Top 5 Gems for Your Adventure Van Expedition

by | Feb 16, 2024 | All, Info

Embarking on a journey with your Van is an invitation to explore the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of North America. From coastal wonders to mountain retreats. Here are five destinations that perfectly complement the spirit of Roost Vans:

  1. Pacific Northwest, USA and Canada

The Pacific Northwest is a haven for van lifers, offering a blend of lush greenery, rugged coastlines, and vibrant cities. Take your Van along the Pacific Coast Highway. Explore Olympic National Park. Immerse yourself in the creative energy of Portland. Cross the border into Canada to discover the stunning landscapes of Vancouver Island. Or enjoy the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

  1. Baja California, Mexico

For those seeking a sun-soaked escape, Baja California beckons with its desert landscapes and pristine beaches. Navigate the scenic Baja Peninsula in your Roost. Camp by the Sea of Cortez. Indulge in the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine of towns like Todos Santos and La Paz. Baja offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for van enthusiasts.

  1. Rocky Mountains, USA and Canada

The Rocky Mountains provide a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Your Van is the perfect companion for this grand adventure. Roam through the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park. Traverse the Icefields Parkway in Canada. Or camp under star-studded skies in the mountainous landscapes of Colorado and Alberta. The Rockies offer a majestic backdrop for your van life journey.

  1. Newfoundland, Canada

For a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, set your Van on a ferry to Newfoundland. This eastern Canadian province boasts dramatic coastlines and charming fishing villages. You may also enjoy the otherworldly landscapes of Gros Morne National Park. Embrace the tranquility of this remote destination and discover the untamed beauty of the Atlantic.

  1. Utah’s Mighty Five, USA

Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion – are a must-visit for any van life enthusiast. Your Van is your ticket to exploring the red-rock wonders, towering canyons, and expansive vistas that define the southwestern United States. Camp in the heart of these natural wonders and witness the magic of the desert landscapes.

Roost Vans: Elevating Your North American Adventure

Roost Vans is not just a brand; it’s a companion for your unforgettable journey across North America. With our commitment to simplicity, innovation, and durability, your van life experience reaches new heights. Check out our Instagram Here! Your adventure awaits – let Roost Vans be your guide to the open road. 🌲🚐

Summer 2024 Van: The Procrastination Trap

by | Jan 8, 2024 | All, Info

Ah, the allure of van life—the freedom, the adventure, the wind in your hair as you traverse scenic landscapes. But hold on, aspiring van dwellers, before you hit the road. There’s a crucial element to consider: The timing of your van build. We’re here to spill the beans and give you some insider tips. This blog can make or break your dream of hitting the open road in style.

The Van-Build Frenzy

Picture this: February rolls around, and like clockwork, the Roost Vans phones light up with frantic calls from eager customers. The reason? The collective yearning for a van build that will be road-ready in time to enjoy the summer 2024. Roost’s innovative product line allows for extremely fast build time, but it’s not just about the duration of the build; it’s all about securing your spot on the schedule.

In the intricate dance of van building, timing is everything. If you’re eyeing a summer escapade in your newly built van, listen up. Most van builders, including Roost, operate on a schedule queue that hovers between four to six months. Winter might offer a breather, dipping to the lower end of the spectrum, but as spring approaches, so does the demand. By early march, most van builders will have their schedule booked out six months or more. This can turn your summer dreams into another year of anticipation.  

The Early Bird Gets the Van

Now, here’s the golden nugget of wisdom: If summer is your target, your best bet is to get the ball rolling by early February. Don’t wait until the sun peeks out, and the birds start chirping to secure your spot. Engage with your chosen van builder as early as possible. Try to reserve your spot on the schedule by early February. Missing this window might mean your dream van won’t hit the road until the fall.

DIY Dilemmas: A Twist in the Tale

For the hands-on enthusiasts opting for a DIY van build, the rules bend, but they don’t break. While DIYers don’t have to wait for the availability of our installers, there’s still a catch—lead times on essential components. Roost Vans can provide many of your build components with little or no lead time, but in the broader industry landscape lead times are a huge obstacle, and four to eight week lead times are not uncommon.  

Like building a house, a van build involves a lot of interdependent sequencing, with some stages of work reliant on the completion of others.  A six week lead time on a build component doesn’t just delay the build time for that part, but any portion of the build that follows.  Advance planning is key, and the sooner the start, the more likely you will spend your summer enjoying your van rather than working on the project.  

