Live a Little Vans founder Ryan started his journey on two wheels. Years of exploring the United States by motorcycle sparked a desire for something beyond weekend trips. As campervans began catching his attention, Ryan saw an opportunity to trade the motorcycle for a fully capable adventure vehicle, one that would let him travel farther, stay longer, and immerse himself in new places and experiences.

"The idea that you could travel freely while bringing many of the comforts of home along with you completely changed the way I looked at travel," Ryan shares. He and his wife Kelsey quickly bought a Ram ProMaster and spent weekends and evenings converting the van for their first trip. In August 2019, they left their home in Connecticut and embarked on a seven-month journey across the United States.

Their experience changed everything.

"What followed was a seven-month trip that completely changed the trajectory of my life," Ryan explains. "At the time, I didn’t fully realize it, but that experience ultimately reshaped my future and laid the foundation for what would become Live a Little Vans." After returning home, Ryan continued building vans from his driveway before turning his passion into a full-time business. 

"What started as a one-man operation has evolved into a full custom van conversion company based in Connecticut, building Mercedes Sprinters, Ford Transits, and Ram ProMasters for clients across the country"

While the company has grown, their philosophy has remained the same. Every build is tailored to the individual customer's needs. Whether the goal is full-time travel, weekend camping, remote work, or creating a comfortable escape from everyday life, each van is thoughtfully designed to reflect its owner's lifestyle and adventures.

Creating a personalized approach extends well beyond the layout. Live a Little Vans places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, carefully balancing beautiful interiors with dependable electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, and off-grid systems. Every detail is considered to ensure each van performs just as well in the backcountry as it does parked at the next campsite.

"Our style is rooted in fully custom, adventure-ready van builds that combine high-quality craftsmanship with thoughtful, functional design."

At its core, Live a Little Vans believes a campervan is more than a vehicle, it's a gateway to experiences. The freedom to wake up somewhere new, travel without rigid itineraries, and spend more meaningful time outdoors continues to inspire every van build that leaves their shop. Seeing customers embrace new adventures, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories is what drives the team to keep building.

"My favorite thing about campervans is the freedom they create."

In addition to full custom conversions, Live a Little Vans offers completed vans when available, partial builds, system upgrades, accessory installations, suspension upgrades, and complete off-grid solutions. Located in  Bethany, CT, the team also works with DIY builds, manufactured RVs such as the Revel and Storyteller Overland, and expedition-style vehicles looking for custom modifications or system enhancements. Their build schedule typically books six to nine months in advance, reflecting the growing demand for thoughtfully crafted, adventure-ready vans.

"The outdoors is a huge part of why Live a Little Vans exists in the first place. Spending time outside, traveling, and experiencing new places has had a major impact on my life personally, and that same connection to adventure and exploration is at the core of our company," Ryan says. "As a company, we’re helping people access those experiences in a more comfortable and approachable way. A well-designed campervan allows people to travel farther, stay out longer, and spend more meaningful time outdoors with family and friends. We’ve seen customers completely change their lifestyles because they finally had the ability and confidence to get out and explore."

As the van life community continues to grow, Live a Little Vans remains committed to the same passion and attention to detail that inspired their very first build. Every van they create is another opportunity to help someone experience the freedom that first inspired the company itself.

"We’re grateful to be part of an industry and community that inspires people to step outside their routines, travel farther, and truly 'live a little'."

Whether you're planning your first custom campervan or upgrading your current adventure rig, Live a Little Vans continues to prove that the best journeys often begin with one simple decision: live a little.