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Kid-Hauling Van

Olympic Skier Bode Miller’s Ultimate Kid-Hauling Van

Olympic Skier Bode Miller’s Ultimate Kid-Hauling Van Read More »

If you’re familiar with Bode Miller, then his name probably prompts memories of his daring runs down Alpine ski routes, multiple Olympic medals, and maybe his recent appearance in FOX’s reality TV show, Special Forces.

What you probably don’t think of is a van full of kids.

But those kids are the most important focus in Miller’s life these days, which makes that van–literally the vehicle that gets the kids to school, sporting events, and gatherings with extended family–an important tool for the Miller family.

The Ultimate Kid-Hauler

And when we say a van full of kids, we really mean a van full of kids–up to 7 of them.  Miller’s oldest, Dace, is pursuing school and sports in southern California.  But the other 6–Nate, Nash, Easton, twins Asher and Aksel, and Scarlet–need ways to travel together regularly.  Daughter Emmeline (“Emmy”), who was tragically lost in a drowning accident as a toddler, makes 8.

Dad Bode and mom Morgan–also a decorated Olympian in beach volleyball–place emphasis on traveling and making memories together as a family.  In their opinion, this is something that airline travel doesn’t always make space for.  The family just moved to the Salt Lake City area, where Morgan plays for the city’s League One volleyball team.  They frequently visit family in southern California and travel to Big Sky, Montana, where Bode’s business, Peak Ski Company, is based.  Rather than fly the family from place to place, the Miller family would much rather see the country together, especially since skis, bikes, and other equipment usually travel with them.  Plus, with Morgan’s new career in League One, the rest of the family wants to support her by driving to her games and tournaments.  “Having a Vandoit, where you can pop the kids in there–and they’re psyched about the trip, too–you can kind of make it about the experience, not just the travel,” Bode shares.

So the use of a large passenger van–particularly one with an upfit–makes a lot of sense for the Miller family.  Bode gained a lot of experience with RVs while traveling Europe as a World Cup racer: He brought multiple RVs over from the US for his team to travel and live in.  In 2018, Bode discovered Vandoit and started following the brand online.  In 2023, he commented on one of Vandoit’s Instagram posts (with a fire emoji), which sparked (pun intended) a series of conversations about a van upfit that would support his large, active family.  As a result, Vandoit departed a bit from their signature campervan models and built a first-of-its-kind “ultimate kid-hauler.”

The Kid-Hauler’s Specs

Kid-Hauling Van

The Miller’s new van, a 2023 extended-length Ford Transit, has the basic framework of Vandoit’s signature DO model, but without beds or a water system.  These make way for all 12 seats, storage cabinets, a TV, and an upgraded audio system (“That’s going to be valuable for me.  If they’re yelling, just turn it up!” Bode says).  The van has the complete lithium battery system that goes into all of Vandoit’s upfits, so there’s power for plenty of wall outlets for the family’s devices, dome lights and accent lights, a rooftop air conditioner, and an Espar heater.  Because of the van’s modular design, there’s always the option to remove seats and add components and other storage solutions later.  Even with all 12 seats installed, there is still plenty of cargo space in the back, for skis, bikes, and even sleeping.  

The van’s exterior is upfitted with Backwoods bumpers for increased off-road capability, and shackles and a winch for vehicle recovery options.  A rack on the rear door serves as a mounting point for a full-size Falken Wildpeak AT3W spare tire as well as a ladder for accessing the van’s roof.  Another rack holds an Aluminess Deluxe Storage Box–the perfect solution for storing wet gear, firewood, fuel, or other items the Millers don’t plan to keep inside.  The van is equipped with upgraded suspension, including Bilstein front struts with linear coil and

Fox 2.0 shocks with remote reservoir and shock relocation bracket. All of these features come in handy since so much of the Miller family’s travel occurs in the winter ski season–a time and terrain that require the best possible safety and handling features.

Contrary to his daredevil style on the ski slopes, Bode values safety for his family, and he acknowledges that driving a vehicle is one of the most dangerous things a human does.  The stability of the vehicle, along with the upgraded bumpers and dually wheels, brings him a great deal of comfort. He anticipates they’ll be “driving in snowstorms, gnarly stuff, and moose can jump out in front of you!” but has confidence in the Transit’s safety and handling capabilities.

The Time In Between

Second to the safety it provides, Bode and Morgan value the experiences and memories the Vandoit will bring.  “A road trip–if you do them right–can be a part of the whole experience, and a fun part of it,” Bode says. “When we’re driving, especially out here in the West, a lot of historic travel happened here–exploration and frontier travel.  And I always tell them, ‘This is a trip that would have taken a month for people only a couple hundred years ago.’” 

With the prevalence of games and electronic devices, “It’s just about taking up the time in between, and it’s something my wife and I feel strongly about, that we want to get them engaged in the process.  We do play all the games we grew up with–I Spy, spotting letters on signs… [We’re often] making sure we stop and check things out, sort of spur-of-the-moment things that are really good for their brain to understand that there’s stuff all along the way that’s worth seeing.  It’s not just about where you’re getting to.”

The Mental Health Landscape–and Where Vans Fit in It

The Millers’ parenting approach is grounded in an awareness of fostering mental health, and this awareness is a family legacy:  When Bode picked up the sport of skiing as a kid, his parents helped him develop the mindset that success in a sport is far less important than enjoyment of it. As his skiing career grew, he noticed his mindset was vastly different from a lot of his colleagues and competitors.  He observed that people who attached their identity to their achievements struggled with mental health when those achievement moments had passed. “You’re always losing who you just were,” Bode shares with the depth of a philosopher, “instead of being able to focus on the present.”

Bode has made mental health awareness a lifelong endeavor, culminating recently with the production of The Paradise Paradox, a documentary about mental health in America’s mountain towns.  But he is adamant that mental health is a crisis that deserves national attention.  Bode’s conviction is that community change around mental health “has to be driven by well meaning and morally aligned people who are motivated.” He believes a cultural shift when it comes to mental health awareness can come from companies like Vandoit who make mental health awareness part of their philosophy.  

