See the Link 148 in SoCal
Adventure Van Expo San Juan Capistrano comes to Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, California on May 30-31, 2026. Grit Overland exhibits the Link 148 Adventure Van at the Southern California stop of Adventure Van Expo. Walk through the van, talk with the Grit team, and see how factory-direct adventure van building stacks up.
Last updated: April 2026
Why Visit Grit at Adventure Van Expo?
San Juan Capistrano puts you in the heart of Orange County’s best beaches, perfect late-spring weather, and a community of serious coastal adventurers. The ideal kickoff to van life season.
Walk Through the Van
Open every cabinet. Test the shower space. Experience the layout instead of imagining it from photos.
Meet the Team
Talk directly with the people who construct these vans. We built it – so every question gets a real answer.
Beach Access
Dana Point and Doheny State Beach are 10 minutes away. Combine the expo with world-class surfing and kayaking.
Central Location
55 miles from LA, 66 miles from San Diego. Perfectly positioned for Southern California van enthusiasts.
About Grit Overland Adventure Vans
Grit Overland builds factory-direct adventure vans in Washougal, Washington. The Link 148 is our flagship build, based on the Ford Transit AWD platform. Key features include a north-south queen-plus bed (6’6″ length), full indoor/outdoor shower, 6’3″ standing height, and TIG-welded aluminum infrastructure.
The Link 148 S2 starts at $169,950 and the S4 (with pop-top) starts at $177,950. Build time is typically 6-8 weeks. Factory-direct pricing—no dealer markup.
Event Schedule
| Day | Date | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | May 30 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | May 31 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
What You’ll Experience
- ✓50+ Vendors — Van builders, solar companies, storage solutions, recovery gear
- ✓Open House Vans — Tour professionally built adventure vans and custom builds
- ✓DIY Van Contest — Categories for Fit-n-Finish, Most Creative, and Best Layout
- ✓Live Music & Food — Acoustic performances, food trucks, local craft brews
- ✓On-Site Camping — Powered campsites available (must pre-purchase online)
Getting to Rancho Mission Viejo
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park
30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
From Los Angeles
- Take I-5 South toward San Diego
- Exit at Ortega Highway (CA-74)
- Turn onto Avenida La Pata
~47 minutes (55 miles)
From San Diego
- Take I-5 North toward Los Angeles
- Exit at Ortega Highway (CA-74)
- Turn onto Avenida La Pata
~1 hour (66 miles)
Via Train (Amtrak)
- Take Pacific Surfliner to San Juan Capistrano Station
- Rideshare or taxi to venue (~5 miles)
Trains from LA Union Station & San Diego
While You’re in Orange County
Dana Point
10 minutes away. World-class surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Whale watching from the harbor. Doheny State Beach for swimming.
Laguna Beach
15-20 minutes north. Stunning beaches, art galleries, and the famous Pageant of the Masters. Perfect for sunset strolls.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Founded 1776, “The Jewel of the Missions.” Historic Los Rios District—California’s oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood.
Salt Creek Beach
Popular surf spot with stunning views. Beach fire pits available for evening gatherings after the expo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the weather like in late May?
Great SoCal weather: 72°F highs, 58°F lows, sunny afternoons after any morning marine layer burns off, very low chance of rain. Ideal outdoor expo conditions.
How far is the beach?
10-15 minutes to Dana Point, Doheny State Beach, and Capistrano Beach. Laguna Beach is about 20 minutes north.
Can I camp at the expo?
Yes! On-site camping with powered campsites is available but camping passes must be pre-purchased online—they are NOT sold at the gate.
Can I take the train?
Yes! Amtrak Pacific Surfliner serves San Juan Capistrano station with trains from LA Union Station and San Diego. Rideshare to venue (~5 miles).
How much does a Grit Overland van cost?
Link 148 S2 starts at $169,950. S4 (with pop-top) starts at $177,950. Factory-direct, no dealer markup.
Come See the Link 148
Schedule time with the Grit team to tour the van and get your questions answered.