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camper van air conditioner

Best AC for Camper Van

When summer temperatures rise, having effective air conditioning in your camper van can mean the difference between chill summer nights and sticky, uncomfortable ones. Whether you’re living in your van full-time, taking it out for weekend adventures, or planning a cross-country road trip, choosing the right air conditioning system is an absolute van life essential. In this guide, we’ll dive into how different types of camper van air conditioners work, explore the best options available, and share tips for staying cool without relying heavily on power. A Quick Note on How AC Works Air conditioning units work by removing heat from the air inside your camper van and expelling it outside, leaving the interior cool and comfortable. The process involves a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air inside the van and releases it outside through a series of coils and a fan. This continuous cycle of heat absorption and expulsion is what keeps the air

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Geotrek salida shoot

15 Remote Jobs That Are Van-Life Friendly

Van life offers the freedom to explore while still making a living, but it also requires a job that allows for flexibility and mobility. Luckily, remote work and gig opportunities have expanded, offering van lifers a wide range of options to sustain their lifestyle. If you’re ready to hit the road and need ideas to fund your journey, here are 15 jobs that can help you live life on your terms. 1. Freelance Writer Freelance writing is a top choice for van lifers because it only requires a laptop and internet connection. You can write blogs, articles, marketing copy, or even ghostwrite for clients. Popular platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great for finding gigs, but building a personal portfolio and pitching to companies directly can lead to higher-paying, long-term clients. Qualifications: Writing skills and a niche (like tech, travel, or finance) can give you an edge. 2. Virtual Assistant As a virtual assistant, you’ll handle

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The Van Lifer’s Guide To Hiking In Boulder

The Van Lifer’s Guide To Hiking In Boulder, CO

Our Favorite Hiking Spots Near Boulder, Colorado(Trust us, We’re Locals) Boulder, Colorado is a hiker’s paradise. With the Flatirons, foothills, and forests all within reach, it’s no wonder that outdoor enthusiasts flock to Boulder to enjoy the scenic trails. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging adventure, Boulder has a variety of hikes that cater to all skill levels.   1. Chautauqua Trail​ The Chautauqua Trail offers stunning views of the iconic Flatirons, and it’s a great introduction to Boulder’s hiking scene. As you ascend, the expansive views of Boulder below and the majestic rock formations ahead create a classic Boulder hiking experience. How to Get There: The trailhead is located at Chautauqua Park, just a short drive from downtown Boulder. There is parking available, though it fills up quickly on weekends. Dog-Friendly: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Tips Difficulty: Moderate. While it’s a shorter hike (around 3.6 miles round trip), the

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van life shower ideas

Van Talk: Do I Really Need a Shower in My Van? (TLDR; No)

Do I Really Need a Shower in My Van? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives   When planning a van build, you might ask yourself, if sacrificing precious square footage for a shower or bathroom situation is worth it. The short answer? It’s not. While the idea of having a shower sounds nice, most van lifers find that it’s not a must-have. There are tons of ways to stay clean on the road without sacrificing precious space.    Pros of Having a Built-in Shower Sure, there are some upsides to having a shower in your campervan, so let’s start with the good stuff. Convenience Who wouldn’t love to hop into a shower whenever they want? After a long day of adventuring or hiking, a quick rinse inside your van can feel like a little slice of heaven. No need to hunt down a gym or campground—you’ve got it right there. Privacy Showering in the wild can feel pretty

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RVIA Builder Shot

Your Guide To RVIA Certifications: Staying Safe on the Road

When embarking on the journey of purchasing a conversion camper van, RV, or any mobile adventure vehicle, one of the most crucial considerations is ensuring that your rig meets the highest standards of safety and quality.This is where RVIA certifications come into play.   What is RVIA? RVIA stands for Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. It is an organization dedicated to setting and upholding standards for the RV industry. Whenever you see the RVIA tag on the door, it certifies that your manufacturer adhered to strict guidelines covering various aspects of RV construction and safety.   Why Does RVIA Certification Matter? Safety Assurance RVIA certification ensures that each van is built with safety as a top priority. This includes measures to mitigate fire hazards, ensure structural strength, and prevent electrical and plumbing failures. For travelers and adventurers, knowing that their RV meets these safety standards provides peace of mind on the road. Quality and Reliability RVIA Certified vans undergo

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7 Reasons Bamboo Is the Best Wood Choice For Campervan Conversions

