The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, is one of the most exciting events in the world of sports. Each year, college basketball fans from around the United States come together to watch the best teams in the country compete for the championship title. While watching the games on TV can be fun, there’s nothing like taking a road trip to visit some of the March Madness locations in person. Here are some of the cities where the tournament will take place this year and what you can do there.
First Four: Dayton, Ohio
The tournament kicks off with the First Four in Dayton, Ohio. This year’s games will take place on March 15th and 16th at the University of Dayton Arena. If you’re in town for the games, you can also check out the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, or the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
First and Second Rounds: Multiple Locations
The first and second rounds of the tournament will take place in multiple cities across the country. Here are some of the cities where you can catch the games:
Indianapolis, Indiana: The games will be held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse. While you’re in town, check out the Indianapolis Zoo or the Indiana State Museum.
Fort Worth, Texas: The games will be held at Dickies Arena. While you’re in town, check out the Fort Worth Stockyards or the Kimbell Art Museum.
Boise, Idaho: The games will be held at ExtraMile Arena. While you’re in town, check out the Idaho Botanical Garden or the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
Wichita, Kansas: The games will be held at Intrust Bank Arena. While you’re in town, check out the Wichita Art Museum or the Sedgwick County Zoo.
Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: Multiple Locations
The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games will also take place in multiple cities across the country. Here are some of the cities where you can catch the games:
Chicago, Illinois: The games will be held at the United Center. While you’re in town, check out the Art Institute of Chicago or the Navy Pier.
San Antonio, Texas: The games will be held at the Alamodome. While you’re in town, check out the River Walk or the Alamo.
New York City, New York: The games will be held at Madison Square Garden. While you’re in town, check out the Empire State Building or the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Los Angeles, California: The games will be held at the Staples Center. While you’re in town, check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame or the Getty Center.
Final Four: New Orleans, Louisiana
The Final Four will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. While you’re in town for the games, check out the French Quarter or the National World War II Museum.
In conclusion, taking a road trip to March Madness locations is an exciting way to experience one of the biggest events in college basketball. Whether you’re catching the First Four in Dayton, Ohio or the Final Four in New Orleans, Louisiana, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in each of these vibrant cities. So grab your friends, pack your bags, and hit the road for a March Madness adventure you’ll never forget!
Overlanding is a growing trend among adventure enthusiasts, and for good reason. It involves traveling off the beaten path and exploring remote destinations in a self-sufficient vehicle. One of the best ways to embark on an overlanding journey is with a reliable adventure van, and Vandoit is one of the leading manufacturers in the industry. In this blog, we will take a closer look at overlanding with Vandoit, and why it’s the ultimate adventure experience.
What is Overlanding?
Overlanding is a form of self-reliant travel that involves driving to remote destinations and camping out in a self-sufficient vehicle. It’s all about the journey, not just the destination, and it offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors. Overlanding typically involves long distances, rough terrain, and challenging conditions, so it requires a reliable and capable vehicle.
Vandoit is a manufacturer of adventure vans that can be designed for overlanding. Their vans are built on the Ford Transit chassis, which is known for its durability and reliability. Vandoit offers a range of customization options, so you can create a van that’s tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Why Overlanding with Vandoit is the Ultimate Adventure Experience
Overlanding with Vandoit offers the ultimate adventure experience for several reasons:
Customization and modularity: Vandoit allows you to create a van that’s tailored to your specific needs and preferences. This means that you can have a van that’s designed specifically for your type of overlanding adventure. The modularity allows you to layout your van specific to your needs. This means you can carry more jerry cans for water, traction boards, and other gear for overlanding.
Off-road capability: Vandoit’s can be converted on the AWD Ford Transit. This conversion option provides some off-road capability, which is essential for reaching remote destinations. Make sure to bring proper gear depending on the terrain you will be overlanding.
Comfort: Vandoit’s customizable layout and optional rooftop tent provide a comfortable and convenient living space, no matter where your adventure takes you. It allows for multiple people to go on an overlanding trip together.
Self-sufficiency: Vandoit’s off-grid power system and water storage jerry can tanks allow you to be self-sufficient for extended periods of time. You can get by for a few days without the need for external resources.
Conclusion
Overlanding with Vandoit offers the ultimate adventure experience for those who love to explore off the beaten path. With their customizable layout, off-road capability, and self-sufficient features, Vandoit adventure vans are the perfect vehicle for any type of overlanding adventure. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a months-long journey across the country, a Vandoit adventure van will take you there in comfort and style.
There may be times where your Vandoit goes through a period of non-use. Whether it be bringing it out of storage, non-use due to the busyness of life, etc., we want to make sure your Vandoit and all components are working correctly. Our customer support team put this Vandoit Operational Checklist to simplify the process of running through you van’s components.
