Van•Nois•Seur Podcast

How do you choose the right van when more options create more confusion? Sami of Project Van Life tells Hank Strange why informed buying starts with balancing budget, quality and lifestyle needs. They discuss comparing van builders and manufacturers, transparent pricing, owner feedback, RVIA certification, service and resale value, plus why 80% of buyers still want help from a real person.

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(0:00) Live Intro and Audio Check

(2:00) Project Van Life Origins

(5:47) Information Overload in Van Shopping

(12:43) Budget Versus Quality Balance

(18:05) RVIA Certification and Service

(21:50) Old Way of Buying Vans

(26:21) Van Advisor and Dealer License

(29:07) Vandalizer Search Experience

(42:45) Reviews, Reputation, and Owners

(48:47) Pickup Options and Order Flow

(55:20) Vetting Service Before You Buy

(1:00:14) Pricing Data and Negotiation Tools

Hank Strange joins Sunshine State RVs to talk about the Hershey RV Show, the pros and cons of RV shows, and tips for RV buyers. They also discuss dealership pricing, trade-ins, buying used RVs, inventory challenges, RV storage and maintenance, and what buyers should know before making a purchase.

(0:00) Introduction, welcome, and episode overview with Sunshine State RVs

(2:26) Importance and benefits of RV shows

(3:01) Upcoming Hershey RV Show and chocolate-themed town

(6:09) Midwest hybrid system overview and benefits

(10:30) Pros and cons of attending RV shows

(17:52) Storing RVs, battery maintenance, and best camping spots during Hershey Show

(21:06) Sponsor: Coachmen

(21:45) Attending live shows and dealing with technical issues

(25:05) Unique aspects and crowd management at Hershey RV Show

(31:17) RV show pricing, value, and market trends

(36:00) Comparing dealership experiences and pricing strategies

(41:22) RV ownership philosophies and dealership responsibilities

(43:39) Options for trading in, buying used, and benefits of slightly used RVs

(50:04) Best-selling RVs and current trends at Sunshine State RVs

(54:10) Challenges in maintaining RV inventory and new model prospects

(58:40) Importing foreign RV brands to the USA

(1:01:09) Keys to success in the RV dealership business

(1:04:45) Building customer relationships, trust, and continuous service improvement

(1:06:29) New dealership opening and tour

(1:08:24) Closing remarks, welcoming Canada Mike, and show wrap-up

Hank Strange sits down with Coachmen’s Tanner Carroll to talk about the evolution of Class B camper vans and what’s next for Coachmen. They discuss Tanner’s RV industry background, customer feedback, overlanding, modular designs, bathroom space, custom vans, new air-conditioning technology, lithium power systems, and future Coachmen projects.

(0:00) Intro, episode and guest introduction

(2:20) Tanner Carroll's background and transition to Coachmen

(3:50) Coachmen's new role, swag, and Forest River's open house

(7:39) Tanner's career journey: dealership to Storyteller Overland

(10:15) History and evolution of Class B vans

(15:51) Coachmen's approach to Class B vans and Nick Recchio

(18:50) Customer and local dealership interactions

(20:47) Upcoming events and community engagement

(21:06) Sponsor: Coachmen Class B

(21:48) Overlanding influence on Coachmen’s future projects

(23:01) Defining overlanding: vehicles, versatility, and Google AI's view

(27:32) Coachmen's direction and Tanner’s role

(29:35) Exploring Arkansas: camping, overlanding, and expanding dealerships

(32:05) Mountain biking in Bentonville and van life

(33:45) Coachmen's potential entry into the overland market

(35:15) Key features for overland-specific vans

(40:18) European vs. American van markets

(43:48) Factors affecting van costs

(46:08) Importance of bathroom space and modular systems

(49:10) Impact of custom vans and concept of a "bones van"

(54:12) Factory-installed lithium systems and insulation

(57:24) Advances in AC technology and key van features

(1:05:00) Contacting Coachmen for support

(1:06:23) Recap, acknowledgments, and closing remarks

Hank Strange sits down with Remote Vans President Andrew Cooley to talk about the growth of Remote Vans, what today’s camper van buyers expect, and where the Class B RV market is headed. They discuss Andrew’s background in the RV industry, Remote Vans’ rapid growth and Inc. 5000 recognition, dealership and service culture, new innovations, future chassis options, current rebates, and what’s next for the company.