When it comes to building out your dream campervan, choosing the right materials is crucial. From durability to aesthetics to weight, every choice impacts the overall quality and feel of your van. One material that stands out in the world of campervan conversions is bamboo. Known for its strength, sustainability, and versatility, bamboo is becoming a popular choice for benches, cabinetry, and shelving in campervans. Here’s why bamboo is the best wood option for your campervan conversion!   1. Sustainability: A Green Choice Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials available. Unlike traditional hardwoods, which can take decades to mature, bamboo grows rapidly. It can reach maturity in just 3-5 years. This quick growth rate makes bamboo a renewable resource that can be harvested without causing significant environmental impact. Choosing bamboo for your campervan conversion supports sustainable practices and reduces your carbon footprint!   2. Strength and Durability Despite being lightweight, bamboo is incredibly strong.

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how to live in a camper in the winter

Weathering Life On The Road: How To Winterize Your Van

For many, van life is a way to explore freedom, travel on their terms, and enjoy the great outdoors year-round. But when winter comes, living in a camper brings unique challenges. Whether you’re already on the road or planning to hit the highways in colder months, understanding how to live in a camper in the winter is essential. With preparation and some helpful tips, van life in winter can be comfortable and rewarding!   What You’ll Face in the Winter Living in a camper during winter isn’t as simple as parking and staying warm. You’ll face some challenges that can make daily life more complicated than RV winter living in the warmer months. Winter Driving Conditions Snow, ice, and slick roads present significant risks for any vehicle, but more so for campers and RVs, which are heavier and harder to maneuver. Reduced traction and visibility can lead to accidents or getting stuck. A few tips: Get

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campervan conversion process with bamboo

Best Insurance for Camper Van Conversions (& How to Get it)

Whether you’re living the van life full-time, taking weekend getaways, or planning to rent it out, insuring your camper van is a necessary evil of van life. The right insurance policy can protect you from financial loss, cover your belongings, and give you peace of mind while you’re out on the road. To help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of camper van insurance, we’ve put together this guide. Our goal is to help you save money, avoid headaches, and ensure you’re fully covered. To read more insights for Geotrek clients, check out our van life financing and insurance guide (plus 10% off insurance rates with Roamly)!   Auto Insurance vs. Class B RV Insurance When it comes to insuring a camper van conversion, one of the first questions you’ll ask is whether you need regular auto insurance or Class B RV insurance. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:   Auto Insurance If your camper van

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7 Reasons Bamboo Is the Best Wood Choice For Campervan Conversions

When it comes to building out your dream campervan, choosing the right materials is crucial. From durability to aesthetics to weight, every choice impacts the overall quality and feel of your van. One material that stands out in the world of campervan conversions is bamboo. Known for its strength, sustainability, and versatility, bamboo is becoming a popular choice for benches, cabinetry, and shelving in campervans. Here’s why bamboo is the best wood option for your campervan conversion!   1. Sustainability: A Green Choice Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials available. Unlike traditional hardwoods, which can take decades to mature, bamboo grows rapidly. It can reach maturity in just 3-5 years. This quick growth rate makes bamboo a renewable resource that can be harvested without causing significant environmental impact. Choosing bamboo for your campervan conversion supports sustainable practices and reduces your carbon footprint!   2. Strength and Durability Despite being lightweight, bamboo is incredibly strong.

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best van security systems

How To Feel Safe & Secure Wherever You Go

 Van life has become increasingly popular, offering the freedom to travel and live on the road. The appeal of waking up to new landscapes, the flexibility of location, and the minimalist lifestyle draw many to this unconventional way of living, especially in the age of the remote worker. But no matter where your travels take you, you should always feel safe and at home in your campervan. Let’s talk about why staying alert and aware on the road is critical to van lifers everywhere!   Why to Prioritize Security in Van Life When your home is on wheels, it can be targeted by thieves looking for valuable items or the vehicle itself. Break-ins can happen anytime, especially when parked in unfamiliar or secluded areas. The potential risks include: Theft of the van or its contents Break-ins Personal safety threats   How to Avoid Putting Your Van at Risk Preventative measures are the first line of defense

