Stories from the Road
Van life tips, technical guides, destination ideas, and stories from our community of adventurers.
Latest
Epic vs Ikon Pass for Vanlifers in Colorado: Which Ski Pass Is Better?
If you’re planning a winter on the road in Colorado, choosing between the Epic vs Ikon Pass isn’t just about terrain or cost, it’s about how you can fit the pass into a vanlife lifestyle. As vanlifers, our priorities are different. We’re thinking less about après scenes and more about where we’re parking overnight, how … Read more
December 22, 2025
5 min read
Built Differently, Recognized Nationally: Dave Ramsay Named to RV Pro’s ‘40 Under 40’
At DM Vans, we’re not just building vans. We’re building something bigger: A more intentional, trustworthy, and real-life approach to vanlife. And now, the industry is taking notice. We’re incredibly proud to share that our founder, Dave, was recently recognized as an RV Pro’s “40 Under 40” honoree, a prestigious award that highlights rising leaders, … Read more
December 10, 2025
5 min read
All Articles
Why We Built It This Way: The Story Behind the 2026 Vans
Built from experience. Refined by real life. If there’s one thing we’ve learned after building 700+ vans and spending thousands of nights on the road ourselves, it’s this: A van isn’t defined by what it has. It’s defined by what it does for you. The 2026 DM Vans lineup wasn’t built around trends, aesthetics, or … Read more
November 26, 2025
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: The Best National Parks to Visit This Fall and Winter
Cooler temps, fewer crowds, easier campsites—here’s your 2025 van-life guide to the best national parks to visit this fall and winter, plus permits, road status, and planning tips.
August 28, 2025
5 min read
Fans vs. A/C: Choosing the Right Cooling Setup for Your Camper Van
Wondering how to keep your camper van cool? This field-tested guide compares dual Maxxair roof fans with 120V Dometic and 12V Nomadic Cooling X2 A/C systems—covering off-grid runtimes, recommended battery size (~400Ah), humidity control, costs, and best-for scenarios—plus practical tips like insulation, window covers, and cab-divider curtains.
August 19, 2025
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: LAKE TAHOE
Ready to explore the Jewel of the Sierra from the comfort of your camper van? This Lake Tahoe DM Vans Travel Guide covers the best places to camp, hike, paddle, eat, and unwind—plus insider tips for traveling with family, pets, and your gear. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or full-time van lifer, this one’s for you.
August 1, 2025
5 min read
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vs All Wheel Drive (AWD) Van Comparison: Understanding the Real Trade-offs
Stuck deciding between ProMaster, Sprinter, and Transit? We cut through the hype, crunch real costs, mpg, turning-radius specs, and service realities to reveal where FWD shines and when AWD is truly worth it. Spoiler: for 90 % of van-life miles, ProMaster delivers adventure without the premium price tag.
July 16, 2025
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: PORTLAND, OREGON
Portland is no stranger to #vanlife. We’ve got the inside scoop into how to visit Portland in your van, including where to park, what to do, and more.
July 8, 2025
5 min read
Top 5 Breathtaking Trails Every Hiker Should Experience
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June 30, 2025
5 min read
The Rise of the Adventure Van: DM Vans Featured Nationally on Viewpoint Project with Dennis Quaid
DM Vans is proud to be featured nationally on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, highlighting the rise of van life and showcasing authentic stories of adventure, freedom, and community. Premieres June 20!
May 28, 2025
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
On of the French Broad River and within an hour of the Smoky Mountains and Pisgah National Forest Asheville offers epic outdoor recreation and top notch breweries, museums, and restaurants. Learn everything you need to know to make the most of a van life visit to Asheville.
May 21, 2025
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: HUDSON VALLEY, NY
We’re headed east, to the Hudson Valley in New York. A popular getaway for NYC city slickers, the Hudson Valley is home to Woodstock, The Catskills, restaurants and breweries, world class museums, all in a van life friendly package.
May 13, 2025
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: DENVER + COLORADO’S FRONT RANGE
We’re bringing it a little closer to home, giving you everything you need to know about traveling to Colorado’s Front Range in your van. Learn why Colorado is a #vanlife hub!