Vandoit has, in fact, made mental health care a focus as they have launched their Commercial Division.  The Vandoit Commercial Division has upfitted several Mobile Mental Health units for nonprofit organizations in the Midwest–with several times as many on order for other organizations across the country.  These units are bringing counseling, intervention, and education services to underserved populations like rural communities and those transitioning out of the justice system.  The value of this kind of accessibility can’t be understated in the world of mental health support. 

Why Bode Chose Vandoit

Bode is looking forward to the fact that his kids will associate the Vandoit with activities and destinations they get excited about.  “We’re an aspirational adventure family… but there are all kinds of barriers to that. This [van] reduces those barriers significantly.”

The main barrier, of course, is the number of Miller family members.  “It’s pretty common that we have to take two cars places,” Bode shares, “and this [van] is a huge improvement over that.”  Another barrier is the fact that their kids are involved in a variety of activities.  “We have a pretty wide range [of ages], which is partly why this [van] is so functional for us, cause they all sort of do different things at different times and need their space at times…  It’s a pretty dynamic group, as you can imagine.”

“Vandoit was one of the top choices for me,” Bode shares about his van search. “Now it’s awesome to be able to see what it can do and see how it functions with the family… I’m psyched to see the versatility and flexibility of what this allows us to do… To be able to throw a mattress in the back and while we’re at a tournament–which some of them are all weekend–and be able to let little ones take naps in the back.  I think there will be a lot to discover with this one.”  Bode comments that Vandoit “allows you to be flexible as a person, as a family, and I think that’s huge.”

Bode is looking forward to a number of trips, like loading the whole family–plus mountain bikes and outdoor gear–in their Vandoit to visit National Parks and other sights in southern Utah. But what he’s most looking forward to is seeing Morgan play pro volleyball stateside–and bring all the kids.  She has played beach and indoor volleyball in the Olympics, and in pro leagues in Russia and Greece, but those were venues the whole family couldn’t visit.  Now, in their Vandoit, everyone gets to go and cheer mom on.

“They take up all my time and energy,” Bode says, speaking about his kids.  “My business stuff definitely has to take a back seat… My priorities are pretty steadfast in that regard.  Right now I’m dad, chauffeur, teacher.”  

And being a chauffeur just got a whole lot more fun, thanks to the Millers’ new Vandoit.

Seizing the Opportunity

Stock Cars, a Van, and Seizing the Opportunity

Stock Cars, a Van, and Seizing the Opportunity Read More »

An Engineer’s First Vandoit Experience

As Vandoit’s Manufacturing manager, I usually spend my days immersed in the details of the Vandoit van upfit: designing panels, programming cuts on CNC machines, scheduling waterjet run time, or fine-tuning the 3D printers.  On a recent weekend, however, I got a taste of what it’s like to work in the Vandoit Marketing department.

Because I’m immersed in each van’s details–literally down to the millimeter–I rarely get the chance to zoom out and simply experience our vans.  I wanted to make sure that I really get to know our vans as a whole product, as the vehicle that our van owners depend on and enjoy to get them to off-the-beaten-path locations.  I thought that putting myself in the shoes of our customers would make me a better engineer and designer, because I’ll experience how the details of what I’m designing really impact our van owners.

Seizing the Opportunity

A great opportunity presented itself in May: I had planned a 3-day trip to attend dirt track races with my brother, Jason, at speedways in Dubuque, Davenport, and Maquoketa, Iowa.  He drives a Late Model dirt racecar in the SLMR East Series, racing approximately 35 times a year.  I help sponsor my brother’s racing team with my company, Rick Hahne Calls. He has more than 55 wins to his name over his 25 years of racing.  

I talked with the Vandoit Marketing Team about the speedways and the number of race teams and spectators these races would attract, and they agreed it was a no-brainer: If people were there to see stock cars go fast, they’d be just as excited to see a big campervan, upfitted to the nines with everything you need for a weekend of race watching!  It was decided: I’d get a Vandoit out to these crowds so they can see what a great product we make.  We picked out a LIV model that happened to have a checkered pattern on the vinyl wrap–it’s like that van was made to go see some races!

If You Don’t Take the Opportunity, You Can’t Have the Experience

Friday morning, I was ready to hop in the van and start the drive from Kansas City to Iowa when I got a call from my brother: The Friday night race had been canceled due to rain.  I immediately felt like the whole weekend was ruined before it even started. I moped around for a little while, wondering what I was going to do with a van and a lousy weekend ahead of me.  

Suddenly, a completely different thought occurred to me: “If you don’t take the opportunity, you can’t have the experience.”  And just like that, I changed my perspective and outlook. I had a whole weekend of possibilities ahead of me. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I needed to take full advantage of my time with this van.

Seizing the Opportunity

My foul mood had changed to excitement, and without any further hesitation, I kissed my wife goodbye, and she asked, “Where are you going?” As I jumped in the van, I replied with a smile, “I don’t know!”

Discovering the Beauty…and Learning Lessons Along the Way

Shortly after I pulled out of the driveway, my son called:  He wanted to know if I had seen the Maquoketa River and other beautiful sights in that part of Iowa. After some quick online research, I made the decision to head to Maquoketa to take in the sights and do some exploring. Then I would meet up with my brother and the rest of the race team the next day. I purposely plotted a route that took me on smaller country highways so I could really take my time and enjoy the countryside along the way.  I had already packed my fishing gear, so spending some time at a river sounded like a great option.

I knew I wanted to head East and then travel along the Mississippi River as I headed North. The day was perfect and the sky that morning was beautiful. I took the time to take my first picture as I looked out the windshield, lost in my thoughts of random exploring.  After a few hours on the road, I made it to the mighty Mississippi, where I happened to come across Lock and Dam #20 on the river in Canton, Missouri. A stretch of the legs was in order, and of course, more pictures as I marveled at the engineering feat I was looking at. It was this moment that I knew I wanted to document this trip and share it with others. From here on out, I was searching for random places to take pictures with my travel partner for the weekend.

