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Custom Camper Van Builds: Professional Van Conversions in Detroit
Transform your adventure dreams into reality with professionally built custom camper vans designed for your unique lifestyle. Based in Detroit, Drifter Vans delivers some of the best custom van conversions in the industry, combining comfort, durability, and off-grid capability with meticulous craftsmanship.

Paul Domish
Oct 244 min read


A Solo Female Vanlife Traveler on Loss, Legacy, and the Miles That Heal
By Sunny Lane | The Drift – Tales from the Road When solo female vanlife traveler Susan Lebold lost her husband to brain cancer in 2018, the life she knew fell away. In just a few short years, she had also said goodbye to her father and mother, and her son had grown and moved on into his own independent life. With the people she loved most now gone, Susan found herself standing at a crossroads—not just of grief, but of identity. "I didn't know how to live as a single, unattac

Sunny Lane
Oct 73 min read


Sound Healing Vanlife: Debra Fleeger’s Journey in a Van Named Padmani
By Sunny Lane | The Drift – Tales from the Road For Debra Fleeger, healing doesn’t live in one place. It resonates. It travels. It echoes...

Sunny Lane
Aug 213 min read


From 30 States to Alaska: The Journey of a Full-Time Vanlife Couple in Their Custom Campervan
By Sunny Lane, for The Drift Not every journey starts with a dramatic leap. Some begin with a slow realization, a whispered idea that...

Sunny Lane
Jul 253 min read


The Campervan Interior Design Process: How We Help You Create a Home on Wheels
By Sable Rhodes, for Drifter Vans Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Campervan Interior Design Process Before the first cabinet is built or fabric chosen, the journey of creating a beautiful campervan begins with something deeper—a conversation. For this piece, I spoke with Stephanie , one of our interior designers here at Drifter Vans. She walked me through the thoughtful, personalized process we use to design campervan interiors that are not only beautiful, but functional, durab

Sable Rhodes
Jul 254 min read


Working with a Van Builder from Out of State: Why Distance Doesn’t Mean Disconnection
Written by Paul Domish | The Drift There’s a moment in nearly every consultation where I can feel the question coming. It doesn’t come fast, or loud, or skeptical. It comes slowly—like a breath held in. A hesitation between someone’s dream and their doubt. “I love your work... but I’m just not sure. You’re so far away.” And I understand. We’ve been taught that trust grows in proximity. That to feel seen, we have to be standing in the same room. That if you can’t shake someone

Paul Domish
Jul 173 min read


Why She Chose Vanlife After Divorce
A New Chapter, Born in Silence She never came into the shop. We spoke over Zoom. A few phone calls. Some late-night emails. She was from a different state—miles away—but her story reached me loud and clear. Thirty years of marriage. Three grown kids. And then, just silence. Not peace. Silence that echoes. That kind of silence. She didn’t say it in so many words, but you could feel the truth between the lines. She had spent most of her life with someone, but not always as som

Paul Domish
Jul 113 min read


Vanlife Storage Solutions: VanEssential’s Rear Door Bags Reviewed
Jack Roadie, Chief of Stuff You Actually Need. Why Rear Door Storage Matters in Vanlife Builds There’s a dirty little secret in van building: no matter how clever your layout is, there’s always a few inches of real estate going to waste. One of the worst offenders? The rear door panels . For years, the guys in the shop (and plenty of clients) tried everything—nets, hooks, bungee hacks, even those stretchy hammock things from Amazon. They all worked… sort of. But none of it fe

Jack Roadie
Jul 32 min read


Residency for Full-Time Vanlifers: How to Stay Legal and Connected on the Road
Written by Tessa Wilde What Full-Time Vanlifers Should Know About Residency, Taxes, and Staying Connected There’s a question nearly every...