(0:00) Introduction, episode launch, and guest introduction

(2:33) Andrew Cooley's new role at RemoteVans

(3:01) Overview of the van industry and RemoteVans' unique selling points

(4:23) Origin of RemoteVans and Andrew's background in the RV industry

(10:14) Why Andrew joined RemoteVans

(14:35) Growth of the van segment in the RV market

(17:07) Customer expectations, service quality, and van life advantages

(19:28) Personal experiences with van life

(19:54) Achievements of RemoteVans: Inc. 5000 list

(21:08) Challenges in the RV industry

(24:45) Remote's approach to RV manufacturing and future chassis options

(27:21) Criteria and importance of dealership culture

(37:46) Innovations in Remote vans

(42:27) Current rebate offers from Remote

(43:49) Demand trends in the Class B RV market

(47:08) Tax breaks, financial incentives, and L Track systems

(49:23) Maximizing space and evolving van life customer base

(52:40) Upcoming trade shows and events for Remote Vans

(55:01) The role and future of RV dealerships and dealer partnerships

(1:04:34) Final thoughts and personal camping preferences

(1:07:19) Episode wrap-up, thank yous, and anticipation for future content

(1:08:51) Appreciation for the audience and episode end

On this episode, Andrew shares his personal background and the path that led him to the overland adventure vehicle world. We also explore Storyteller’s approach to innovation, design, and long-term product vision—including how they create vehicles that push the boundaries of functionality, capability, and user experience.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome with Andrew Cooley

(1:53) RV shows, van sightings, and Storyteller Overland's founding

(6:26) Backgrounds of Storyteller Overland co-founders

(10:56) Inspiration and early days of Storyteller Overland

(12:56) Vandemonium, Elkhart insights, and van life vs. RV lifestyle

(18:57) Features and audience questions about Storyteller Overland vans

(24:44) Van life spirituality and considering a Ford Transit platform

(29:14) Storyteller's Mercedes Benz partnership and COVID challenges

(32:17) Transition to Class B vans and impact of see-through pricing

(40:12) Expansion into larger expedition vehicles and industry collaborations

(43:00) Expedition vehicles' capabilities and StoryTeller's market vision

(47:35) Vehicle design, customer service, and audience feedback

(50:40) Accessibility and customization of expedition vehicles

(57:32) Handling of StoryTeller's larger vehicles and product teasers

(59:21) Adventure trailers, motorized units, and Storyteller's R&D

(1:06:14) Storyteller's show schedule, dealer network, and commitment to excellence

(1:08:05) Future insights and Vanasaur sticker giveaway

(1:09:13) Ocala RV show attendance and podcast schedule

(1:10:14) Teasing new releases from Storyteller

Hank Strange and Justin Anderson from Outside Van dig into the intricacies of van life culture and the evolution of custom builds. The discussion covers chassis comparisons, emissions regulations, and engine performance, particularly in Sprinter vans. The episode concludes with insights on fostering community and passion within the van life culture.

(0:00) Introduction to Van Life Culture

(0:43) Guest introduction and background: Justin Anderson of Outside Van

(1:46) Merchandise and Ocala RV show

(2:04) Justin's journey with Outside Van

(3:18) Transitioning to Mercedes Sprinter and custom builds

(6:12) Van life industry changes during COVID

(7:18) Development and scaling of the Tails model

(9:45) Addressing size concerns for van lifers

(12:01) Comparing Ford Transit and ProMaster chassis

(14:25) Emissions regulations and engine types

(20:56) Engine performance in Sprinter vans

(23:16) Suspension and weight distribution in heavy builds

(26:05) Fox Factory's vehicle division and construction techniques

(37:47) Project Vanlife certification and dealership models

(42:30) Upcoming RV shows and event schedule

(49:23) Future trends in van life and land access

(55:58) Innovations: Electric and hybrid vans

(1:01:00) Features and future concepts for Outside Van models

(1:04:39) Contacting Outside Van and fostering van life passion

(1:06:14) Community, camaraderie, and closing remarks

In this episode, Hank Strange is joined by Nick Schmidt to discuss the recent merger between Alliance RV and Midwest Automotive Design. They also touch on the demand for pop tops, dealership expansions and RV tax deductions. The episode features a discussion on affordable used RVs, inspection, warranties and a trip to Buc-ee's.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome to Nick Schmidt and Ron Preston

(4:21) REV and Terex merger, Alliance RV's acquisition of Midwest Automotive Design

(12:10) Ocala RV Show and Coachmen class B roundup

(20:33) Listener questions on battery upgrades and Coachmen class B vans comparison