With a positive mindset and refreshed purpose, I took off again, wondering what I would find. Slowly, I meandered my way to Maquoketa and found a spot on the map where it looked like I could do some fishing, and it also had a campsite. It was perfect…until it wasn’t.  The previous day’s rain had the rivers rushing at a pretty good rate, and the water was very muddy. The lack of fishing did not take away from the area’s natural beauty. I was just so happy to be there and not having any kind of schedule, it made it a non-issue: I would just set up camp and relax and enjoy the view. This is where I ran into a challenge that a lot of new van owners encounter: The campsite I chose was completely full.  (It was Memorial Day weekend, after all!)  I had to drive to two more before finding a few first-come-first-served spots. I had decided before the weekend even started to expect the unexpected, so I simply enjoyed the treasure hunt of finding a campsite and made a mental note to make reservations ahead of time in the future.

Maquoketa Caves

The next day, I had an entire Saturday to explore the area by myself before that evening’s race.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, so I checked out some additional spots along the river for future plans of returning to fish.  The night before, I had driven by Maquoketa Caves State Park, so I went back, parked the van, and hiked in. As I entered the first cave structure, I was in total awe of the natural beauty. One of the first major rock formations was a natural stone bridge surrounded by sheer rock walls that extended to the above forest canopy. Unfortunately, I am not able to eloquently describe it; fortunately, I had a camera.  I continued to hike around the caves for about an hour. I would have hiked longer, but I made another newbie mistake: I forgot to carry water!  I resolved to come back another time to take in all the beauty. This was definitely one of the unexpected highlights of the weekend.

Throughout the day, the entire weekend, strangers would stop me and ask about the van.  I happily opened it up each time so they could take a look inside.  When I got to the Maquoketa Speedway that afternoon, the staffer who was grading the racetrack immediately stopped what he was doing, hopped on his four-wheeler, and drove over to where I had parked.  He asked to look inside the van, and after a van tour and some questions, he gave me full access to the racetrack, which made a great background for a few van photos. 

Race Night!

With Jason and the Hahne Racing team showing up in a couple of hours, I decided I would take a short nap and rest up for the night of racing ahead of me. The accommodations of the van made for a very comfortable rest, and I awoke energized for the night. Once the team arrived, I was able to pull up next to them in the pits, and we got to work unloading the car and doing all the pre-race cleaning and maintenance. The first order of events was hot laps, which is when the drivers get to go onto the track at speed, check the track and car conditions, and make adjustments to get ready for timed qualifying, followed by heat races. Qualifying and heat races set your position for the feature race, and on this night, we were lucky enough to qualify and race well enough in the heat race; we did not need to go to a B-main. We finished the night with a top 10 finish, and with this crowd, any time you can break the top 10, we call it good. After the races, we socialized in the pits with the other racers and teams until it was time for bed. Being able to walk back to the van and sleep instead of driving through the night was a very nice change and made me appreciate the van that much more.

In the morning, I enjoyed the sunrise from behind the van’s Bug Wall and made coffee for the entire race crew before we all made our way to Dubuque for the next race.  My 10-year-old niece asked to go with me on an errand to the auto parts store once we got there–not because she wanted to spend time with her cool Uncle Rick, necessarily, but because she thought the van was so cool.

A Joy-Filled Victory

The crowning moment of the weekend came that night at the Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway. The racetrack sits comfortably nestled into the bluffs along the Mississippi River; it’s a picturesque site in itself. Jason qualified 7th fastest overall out of 30 Late models, which had him starting in the 7th position in his heat race, where he finished 5th. With the help of some very difficult math points accumulated through qualifying and passing points, he started on the pole (1st position) for the feature race. As the race started, it was a drag race to the first corner: the nerves and anticipation of starting in the pole position started an emotional rollercoaster. Just because you start in the first position, it does not mean you will end there, and actually, the odds are against you. But as the race progressed, I remained optimistic and held my breath.

The first 15 laps were caution-free, and Jason led every one of those laps, then the first caution came out. Again, the nerves creep in, as sitting in the catbird seat is not always the best spot. Another restart brought on a series of challenges from some very skilled drivers. With 10 laps to go, I started thinking we could really do this. I started looking for a path to victory lane where we would celebrate…But I forced myself to keep those thoughts suppressed so I did not jinx it. But tonight it didn’t matter–we had the car to beat, and at the end of 30 laps I watched my brother take the checkered flag! Overcome with joy, I ran to the flagstand, waiting to cross the track and celebrate with the team. After the win, the whole team was overjoyed–everyone exchanged hugs and laughs as we celebrated Jason’s win, hoisted the trophy, and took pictures. It was an epic end to a great adventure, and one I won’t forget soon!  

The Drive Home & Reflections on Vanlife

After the Dubuque race, it was time to part ways. My brother and team drove back home that night; I drove a couple of hours while I was still coming down from the excitement.  When I was ready to wind down for the night, I parked at a conservation area.  I felt a little nervous about camping by myself for the first time in a remote location, but my nervousness soon fell away as I set up the bed and fell asleep. 

As I woke up the next morning and drank my coffee in the van, looking out the slider door at the beauty, I reflected on what a great experience the van camping weekend had been.  I realized I had a sense of relaxation and peace I haven’t experienced in a while.  There had been so much freedom to take a break from the usual busyness and take my time enjoying the journey and its destinations.  I made one more stop on my way home: the famous bridges of Madison County.  But the van caught some people’s eye more than the bridges did; I gave a few more van tours while enjoying the area.

