Image: Riley Moser of Anchorage, photo by Parker May
You followed this Van Life influencer on Youtube and this Van Girl from the climbing gym on Instagram. Every time we go to the rock, we can’t help but notice the plethora of well-decorated vans in the parking lot. Inspired by successful van dwellers around the world, you’ve decided this lifestyle might be for you. So where to start?
The van
There are a few main factors to consider when finding a van that meets your needs.
Budget:
Setting a budget is important before purchasing your van. Like most big purchases, vehicles have A LOT of costs beyond the sticker price; for example, insurance, registration and taxes are costs you incur after purchasing your van. Then there are potential repair costs, including common routine maintenance such as tires, alignment and fluid changes. Knowing the hidden costs associated with your van is important in determining your budget.
For me, spending money on function trumped aesthetics. Having a good solar setup is much more important than having the prettiest countertops on the cliff. You might be tempted to imitate one of the gorgeous interiors of the many Sprinter vans that litter Instagram, but a functional van should be your first priority if you’re on a budget.
Reliability:
If you’re working on a budget, like most van dwellers, consider vans that fit your budget and have a long lifespan ahead of them. On the road, I’ve met people with twenty year old cargo vans with over 300,000 miles on them and who regularly experience mechanical problems. They bought the van with 280,000 miles on it, then poured their heart, soul, and money into a beautiful build on the chassis of a beat-up vehicle. Just because most social media touts high-end Sprinter vans as the “premier” #VanLife camper doesn’t mean it’s the only option. In my opinion, you are better off with a 10 year newer Ford E-150 than with this contractor’s old Mercedes Sprinter, with 120,000 more miles at the same price.
Once you own your van, maintenance is important. Doing small amounts of work over a longer period of time will save you headaches in the future. Be sure to check and change fluids regularly. It’s not a bad idea to carry an extra quart of oil and check your oil level every couple of fill-ups. Given the constant elevation changes around the climbing areas, your van will be going up and down many hills. Change the brake pads before they warp your rotors and use a low gear downhill to engine braking, which saves your brake pads.
Inevitably things break, but sometimes with a little know-how or a quick YouTube search, you can get back on track. For example, I always wear an extra serpentine belt. This winter, while I was on the Western Slope of Colorado, mine broke. In less than 30 minutes I was back on the road.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. One of the most common problems faced by van dwellers is tie rod end failure, almost certainly the result of washing out on gravel roads leading to climbing areas. Although you can probably fix this problem on the spot, unless you have a friend who can drive you to the nearest auto parts store, you will need a tow.
Having your van towed is expensive. This winter, a friend of mine drove his pickup truck into a ditch during a snowstorm. After calling several towing companies, the cheapest option was $350, but other companies offered him as much as $650 just to get out of the ditch. It costs even more to go to a repair shop. Some people choose to pay for AAA, but just like with insurance, you may be paying for a service that you ultimately don’t use. However, it’s a good safety net, and if you need towing, it will definitely save you money.
Size:
Even if a pickup truck is within your budget and is reliable, that doesn’t automatically make it an ideal choice for you. Consider which build style fits your lifestyle to determine if the van space best meets your needs.
Some people could live in a car for years while others couldn’t make it into a full-size camper for more than a week. First, determine if there is enough physical space for you and all the amenities you want. If you are traveling with companions, is there enough room for everyone? Next, think about your storage needs. If you’re a weekend warrior, lots of storage may not be as important as someone who carries all their belongings with them. Do you kayak? Mountain biking? Hang gliding? Evaluate your most important assets and equipment, then how they would be stored in your rig.
The construction
Before you start drilling a hole in your roof to install a fan, determine a target construction cost and some tentative construction plans. As with all construction projects, you should not set your target construction cost as the absolute maximum amount you can spend on the conversion. When setting a target construction cost, think of it more as a number to aim for and know that it is entirely possible to exceed it and be prepared to do so! Designs don’t always work out as planned, things break and plans change. If this is your first attempt at woodworking, you’re bound to make one or two bad cuts and will therefore need to repurchase supplies. Measure twice and cut once, but still expect to encounter mistakes along the way. Small additions like an unexpected cabinet or changing your water system can also easily increase your construction cost.
Just like sizing a van to suit your needs, your building plans should take into account your lifestyle and habits, as you develop the space YOU will live in. Too often I’ve seen people latch onto a popular building guide and imitate instead of building around their own needs. Even though a particular build may be efficient and practical, you could have potentially created an even better solution for yourself. If you are creative and flexible, you can create a stunning custom van. There are tons of building guides available on the internet to give you ideas. Be sure to consult as many people as possible to explore all options, and don’t be afraid to apply concepts and ideas from many different resources.
Like the excessive glamor of everyday life on social media, Instagram has also set high standards for #VanLife and van building. However, this is not the norm nor is it necessary to have a great little house on wheels. Some of the famous rigs sport luxurious $60,000 builds; Nonetheless, we were able to upgrade our entire van for $4,000 and it contains a refrigerator, propane stove, sink, diesel heater, full solar and lithium batteries, double bed, toilet compost, tons of tidying up and feng shui to do. we feel like home. I’ve encountered $25,000 builds that offer no more “luxury” than ours and $1,800 builds that offer more amenities than our van. Be patient, resourceful and creative, you can also achieve a great build at a reasonable cost. Simple things like checking Facebook Marketplace before heading to the hardware store for a sink or building a composting toilet instead of buying one can save you a lot of money during a build.
The life
Before you quit your job and hit the road in your newly furnished van, what is your plan?
Making money on the road isn’t easy, but it is doable with the right preparation. Do you want to work remotely? Seasonally? Full time in one place? Outline your money-making plan and implement it as much as possible BEFORE you leave. My plan was to find seasonal work in the food industry. I had some bartending experience before living in the van, so it was easy for me to find seasonal work in restaurants and bars.
Preparation also includes building a rainy day fund. Unexpected repairs to a pickup truck, a tow out of the ditch on a stormy day, or an unplanned visit to the hospital are entirely possible. So it’s best to be prepared and not find yourself in a dead end.
With logistics covered, what about you? Living in a vehicle presents emotional hurdles unique to being on the road. If you’re not traveling with a partner, be prepared to spend some time alone. Just because you want to climb the day you ride on a cliff doesn’t mean you won’t always find a climbing partner. More importantly, how are you coping without close family and friends? You’ll spend a lot of time alone, but you’ll also spend a lot of time with amazing people. On the road, I met some of the most influential people who became an important part of my life, but I also had several days in a row where the only person I spoke to was a gas station attendant. The ability to find comfort only in one’s own company is vital.
Do your research, be patient and consult multiple resources; you’ll be building your van in no time. Building a van is a huge adventure in itself, but don’t forget: it’s also your gateway to bigger adventures to come.
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