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Ultimate Camper Van Kitchen and Storage Options Read More »
We’re excited we take you through our recommended kitchen and storage module layouts. We have recommended setups for one modules, two modules and three modules to fit everyone’s needs. With that being said let’s jump into it!
How Would You Spec Your Van Read More »
Vandoit provides the framing and the components, but you provide the vibe. With endless mounting possibilities, vandoit is the friend to the tinkerer and the DIYer.
4 Guys, 2 Vans, 2 Dirt Bikes, 3000 Miles, Endless Memories Read More »
When I told my pregnant wife I wanted to leave her and our two-year-old daughter to drive around in a van for two weeks, I expected to hear, “Are you crazy?!”
Instead, she gave me the go-ahead because she knew it would be a rare opportunity and an experience that would help me in my new career as a Sales Guru at Vandoit. I just had to promise to call or FaceTime at every opportunity and send lots of pictures. (I still owe her a trip of her own.)
Our trip started with a long, arduous drive from Blue Springs, Missouri, to Flagstaff, Arizona, for the Overland West Expo. We drove 15 hours in one day to minimize time away from our families.
Chris (another Sales Guru) and I each drove a van, and we met some other team members in Arizona for the show.
This was my first exposure to the overlanding community, and I could write a separate story on my four-day experience there. (In summary: lots of dust, awesome people with great stories, and “camping” vehicles worth more than my house).
After the show, we picked up Austin and Marcus–Vandoit Marketing team members–from the airport. From there, Chris and I had the task of driving them to cool spots across Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado so they could take sweet pictures of the vans.
Austin and Marcus provided artistic talent with their camera and drone skills, while Chris and I got to drive the camper vans all around the Mountain West and occasionally pose for pictures.
Our first stop was The End of the World in Arizona. We drove 30 miles up a mountain on dirt, gravel, and rocks. At the summit, we experienced a view like no other. We were sitting on a plateau in a tall pine forest with a view of a vast valley full of craggy, volcanic rock and sandstone.
We rode dirt bikes on the rolling dirt roads all around us, flew the drone for incredible shots you’ll see on the Vandoit Instagram and TikTok, and cooked some tasty hot dogs for dinner on my Coleman camp stove.
The next day we drove to Moab, Utah. At the Overland West show, Chris had struck up a conversation with an overlanding enthusiast who owns some property there. Chris’s personality and enthusiasm for overlanding were enough for him to invite us to camp and shoot photo and video content on his beautiful property along the Colorado River in Moab. He even offered us a hot shower in the campground they were renovating along the river.
I did my duty and parked the camper van perfectly for the guys to do their camera magic. Then I hiked up a couple of slot canyons on the property. On this solo adventure, I reflected on my fortunes. I hated my previous job. Now, I’m on a work trip with views I would typically chase on vacations.
We woke up in the morning with our sights set on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Western Utah (and a pit stop in Salt Lake City for some In-N-Out Burgers).
We spent the bulk of that day riding dirt bikes and taking pictures. I sat in the van for a while to do some work. Selling vans is even more fun when you are sitting in one on what looks like the surface of an unknown planet!
We left with sunburns, salty skin, and unbreakable smiles. Using iOverlander, we found a nearby campsite with a fantastic view of the next sunrise.
Fremont Ridge in Wyoming was our next stop. We arrived, and a road greeted us we weren’t sure we should be traveling on. So we put our vans’ all-wheel drive, Qlift, and suspension upgrades to the test and conquered the obstacles with no issues other than some white knuckles.
We were rewarded with more unbelievable views, cooked hot dogs, and soaked in the beauty.
The next day, we gathered ourselves and some supplies in Jackson, Wyoming. Chris and I did some work from Roadhouse Brewing Co. (Sorry, boss! The coffee shop was closed–we promise!)
Our campground for the night was at the base of Shadow Mountain. This spot provided an unobstructed view of the Grand Tetons. We drove up the mountain a bit for some more views and pictures.
We hoped to find a more isolated campsite but ended up staying in the lower campground with some neighbors. In the middle of the night, I learned the effects of having hot dogs for dinner too many days in a row. (Apparently, four is the magic number).
I was sleeping in the Roof Nest rooftop tent and could not get down in time–my dinner was now down the side of the van. Austin was almost asleep inside the camper van beneath me and had to ask if a bear was outside. He was relieved to hear that I was the sick bear.
Our morning view of the Tetons was spoiled by rain, so we headed northeast with the destination of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Along the way, we encountered a snowstorm in June!
This was especially wild to me, considering we were in the desert just a few days before. The campsite we hoped for was closed due to the snow, so we traveled down the mountain, then back up to another spot we found using iOverlander.
The pines blocked our view of the mountains but gifted us with seclusion. We were incredibly excited when we found bear droppings and the bare bones of what we believe was once a deer. That night in the Roof Nest tent, I was constantly wondering if the noises I heard were wind or a hungry bear.
