Tutorials &
User Guide

Begin with your own Apple Account. Van Companion keeps setup short and lets you change every choice later.

1. Install and open Van Companion.

   Download it from the App Store and follow the first-launch introduction.

2. Review the Premium Preview.

   All Premium features are available for the first 30 days. This is an in-app preview, not a paid Apple subscription.

3. Allow location while using the app.

   Location supports nearby searches, current-position updates, routes, and optional coordinates on travel records.

4. Confirm iCloud is available.

   iCloud Drive is needed for Enhanced backup, personal-device sync, and Premium Pilot/Co-Pilot sharing.

Vehicle specifications drive range estimates, reminders, fuel and DEF displays, and the information available during a trip.

1. Enter the 17-character VIN.

   Use VIN lookup to fill available year, make, model, engine, fuel, drive, and manufacturing information.

2. Review every decoded field.

   A conversion may differ from factory specifications. Correct the tank capacity, dimensions, weight, tires, oil, or any changed value.

3. Add the RV build.

   Record the builder, electrical system, batteries, solar, water tanks, climate equipment, appliances, communications, and security equipment.

4. Confirm fuel type and capacity.

   Tank capacity, latest saved MPG, and checklist fuel level calculate approximate range. DEF controls appear for diesel vehicles and are omitted for identified non-diesel vehicles.

1. Open Checklists and choose Departure.

   Enter the location, choose the driver, confirm the odometer, and record current vehicle levels.

2. Set fuel with the 12-step gauge.

   The straight E-to-F gauge combines familiar fractional markings with precise steps for range estimates.

3. Record DEF when applicable.

   The light-blue DEF gauge changes to yellow at one-half and red at one-quarter, with an advisory when attention is needed.

4. Complete Walk-Around and Interior Secure.

   Mark each item, record anything needing attention, and save the completed inspection.

1. Tap Start a Trip.

   Enter or confirm current mileage, the journey name, starting location, destination, departure date, and planned return.

2. Use the Journey map.

   Current location and next destination create the route. Tap the map or navigation control to open Apple Maps for a larger view and CarPlay navigation.

3. Add stops and memories.

   Use waypoints for planned stops, Places Been for unplanned visits worth remembering, and Places to Explore for future ideas.

4. Update the next destination.

   Choosing another Nearby Activity replaces the current Dashboard destination while preserving saved stop records.

5. End the journey when you arrive.

   Use End Trip from Dashboard or the Journey Underway card on Logbook, confirm ending mileage and arrival details, then save.

1. Open Nearby Activities.

   Use the Dashboard Quick Action or open it from Logbook.

2. Choose a category.

   Browse Restaurants, Fast Food, Attractions, Outdoors, Relax, Water, Public Camp/RV, Private Camp/RV, or Overnight Options.

3. Explore another area.

   Move the map toward the road ahead or another city. Results refresh around the visible area after you stop moving it.

4. Select a place.

   Tap a marker to make it your next Dashboard destination. Your last selection and search remain available when you return.

5. Open the full map.

   Tap Open Full Map to view results in Apple Maps. Use Clear Selection when you no longer want the selected destination.

1. Tap Log Expense.

   Record date, vendor, category, amount, payment method, notes, and whether the cost is personal, business, or split.

2. Record complete fuel fill-ups.

   Enter fuel volume, price, odometer, and whether the tank was filled completely. Van Companion calculates MPG when sufficient full-fill data exists.

3. Use Recent, Active Trip, or Dates.

   Recent lists individual expenses newest first. Trip and date views narrow the list before you review totals.

4. Create reports with Enhanced or Premium.

   Choose Current Month, Custom Period, Year to Date, or All History, then preview and export PDF or CSV files.

1. Choose the Pilot.

   The Pilot owns the shared workspace and must have active Premium access.

2. Check iCloud Readiness.

   On the Pilot’s phone, open Account & Community → Pilot & Co-Pilot Sharing. Wait until iCloud Readiness shows Ready.

3. Send one invitation.

   Tap Invite Co-Pilot and send it by Messages, Mail, or another available sharing option.

4. Accept on the Co-Pilot’s iPhone.

   The Co-Pilot opens the invitation using their own Apple Account and iCloud account, then opens Van Companion.

5. Sync both phones.

   Tap Sync Now and confirm the correct names, Connected status, and a recent sync time.

1. Open Plans from Account & Community.

   Apple displays the current localized price and billing period before confirmation.

2. Use Restore Purchases when needed.

   Restore checks the Apple Account signed into the device for an active Van Companion subscription.

3. Use Manage Apple Subscriptions.

   Change or cancel a plan in Apple’s subscription settings. Paid plans renew automatically until canceled.

U.S. prices are shown. Apple displays localized pricing before purchase. See the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.