May 9, 2025
5 min read
Planning Your First Van Life Adventure
Ready for your first vanlife adventure? This 2025 guide covers trip‑planning, packing, safety, and beginner‑friendly vehicle features—plus why DM Vans’ Lifestyle Vehicles® are the perfect springboard into road‑trip freedom.
May 9, 2025
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: MOAB
It’s officially desert season and we are visiting one of our favorite places for van travel: Moab. A popular destination for van lifers, car dwellers, and other nomads, Moab offers world-class mountain biking, rafting, hiking, and sightseeing.
May 1, 2025
5 min read
8 Sustainable Van Life Hacks To Reduce Your Footprint On The Road
Van life comes with some unavoidable environmental impacts, but these sustainable van life hacks will help you reduce your footprint as much as possible (and save you some money) while living on the road. Protecting the environment is deeply important to us as van lifers. Public lands and wild places are often the best (or … Read more
April 22, 2025
5 min read
Think Like a Van Lifer: a TED Talk by Co-Founder Matt Felser
I’ve always believed in the power of simplicity, but I never imagined my journey into van life would eventually lead me to giving a TED Talk. When I initially downsized, bought a van, and embraced life on the road, it was a personal experiment: Could I thrive in a mountain town, live happily on a teacher’s budget, and truly prioritize my love for the outdoors?
April 16, 2025
5 min read
5 Unexpected Perks of Van Life
At DM Vans, we believe van life should be accessible to everyone. While most people are drawn to this lifestyle for the obvious reasons—affordable housing, financial freedom, and easy travel—there’s a whole world of unexpected perks that make life on the road even more fulfilling.
April 14, 2025
5 min read
Liz Amazing x DM Vans: Is THIS an affordable reliable RV?
In her latest YouTube video, Liz Amazing highlights how DM Vans is redefining RV life with simple, reliable, and affordable camper vans. Hear directly from owners, see what sets us apart, and discover why more people are choosing a better way to hit the road.
April 11, 2025
5 min read
The Art of Living in the Present While on the Road
Artist Sam Rueter gives insight into traveling as a woman, mental health, self reflection, confronting our realities, healing through wide open spaces, and remaining present, all through the lens of van life.
April 9, 2025
5 min read
Introducing Our 30-Day Price Lock Guarantee
At DM Vans, we believe that van life should be accessible, empowering, and reliable — especially in times of change. As rising tariffs and supply chain shifts impact the auto and RV industries, pricing uncertainty has become more common. But we’re not about surprises. We’re about transparency, trust, and helping you hit the road with confidence.
April 8, 2025
5 min read
How Much Power Do I Need In My Van?
The easiest way to think about the power setup in your van is like a bucket of water. Your battery is the bucket. The more water in your bucket, the more capacity you have to run electrical devices in your van. The bigger your bucket, the more water you can put in it. In our case, you fill the bucket through solar panels and a smart isolator; you empty the bucket by running electrical accessories in your van.
April 8, 2025
5 min read
ProMaster v. Sprinter: Why choose RAM ProMaster over Mercedes Sprinter for your next RV?
When you're setting out on the adventure of van life, choosing the right vehicle can make all the difference. At DM Vans, we've built our brand around delivering unmatched value and reliability, utilizing the RAM ProMaster chassis as our foundation—and for good reason. Let's explore why the ProMaster isn't just a smart choice but the ultimate camper van for both seasoned RV enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
April 2, 2025
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: The Ikon Pass Midwest and East
Explore 11 Ikon Pass 2025 resorts across the Midwest and East with DM Vans’ ultimate van life guide. Discover winter camping tips, top skiing spots, and insider insights for an unforgettable road trip adventure.