My takeaways from my maiden van voyage?  A van is way more fun than a tent–and way more comfortable.  It was really nice to have amenities with me, particularly power for my CPAP machine, so I could sleep safely and comfortably. I was able to bring almost all of my food in the Dometic cooler and prepare it in or just outside the van. The van’s layout was comfortable and efficient–I was able to find everything I needed when I needed it. Turning the fan on at night to circulate air was perfect for sleeping, and I used the Espar heater to take the chill off during the cold early morning hours.

Even though I had spent the weekend away, I couldn’t turn off my engineer’s brain: I thought of several product design improvements I’m looking forward to doing some R&D on! Until then, I will be dreaming of my next adventure and where it will take me.

I’m so grateful I was able to experience what our van owners get to experience. It gave me a rejuvenated sense of pride in the work all of us here at Vandoit are doing. We build people’s dreams and turn them into reality. So if you ever had the thought of buying or renting a van to go travel and experience parts of the country while living the van life, don’t hesitate–just Vandoit!

Baja Bliss: Stingrays, Sandspits, and Starry Nights

Baja Bliss: Stingrays, Sandspits, and Starry Nights Read More »

Being in Baja is a magical experience. Especially when you are traveling in a Vandoit campervan and have months to explore and relax. This year, we are spending March and April with another couple who own a Vandoit campervan, driving down the entire peninsula. We are thrilled to show them the places we went to before while exploring new places with them.

A Whale of a Start

In a previous blog, I laid out the first week and the amazing start of the trip. This week we are still making our way down after we experienced the incredible grey whale tour in Guerrero Negro. 

The Enchanting Playa el Requeson

Baja Bliss

Our next stop is a beautiful beach called Playa el Requeson in the Bahia Concepcion. We made it back to the Sea of Cortez side, which to be honest, is our favorite side of the peninsula. The wildlife here is so abundant, and the beaches are so pretty. The special thing about this beach is the sand spit that connects the beach to an island. When the tide is down, the sting rays and the bioluminescence that you can see at night.

It was windy when we were there, making us grateful for the other van being with us because we were able to angle the vans to cut down on the wind while still enjoying the scenery. We have a Sea Eagle inflatable kayak that we bring with us on every trip, and this trip is no exception. It was time to unpack it. This water was so calm and clear we were able to see so much. This bay has a ton of little sting rays that bury themselves in the sand. In the boat, you can see them all hanging out and swimming around the bay, being unbothered by the boat above them. Around the island, you could see so many fish in a seaweed garden. In 2022, when we came down, there was bioluminescence in the water at night. This time we couldn’t see them, unfortunately. During the day, vendors would stop by and offer homemade food like tamales, fresh fish, fruit,s and more. You never want to say no to fresh tamales.  

The Journey Continues to Loreto

Baja Bliss

After two nights in the bay, we continued our way south to Loreto. At this point, we are ready for a water refill after being off the grid for 6 days and 5 nights. Our van can hold 15 gallons, and we use that water for all the dishes, dog water, and everything else except drinking water. Our drinking water is a 5-gallon separate jug that we have a Dometic GO Hydrations Water Faucet attached to it, so it is easy to access clean drinking water. Each town has a water business that makes it very easy to find and fill up our tanks for minimal costs. 

Loreto is a cute town that allows us to get some laundry done and go to the grocery store. Laundry in Mexico is a perk I miss when back in the States. We drop it off and they clean it, fold it for you, and it is very inexpensive. Not only is it cheap, but it smells so good!!  After we were done with our chores, we explored the town square area and relaxed. Our campsite wasn’t too far out of town and had the most beautiful view. Loreto has a very large island not far off the coast, and on the peninsula, there are mountains going down the entire length. This makes a beautiful landscape with water and mountain views.  

After enjoying the vibrant streets of Loreto and our peaceful campsite views, we’re feeling rejuvenated and ready for the next chapter of our Baja adventure. Its time to go find those white sand beaches. Every twist and turn on this journey in our Vandoit campervan has filled our days with breathtaking sights and delightful surprises.

As we pack up, our thoughts drift to the gems waiting for us further south. With each mile, we’re reminded why we love this lifestyle—the freedom to roam, the chance encounters with local culture, and the endless beauty of the Baja coast. 

We can’t wait to see what the road has in store for us next, and we’re thrilled to have fellow adventurers with us to share in these experiences. Until then, we’re soaking up every moment, grateful for the breathtaking landscapes and the stories we’re creating along the way.

Happy exploring, and see you on the road!

Home on Wheels

Vanlife Unexpected: How Our Vandoit Became Home on Wheels

Vanlife Unexpected: How Our Vandoit Became Home on Wheels Read More »

From LIV to MOOV: Our Vanlife Journey

Home on Wheels

We got our first Vandoit LIV model in 2020 and loved it so much that we upgraded to the new MOOV model in 2023. Our goal has always been to travel the country and explore the road less traveled—camping in remote areas, state parks, national parks, and sometimes even RV parks when needed. We chose vanlife for these reasons, but over time, even more unexpected perks have emerged.

Our Van is More Than Just a Vehicle

We never realized how much our van would feel like home. One of the biggest surprises has been that, when visiting friends and family, we actually prefer sleeping in our van. As much as we appreciate the hospitality, our van is our space—it’s where everything is in its place, and we don’t have to pack and unpack constantly. While we enjoy the occasional break for showers, a dishwasher, or laundry, given the option, we always choose our own bed.

The Perfect Holiday Retreat

During holiday visits, our van has been a lifesaver. When there aren’t enough bedrooms for guests, there’s no stress about finding space for us. We have our own retreat right outside, offering a cozy, familiar space to relax after hours of socializing.

Traveling with Barry and Villa Nelle

Having our chocolate lab, Barry, and our almost two-year-old daughter, Villa Nelle, in the van has made traveling even easier. In places where dogs aren’t allowed indoors, Barry can stay in his familiar van environment, running and playing outside before settling in for the night. Even when we travel for Vandoit shows and the team stays in Airbnbs, we park outside and use the amenities but keep Barry comfortable in the van.

