We want to thank everyone who came out last Saturday night to join us in launching the Atrium. The party also allowed us to open the doors to our Texino headquarters and fabrication facility for the first time. The Atrium has come together under this roof by virtue of many late nights, a ton of head-scratching, and the combined efforts of the amazing team and contactors here at Texino. Brainchild of our fearless leader Nick Devane, the Atrium was pulled onto paper by our incredibly talented design team led by Gabriel Wartofsky and executed by our insanely skilled fabrication team. We hope that everyone who could see it in person was as stoked as we are by this creation brought to earth. 
 
We also want to take this moment to thank our sponsors for the event. Heritage food truck blew our minds with their fried chicken sandwich — for a moment, we considered offering them a free camper in trade for that secret recipe.  Thank you to all of our drink sponsors.  [Madre](https://www.madremezcal.com)’s Palomas complimented the evening perfectly, [June Shine’s](https://juneshine.com) new canned cocktails brought insane variety to our bar, [Calidad](https://calidadbeer.com) kept us more than content with their classic Mexican lager, and [Goodboy Wine](https://www.goodboywine.com) kept the funk with their exceptional natty wine. A massive thank you goes out to [Waterloo Sparkling water](https://www.drinkwaterloo.com) and [Corsa Co.](https://corsa.co) for keeping us hydrated (and pulling off a miracle last minute). Finally, thank you to the [Reverberation Radio](https://www.instagram.com/reverberationradio/) crew — specifically [Robbie](https://robbiesimon.com), for setting the vibes all night with a serious collection of obscure vintage tunes.  
 
Also, huge congrats to the winners of the Camp Gear Giveaway — three folks went home with a ton of gear. Keep an eye on the Texino channels for more giveaways soon!
 
It was so great seeing all who made it, and we sincerely missed everyone who couldn’t attend. We’ll be opening our doors again in the near future.
![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1650491960-ao2a8634.jpg)

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Atrium Launch Event Recap 

Below are the build specifications for Texino's newest model, the Atrium. For additional information please feel free to contact us directly [here](https://texino.com/contact).  

**Mercedes-Benz heavy duty Sprinter chassis**

Built on the RWD 170’’ wheelbase Sprinter Dually Chassis powered by a 4 or 6 cylinder diesel motor. Texino plans to offer 4x4 conversions down the road.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649194415-duley.jpg)


**Striking exterior campervan shell**

Steel body construction with stainless steel interior components and accents for durability. The exterior is brushed aluminum paneling bonded with high-strength 3M VHB tape.

![Closeup of the Atrium brushed aluminum exterior and porthole windows](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649193106-atrium-exterior-closeup-portholes.jpg)


**Viewing atrium, skylights, and porthole windows**

Designed to offer incredible panoramic views; constructed from custom cut and laminated Smartglass for one-switch dimming and privacy.


![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649194395-ao2a8327-edit.jpg)


**Custom fabricated mechanized hatch door**

Remote activated, powered by actuators; designed, engineered, and built by Texino, the 5-step hatch door allows for a bold entrance into the space.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649208251-doorgif-3.gif)


**Electrical system with off-grid HVAC powered by solar and lithium-ion batteries**

600 watts of solar and 600 amps of lithium-ion batteries to power HVAC, induction stovetop, water pump, and interior and exterior lighting


**Custom-built interior, dining, and sleeping areas**

Massive banquet table that converts into a king-sized bed. Custom cabinetry made from eco-friendly and durable Richlite. Natural Corkoleum flooring.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649194426-untitled-1.jpg)


**Bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet**

Complete in-vehicle bathroom, includes shower, sink, and toilet with 200/50/25 gallons of fresh, grey, and black water, respectively.



ATRIUM - BUILD SPECS 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1648741450-atrium-project-texino.jpg)

Texino undertook the Atrium project through a desire to enter and transform the homogenous Class C RV category. Dozens of team members, led by our CEO Nick Devane and Design Director Gabriel Wartofsky, undertook a radical rethinking of the future of camping. 

Carpenters, designers, metalworkers, engineers, machinists, and mechanics all lent a hand to the concept and fully functioning prototypes. Designed and refined during the build process, this is a camper steeped in the old ways of fabrication enlivened by the latest technology available. 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649192178-atrium-camper-framework.jpg)

**camping reimagined**

Simultaneously simple and luxurious, the Atrium is strikingly novel while harkening to a long heritage of outdoor housing: the Avion C10, the Quonset Hut, and the Airstream.
Inspired by Corbusier and Andrea Zittel as much as Steve Zissou and Doc Brown, we know the Atrium isn’t for the average adventurer. This is a deep study in departure. A challenge for everyone to rethink what a living space on wheels can, and should, be. We want to provide a vessel for the extraordinary and the terrific — the home base for total leisure, from the backroads of Baja to the trails of the Eastern Sierras. Make an escape off-grid for weeks or make a Cannonball run, but make something because life’s too short not to.


![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649192618-building-atrium-framework.jpg)
 
 **the details** 
 
In the great tradition of RV design stealing vibes from its cooler, older sibling, the aeronautical industry, we stationed a viewing cockpit at the rear of the Atrium. The case windows, along with the side portholes and skylights seamlessly integrate the outdoors into the interior of the aptly named Atrium. All the windows are Smartglass ™, allowing complete privacy at the mere flick of a switch. Additionally, we put the split door entrance and stairs on actuators to make an easy statement on the entry or exit.  

With ample storage, off-grid HVAC, a large kitchen, a massive banquet table that converts to a king-size bed, and a full bathroom, this RV compromises nothing while composed in a tight enough envelope to traverse any terrain. We are planning a forthcoming four-person, two-bed layout in the near future, as well as an available full-time 4wd option.

