My seduction began with the click of a mouse. For the price of my email address, I entered a sweepstakes during the long winter of 2022 to win a fully rigged Mercedes-Benz Sprinter camper van. This was an impulsive decision, when my fantasies of open-highway escape were as strong as they’d ever been: After two years as coronavirus captives, my wife and I needed a road trip. And we needed a way to take both dogs along for the ride because, well, Coloradans.
Once I hit the “enter” button, Facebook’s algorithm worked its magic. My news feed began inundating me with one glamorous #vanlife fantasy after another. Other camper giveaways. Van conversion companies. Custom vans for rent or sale. Nonstop blog posts.
The most persistent dream peddler was , where camper van owners offer you the chance to rent their custom rides. Dozens were available in the Denver area. Determined to entice, each owner posts alluring
