customization ,” says Dylan .
Each van boasts sophisticated heating systems that prevent battery damage in colder climates , as well an efficient water system with accessible , seven-gallon tanks . Roofs are outfitted with 200-watt solar panels , which feed into the lithium-ion batteries . The interiors are adorned with custom-built cabinetry and butcher block countertops , exuding a rustic yet modern feel . Equipped with induction stovetops , sinks , microwaves , and compact refrigerators , the vans deftly balance spatial efficiency with personal comfort .
Berkshire Van Company ’ s build packages begin at $ 35,000 . When added to the price of a RAM ProMaster , which currently retails for $ 55,000 , this results in a rough , combined base-cost estimate of $ 90,000 . Dylan and Steph purchase vans rom dealers in Massachusetts , Connecticut , and Maine . “ They deliver right to our shop and make the process very easy ,” says Steph . While many of their vans have been bought directly from dealers , they do accept pre-owned and newly purchased vans from their clients .
“ We work with our clients and their dealers to make sure the dealer order has everything that we want , including factory windows and cruise control ,” says Steph .
As Berkshire Van Company presses forward , they are energized by the positive feedback from clients . Dr . Pranay M . Parikh , who lives in the region and is an outdoor enthusiast , refers to his van as an “ enabler of joy .” It has empowered him to savor moments of heartfelt , natural connection with his two teenage children . “ We can pick an adventure , pick a mission , and get right to it ,” says Parikh . “ It takes away the distractions and simplifies the experience of our recreation time so that we can really focus on our relationships .” He fondly recalls taking his family down to North Carolina ’ s Outer Banks in their van . It gave them a comfortable home base a stone ’ s throw from the shoreline . “ We pulled up to a campsite in an unbelievable parking spot that was ten feet from the ocean . Every day , we opened our van doors and looked out at a million-dollar view . We were able to launch right off into surfing when the wind started blowing and
the waves got good .”
For those who are looking to test out van life before investing in a remodeled camper van , Parikh recommends a camper rental website called Outdoorsy . “ It ’ s like the Airbnb of campers ,” he says .
When Parikh tried out van life for the first time in the early stages of the pandemic , he took a road trip with his daughter to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine . They hiked to the summit to watch a comet and a sunrise . “ It was amazing to be able to fire up the van at 1:30 in the morning , make the 20-minute drive to the trailhead , put our boots and headlights on , and just leave right out of the parking lot ,” says Parikh . Watching the sky over the Atlantic was a magical moment for him and his daughter , and the pancakes they cooked up in the van ’ s kitchen served as the icing on the cake . “ There are a lot of great van life adventure videos on social media ,” adds Parikh . “ For me , it ’ s better to go and live it myself . If you give it a try , you might be surprised with what you find .” n
BALLET HISPÁNICO sat mar 2 at 3pm & 8pm
SAMANTHA FISH
BULLETPROOF TOUR sat mar 16 at 8pm
Design thinking , collaboration , and confidence .
The difference is BCD .
SING & SWING
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR
PLUS PRODUCTION ! ALAN CUMMING & ARI SHARIRO , MAT KEARNEY , SAMANTHA fri sat mar 23 at 8pm
BEE apr & 19 MORE at 8pm ! 14 Castle St ., Great Barrington , MA • mahaiwe . org
A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS
Inquire now for Fall 2024 enrollment by visiting BerkshireCountryDay . org
60 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday Spring 2024 2023