Vandoit Operational Checklist
Check under the hood for any loose connections or frayed wires (i.e. evidence of pests)
Check tires for cracks or punctures and make sure they’re inflated to the proper pressures
Make sure the backup camera is operational and all brake, turn and hazard signals are working
View the roof to make sure solar panels are clean and to inspect for any disconnected wiring or damage
Check for cracks in sealant on the roof around the MaxxAir fan and/or air conditioner; apply a new layer of sealant as needed
Open and close the awning, check for tears or holes
Check the Vandoit battery terminal cables
Check shore power plug and cord for damage
Verify the Vandoit battery system can charge while the car is running
Turn on inverter and test outlets by plugging devices in and turning them on
Test the TV and make sure audio can be heard
Check that all speakers or subwoofers are working in the stereo system
Check for sun icon and incoming amperage on the solar monitor while van is parked in the sun or through the mobile app
Check all interior and exterior lights
Test MaxxAir fan
Test air conditioner
Test Espar heater. Make sure there is at least ¼ tank of fuel in the van beforehand
Test the water system: fill the water supply can, turn on the pump, operate the sprayer and kitchen faucet. Inspect each connection for leaks.
If you have a LIV bed, make sure the bed crank raises and lowers the bed evenly
Check DO bed cargo buckles for loose bolts
If you have a gear slide, check to make sure it extends, stops, and retracts properly
Tighten all bolts in the aluminum extrusion and cabinets
Click link to download a copy of the Vandoit Operational Checklist. If you have any issues after running through the checklist, please reach out to our customer support team.
These Vandoit campervan owners discuss the main reasons as to why they chose Vandoit for their van build. They loved the reputation that Vandoit has. They also went with the LIV do to simplicity of the bed system.
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.)
Overland West Expo 2022
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).
Fantastic Shots in Amazing Spots
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.
The End of the World
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.
Moab: Chasing Vacation Views
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.
Bonneville Salt Flats
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
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.
Jackson Hole: Not a Sick Bear
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.
Sugarloaf Mountain
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.
Back to Civilization
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.
No Regrets
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.
Vaping is getting ever more popular among CBD consumers today. It’s a convenient, affordable, and efficient method of CBD intake, so it meets a variety of consumer needs and meets socially acceptable consumption requirements. A recent survey by 2CV Community Research showed that over 26% of users prefer CBD in the form of e-liquid, which means that over one-fourth of all CBD consumers are vaping users. Thus, it’s evident that vaping is a considerable part of the CBD market.
At first glance, picking the right vaping device may seem to be a matter of flavor preference and budget. Overall, it’s really so, but you should still beware when choosing the first-best remedy in the form of vape. Since you can’t tell whether the CBD oil you’re vaping is of high quality or not, a competent assessment is vital. After all, the vapor you’re inhaling will get directly into your lungs and will do either good or harm to your health.
Thus, it’s important to know the quality criteria for vaping liquids and shop with due caution and diligence. This article shares insights on CBD vaping liquid quality and explains the process of making safe choices.
How to Tell Your CBD Vaping Oil Is Good Quality?
Here are the basic tips every vaper, whether a beginner or pro, should follow to pick the right vaping products.
The Liquid’s Color
A visual inspection is the simplest quality check you can conduct before buying CBD e-liquid. Turn your attention to the liquid’s color; it should be golden, with a transparent texture. If the liquid is white, dark, or has an uneven and non-transparent structure, the likelihood of contaminants’ presence or spoilage as a result of improper storage is high. We recommend avoiding such products for the sake of safe and therapeutically beneficial CBD use.
Origin of CBD
Another point for consideration is the origin of hemp extract included in the vaping e-liquid. There are tons of brands on the market today, so finding the optimal supplier is pretty hard. Regardless of the brand you finally choose, make sure the company uses US-sourced, organic hemp to produce CBD extract for vaping. Only American hemp grown on local organic farms can guarantee vaping safety, as the provider is bound by local legislation and takes proper care of the product’s purity and quality. Otherwise, buying a no-name product sourced from hemp with unclear origins always comes with a risk of getting substandard vaping e-liquid with hazardous ingredients.
CBD Spectrum
It’s also vital to clarify what CBD type suits your needs and can be used depending on your job, daily duties, and CBD effect’s expectations. CBD comes in three forms:
Full-spectrum. This is the richest CBD form that contains all beneficial terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids for the wholesome health benefit for consumers. Full-spectrum CBD also includes trace THC amounts – up to 0.3% – so you should take it into account when planning your routines. It doesn’t produce an intoxicating effect but can easily emerge on the drug test.