The production vehicle will have 600 watts of solar, 600 amps of [Lithium batteries](https://texino.com/blog/why-we-use-lithium-batteries-in-our-campervan-conversions), 200 gallons of fresh water, a 50-gallon grey water tank, and a 25-gallon black water tank. On-board air compressor, two spares, integrated extra fuel storage, and rugged ‘dirty’ storage make any outdoor encounter a breeze. 


![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1648741790-atrium-buildout.jpg)

The images in this journal post are an eye into the Atrium buildout at our fabrication facilities in Downtown [Los Angeles](https://texino.com/contact). Stay tuned with [Texino](https://texino.com/about) as we reveal more of the Atrium and the build comes to life.
 [Sign up here for more information and to learn more about the coming launch.](https://texino.com/models/atrium)

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649193026-mickey-in-atrium-buildout.jpg)

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649193106-atrium-exterior-closeup-portholes.jpg)

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![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1649437354-atrium-camper-peace.jpg)

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [CAMPERVAN CABINETS BY TEXINO](https://texino.com/blog/campervan-cabinets-by-texino)












ATRIUM IN PROGRESS - THE FUTURE OF CAMPING MOBILITY 

Words By: [Stefan Wigand](https://www.instagram.com/swigand/?hl=en)
Photos By: [Stefan Wigand](https://www.instagram.com/swigand/?hl=en) and [Lauren May](https://www.instagram.com/heylaurenmay/?hl=en) 

In our day and age, there is a whole new order to how we meet people.  No longer do we sit at a bar and order a drink for an admirer, or uncomfortably ask for a stranger's number at a coffee shop. Instead, we swipe right and hope to god we aren’t being catfished on a dating app. Falling in love is a process, and I’m excited to share how a mini adventure in a [Texino Camper Van](https://texino.com/models) sealed the deal for me and my partner [Lauren](https://www.instagram.com/heylaurenmay/?hl=en). 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644868498-dsc08315.jpg) 

**once upon a time...**

This story begins a little over two years ago when a beautiful woman named Lauren May swiped right and I did the same. Couldn’t tell you the exact day that happened because I deleted that app long ago. There was a bit of back and forth on the app at first, but my preference is to actually talk to people in person (my thumbs get sore after a while with the digital banter). With the intention of setting up a date, I asked for her number. Getting that real phone number ushers you from dating app fairytale land into reality. Before this, there was plenty of Instagram creeping and googling to make sure that both of us were, in fact, the people we said we were. It turns out she was pretty dang interesting and super cute. I’d learned from her dating app photos that she was also a mother, which would have been a red flag for some thirsty f-boys. To me, it meant that she wasn’t f@%king around, and was looking for someone to eventually introduce that little one to. Possibly build a life with. We were pretty cautious because I think we both thought there might be something there…but how the hell is anyone supposed to know from a couple of pictures? Highly curated pictures, taken many years prior when there may have been more muscles and fewer wrinkles. The next move was to meet.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644868485-dsc08048.jpg)

**First impressions** 

I prefer getting the heck off the digital device because I’m more of an in-person conversationalist. We made a plan to meet for a glass of wine at a spot nearby. I was only in town for a few nights as I was traveling a bunch for work at the time, and I wanted to make sure that I didn’t miss this meet-up. Weirdly, I didn’t have those typical nerves you get before you meet someone for the first time. Usually, there’s this weird fear with the dating app process because you have no idea what you are going to get in the flesh…

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869072-dsc08421.jpg)

She walked through the door and was even more stunning than the photos she had shared on her profile. Her style was perfect. Effortlessly and naturally elegant. Toned down with a vintage military jacket bringing the beauty back to earth. We only had an hour or so because she said she had a dinner date with some girlfriends later that night.  Little did I know it was actually a date with another suitor, haha! Spoiler alert…I won. We quickly got past formalities and jumped headfirst into the real stuff: family, life, death, lovers of the past, and psychedelics. It was effortless — different from other dates. Because of the time crunch, there wasn’t a chance to get too drunk, or move too quickly and make decisions we may have regretted at the time. Instead, it gave us the chance to be very real and direct. We both left that first date saying that there was something special between us. It wasn’t like any other experience, and whether we became lovers or good friends, we were going to be a part of each other's lives.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869025-3.jpg)

We went on a second date, where we confirmed it was a bit more than friendship, but I again had to be on a flight the next day. I actually missed that flight because we made out on the street next to her car for hours. At this point, I was going to be back on the road for a bit, which was torture because I really liked this girl and wanted to hang out more. This was all at the end of the year around Thanksgiving and I wasn’t going to be back in LA ‘til after Christmas.  

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869085-r0010316.jpg)

**the road trip test**

In the time before our third date, I decided I needed to make sure this date was the real deal. It needed to be a date neither of us would forget. I have this theory that if you can go on a road trip or travel with a lover then you are good to go through life together. Being in the car for hours is a great test as to whether you truly like being around each other or not. It’s a bit of a gamble though because if you don’t, you can end up with a lot of awkward silences and discomfort while rolling down the road.  I had no doubt this girl could hang and I secretly started planning the greatest of adventures.  

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869060-dsc08397.jpg)


I have a 1971 Ford F100 named Frida that I have built to be my adventure vehicle. I have taken her all the way down to Southern Mexico and all over the United States. She has been a loyal steed but has many long, tired miles under her tires (also a bit of a gamble!). The plan was to load up in Frida and drive north. Big Sur was the chosen destination because it is one of the most magical places on earth. I’d told Lauren that we were going on an adventure and to pack for three days in nature. I didn’t tell her where or how we would get there. I had just flown in and only had a day to get the truck prepped and tuned up before we set sail. I was ripping around LA pulling every favor with mechanic friends to get this thing back into shape to be able to handle the 6 hours (7 on Frida time) drive up to Big Sur. Coming off the freeway on the way to my buddy [Todd’s shop](https://www.instagram.com/toddstopera/?hl=en) I heard a pop and then saw smoke. I had thrown a rod and essentially blown the engine.  After the thousands of miles I had shared with Frida she decided on this day that tomorrow's adventure was not going to be with her. Poor thing was tired and I understood. I had her towed to a spot where she could rest and I could figure out how to fix her, but that wasn’t going to happen in the 24 hours I had before we had to get on the road. So what the hell was I supposed to do??

