Twin Lakes, just outside Leadville, Colorado. Twenty-five Geotrek vans. One weekend. And more honest feedback than we could’ve asked for.
This was our first official owners and fans meetup, and we wanted to know: What’s actually working? Where have you been? What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Here’s what they told us.
What Owners Love Most About Their Geotrek Vans
When we asked owners about their favorite feature, the answers weren’t about Instagram-worthy aesthetics. They were about function, simplicity, and freedom.
“We can pick up and go at a moment’s notice.” – Denah & Cindy
That theme came up again and again. “The ability to pack up with family, fur babies included, and hit the road without overthinking it. No extended setup. No complicated systems. Just turn the key and go.
“It drives like a car.” – Treve
Multiple owners mentioned how smooth the van handles. It’s such a smooth running machine, It’s almost like a car at this point.” For people putting serious miles on their vans, drivability matters as much as what’s inside.
“I love my kitchen.” – Madeline
The ability to stand up, make coffee, and start the day comfortably came up as a surprisingly important feature. For people living in their vans for extended periods, having that functional kitchen space transforms the morning routine from camping survival mode to actual living.
“The outdoor shower has been a lifesaver.” – Alex
For many owners, it’s one of those features you don’t fully appreciate until you’re out there using it — especially during long travel days or off-grid camping. “We’ve used it plenty of times,” one owner said. “It’s been really good for us.
Where Geotrek Owners Have Been
We asked about favorite destinations, and the list ranged from backyard adventures to cross-continent road trips.
- Twin Lakes, Colorado (where we were standing): “The view of the lake is ridiculous.”
- Whistler, Canada: Mountain biking and photography at its finest.
- Acadia National Park, Maine: The turnaround point on one couple’s East Coast road trip.
- Telluride and Glacier National Park, Montana: High on multiple owners’ lists.
- Baja, Mexico: “It’s gonna take a lot to beat that trip.”
- Alaska: The next big adventure for one couple.
What stood out wasn’t the destinations themselves — it was how casually owners talked about driving thousands of miles. No stress. No breakdowns. Just smooth travel in vans built to handle it.
The Best Advice from People Living It
When we asked what advice owners would give to someone new to van life, the answers were surprisingly consistent.
“Don’t wait. Get the van.”
This came up multiple times. “We talked about it for years before doing it and wished we’d done it sooner,” one couple said. Another owner echoed it: “If you’ve been thinking about doing it, now is the best time.”
The regret wasn’t buying the van. The regret was waiting so long to pull the trigger.
“Do your research — but don’t overthink it.”
“Join some Facebook groups. Get tips from other van lifers. There’s a lot of good information out there,” one owner recommended.
But just as many said: “Don’t wait. Just go talk to Geotrek.”
One owner spent six months researching. “Did a lot of research,” he said. “It’s the best one.”
“Don’t buy too much stuff.”
This advice came from multiple experienced van lifers. “Don’t buy too much crap,” one owner said. “Go out, see what you really need, and keep it simple.”
Another couple recommended starting with the base build and adding on as you learn what you actually use. “Get the base and kind of get on the road. Live in it a bit and feel it out. Figure out what you want. You can always do an add-on later.”
“Don’t skimp on the extras.”
On the flip side, several owners said they were glad they didn’t cut corners. “Take your time and don’t skimp on those extras,” one owner advised.
The message: Start simple, but invest in quality where it matters.
What This Meetup Meant to Us
Hearing directly from owners — not through reviews or emails, but face-to-face in the mountains — reminded us why we do this work.
These aren’t just customers. They’re people living the life we designed these vans for. And when 25 of them show up at 10,000 feet with their vans, their dogs, and their stories, it’s proof that we’re building something that actually works.
We’ll be doing more of these. If you’re a Geotrek owner and want to join the next one, stay tuned.
And if you’re still thinking about van life? Don’t wait.
