Van life isn’t for everyone, but the lifestyle is rapidly growing in popularity. Dubbed “micro-living,” dedicated van dwellers claim its reduced expenses and personal possessions elevate happiness and offer more freedom.
One Longmont company is establishing itself as a go-to shop for custom-built vans to make the lifestyle stylish and comfortable.
Rossmönster Vans, at 611 2nd Ave., is a group of custom woodworkers, engineers and electricians passionate about the outdoors. Together, the team builds, rents and sells custom camper vans out of its shop.
The company was established in Boulder in 2010 and relocated to Longmont in 2015.
“At our core, we’re a group of friends and outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for craftsmanship, on a pursuit to get more people outside, more often,” said Lucy Jacobson, the master of “strategery” at Rossmönster Vans. “Longmont was a great choice for us because we were able to find a space in the heart of downtown Longmont, where we're enjoying making connections with the other businesses around us.”
At the forefront of every van design is comfort and functionality. Both ensure the vehicles aren’t just usable but also homey, said Jacobson. Because camper vans are smaller than RVs, they tend to be a better option for explorers and off-grid dwellers, Curbed reports.
Rossmönster Vans is located in an old carriage house. Pulley systems are but a few installments that remain in the building. Each room has a dedicated purpose, such as building unique cabinetry or finishing woodwork with fresh coats of paint.
“Rossmonster Vans exemplifies the type of creative, craft industries that make a downtown thrive,” said Kimberlee McKee, executive director of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority. “They are entrepreneurs that have evolved and diversified their products, bring customers from near and far and continue to invest in the community. The Longmont Downtown Development Authority is looking forward to partnering on the investment that Rossmönster Vans is making in a critical part of our downtown community.”
Contrary to popular belief, downsizing and luxury living aren’t mutually exclusive. Rossmonster’s Grand Teton van, which was featured in Lonely Planet, includes a raised queen-sized bed in the rear of the cabin, an L-shaped leather dinette seating area, a dry flush toilet, indoor shower, cabinets and drawers, a gas cooker, a cozy kitchen area, and solid walnut countertops. The van even includes a 23-inch TV, a custom ski rack, ceiling fans, and an additional outdoor shower. The van also has different lighting zones and even a solar panel on the roof for longer treks.
Each year, the company produces between 40 and 50 custom-built vans. The average build costs around $45,000, plus the price of the van. Because each van is custom-built, the prices vary. The Durango, for example, is for sale at $85,000.
“We started as a small custom woodworking business and now I’m working with all of my friends and my family on products that help give more people access to the outdoors, which makes the job that much more fulfilling here at Rossmönster,” said Ross Williamson, founder and co-owner at Rossmönster Vans.
