Vanaconda Customs

06/18/2026

06/16/2026

Tips for selecting an appropriate campervan mirror:
Material Choice: Glass vs. Acrylic
​Acrylic (Plastic) Mirrors: Highly recommended for mobile builds. They are virtually shatterproof, incredibly lightweight, and won't present a safety hazard if you hit a rough patch of road. The catch: Cheap, thin acrylic flexes easily, creating a funhouse distortion effect. If you go with acrylic, ensure it is at least 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick and mount it to a perfectly flat, rigid backing (like Baltic birch or composite ply) to keep the reflection true.
​Tempered or Safety-Backed Glass: If you absolutely want the flawless clarity of real glass, it must be tempered or have a safety film backing so it won't shatter into dangerous shards if an accident occurs.

06/15/2026

Want your table saw to slide materials smoothly years down the road? I find the best way to protect my cast-iron table saw top is to occasionally rub on a coat of paste wax. This gives me a nice, slick top for easier material feeding, and if I drip glue on the surface, it won’t stick. It also helps prevent surface rust when the air is humid.

06/12/2026

Personally, I'm loving what I see so far, and I am happy to see a compact cargo van returning to the US market. Is it just me, or does the new City kinda look like a Mercedes Metris and the old Promaster City made a baby?!?

Increased Dimensions:

The new model is nearly two feet longer than its predecessor, totaling approximately 210 inches in length.

The wheelbase has been extended from 122.4 inches to 129 inches.

Despite being larger, it maintains an overall height of under 80 inches (specifically 76.7 inches) to ensure it fits in most parking garages.

Enhanced Capability:

Cargo Space: Offers up to 173 cubic feet of volume, a significant increase from the previous 131.7 cubic feet.

Load Floor: Features a 111-inch load floor (over nine feet), wide enough to fit two standard U.S. pallets or 4x8 sheets of plywood.

Payload and Towing: Both are rated at approximately 2,000 pounds.

Powertrain and Performance:

Every version is equipped with a 166-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels; all-wheel drive is not available.

It retains a 42-foot turning radius, which is nearly identical to the smaller outgoing model.

06/11/2026

Throwback Thursday! Ramblin' Ram the campervan. https://youtu.be/sy9E8R19SKk?si=ZcXJgYmjZnpHrE8u

06/10/2026

What's your ideal bed design for a compact or micro campervan?

06/09/2026

Can we take a moment for these sexy screwless transitions?! I know gold accents are not for everyone, but in this build, I ask you to trust the creative process ;-).

06/08/2026

This week: fixed vs. portable solar panels for your van!
Fixed Solar Panels
Pros:
* Convenience: Once installed, no daily setup.
* Space-Saving (Interior): Frees up valuable interior space.
* Consistent Power: Charges as long as there's sunlight, even while driving.
Cons:
* Limited Flexibility (Sun Angle/Shade): Must move van for optimal sun, poor efficiency in shade or low sun angles.
* Installation Complexity/Cost: Requires drilling, wiring, higher upfront cost.
* Heat Sensitivity: Can overheat on roof, reducing efficiency/lifespan.
* Cleaning: Difficult to clean, leading to lower efficiency if dirty.
* Potential for Drag: Can create aerodynamic drag depending on setup.
Portable Solar Panels
Pros:
* Flexibility & Optimal Sun Exposure: Position panels to follow the sun, even if van is shaded, maximizing power.
* Ease of Use/No Installation: Simple setup, no permanent install.
* Versatility: Can power devices outside the van; compact storage.
* Better Efficiency: Angling yields more power per watt than flat fixed panels.
* Cooler Operation: Better airflow keeps them cooler and more efficient.
* Stealth: No roof panels for a discreet look.
Cons:
* Storage Space: Takes up interior space when not in use.
* Setup Time/Effort: Requires daily setup and takedown.
* Tripping Hazard: Wires can be a hazard.
* Security Risk: More susceptible to theft if left unsecured.
Which is best for you? It depends on your camping style and power needs!

06/05/2026

I just love a lighted recessed wall cubby in a compact camper van. Added storage, accent lighting and maximized use of otherwise underutilized space for the win!