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869041-4.jpg)

**Texino to the rescue!**

I have this friend, [Sinuhe](https://www.instagram.com/sinuhexavier/?hl=en). He’s that guy that’s always somewhere rad, doing something cool. He is the king of really cool vehicles and has built an amazing career documenting these vehicles and the adventures he gets to go on in them.  A few weeks prior I’d seen Sinuhe post a photo about a trip he had done with this really cool company called Texino. I recalled the beautiful built-out Sprinter Vans from his Instagram. What threw me about these vans was their minimal, utilitarian, but stunning builds. This was all saved in my memory banks for a later day and in that moment, covered in oil and grease, towing my old girl to her resting place, Sinuhe's photos popped into my head. I quickly gave him a ring and said, “Tell me about this Texino thing… what's the story?” He quickly connected me to Nick and Lane. I told them my story and they set me up with one of their first Sprinter builds for the next day. I lucked out massively and the Texino gang saved the day!  

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869102-r0010396.jpg)


The next day came around and I told Lauren to Uber over to the Texino in Silverlake. I just gave her the address and not Texino’s name so as not to blow the surprise through a simple google search. We got there around the same time and we were both floored. I could see the excitement in Lauren’s eyes when she saw the van, but I also knew there were some nerves too. I was floored by how nice this thing was — especially in comparison to my old girl Frida. It was luxury on wheels: a whole kitchen, [beautiful cabinetry](https://texino.com/blog/campervan-cabinets-by-texino), captains chairs…it even had a damn heater! We were set up and ready to go. 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644868593-2.jpg)

**adventure time**

We loaded up, grabbed some bagels from Bells Bagels (if you haven’t been there it’s a MUST), and set sail down the highway. There are many reasons why a road trip is a solid way to test out whether you could be with someone. Above all else is music. Music choice says everything about a person, and if you don’t align on what to listen to, there are probably a lot of things you won’t align on. Thank the Rock and Roll gods in the sky, Lauren and I had the same taste in music. Both brought up on the classics by our parents, and expanding in our adult life into music of all types. Have a listen to our [Texino Radio Playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75dIWdUQ8Ro3G4YL17zvap?si=eba28ff0f3da40e6) to hear all of the tunes we played on that first road trip and our third date. 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869066-dsc08410.jpg)


The other test of a connection is the test of time. Does it feel like it is taking forever and you can’t wait to get out of the damn car and awkward silence, or does time not exist because the conversation is so damn good? For us, it was the latter. We just clicked.

As we pulled off into San Luis Obispo and jumped on that classic stretch of Highway 1 heading towards Big Sur, Lauren figured out where we were going. I know now that she is the adventurous type and will jet off on her own in any which direction in her trusty Prius for days at a time. Crazy thing is, she hadn't been to Big Sur yet so this was an extra special occasion. If you haven’t been to Big Sur before, it is hard to contemplate the vibrations and beauty that place holds. They say it is “where the mountains meet the sea” and as soon as you turn the corner onto the winding section of the highway you realize what they mean. Waaaaaay back in the day, they carved this road out of the side of the mountain which is pretty incredible. The sheer rock face that slides from time to time…silhouettes of the Pampas grass gracing their shadows on the road in the golden California evening light…all leading to the most beautiful jade-colored water, sprinkled with boulders and waves rolling in generated from storms raging miles away. It’s powerful! That all said, as we turned up this scenic drive the sun had set and it was pitch black out. Lauren had no idea what we were rolling into. Our destination for the night was one of my favorite Big Sur secrets: the campground at Ventana. [Ventana](https://www.ventanacamping.com) is a super swanky hotel/resort in the Post Valley, and not many folks know that they have a campground. In addition to a whole section of glamping tents that you can spend a ton of money to stay in, there is a normal campground below that isn’t much more expensive than your average National Parks campground. They have a couple of handfuls of sites, spread out beautifully in a grove of redwoods with a creek running through the whole thing. They also have amenities that you don’t typically find at a normal campground like clean bathrooms that aren’t long drops, and showers with real warm water (not that we needed that — the showers in the Texino vans are amazing). We checked in and parked our van at our campsite. With the door open and the sound of the creek below us, we cooked a meal that couldn’t be beat and drained a couple of bottles of wine effortlessly. The details of the evening from this point onward are a little blurry and probably slightly x-rated for this journal post. We had made it. Not only to our destination, but through our first long haul on the open road and it was perfect. 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869052-5.jpg)

We proceeded to do all of the things one can do in Big Sur. We hiked ‘til our legs were wobbly, we cooked, we ate at [Nepenthes](https://www.nepenthe.com) while tripping on mushrooms (apologies to the waiter for our relentless giggles).We flipped through books at the [Henry Miller Library](https://henrymiller.org), wandered through the cabins at [Deetjen’s](https://www.deetjens.com), soaked in the magic waters of [Esalen](https://www.esalen.org). We even splurged and somehow finagled a night at the [Post Ranch Inn](https://www.postranchinn.com)(didn’t know you could spend that much money on a hotel room, hahah). One of the memories that sticks the most was one parking spot. It’s just South of the Limekiln Trailhead and has an insane view of the meandering coastline and you can pull off enough to feel like you are in your own little world. We rolled in early from camp and made breakfast and made love. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below blended seamlessly with our playlist. We left our car in that spot,  hiked up to the waterfall in Limekiln, and took a dip under the falls. Then we headed back down to the beach where we ran into some old friends and had a beer. After that, back up to our parking spot where we took photos, drank beers, and chatted for hours with those same waves still breaking below us. We spent a solid 12 hours in that parking spot from that early morning light till sunset… It was perfect. I think it was in that moment that it all clicked…we were in love!  