March 22, 2025
5 min read
Maximize Your RV Rental Business with a Lifestyle Vehicle® from DM Vans
Travel the Open Road, Earn Steady Income, and Enjoy the Freedom of a Better Journey—All in One High-Quality, Affordable Camper Van. Why Start an RV Rental Business in 2025? Van life has captured the hearts of travelers seeking a deeper connection with the world around them—whether it’s waking up to mountain vistas, chasing coastal sunsets, … Read more
March 22, 2025
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: The Ikon Pass West
Explore the ultimate Van Life Winter Travel Guide: Ikon Pass West edition for top resorts, tips and tricks for the road, and epic ski and snowboard days!
March 14, 2025
5 min read
Want to Make Money by Owning an RV? Here’s How to Start and Grow a Profitable Rental Business
Want to make money by owning an RV? Not only can an RV provide endless adventures and memories for you and your family, but it can also serve as a powerful revenue-generating asset. With the rising popularity of van life and the growing demand for unique travel experiences, more people are discovering the dual benefits … Read more
August 29, 2024
5 min read
Finding Free Camping: Apps and Websites for Budget-Conscious Vanlifers
One of the best parts about van life is that every day, you can be in a new place if you want to be. The options are limitless! However, the freedom you gain by living and traveling in a van does come with some obstacles. Finding a place to safely park your rig every night … Read more
August 1, 2024
5 min read
Van Life on a Budget: Cost-Saving Tips & Hacks to Save Money
Van life can be affordable and fulfilling with these cost-saving tips There are many appealing benefits to van life. For example, your lifestyle is simple and compact, and you get to explore wondrous areas throughout the country. Another beneficial aspect of van living is that it can be a very cost-effective way to travel or … Read more
July 30, 2024
5 min read
Van Life with Kids: Creating a Fun and Functional Family Adventure
Gear up for your next big adventure, with the whole family in tow Van life isn’t just for adults — you can bring along the whole family. Van life with kids can be a super fun (and sustainable) way to travel, experience nature, and learn about the world. You get to enjoy the adventurousness that … Read more
July 2, 2024
5 min read
DM Vans vs. Traditional RVs
We know you're looking for more than just an RV. Our vans are built by adventurers for adventurers, offering a perfect mix of practicality, durability, and comfort, tailored for your lifestyle.
June 14, 2024
5 min read
Working Remotely on the Road: Essential Gear and Productivity Hacks
Explore the world while maintaining a productive and rewarding career Working remotely on the road, also known as digital nomadism, has transformed the modern workforce. It has changed the culture of work, from cutting out commutes to deciding whether or not to wear hard pants. Van lifers have taken full advantage of remote work’s perks. … Read more
June 14, 2024
5 min read
DIY Camper Van Maintenance: Easy Fixes You Can Do Yourself
Camper vans require a lot of simple DIY maintenance – and it’s a lot more rewarding and budget-friendly to do that maintenance yourself. Life on the road requires a high-performance van. We build our Lifestyle Vehicles with high quality parts and user-friendly design to make sure your adventures run smoothly. And while we pride ourselves … Read more
June 14, 2024
5 min read
6 Money Saving Tips For Van Life
One of the reasons we are so passionate about making van life accessible to all is our belief that anyone should be able to experience the financial freedom it offers.