Villa Nelle also loves her van. It’s her play space, her safe space, and most importantly, her bed is always with her. No need to rush home for nap time—we just find a parking spot, set up, and get some work done while she sleeps.

Home Is Where the Van Is

We never expected to develop such an emotional connection with our van, but it has truly become our home. What started as just a vehicle to take us from place to place is now a space we love and never have to leave. And that’s the best part—home is always with us, no matter where we go.

Wanderlust on Wheels

Wanderlust on Wheels: Our Family’s Vanlife Adventure

Wanderlust on Wheels: Our Family’s Vanlife Adventure Read More »

We have been traveling in our Vandoit campervan since 2020. It started with me, my husband Derek, and our dog Barry. We hit the ground running when we got our first van and made our way from the Midwest to Maine, Canada, down to the bottom of the Baja Peninsula, and to the most western tip of Washington state.

Growing Family, Continued Adventures

We added our daughter to the mix in 2023. This year, after a short break to learn how to raise a child, we jumped back into the van and continued our travels. It was a different experience, but it didn’t slow us down or make us want to quit traveling in a van. In fact, it got us even more excited about our future travels.

Discovering Baja Peninsula

In 2022, we spent three months traveling the Baja Peninsula, driving all the way down to Cabo San Jose. We stopped at countless beaches for free overnight camping and snorkeled in the clearest waters. Along the way, we met some incredible people who were all doing the same thing: escaping winter while enjoying everything Mexico has to offer. The community of other van lifers and overlanders really made the trip even more fun.

Learning what motivated other travelers and how they were able to make this kind of adventure happen just solidified how much we appreciate the opportunity to travel as we do in our Vandoit van. I’ve never been as relaxed in my adult years as I was on that trip. In those three months, I was able to read over 20 books. It. Was. Amazing. We only counted 12 nights not waking up to our door facing the ocean.

Exciting Plans for 2025

Jump to 2025: We are going back! This time with our almost 2-year-old daughter, Villa Nelle, and our updated MOOV model campervan. We are coordinating with another Vandoit couple who will be joining us with a new MOOV Vandoit. They have never been, and we are excited to show them all our favorite places while exploring places we missed last time.

These updates in our van will make this trip more fun and give us the freedom to explore more places:

  • Updated lift with suspension gives us the clearance to explore places we couldn’t before.
  • Front winch will be super helpful when we get stuck in the sand. Not if, but when.
  • An indoor shower is perfect for keeping us clean after a sunny rinse-off day.
  • Swiveling front seats provide more space to escape the hot sun and get work done.
  • 15-gallon water tank allow longer trips out of towns, enjoying secluded beaches longer.
  • Starlink is crucial for us remote workers, enabling work from any beach with no cell service.
  • Upgraded lithium battery setup means we don’t worry about power while at beautiful places.

We literally have everything we need for this epic adventure.

Summer and Beyond in Our Home on Wheels

When we get back to the States in May, we will do our summer rotation of visiting our favorite places in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, before deciding where to go next. The best thing about living in a van is no matter where we go, we are home. We get to decide as we are driving what we want to do next.

We can’t wait for this adventure and to share all the beautiful places we see and the amazing people we meet.

Off-Roading your VDI: Baja Edition

Off-Roading your VDI: Baja Edition Read More »

Baja. It’s become a popular paradise for overlanders and van lifers, and rightly so. Thousands of miles of remote beaches. Amazing street food. Intricate desert and coastal views. It’s a true gem for those wanting to explore the Mexican wilderness. However, hidden behind the beauty of it all is a lot of opportunity to get stuck. Especially in a larger van. 

We recently spent time in Baja California for a work project. Over the course of 5 days and 6 nights, we would travel 1000 miles across the heart of the upper state of the Peninsula. During that time we would experience a gamut of road surfaces ranging from paved narrow coastal highways to deep salt, mud, and sandy off-road trails. There are 100s of miles of trails that will give you access to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches imaginable. During our time there, we took notes on the varying road conditions and what aided our van to effectively navigate through them. We may have even gotten stuck a time or two…for science. This is what we learned.

1. PLAN AHEAD

When choosing a destination to explore it can be a huge help in gathering information from those who have traveled there recently. Keep in mind that off-road trails are much more affected by erosion than paved roads and they can quickly degrade.

Off-Roading your VDI

Our go-to method for trail recon is to do a quick Google search to see if any material has been posted online related to the area we would like to explore. We love using Google Earth. It doesn’t provide you with road conditions but it’s an extremely useful tool for familiarizing yourself with different landmarks and building a visual map in your brain for the geography of an area. We also like to utilize the search function of Facebook Groups to quickly find posts that may have intel on a specific region or trail. Lastly, using the Search by Location function on Instagram is a great way to find recent photos from a particular area to see what conditions might be just before setting off on your journey. Searching via social media also gives you the opportunity to connect with others and begin conversations with those who could give some useful insights.

2. BRING RECOVERY GEAR

Off-Roading your VDI

We knew that our biggest nemesis in Baja would be sand. It’s quite easy to get stuck in sand and you can quickly find yourself beached with no traction. If you do get stuck in the sand there are two tools that can aid in self recovery: traction boards and a small shovel. We highly recommend carrying a set of traction boards. One per tire if space permits. A traction board works by providing additional traction when placed under the tire in the direction of travel. 

During our time in Baja we beached the van twice on steep, slightly wet sand dunes on the trail. Having the appropriate recovery gear allowed us to safely, effectively, and quickly get moving in the right direction. A quick walk around the stuck vehicle will allow you to identify which tires need traction. Using a small shovel, you can remove any sand from in front of the problem wheels to allow for a less steep path for the tires. Once the traction boards are in place, you can generally crawl out of the obstacle in most cases. Be easy on the throttle to avoid excessive spinning of the tires, because you don’t want to dig any stuck wheel into a deeper hole. 

Traction boards and shovels are highly recommended, but additional recovery gear can always come in super handy. You can learn more about other types of recovery gear [here].