Tessa Wilde
Jun 273 min read


Custom Van Conversion vs Pre-Manufactured RV: What to Choose?
Thinking about hitting the road in your dream van but torn between a custom conversion and a pre-manufactured RV? In this post, Kim breaks down the pros and cons—from price and timeline to quality and customization. If you're after a build that feels truly like home and reflects your lifestyle down to the last detail, custom might be your answer. At Driftervans, no two vans are the same—just like no two adventures are.

Kim Lucine
Jun 64 min read


The Rolling Guest House: Why Retirees Are Choosing Camper Vans Over Guest Rooms
What if vanlife wasn’t about escape—but about coming home differently? More and more retirees are choosing campervans not to travel far, but to stay close. Whether it’s visiting family without being a burden or showing up for life’s big (and small) moments, a custom van offers freedom, comfort, and connection. At Drifter Vans, we design “rolling guest rooms” that help you be present—on your own terms.

Paul Domish
Jun 54 min read


Where to “Go” on the Go: Why a Portable, Composting Toilet is Optimal for your Camper Van
A portable composting toilet is a game-changer for van life—clean, eco-friendly, and off-grid ready. It’s low-maintenance, odor-resistant, and eliminates the need for black tanks or public restrooms. For those seeking freedom, privacy, and practicality on the road, it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

Jack Roadie
Apr 235 min read


Why a New Custom Camper Van is the Ultimate Van Life Investment
A custom camper van is more than a vehicle—it’s an investment in freedom, comfort, and how you live. Built around your needs and style, every detail is purposeful. Unlike off-the-shelf options, a custom build offers true functionality, lasting quality, and the freedom to roam—your way.

Tessa Wilde
Apr 15 min read


Camper Vans Ideas For Romantic Escapes: The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift for Adventure-Loving Couples
Forget flowers and chocolates—this Valentine’s Day, give the gift of adventure. A custom camper van turns every getaway into a romantic escape, built for connection, comfort, and life on the road. For couples who crave experiences over things, it’s the ultimate expression of love and freedom.

Tessa Wilde
Feb 95 min read


Building the Perfect RV Van Build: Custom Options for Every Adventure
Design a van that moves with you. From off-grid power to personalized layouts, a custom RV van build offers the freedom to choose every detail. Whether you're chasing remote trails or weekend escapes, it's adventure—your way.

Jessie Leonard
Jan 294 min read


What You Need to Build a Van: Essentials for the Ultimate Adventure Vehicle
From insulation to power systems, the right components turn a basic van into an adventure-ready home. Focus on layout, storage, and off-grid essentials to create a space that’s both functional and comfortable—built for the road, and for you.

Jessie Leonard
Jan 206 min read


Explore Connected with 6 Vanlife Tips for Remote Work in ‘25
Working remotely from a camper van in 2025 is more doable than ever. With the right setup—Wi-Fi boosters, power systems, and smart layout choices—you can stay productive and inspired on the road. These 6 tips will help you stay connected, efficient, and fully in flow, wherever you roam.

Jessie Leonard
Jan 135 min read


Mental Wellness on the Road for Solo Travelers
Solo van life is more than travel—it’s a reset. Time alone on the road creates space for clarity, reflection, and presence. From reduced stress to deeper self-connection, discover how mindful travel in a camper van can transform your mental and emotional well-being.

Tessa Wilde
Jan 97 min read


Travel in Style This Year: The Best Mercedes Sprinter Camper Vans for 2025
Ready to elevate your travel in 2025? Mercedes Sprinter camper vans offer the perfect mix of style, performance, and comfort. With custom layouts, premium materials, and off-grid capabilities, these builds turn every journey into a refined adventure—tailored to how you move.

Jessie Leonard
Dec 314 min read


Top Scenic Road Trip Routes in the U.S. for Retired Van Lifers
Retired and ready to roam? These scenic U.S. road trip routes are perfect for van lifers craving beauty, freedom, and a slower pace. From coastal drives to mountain passes, each route offers unforgettable stops and peaceful places to park, rest, and explore.

Jessie Leonard
Oct 27, 202412 min read
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