Why Hans Chose the Flatiron: A Real Owner’s Review

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When Hans pulled into Lake Tahoe for Geotrek’s first-ever owner campout, he wasn’t just showing up in any van. He was rolling in his 2025 Flatiron—fresh off the lot, already tested on backroads, and ready to prove what it could do.

“This has been probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had owning a vehicle,” Hans said in his video tour, recorded right there at the meetup. And he’s owned plenty of vehicles.

For anyone considering a Flatiron, Hans’ story hits different. He’s not a brand ambassador or a paid reviewer. He’s a real owner who did the research, made the investment, and is now living the reality of what this van can actually handle.

Why Hans Went with Flatiron Over Bear Peak

Before Hans committed to the Flatiron, he did what most smart buyers do—he compared his options. Geotrek offers two Sprinter van conversions, and both are built to the same premium standard in Boulder on the 144″ Sprinter chassis. But Hans knew what he needed.

The Bear Peak is an incredible rig with all the essentials for adventure. But Hans wanted the enhanced features that come with the Flatiron—the upgraded BFGoodrich KO3 off-road tires, the Velit 2000R air conditioning system, the built-in shower with electric water heater, and the added capability for extended off-grid living.

For someone planning serious backcountry time, those additions made the difference. Both models deliver on Geotrek’s promise of premium materials and Boulder-built quality, but for Hans’ lifestyle, Flatiron was the clear choice.

First Impressions: The Features That Matter Most

The BFGoodrich KO3 Off-Road Tires

Hans didn’t wait long to put his Flatiron through its paces. Right out of the gate, he tested the BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires—and they impressed him immediately.

“I’ve already put these bad boys to the test and they have proven really well,” he told us. What surprised him most? How quiet they are on the highway. “Doing about 65, 70 miles an hour, you don’t even realize that they’re off-roads.”
That’s the kind of real-world detail you don’t get from spec sheets. Hans wanted a van that could handle dirt roads and mountain passes without sounding like a monster truck on pavement. The KO3s deliver.

The 10kWh Lithium Power System

For Hans, off-grid capability wasn’t a nice-to-have—it was essential. The Flatiron’s 10kWh power system gives him the freedom to camp anywhere without worrying about finding shore power or running a generator.

Hans is living that promise. Between the solar charging and the robust battery bank, he’s running his fridge, lights, water heater, and fan without ever thinking twice about his power budget.

The Espar Diesel Heater

Lake Tahoe in the mountains means cold mornings. Hans tested the Espar diesel heater on his first chilly night, and it became an instant favorite.

“I just turned that on this morning for about an hour. Heated up just like that. I went from like 55 degrees up to like 68.”
Fast, efficient, and reliable. When you’re waking up in the high country and need to take the edge off before coffee, that kind of performance matters.

MaxxFan for Airflow

One of Hans’ favorite “simple” features? The MaxxFan. He loves the flexibility of pairing it with the rear air conditioning fan to create serious airflow throughout the van.

“I actually turn the back air conditioner on, just the fan, and then this, and just get some really great air flow,” he explained. The fan flips open easily, and it’s become part of his daily routine for keeping the van comfortable in any weather.

Dometic Fridge: Bigger Than It Looks

Hans was initially concerned about fridge space—until he actually started using it.
“This looks like it’s a very small fridge, but it is absolutely huge. I’ve had no issues whatsoever fitting in as much food in that bad boy as possible.”

For anyone planning extended trips, that fridge capacity is a game-changer. Hans can stock up for a week or more without constantly hunting for grocery stores or dealing with a cooler full of melted ice.

And the Kitchen Sink

The Flatiron really does come with everything—including the kitchen sink. And Hans specifically called it out. “This sink is straight out of a really nice kitchen,” he told us, gesturing to the bamboo composite counters.

Geotrek’s attention to finish quality shows up in moments like this. It’s not just functional—it’s nice. The kind of thing that makes the van feel like home instead of just a place to sleep between adventures.

Thoughtful Design Meets Real-World Use

Beyond the headline features, Hans highlights the smaller design choices that make the Flatiron work in daily life.

Smart Storage Solutions

The bench seat isn’t just seating—it’s storage. Hans keeps all his gear tucked away inside, including a portable toilet for “those crucial situations.” Everything has a place, and the layout keeps the living space clean and organized.

He also loves the roof rails for keeping bulky gear up top, freeing up interior space for actual living.

The Swivel Seats and Convertible Living Space

The front seats swivel, and the lagoon table pops off and repositions throughout the van. Hans doesn’t use the passenger swivel much, but he appreciates the flexibility when he wants to create a larger social space or set up for a meal.

The curtains are another clever touch—they can drape over the backs of the swivel seats when they’re turned, so you don’t have to mess with all the window shades. Little things like this add up to a more livable space.

The Floor Mats (Trust Us on This One)

Hans brought his own rug from Walmart, but he also raves about the rubber floor mat that comes standard. It’s designed for the food and beverage industry—durable, easy to clean, and perfect for a van.

“I take this out, I put it down, I can wipe my feet on there before I get back in the van,” Hans explained. It’s the kind of practical detail that shows we actually thought about how people would use these vans, not just how they’d look in photos.

The Bed and Entertainment Setup

Hans set up a simple entertainment center with a phone mount zip-tied to the van’s frame. Lying in bed, he can watch movies or catch up on his favorite shows. The bed itself is comfortable enough for full-time living—something Hans can confirm after weeks on the road.

“You’re really comfortable,” he said simply. No complaints, no modifications needed. It just works.

The Bottom Line: Built to Go Farther

Hans didn’t buy the Flatiron because it looked cool (though it does). He bought it because it could handle the life he wanted to live—off-grid, on the move, and completely self-sufficient.

“Go out and get one, guys. This is a badass vehicle,” Hans said at the end of his tour.

He’s right. But don’t just take his word for it. Watch Hans’ full video tour to see every detail of his Flatiron in action.

Ready to build your own adventure? The Flatiron starts at $129,550, but builds are limited. Reserve your spot before they’re gone.
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