3. AIRING DOWN

Off-Roading your VDI

Prior to driving on sand or other rough surfaces, removing air from each tire will increase traction because more tire is in contact with the ground. For deep sand, we recommend running 25-30 PSI on your van. For other off-road surfaces, 35-40 PSI should provide extra traction and protect your wheels even when the tires compress while rolling over larger rocks. We used our 3 Gallon Kobalt air compressor to remove and add air to the tires. It works great when plugged into one of the van power outlets.

Off-Roading your VDI

Keep in mind that being aired down on pavement will affect the drivability and tire wear of your van. You will also notice the numbness in the steering due to the added flex in the tire sidewalls. If you have to travel more than a few miles or at high speeds we recommend that you air back up before hitting the pavement. 

4. CHOOSE THE CORRECT TRACTION MODE

Depending on the road surface type, it’s important to choose the most effective traction mode. On new models these modes are accessed through the infotainment system. On older models, simply push the traction mode button on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. When off-roading you want to maximize grip and the power available to you. We recommend using Mud/Rut mode for a hands off driving experience. In this mode, the van will disengage traction control and use lower gears to maximize available power output. If you prefer to have more control over the van then we recommend disengaging tracking control, using the default “normal” mode, and selecting gears manually. We find that the Mud/Rut mode hangs on a gear longer than we would like in most situations. It’s important to maximize fuel economy when traveling further into the wilderness; “normal” mode allows us to shift up when needed to preserve fuel.

5. MAINTAIN MOMENTUM

Off-Roading your VDI

Driving in sand is a lot like walking in sand. It’s harder to keep forward momentum and you expend more energy. Because traction is limited and stopping can increase your risk of getting stuck, you want to maintain a steady forward momentum at a safe speed. The deeper the sand, the more power you will need to apply to overcome the resistance it creates. In Baja, you encounter sand on beaches and on the trails. This sand can vary in traction levels and depth depending on the amount of moisture. We found on trails that maintaining speed and avoiding excessive turning allowed the van to crawl through even deep sand with little to no worries. On beaches, your best bet is to travel during low tide and on top of the hard-packed sand. This sand is found closer to the water’s edge and will support the weight of even a 10,000lb van without sinking. If you have to drive in the deeper sand due to a higher tide, you will want to make sure you have TCS off, select first or second gear depending on your speed, and maintain as much momentum as possible. This may mean that you are running at a higher rpm in first or second gear with a generous amount of throttle, so keep an eye on engine temps.

6. EXPECT RAPIDLY CHANGING DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS

Our last tip is to be prepared to alter your driving methods based on the rapidly changing surface conditions. The amount of moisture and sand material can change very quickly during beach driving. We found ourselves driving in deep dry sand that would instantly change into wet slippery shallow sand, and back into a mixture of both within a few 100 feet. Keep in mind that for most vehicles, especially larger vans, sand driving amplifies the tendency to understeer. Understeer is what happens when the traction levels on the front tires are limited and cause the vehicle to push to the outside of a turn. You’ll want to account for this loss of front traction when turning and apply the proper amount of steering angle to maintain momentum and navigate the turn. We found in deep sand that rapid and sharp steering input helped the vehicle turn because it allowed the front tires to cut through the sand more effectively. On the same token, if the sand becomes wet and slippery, the rear of the vehicle has a tendency to slide. So, you may find yourself having to counter steer, or steer in the direction of the slide, to maintain forward motion. We recommend if you haven’t driven in sand before visit some sandier locations stateside to do a shakedown and get a feel for it. Southern California has quite a bit of area to experiment with driving on sand.

We didn’t let the chances of getting stuck deter us from enjoying all that Baja has to offer, and you shouldn’t either. Come prepared with recovery gear, the ability to air down and up, and keep your momentum up to get to those amazing beach campsites.

Exploring Newfoundland by Van: A 4,500-Mile Journey of Discovery

Exploring Newfoundland by Van: A 4,500-Mile Journey of Discovery Read More »

Our 24-day van adventure spanned over 4,500 miles, offering breathtaking views, fascinating history, and countless unforgettable moments. With nearly 4,000 photos and memories from every stop, this trip redefined road travel for us. From dispersed campsites overlooking crashing waves to learning about Norse history at Viking settlements, Newfoundland’s vastness and diversity left a lasting impression. Here’s a detailed recap of the trip, starting from our journey to the island all the way to our return home.

The Journey to Newfoundland

Through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

Our trip began with a two-day drive from Massachusetts through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Along the way, we encountered unique stops like the Big Axe, Hopewell Rocks, and the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Each destination offered something unique, from massive tidal bores to the legacy of an inventive genius.

The ferry ride from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, was an adventure in itself. The 17-hour overnight journey was comfortable, and waking up to Newfoundland’s rugged beauty was the perfect start to our island exploration.

Newfoundland: A Land of Wonder

St. John’s: History and Color

St. John’s, Newfoundland’s capital, dazzled with its vibrant jellybean-colored homes and historical significance. We explored landmarks like Signal Hill and Cape Spear, enjoyed lively walking tours, and sampled local delicacies, including moose burgers. The coastal views and hiking trails just outside the city, like Sugar Loaf Head, revealed dramatic cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.

Bonavista Peninsula: Nature and History

The Bonavista Peninsula loop combined historical significance with jaw-dropping scenery. Highlights included:

  • Skerwink Head: Sheer 100-foot cliffs with no railings and only one weathered warning sign reminded us of nature’s raw power.
  • Dungeon Provincial Park: Dispersed camping here offered us unforgettable nights, lulled to sleep by crashing waves under a starlit sky.
  • Elliston’s Puffins: Observing these charismatic birds was a challenge, but with binoculars and a long camera lens, we captured their antics.
  • Spillar’s Cove: Towering cliffs and unique rock formations amazed us, especially the iconic “chimney” formation.
  • Tickle Cove Arch: Red rocks with incredible textures and colors were a photographer’s dream.

