in a small town called Chillicothe, MO (the Home of Sliced Bread). As a kid I was always playing sports in the yard with my siblings and spent a lot of time running around the small family farm. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Kensie and we have 2 small scruffy mutts. I started working for Vandoit as a Marketing Specialist & Content Creator at Vandoit in January of 2018. My interests include sports (watching and playing), cooking, running, camping, traveling, and video gaming.
Camping in a van is a great way to explore the outdoors and spend time with friends and family. Whether you’re going on a weekend trip or a longer adventure, having compact yard games on hand can add to the fun and create lasting memories.
Vandoit adventure vans allow for easy storage of these yard games. The vans have unlimited tie down points in the t-track that allow for these games to be stored wherever works best for your setup. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best compact yard games for camping in a Vandoit van.
5 Great Yard Games For Your Campervan
Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic yard game that’s perfect for camping. It involves tossing beanbags onto a raised platform with a hole in it. It’s easy to set up and can be played with just two people or in teams of two. The boards can be easily stored in the van and set up on any flat surface, making it a great option for camping.
Kan Jam
Kan Jam is another popular yard game that’s easy to transport and set up. It involves throwing a Frisbee at a can that’s placed on the ground. The object of the game is to hit the can or have your teammate deflect the Frisbee into the can. It can be played with two or four players and is perfect for the outdoors.
Ladder Toss
Ladder toss, also known as ladder ball, is a fun game that involves throwing bolas (two golf balls attached by a rope) onto a ladder-shaped structure. The goal is to wrap the bolas around the rungs of the ladder for points. Ladder toss is easy to set up and can be played with two or more players.
Spikeball
Spikeball is a newer game that’s gaining popularity. It involves bouncing a small ball off a circular net that’s set up on the ground. The goal is to make it difficult for the opposing team to return the ball. Spikeball is a great option for camping because it’s compact and can be played on any flat surface.
Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga is a fun game that can be played with two or more players. It involves stacking wooden blocks into a tower and then taking turns removing blocks without causing the tower to collapse. The giant version of the game adds an extra level of excitement and is sure to be a hit at any camping trip.
There Is A Yard Game For Anyone
In conclusion, there are plenty of great compact yard games that are perfect for camping in a Vandoit van. From classic games like cornhole and ladder toss to newer games like Spikeball, there’s something for everyone.
These games are easy to transport, set up, and are sure to create lasting memories for your camping trip. They can be used at almost any type of campsite. They are great for forest, the beach, the desert, and many places in between. So pack up your van, grab some friends, and get ready to have some fun in the great outdoors!
For skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, hitting the slopes is an unbeatable adventure. For those who love the outdoors, van camping is the ultimate way to experience the slopes in comfort and style. Luckily, there are several ski areas across the United States that offer options for overnight parking or camping. This makes it easy for van campers to enjoy a day on the mountain and a cozy night’s sleep in their Vandoit adventure van.
A Vandoit adventure van is a great option for snow sport enthusiasts. The modular design and t-track system in the van that allows for mounting all of your skiing and snowboarding gear.
Here are the top 10 ski areas in the United States that allow van camping and parking for Vandoit adventure vans:
Mount Bachelor, Oregon: Mount Bachelor has a large parking lot at the base of the mountain where you can park your van overnight. There are no hookups, but you’ll have access to restrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Copper Mountain, Colorado: Copper Mountain has a designated overnight parking area for RVs and vans. It includes access to restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
Crystal Mountain, Washington: Crystal Mountain has a parking lot at the base of the mountain where you can park your van overnight. There are no hookups, but you’ll have access to restrooms.
Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana: Whitefish Mountain Resort has a parking lot at the base of the mountain where you can park your van overnight. There are no hookups, but you’ll have access to restrooms.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming: Jackson Hole has a designated overnight parking area for RVs and vans. Amenities include access to restrooms and showers.
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico: Taos Ski Valley has an RV parking lot with hookups for water and electricity. There are also restrooms and showers available.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California: Squaw Valley has a designated overnight parking area for RVs and vans, which includes access to restrooms and showers.
