Social media influencers give van life a considerably deceptive picture. Their profiles make it look dreamy, filled with attractive-looking individuals hanging out worry-free in picture-perfect places nonstop. Promoting that fantasy is an effective way to get a bunch of likes, which in flip is the quickest approach to get model sponsorship and begin making a living.
However, I’ll be the primary to let you know that they aren’t displaying you the complete image. And if they’re, they definitely aren’t residing that fantasy way of life full-time. Really residing in a tiny area, day in and time out, 12 months a yr, is not any cakewalk.
It may be an incredible journey, and it may be numerous enjoyable. But it surely additionally comes with some harsh realities and classes you’ll inevitably be taught the arduous means.
We did, a minimum of. My spouse and I lived full-time out of our van for over 2 years, touring throughout North America. We met so many individuals who started van life enthusiastically, solely to burn out and promote their vans after only a few months.
In truth, we seen a niche within the full-time van life group. There have been those that’d solely been of their van for just a few months and those that had been touring for years. Not many individuals fell in between.
We’ve since shifted to part-time van residing. We’ll nonetheless hit the highway for a month or extra, however we’re not full-timers. And it appeared a disgrace to let all of our hard-learned classes about van life go to waste.
So, listed here are 10 of the hardest classes that we discovered whereas residing in a van full-time for two years. In case you’re critical sufficient about this way of life to purchase a van, you must a minimum of be clear about what you’re entering into. Possibly then, you’ll be higher ready for the cruel realities that include it.
Find out how to Reside in a Van: Knowledge From the Highway
1. Watch the climate fastidiously — an inch of rain can strand you within the desert
On one ill-fated journey, I seen some incoming climate within the forecast whereas I used to be looking for a campsite. I used to be a bit hesitant in regards to the first website I selected, but it surely didn’t appear like critical climate.
This was New Mexico, in any case. I figured I’d be all proper.
I used to be fallacious. The storm dramatically overperformed, dropping essentially the most rain in a single day that the Albuquerque space had seen in a few years. My van’s tires obtained hopelessly caught within the mud.
Lower than 2 months later, I seen one other huge rain system, this time within the Tucson space. We’d booked a website in a close-by campground that featured paved roads, flush bogs, and scorching showers. However as we approached Catalina State Park, I made a last-minute resolution to disperse camp as an alternative, in an space not far-off.
Once more, we had been flooded out, and once more, we (together with over 100 different campers) had been stranded. It took over every week to depart Catalina State Park.
One of many nice allures of residing in a van is your proximity to the pure world. You may get up, open the sliding door, and stroll into the forest or desert. Nonetheless, when the climate goes south, you need to be very aware of the place you’re tenting.
We obtained off the hook straightforward. Floods can break automobiles or get them far worse caught than ours did.
2. Discovering stunning campsites could be difficult and nerve-racking
Tenting in stunning places with attractive views is in the end all the level of residing in a van. However discovering these idyllic spots cannot solely be difficult, it’s additionally typically nerve-racking.
Typically, once we would arrive at a campsite we’d deliberate to remain at, the fact was a lot completely different than anticipated. There is perhaps trash dumps, the positioning could possibly be unexpectedly closed to tenting, or it could possibly be filled with different campers.
Moreover, planning arrival and departure instances could be nerve-racking, too. Particularly on vacation weekends, there’s critical strain to reach earlier than the crowds.
Dispersed tenting is normally extra ample however presents challenges of its personal. Once I arrive at a vacation spot, typically I’ll spend over an hour scouting and flagging potential tenting places.
Some carefree van lifers declare they by no means plan the place they’re going to camp and even once they’ll arrive. However in my expertise, that’s good approach to find yourself sleeping in a Walmart car parking zone. And after some time, sleeping in tons begins to really feel much less like tenting and extra like being unhoused.
3. Make sure that the bathroom is depressurized earlier than opening it
In case your van has a cassette rest room, be certain that to drag the deal with out to depressurize it earlier than opening the lid. In case you’ve pushed up in elevation because the final time you opened the bathroom, it will probably grow to be pressurized.