Twillingate: Icebergs and Culture

On our way to Twillingate, we stopped at the Beothuk Interpretation Center, where we learned about the Beothuk people and their tragic history. In Twillingate, the lighthouse museum, scenic coastal trails, and the boat-building museum offered a rich cultural experience. Watching skilled craftsmen steam-bend wood for boat construction was a fascinating look into the town’s heritage.

L’Anse aux Meadows: The Viking Experience

At the northernmost point of Newfoundland, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site brought Viking history to life—guided tours and recreated Norse buildings covered with peat provided insights into life over 1,000 years ago. Nearby, Norstead further enriched the experience with demonstrations of iron forging, boat building, and storytelling by knowledgeable reenactors.

Gros Morne National Park: Geological Marvels

Gros Morne showcased Newfoundland’s natural diversity:

  • Tablelands: Hiking on the Earth’s mantle, with its orange rocks and sparse vegetation, felt like stepping onto another planet.
  • Western Brook Pond: A boat ride through this fjord-like gorge revealed towering cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and pristine wilderness.
  • Lobster Cove Lighthouse: Coastal trails and unique rock formations added another layer of beauty.

The Journey Back

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

We detoured to PEI, exploring red cliffs at Cavendish, the quaint streets of Charlottetown, and fun stops like the Potato Museum and Green Gables Heritage Site. The island offered a change of pace but couldn’t quite match the rugged grandeur of Newfoundland.

Bay of Fundy: Tides and Trails

On our return through New Brunswick, we followed the coast along the Bay of Fundy. The dramatic tides at Alma, hiking trails at Fundy National Park, and stunning views from the Fundy Parkway made this leg unforgettable. Highlights included:

  • Reversing Falls in Saint John, where tides create a fascinating reversal of river flow.
  • Sea Caves at St. Martins, accessible only during low tide.

Reflections and Tips

Newfoundland Highlights

  • Unparalleled Camping: Dispersed sites like Dungeon Provincial Park offer unbeatable views and tranquil nights.
  • Viking History: Visiting L’Anse aux Meadows and Norstead provided a glimpse into the Norse influence on Newfoundland.
  • Unique Landscapes: From rocky cliffs to ancient mantle rock at Tablelands, Newfoundland’s geography never ceased to amaze.

Travel Tips

  1. Plan for Wind and Weather: Newfoundland’s winds can disrupt ferry schedules and hiking plans. Be flexible!
  2. Respect the Scale: Newfoundland is vast. Plan for long drives and multiple days in key areas.
  3. Learn the Pronunciation: Locals emphasize “LAND” in Newfoundland—“NEW-FOUND-LAND.”

This trip reinforced the beauty of road travel. Newfoundland’s raw landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals made it a journey of a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking adventure or serenity, this island delivers it all.

Ready to hit the road? Newfoundland awaits.

Work Hard. Play Harder

WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER

WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER Read More »

How our work van drove our business forward and families further.

Realizing the Need for Something Bigger

It’s 4 AM, freezing outside, and four adults stand around an SUV, scratching their heads in the dark, trying to fit heaps of gear inside. For years, this was our routine: a small team of adventure photographers and filmmakers, working with cramped SUVs and limited space. But as our business grew, so did our team and our equipment needs.

With our workload increasing, it became clear that our trusty SUVs couldn’t keep up with the demands of our projects. We needed a vehicle that could handle our expanding team and equipment, one that wouldn’t limit our growth down the road.

The Game-Changer: Our Vandoit Ford Transit

WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER

Just in time for a 14-day project spanning California, Utah, and New Mexico, we picked up our new 2020 Ford Transit 350HD EL from Vandoit. This was more than just a new vehicle; it was the beginning of a transformation for our team. For the first time, we had room to spare, even bringing along items that used to feel like luxuries.

From dispersed campsites to rough mountain trails, we’ve put our Vandoit to the test, logging over 100K miles across the U.S. and Baja, Mexico. The van has become our mobile basecamp, tackling both paved roads and rugged trails and making it to locations we never thought possible with an SUV.

A Multifunctional Tool for Business and Adventure

Beyond transportation, our Vandoit serves multiple purposes: it’s a gear hauler, a shelter, and a mobile billboard with our company’s logo on full display. Vandoit’s design allows us to adapt the van to each project’s unique requirements, transforming easily from work mode to a cozy family adventure setup.

The van’s modular design, featuring an 80/20 extruded cage and interchangeable components, makes it adaptable to our shifting needs. During the week, we fold the beds away to make room for gear. On weekends, we reconfigure it for family trips, taking full advantage of Vandoit’s flexible interior setup.

How Vandoit Changed Our Road Trips Forever

WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER

Our Vandoit has become an essential part of both our work and personal lives. Whether we’re out running work errands, filming in remote locations, or camping with family, the van enhances every experience. It allows us to work hard and play even harder, making the journey just as rewarding as the destination.

In the end, our Vandoit van didn’t just solve our storage problems; it redefined our on-the-road lifestyle. With a dependable vehicle like this, we can focus on what we do best: capturing stories and creating memories that last.

Craters of the Moon

Ultimate Travel Guide: 24 Hours in Craters of the Moon National Monument

Ultimate Travel Guide: 24 Hours in Craters of the Moon National Monument Read More »

A Spontaneous Detour to Craters of the Moon

During this road tour we’re all for spontaneous detours that lead to epic adventures, and discovering Crater’s of the Moon National Monument & Preserve after leaving Salt Lake City, blew our minds and our van doors wide open! This hidden gem wasn’t on our 6-month itinerary or our radar, but we happened to see it on Google Maps as we made our way from Salt Lake to Boise so we made a small detour to Arco, Idaho and spent 24 hours exploring this unique natural wonder!

This blog is your guide to discovering the other-wordly landscapes of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in Arco, Idaho. From fascinating volcanic features to lava tubes and spatter cones, this unique natural attraction is (in our opinion) one of the most underrated National parks that you NEED to add to your bucket list.