Alyeska Resort, Alaska: Alyeska Resort has a designated overnight parking area for RVs and vans, which includes access to restrooms and showers.
Alta Ski Area, Utah: Alta Ski Area has a designated overnight parking area for RVs and van. It includes access to restrooms and showers.
Mammoth Mountain, California: Mammoth Mountain has a designated overnight parking area for RVs and vans. Amenities include access to restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
Check To Confirm Van Camping Is Allowed
Each of these ski areas has designated parking areas for RVs and vans. They have access to restrooms and other amenities, although specific rules and regulations may vary. It’s always a good idea to check with the ski area beforehand to make sure that overnight parking or camping is allowed. Also, find out about any rules or regulations that you need to follow.
Van camping is a great way to experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding without sacrificing comfort and convenience. With these top 10 ski areas that allow van camping, you can hit the slopes and then settle into your cozy van for a good night’s rest. Just be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles. Respect the natural environment around you. Happy camping!
Public land camping is the practice of camping on land that is owned by the government and is open for recreational use. This includes national parks, national forests, and other public lands managed by the federal government. Public land camping can be a great way to experience the great outdoors without the crowds and restrictions of traditional campgrounds.
Vandoit is a Kansas City area based company that specializes in building custom camper vans. These vans are designed to be comfortable and functional living spaces that can be used for camping, traveling, or even as a full-time residence. Vandoit has two different packages (the LIV and the DO) and are customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of each customer.
Vandoit Makes It Easy To Go Off-Grid
When it comes to public land camping and Vandoit, a Vandoit camper van can be an excellent option for exploring and camping on public lands. With its compact size and off-road capabilities, a Vandoit van can take you to remote and beautiful locations that are not accessible by larger vehicles. Additionally, Vandoit vans are self-contained, meaning they come equipped with everything you need to camp comfortably, including a bed, kitchen, and toilet options.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are rules and regulations regarding camping on public lands. These rules can vary depending on the specific land management agency and the location you are camping in. Before embarking on a public land camping trip in a Vandoit van, it’s important to research the specific rules and regulations for the area you plan to visit and follow them closely to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Espar Airtronic B4 is a gas-fueled air heater that is commonly used in vans, RVs, boats, and other similar vehicles. Vandoit is an adventure van company, is proudly located in Kansas City Missouri (home of the world champion Chiefs). Vandoit is a very unique modular, multipurpose, and camper van company, building with top-shelf marine-grade products. These features make the relationship with Eberspächer a perfect fit.
When installed in a Vandoit Ford Transit van, the Espar Airtronic B4 provides several benefits:
Comfortable heating: The Espar Airtronic B4 provides a comfortable and consistent source of warmth in your Vandoit van, making it ideal for traveling or living in cold weather conditions. The heater is also designed to operate quietly, ensuring a peaceful environment.
Fuel efficiency: The Espar Airtronic B4 is designed to be fuel-efficient, using less gas than traditional heating systems. This can help you save money on fuel costs during your travels.
Non-invasive installation: The Espar Airtronic B4 is easy to install in a Vandoit van, with minimal modifications required to the vehicle’s existing heating and ventilation systems. This makes the installation process faster and less expensive than other heating solutions.
Independent heating: The Espar Airtronic B4 is a standalone heating system, which means it operates independently of the engine. This allows you to heat your Vandoit van even when the engine is not running, providing you with added comfort and convenience.
Safety features: The Espar Airtronic B4 is equipped with several safety features, including overheat protection, a flame monitor, and low-voltage protection. These safety features ensure that your Vandoit van is safe and secure while the heater is in operation.
Overall, installing an Espar Airtronic B4 in a Vandoit van can significantly improve your travel experience. With its fuel efficiency, easy installation, and independent operation, the Espar Airtronic B4 can help you stay warm and comfortable during your travels, without adding additional stress to your vehicle’s engine or electrical system.
To make sure your Espar continues to work the way is it supposed to, it may require some periodic general Espar maintenance.
Recommended Periodic Maintenance
Remove the glow pin and inspect for carbon build up. Clean or replace.
