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Category: Van Life

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Van Life

Cheap Van Life Shower Ideas:

Cheap Van Life Shower Ideas:

When living the van life, you need to have a way to shower.  While wet wipes work in a pinch, they can only do so much.  At some point or another, you will need a proper shower when on the road.  

The problem many prospective van lifers have is that they do not want to spend all that money and time designing a fully contained shower system.  So I decided to give a rundown of some cheap van life shower ideas to help keep you clean on the road without breaking the bank!

Below are some of the easiest and cheapest van life shower options:

  • Outdoor showers:
    • Bag Showers
    • Pump-only showers
  • Facilities:
    • Rest stops
    • Gyms
    • campsites
Cheap Van Life Shower Ideas

Van Life Bag Showers

We will start with the bag shower. These simple and affordable products are designed for taking outdoor showers during camping trips. They consist of bags (which hold your water) that vary in size depending on the brand and rely on a pump or gravity to provide water pressure.

The exciting thing about these showers is that because the bags are made of PVC, they can provide warm water if left out in direct sunlight for enough time. However, do not expect to take a piping hot shower with these guys. They will get lukewarm at best, but these still provide an excellent cheap van life shower option.

Pros:

  • Portable
  •  Affordable
  • Quick Set Up

Cons:

  • Requires hours of direct sunlight to warm up.
  • Must find a private area to shower

KIPIDA Solar Shower Bag

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Pros:

  • Built-in thermometer
  • Holds up to 20 Liters of water

Cons:

  • Need to hang from a low branch.  
  • Works by gravity

The KIPIDA Solar Shower bag is a classic van life bag shower.  Like most bag showers, it is extremely easy to use.  Just fill it up with water, leave it outside to warm up, and take a shower after a long day of activities! 

The only thing that can be a pain is that this shower relies on gravity for its shower pressure, so you always need to find somewhere to hang it from, like a low branch or a van door.  However, if you can plan ahead and don’t mind waiting for your shower to warm up, this can be an excellent option for you!  

Ridgewater Portable Camp Shower

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Pros:

  • Rechargeable pump
  • Comes with additional spray nozzle great for cleaning dishes.

Cons:

  • Holds less water at 10L

The Ridgewater Portable Camp Shower is another excellent cheap van life shower option. It is a 10-liter dry bag with a rechargeable shower head. This option carries half the water of the KIPIDA, but what it does have that the KIPIDA doesn’t is a pump that allows you to shower wherever no branch is needed!

Dr. Prepare:

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Pros:

  • Rechargeable air pump
  • Water window (to see when it’s time to refill the bag)
  • LED screen for battery and pump monitoring

Cons:

  • More expensive than the above options

This option works like the other bag showers. But what makes Dr. Prepare special is that it comes with an LED screen where you can monitor the pump’s battery life and water pressure. But with this unique feature comes a price increase compared to the above two options.

Pump Only Showers:

Our next category of van life showers is pump-only showers, which is exactly what they sound like. You have a shower head with a connection down to a pump which you can place in a bucket or any body of water to give you a bare-bones shower.

Personally, I would just go with one of the bag showers that come with a pump. This way, you don’t have to worry about buying a bucket or finding a body of water to drop your pump in. But if a pump-only shower interests you, you should look into the below.

KEDSUM Portable Camp Shower

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Pros:

  • Portable
  • Easy To Use
  • Rechargeable Battery

Cons:

  • No Temperature Control
  • Requires a watersource (i.e bucket or body of water)

The KEDSUM Portable camp shower is the most basic option available before using wet wipes. Essentially it is a pump attached to a shower head that can either be placed in a bucket or a body of water and, when turned on, gives you a little outdoor shower!

Cheap Heated Showers For Van Life

Now we come to heated showers for van life, for my deal seeking friends this is where the discounts end.  But hey if warm water is a must and you do not want to have to outfit your van with it’s own plumbing the below option may be for you. 

Hike Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump

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Pros:

  • Warm Showers

Cons:

  • Bulky
  • Runs off propane
  • Requires water source
  • More expensive than the above options. 

While a bit bulkier, the Hiking Crew Portable Propane Water Heater & Shower Pump offers the coveted warm water shower, we all love. This system draws water from a container and runs it through a propane-powered stove to give you hot water.

Keep in mind that this option is NOT cheap, but I figured I would mention it for those of you who absolutely must have hot water.

Showering At Other Facilities During Van Life:

Now, if none of the above options appeal to you, another cheap way to shower during van life is by taking advantage of facilities that have showers available to their patrons. These usually come at a cost but the common options available to you on the road include the following:

  • Gyms
  • Rest stops
  • Campsites

Gyms:

Gyms are a classic van life shower option. When picking a gym to have as a shower spot when on the road, I would research which ones have the most facilities in the areas you are traveling through. Planet Fitness and LA Fitness are two great options worth considering. 

Rest Stops:

If you spend enough time on the road, you will eventually find yourself sleeping at the occasional trucker’s rest stop. These areas work great in a pinch but what’s even better is that some of them have showers available for a small fee. I use iOverlander to find locations near me when out on the road.  

Campsites:

9 things I love about car camping

Front country campsites are another area that can provide showers. Again you typically need to pay for a night’s stay to use the amenities but depending on how stinky you are, it may be worth it!

Before paying for a night’s stay, speak with the campground’s host to ensure that the site has showers available for use, as they are not a standard for all campsites.

I Hope This Helps!

Van Life Essentials

Categories
Van Life

Is Van Life Worth It? (2022)

Is Van Life Worth It?

Is Van Life Worth It? (2022)

There’s no doubt that van life is becoming more and more popular.  More and more people seem to be ditching their traditional lives in favor of a simpler, nomadic existence.

But is van life worth it?  Is it worth giving up the stability of a traditional job and home for the freedom of the open road?

