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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Owning a Vandoit campervan can be an absolute blast, but we also understand that some of the technical details, especially regarding the solar system, can be a bit puzzling. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your solar system so you can adventure easily.

Get Friendly with Your Solar System

First things first, let’s talk controllers. Does your Vandoit have the GoPower PWM or Victron MPPT controller? No need to feel overwhelmed. Check out our handy guide to learn about the buttons and symbols on the GoPower controller and get the lowdown on the Victron phone app. You’ll be a solar guru in no time.

You may have been looking for a solar panel on/off button, but guess what? There isn’t one! Your gaming system at Pixbet Casino https://cassinopixbet.com works like a sun-soaked superhero; it’s always energized and ready to give you the ultimate gaming experience!

Keep an eye on the incoming amperage your solar system is receiving. Try it out when the sun is high, and your van is basking in all its glory, and then during the picturesque sunset. If you spot unusual variations in the amperage readings, it might be a clue that something’s amiss. Don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Relations Team with snapshots of your amperage readings via a Support Ticket or email [email protected]. You can also read this article to get to know your system even better.

Zero Incoming Amps? Don’t Panic!

Picture a cloudy day, some shade from nearby trees, or maybe your solar panels have been playing hide-and-seek in the snow. All of these scenarios can lead to a reading of 0 incoming amps. But fear not! When the skies clear, and your panels are debris-free, your solar system will spring back to life like a sunflower in the morning.

If your van is soaking up the sun, your solar panels are spick and span, and you still see a reading of 0 incoming amps, it’s time to start troubleshooting. For those with the GoPower PWM monitor, a moon icon might replace the sun icon. Don’t worry; we’ve got another article to shine some light on the situation (pun intended).

Solar Power: A Gentle Top-Off Of Power

Now, let’s bust a common myth: your solar system isn’t a superhero capable of powering all the devices in your campervan. Instead, think of it as a trusty sidekick, a trickle charger that tops off your batteries after they’ve been juiced up from shore power or your vehicle’s alternator. For your everyday power needs, rely on shore power or your van’s battery system. Solar’s here for peace of mind.

Another misconception is that the solar controller is an ideal way to check your van’s battery level. While the GoPower PWM solar controller does a decent job, it’s not the ultimate battery system monitor. For real-time, detailed data on your battery system, look to your Victron BMS (for AGM systems) or Mastervolt EasyView 5 screen (for lithium systems). 

If your solar controller goes completely dark—no lights, no display, nada—it might just be a blown fuse. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back with a step-by-step guide to replace it. Your solar system will be back in action in no time.

TLC for Your Solar System

Your solar system may always be on, but it appreciates a little tender loving care. Every three months, follow the steps in our maintenance article to keep your system running at its sunniest best.

Remember, the Vandoit Customer Relations Team is your trusty sidekick on this solar-powered journey (and any other van-related adventures). Don’t hesitate to reach out through a Support Ticket or email [email protected] for all your solar system questions and van-related concerns.

Here’s to sunny days and solar-powered adventures in your Vandoit campervan! 🚐☀️

There are many ways to store your bike on your van. Many of these are third-party products. Vandoit offers several accessories we believe are helpful and make traveling with your bike seamless.

Bike Fork Mounts

The easiest option is the Bike Fork Mount. Traditionally, it is attached directly to the gear slide. It can also be mounted on the roof, floor, or vertically on most extrusion sections. It allows for ease when installing by simply removing your front tire, then attaching the mount to the front fork of your bike. We offer four different size options of the Bike Fork Mount: 12mm x 100m, 15mm x 100m, 15mm x 110m, and 15mm x 150m, as well as a 9mm skewer.

 The 1 UP Swing Away RakAttach

When maintenance on your bike is needed, we offer The Park Tool PRS-4W.  It is has an adjustable clamping arm and mounting plate. The plate can easily be mounted to any point on the van’s extrusion. However, we also offer a foldable arm allowing for easy adjustment and set up of your Park Tool PRS-4W.

1 UP Bike Rack

For those who need all the room they can get inside their van, we have a trailer hitch storage option: The 1 UP Bike Rack paired with the 1 UP Swing Away Rakattach Arm.  The 1 UP Bike Rack attaches to the 1 UP Swing Away RakAttach which fits directly into the trailer hitch. The 1 UP Bike Rack is rated for off road use, fits 16” – 29” wheels, up to 3.1” wide, and has a total carrying capacity of up to 200 lbs (50 lbs per bike spot).