Broad-spectrum. This form combines the best of the two worlds – full-spectrum CBD’s diversity of ingredients and CBD isolate’s purity and non-intoxicating components. Broad-spectrum CBD also includes a full variety of terpenes and cannabinoids but is fully devoid of THC. So, your risks of getting a positive drug test or feeling THC allergy or intoxication are zero.
Isolate. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD that contains nothing except CBD. It’s an ideal option for people who want a predictable and safe experience and opt only for CBD effects without additional hemp components.
Ingredients
Next comes the consideration of CBD vaping liquid’s ingredients, as some users may want some THC in the contents, and others look for a CBD cartridge without THC. Overall, it’s a matter of personal choice, as some users need THC to calm the pain or get rid of seizures or migraines. Thus, it’s up to you whether to buy vaping e-liquid with THC or not, but one thing you should keep in mind is that vaping THC excludes driving a vehicle. Moreover, THC can show up in the drug test, so you should avoid it if you are a professional athlete or need to undergo drug tests at work.
Propylene Glycol
Though most vaping liquids are made with PG in the content, it’s better to go the extra mile and find a CBD vaping juice variety without this component. According to recent studies, PG as a thinning agent used in CBD vaping oils can become a serious cause of respiratory problems. So, we recommend reading the product description, double-checking the vaping oil’s ingredients on the packaging, and verifying that information in the CoA before inhaling the vapor.
CBD Liquid’s Purpose
Though this advice may seem self-obvious for many, it’s the most common mistake people make when choosing vaping liquids. Taking any CBD oil or tincture for the liquid suitable for vaping is a grave mistake. In reality, only vaping e-liquids can be put into vaping devices and effectively evaporated to achieve positive health outcomes. Unless specified otherwise, all the oils and tinctures should be taken only orally or topically, as they don’t contain the necessary ingredients for CBD concentrate’s evaporation.
Personal CBD Vaping Preferences
Besides some objective selection criteria we’ve discussed above, it’s essential to keep your personal needs, CBD experience, and preferences in mind. Answer the following questions to proceed:
Did I try CBD before, or will it be my first try?
How much CBD should one puff contain to calm me down without causing overdosing?
What CBD type do I need – full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate?
Which flavors am I crazy about?
How much money do I have for the CBD vape?
Do I plan to consume CBD via vaping regularly or only give it one try to see how it goes?
Based on these answers, you will be able to pick a suitable CBD concentration for your convenient use without side effects or overdosing, choose a pleasant, juicy flavor that won’t cause an unpleasant aftertaste, and select a disposable or refillable cartridge for the planned duration of use.
Quality is Key
Now that you know how to shop for CBD vaping products, it’s time to pick a reliable brand and enjoy the experience. Users are spoilt for choice in terms of flavors, CBD concentrations, and other characteristics that can customize your user experience and maximize the value of CBD for your specific health condition. However, the quality of the chosen product should go first, as the vaping smoke enters your lungs and then goes directly to your bloodstream, affecting all organs in your body. Good luck with shopping!
The author of this article is Tia Moskalenko, an experienced cannabis writer and blogger at AskGrowers. Tia is constantly looking for new ways of gaining value from CBD use. She shares her insights and findings in her articles to make CBD more accessible and understandable for all consumers.
Where to park your van overnight from VanDOit CEO Brent Kline
Many aspirational van dwellers and would-be VanDOit owners come up to us at events, campgrounds and parking lots, curious to know about our sweet van setup, and what our lives look like on a day-to-day basis.
Besides the most-asked question of, “where do you go to the bathroom?”the other thing people tend to be most curious about is where you can park and camp while out on the open road.
And I think that’s a fair question. It’s something I’ve been experimenting with and learning over the last 27 years, since I picked up my first van during college, a 1985 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition.
(courtesy photo)
Things have sure changed since then, but really, the best places to camp and stop overnight really haven’t.
But don’t take my word for it…to get to the heart of this question, we tapped into the founder of VanDOit, a man who has probably spent more nights in Ford Transits – not to mention many, many other types of vans, campers and RV’s over the years – than anyone.
We swiveled our seats and sat down with VanDOit CEO, Brent Kline for this insider interview. Hope you enjoy his insights!
>>What’s the ultimate go-to overnight parking spot, when you’re on the road?
My ultimate go-to overnight spot is a place that is free and also boasts a beautiful nature setting. The spot doesn’t have to have specific camping sites or other camping amenities, but on the other hand, I’m not opposed to it. We are a bit spoiled here in the state of Missouri, as we have “conservation areas,” which are park-like areas maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), and a high percentage of them allow free overnight camping; and many of them actually have camp sites, restrooms, fire pits, nature education opportunities and other camping amenities.