The answer to this question depends on the individual.  For me, van life was most certainly worth it.  In this blog post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of van life and help you decide if it’s right for you!

Is Van Life Worth It?

What Is Van Life?

Before we get into whether or not van life is worth it, let’s first take a look at what van life is.

In its simplest form, van life is about living in a van – duh! But there’s more to it than that. People who live the van life typically do so to pursue a more nomadic, minimalist lifestyle.

This means that they don’t have a traditional job or home – instead, they move around constantly, living in their van and working remotely (or not working at all).

Van lifers typically downsize their possessions considerably and live a simpler life. For many, the appeal of van life is the freedom it provides. They’re not tied down to one place and can go wherever they want, when they want.

Of course, this nomadic lifestyle isn’t for everyone. It takes a certain person to live comfortably in a van and deal with the tumultuous lifestyle that comes with it.

Pros Of Van Life:

Alright, now that we covered what van life is for you newbies out there, let’s take a look at some of the pros of this unique way of living.  

#1. Great Way To Explore

Can You Sleep In Your Car At National Parks

One of the biggest advantages of van life is that it allows you to live a nomadic lifestyle and explore the country/world with a great degree of flexibility.  Since you have a home on wheels, you can stay as long as you want in an area to get all your exploring in, and when you feel like you have done it all and are ready to leave, you can do so at the drop of a hat. 

This makes van life an excellent way for travel lovers to explore on their own terms without being tied down to one place.

#2. Meet Other Like-Minded People

There are not too many people who have the guts to leave it all behind to go out and live the van life.  If you take the leap and join this community, you will inevitably like-minded people and forge beautiful friendships during your travels.  

 

#3. Down-Size And Live A Simpler Life

ways to take care of your van during van life

Van life allows you to live a simpler life in many respects.  While life on the road comes with its own set of difficulties, you may find it more tranquil in many respects.  

During van life, you can’t have all the worldly possessions you typically have in a standard home or apartment.  Van life requires some heavy-duty downsizing which can help show that you don’t need the latest iPhone, Gucci belt, or 4K TV to be happy.  During van life, you will likely find yourself treasuring relationships, experiences, and freedom more than your material possessions.  

#4. Cheaper Lifestyle

Another benefit of van life is that it can be a much cheaper lifestyle than living in your typical home and apartment.  A significant reason for this is that you are combing your rent and car payments into one!  Also, if you have a sustainable van build, you won’t have to worry about paying for electricity.

Now take this with a grain of salt.  If you are always going out to eat and are paying for all your campsite stays, the bills can rack up.  But if you cook your meals and make it a point to only stay at free campsites, you can save a bunch of money!

The Cons Of Van Life

As I said, van life has its own set of difficulties, so let’s look at these and see if van life would be worth it for you.

#1. The Daily Logistics

The daily logistics of van life can become exhausting.  Some of the things you need to think about on the day-to-day when van living include:

  1. Where will you park
  2. Where to shower
  3. Where to use the bathroom
  4. Where to refill your water
  5. Finding wifi to work

It is easy to get decision fatigue from all of this.  You need to decide if you can deal with the uncertainty of every day.  If this sounds terrible, van life may not be worth it for you.

#2. It Can Get Lonely

Another con of van life is that it can get lonely.  I have been solo van living for the past four months and I would be lying if I haven’t experienced bouts of loneliness. 

However, I will say that technology makes this way more manageable.  If I am lonely or just looking to talk with someone, I can pick up my phone and give someone a call.  But if you constantly need to be surrounded by friends, van life may be difficult for you from time to time.   

#3. Breakdowns

Many van lifers have dealt with at one point or another.  A van breakdown can be stressful and expensive, and it is a con you need to be aware of and know how to deal with when out on the road. 

If you want to learn more about how to avoid van breakdowns on the road check out my article “How To Take Care Of Your Van During Van Life And Avoid Breakdowns?”

#4. Living In Tight Quarters

Living in a van can get tight (I know, shocker).  This can be a difficult transition for those used to living in larger spaces and the creature comforts that come with living in a larger area. 

But I would also say that the purpose of van life is to get out and explore different areas.  If you are a homebody, van life may not be worth it.

How Do To Decide If Van Life Is Worth It For You?

No question about it, it takes a certain type of person for van life to be worth it but is that you?  You need to take the above pros and cons and see how your personality would handle it.  

If you are still on the fence about it, you can go out and rent a camper van for an extended vacation and see if it is something you enjoy!  A popular van rental option out there is outdoorsy.com, where you can rent campervans or RVs.  The best part about them is that they have locations all over the United States near many national parks!

I Hope This Was Helpful! If You Are A Current Or Former Van Lifer Was It Worth It For You?

This Was A Collaboration Post:  Big thank you to travel in Scandinavia for their contribution!

 

Van Life Essentials

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Van Life

15 Van Life Essentials After You Finish Your Conversion

van life essentials

15 Van Life Essentials After You Finish Your Van Conversion

What is up guys if you are finished with your van conversion and are just about ready to embark on your van life journey, you absolutely must make sure you have these van life essentials with you before you hit the road.  After about three months of van life, these are the things I found essential or wish I had.  

van life essentials

#1. Bug Nets

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I wish I had this for my van when I first set out on the road.  As you are traveling, you will inevitably encounter buggy areas.  That is why you need to get yourself some bug nets for your van before you head out.  

With bug nets, you don’t have to worry about rushing to close your doors and windows to keep them from entering your home.  They also allow you to enjoy chilling in your van with your doors open without inviting any unwanted guests into your van.  Bug nets are without a doubt a must-have van life essential.  

#2. Privacy Curtains:

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Privacy can be a huge issue during van life.  You can spend so much money on custom made window blinds but why do that when you can buy these easy to install curtains.  They offer great privacy and even have some insulative properties.  