Remove the glow pin screen and inspect for carbon build up. Replace.
Make sure the vent hole is not clogged.
Inspect the ducting, the air intake screen, and air outlet for restriction or blockage.
Inspect the combustion air intake and exhaust for blockage.
Operate your heater for a minimum of 20 minutes each month.
Maintain your batteries and all electrical connections in good condition. With insufficient power the heater will not start. Low and high voltage cutouts will shut the heater down automatically.
Use fuel suitable for the climate (see fuel supplier recommendations). Blending used engine oil with diesel fuel is not permitted.
Be sure the van’s battery system is receiving sufficient voltage; check the incoming voltage on your van’s inverter monitor screen. If the battery system has low voltage, the Espar will not be able to start.
Know whether your Espar runs on gasoline or diesel and use the appropriate fuel when refueling your van.
Periodically do a visual check of all electrical lines and connections for damage or corrosion.
Periodically do a visual check of the fuel line for leaks.
Make sure the exhaust pipe (photo below) is not touching the electrical or fuel lines, as it may cause these lines to melt.
Periodically check and replace the fuel filter inserts.
Periodically check the glow pin (photo below) and replace as necessary.
Once a year, replace the screen, filters, and gaskets.
Periodically inspect the blower motor for visual signs of damage.
Periodically inspect the duct system, and make sure there is no contamination, dust, or blockages.
Winter is coming. For some parts of the country, winter weather has been here for weeks. This means you should be taking some steps towards winterizing your van. This guide will show you how to winterize the lithium battery system for all types of van users
Confirmed Issue: The Mastervolt lithium system is designed to operate during cold weather. However, cold weather can impact the operation of the lithium electronic system. Symptoms include batteries not accepting a charge current, CombiMaster Inverter not turning on, Mastervolt Control Panel not turning on, AC and/or DC power not working, and not charging from the alternator.
The purpose of this article is to educate you about how your lithium system operates in cold temperatures. It includes measures you can take to preserve the health of the system and protect your investment.
Affected Units: Any Vandoit van with a lithium battery system
Note: Vans built after September 2021 have a heating pad installed on the lithium battery/ies. The heating pad is hard-wired to the battery system and will automatically turn itself on at 45°F. It will also turn off when the battery temperature reaches 68°F. The heating pad should prevent the battery/ies from becoming too cold to operate. However, as explained below, the operating temperatures of other parts of the lithium system can impact the system’s ability to function. Specifically, the CombiMaster Inverter/Charger shuts off at a higher temperature than the batteries do. When it shuts off, the heating pad will gradually deplete the battery bank. If the CombiMaster shuts off, the battery level can be restored/maintained by driving the vehicle regularly.
Maintaining The Entire Mastervolt Management System
Issue Explanation: To begin, what one first needs to understand is that maintaining your lithium system does not solely include the batteries, but the entire Mastervolt management system.
The Mastervolt system employed in your van includes the Mastervolt CombiMaster 120V series (Inverter/charge controller), ML-RBS Remote Battery Switch (controls flow of power in and out of the battery), Mac Plus (Charges from alternator), and MLI Ultra 12/2750 or 5500 Lithium Battery Series (Lithium Batteries). Each of these components has a different operating temperature:
Component Operating Temperatures:
CombiMaster: 14°F to 140°F <— (Highest Threshold Temperature)
ML-RBS Remote Battery Switch: 14°F to 140°F
Mac Plus: -4°F to 140°F
MLI Ultra Lithium Battery: -13°F to 122°F
Please note that these operating temperatures are distinct from the ambient temperature of the air in the van.
Note: Depending on what charge cycle the batteries are in, attempting a charge below 23°F may result in batteries not accepting charge current, but this does not mean the batteries are not operational or in danger of damage. The batteries are safe as long as they are above -13°F.