The Unique Geology of Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve isn’t your typical national park. Volcanic activity over the past 15,000 years has carved a unique terrain of lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes. The park’s name is inspired by its lunar-like appearance, which made it an ideal training ground for NASA astronauts in 1969. To learn more about its fascinating history, explore the park’s website.

Today, you can experience the desolate beauty of Craters of the Moon by camping, hiking, and exploring its unique geological formations. During our visit, we hiked up cinder cones, peered into spatter cones, ventured into deep lava tubes and caves, camped under a star studded sky in our Vandoit, and explored the visitor center to learn about the park’s history and geology. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument boasts some of the darkest skies in the country – perfect for stargazing enthusiasts like us!

Must-Do Activities:

Craters of the Moon
  • Spatter Cone Exploration: Walk along paved paths leading to the rim of these once-active cones and peer into their fiery depths.
  • Robert Limbert Visitor Center: Get park recommendations, explore the museum, get a permit to enter the lava tubes/caves and grab souvenirs.
  • Loop Road Scenic Drive: This 7-mile route winds through the park, offering access to viewpoints, trails, and campgrounds.
  • Inferno Cone Hike: Challenge yourself with a short but steep climb to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views.
  • Lava Tube Caves: Embark on an unforgettable journey through these fascinating geological formations. Free permits are required for cave exploration.
  • Hiking Trails: Choose from various trails catering to all skill levels, including Devil’s Orchard (wheelchair accessible), Broken Top Loop, Tree Molds Trail, and North Crater Trail.

Getting There:

  • Car is the most convenient way to access the park.
  • The closest major airport is in Boise (BOI), with smaller regional airports in Hailey (SUN), Twin Falls (TWF), and Idaho Falls (IDA). Rent a car from any of these locations for your adventure. 
  • Rent a Nomad Be Happy Campervan in Salt Lake City (3.5 hours away)
  • Guided tours from Twin Falls are available for those who prefer a hands-off experience.

Where to Stay:

  • Campgrounds within the park offer a unique way to immerse yourself in the volcanic landscape. Choose from Lava Flow Campground (open May-November) or backcountry camping with a permit. We stayed at Lava Flow Campground in our Vandoit and loved it!
  • Nearby towns have limited lodging options so consider these charming towns for a comfortable stay:
    • Hailey (1 hour drive)
    • Idaho Falls (1.25 hours)
    • Twin Falls (1.4 hours)

Pro Tips:

  • Visit the Park’s website for the latest updates on closures and weather conditions.
  • Pack your National Parks Pass or be prepared for the entrance fee. Entrance fees: $20/vehicle, $15/motorcycle, $10/walk-in or bicycle.
  • Be prepared for high winds and dust, especially in the afternoons. Consider bringing a mask and sunglasses for protection. (the wind blasted us on our late afternoon hike to the caves)
  • The park is open 24/7, but the Visitor Center has limited hours.
  • Restrooms, select campsites, and trails cater to visitors with mobility impairments.
  • Audio and visual aids are available in the Visitor Center.
  • As always, be sure to practice Leave No Trace Principles.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Ketchum, Idaho (1.25 hours)
  • Sawtooth National Forest/Stanley, ID (2 hours)
  • Boise, Idaho (2.7 hours)
  • Salt Lake City (3.5 hours)
  • Yellowstone National Park (4.3 hours)

Resources

  • Address: Craters of the Moon National Monument, 1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213
  • Phone Number: (208) 527-1300
  • Hours: Open 24 hours a day with seasonal holiday exceptions.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm

Solo Female traveler

Finding Peace of Mind: Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

Finding Peace of Mind: Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers Read More »

As a solo female traveler, safety is always top of mind. Anytime I pull into a campground I check for the following:

  • Where is the nearest bathroom?
  • Where is the camp host?
  • What are my neighbors and do they look sketchy?

I’ve been camping for much of my adult life, rotating setups as my desires and needs changed. From bike camping, to car camping, to a rooftop tent and now in a Vandoit, these basic precautions and listening to my gut have served me well over the years.

Living in the Vandoit: A New Sense of Security

Solo Female traveler

After nearly three weeks of living out of the Vandoit, I recently had a realization about safety. I inherently think about it a lot less, especially when I’m getting ready to sleep. There are three main reasons for this:

  • I can lock the doors in the Vandoit
  • I can be stealthy in the van
  • I’m 100% self-contained in the van and can drive away quickly if needed

Reflecting on Past Experiences: The Rooftop Tent

I wasn’t always so lucky to be in a Vandoit. In fact, last year, I went on an extended road trip in my Kia Soul with a rooftop tent. While comfortable, I was often hesitant to camp due to safety concerns. When the rooftop tent is set up, it’s plainly obvious to anyone and everyone that someone is sleeping up there. If, for some reason, I needed to leave quickly, I simply couldn’t, as taking down the tent took at least ten minutes (on a good day.)

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Enjoying the Journey

Living out of the Vandoit has significantly eased my safety concerns as a solo female traveler, allowing me to focus more on the joys of the journey rather than the potential dangers. The ability to lock the doors, stay stealthy, and quickly move if necessary has brought a newfound peace of mind to my camping experiences.

While my rooftop tent provided many great memories, the Vandoit offers a level of security and convenience that truly enhances my sense
of freedom and adventure. It’s a reminder that, while my setup might change, prioritizing safety and listening to our instincts remain constant keys to a fun, safe, and secure travel experience.

  •  Up to one year 0% interest
  • On select units
  • Applies for 1 year on our in house lease purchase program. Interest will apply at 2 points over New York prime after one year. 
  • May be used in combination with or in lieu of other incentives
  • Minimum down payment will be required based on credit, price and other factors.
  • With approved credit.
  • “Travel On Us” All National Parks, all access free pass (1 year) may apply…ask your representative for details.