#3. Welcome Mat:

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Okay, I know this is a strange one, but it is something that I quickly realized I needed during van life.  The reason being is that it is so easy to track dirt and sand into your van via your shoes.  After just two weeks of van life, I immediately needed to pick one of these up at a hardware store.  After I had this in my van, it significantly helped me reduce the amount of dirt I was dragging into my mini home on wheels.  

#4. Portable Charger

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Having a portable charger can be very helpful in a pinch during van life.  Whenever you are away from your van for a more extended period, it is beneficial to have this guy handy should you need to recharge any of your electronics.  What I love about these is that they are super easy to charge, especially when you are on a long drive.  

#5. Lot's Of Water Bottles

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Water is like liquid gold on the road.  So carrying your water bottles around with you is a great way to conserve the water in your van’s main tank so you can try to use it for activities for eating, cooking, and cleaning dishes.  

The first water bottle I recommend is the Nalgene, a classic outdoor water bottle that I use for backpacking.  What I love about Nalgene’s are that they are practically indestructible, comes in various colors, and is affordable.

The following water bottle is the Hydroflask.  This insulated water bottle is great at keeping your water crisp and cold.  The Hydroflask is a bit pricier but does a better job keeping your water insulated compared to the Nalgene.  

#6. Portable Speaker

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I absolutely love this speaker it has a strap on the back that allows you to attach it to practically anything.  You will be spending alot of time outdoors during van life you don’t want to do it without some tunes!

#7. Pop Up Shower Cover

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This pop-up shower cover is helpful if you use an outdoor shower for your van life setup.  It all comes in one piece and is very easy to set up and break down.  Not to mention it is incredibly lightweight and won’t take up much space in your home on wheels.

If you do not use an outdoor shower for your van, this can also give privacy when using a portable toilet or changing clothes if there is not enough space in your vehicle.  

#8. Durable Coffee Mug

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If you don’t know this already, let me tell you, ceramic doesn’t last very long in a moving vehicle.  I recommend getting a durable and insulated mug for your daily cup of joe.  While Yeti products are a bit more expensive, their quality is the best on the market.  

#9. Cell Phone Service Booster

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Now, this is one of the products that I do not own, but boy do I wish I did.  A cell phone service booster can allow you to get service and internet connection in some of the most remote places in the country.  This is a must-have for people working remotely during van life.  The only drawback is that they can get quite pricey, so I held off on buying one.  Another option you can look into is Elon Musk’s new Starlink.

#10. Odor Ban!

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I love these things.  They are great for keeping your van smelling clean and last a long time.  I have had the same one for the past couple of months, and it is still getting the job done!

#11. Phone Holder

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If you are going on a van life adventure, do not do it without this van life essential.  When I first went out on the road, I just kept my phone in a cup holder while the GPS was running, and it was a pain in the butt.  Finally, I got myself one of these, and it was more than worth it. 

#12. Laundry Bag

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Laundry is not something that comes to mind when thinking about the sexy Instagram pictures of van life, but it is a necessary chore you will be doing throughout your adventure.  I love this laundry bag because you can carry it around as a backpack, and it has little compartments for your detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets.  

#13. Camping Chair

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You will be visiting many campsites, and having a nice camping chair to lounge in is a van life essential.  After a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than sitting back in my comfy camp chair and relaxing with a margarita.  I love my Coleman.  It is super comfortable and easy to set up and break down.  

#14. Camping Table:

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Eating inside your van is fine now and then, but on a beautiful summer day, you will want to enjoy your meal outside, and for that, you want this bad boy!  This table is strong, durable, and an excellent addition to your meal setup if you are hosting guests.  

#15. Insulated Slippers

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During the morning and evening, you may find yourself going into and out of your van frequently, and when doing so, you want a pair of these guys with you.  They easily slip on and off and keep your feet nice and warm during early mornings and late nights.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase or a booking, I may earn a commission. Using these links DO NOT affect the cost of the product/booking. The price remains the same affiliate link or not.  Thanks for supporting my small business!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

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Van Life

9 Rules Of Van Life

rules of van life

9 Rules Of Van Life

So I’ve been doing van life for the past three months, and it has already been one of the most incredible times of my life.  But living full-time out of a camper van is a big adjustment, and I have learned a lot during this journey.  During this adventure, I learned many unspoken rules that go along with being a van lifer.  So I figured I would share some of these rules of van life with you guys and will keep a running list in the article.

rules of van life

Rule #1 Don't Die.

This one is for you, mom.   Your safety should be a top priority whenever you embark on a new adventure, making it our #1 rule of van life.  Here are some quick tips for keeping yourself safe on the road:

  • Avoid sketchy areas
  • If parking in a city or town, do so in a well-lit space.  
  • Always lock your car door
  • Use common sense
  • Keep a weapon around for protection if needed 

Rule #2 Be Respectful And Leave No Trace.

Leave No Trace

You will find in your travels that some areas are not very van life-friendly.  This is usually a result of fellow van lifers being disrespectful, not following the local rules, or trashing a place. 

So, be a good person and treat an area you are staying in with respect.  Remember you are a guest, and your actions in a given area will make an impression on the van life community, so make it a positive one.  As always, if you are camping, be sure to leave no trace.

Rule #3. Keep A Half Tank Of Gas At All Times

This rule of van life is especially important if you are like me and plan on visiting many remote national parks during your journey.  The reason being is that in these secluded areas, you can find yourself going miles without access to any gas stations.  So having a half tank of gas at all times gives you a good buffer if you are in a region with few facilities.

Rule #4. Keep Your Van Organized

When living in such a small space, organization becomes essential.  I am not a particularly organized person, but after a couple of weeks of constantly misplacing and losing things in my tiny van, I started losing my mind and quickly realized the importance of keeping tidy.    

A great way to keep organized is by having dedicated spaces for your everyday items.  My keys are always on a hook above my bed when I am parked.  Utensils are always in the cabinet under my stove.  Toiletries are under my sink, etc.  The better you keep your van organized, the smoother your day-to-day will go.

