In 2019, I took the plunge into Van Life. I moved out of my apartment and into my 2019 Travato 59G that has a living space of just 75 cubic feet. Only seasonal clothing, my bike, and photography equipment remain, and I keep a small storage unit for the little that I exchange each season.
Living On The Road In A Van or RV: A 'How-To' Guide For Getting Started
Part One - The Decision
I looked at converting a van, and the biggest reason I didn’t pursue it was time. Most conversions in 2019 were 6 months to a year out. The other reason was that I was genuinely going to make this my home, so I needed something with the best functionality for me. The 2019 Travato 59G was selected as the winner based on extensive research.
Knowing this would be my permanent home for, well, ever – it needed the following amenities:
- A toilet/shower combo
- Stove
- Kitchen space with a separate refrigerator and freezer, sink and storage
- The ability to have onboarded water
- Generator
- Propane furnace
- Solar panels
- Sliding windows with screens in the coach
- Dependable chassis and foundation
And the following are things that I wanted but weren’t “must-haves:”
- Walkthrough hall to back doors
- TV and stereo system
- Extra outside storage
I suppose that every wanderer started in a garden somewhere. So few of us are born into motion.
I looked at converting a van, and the biggest reason I didn’t pursue it was time. Most conversions in 2019 were 6 months to a year out. The other reason was that I was genuinely going to make this my home, so I needed something with the best functionality for me. The 2019 Travato 59G was selected as the winner based on extensive research.
I’ve road-tripped the eastern seaboard, traveled HWY 1 along the California Coast, made countless loop trips to places like the Badlands and the Gulf of Mexico, and so much more. I’m in love with this way of life, and I don’t think I’ll ever give it up. Living in a van is an incredibly fulfilling way to travel and live, so if you’re considering it, let me be an inspiration to you and offer a few suggestions on how to do this too.
Van conversion or purchasing is a big decision that takes a lot of thought, whether you consider it part-time or a full-time endeavor. There are many different options and set-ups to choose from, conversions to make and even designing your nomadic lifestyle to consider. This blog post is a guide filled with van life how-tos and answers to the most frequently asked questions to make things easier.
Regardless of your goals, there is no right way to live a van life. The key is figuring out what works for you – your style.
Are you ready to begin your journey?
WHAT MAKES VAN LIFE SO AWESOME?
It’s possible to live on the road for several reasons, which differ for each individual. Whether you’re looking for grand adventures or trying to live more minimally – the following are some of my favorite reasons to live on the road.
Freedom
Living in a van allows you to travel across the country at your own pace and explore the places you always dreamed of seeing. Van life gives you the freedom to travel without time constraints, reservations, or agendas, whether you’re exploring all of the National Parks or driving across the United States to discover what each state offers.
A Simpler Life
Living in a van means simplifying your life and letting go of unnecessary belongings. This is one of the biggest lessons of van living for many people! For me, it’s been a lesson in learning what is really important. I have more time to connect with others and do meaningful activities with less stuff.
Connect With Nature
Spending more time in nature can be a great benefit of van life. From dispersed camping to visiting National Parks, a van lifestyle allows you to explore your surroundings.
My van is also an excellent basecamp for outdoor life. No matter the time of year, pulling into a park, along a beach or getting out at a trailhead to hike, it’s perfect to know the van is waiting when I return.
Save Money
It is possible to live in a van for as little or as much as you want. Most van lifers enjoy camping for free on public lands and enjoying the outdoors. As a full-time van lifer, it’s true I don’t pay rent or utilities, but I have a loan payment and need LP gas. This is still hundreds of dollars less than what I used to pay every month.
Flexibility
You can be flexible by living and working on the road. When you live in a van, you can go anywhere you want when you want. You might need WiFi if you work remotely, but for the most part, you do not need to worry about finding a place to work. I’ve worked along beautiful beaches, along picturesque hilltops and in colorful forests but also in Walmart parking lots, truck stops and on busy city streets.
Endless Learning
Of course, every day is a new day, but in a van? Every day is also an adventure! Circumstances are different, but most people are raised in a permanent house, condo, or apartment. But, living on the road in a van or RV gives a new perspective every day. Every horizon is different, every morning view; each sunrise and sunset and the surroundings offer endless opportunities to learn about where you are.
THE PROS AND CONS OF LIVING ON THE ROAD
To make the most of living in a van, it’s essential to consider some of the highlights and challenges of van life. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned while living in a van.
Van Living Pros
- The freedom to travel when and where you want and not being restricted by time and place is liberating!
- Fewer expenses.
- A simplified life.
- Upkeep is usually fast and easy.
- Get outdoors more.
- Opportunities to create connections all across the country.
- More opportunities to get away from social media and the news.
- See and experience many different ways of life.
- Explore and wander.
- Endless learning opportunities.
Van Living Cons
- Traditional bathing with a shower is less frequent, especially during the winter months.
- No oven (at least in my van)
- Smaller space means tight quarters, especially if you have a partner or pets along.
- Smaller spaces require regular daily upkeep.
- Finding a dump station is challenging, especially in the winter months in the midwest.
- Safety must be taken into account when choosing a campsite and parking.
- If your van breaks down or gets stuck, you need a backup plan.
- Driving and exploring urban areas can be difficult as finding appropriate parking is sometimes challenging.
- WiFi and cellular service are not always reliable.
Part two of this post will cover preparing for living life on the road and the action steps needed to get out there.
Ask in the comments below questions you may have about van living?
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Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
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