Then, while you open it, a fantastic mist will erupt from the bowl.
Don’t ask my spouse how she discovered that one.
4. Simply because your telephone says ‘LTE’ and even ‘5G’ doesn’t imply you’ve sufficient information to work from it
The variety of bars that your cellphone shows and even the excellence between 5G and LTE means nearly nothing concerning the precise information speeds your cellphone will present.
In case you plan to work out of your cellphone hotspot in a particular campsite (and even on the town), run a “velocity check.” Open your cellphone’s internet browser and go to OpenSpeedTest.com. That lets you decide what precise web speeds you’ll get in that location.
The extra typically you run this check, the extra you’ll understand that the variety of bars your telephone exhibits isn’t all the time correct.
You’ll additionally understand that when you’re on the sting of a cell community (like most campsites out within the forests and the mountains), you may additionally have excessive speeds at one minute and nothing the subsequent. It’s no marvel that StarLink has been revolutionary for full-time van lifers.
5. Don’t clear ice buildup from a freezer with a pocket knife
Most mini-fridges embody a small freezer. Nonetheless, they have an inclination to build up ice, particularly in humid environments.
No matter you do, do not try and chip the ice out of the freezer with a pocket knife. As an alternative, flip down the fridge/freezer’s temperature, permit the ice to soften a bit, fall off the edges, after which scoop it out by hand.
Whereas I efficiently chipped the ice out of my freezer with a knife for over a yr, someday, my hand slipped, and the tip of the knife punctured the liner of the freezer.
I discovered the arduous means that the coolant for all the fridge/freezer runs beneath that liner and that there was successfully no approach to restore the liner and even change simply the freezer. As an alternative, we had to purchase a brand-new freezer-fridge combo. And it was not on sale.
6. Issues break — and also you discover a approach to deal
Whether or not it’s a broken mini fridge, a damaged facet mirror, or bashing your oil pan on a boulder, one factor is definite — shit goes to interrupt. And you then’ll must discover a approach to cope with it.
Whereas some fixes could be made with duct tape and gumption, others require a store and specialised instruments. And that’s going to value you.
Whereas residing in a van is supposedly “reasonably priced,” it may be a shock to go from not paying hire for months to spending hundreds to repair a serious mechanical situation. To arrange for these bills, it’s a good suggestion to both funds a month-to-month quantity for repairs or hold a wholesome emergency fund in your financial savings account.
However even when you’ve got the cash to repair the issue, merely discovering a store that may do the work after which becoming it into your journey schedule is usually daunting. That might imply planning months upfront to get to a dealership. Or, within the worst-case situation, you will have to hire a lodge room or Airbnb whereas your van will get repaired.
7. You may (and sure will) concuss your self on a cupboard
Even for the shorter individuals amongst us, a van is a cramped area. If it’s packed filled with tenting, biking, and journey gear, it will probably really feel downright claustrophobic.
Whether or not you bang your head on the nook of a cupboard or on the roof whereas making an attempt to stroll into the van’s cab or sitting up shortly in mattress, finally, it occurs to everybody.
8. Friendships are difficult to construct and more durable to keep up
… however you’re assured to fulfill many superb individuals alongside the way in which!
Freedom and group exist on reverse ends of the spectrum. You’re selecting to surrender the group and shut relationships by roaming the world and never committing to at least one location. There’s nearly no means round this actuality.
In truth, many ex-van lifers we’ve spoken with cite this as one of many important causes that they’ve stopped touring full-time.
Till you’ve spent years wandering by means of cities solely having superficial conversations with baristas at espresso retailers and the native bike mechanics, you don’t fairly perceive what it feels wish to continuously be on the surface wanting in.
In the identical breath, it’s additionally true that you simply’re assured to fulfill superb individuals alongside the way in which. They could possibly be rad locals, however most of the time, you’ll discover that you simply bond with different vacationers who reside the identical means you do.
Whereas these relationships assist make this nomadic way of life livable, the kind of group you construct as a nomad differs drastically from what you’ll discover whereas residing in a city.