Rule #5. Your Van Floor Will Get Dirty And That's OKAY!

I know this rule sounds like the opposite of the previous one, but it has less to do with organization and more with actual dirt in your van.  It sounds gross, but it will happen, which is OKAY.   When living on the road, you are constantly tracking dirt and sand in and out of your van, so having a dirty floor is normal during van life.   

A couple of ways to combat this is by getting a welcome mat inside your van so you can scrape off the dirt and debris from the bottom of your shoes or take your shoes off before entering your van.  **PRO TIP**  if you are going to leave your shoes outside of your van, I recommend putting them under it so that they can be kept dry in case it rains.

 

Rule #6. Be Flexible With Your Travel Plans

This one is for all you type A people who live and die by your travel itinerary.  I am not saying there is a problem with planning, but I think by keeping your travel plans loose and flexible, you can have a better van life experience. 

The reason is that when you have a bunch of reservations, you are more or less bound to the plans you created without having ever experienced the places you visit.  By being flexible with your travel plans, you can adjust your travels and time spent in each area based on your experience. 

For example, when I visited Escalante, Utah, I only planned on being there for two days.  But after meeting a bunch of amazing people and seeing how much Escalante had to offer, I ended up staying a whole week to explore with my new friends!  This turned out to be one of the best parts of my entire van life adventure so far, and this wouldn’t have been possible if I was not flexible with my travel plans.  

Flexibility can be helpful on the other side of the spectrum as well.  Say you visit a place where you planned to be for an extended period but then realized that you only needed a couple of days to do everything you wanted (this was me in Arches National Park).  If your plans are open and flexible, you can easily hop over to your next destination.  But if you made campsite reservations, you may be stuck staying there for unnecessary time or eating the cost of the reservation.  

Rule #7. Download iOverlander... Now

I LOVE THIS APP!  It is a must for any van lifer.  First off, it is free, works without an internet connection after you have the maps downloaded, and can direct you to free campsites, water, facilities, and wifi in whatever area you are visiting.  This app helped me so much in planning and coordinating my stays during van living.  And since this is my blog, I am dubbing it the 7th rule of van life.  

By the way, I have no affiliation and don’t make any money for recommending them.  I am just a huge fan. 

Rule #8. Know Your Vehicles Clearance

I learned this one the hard way.  I was staying in a motel with some friends, and a clearance sign said 9’2″ I have gone under 9-foot clearances in the past, so I figured I would have no problem with this, but I didn’t account for the incline leading to the overhang or the fact that I was approaching the low clearance from an angle as I moved closer to it BAM!  I smacked the crap out of my solar panel ripping the screws out of my van roof, resulting in 4 tiny holes in my roof. 

This oopsie required a trip to Home Depot to buy a bunch of power tools to seal the holes and reinstall the solar panel, not to mention taking five years off my life.  

Know.  Your. Vehicle’s.  Clearance

Rule #9. Keep Your Van Well Maintained

Vehicle maintenance is essential whether you are van lifing or not.  Keep track of when your van is due for its next oil change and inspection.  The last thing you want is to have your van break down on the road!  Read through my article “How To Take Care Of Your Van During Van Life And Avoid Breakdowns” to learn more about maintaining your vehicle when on the road

Van Life Essentials

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Van Life

How To Poop When You Live In Your Car? 6 Ways To Go On The Go

how to poop when you live in your car

How To Poop When You Live In Your Car? 6 Ways To Go When On The Go

If you are reading this post in an absolute panic and are trying to figure out how to poop when you live in your car, I will cut straight to the chase.  Here are 6 ways to poop when living in your car during van life.  

  1. Food/Shopping Establishments
  2. Rest Stops
  3. Gyms
  4. Campgrounds
  5. WAG Bag
  6. Dig a hole and go

Whether you are a full-time van lifer or on a long-term road trip, going to the bathroom when living out of your car is a logistical problem that will need to be frequently addressed. 

I am fortunate enough to have a dry flush toilet in my campervan for whenever nature calls, but for those who do not, I will give you the full rundown of different ways to poop when living in your car/campervan.  
how to poop when you live in your car

Food / Shopping Establishments

Food or shopping establishments like a grocery store or cafe are great options for relieving yourself when you are out on the road.  If it’s a public place like an outlet, mall, or shopping center, you can get away using their bathroom for free.  However, if you go to a fast food restaurant or cafe, it is good etiquette to purchase something if you plan on using their restrooms.  

Rest Stops / Gas Stations

If you are cruising down the highway and have to go, a rest stop or gas station is excellent in a pinch.  Have your co-pilot type find the nearest one near you.  Bonus points if it’s in the direction you are heading.  Nearly all rest stops have free restrooms available to the public.  However, if you visit a gas station, you may need to purchase something if you’re using their facilities.

Gyms:

A membership to a large gym chain such as Planet Fitness can be very helpful when van living.  A membership allows you to get your pump on and be your bathroom when you are out on the road!  With showers and toilets available at all of their locations and over 2,000 gyms within the United States, chances are you will encounter a bunch during your travels.  

Campgrounds:

car camping

Campgrounds are another excellent option for pooping when living in your car.  Most of the time, you will need to pay for your site to use campground facilities, but if you can find a dispersed camping site, you can stop and do your business free of charge!

You can use free apps like iOverlander to help you find free dispersed campgrounds but keep in mind that the number of dispersed campsites with facilities such as pit toilets are few and far between.  Odds are you may need to dig a hole if visiting one of these sites.  

W.A.G. Bag

Now we will dive into some of the, how should I put it?  More primitive ways of pooping when living in your car.   First up is the WAG bag.  