The Park Tool PRS-4W

When maintenance on your bike is needed, we offer The Park Tool PRS-4W. It is has an adjustable clamping arm and mounting plate . It can easily be mounted to any point on the van’s extrusion. However, we also offer a foldable arm allowing for easy adjustment and set up of your Park Tool PRS-4W.

If you have questions about your current bike storage, or if you are interested in purchasing additional bike storage options, contact the Customer Support team by submitting a ticket through the Customer Support portal or emailing [email protected].

Come See Vandoit At These Cycling Events

• US Pro Cup – April 19-22 – Fayetteville, AR
• Sea Otter – April 20-23 – Monterey, CA
• Whiskey Offroad – April 28-30 – Prescott, AZ
• Rule Of Three – May 18-21 – Bentonville, AR
• Unbound Gravel – June 1-4 – Emporia, KS
• Belgian Waffle Ride – June 8-11 – Hendersonville, NC
• Leadville Stage Race – July 28-30 – Leadville, CO
• Bentonville Bike Fest – May 25-28 – Bentonville, AR
• Breck Epic – August 13-18 – Breckenridge, CO
• Big Sugar Gravel – October 19-22 – Bentonville, AR
• Iceman Cometh – November 4 – Traverse City, MI

We all know it’s the season of giving and showing love to those around you. And as hectic as this time of year gets, it can be really easy to forgo thinking about the environment simply to survive the holiday season.

As a company that highly values the beauty and opportunity  nature provides, we’ve done the work for you in curating a list of 5 simple things you can do to have a more environmentally friendly holiday this year.

1. Get A Real Christmas Tree

Although rounds of vacuuming to pick up dropped pine needles can get old, setting up a real tree for Christmas cuts down on the 6-foot tall chunk of plastic that eventually will be thrown away in a few years.  Plastic Christmas trees require carbon emissions to be created and shipped. This makes them less eco friendly than a real one.

Getting a real tree can also be a day’s source of entertainment for the whole family. All the steps from locating a nearby tree farm, walking through the rows of options, and strapping it to your car to bring home will become a core Christmas memory for everyone. 

When you purchase from a tree farm, the money spent on it goes back into the farm, resulting in more trees being planted. Getting a real tree also means it can be recycled or in some cases, replanted, making it the ultimate environmentally kind choice.

2. Wrap Gifts With Fabric Or Recycled Paper

When perusing the aisles full of bright, sparkly, single-use wrapping paper, it can be hard to say no to the convenience or the sheer cuteness of the design. This holiday season, consider seeking out recycled craft paper and decorating it yourself with paint, stamps, stickers, etc. This can be a fun activity for children as well, and it makes gifts even more special. You can also wrap up a gift with fabric or other reusable material, creating less waste and making it easier to open. 

3. Switch To LED Lights For Your Decorations

Twinkly lights during the holidays are a fan favorite; they make everything feel magical. LED lighting (light emitting diodes) saves a ton of energy in comparison to incandescent lights, and they last longer. Today, it’s not too hard to make this simple switch as LEDs are widely available, but it can make a big impact on your household’s energy consumption.

As well as an environmentally friendly habit, being sure to unplug your lights overnight can be a simple change to keep your family safe. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 770 house fires a year are caused by holiday lights.

4. Gifting An Experience

We all have a few people who are difficult to buy gifts for. They don’t seem to need anything or want anything we can buy from the store. This is the perfect opportunity to give an experience. Annual passes to a theme park, zoo, or art museum can fit in well for almost anyone. This gift gives the one who receives it freedom of scheduling, a chance to budget, and something they can enjoy multiple times that makes them think of you. 

5. Buy Reusable Doggy Bags For All The Yummy Leftovers

It’s no shock that we eat a lot over the holidays; it’s one of the best parts! A very simple switch can be using metal or glass containers to store food in rather than plastic ones. It can also help to clear out your freezer before the holiday meal prep begins. This allow for plenty of space to freeze meats and other items that can survive for a much longer time. The parts of the meal that will go back more quickly can be sent home with your guests or eaten within the next few days. It cuts down on overall food waste.