9. Van life holidays are nice, however coordinating two full-time work schedules could be difficult
Work challenges had been one of many two most important components that prompted us to cease the full-time van life. Sure, we each labored full-time distant jobs for over 2 years on the highway. However towards the top, the fixed schedule coordination, wrangling conferences, coping with the aforementioned web points, and basic work stress all took their toll.
Our favourite van life moments had been once we may take trip time and easily journey, journey, and roam the continent.
Tenting on the banks of the Rio Grande and searching throughout the river into Mexico, driving by means of the depths of the Alaskan bush, swimming in hidden lakes in British Columbia, climbing mountains in Colorado, straining our necks as we regarded up on the towering redwoods in California — these are the moments that made van life worthwhile.
The reality is that there’s a dramatic distinction between making an attempt to carry down a job and reside in a van and the carefree wandering that #vanlife influencers declare they take pleasure in (however hardly ever do).
10. Medical care, full cease
Getting outdated(er) sucks.
Whereas I hope that I nonetheless have a few years of journey left in me, the cruel realities of coping with fragile human our bodies are extraordinarily difficult whereas residing a nomadic way of life.
Being a nomad means not having a main care doctor or a dentist, even when you left one behind in your hometown while you moved into your van. As a result of, normally, when one thing occurs, you’re 1,000 miles away from them.
Pressing care visits can solely get you thus far, particularly when you discover there’s a critical situation that you need to cope with.
Whether or not which means a protracted bout of weekly bodily remedy, dental appointments that have to be scheduled weeks upfront, referrals to specialists (which most emergency room medical doctors can’t furnish), and even scheduling and recovering from surgical procedure, the necessity for medical care can shortly cease you in your tracks.
It did for us.
But it surely doesn’t imply that it has to cease you perpetually. There are innumerable methods to cope with this harsh actuality.
You can take into account adopting a hub-and-spoke technique, whereby you proceed to reside in your van full-time however preserve a hub that you simply return to typically for medical appointments.
If it’s a critical situation, you would select to hire a home for just a few months (or a yr) to cope with no matter downside arose earlier than persevering with on.
Hardships inevitably come up. The query is: How do you select to deal?
The selection to reside a nomadic life, cut back your possessions to solely what can slot in a van, and hit the highway in pursuit of journey is a radical life selection. It’s predicated on rejecting the established order and considering in a different way.
Even when life will get troublesome, that doesn’t imply that you need to stop, promote your journey automobile, purchase a condominium, and resign your self to a cubicle for the remainder of your life.
As an alternative, the challenges that you simply’ll inevitably face are invites.
They’re invites to observe your out-of-the-box considering and problem-solving expertise. They’re alternatives to search out inventive options or reimagine your way of life to permit you to overcome the long run challenges you’re certain to face.
A rewarding life isn’t a life bereft of issues. A rewarding life consists of going through fascinating issues head-on and fixing them in inventive methods. And to me, that’s van life in a nutshell.
Van Life FAQ and Suggestions for the Highway
Editor’s notice: GearJunkie editors expanded this text in 2025 with the knowledge beneath for these pursuing the van way of life.
What sort of van ought to I get for van life?
The most effective van for van life depends upon your funds, wants, and admittedly, your mechanical talents. Frequent platforms embody the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster. Some select older fashions just like the Chevy Categorical and even college buses. Think about inside top, gasoline economic system, reliability, and ease of upkeep.
Do I would like a 4WD or AWD van?
Not essentially. Most van lifers get by with two-wheel drive. That mentioned, when you plan to camp off-grid in areas with mud, snow, or sand, AWD or 4WD provides peace of thoughts and higher functionality. Simply keep in mind, it’s nonetheless a van, that means it’s tall and enormous, so don’t anticipate to do numerous rock crawling even with 4WD.
How do you bathe whereas residing in a van?
It depends upon your van construct, however many van lifers both use gymnasium memberships, truck cease showers, public rec facilities, or rinse off with photo voltaic showers. Some set up indoor or out of doors showers with water tanks, however this can be a tradeoff for area within the van.