Also known as “Waste Alleviation and Gelling Bag.”  These bags are typically used when backpacking and consist of two layers, the inner one containing these special “crystals” that solidifies your poop, rendering it inert.  After you do your business, dispose of your used toilet paper in the bag, seal it and throw it out at the nearest trash receptacle (or in your mortal enemy’s van).   

Having a few WAG bags in your car can be a lifesaver if you need to poop but have no facilities nearby.  

For a more thorough explanation on how to use a WAG bag, check out this helpful video:

Dig A Hole And Go

We have arrived at a bonafide code brown, as we called it, at the hospital where I used to work.  You need to go, but there is not a facility for miles.  You have no WAG bags and no van toilet.  At this moment, you have arrived at the last resort.  You need to dig a hole and go.  That’s right, grab your trowel from your backpacking poop kit, and if you don’t have one get ready to use your hands until you get to six inches.

Pooping in a cat hole is the last resort when living in your car.  If you find yourself in a situation where you need to dig a cat hole, you must make sure you follow the leave no trace principles and do it in a region where it is permitted.  It should go without saying that there is no reason to do this in an urban or suburban area. 

As you can probably gather, doing this can be a bit of a production, so it’s best not to wait until the last minute.  If you want to learn more about pooping in the woods, check out our article “How To Poop While Backpacking.”

Consider Getting A Van Toilet If Van Living Long Term:

If you are van lifing long term, you may want to consider getting a van toilet.  There are so many different options you can go with for a van toilet whether it be as fancy as a composting toilet or as basic as a bucket.  Although they require a bit more maintenance having your own toilet in your van/car is great for emergency use.  

Hope This Helps! How Do You Poop When Living Out Of Your Car?!

Van Life Essentials

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Van Life

7 Ways To Take Care Of Your Van During Van Life And Avoid Breakdowns:

ways to take care of your van during van life

7 Ways To Take Care Of Your Van During Van Life And Avoid Breakdowns (2022)

During van life, your van is quite literally your everything.  Your car, your home, your kitchen, your bedroom, your garbage, and in some cases your bathroom.   So it goes without saying that taking care of your home on wheels is of the utmost importance, but as a newbie you may be asking yourself how to take care of your van during van life?   

A van breakdown is something I have worried about constantly when preparing for my trip and I still do now that I am out on the road.   But I found by taking good care of your van and having the right tools, resources and knowledge you can greatly reduce your risk of a nightmare breakdown.  Below are 7 great ways to take care of your van during vanlife.  

ways to take care of your van during van life

Have Your Van Inspected And Serviced Before Embarking On Your Adventure

This is important.  About a week before I embarked on my van life adventure, I brought my vehicle in for an inspection, and thank god I did!  My van needed new brakes, tires, and an oil change!  Although this costed a pretty penny, I was thrilled to address these issues before heading out on the road, where if never addressed, they could have led to significant problems.  

Before heading out on a long-term van life voyage, you must get a full inspection and servicing of your vehicle.  This way, you can identify any significant issues well before your departure and can fix those issues in a timely fashion or push back your adventure.  Having your van inspected and serviced gives your automobile a clean bill of health before heading out on the road. 

Keep Up With Van Maintence When On The Road:

Now that you have your van inspected and serviced, you must keep up with the regular maintenance of your van.  This includes:

  • Routine oil changes:  check your vehicle’s owners manual for recommended mileage in between oil changes
  • Checking tire pressure regularly: some automobiles have tire pressure on the dash.  It’s always a good idea to check and make sure your tire pressure is within the recommended range.
  • Having your van inspected annually is crucial to keep your van up to date on maintenance and prevent breakdowns.

Refill At A Half Tank Every Time.

Refilling your tank sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how few and far between gas stations are in more rural areas in the United States.  Particularly near national parks, you will realize how difficult it is to find a spot to fill your tank.  By staying vigilant and refilling your gas once you hit halfway, you can avoid getting stuck on the side of the road!

Keep An Automotive Tool Box:

Tools Needed For A Van Conversion

I highly recommend keeping a basic automotive tool box to help you address common malfunctions that may occur in your van that you can fix on your own.  Some things to keep in your automotive toolbox include:

Know How To Change A Tire:

A life lesson every van lifer must know.  There may be situations where you are out of cell service with a flat tire.  If you find yourself in one of these nightmares, your way out is to roll up those sleeves and change that tire!  Or scream for help, but fixing it yourself is way cooler. 

I recommend familiarizing yourself with your van and how to access your spare and change it in a controlled environment like your driveway.   Below is a helpful video on changing a tire on the Ford Transit, one of the common van life vehicles.  But if you have a different kind of van, don’t worry; you are only a youtube search away!

Have AAA

Say your worst nightmare is upon you.  Your van breaks down on the side of the road, and you have no idea what is wrong.  Having a AAA membership can save your butt by towing you to the nearest approved auto repair facility.  

For those who don’t already know, AAA stands for American Automobile Organization and provides emergency roadside assistance.  For an annual fee, you will gain not only the invaluable benefit of their roadside assistance but also discounts on entertainment, lodging, and other automotive services.  

Van life or not, if you have a car or like to travel, you should have a AAA membership.  Check out prices for membership on their website!

Drive Safely And Stay On Roads Suitable For Your Vehicle

Can You Sleep In Your Car At National Parks

Looking for free campgrounds is just a part of van life.  Unfortunately, many of these campgrounds are located on unpaved BLM lands, some of which may be unsuitable for your vehicle.  Before attempting to enter an offroad area, you should check the site for signage regarding recommended drivetrain (four-wheel drive / two-wheel drive) and clearance (lowest part of your vehicle) required to navigate the road safely.  

Suppose you don’t see any signage at the physical location.  In that case, another option is to check the app you found the campsite on, such as iOverlander or The Dyrt, to verify the vehicle requirements for the campground you want to drive to. 

Driving on a terrain that requires high clearance and four-wheel drive when driving a vehicle with only two-wheel drive and low clearance is a sure way to get stuck or damage your car!