The next day we drove to Denver and cleaned our salt, dust, mud, and mustiness out of the camper vans. It took the four of us only about an hour to return the two vans to trade show quality.
We transitioned back to civilization by parking in the driveway of one of Chris’s relatives for the night. We arrived during a neighborhood block party and enjoyed pizza, beer, and tons of questions about what we were doing and what we were driving.
We left the camper vans in airport parking for some coworkers to pick up for a trade show in Denver the next week, and we headed home with some fantastic stories and sunburns.
When I returned home, I got to change every diaper for a week to make up for the lost time. I missed my family dearly, and some days it was tough to be away from them. However, I look back with no regrets.
These pictures and memories are irreplaceable. I built great friendships with some guys I barely knew before. I learned things about Vandoit vans that I would have never known without using them in the elements and climates we encountered. I could do my job from the back of a van with views of mountains, valleys, and deserts. The cherry on top was when I saw my first moose!
When clips of our trip are on the Vandoit Instagram or TikTok, I eagerly show my wife and daughter. Then it triggers a memory of that fantastic journey. I finished the trip knowing, confidently, that the camper van was the easiest way to see the most beautiful parts of our country.
With every Vandoit that rolls out our door, our goal is to simplify the journey Read More »
Our Vandoit adventure van builds keep adventure simple. There is tons of storage and endless places to mount gear. Every component is marine-grade and very durable.
Movement is Medicine Trailer | Travis Brewer Read More »
After a major injury in college soccer, Travis was told by his doctor that it was unlikely that he would ever be able to play sports again. He was motivated to prove him wrong.
After college Travis pursued a career in commercial real estate. Even though it provided him with financial success and stability, it didn’t bring him joy.
Vandoit Owner Stories: Marshall Mosher Read More »
This episode highlights Marshall Mosher, owner of Vestigo, a company that bridges the gap between outdoor teambuilding and virtual reality. When he’s not traveling across the country for work, he’s hitting the slopes, rapids, or skies with his endless amount of extreme sports gear and adrenaline.
Our First Vandoit Camper Van Adventure: Disney World for Adults! Read More »
In early July, my husband, Scott, and I became the proud new owners of a Vandoit adventure van! To get our feet wet in “Van Life,” we decided to pack up our new Vandoit and head south from our home in Buffalo, New York, to one of our favorite places.
The US National Whitewater Center (USNWWC) in Charlotte, N.C., is a mecca for rafters, hikers, mountain bikers, zip-liners, kayakers and climbers. We call it “Disney World for adults.” Since 2001, USNWWC has been creating opportunities for people to get together outdoors. The Center’s primary feature is the world’s largest and most complex recirculating artificial whitewater river. The river channels were designed by three-time Olympian and World Cup Slalom Kayak Champion Scott Shipley.
Driving almost 3,000 miles from Buffalo to Charlotte was a pleasure in the camper van. My husband, Scott, loved the lane centering and adaptive cruise control. Our exterior lights came in handy while driving to and setting up our campsite.
The site had an electrical hookup for shore power, so we just plugged in, unfolded the bed leaf, and got the coffee ready for the morning. The adventure van made the campsite setup so simple that we just started a campfire and relaxed until bedtime.
Sleeping was always more comfortable than tent camping, even on the warmer nights, using our two MaxxAir roof vent fans–one bringing air in and the other exhausting. (We have no regrets about not getting the rooftop air conditioner.)
On a cooler night, we put the fans on a lower setting and ran the Espar heater, which kept sleeping temps very comfortable. We really enjoyed sleeping in our Vandoit; it was very comfortable and relaxing.
We have been visiting the Charlotte area for more than a decade, and this trip was easier because there was more room for our stuff and Scott’s mountain biking gear.
We visited USNWWC the weekend of September 17, 2022, for the fourth annual Yoga Flow Fest, which offers over 40 yoga classes, vendors, and live music. And it did not disappoint! Our day started bright and early with a morning stretching practice and Fall Equinox meditation. I quickly headed into the forest for a peaceful slow flow amongst the fragrant Carolina pines.
Mid-day, we made our way to the River’s Edge restaurant at the Whitewater Center, which offered some outdoor shade to enjoy anything from fresh, healthy lunch options to a juicy burger and fries. (I chose the former–a refreshing Greek power bowl to refuel.)
The vendor shopping experience provided some retail therapy while we digested our delicious lunch. I purchased a couple of funky bracelets and sampled some free Kombucha. Then it was time for Arm Balance and inversions, where I was mostly an observer.
The highlight of the festival was an evening Glow Yoga practice, where everyone donned headphones and glow bracelets, and the lights were dimmed. It was more of a dance party than a true yoga practice. But it was a truly celebratory experience!
Although Charlotte is not known for its camping, we found a little slice of heaven at the McDowell Nature Preserve Campground–small in size but huge in amenities. This mostly undeveloped nature preserve in Mecklenburg County offered numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors.