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Geotrek salida shoot

15 Remote Jobs That Are Van-Life Friendly

Van life offers the freedom to explore while still making a living, but it also requires a job that allows for flexibility and mobility. Luckily, remote work and gig opportunities have expanded, offering van lifers a wide range of options to sustain their lifestyle. If you’re ready to hit the road and need ideas to fund your journey, here are 15 jobs that can help you live life on your terms. 1. Freelance Writer Freelance writing is a top choice for van lifers because it only requires a laptop and internet connection. You can write blogs, articles, marketing copy, or even ghostwrite for clients. Popular platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great for finding gigs, but building a personal portfolio and pitching to companies directly can lead to higher-paying, long-term clients. Qualifications: Writing skills and a niche (like tech, travel, or finance) can give you an edge. 2. Virtual Assistant As a virtual assistant, you’ll handle

Read More »
The Van Lifer’s Guide To Hiking In Boulder

The Van Lifer’s Guide To Hiking In Boulder, CO

Our Favorite Hiking Spots Near Boulder, Colorado(Trust us, We’re Locals) Boulder, Colorado is a hiker’s paradise. With the Flatirons, foothills, and forests all within reach, it’s no wonder that outdoor enthusiasts flock to Boulder to enjoy the scenic trails. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging adventure, Boulder has a variety of hikes that cater to all skill levels.   1. Chautauqua Trail​ The Chautauqua Trail offers stunning views of the iconic Flatirons, and it’s a great introduction to Boulder’s hiking scene. As you ascend, the expansive views of Boulder below and the majestic rock formations ahead create a classic Boulder hiking experience. How to Get There: The trailhead is located at Chautauqua Park, just a short drive from downtown Boulder. There is parking available, though it fills up quickly on weekends. Dog-Friendly: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Tips Difficulty: Moderate. While it’s a shorter hike (around 3.6 miles round trip), the

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van life essentials

Van Build Essentials You Won’t Regret Buying

Living the van life offers freedom and flexibility, allowing you to explore new places while maintaining a mobile lifestyle. To make your van life experience comfortable and efficient, having the right essentials is crucial. Our team at Geotrek has insights into the must-have items for successful van living.   Essential Items for Van Life Sleeping Setup A good sleeping setup is important for restful nights. Make sure you have: A high-quality mattress or sleeping pad (we include a mattress with each Geotrek build) A warm blanket for those chilly nights (check out the Rumpl Puffy Blanket. You’ll take us later) A set of window covers for all of the windows and vents (like the Maxxair Fan) in your van. VanEssential’s 4-season window covers ensure comfort year-round, keeping you cozy in winter and cool in summer. They double as blackout curtains, offering total darkness for undisturbed sleep-ins or privacy for late-night van parties. Enjoy every moment, knowing

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The Ultimate Guide to Cooking in Your Camper Van

Living the van life is an incredible experience, but the logistics (unnecessarily) prevent many people from making the plunge. For instance, cooking in your van can seem daunting, but it really just requires some extra planning and thought. This is the fun part! A few initial tips: Because you’ll have limited storage for food, cooking tools, and water, consider planning your food plan out 5 days in advance (depending on your fridge capacity). Make a list before grocery shopping, and try to plan meals with overlapping ingredients. Stock up on essentials before getting in the middle of nowhere. You’d be surprised how much the little things cost at a mom-and-pop convenience store. Get used to not making everything from scratch.   Meal Planning for Van Life Create a weekly meal plan that incorporates a variety of fresh, non-perishable, and frozen ingredients to ensure you have a balanced diet. When shopping for groceries, prioritize items with a

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The Best Van Life Parking Apps for a Smooth Road Trip

For van lifers, the open road is our home, and every new destination brings a fresh sense of excitement. Yet, one of the biggest challenges we face is finding safe, reliable, and convenient parking spots for our homes on wheels. Thankfully, there are plenty of apps that can make this task easier.  We’ve compiled the most helpful apps to help you find parking for your van or RV.   1. IOverlander Pricing: free What reviews are saying: Users appreciate the detailed information and community updates. However, some report that data accuracy can vary by region. IOverlander is a community-driven app that helps travelers find camping spots, dump stations, and other useful locations. Users contribute to the database by adding new spots and providing updates on existing ones. The app covers a wide range of locations worldwide, making it a reliable resource for those who travel extensively. It includes detailed information about each spot, such as amenities, fees,

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camper van air conditioner

Best AC for Camper Van

When summer temperatures rise, having effective air conditioning in your camper van can mean the difference between chill summer nights and sticky, uncomfortable ones. Whether you’re living in your van full-time, taking it out for weekend adventures, or planning a cross-country road trip, choosing the right air conditioning system is an absolute van life essential. In this guide, we’ll dive into how different types of camper van air conditioners work, explore the best options available, and share tips for staying cool without relying heavily on power. A Quick Note on How AC Works Air conditioning units work by removing heat from the air inside your camper van and expelling it outside, leaving the interior cool and comfortable. The process involves a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air inside the van and releases it outside through a series of coils and a fan. This continuous cycle of heat absorption and expulsion is what keeps the air

