Every great company starts with a problem that needs solving. For Vanna Vans, that problem was simple. Most camper vans were not truly built for year-round, off-grid living. They looked good, but they were not designed for real conditions.
Vanna Vans was created to change that.
Where It Started
Before Vanna Vans became a company, it started with firsthand experience.
Jason Gilbraith spent years researching off-grid systems, four-season insulation, and what it really takes to live comfortably in a camper van. Instead of relying on theory, he built his own van and lived in it full-time. Operating his drone videography business from the road, he traveled through Colorado and spent long stretches in the mountains, often in harsh winter conditions.
That experience shaped everything. It was not about building a van that worked sometimes. It was about building one that worked all the time.
The Moment That Sparked It
In February, at a snowkiting event in Garrison, Minnesota, Ben Gleason saw something that stood out.
While most people avoided the cold, Jason was out on a frozen lake, living comfortably in his van in temperatures around -20 degrees. It was proof that a properly designed camper van could handle extreme conditions without sacrificing comfort.
That moment led to a conversation, and that conversation led to a partnership.
From Idea to Company
With Jason’s technical expertise and Ben’s business background, Vanna Vans was launched with a clear goal. Build the next generation of camper vans that are truly capable of off-grid, four-season travel.
From the beginning, the focus was different. Instead of cutting corners or following trends, the team focused on quality systems, thoughtful design, and real-world performance.
Every van was built with intention, designed to go further and handle more than the average camper van.
Growing Beyond Adventure Vans
As Vanna Vans grew, so did its vision.
The same engineering and design principles used in their camper vans began to apply to other industries. What started as adventure vans expanded into mobile solutions like medical units and mobile recruitment classrooms.
These builds require the same reliability, efficiency, and smart use of space, proving that Vanna Vans is not just building vehicles for travel, but creating functional, mobile environments for a wide range of needs.
Built in West Fargo, Designed for Anywhere
Now based in West Fargo, North Dakota, Vanna Vans continues to grow its team, refine its process, and expand its capabilities.
Each van is built with a focus on durability, off-grid independence, and four-season performance. From extreme cold to summer heat, every detail is designed to keep you comfortable and moving forward.
Crafted to Wander
At its core, Vanna Vans is about freedom.
Freedom to travel without limits, to explore in any season, and to rely on a system that works wherever you go. That philosophy is built into every van that leaves the shop.
What started as one person solving a problem has grown into a company helping others experience the road in a completely new way.
Looking Ahead
Vanna Vans is still evolving.
With new products, expanded capabilities, and a growing community of owners, the mission remains the same. Build better vans, push the limits of what is possible, and help people go further.
Because the road does not end where the pavement does. And with the right van, neither do you.