How do you go to the lavatory in a van?
Cassette bogs, composting bogs, and even easy pee bottles and wag baggage are frequent. Public restrooms, campground amenities, and moveable bogs are a part of the routine.
What about security and safety?
Van life is mostly secure, however precautions assist. Lock your doorways, set up movement lights or cameras, keep away from sketchy parking areas, and belief your intestine.
How do you discover free campsites?
Apps like iOverlander, Campendium, FreeRoam, and The Dyrt assist find authorized dispersed tenting spots. Nationwide Forests and BLM lands are gold mines, and apps like onX Maps give clear land possession info. At all times confirm laws and Go away No Hint.
Is it authorized to sleep in your van wherever?
No. Some cities implement anti-camping ordinances. At all times analysis native legal guidelines. Parking tons (like Walmart or Cracker Barrel), truck stops, and relaxation areas could also be choices, however discretion is essential.
How do you become profitable whereas touring full-time?
Distant work, freelance gigs, seasonal jobs, and content material creation are standard choices. Many van lifers train on-line, code, write, or do digital assistant work. Others work gigs like camp internet hosting or path upkeep are additionally an possibility.
Can I reside in a van with pets?
Completely. Many van dwellers journey with canines or cats. Think about area, temperature management, and pet security.
How do you deal with healthcare and insurance coverage?
Medical health insurance choices embody market plans, health-sharing networks, or COBRA. Search for nationwide supplier entry. Journey medical insurance coverage can also be price researching.
What’s the easiest way to energy electronics?
Solar energy is standard. Mix panels with a cost controller, inverter, and lithium battery financial institution. Many additionally wire to the van’s alternator for charging whereas driving. A backup generator or shore energy can complement it.
How do you retain heat in winter?
Insulation, window coverings, diesel heaters (like Webasto or Espar), and propane heaters assist. Chilly climate is among the most difficult elements of van life. Plan your journey to observe hotter climates when attainable.
How do I hold meals contemporary and cook dinner meals?
Use a 12V fridge or cooler. Prepare dinner with propane stoves, induction burners (when you’ve got photo voltaic), or camp grills. Meal planning is essential with restricted area.
Is full-time van life sustainable long-term?
Sure — for some. Many take pleasure in it for just a few years, after which transition to part-time journey. Sustainability depends upon your earnings, well being, tolerance for uncertainty, and private relationships.
Do I must downsize the whole lot I personal?
Sure. Residing in a van requires radical downsizing. You’ll reside with far fewer garments, instruments, and equipment. Some van lifers hire a small storage unit or go away packing containers with household.
What are frequent rookie errors?
Overpacking, poor insulation, ignoring upkeep, underestimating prices, not planning routes or climate, and never leaving a margin for relaxation or emergencies.
What’s the easiest way to remain clear on the highway?
Moist wipes, sponge baths, gymnasium memberships, and public showers all work. Plan forward, as staying contemporary takes effort.
Is it arduous to search out water on the highway?
It may be. Many refill at gasoline stations, campgrounds, relaxation stops, or water kiosks. Apps like iOverlander assist. At all times filter questionable sources.
Do you could construct your personal van?
No. DIY builds lower your expenses however require time, ability, and instruments. Skilled conversions are handy however costly. You can even purchase pre-owned vans or partially completed rigs.
What’s higher: high-roof or low-roof vans?
Excessive-roof vans permit standing room and extra consolation, particularly for full-time residing. Low-roof vans are stealthier, cheaper, and match in additional garages. Tradeoffs depend upon priorities.
How do I make my van really feel like dwelling?
Add cozy bedding, paintings, lighting, and little comforts. Hold it clear and arranged. Private touches matter greater than sq. footage.
Is van life eco-friendly?
It may be. Residing small, driving much less, utilizing photo voltaic, and minimizing consumption all assist. However frequent driving and van development nonetheless have an environmental value.
How do you keep organized?
Use bins, drawers, roof packing containers, and labels. A spot for the whole lot is crucial. Muddle builds shortly in a tiny area.