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869115-r0010501.jpg)

**a campervan family**

It is now two years and three months later. We have a cute little house up in Altadena, two dogs and I am helping Lauren raise her little girl Zoey, with plans of having one of our own someday soon. As a family over the last few years, we have shared countless adventures on the road together. Many of those are in Texino vans. Camping and the outdoors is our happy place. The connections you make with each other and nature through adventures like these are the glue that keeps relationships strong and the love real. We have that to thank for this amazing family we have built. We also have to thank Texino for providing us with the vehicle that took us on the journey of finding true love. Thanks, guys!  

Love, Lauren and Stefan

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1644869109-r0010452.jpg)
(This is our first akward photo together)

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [CAMPERVAN CABINETS BY TEXINO](https://texino.com/blog/campervan-cabinets-by-texino)

Falling in love in a Texino 

**Hitting the road has never been as stylish as it is with FENIX cabinets in these campervans**

(See original article [here](https://www.fenixforinteriors-na.com/en-us/commercial-inspiration/design-stories/texino))

Get outside. Never have those words been truer than in the year 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic restricted movement across the world. Fortunately for those who are consumed by wanderlust, there is Texino, a Los Angeles-based company that builds, sells, and [rents campervans](https://texino.com/rent-campervans). Texino’s website boldly states, “We build thoughtful, innovative products intended to help more people get outside.”

Of course, the advantage of having a campervan is that it offers you a hybrid experience – you can enjoy all the perks of nature while having the mobility to get around more quickly (and have a roof over your head for those not-so-great weather days).

To ensure the “inside” experience matches the outside experience, Texino turned to FENIX™ innovative materials for interior design.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1618358271-screen-shot-2021-04-13-at-4-57-36-pm.png)

Texino uses FENIX NTM in Grigio Efeso, Bianco Malè, Grigio Bromo, and Verde Comodoro for the facing of the cabinets in various models of its campervans. It is paired with marine ply and stainless steel to complete the look. 

“We create custom campervans, which need to be both durable and functional,” they said. “We’ve found that the FENIX provides us with great color options and is more durable than other competitive options.”

FENIX materials are highly resistant to scratches, abrasion, dry heat, acid-based solvents and household reagents, making it a preferred material for the high-demand rental [campervans](https://texino.com/models) as well.

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [WHY WE USE LITHIUM BATTERIES IN OUR CAMPERVAN CONVERSIONS](https://texino.com/blog/why-we-use-lithium-batteries-in-our-campervan-conversions)

Campervan Cabinets by Texino

Pop-tops are one of the more brilliant quirks of [camper designs](https://texino.com/blog/campervan-cabinets-by-texino). In the search to get as much packed into as little as possible, the pop-top has proven itself as one of the most effective solutions over and over. Like anything else, pop-tops have downsides too. 

Here’s everything you need to know about them.

**Pop-tops give you lots more room**

This is the most obvious point, but it’s worth reiterating that they do actually work. If you need some more internal room – perhaps if you’re tall or a little claustrophobic – being able to stand up in your van makes a big difference.

It also helps when you’re hanging out with friends. Having the extra headroom means that you don’t have to feel cramped when sitting inside the van. 

**Pop-tops let you keep a low profile**

One of the biggest motivators when investing in a [campervan](https://texino.com/) is the ability to be mobile whenever you need to be. While you’re always going to be more mobile in a non-pop-top, lower-roof van, the difference in mobility is just the extra minute or so it takes to drop the pop-top and lock it.

Out in the real world, being able to have a low roof means that you have the option to go into dense, urban areas without being limited by your van size. Not to mention that you can always keep the roof down when you want to stay stealthy.

**Extra beds?**

When you’re on the road, you’re either looking for the solitude of being on the road alone or looking for the company of travelling with friends. When you’re after the latter, you often have to compromise on mobility by travelling in a supersized van. Most pop-tops, however, allow you to fit an extra bed in the top section when the top is up. So you can actually house more people than you’d expect while also being able to easily drop the roof when you need to get going.

**Be aware of climate**

Now, for all of the benefits of having a pop-top roof, you need to be aware of their limitations. Most sides that fill the space between the roof and the body of your van are canvas. This is great because it’s lightweight and easily collapsible, but it can also be a poor insulator. The same goes for the roof itself; for the sake of being lightweight, many pop-tops have a plastic or fiberglass roof – which means they also don’t keep heat in very well.

If you’re planning to adventure during the Summer or in areas with generally-warm climates, this is likely a benefit. You get some natural ventilation, and you’re not worrying about keeping warm at night. But if you anticipate cold weather, bring extra blankets - as you likely would pop-top or not!

**Pop-tops let a lot of sound through**

This is another point that could be a benefit or a drawback. Because the sides are canvas, you’re not going to get any sound dampening when you have the top up. This means that sleeping in a noisy area with the top up can be particularly challenging.

If you’re boondocking, this is great! You don’t need to worry about all the noises of the city and the sounds of nearby wildlife are likely quite pleasant.

**Follow the safety instructions**

As with anything in a campervan, it’s important to always follow the safety instructions — the same is definitely true with the pop-top. Never drive with the pop-top up, always make sure that the pop-top is fully raised and securely locked into place, don’t allow anyone under the age of 18 to operate the pop-top, and never leave any unattended children inside of the pop-top. 


