The VanLife Collective

The VanLife Collective Our mission is to serve as a hub of expertise to give you the tools you need to hit the road and join the Vanlife Community.

Today we learned that Newfoundland is approximately 6,500 km from Hood River.VLC, coast to coast. 🇨🇦
06/12/2026

Today we learned that Newfoundland is approximately 6,500 km from Hood River.

VLC, coast to coast. 🇨🇦

Some decisions don’t need much justification. The forecast looks good, campsites always available when traveling by van,...
06/05/2026

Some decisions don’t need much justification.

The forecast looks good, campsites always available when traveling by van, that’s enough.

The PNW tends to reward people who just go.

Fuss Factor: the unofficial measure of whether something belongs in a van. High fuss factor means a component is overbui...
06/04/2026

Fuss Factor: the unofficial measure of whether something belongs in a van.

High fuss factor means a component is overbuilt, oversized, or overly complicated to use. In a conversion van, square footage is precious. Anything installed needs to justify its place.

VLC-built galleys are low fuss — an 86L fridge with freezer, deep sink, bamboo countertops, flip-up induction cooktop, dedicated silverware drawer, under-cabinet lighting, and ground level LEDs. Fresh and gray water jerry cans tuck neatly below the sink, inside the van so winter use is an option. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.

Every Sherpa and Jade we build comes with our in-house designed, CNC-cut galley and cabinetry. We can also configure our designs into any van needing a galley or cabinet upgrade. Our galleys are compatible with under-mount water tanks, and adding hot water is no problem. Easy to install, easy to remove thanks to thumbscrew anchors.

The galley is the quiet workhorse of any build. When meal prep is easy and water bottles are full, the team stays happy and the trips go smoother.

Keep the fuss factor low.

We keep saying it: Vans aren’t the goal. They’re the means.Means for what? That’s for you to decide.But if you can’t dec...
06/03/2026

We keep saying it: Vans aren’t the goal. They’re the means.

Means for what? That’s for you to decide.

But if you can’t decide, we have suggestions.

📸 — thanks for coming out.

See you out there.

The VLC summer event schedule is packed and we’re kicking things off this Friday, June 5th in Hood River.Can’t make it t...
06/02/2026

The VLC summer event schedule is packed and we’re kicking things off this Friday, June 5th in Hood River.

Can’t make it to the Gorge? No worries, we’re making the rounds all summer long. Come find us, meet the crew, and see our builds in person.

06.05 — Downtown First Friday — Hood River, OR

06.12–15 — Peace Love & Vans — Hummingbird Ranch, CO

06.20–21 — Adventure Van Expo — Hood River, OR

06.26–28 — Overland Expo PNW — Redmond, OR

07.17 — VLC Van Swap —
The Vanlife Collective HQ

07.24–26 — Gorge Blowout — Stevenson, WA

08.01–02 — Backcountry Offroad Expo— Sisters, OR

08.07 — Downtown First Friday —
Hood River, OR

08.15–16 — Adventure Van Expo — Bozeman, MT

08.22–23 — Adventure Van Expo — Enumclaw, WA

09.04 — Downtown First Friday — Hood River, OR

09.12–13 — Adventure Van Expo — North Lake Tahoe, CA

Event only special offers on vans are in the works. Keep an eye on our event partners and email updates.

Summer beckons. See you out there!

The voile strap tells no lies. Time to get dirty.
06/01/2026

The voile strap tells no lies. Time to get dirty.

Sundays are for this.
05/17/2026

Sundays are for this.

How long can your bike trip go? As long as you want.Every Jade and Sherpa is built with an integrated 400Ah electrical s...
05/14/2026

How long can your bike trip go? As long as you want.

Every Jade and Sherpa is built with an integrated 400Ah electrical system. Solar, alternator, and shore power charging included with every build, easily upgradeable to 800Ah for anyone allergic to asphalt.

In bike terms, that’s an easy 5 full charges on a 630Wh e-MTB off our standard system, 10 at 800Ah. And that’s before the solar and alternator top things off.

Take all the time you need.

All the activities. Two Sherpas. One very full 48 hours.Pack a gaggle of different personalities, hit as many landscapes...
05/08/2026

All the activities. Two Sherpas. One very full 48 hours.

Pack a gaggle of different personalities, hit as many landscapes as possible, and see what happens: thunderstorms endured, moonrises viewed, friendships strengthened, and memories permanently burned into our brains.

That’s what our Sherpa layout is built for. Versatile enough to handle any plan, lack of plan, or that ambitious friend who insists on doing everything.

Oregon is the best field laboratory we could ever ask for. See you out there.

Our favorite sports run on seasons. Vanlife never gets that memo.Every season is van season.
04/27/2026

Our favorite sports run on seasons. Vanlife never gets that memo.

Every season is van season.

Address

1537 B Osprey Drive
Hood River, OR
97031

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+15412246966

Website

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