Vanner Mugs
Description: In 1968, Costa Mesa, California boat maker Jensen Marine decided to apply their craftsmanship to the creation of a class B motorhome. Using their extensive fiberglass experience, Jensen built a modular cab over camper unit that could be adapted to any van cab chassis. Their unique approach and boat building expertise made for a high-end motorhome that was rock solid and tight as a drum, which made leaks, squeaks, and rattles nonexistent. They marketed these class B RVs under the name Balboa Motorhomes, promoting them as the best way to 'travel in style' to upmarket clientele. The initial models were built on second-generation Econolines, a few were made using third-generation G-series vans, and eventually, they were built on Tradesmans.
Description: Formed in 1987 under the moniker Katzenjammer, Kyuss would go on to be the coolest band during their lifetime. With scorching-hot riffs, serpentine grooves, and no rush to get anywhere faster than absolutely necessary, they truly encapsulated the vastness of the California desert from which they hailed, which makes their unique cult following all the easier to understand.
Description: In 1976 a line of trucks and vans dubbed ‘Adult Toys’ was launched. Don’t be gross, these ‘Adult Toys’ were a series of factory vehicles that included the Street Van, which rolled off the assembly line outlandishly customized in what would become a staple of late '70s automotive culture – custom mag wheels, wild paint schemes, and plenty of shag carpeting among others. Despite the rich host of custom options the Street Van rolled off the line with, the true intention was for it to serve as an enticing platform for even more customization. To get buyers headed in the right direction, every Street Van came with a customization kit that included detailed instructions and plans to further style their van to their individual tastes.
Description: The oddly named HeadRest Van Conversions was a line of custom vans produced by Gerring Van Conversions of Elkhart, Indiana during the ’70s van craze. As legend has it, Gerring used the word ‘head’ in the name as it was common for hippie types to refer to themselves as heads, so HeadRest was an idea where these cool vannin’ hippies could crash out and rest.
Description: The '80s were a great time for over the top custom four-wheel drive vehicles and while there were plenty of shops in the greater SoCal area to get your ride tricked out, there were none greater than El Centro's Ultimate Off Road. While other guys were just adding lift kits and chrome bits, UOR was building rigs that actually performed off road as well as they looked, so if you were rolling in a UOR build, you were doing so with confidence as they were as bulletproof as they come.
Description: Formed in 1987 under the moniker Katzenjammer, Kyuss would go on to be the coolest band during their lifetime. With scorching-hot riffs, serpentine grooves, and no rush to get anywhere faster than absolutely necessary, they truly encapsulated the vastness of the California desert from which they hailed, which makes their unique cult following all the easier to understand.
Description: California's Martin Specialty Products started out as a manufacturer of RV products in the early '60s, but changed direction to focus on the burgeoning custom van market in 1972. Initially reworking any of the applicable RV products from their existing line for van use, they quickly caught up with an entire line of new custom van accessories which included everything from body kits and spoilers to sunroofs and porthole windows - everything a vanner could ever want to trick out their ride.
Description: Based in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Oshawa Cylinder Head was a machine shop that focused on the manufacturing and machining of cylinder heads. In addition to walk in projects, they maintained contracts with several manufacturers to provide them with custom spec cylinder heads, supplying them to their Ontario engine plants for final assembly.
Description: Formed in 1987 under the moniker Katzenjammer, Kyuss would go on to be the coolest band during their lifetime. With scorching-hot riffs, serpentine grooves, and no rush to get anywhere faster than absolutely necessary, they truly encapsulated the vastness of the California desert from which they hailed, which makes their unique cult following all the easier to understand.
Description: During the custom van craze of the '70s, there were plenty of local shops as well as larger builders that for some reason were all based in the Midwest. Grand Systems was on of these larger builders that worked both consumer direct and with dealers to build the conversion van of their dreams.
Description: Formed in 1987 under the moniker Katzenjammer, Kyuss would go on to be the coolest band during their lifetime. With scorching-hot riffs, serpentine grooves, and no rush to get anywhere faster than absolutely necessary, they truly encapsulated the vastness of the California desert from which they hailed, which makes their unique cult following all the easier to understand.
Description: Kyuss: The Legendary Desert Rock Pioneers Formed in 1987 under the moniker Katzenjammer, Kyuss became one of the most influential desert rock bands of all time. Known for their scorching-hot riffs, serpentine grooves, and an unhurried, hypnotic sound, Kyuss crafted music that truly embodied the vast and untamed landscapes of the California desert. Their unique blend of heavy stoner rock, psychedelic influences, and deep, resonant bass tones earned them a dedicated cult following—one that continues to grow decades after their dissolution. From underground acclaim to shaping the future of stoner metal, Kyuss remains a cornerstone in rock history.
Description: Looking for the perfect design for your next van life adventure? Check out our psychedelic striped design, complete with colorful flowers and a dynamic peace logo. With its eye-catching pattern, this shirt is sure to turn heads and keep you comfortable on the road. Don't settle for basic tees when you can choose something truly unique and beautifully designed.
Van Life Psychedelic Stripes & Flowers Mug
by Van Life Travel Adventure
$13 $18
Description: Looking for the perfect design to showcase your love for van life? Check out this Van Life print emblazoned with the phrase "Life is Best in My Van." Whether you're traveling the country or spending a night by the beach, this design is the perfect addition to your van life wardrobe.
Description: Vantasy Customs was founded in 1974 in Los Angeles, California. While many shops limited themselves to bolt on after market accessories, Vantasy Customs went all in with manufacturing their own custom parts and running their own body shop, all in house to ensure every customer's ride achieved their desired vision. From mild to wild, Vantasy Customs made it happen, turning out some of the most unique vans of the '70s and '80s.
Van Life It's All About The Journey Peace Mug
by Van Life Travel Adventure
$13 $18
Description: Merle D. McNamee was a sheet metal contractor in South El Monte, California, who witnessed camping and recreational travel becoming increasingly popular in post-war America and decided to throw is hat in the ring. Utilizing his extensive fabrication skills, McNamee founded the McNamee Coach Corporation in 1952 and launched a product line called Kamp King Koaches that included slide in campers, van conversions, and even trailers. All told, McNamee was a true innovator in the RV industry, introducing concepts like foam sandwich fiberglass panels, over cab compartments, and slide out expansions that are still utilized today, and his Kamp King Koaches continue to be highly desirable by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Description: Florida has no shortage of off-road shops to lift your rig and trick it out, but if you were looking to convert a 2WD vehicle to 4WD, then Jupiter Off-Road was the place to go. Despite its understated three-bay shop and fairly rural location in Jupiter, Florida, Jupiter Off-Road specialized in creating dream off-roaders to client spec. While a lot of their builds were 4x4 van conversions, they also had their share of converting trucks, and even a few cars to 4WD. No idea how many conversions they did in their twenty-plus years in business, but we do know there are still plenty of them out there standing tall.
Description: The 'Love My Stones' ad campaign wasn't trying to get people to embrace their kidney stones, rather, they were trying to sell tires. It was a runaway hit with the '70s vanner crowd and the decals, t-shirts, and other promo items that were given away were almost more popular than the products they were promoting, and even now, decades later, they're highly prized collectibles. Keep on truckin'
Hey! Chicks Love It! It's a Shaggin' Wagon - Dumb and Dumber Mug
by DarkLordPug
$13 $18
