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Van Life in Colorado is Booming! Are You Ready?

We’ve all seen more than a few changes in our lives in the last few years. And now more of us than ever are working from home than ever. In 2020, 42% of workers reported that they were working remotely. That’s nearly half the country and a huge jump from the only 9% of workers who worked remotely before the pandemic. 

Without the need to go to the office, many Americans are rethinking their lifestyles. If you can work from anywhere, why not go everywhere? And so, more and more people are moving into vans and taking their homes on the road. 

Welcome to the “van life”.

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A hot spot for this movement is the van life in Colorado. Here, the industry that converts commercial vans into full-blown campers has exploded over the last few years thanks to the movement’s growing popularity.  The van conversion industry in Colorado has grown from just a small handful of companies to dozens of them.

van driving on curvy road in Colorado mountains

The Growth of the Colorado Camper Van Industry

One of Colorado’s biggest success stories is Dave and Matt Vans, who got their start converting vans in 2019. They’ve gone from a one-car garage operation to a full-sized campus, with a 50,000 square-foot factory on the way. They’ve made 250 campers in the last two years, and this year, they’re on track to build 300 more.

Dave and Matt Vans have become so successful they even have a direct partnership with Ram Trucks. They’re the only company in the country with a partnership like this, which gives them easier access to the vans they convert. But just what does conversion involve? 

This process starts with a cargo van, such as the Ram Promaster. Some convert used vans, while other conversions use vans that are fresh off the line. 

The first step is to strip down the van. This means removing everything inside the van, such as seating and flooring. From here, you have the blank slate that will become your camper. 

Next, a conversion will install the essentials. This means things like ventilation and insulation, as well as electric, gas, and water systems. From here, your options in converting a van are endless, and this is one of the big appeals of converting instead of buying a ready-made vehicle. 

The layout and furniture in your van can be set up exactly to your specifications. You’ll of course want a place to sleep and some storage. You may also add windows, solar panels, and other amenities to the van. 

Dave and Matt do hundreds of these conversions a year, but they’re far from the only option for anyone who wants to live the van life in Colorado. There are now plenty of these companies in the state, and all of them are seeing increased business. So, just why are so many Coloradans making the change to live in a van?

DIY Camper Van Conversions

Hiring a professional camper van converter isn’t the only option. With the growing number of van lifers out there, the internet is teeming with valuable information and do-it-yourself knowledge. One great resource for those who are handy is the Van Life Academy.

Inside Van Life Academy, you’ll find 100+ lessons divided into 5 modules that walk you through the process of living van life step-by-step including 4 different step-by-step van builds to build out your own van!

Why Do People Live the Van Life in Colorado?

There’s plenty of reasons people are drawn to the van life. For some, life in a van is a temporary escape from their main home. For others, it’s a full-time home. 

One of the biggest draws is the promise of adventure. Van life in Colorado can be a thrilling journey across the state. Who doesn’t want to wake up with the splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park outside their front door?

Without the constraints of a traditional house or an apartment, van lifers are free to go anywhere they like. That degree of flexibility is great for anyone with wanderlust and a desire to explore. But there’s another huge appeal to the van life: affordability

Without the need to pay for expenses like rent, living in a van can be a way to save money over time. And in the most competitive housing market in US history, purchasing a camper van is an attractive alternative to the currently exorbitant costs of buying a traditional home. It’s no surprise so many Coloradans are scrambling to make the change!

Will You Join the Colorado Van Life?

There’s perhaps never been a better time to take on the van life in Colorado. In our new work-from-home world, many of us are making big changes in our lives. And the boom in Colorado’s van conversion industry is proof. 

Whether you want to live the van life to save some money, take on a new adventure, or a little bit of both, the appeal is undeniable. And if you take the plunge, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be in good company!

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