Because the CombiMaster (not the batteries) has the highest threshold for operating temperature, you will need to consider how you plan to utilize the van over the winter with this device in mind. Should the internal temperature of the CombiMaster go below operating temperature, your van will not be able to charge via shore power (which gives the impression that batteries may be damaged, but this should not be the case), the Mastervolt control screen may go blank, and AC power will not work. To bring the CombiMaster up to operating temperature, run the Espar heater (DC powered) or the Ford factory heater.
Secondly, the battle you are fighting, so to speak, is with battery discharge, not with cold. Keeping your batteries at a high charge is key in all situations. It is important with all setups and temperatures (hot or cold), to eliminate loads from both DC and AC-powered devices, as this eliminates power draw from the batteries. Higher power draw increases the use of battery cycles, which decreases the life of the battery. In summary, keeping your batteries fully or nearly fully charged and limiting power loads helps in all scenarios, not just cold temperatures.
Resolution: The approach to maintaining your lithium battery system during cold weather will depend on how long your van will go unused. Please find the approach below that best fits your time frame: 1) you will be driving the van daily, 2) the van will be unused for a short term (1 to 2 weeks in between uses), or 3) the van will be unused for a long term (2 weeks or more–van needs to hibernate with only necessary functions running).
Please note that these approaches–minus running the Espar heater or a space heater–may be used to maintain the lithium battery system in warmer weather conditions as well.
Winterizing For Daily Driving
1. Drive the van daily to maintain 80%+ state of charge on the battery system. A good rule of thumb for most van owners is approximately 1 hour of drive time will provide roughly a 20% increase in charge. These numbers will vary depending on what devices are turned on and drawing power in the van.
Note: Mileage/vehicle runtime needed to get the battery to 100% state of charge will vary.
2. When the van is parked, keep it plugged into shore power. This will give you a reliable charge until temperatures drop to the 14°F mark.
3. Run the Espar heater or a safe space heater inside the van to keep the batteries at an internal temperature of 23°F or warmer to accept a charge. (See step 4 in the next section for instructions on how to check the battery’s internal temperature.)
Note: Be sure that your gas tank has at least 1/4 tank of gas while running the Espar and the run time is set so that it will continue to heat the van until the next time you drive it. Electric space heaters will drain batteries very quickly when not plugged into shore power. Always double-check how much power you are using before leaving the van unattended. (You can accomplish this by viewing how many negative amps are displayed in the “Primary Current” box on the Mastervolt screen.) Ensure that you have enough stored power or that shore power is plugged in and charging.
4. Vans built after September 1, 2021 have a battery heating pad installed. The heating pad is hard-wired to the battery system and will automatically turn itself on at 45°F and turn off when the battery temperature reaches 68°F. Because the heating pad is hard-wired directly to 12 volt power, you can turn off the inverter and still keep the battery warm. However, the heating pad is another device that will be powered from the battery. Expect a higher amperage draw from the battery when the heating pad is connected and functioning, which means faster battery discharge.
Winterizing A Van That Is Used 2 Days To 2 Weeks
1. Keep the van plugged into shore power. Again, this will give you a reliable charge until temperatures drop to the 14°F mark.
2. Remove the black ABS panel from above the inverter and keep it off so it can stay warm from the van’s ambient temperature. You will ned a 5mm Allen wrench to remove the screws in the panel. To do this in a LIV model, remove the bed or raise it as high as possible to allow sufficient room.
DO model
LIV model
3. Run the Espar heater or a safe space heater inside the van to keep the batteries at an internal temperature of 23°F or warmer.
Note: Be sure that your gas tank has at least 1/4 tank of gas while running the Espar and the run time is set so that it will continue to heat the van until the next time you drive it. Electric space heaters will drain batteries very quickly when not plugged into shore power. Always double-check how much power you are using before leaving the van unattended. (You can accomplish this by viewing how many negative amps are displayed in the “Primary Current” box on the Mastervolt screen.) Ensure that you have enough stored power or that shore power is plugged in and charging.
4. Every 2-3 days, check the battery’s internal temperature and battery level:
A. To check the internal temperature: In the top right corner of your Mastervolt lithium monitor, look for an icon with three horizontal lines and a magnifying glass. Click the icon and it will take you to a new menu. From there, click BAT Primary. Scroll down until you see Temperature. Please note that the reading is in Celsius.