Roost Vans distinguishes itself by delivering interior build components promptly, providing DIYers with a huge head start. Nevertheless, a reality check is in order—DIY builders frequently underestimate the total time required for the entire process. Even in the realm of DIY, a mid-February to mid-March start is recommended to ensure your van is summer-ready.

Reserve Your Spot

Here’s a game-changer: you can secure your spot on the schedule with a deposit even as you’re on the hunt for the perfect van. While most builders may not explicitly offer this option, Roost Vans does. A small deposit with a solid plan can reserve your place on the build schedule, a proactive move that aligns your dream van’s completion with your envisioned timeline.

In the intricate ballet of van builds, Roost Vans doesn’t just offer a product; it provides a strategy for success. Whether you’re eyeing a professionally built van or embarking on a DIY adventure, heed the timeline. Mark your calendars, engage early, and let the road-tripping dreams unfold seamlessly. Your van life journey awaits, and with the right timing, it’s bound to be an adventure like no other.

Van Life Holiday and Gift Guide

by | Dec 14, 2023 | All, Info

The twinkling lights, the scent of pine, and the warmth of cocoa – the holiday season brings a sense of joy and togetherness. But what if your home is on wheels? Can you still capture the magic of Christmas while living the van life? Absolutely! In this guide, we’ll explore how to make Christmas in your van memorable and share a Van Life Gift Guide for those who call their van home.

Creating Christmas Cheer in Your Van

1. Roost Vans Tie Down brackets:
Discover the versatility of Roost Vans Tie-Down Brackets – the ultimate starting point for transforming your space! Elevate your van life experience by utilizing these brackets for various purposes, from hanging lights and stockings to showcasing ornaments and more. The possibilities are endless with Roost Vans Tie-Down Brackets!

2. Compact Christmas Tree:
Consider a tabletop or wall-mounted Christmas tree to bring the holiday spirit without taking up too much space. You can even craft your own tree using reclaimed materials.

3. Holiday Scents:
For safety reasons, try to avoid candles. Infuse your van with the scents of the season by hanging scented ornaments, or use an essential oil diffuser.

4. Van-Friendly Stockings:
Hang mini stockings on a Roost Vans tie down bracket, along the dashboard or on cabinet handles. Fill them with small treats, creating a festive touch without overwhelming your space.

5. Van Life Christmas Lights:
Embrace the charm of string lights. They’re not only festive but also provide cozy ambient lighting. Opt for solar-powered or rechargeable battery-operated lights to reduce excess wire. Use these tie downs to help manage wiring.

Van Life Christmas Gift Guide

Now, let’s explore some thoughtful gifts for your fellow van lifers or those aspiring to hit the road:

1. Compact Cookware Set:
A space-saving cookware set is a practical gift for van dwellers who appreciate home-cooked meals. Look for nesting pots, pans, and utensils designed for compact living. All one piece as not to lose anything, but compact and light.

2. Portable Coffee Maker:
Keep the caffeine flowing on the road with a portable coffee maker. Choose options like French presses or pour-over devices that don’t require electricity. An Aeropress with a built in mug and reusable filter is a great option.

3. Compact Camping Gear:
Consider space-efficient camping gear like collapsible chairs, foldable tables, and compact grills. Practical items that enhance outdoor living are always appreciated.

4. Van Life Books:
Feed the wanderlust with books about van life adventures. Whether it’s a captivating travel memoir or a practical guide to life on the road, a good read is a great gift.

5. Portable Heater or Blanket:
Help van lifers stay cozy during chilly nights with a portable heater or a quality, heated blanket. Look for options designed for outdoor or RV use.

6. National Park Pass:
The gift of exploration! A National Park Pass allows van dwellers to discover the beauty of nature while saving on entrance fees. It’s a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.

Van Life Christmas Memories

While celebrating Christmas in a van may require some creativity, the joy of the season can be fully embraced. Whether you’re decorating your compact space or gifting practical items for life on the road, the spirit of Christmas is about creating warm memories, no matter where your wheels take you. So, light up those fairy lights, sip on some hot cocoa, and make this holiday season a magical one in your cozy van home. Merry Christmas!

Navigating the Call of Nature: Toilets

by | Nov 10, 2023 | All, Product Updates

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Today, let’s dive into a topic that’s both a necessity and a challenge when you’re on the road: bathroom business in your van. We all know the deal – when nature calls, you have to answer. Doing so in a compact space like a van can be, well, a bit tricky, to say the least.