Many of the MDC sites have nature-based amenities like hiking and mountain biking trails, hunting areas, fishing lakes, creeks and rivers, nature and wildlife areas, tree plant and horticulture viewing areas, bird watching and more. I happen to live by the Indian Creek Conservation area in Northwest Missouri and often fish, mountain bike and camp there with my family in a VanDOit.
Kudos to the State of Missouri for these tremendous opportunities they afford to outdoor lovers and campers at the ultimate affordable price, and for setting a standard concerning how our tax dollars should be spent. These MDC areas motivate families to introduce their children to the wonderful gift we have been given called nature, and allow families to learn how to enjoy our planet, which belongs to every living creature.
And while I have found similar opportunities in other states, there are other ways to achieve this ultimate camping spot, including some very beautiful rest areas while out on the open road.
As we traveled to Overland Expo East at REEB Ranch in Asheville, North Carolina, we found a beautiful rest stop area somewhere near the Shawnee National Forest in Carbondale, Illinois. Out front were of course plenty of “big-rigs” lined up for the night, but behind the facility, a long way from the trucks and up next to a lake was a wonderful area for automobiles. There were many parking areas available (lakeside) and when we woke up the next morning the scenery was breathtaking. This particular rest area was complete with a park area and jungle gym for children, restroom and showers. Many states offer this same type of set up.
I have found that if the commercial haulers are lined up at a rest area at night, then sleeping at the rest area is acceptable. It is very rarely acceptable to sleep in tents, with the exception that a rest area may have an adjacent tent camping area.
Unofficially…from my experience, the states that allow for automotive camping at highway rest areas, with some limitations, are: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois (toll roads), Indiana (toll roads), Kansas, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio (turnpike), Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State and Wyoming. I’ve camped in vans this way since I was a child and have yet to be asked to leave. I assume part of that is because I was always in a van!
And one of the greatest things about VanDOit Vans is that they are incognito and don’t look like motorhomes or RV’s. They don’t take up a lot of space, don’t empty out waste and don’t have jacks that can damage the tarmac of any given place.
Other overnight camping options include:
Beaches that allow for vehicles and camping. Waking up on a beach is pretty awesome. Pismo Beach is a good example.
More ski resorts are starting to allow van camping since the popularity of vans has skyrocketed. Mt. Bachelor is a great one.
Friend’s homes, farms and property. When a person really thinks of all the people they know around the country, it is pretty amazing, especially nowadays with social media. You have to work your network!
United States Forest Service land and campgrounds (USFS).
>>How do you feel about Wal-Mart parking lots?
Thank God for Wal-Mart! Nothing is perfect and one can find positive and negative in anything, but I personally appreciate the fact that Wal-Mart, with some exceptions, allows for overnight camping in an RV. While a Wal-Mart parking lot isn’t necessarily my ultimate campsite, they offer a lot of positives. Coffee, groceries, water, or about anything you might need is conveniently located a short walk away when you wake up. And, you won’t get stuck on a Wal-Mart parking lot in bad weather, since it’s paved and flat! Wal-Mart parking lots are also quite safe because they are well lit and usually have other campers around, and law enforcement patrols them. With the VanDOit thermal storage curtains, the van is so dark inside that we have slept well past our normal wake up time.
>>What about truck stops, or other places like that?
I love truck stops. We are not picky about what brand of truck stop we stay at, as long as they are clean. However, I am very picky about being able to escape the fumes of the diesel engines, which will generally run all night long.
Most truck stops have a large area for commercial trucks and a separate area for everyone else. I make sure to look at the distance between automotive parking vs. commercial truck parking first thing. Truck stops have similar assets to Wal-Mart with a few additional positive and negative attributes. While one can buy most of what one needs in a truck stop, certainly there isn’t nearly the variety of Wal-Mart. However, one of the best things about a truck stop is that most of them have restaurants, café areas and showers. Even though one can shower out of their VanDOit, variety is the spice of life, and since a person has to refill the water on the VanDOit, it’s nice to use someone else’s water occasionally. Speaking of water, a truck stop usually has an available hose for adding fresh water to the tanks. Likewise, you can fuel up, have breakfast the next morning and clean up the windshield with the longer squeegee sticks usually found only at truck stops.
>>How do you know when it’s OK to park somewhere overnight? What are some of the safe/legal stealth camping tips you might have for people?