**Choose the right van option for you**

At Texino, we use [SCA pop-tops](https://rre-global.com/sca/) in our camper conversions. Their thermal insulation balanced with lightweight construction makes for a perfect extension to the vehicle. They’re flame retardant, easy-to-use and cosy - with velour interior.

Take a look at our latest [Switchback](https://texino.com/models/switchback-ii) model, which sleeps four with its double murphy bed and pop-top with memory foam mattress. The [Outpost](https://texino.com/models/outpost) model is designed with both space and function in mind, and the pop-top provides just that, with space for an extra camper!

If you’re looking for comfort, functionality, and elegant simplicity (sans pop-top), you have to check out our [Venture](https://texino.com/models/venture) model.

On a surf trip or when kicking back in the desert, a pop-top’s probably your best bet. See what's available for your next adventure [here](https://www.texino.com/book/).

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [CAMPERVAN CABINETS BY TEXINO](https://texino.com/blog/campervan-cabinets-by-texino)
* [ATRIUM IN PROGRESS - THE FUTURE OF CAMPING MOBILITY](https://texino.com/blog/atrium-in-progress-the-future-of-camping-mobility)

Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops

**Your COVID-19 vaccine could be in the back of a van**

Texino’s outfitted camper vans bring COVID-19 testing and vaccines to you.

See the full article [here](https://www.fastcompany.com/90620999/your-covid-vaccine-could-be-in-the-back-of-a-van).

Vaccinations are ramping up across the country. And while many people will get their appointments at pharmacies, hospitals, or convention centers, one particular location comes to you.

[Camper van company Texino](https://texino.com/about) has created custom vans that are outfitted to act as mobile COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites. And while Texino typically outfits Mercedes vans into custom campers, this time the company had a different client: the healthcare industry. The vans are designed to make testing and vaccination more flexible and accessible.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1617320294-screen-shot-2021-04-01-at-4-38-02-pm.png)

The process began after testing company Curative approached Texino last summer to build a van for mobile testing, according to Texino founder Nick Devane. The company ordered a few more, and soon additional orders were coming in from other companies. Texino started building them out for vaccine deployment last October.

There are two types of vans: one for dispersing COVID-19 tests and one for vaccines. Essentially, each company commissions Texino to design and convert the vans depending on their needs. From the outside, the vans look more or less like a typical Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Not so much on the inside.

Rather than designing a van for outdoor enthusiasts and would-be nomads, as it usually does, Texino created these vans to be clean and efficient workspaces for healthcare workers. Devane, who had previously launched a [food startup](https://www.fastcompany.com/40457426/wework-for-chefs-how-one-co-working-incubator-fuels-food-innovation), says he leaned on his experience in the food industry to meet the standards, comparing Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments [(CLIA) requirements](https://www.cdc.gov/clia/law-regulations.html), which created quality standards for lab testing, to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. That meant doing away with the cooktops and showers you’d use during a cross-country drive and outfitting the vans with stainless steel and laminated marine wood, which he says is easy to disinfect, and custom storage for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Design also takes healthcare workflow into consideration. Texino added off-grid air conditioning and heat, enabled Wi-Fi, and created space for four to five people to work inside, depending on whether it’s used for testing or vaccinations. The vans developed for vaccine deployment also have small refrigerators and increased electrical power (to keep those fridges running). Each van can administer up to 1,000 tests in a 12-hour period, according to the company, though requests for testing labs have declined in favor of vaccine vans, which act like mobile offices to quickly distribute vaccines and/or support vaccination sites, like the Hansen Dam site in Los Angeles.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1617320567-screen-shot-2021-04-01-at-4-42-34-pm.png)

The design of the testing van in particular shows how much the science has changed over the past year. When Texino first started producing the vans, it was thought that the virus could be transmitted through hard surfaces. So to avoid any physical contact, Texino made the vans airtight, and installed a two-way speaker system for patients to communicate with healthcare workers. The administrator drops the test through a stainless steel chute, the patient grabs it from the outside of the vehicle and self-administers a COVID-19 test, then drops the completed test in another chute in the back of the vehicle. It’s the pandemic version of what you might see at a bank drive-through. Though we now know the virus is mainly spread through airborne particles, the design has stayed the same.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/40457/1617321110-screen-shot-2021-04-01-at-4-51-38-pm.png)

The biggest challenge was scaling the Texino supply chain, according to Devane: Building out over 100 camper vans in a matter of months required a new space, staffing, and training. “It was much larger than what we’re used to doing,” he says of the project, which is based out of the company’s offices in the Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles.

So far, his pivot is working. There are 105 vans working with four testing and vaccine providers in California, Texas, Wisconsin, Colorado, Florida, and New Mexico. And the interest isn’t slowing down: Devane says he’s in talks with about 15 other companies to create custom vans.

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [CAMPERVAN CABINETS BY TEXINO](https://texino.com/blog/campervan-cabinets-by-texino)

In the Press... Fast Company

Today’s RV appliances typically consume a lot of power, and campervans carry many of them for maximum comfort on the road. Air conditioners, fridges, water heaters and stoves are only a few of the high-draw appliances we work with. In order to power these devices using lead acid chemistry, we would need massive banks of heavy batteries. Instead, we’ve decided to move entirely to lithium batteries. 

So why lithium?

**Higher Energy Density**

Our primary reason for the switch is energy density.  Lead-acid chemistry includes flooded cell, GEL, and AGM batteries. Conventional lead-acid batteries don't cut it for the demanding devices in an RV. They have very low energy density.  Lead-acid applications provide only 20-50% of usable energy, which means a 100 amp-hour battery ends up only having 20 to 50 amp-hours available for use. Only significantly over-rating the system will achieve the necessary power. Additionally, as a lead-acid battery is discharged its voltage slowly decays. Thus, the system has to compensate with a higher amp draw to produce the same power over time. As the battery dies, the amperage increases until its voltage is no longer sustainable and the battery is considered dead. Finally, flooded cell batteries, which are easily damaged by vibration and shock, must be installed upright. 