June 5, 2024
5 min read
Living on the Road: Full-Time Van Life with a Dog
Explore the best of nature and life on the road by embarking on a van adventure with your bff. Picture this: you wake up in the Rockies on a brisk morning in September in your camper van. Your dog is looking up at you from his fuzzy bed, ready to go out and play. You … Read more
June 4, 2024
5 min read
Van Life Hacks for Couples: Sharing Your Tiny Space
Save space and enjoy van life with your significant other even more with these van life hacks If you are like us, you receive a lot of joy from traveling. You enjoy seeing new places, meeting new people, and having new experiences. Especially on four wheels. (That’s probably why you’re interested in a DM Van.) … Read more
May 13, 2024
5 min read
The Ultimate Camper Van Essentials Checklist: Gear, Supplies, and Tips for Organization
When you are new to van life, it's inevitable that you will pack too much and overcompensate what you think you need versus what you actually need. That's why it can be helpful to make a list of camper van essentials. Figuring out how to streamline what van life essentials you pack and how you … Read more
May 3, 2024
5 min read
Why the Ram Promaster is Perfect for Van Life
The Ram Promaster Cargo Van is the essential foundation of pre-built Class B camper vans because of its size, performance, fuel efficiency, customization, and reliability. If you want to live on the road, there are many vehicles to choose from. You can live in an old school bus or “schoolie” or yank out the back … Read more
April 25, 2024
5 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Class B Camper Van
The class-B camper van is the ideal recreational vehicle for weekend warriors, full-time digital nomads, and even van-living families. Road-tripping and camper vans, or recreational vehicles (RVs), have been at the forefront of overland travel since the very beginning of the automobile. That's because it's no secret that going on a road trip or living … Read more
April 15, 2024
5 min read
Van Life Essentials: Insuring Your Van
Van insurance can be confusing. We can help. While coverage and policies vary widely by state, this post will guide you through finding the right insurance for you—and how being RVIA-compliant can give you better coverage at a lower cost. Even Though Van Life Is Booming, Insurance Can Still Be Confusing The popularity of van … Read more
February 8, 2024
5 min read
DIVERSIFY VANLIFE: AN INTRODUCTION
This week we introduce the Dave and Matt Vans family to our friends at Diversify Vanlife. Read on to learn more about the important work they do in our community. We are proud to partner with Diversify and stoked to share and amplify their message.
September 4, 2023
5 min read
URBAN VAN LIFE: TIPS FOR LIVING AND TRAVELING IN A CITY IN YOUR VAN
Van life isn’t just about mountain views and wide-open spaces (although we are big fans of those!). Urban van life can provide an affordable alternative to rising housing costs, and the freedom to choose your location coupled with city amenities. We’ve taken a look at van life in a city can look like in our … Read more
September 4, 2023
5 min read
#VANLIFE HYGIENE: HOW TO STAY FRESH ON THE ROAD
It’s the first question people ask when someone says they live in their van, “But, how do you shower? How do you clean your clothes?” These questions are often followed by a humorous jab, “You and your van must stink!” (We don’t, and it doesn’t.) While staying fresh and clean on the road is a … Read more
August 25, 2023
5 min read
An UnconVANtional Book Tour: Follow Hillary Allen’s Journey in a DM Van
Follow professional trail runner Hillary Allen on her van life book tour across the West. Learn how her DM Van supports training, recovery, and the launch of her memoir “Out and Back.
June 11, 2023
5 min read
Which size RAM ProMaster is right for your next RV?
Unsure which size RAM ProMaster to use for your DM Vans conversion? Dave Ramsay, co-owner at DM Vans, is here to walk you through the three options available for 2025—LV3, LV5, and LV7—so you can pick the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
April 8, 2023
5 min read
Van Life Profile: Angela Linghu and Kevin Lian of Apotherie
Get a glimpse into the unique ways van life manifests in the real world. Meet Angela Linghu and Kevin Lian of APOTHERIE, an herbal apothecary founded around around traditional Chinese medicine.
June 6, 2022
5 min read
VAN LIFE TRAVEL GUIDE: The Eastern Sierras
The Eastern Sierra is a van lifer’s dream. We follow US 395 from Mono Lake to Lone Pine and give you everything you need to know about where to park for the night, where to eat, what to do, and more.
April 8, 2022
5 min read
A Van Life Q&A With Lovell & Paris of Novel Kulture
Recently we had the opportunity to work with two van lifers who have inspired us throughout our journey as a van company. Lovell and Paris of Novel Kulture are true trailblazers when it comes to using van life as a means of gaining financial independence, building wealth, and living a flexible lifestyle perfectly suited to … Read more
February 7, 2022
5 min read
The Best Van Life Gear We Saw AT Outdoor Retailer
Last week we attended the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show, the largest trade show for the outdoor industry. Our team did the legwork for you all and scoured the show floor to find the most useful pieces of gear for van lifers.
August 15, 2021
5 min read
Our 2020 Gratitude List: Giving Thanks Through A Pandemic
2020 has been a challenging year, to say the least, but the team at DM Vans took some time to reflect and came up with a list of things we’re grateful for this holiday season.
January 8, 2021
5 min read
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