I have found that with a van you can really camp just about anywhere because they are incognito and don’t look like motorhomes. I am not at all suggesting a person camp where they will cause harm or make someone mad, but there are many places everywhere you travel where cars are parked overnight, and are often taxpayer-funded entities. Hospitals and health centers are a great example. Likewise, a large percentage of towns and cities across the U.S. have certain streets where overnight parking is the norm. As an example, our crew camped in two VanDOit Adventure Vans in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas, right across from a neighborhood market before a mountain bike race. Many cities have carpool lots which have overnight parking available. Likewise, county fairgrounds and recreation centers have always worked for us as well.
We have also never had a problem parking at a casino, which also allows for overnight parking. Church parking lots tend to be a good place to camp. I typically just ask someone in the church for permission and offer to leave a donation should they allow me to charge my batteries through shore power. Like churches, civic organizations tend to be good sports about allowing overnight camping if one simply asks permission.
One of the best-kept secrets is a nationwide fitness centers that are open 24 hours a day. They are used to cars parked in their parking lot overnight and a person can grab a great workout and a shower. Hotels and motels can be a great place to camp, but we are transparent with them. We pay for breakfast the next morning. The request is usually accepted, especially if you can show that you are a rewards member and do business with the hotel. They usually ask what type of vehicle you are driving and give a smiling approval. Cracker Barrel is a great location as well…and of course we are patrons the next morning.
Many retail style farms and vineyards are usually happy to allow you to stay, as they tend to benefit from this type of tourist. Harvest Hosts is a cool resource to find the farms and vineyards who allow overnight parking/camping. Companies who “get it” and benefit from outdoor-oriented people generally love to have you stay. Retailers such as Bass Pro Shop, Cabela’s, REI and nearly every privately-owned sporting goods/camping store are almost always happy to have us, and of course we try to do business with them.
I’ve found that camping in a van without ruffling feathers is really easy due to its size and appearance. I have also found that being transparent and asking permission gets the job done almost anywhere if you are in a VanDOit. I have also found that if a person tries this in a motorhome…one is usually disappointed. Lastly, we can always find a state campground and hook up to shore power for the night.
>>What’s your favorite place you’ve ever van camped?
I have literally been camping in conversion vans my entire life, as my grandfather started in the RV business in 1947. It’s not always about the campsite, the amenities, the weather, the beauty…often it is about the memories created.
One of these great memories was when my wife and I were on a VanDOit camping trip in one of our early prototypes, and we drove late into the night in order to get to Monument Valley, Utah, to celebrate my wife’s 48th birthday. When we arrived it was pitch dark and we couldn’t see the outline of any of the monuments. We camped in our van and made a commitment to get up early the next morning to watch the sun come up amongst the stunning natural landscape. Little did we know that we parked in just the right position. When we woke up, the sky was beginning to glow from the sun’s soon arrival, and we opened up our back doors to the most beautiful scene we could imagine. Afterward watching this incredible sun rise from our cozy bed in our PJs, we went into the nearby facility for breakfast and some hot coffee, and then went hiking in the valley.
VanDOit Ford Transit travels the Oregon Trail as part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour
VanDOit is proud to be a part of the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour in partnership with the Willamette National Forest, Choose Outdoors and Travel Oregon. The cross-country tour will follow the Oregon Trail to deliver the tree in Washington D.C., involving more than 25 communities along the way.
The tour announcement was timed to celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the National Trails Systems Act, one of the inspirations for the 2018 theme “Find Your Trail.” The tree will follow a more than 3,000-mile journey that commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail, following a reverse path of the trail.
A series of festive events and parades will be hosted by local communities at museums, main streets, city halls, state capitols, markets, retailers and high schools. Attendees will have the chance to sign banners on the sides of the truck carrying the tree, learn more about the Willamette National Forest and Oregon, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise and more.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tradition began in 1964 according to Jodi Massey, director of sponsorship & communications for Choose Outdoors.
“The first few years, the trees on the West Lawn didn’t hold up,” Massey said. “In 1970, the National Forest Service was asked to provide a tree. Every year a different national forest is chosen to provide a tree to the Capitol. This is the first time a tree has been used from the Willamette Forest. This is also the first time a noble fir tree has been used. Next year’s tree will come from New Mexico.”
VanDOit has donated two Ford Transit adventure vans to serve as tour support vehicles carrying cargo, supplies and memorabilia.
“We couldn’t do it without VanDOit. Their support is going to allow us to make our historic cross-country journey in style and will be a big step up from previous years for our team,” said Bruce Ward, founder and president of Choose Outdoors.
During the tour, the crew stopped by the VanDOit headquarters in Blue Springs, Missouri.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will arrive at the nation’s Capitol on November 25.
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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.