**Longer lifespan**

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, on the other hand, can be discharged to 100% without structural harm. To sweeten the deal, a lithium chemistry battery has a longer lifespan and can be discharged over twice as many times as a lead-acid battery. They also contain integrated circuits that prevent complete discharge. Lithium has a higher voltage instance over its discharge life, staying above 13 volts for most of its charge span. This provides consistent power and more efficiency across the battery’s range. Appliances such as overlanding fridges, stoves, and lights will be less taxed by a more efficient system. Lithium batteries can be mounted in any position and are unfazed by vibrations and most shocks (important for your vanlife travels!)

**More power per pound**

Lithium Iron Phosphate also weighs only about a third of a comparable lead-acid battery, with over twice the energy density. When you add all of these qualities up, it's the obvious choice for overlanding or individuals looking to boondock. More energy can be stored for less weight and space and will last much longer under harsher conditions. The only drawback to lithium batteries is their inability to provide high amp draws. Most batteries have a limit of 100a continuous draw, which can be mitigated by installing several batteries in parallel. A system's total "continuous draw" is the sum of all the batteries’ limits when run in parallel. For instance, two 100a capable batteries running together would allow a pulse of 200a without issues. The term "cold-cranking amps," used in flooded cells, indicates how much pulse power can be drawn from the battery. A single 100ah lithium battery has 100 cold-cranking amps or 100CCA. This means that lead-acid batteries are still best for engine systems and starters, which often require 750 cranking amps or higher to start. 

For those indispensable appliances that ensure comfort and convenience in our [camper vans](https://texino.com/), Texino is going lithium all the way.

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [What is CNC Machining?](https://texino.com/blog/what-is-cnc-machining)

Why We Use Lithium Batteries in Our Campervan Conversions

Many of us are still stuck inside - whether due to local restrictions, personal choice, or a lack of work-life balance. In any case, whatever state you live in, things certainly aren’t ‘back to normal’ yet, and options are relatively limited when it comes to activities and outings.
 
So long as travel is permitted, what remains constant is our access to nature. At the beginning of the pandemic, people across the globe took full advantage of nature’s benefits — picking up new hobbies from foraging, to hiking, to nature photography. 
 
A year on, with people working from home, the lines between work and play have blurred and many find themselves working into the evening and during weekends - feeling they have less time to spend outdoors. The [mental health effects](https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/) have been devastating.
 
Texino calls for a ‘return to nature!’ The novelty of those initial new hobbies and of forging new patterns doesn’t have to wear thin. Though we are working through tough times, setting aside time outside is vital.
 
**Reconnecting**
 
There’s never been a better time to reconnect with nature. That hike - that trail - that beach - that dusty track - is practically calling your name!
 
Despite the ‘social options’ available to us through technology (FaceTime, Zoom, messaging, etc), you’ll hear that “we’ve never been so disconnected”. This has almost become a cliché because, in this case, it’s true. Many of us have retreated into our shells, into our work, and into the fear that has in part started to rule our lives. So much so that it can feel as though we’ve lost parts of ourselves. The sense of disconnection is not only a social one but, on another level, it has to do with how we relate to and place ourselves within the world. 
 
Nature gives us perspective. It is easy to forget that the sun shines and ants crawl, and that we’re each a part of a larger whole, when we’re cooped up inside, doom-scrolling, and occasionally watching funny videos of cats on the internet (that’s not a ‘break’ 🧐).
 
Reconnecting with nature gives you the opportunity to unplug and take stock. And you don’t *have* to be by yourself! The good thing about time outside is that, for many states, you’re allowed to spend it with a buddy or group of friends (but check local restrictions).
 
**Nature’s benefits**
 
There are [proven](https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-02/uop-rwn021220.php) mental health benefits of [spending time in nature](https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/). Now, we’re not saying that just going outside is a cure-all - certainly not. Mental illness is a complex beast not cured by a dandelion or a mountainside (and we of course believe in access to professional therapy for all). BUT, these things - exercise, sunlight, a new perspective - can certainly put a spring in your step if you’ve been feeling a little disconnected and cooped-up.
 
Physical activity has been linked to [improved wellbeing](https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-using-exercise) for many years now, and [recent studies](https://www.sharp.com/health-news/5-ways-being-outdoors-can-make-you-healthier-and-happier.cfm) have shown the power of time outside for reducing blood pressure. And while international travel can sometimes be a stressor (think airplane queues), spending time in the nature that’s on our doorsteps is a stress-relieving alternative. We won’t even get started on the fact that you need vitamin D to be a healthy, happy individual. Basically: the benefits are plenty!
 
**So what do we do about it?**
 
Our thoughts?
 
Take that annual leave. You deserve it. After a tumultuous year for business, lots of people report feelings of obligation towards their respective workplaces. They feel they should work harder and longer hours. 
 
Well, we’re here to tell you, you’re not a machine! However startling it may sound, from time to time, you. need. a. break. Workplace stress and [burnout](https://blog.vantagecircle.com/employee-burnout/) leads to a lack of motivation and loss of productivity. 
 
So, with sunnier days ahead, now’s the time.
 
**Traveling**
 
Traveling during a pandemic might feel a little daunting. Where will I sleep? Where will I eat?
 
Certainly, it’s worth avoiding places experiencing major outbreaks, even if you’re planning to spend the majority of your time outdoors.
 
But what’s the ultimate travelling experience, fit for all the chaos of a pandemic?
 
#Campervans.
 