The campground is the gateway to over 1,300 miles of trails surrounding the serene Lake Wylie, a nature center featuring live animals and a gift shop. The 56 reservable campsites range from primitive to RV pads with full hookups. Private, impeccably maintained restrooms and showers made this a spot we will surely return to!
Heading home was sad, with the exception of our halfway stop in Summersville Lake, W. Va. The Battle Run Campground provides first-come, first-served site rentals with gorgeous lake views. However, the bathrooms left much to be desired, but one night was doable. Note to self: We will definitely bring our Laveo dry flush toilet on our next trip.
We love traveling in our Vandoit so much! We already have the next trips planned! In the fall, Scott is planning a mountain bike excursion to Brevard, N.C., and will be using the van to haul two other friends, their bikes and gear to different trailheads for riding.
We’ll head back to Brevard in the Vandoit a few weeks after that to spend Thanksgiving with friends. We are also planning a two-week trip to Florida in January. When we’re home in Buffalo, Scott uses our Vandoit as his daily driver and mountain bike hauler for local riding.
To summarize this Van Life journey: sunny, warm weather, yoga galore, and traveling with my best friend–what could be better?
Custom Campervan Lifestyle Read More »
Who do you think of when you think about van life? Do you think of a van down by the river? Hippie playing their guitar in the van? With over 500 successful van deliveries, we have found that is actually the 1% minority.
A day on the Bonneville Salt Flats! Read More »
Check out this highlight from a Vandoit content trip! We spend a few days riding dirt bikes and gathering pictures and videos. Not much better than spending an evening on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Vanlife Tips: Eating At Restaurants With Your Dog Read More »
Hi! I am Jena Newman, and live full-time in my Vandoit van with my husband Derek. We have traveled over 40,000 miles from Maine to the bottom of the Baja Peninsula! The entire time we have had our chocolate lab, Barry, with us.
Barry goes everywhere with us! Our hobbies include Barry–biking, hiking, boating, and, my favorite, eating!
One of our favorite things to do when we are exploring new places is to try new restaurants. We trained Barry to sit quietly while we eat, so we are able to take him to restaurants with us. Navigating this can be tricky when we are in a new place.
Some places are more dog friendly than others, so we have to do our research before showing up with Barry.
In general, we don’t expect or try to take Barry inside a restaurant. We prefer to sit outside anyway, so we look for places with patios. Once we find a place we like with a patio, I call ahead to be sure Barry is allowed. If we want a quick and easy search for a dog-friendly restaurant, we have used websites like BringFido to help us narrow it down.
We have come across places where it is against the law to have pets at restaurants, even if there is a patio. We respect this and come up with another plan. If it is cool enough outside, then Barry will stay in the van, or we will order our food to go. There is almost always a beautiful park nearby to stop by and enjoy our meal!
One of Barry’s favorite restaurants is Mickey’s Hideaway in Kansas City, Missouri. They have a very pet-friendly patio in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Bentonville Brewing Company in Arkansas is a favorite because it has a dog park attached to it. Barry is able to get his energy out while we enjoy our craft beer and meal. They also have a kids’ bicycle pump track, and it’s adorable!
We really enjoy the patio at Eddyline Restaurant in Buena Vista, Colorado. It is right next to the Arkansas River and has a great view of the mountains. Barry loves it because there are always other dogs there to meet, and he knows a long walk along the river is in his future.
It is safe to say every restaurant in Baja, Mexico, was my favorite. They are so dog-friendly that Barry was welcome almost everywhere we went. We spent a lot of our time at Lazy Daze Beach Bar in Los Barriles. We parked our van a very short distance away on the beach for about three weeks. Barry was able to go off and swim in the ocean and then hang out with us while we played cornhole during dinner.
I have been training Barry since we got him at 8 weeks old. Being a dog trainer by trade, I knew that I wanted him to be a good canine citizen and be able to go everywhere with us. By starting young and focusing on certain behaviors, we have been able to give Barry the gift of adventure!
Here are a few of the behaviors I focused on with him to make taking him to the patios enjoyable. My personal favorite is sitting when he wants something. It is his way of saying please and showing self-control.
I taught him to lie calmly under the table while we eat our meals. He doesn’t beg for food but is happy to clean up what is left over or what has fallen on the floor.
He is also very good on his leash. He never pulls, which allows us to attach him to the legs of the table for safety, and we don’t have to worry about him pulling the table over.
Reach out if you are interested in training your dog to be better at restaurants! We do a lot of virtual training while on the road in the van, and I would be happy to help you.
When we find the perfect patio for Barry, we make sure he maintains his good behavior and doesn’t bother other patrons. Here are our tips for the best restaurant experience with your dog:
Our van makes these restaurant visits possible because we have everything we need to be prepared for any circumstance. We are able to store all of his toys to ward off any boredom he may have while on a patio.
It is also a safe place for him when he isn’t allowed to join us. We are able to give him a puzzle toy while we are gone and not have to worry about him getting bored in the van.
What are your favorite dog-friendly restaurants? As we travel around, we are always looking for places to eat with Barry. Maybe we can stop by your personal favorite, too!
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