Who are The Vancrafters?
Welcome to our journey! We're Gino and Mirke, the team behind The Vancrafters. Gino is from the only European country in The Amazon and Mirke grew up beneath sea level. Come along as we share our love for van life and the endless freedom of the open road. Explore the story that drove us to help others turn their van dream adventures into reality.
Serendipity in Australia
In Newtown -Eastern Suburbs in Syndey- Australia, where we both lived since 2015, our paths crossed unexpectedly. My, Gino, scooter accident, which initially felt like a setback, turned out to be the twist of fate that led us to each other. We connected during a spontaneous last-minute road trip, our journey unfolded through the remote landscapes of Australia. Little did we know, this adventure would lay the foundation for something truly extraordinary.
The Cross-Country Road Trip
Our story took an unexpected twist in the South Australian outback. Just three days into our cross-country road trip, our van broke down, leaving us stranded in the wilderness. With no phone reception and darkness closing in, we found our way to a remote roadhouse. This breakdown became a crucial moment, testing our resilience and deepening the bond that would define our journey. As a side note, we then also made a promise to ourselves: to never buy an old camper ;-).
Humble Beginnings
I, Mirke, was on board with moving to the Netherlands only if we bought a van and continued the same lifestyle we enjoyed in Australia. Converting a van seemed straightforward but unfolded into a significant challenge. Working without a proper workspace, tools, or experience, we overcame obstacles with determination. This experience became the foundation of The Vancrafters.
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When we talk about determination, our first Volkswagen conversion, Bruce, was crafted mostly with a hand saw—except for the precision of the round cutouts for the under-bed storage.
Gino's Journey in Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship has been a fundamental part of my journey since a young age, spending my free time in the workshop of my dad. Starting with customizing BMX bikes at the age of 8, I progressed to pocket bikes at 12 and delved into scooter tuning at 14. Achieving a high level of expertise I gained recognition with my custom scooter featured in the renowned French magazine 50Riders. My passion for craft and architecture led me to study design, and I consistently find joy in expressing my creativity through mediums such as drawing and photography. These imaginative skills play a crucial role in shaping the unique designs brought to life by The Vancrafters.
Unlocking Van Life for All
For us, it's more than just selling DIY Kits; it's about opening doors to van life. Our journey, exploring and living in Australia, Europe, and South America, revealed the affordability, freedom, and deep connection van life brings. We're driven by the belief that everyone, even those without crafting skills, deserves the joy of crafting their own home on wheels and spending more time outdoors, especially considering that, on average, people spend more than 90% of their lives inside, isn't that shocking!
Our Mission at The Vancrafters
We believe in the transformative power of van life. Although it may sound cliché, it's not just about the destination; it's about the journey, the challenges, and the successes. Our mission is to empower you with the tools, guidance, and community to turn your van life dreams into reality.
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Join us on this adventure—where breakdowns become breakthroughs, and dreams are crafted into reality.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, we at The Vancrafters envision expanding our reach globally, providing DIY kits for Volkswagen T5/T6.1 L2H1 enthusiasts worldwide. Our dream includes organizing build camps, inviting you to arrive with an empty van and drive off with a road-ready home on wheels. Stay updated on our journey by signing up for our newsletter!