When you [rent out one of Texino’s vans](https://texino.com/rent-campervans), you get the works: kettle, coffee grinder and pour over, cups, bowls, plates, silverware, pots and pans, colander, olive oil, salt, pepper, toilet paper, soap, sponge, camp chairs, playing cards. You just need to bring yourself (and maybe some food, clothes, and good hiking boots…?). 
 
If you’re a weekend warrior looking for only the essentials and room to bring your gear (boards, bikes, you name it), you could try the [Switchback II](https://texino.com/models/switchback-ii).
 
Or if you’re looking for a spacious 5-berth with a shower and induction stove for a family trip, check out our [Outpost](https://texino.com/models/outpost).
 
Whatever your needs, we’ve got the van for you. Simply pick it up from our location in Silverlake or request a drop-off, and we’ll see what we can do!
 
We’re Covid-safe, and all vans are cleaned thoroughly before pick-up. When road-tripping in one of our builds, you needn’t worry about where you’ll eat next and whether it’ll be safe to do so - simply park up beach-side and get something cooking (we’ve got a list of road-trip recipes on our [blog](https://texino.com/about/blog/), too).
 
We’d recommend a trip to [Joshua Tree](https://www.texino.com/trips/14779309/). This is nature at its finest.
 
Joshua Tree boasts an abundance of campgrounds, trails, climbing boulders, and, when it gets dark, more stars in the sky than you’ve ever seen. It’s recognized as an International Dark Sky Park and offers many visitors the chance to see the Milky Way for the first time in their lives.
 
Once you’ve spanned the 319,598 hectares of Joshua Tree (OK, probably a little unrealistic) with its many [trails](https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/joshua-tree-national-park), you might want a snippet of the man-made. You could check out Salvation Mountain, a man-made mountain covered in roughly half a million gallons of paint, or the eco-themed, desert-set sculpture garden of East Jesus.
 
Reconnect on this back-to-nature retreat: wiggle your toes in the sand, soak up the sun, embrace the breeze, and forget your troubles - just for a moment.
 
But what you really have to do on this trip of a lifetime is look up at the stars at night and breathe in that open country air. Nothing feels quite so good in your lungs. 
 
Find your next adventure van [here](https://www.texino.com/book/).

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [CAMPERVAN CABINETS BY TEXINO](https://texino.com/blog/campervan-cabinets-by-texino)

Find Your Freedom

Remember the show ‘How It’s Made?’

If so, you might have *some* idea about the inner workings of CNC machines. If not, or if you’d just like to find out more about CNC machining (and how we utilize it here at Texino), let’s get into it.

First of all, welcome to the Garage! Check out some of our [van builds](https://texino.com/build/) to get a sense of our interiors and what we use CNC for. Now to the nitty-gritty…

**A brief history**

A fairly recent addition to the manufacturing world, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a high-precision, computer controlled technique for cutting material and general fabrication.

CNC machines are electro-mechanical devices capable of manipulating tools around axes (that’s the plural of axis, not woodchuck axes). They were first developed in the 1940s, and back then they relied on ‘punched tape,’ which is a data storage technique that any coders out there will recognize! Essentially, holes were manually punched into a data card and put into a system that then interpreted the data. Functionality, at this point, was seriously limited.

By now, technology has advanced significantly, and CNC machining is the most effective way engineers and creators can generate a physical part from a computer design. With the help of new design programs, it’s no longer necessary to write complicated code to tell the machines what to do. Instead, you can take a 3D model - say, of a custom dinette for one of our campers - and automatically generate codes that drive the machine to cut out all of the parts for it. Parts which can then be easily assembled by trained professionals.

**Why CNC wins**

CNC differs from 3D printing in that it's what’s known as a subtractive process, where material is removed from a material. 3D printing is an additive process - functioning instead by ‘creating’ material. 

There are manual alternatives to CNC machining - like using lathes, for example - but, as you can imagine, they are nowhere near as precise, and you aren’t guaranteed to get the same, highly-accurate results each time. Not to mention the time and labor CNC saves!

**How we use CNC machining**

We use CNC machining with our campervan builds by designing parts on a computer, assembling into 3D form, and producing the ‘path’ for the CNC machine to cut it out from high-quality materials. These machines can cut anything from ply to steel - it’s just a case of using different ‘tools.’ Think of the CNC machine as the extra strong, hyper-accurate laborer, capable of utilizing whichever tool works best for the material.

This is just one of the techniques we’re proud to make best use of, and part of why our van builds come out so beautifully (if we do say so ourselves). Why not take our match-making [quiz](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9HFWB9J), so you can fall in love with the [Texino Campervan Build](https://texino.com/inventory) that’s perfect for you?

If you’d like to know more about our fabrication techniques, or are interested in our builds, feel free to [get in touch](https://texino.com/contact/). 

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [FALLING IN LOVE IN A TEXINO](https://texino.com/blog/falling-in-love-in-a-texino)

What is CNC Machining?

If you’ve got a [two-burner stove](https://texino.com/products/primus-profile-dual-stove) (as many living or travelling in [vans](https://texino.com/models) will) or even a one-burner or camping stove, you might think you’re going to be restricted when it comes to recipes. We’re here to debunk the myth!

Here are four delicious recipes to try on the road (although, maybe not literally while on the road… definitely not):

**Ramen**

This is THE perfect one-pot meal. The great thing about ramen is you can adjust it according to your favourite ingredients or dietary preferences. Easily swap out pork for a veggie alternative, or bean sprouts for sweetcorn, for example. If you’re keeping fresh ingredients to a minimum, ramen adjusts easily to canned and dried goods that are always good to have in your cupboard anyway (like dried mushrooms, canned sweetcorn, and tofu). Now we’re cooking with [gas](https://texino.com/products/primus-powergas-canister-fuel)!