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase or a booking, I may earn a commission. Using these links DO NOT affect the cost of the product/booking. The price remains the same affiliate link or not.  Thanks for supporting our small business!

If you want to learn more about digital nomad life check out digital-nomadness.com

Van Life Essentials

I Hope This Helps Do You Take Care Of Your Home On Wheels?

Van Life Essentials

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Outdoors for Beginners Hiking Basics Van Life

Can You Sleep In Your Car At National Parks? (2022)

Can You Sleep In Your Car At National Parks

Can You Sleep In Your Car At National Parks? (2022)

Summer is here, so it is time to start exploring some national parks!  But after a long day of hiking, you will need to take the time to rest, and car camping is a great way to do that.  As a newly minted van lifer, I am always hiking and backpacking through national parks.  But during my time in Canyonlands National Park, I found myself exhausted after a long day of hiking and way too lazy to set up my tent, so I asked myself, “can you sleep in your car in national parks?”

The answer is yes.  You can sleep in your car in most national parks! 

Being able to sleep in your car can be extremely helpful especially if you are caught in inclement weather and don’t want to set up camp in the rain, forgot your tent at home, or if are a tired and lazy van lifer like myself.   But although you can sleep in your car in most national parks, there are a few things you should know before doing so. 

Can You Sleep In Your Car At National Parks

Where Can You Sleep In Your Car At National Parks?

Even though you can sleep in your car in most national parks,  usually you can only do so at designated front-country campsites.  In situations where your car is an RV, you need to make sure your campsite is designated as an RV site.  

Unfortunately for my fellow van lifers and overlanders, this means you cannot just sleep in random parking lots or pullouts within the national park unless you want to run the risk of being woken up by a park ranger.  If you want to sleep in your car at a national park, you need to do so at a designated campsite.

If you know ahead of time that you want to stay overnight at a national park I recommend checking the park’s website to see if reservations can be made in advance or if campsites are available first come, first serve.

Is It Free To Sleep In Your Car At National Parks?

No. 

Since you need to stay at a designated campsite when sleeping in your car at a national park, you need to pay for the campsite you park at.  While there may be free areas to park overnight and sleep in your car outside the park, it requires a fee if you want to do so inside. 

How To Sleep In Your Car At A National Park If Campsites Are Full?

Let’s say you are like me and make plans on the fly.  You made no reservations for a front-country campsite, and all of the park’s campgrounds are full, is there still a way you can sleep in your car in the national park? 

Yes.  Now, if all of the park campsites in a national park are full, there is one other way you can sleep in your car, and that is by going to a ranger station to see if you can get a backcountry camping permit to sleep in your car.  Not all national parks allow this, so you must verify with a park employee if you can park overnight for a backcountry fee.

Rules To Follow When Sleeping In Your Car At A National Park

do you need backcountry permits

Even though you are sleeping in your car, you should still follow the rules of the park’s front country and backcountry campgrounds.  Some standard rules to be aware of are leave no trace, quiet hours, and proper food storage.  You can read the rules in more detail on the National Park’s website.  

How To Sleep In Your Car Near A National Park?

So say all of the national park’s campsites are full, and the park doesn’t allow you to pay a backcountry fee to sleep in your car at a trailhead parking lot.  What is a camper to do?!  Well, your next best bet is to find dispersed camp areas around the park. 

Although you won’t be centrally located in the park and will still have to drive in, the upside to using dispersed campsites is that they are usually free of charge and typically aren’t located too far from one of the park entrances.  

How To Find A Free Place To Sleep In Your Car Near A National Park?

Fortunately, many national parks have a national forest or BLM land surrounding it, so you have a good chance of finding a free place to park and crash for the night.  You can see if you are near one of these lands by looking at a map of the park and seeing if there are any national forests or BLM land surrounding it.  I have also used apps like iOverlander or The Dyrt to help find free campsites near a national park.  

How To Check If You Are Allowed To Sleep In Your Car In The Park You Are Visiting?

Although nearly all parks permit you to sleep in your car.  Generally, it is restricted to front-country campsites but all parks have their own rules so it is always a good idea to verify the rules of the particular park you are visiting. 

The easiest way to do this would probably be by going to the national park website and seeing if they mention anything about it in their “camping section.”  Another way to check is by calling one of the park’s ranger stations.  

Do I Need A Sleeping Bag To Sleep In My Car?

do i need a sleeping bag to sleep in my car

Whether or not you need a sleeping bag to sleep in your car depends on two major factors, what vehicle you are sleeping in and the time of year you are camping.  

First, let’s address the kind of car you plan on sleeping in.  If you are in a well-insulated campervan or RV with a bed and sheets, there isn’t much need for a sleeping bag.  However, I recommend having one if you are in a regular car or minivan.  The reason is that traditional vehicles are not designed to be slept in, so they lack the insulation needed to keep you comfortable at night.  

Next up is the weather.  Regardless of the weather, if you have an appropriately insulated and heated RV/campervan, you should still be okay without a sleeping bag.  But suppose you are sleeping in a standard car.  In that case, it is essential to research the weather and the nighttime temperature to get a sleeping bag that is appropriately rated for the weather you will be encountering. 

If you are looking for a good sleeping bag, check out what I recommend in my backpacking gear guide. I bought this sleeping bag over five years ago and still use it for all of my backpacking and car camping trips!

I Hope This Helps Tell Me About Your Experience Sleeping In Your Car When Visiting A National Park!

Van Life Essentials

Categories
Van Life

How To Plan A Van Conversion In 5 Easy Steps.