(24:01) Van suspension upgrades and off-roading in smaller vans

(27:57) Solar awnings and RV market trends

(31:26) Opening a new dealership and chassis improvements

(36:00) Pop tops demand and dealership service department expansion

(48:18) Sponsor: Vanasaur tie-dye shirt promotion

(49:01) RV tax deductions and customer feedback on new models

(51:08) Panoramic RV introduction and community chat

(53:25) Special topics: Valentine's Day and cool used vans

(59:16) Used RVs affordability, inspection, and warranty

(1:03:18) Buc-ee's trip and episode closing remarks

In this episode, Hank Strange and PJ Tessa explore the evolution of electric camper vans with a focus on ModVans. They discuss consumer needs, the development of skateboard platforms and hybrid vehicles. They tackle design considerations, modular features and market interest.

(0:00) Introduction and Welcome

(2:44) Overview of ModVans and Electric Camper Vans Evolution

(10:31) Understanding Garage Compatibility and Consumer Needs

(17:31) Skateboard Platform and Hybrid Vehicle Development

(21:46) Sponsor: Coachmen

(23:08) Custom Skateboard with Tesla Drive Units and EV Benefits

(25:02) Range Extender Challenges and Ford Transit Hybrid Potential

(29:50) Design Considerations and Modular Features in EV Development

(36:22) Market Interest and Autonomous Driving Potential

(42:29) Development Timelines and Funding for ModVans

(46:23) Industry Challenges and Future RV Market Trends

(53:51) Emphasizing Modular Design in RVs and EV Trailers

(1:00:52) Customer Feedback and Affordability in Innovation

(1:05:21) ModVans' Production, Latest Model, and Customization Process

(1:07:44) Community Engagement and Learning More about ModVans

(1:11:06) Personal Updates and Invitations to Visit ModVans Factory

(1:12:40) Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode, Hank Strange is joined by Sami from Project VanLife to explore the intricacies of full-time van living. Sami shares his journey into van life and the launch of planning services. They tackle unusual van features, power requirements, and affordable van life options. The episode concludes with a look at future trends in van life, the introduction of the Vanalyzer tool, and the upcoming Van Life Summit.

(0:00) Introduction to the Van•Nois•Seur Podcast and guest Sammy from Project Van Life

(1:50) Sammy's journey into full-time van life and the launch of planning services

(4:31) New van builders' challenges during the COVID-19 boom and growth trends

(7:37) RV Super Show insights and the complexity of DIY van builds

(11:07) Choosing van builds and assessing personal van life needs and preferences

(15:51) Unusual van features and the importance of planning for van use

(20:10) Audience participation and prototype scenario discussion

(23:54) Power requirements, chassis choice, and audience questions

(30:55) RVIA certification, affordable van life options, and Pixel Pop Top review

(38:17) Off-roading considerations and key decisions in van layout

(43:00) The importance of test driving and listener feedback on van purchases

(46:52) The future of van life, remote work, and generational perspectives

(57:29) Future trends, the "bones" model concept, and modular builds

(1:00:22) Introduction to the Vanalyzer tool and upcoming Van Life Summit

(1:06:30) Closing remarks and acknowledgments

In this episode, Hank Strange welcomes Grant Wilson from Freedom VanGo to explore various van builds, customizations, and notable projects. The conversation covers propane versus diesel systems and the challenges faced with Sprinter vans. Grant shares insights on Freedom VanGo's services and cost-conscious RV upgrades.

(0:00) Introduction and welcoming Grant Wilson from Freedom Van Go

(1:07) Freedom Van Go updates and Overland Expo experience

(7:15) Van builds, customizations, and interesting projects

(10:49) Tampa Echo Rally, Forgotten Angels, and Winnebago Echos

(16:13) Propane vs. diesel systems and van life technology trends

(20:09) Sprinter van challenges and solar awning benefits

(27:10) Solar power awning viability and battery technology comparisons

(34:11) Voltage and AC systems in vans: Efficiency considerations

(40:47) Appliance setups and future trends in the van and RV industry

(45:36) Class B vs B+ vehicles, towing capacity, and HOA regulations

(50:35) Van size, layout choices, and innovative modifications

(53:26) The electric van life: Costs, infrastructure, and hybrid potential

(1:03:28) Freedom Van Go services, recommendations, and contact info

(1:08:27) RV upgrade standardization and the importance of cost-conscious builds

(1:11:27) Closing remarks and appreciation for Grant Wilson