At Roost Vans, we understand the importance of accommodating families and their unique needs on the road. Our design philosophy centers around simplicity and practicality. We like to ensure that your adventure are memorable for all the right reasons. So, what’s our take on the whole “toilet in the van” situation? Let’s spill the beans.

The Smell Factor: It’s All About the Diet (and Kids!)

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the van – the smell. Admit it, no one enjoys dealing with unpleasant odors, especially in confined spaces. Your diet plays a significant role here. A healthy diet might mitigate the situation, but let’s face it, it’s not going to smell like roses. That’s where our experience as parents comes into play. We get it; dealing with potty training and late-night bathroom runs with little ones is part of the adventure.

The Roost Solution: The Loo Bench

So, what’s our solution? We’ve opted for a simple yet effective one – the Stansport EasyGo Loo, also known as a chamber pot. Paired with our carefully designed cabinet, the Loo Bench. Most of the time, it’s used for those inevitable midnight pee breaks or quick stops for the kiddos. As for the other business, well, we try to time our stops near flushing toilets.

The included Easy Go Toilet is easy to clean, chemical-free, and does not require electrical or water hookups. It is useable inside the cabinet, but can also be easily removed for cleaning or for use outside of the van… say, in a majestic forest. Quite simply, it is there when you need it, and invisible when you don’t.

The Loo Bench itself is custom-formed to the toilet and provides functional, and discreet storage. There is also a space for toilet paper and other toiletries and cleaning supplies. The spring-loaded, snug-fit lid of the cabinet, in conjunction with the tight seal of the Easy Go Toilet, minimizes unwanted odors until the contents can be properly dumped or buried.

The Toilet Options: Cassette Toilets, Composting Toilets, and More

Now, you might be wondering about other toilet options like cassette toilets, composting toilets, or the Laveo (also known at Roost Vans as the Diaper Genie). We’ve considered them all but ultimately settled for the chamber pot for its simplicity and cost. We took the KISS approach to our toilet solution. Cassette toilets come with chemicals and need care when disposing. Composting toilets tend to be larger, are complex and demand constant power for ventilation. Finally, the Laveo, while practical, still involves dealing with waste disposal. Essentially throwing another waste bag into the landfill as opposed to giving it back to the earth.

To Poop or Not to Poop: That is the Question

A question we often ask is, “Are you really going to take a poop in your van if you can avoid it?” We feel the answer is: probably not if you can avoid it. Finding a public restroom or a well-maintained outhouse is the preferred choice. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to stink up their cozy van space voluntarily. The Loo Bench is there for when you need it. Plain and simple.

In a nutshell, when it comes to van life and toilets, simplicity wins the day. Our approach at Roost Vans ensures that you can focus on the joy of the journey without worrying about complicated bathroom setups, and failures. So, next time nature calls, fear not – with a little planning and the right equipment, your van adventures will remain fresh and enjoyable. Happy travels, everyone!

Product release: Strap-Up Bed

by | Sep 22, 2023 | All, Product Updates

We are excited to announce the launch of our new product, the Strap-Up Bed! This is a very affordable and versatile bed for sprinter and transit vans. It is made from high-quality bamboo and is easy to install and remove.
Van lifers often struggle to find a comfortable and affordable bed for their vehicles.  Quick straps provide quick access to a ready made bed at nearly any height.

Traditional beds can be expensive and difficult to install. They can also take up a lot of space, which is not ideal for vans that are already limited on space. Our Strap-Up Bed is the perfect solution for van lifers who are looking for a comfortable, affordable, and versatile bed.

The Strap-Up Bed has a number of features and benefits that make it the perfect choice for van lifers:

Versatile.

The Strap-Up Bed can be configured in a variety of ways to fit your needs. In combination with the Fu-Kit Bed, it gives you a great solution for sleeping four people in the van… creating a bunk-bed system.

Easy to install and remove.

The Strap-Up Bed is easy to install and remove, even for people with limited DIY skills.

Easy Storage.

The Strap-Up Bed stores out of the way and provides a ready-made bed in an instant. This van bed system gives you the ability to raise your bed quickly all the way to the ceiling, or even lower it all the way down to the wheel wells. It gives you immediate and maximum flexibility of your garage.

Park Anywhere!

Another big benefit of the Strap-Up Bed system is that you are able to level the bed regardless of the angle at which your van is parked. If you are parked at an angle, you can adjust your bed to be completely flat.

To learn more about the Strap-Up Bed, visit the product page on our website or connect with us directly. We are confident that you will love this product as much as we do!