For a quick recipe, build your base first. Our tips: fry in sesame oil, don’t forget the miso (lots) and stock cube, and definitely never skip the dried shiitakes. Use ready-to-wok noodles and sprinkle with spring onion and chopped chilli, and maybe even add an egg if your diet allows. For a jammy egg: 7 minutes from when the boiling starts, then soak it in cold water before peeling.

Time to tuck in - got your chopsticks at the ready? If not, this nifty [Snow Peak](https://texino.com/products/titanium-fork-spoon-set) cutlery set works just as well. Eat straight from the [pan](https://texino.com/products/texino-enamelware-sauce-pan) for less washing up (ideal when van-lifing) - we won’t tell!


**Pancakes**

You’re sitting looking out at the next hike spot, [coffee](https://texino.com/products/titanium-french-press) in hand. You need some fuel for the day. Grab your favourite frying pan - check out this [Solid Teknics cast iron skillet](https://texino.com/products/solid-teknics-us-ion-12-cast-iron-skillet) - and get cookin’! Pancakes are a perfect and versatile road trip breakfast. 

We probably don’t need to tell you how to make pancakes, but here’s a fab, fluffy [recipe](https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/fluffyamericanpancak_74828).

Choose your fighter: blueberries and cream or lemon and sugar? Go wild with a bit of maple syrup or chocolate drizzle. Then dig in!

**Nachos**

This one’s an excellent campfire recipe - and, whenever sharing is allowed, it’ll be your go-to for hazy summer nights with pals. You can cook this on one of these above-ground [Snow Peak fireplaces](https://texino.com/products/snow-peak-pack-carry-fireplace-xl), or this [Primus Campfire Pot](https://texino.com/products/campfire-pot-s-s-5l). Check out this [recipe](https://www.freshoffthegrid.com/campfire-nachos/). The secret is in the layers; you can never have too many layers of cheese in a nacho mountain.

Then serve up for friends and family to enjoy — simple as that!

**One-Pot Pasta**

You really can’t go wrong with a classic one-pot pasta (no, that’s not a challenge!). We recommend giving this [spicy, creamy cajun chicken pasta](https://www.budgetbytes.com/one-pot-creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/) a go. Veggie? No worries, vegan options are easy to swap in.

The best thing about this one is that you’ll almost always have all the ingredients on hand for a great one-pot pasta. If it’s not spicy cajun chicken, try tomato, mushroom, and spinach. Add sundried tomatoes for a flavour kick. 

Good utensils will change your life, so swap out for our chopping board and knife set 
(the knife packs away neatly into the chopping board when not in use!) and sturdy, heat resistant kitchen spoon . Your recipes will taste that much better when you’re equipped to make them without hassle!

We hope you enjoy making these recipes on your next road trip - and don’t forget to take a look at our [Camp Store](https://texino.com/camp-store/) for everything you’ll need on the road.

**Related Blog Posts**

* [FALLING IN LOVE IN A TEXINO](https://texino.com/blog/falling-in-love-in-a-texino)
* [CAMPERVAN CABINETS BY TEXINO](https://texino.com/blog/campervan-cabinets-by-texino)

4 Recipes for Your Next Road Trip

**How this Chinatown camper company turned their vans into vaccine distribution vehicles**

See the original article [here](https://abc7.com/camping-van-camper-texino/10330652/)

One camping company in Chinatown is turning their vans into mobile testing and vaccine sites amid the pandemic.


CHINATOWN (KABC) -- From vacations to vaccines, Texino Founder and CEO Nick Devane has you covered.

In July, his [camping van company](https://texino.com/about) was approached with the idea to build camper vans fully equipped for mobile testing.

"What started out as one, turned into five and then 10. And then so far, we've actually built about 90 testing vans," said Devane.

And as vaccines started to receive FDA approval, the functionality of the vans started to grow.

"As we got into the fall, we added the ability to distribute the vaccine to those vehicles as well," said Devane.

Once the van is completed, it's given to one of four companies helping with vaccine distribution and testing.

"I think the beauty of the vans is the ability to hit a lot of different places quickly," he said.

Devane said they're completing about two of these vans per day.

And though it's busy in the Texino warehouse now, it looked very different at the start of the pandemic.

"The first six weeks of the pandemic almost no one was going camping. We actually had to let go or furlough most of our staff. And we sold all of our vehicles just to stay in business," he said.

But thanks to a camping boom in April, they started to get busy again.

"Suddenly, everybody wanted to buy a van or rent a van. We were fully booked through the summer," Devane said.

Devane said many small business owners can relate to the struggle the pandemic has caused. But he's happy to be in a place where he's able to give back.

"Compared to our normal work it has been really awesome to be impactful and feel like we're doing something about the pandemic," he said.

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [WHY WE USE LITHIUM BATTERIES IN OUR CAMPERVAN CONVERSIONS](https://texino.com/blog/why-we-use-lithium-batteries-in-our-campervan-conversions)

In the Press... Eyewitness News ABC7

**Why a Sprinter?**

When looking for a foundation to build on, we [wanted a van](https://texino.com/rent-campervans) that matched the care and effort we put into our builds; that meant reliability, high quality, and style. Since we're a small company, we wanted to focus on one brand. We looked at all the van companies we could find, and Mercedes fit the bill perfectly. We believe they have the best engineering and style among van manufacturers.

They also offer all the options we wanted. The Metris (smaller van) is the largest in its class and the only one with RWD; RWD has many advantages over FWD when fully loaded. Additionally, [Sprinters](https://texino.com/inventory) are the only full size cargo vans with 4x4 straight from the factory. On top of all that, the new generation of Sprinters (2019+) can have all the luxuries of a Mercedes car: lumbar heated seats, radar guided cruise control, 10-inch infotainment system, etc.

**Related Blog Posts**

* [Everything You Need to Know About Pop-Tops](https://texino.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pop-tops)
* [Find Your Freedom](https://texino.com/blog/find-your-freedom)

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