B. To check the battery level: On the first page of the Mastervolt lithium monitor, look for the square that displays a percentage for the “Primary State of Charge.”
Depending on when you received you van, the first page may have different data point boxes. If you cannot locate the correct box, contact Vandoit Customer Support.
Winterizing For Vans Unused Longer Than 2 Weeks
1. Plug the van into shore power and charge the battery bank to 100%.
2. Leave the battery/ies installed in the van; there is no need to remove them.
3. Turn the yellow RBS switches to the locked position; the word LOCKED is imprinted on the top of the black housing of the RBS.
4. Turn off all circuit breakers. In the DO model, the circuit breaker panel is located on the power tower. In the LIV model, it is located on the front of the power box, behind where a 2-seat bench or kitchen pod may be installed in your van.
LIV circuit breaker location:
5. As often as is reasonable, check the internal temperature of the batteries and the battery level using step 4 above.
Note: Mastervolt batteries’ rate of self-discharge is less than 5% per month. Low ambient temperature affects the self-discharge rate of the batteries. Keeping batteries charged above 60% is key to their health.
To resume using your van after long-term non-use/storage:
1. Turn on all of the circuit breakers.
2. Turn the yellow RBS switches to the unlocked position.
3. Drive the van for at least 1 hour and then plug it into shore power. Driving will automatically press the top of the yellow switch(es) in to begin charging the battery. After long-term cold weather storage, we always recommend charging the battery all the way back up to 100%. Charge the batteries from either driving the vehicle or charging from shore power.
4. After 1 hour of being plugged into shore power, use the Mastervolt lithium monitor to check the battery level. If it is lower than 80%, please reach out to the Vandoit Customer Support team by submitting a ticket through the Customer Support portal or emailing [email protected] . Please include photos of each page of the Mastervolt screen.
If your Mastervolt batteries reach a critically low level and the Mastervolt monitor displays a “Battery Safety Mode” message, stop and immediately contact Vandoit Customer Support.
If you experience any issues with maintaining your lithium system in cold weather, please reach out to the Vandoit Customer Support team by submitting a ticket through the Customer Support portal or emailing [email protected]. Please include a description of how the system is performing and any relevant photos and videos of the Mastervolt screen and system components.
Was your van delivered before September 2021 with a lithium battery system? Are you experiencing issues with the system functioning during cold weather? Your van may be a candidate for needing a heating pad that can be installed on the battery/ies. Please submit a ticket to the Customer Support Team with your request for a lithium battery heating pad. Please include whether you live in or travel to cold climates for more than a few days at a time. This will help determine if your van is a candidate for needing the heating pad. Please also include a good shipping address where the heating pad can be sent.
Winter is coming. For some parts of the country, winter weather has been here for weeks. This means you should be taking some steps towards winterizing your van. This guide will show you how to winterize your Vandoit campervan AGM Power System
Confirmed Issue: Some van owners opt to store their vans over the winter rather than driving and using them. Long-term storage requires caring for the AGM battery system.
Affected Units: Any Vandoit van with an AGM battery system
Issue Explanation: A van that sits unused is always drawing power. Therefore, if you do not plan to use your van for a week or longer, you will want to take steps to prevent the battery system from draining so low that the batteries are in danger of being damaged.
What Steps Should You Take Towards Winterizing Your AGM Power System?
1. The best option for winterizing the AGM system is to keep the van plugged into shore power in a location where the rooftop solar panels can receive regular sunlight; this combination will keep the AGM system fully charged. Having both will serve as a backup incase any power issues with your shore power source.
2. If keeping the van plugged into shore power is not an option, parking the van in a location where the rooftop solar panels can receive regular sunlight is the next best option.
Note: You may wish to purchase ground solar panels that plug into the van next to the shore power plug. Ground solar not only adds to the incoming power the van can receives, but the panels can be placed on the ground near the van or on the windshield. This option is especially helpful when the van must be parked in shade or under a covering. Contact the Customer Support team (see below) for information on purchasing ground solar panels.