How To Plan A Van Conversion In 5 Easy Steps:

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase or a booking, I may earn a commission. Using these links DO NOT affect the cost of the product/booking. The price remains the same affiliate link or not.  

how to plan your van conversion in 5 easy steps

Congrats on getting started on your DIY van conversion.  Before breaking ground on this wild project, you need to plan out your build.  Knowing how to plan a van conversion will help you tackle this job systematically and efficiently.  The below are the 5 steps on how to plan a van conversion:

  1. Decide what will you be using your van for.
  2. Figure out what weather you will be in.
  3. Make a budget.
  4. Decide what features you want in your van.
  5. Plan your van layout.

Step #1 Decide What Will You Be Using Your Van For. Full-Time Vanlife Vs Weekend Getaways

Knowing what you want out of your campervan conversion is an essential first step in planning and will directly affect what kind of van you decide on purchasing.  For full-time van living, I would go with a cargo van.  The classic ones that are used include the:

  • Mercedes Sprinter Van
  • Ford Transit
  • Ram Promaster
  • Nissan NV

 These vehicles are popular in van life thanks to their large frames and “plug and play” nature of their chassis’s making body work a bit easier even for beginners.  They also offer the space needed for many of your van life essentials such as a bed, kitchen, stove etc.  

Sidebar:  I would also keep in mind how many people plan on living in your van.  It should come as no surprise, more people equals more space needed.

If you plan on just using your van for weekend getaways you have many more options as you don’t necessarily need a ton of space if you are going away for a weekend 

Step #2 Figure Out What Type Of Weather Will You Be Traveling In

The next question you need to ask yourself is what are the weather conditions you plan on spending most of your time in when living on the road.  Knowing the type of climates that you will be in is important when planning your heating and cooling systems as well as deciding what type of insulation is best for you.

For example, I hate the cold and plan to chase the sun as long as I am vanlifing.  So, I deferred installing a heating system as well as some additional insulation options.  However, if I was someone who planned on snow chasing during skii and snowboard season a heating system and a thoroughly insulated van would be a must.

Step #3 Make A Budget

do backcountry permits cost money?

The big B!  Your budget will invariably affect all aspects of your build.  This will vary depending on your financial situation and what features you want in your van. But you should have a general idea of how much you want to put into the van before starting.  Just having a budget will help guide your decision making with certain features but keep in mind that things come up and at the end of your build you may find yourself over or under budget (most likely over).

How Much Was My Van Conversion?

To give you a sense of how much it costed me, all together my van conversion was about ten thousand dollars. Keep in mind my build was entirely DIY which allowed me to spend more money on nicer components. 

What Was The Most Expensive Parts Of My Van Conversion?

The most expensive part of my build was by far the electrical system specifically the:

The other major expenses with my van conversion include the following:

Step #4 Decide What Features You Want In Your Van?

What Order To Do A Van Conversion In

Next, you should know what features are a must-have for your van.  If you are living in your van full time, at the bare minimum, you will need:

  • A basic electrical system to power your appliances and a way of charging your house battery, i.e. solar, B2B charger or shore
  • A bed
  • Kitchen with sink and stove/induction cooktop
  • Fridge
  • Water storage tank
  • Space for storage

Some extras you may want to consider include:

  • Shower
  • Toilet
  • Upgraded speaker system
  • Wifi extender
  • TV
  • Roof rack
  • Awning

Deciding exactly what features to include in your van depend on your budget and space in your van. Everyone would love to put an indoor heated shower, but if you have a smaller sized cargo van and are on a budget it simply may not be feasible.

Step #5 Plan Your Van Layout:

After you know what features and appliances you want for your van, it is time to plan your layout which includes:

  • Bodywork
  • Bed setup
  • Mapping out your van layout

Bodywork

Your layout should first start with the van’s bodywork, which means any windows or other permanent features that need to be installed such as solar panels, vent fans, or roof racks should be purchased planned and installed.

Pro tip:  If you are planning to install solar panels on your roof, be mindful of where you place them if they are too close to other structures, such as a vent fan, you may find their shadow obscuring your panels, which means no sun power!  As you can see from the picture I may be struggling with getting much solar power on this if this fan starts casting a shadow! 

Bed Setup

The next big part of planning your van layout is knowing how you want your bed set up. You will wind up designing the remainder of your layout around your bed, so you want to have a clear idea of what kind of bed would be best for you.  

There are several different types of bed setups you can choose from. Some of the common options include:

  • Lifted Bed:  This is what I went with became it has the benefit of adding extra storage space underneath your bed, also known as the “garage”.  A lifted bed is an excellent choice if you have a lot of gear that requires extra storage space.
  • Convertible Bench Bed:  This is nice because you have the option of having a table to eat at, which can be nice to have if you are entertaining in your mini home.  The big downside to this option is that you have to deal with constantly converting your setup to a bed every time you go to sleep.
  • Murphy Bed:  This foldable bed is an excellent option if you want more walking space in your van.

Map Out Your Van Layout

Now that we know everything you want in your van it is time to map out precisely where all of your van features will go.  I would start off with the dimensions of your van and sketching out your dream camper on some paper. 

After this you can take some masking tape and start taping out exactly where you would want all of your appliances and features to go.  By doing this you will have a better idea of how much space you are working with and what sized appliances you will need for your ideal camper van.

 

Hope This Helps!

A well planned out van conversion is an important first step in your van conversion.  The better job you do at planning your conversion the less times you will have to go back and fix things that don’t work, whether it be because of sizing issues or poorly thought out installation.

Tools Needed For A Van Conversion

Categories
Van Life

What Order To Do A Van Conversion? In 12 Steps

What Order To Do A Van Conversion? In 12 Steps

What Order To Do A Van Conversion In

Getting started with a van conversion is a daunting task. One of my van conversion’s hardest parts was knowing where to start and what order to do the conversion. Should I do the insulation first? No, wait, bodywork? Electrical? I had no clue.

It took a lot of research and trial and error to determine the best order to do my van conversion. While there are a few different nuances to how you can go about your conversion order, here is how I did mine.