Read More »
van life shower ideas

Van Talk: Do I Really Need a Shower in My Van? (TLDR; No)

Do I Really Need a Shower in My Van? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives   When planning a van build, you might ask yourself, if sacrificing precious square footage for a shower or bathroom situation is worth it. The short answer? It’s not. While the idea of having a shower sounds nice, most van lifers find that it’s not a must-have. There are tons of ways to stay clean on the road without sacrificing precious space.    Pros of Having a Built-in Shower Sure, there are some upsides to having a shower in your campervan, so let’s start with the good stuff. Convenience Who wouldn’t love to hop into a shower whenever they want? After a long day of adventuring or hiking, a quick rinse inside your van can feel like a little slice of heaven. No need to hunt down a gym or campground—you’ve got it right there. Privacy Showering in the wild can feel pretty

Read More »
RVIA Builder Shot

Your Guide To RVIA Certifications: Staying Safe on the Road

When embarking on the journey of purchasing a conversion camper van, RV, or any mobile adventure vehicle, one of the most crucial considerations is ensuring that your rig meets the highest standards of safety and quality.This is where RVIA certifications come into play.   What is RVIA? RVIA stands for Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. It is an organization dedicated to setting and upholding standards for the RV industry. Whenever you see the RVIA tag on the door, it certifies that your manufacturer adhered to strict guidelines covering various aspects of RV construction and safety.   Why Does RVIA Certification Matter? Safety Assurance RVIA certification ensures that each van is built with safety as a top priority. This includes measures to mitigate fire hazards, ensure structural strength, and prevent electrical and plumbing failures. For travelers and adventurers, knowing that their RV meets these safety standards provides peace of mind on the road. Quality and Reliability RVIA Certified vans undergo

Read More »
how to live in a camper in the winter

Weathering Life On The Road: How To Winterize Your Van

For many, van life is a way to explore freedom, travel on their terms, and enjoy the great outdoors year-round. But when winter comes, living in a camper brings unique challenges. Whether you’re already on the road or planning to hit the highways in colder months, understanding how to live in a camper in the winter is essential. With preparation and some helpful tips, van life in winter can be comfortable and rewarding!   What You’ll Face in the Winter Living in a camper during winter isn’t as simple as parking and staying warm. You’ll face some challenges that can make daily life more complicated than RV winter living in the warmer months. Winter Driving Conditions Snow, ice, and slick roads present significant risks for any vehicle, but more so for campers and RVs, which are heavier and harder to maneuver. Reduced traction and visibility can lead to accidents or getting stuck. A few tips: Get

Read More »
campervan conversion process with bamboo

Best Insurance for Camper Van Conversions (& How to Get it)

Whether you’re living the van life full-time, taking weekend getaways, or planning to rent it out, insuring your camper van is a necessary evil of van life. The right insurance policy can protect you from financial loss, cover your belongings, and give you peace of mind while you’re out on the road. To help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of camper van insurance, we’ve put together this guide. Our goal is to help you save money, avoid headaches, and ensure you’re fully covered. To read more insights for Geotrek clients, check out our van life financing and insurance guide (plus 10% off insurance rates with Roamly)!   Auto Insurance vs. Class B RV Insurance When it comes to insuring a camper van conversion, one of the first questions you’ll ask is whether you need regular auto insurance or Class B RV insurance. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:   Auto Insurance If your camper van

Read More »
camper van floor insulation

The Best Heating Options for Your Camper Van

If you’re planning to travel in the winter or reside in colder climates, having an effective heating system in your van is essential for comfort and safety. The Geotrek team is Colorado-based, so we’re no strangers to van life during the winter months.  We’ve created this guide to help you decide which camper van heating option is right for you depending on your budget, van size, lifestyle, and desire to mess around with a heating system Before You Buy a Heating System If you’re wondering how to heat a camper van, consider the following before purchasing or installing any of these heating options: Budget and Lifestyle Your budget and lifestyle will significantly influence your choice of heating system. Some options require a higher upfront investment but offer lower ongoing costs. Others might be cheaper to install but more expensive (or time-consuming) to operate over time.  Also consider how often you’ll need the heat. All winter? For

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