3. If keeping the van plugged into shore power or accessing solar power are not options, the Vandoit AGM batteries can be disconnected by removing the power cables from the battery terminals to stop the draw of power (This may require removing a panel from the power box using a 4mm Allen wrench).
Note: Make sure shore power is disconnected and the vehicle is turned off before removing rear AGM batteries.
4. Disconnect the power cables from the battery terminals starting with the positive first and then the negative. The longer positive red cable should be removed and covered with electrical tape or a rubber cap to prevent contacting metal when repositioning it to get the batteries out.
Be aware that it may take 2 people to remove the batteries safely due to their weight (approx. 60 lbs each).
5. Store the batteries in a warm, dry location such as a heated garage, and attach them to a battery tender (If batteries are only disconnected and not attached to a battery tender, they will lose up to 3% of charge per month).
6. When you are ready to use the van again, make sure it is not plugged into shore power. Detach the batteries from the battery tender and install back in the van. Then reconnect the power cables to the battery terminals the same way they were removed. Wait for the system to kick back on. Voltage readouts in the van should show around 12.8 volts.
Just a little sneak peek of Vandoit’s signature Adventure van visiting Twin Lakes in Colorado. Van life, paddle-boards and lakes just go together. Check out all our awesome camper.
Winter is coming. For some parts of the country, winter weather has been here for weeks. This means you should be taking some steps towards winterizing your van. This guide will show you how to winterize your Vandoit campervan.
Winterizing Your Water System
When water freezes it expands. As a result, full jerry cans, water lines, water nozzles, sink heads, or hot water tanks can burst. This covers how to remove water from the van if you will not be using the van.
It is important to note that water will freeze if the interior of your van is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If you are leaving your van for a day or two in the winter, if you use your van as a daily driver, or if you are traveling full time and want to keep water in the van, we recommend utilizing the Espar heater.
The Espar heater comes programmed to run for 12 hours. This can be adjusted up or down as needed depending on how long you are leaving the van. Important reminder: You need more than 1/4 tank of gas for the Espar to run. For those not utilizing water in the winter, please refer to the model you have below.
Winterizing The Vandoit LIV Model
LIV models come with the water system mounted in the passenger side box. GO models may have water in the driver side box. The water system is made from a combination of a jerry can, hot water tank, and/or 10 gallon tank.
Winterizing The Jerry Can
Unbuckle the green jerry can. Empty the remaining water.
Turn on the water pump. Spray out any remaining water from the line. Once empty, turn off the water pump.
Winterizing The 10-Gallon Tank
Turn the valve to open to pull water from the 10 gallon tank (Blue valve parallel with water line).
Spray all the water out of the 10 gallon tank. Make sure to look at the level window on the front side of the tank to ensure it is empty.
Continue spraying the water pump to spray any water from the line. Once empty, turn the water pump off. The tank can stay in the van.
To Winterize the Hot Water Tank:
Although water was sprayed, there can still be up to 1 gallon of water left in the hot water tank. Unbuckle the hot water tank.
Unplug the hot water tank from the outlet.
Disconnect the red, blue, and back flow water lines from the top of the tank. They are hand screwed on.
Remove the tank from the van and tip upside down.
Winterizing The Kitchen Pod
After doing the above steps, turn the kitchen sink on. Let all water run out of the lines.
Unscrew the kitchen water line from the brass fittings.
Keep brass fittings open for the winter. Should water be accidentally left in the line, we do not want water expanding and busting a closed fitting.
Winterizing The Vandoit DO Model
The DO model equipped with the hot water module or the cold water module.
Spray remaining water out of the hot water or cold water jerry can till empty.
Disconnect the waterlines where they attach to the water modules. It is okay to keep the lines connected to the kitchen pod.
Store modules in a place where they will not freeze.
*DO NOT STORE THE MODULES IN THE VAN
See this video for more information on winterizing your water system
A complete overview of the AGM Battery System in the LIV model. This video covers everything from DC power, AC power, the inverter, and more. The AGM battery system is one of the two options for battery power in our van builds.