Step #1 Plan Out Your Conversion

Before you start any construction on your van, the very first step you have to take is thoroughly planning out your layout and design. There are many factors that need to be considered before starting your conversion, some of which include:

  • How much time will you spend in the van? Will you live in it full-time or just use it for weekend trips?
  • What activities and hobbies do you plan on doing on the road? Do you need extra space for mountain bikes or prefer more counter space?
  • The climate you plan on spending most of your time. If you are sun or snow chasing, this requires drastically different heating, cooling, and insulation features.
  •  Your budget
  • What luxuries do you need? Do you need a heated shower, a toilet, or wifi?

Knowing the answers to these questions before you break ground on your van will help determine what setup would be best for your needs.

Step #2 Body Work

After you have a pretty good idea of what you want out of your future home on wheels, it is time to work on the build. The first step should be taking care of any bodywork that is needed. This includes installing windows, a fan, and solar panels. Yep, that means it’s time to put some holes in your van!!!

This part of the build scared the ever-loving crap out of me. I spent a ton of money on a van, and now me, a guy who has never held a drill in his life, will intentionally cut a hole in said van. Yikes. But if I could do it by obsessively watching youtube videos and reading countless blogs, so can you! Remember, measure twice and cut once.

Step #3 Flooring

Level van floor
Install insulation and subfloor
How To Install The Floor For A Van Conversion
Install finished floor!

Next up is installing your flooring. This stage is typically a four-step process:

  1. Level the grooves of the van floor.
  2. Install your insulation.
  3. Install the subfloor.
  4. Lay down your finished vinyl flooring.

It is essential to ensure that your subfloor is level before placing the finished flooring. Otherwise, you will run into problems installing the finished floor, whether it be vinyl or laminate. 

Remember that once the flooring is complete, it is challenging to redo in the future, so you want to make sure you get this done correctly on the first shot.

Step #4 Insulation

People LOVE arguing about this. It is crazy. I wasn’t looking to dive deep into the insulation research because my primary goal was to chase the sun around. So my goal when picking insulation was to have a material that was waterproof, easy to install, and provided adequate insulation for desert nights.

So I went with Thinsulate as my insulation. It was an extremely easy material to work with, especially when dealing with tight corners and spaces. Also, installing it couldn’t have been any easier. All I needed were scissors to cut out my desired lengths, a couple of bottles of 3M 90 to stick it to the van, and I was good to go!

Step #5 Electrical Work

This was by far the most intimidating part of the build. If you have no prior experience with electrical work, I would not attempt to do this by yourself. Electrical work is complicated, and if done incorrectly, it can pose a danger to you and your van. Unless you are willing to commit a lot of time to learn the ins and outs of the job, I would recommend finding a professional to help you out.  

Fortunately, I have an amazing uncle who worked many years as a general contractor and was kind enough to help me out with this part of the build. Between him and using the electrical system guide by Antwan and Isabel from Far Out Rides, we were able to get it done without any issues!

Step #6 Framing Walls and Ceiling

Framing is the next stop on your van build journey. Framing requires screwing strips of wood to the van walls and ceiling—these strips of wood act as support beams to secure our cabinets, paneling, and bed.
I used ¾” thick plywood and cut a bunch of 2” strips for my framing.  Framing can be a bit more complicated with some van models as opposed to others, depending on the shape of the chassis. In my instance, there turned out to be some awkward curving that required me to bend the planks during installation to mirror the natural shape of the chassis.

Step #7 Bed Installation

You need a place to sleep. The bed typically takes up most of the space in your van, and there are many different bed designs you can go with to help save space, such as a convertible bed or a murphy bed.

However, I elected to stick with a classic fixed lifted bed to give me more space in the garage for all of my hiking gear. Another bonus of having a raised bed is that I don’t have to break down and set up each time I hit the hay, which is great because, boy, am I lazy!

Step #8 Paneling Your Van Walls And Ceilings

This is one of the most fun parts of the job! Paneling gives your van the look and character you imagined when you first decided to do a DIY van conversion.

As you go through this step, you will start to see the first signs of a finished look of your van. With each board you put up, your van slowly transforms from a creepy cargo van to an actual living space! Hip Hip Hooray!

The nice thing about installing your paneling is that it is relatively simple to do once you have your framing set up, all you need is a nail gun, liquid nails, and paneling then you are good to go!

Step #9 Cabinets And Counter Top Installation

We are almost there! Next, you need to install your overhead and kitchen cabinets and countertop. Regarding your cabinets, I would recommend installing a latch or magnet system to secure your doors when driving to keep your stuff from flying out during a sharp turn!

Because most cabinets you purchase aren’t specifically designed for vans, you will likely have to modify some of them to fit well with your van’s dimensions. For example, I had to cut off the floor trim of the kitchen cabinets to prevent them from covering my windows.

Step #10 Plumbing

Your plumbing system can vary greatly depending on what you need out of your van. If you use your camper for weekend trips, you can even go without having one. However, if you plan on living in your van full time at the bare minimum, it will require a white tank, grey tank, pex tubing, water pump, sink, and a hose to refill your tank.

I am also including an outdoor shower in my build as I plan on only traveling in warmer areas, so hopefully, I won’t encounter too much cold weather. While I would have loved to do an indoor shower ain’t, nobody got the space, time, or money for dat!

Step #11 Hook Up Appliances

Wooo we are in the home stretch!!! At this point, most of the heavy lifting is done. All you have to do is install and hook up your remaining appliances, such as your stove, refrigerator, and toilet. Remember that you will be living in a moving vehicle, so it is essential to secure your appliances for traveling on the road adequately.

Step #12 Finishing Touches / Decorations

All there is left to do is do some aesthetic touches such as bedding, decor, hooks, and trimming for paneling and floor edges to make it come together. Remember, neatness counts!

And Voila You Have A Van!

Tools Needed For A Van Conversion

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