getting started
Your interest is peaked, but you don’t know where to start?
You’re in the right place! Let’s talk a little bit about the beginnings of a nomadic lifestyle.
A nomadic lifestyle
The nomadic lifestyle has been around longer than the gypsies, though vanlife became serious with the hippies in the early 60’s. The VW bus created a movement that will never end, transforming it into a lifestyle. People of all walks of life are choosing to ditch the sticks and bricks life and start a life behind an emblem. Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mercedes and if you are lucky- a VW, are all options, even buses- and you can create a home out of any one of them. Our options right now are almost limitless with all the ways a dwelling can be created. It’s just a matter of finding the right one for you.
Vanlife is considered an alternative lifestyle of people who have chosen to live in vans or other vehicles that have been outfitted as mobile tiny homes. This nomadic way of living is characterized by minimalism, simplicity, adventure, and a reassessment of what is truly meaningful in life.
Before fully committing, try car camping in the vehicle you have now. Go out for a long weekend at a campground. Depending on the cost and the resources you find on the site, try and go longer- get a real feel for it. Chances are, you won’t have a realistic idea if you’re only spending a couple of nights. This life can come very easy for some people, others might find challenges they feel are not quite for them. While vanlife definitely has some picturesque Instagram worthy moments, it doesn’t always go as planned. Mindset and ability will follow you wherever you go.
Depending on the car, some back seats fold down to create enough space for someone to sleep comfortably. Or, as hairy as it sounds, you could even just remove the passenger seat and build a bed in its place connecting into the back seat. Sara, a huge contribution to DNH, is in her SUV and she did just that. You can read how she did it here.
Ashley, one of the founders, did the same with her Honda Civic Coupe. (see here)
Many people travel fulltime in a car and find that it’s more than enough space. Some prefer and need more than others.
Check out our
KIT/DIY DIRECTORY for pre-curated kits to help make the process easy! Even if you aren’t looking to buy, these builders are happy to answer any questions you might have!
So… what do you do if you don’t have a vehicle, you don’t want to do so in the one you currently have or maybe even you’re still on the fence? You could try to rent the cheapest van you can from Uhaul, Penske, or any van rental.
RV rentals are another option, although those are usually a little on the pricier side. If you aren’t too worried about cost, some really amazing rental companies are places like
Outdoorsy, Escape Campervans and
Campanda.
We are currently working on a longer list of available camper van rental companies. Check back soon!
While we would all love to have the latest Sprinter van, we know that money doesn’t grow on trees and that it’s not always possible. You can find something in great mechanical shape that lasts with minimal costs to you.
You still have to be skeptical when looking at a used van to purchase. There are certain items like ball joints and tire rods that a mechanic could tell you needs replacing, but some items are not so definitive like an alternator. All of these, including things like suspension, will need to be regularly inspected to avoid long term damage and expensive repairs. They could need to be replaced multiple times as they wear differently. Expect to put money into repairs, and not a short amount. Unfortunately some vehicles are just a money pit and you have no idea until you are the owner of it. We wish with a wave of a magic wand, you’d be able to find out. Many vehicles have never had a problem and won’t until they die years and years after they’ve been fully run into the ground. Do your research beforehand to ensure you don’t end up with something you’ll regret.
Soon we will have a network of mobile mechanics to help get you out of a sticky situation if one arises.
Most of the vans spotlighted for vanlife were made for tradesman or courier services. One of the founders, Dave, can testify to them having a hard life from being a tradesman himself. They live out their days being weighed down with heavy tools and see endless city streets. He had a Ford Chevy that had over 100,000 miles on it. It is not uncommon for courier vehicles to reach up to 400,000 miles on them, though many have seen much better days.
If you don’t want to spend countless hours scoping a build out, check out our
VANBUILDER DIRECTORY to find your perfect fit from builders who have years of experience!
