Van life is an enticing lifestyle that promises freedom, adventure, and the open road, but it’s not always as glamorous as social media makes it seem. Whether it’s the constant reorganization of your things, unexpected maintenance headaches, or the realities of living in a small, mobile space, the reality of life in a van often doesn’t match up with the fantasy. In this blog, I’ll share insights from two contrasting van life journeys: one from Casey, who fully embraced the DIY van build, and another from a couple who, after a year and a half of life on the road, decided to sell their new van. These stories highlight the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned from living in a van full-time.
Table of Contents
1. The DIY Dream Van Build: Casey’s Story
Casey’s journey into van life is a testament to self-reliance and creative problem-solving. When she first decided to embark on the van life journey, she had no experience building anything. Yet, with determination and a steep learning curve, she designed and constructed the entire interior of her van—affectionately named “Maggie”—all by herself. Here’s a look at what makes her van stand out:
Van Life Comfort and Practicality
For Casey, one of the main priorities was maintaining comfort while on the road. Unlike many van lifers who opt for a minimalist, compact build, Casey emphasized functional amenities that made her feel at home. For instance, she ensured her van had a spacious kitchen complete with a 20×22-inch sink (larger than what many apartments offer!), a fridge, and ample storage for appliances and necessities.
But it’s not all about comfort; Casey’s van also prioritizes self-sufficiency. She built an impressive composting toilet with a built-in air filter, ensuring hygiene and comfort without compromising space. Storage solutions are also carefully considered, from the upper cabinets to the dedicated closet. Even the bedroom has been designed to optimize comfort with a full-size mattress, and ample storage space allows for easy organization.
Van Life Showering on the Road
Many van lifers struggle with the challenge of showering on the road, and Casey is no exception. She was unwilling to sacrifice having a shower, but didn’t want to give up space for a traditional shower setup. Her solution? A convertible shower bench. During the day, it serves as extra seating, and at night, it transforms into a functional shower area with a curtain and showerhead. For water storage, she has 30 gallons of fresh water plus an additional 4 gallons in a water heater, ensuring she’s always ready to wash up comfortably.
Van Life: The Power of Independence
One of the key takeaways from Casey’s van life experience is her belief in self-reliance. She learned everything from building cabinetry to installing an electrical system with a 600 amp-hour lithium battery bank and 400 watts of solar power. This sense of independence not only makes her feel in control of her environment but also prepares her to troubleshoot problems on the road. For Casey, learning how to fix issues as they arise, rather than relying on professionals, has been empowering.
2. The Reality of Buying a New Van: A Couple’s Van Life Journey
On the flip side, the experience of a couple who purchased a new van and built it out with numerous upgrades presents a different, more pragmatic view of van life. After spending months customizing their van, they’ve realized that the experience isn’t quite as dreamy as they once imagined. Here are the key challenges they faced:
Van Life : The Fantasy vs. The Reality
When they first purchased their van, the couple had grand plans of traveling off-grid and living full-time in their new home on wheels. However, the reality of living in a 14×6-foot space quickly became overwhelming. They realized that things they imagined bringing along, like a sewing machine and other personal items, simply didn’t fit once they packed their essentials.
The adjustment period was tough, especially in the early days, when they couldn’t even use their toilet or shower because of storage clutter. Their first night in the van was uncomfortable, and their once-glamorous idea of a mobile lifestyle soon seemed less appealing when it came down to practicalities like space limitations and maintenance.
Van Life : Maintenance Nightmares
A major downside of their new van was dealing with the constant maintenance issues that arose, particularly with the water system. After just one winter, they encountered a water pipe issue that required a lengthy repair process. They had to drive all the way to Las Vegas, a massive inconvenience, considering the time and cost involved in repairs.
The maintenance wasn’t limited to just one issue either; from water problems to electrical upgrades, the couple found themselves making long trips to the dealership, often needing to stay in hotels or rent cars while their van was being serviced. The frustration of waiting weeks for repairs and upgrades, combined with the hidden costs, led them to a difficult realization: buying new might not have been the best decision.
Van Life Isn’t for Everyone
After a year and a half on the road, the couple decided to sell their van. Despite the many upgrades and the potential for off-grid living, they found that van life didn’t fit their lifestyle in the way they expected. The lack of space for personal items, the constant need to reorganize, and the inconvenience of maintenance issues made it clear that van life wasn’t as carefree as they thought.
They shared that, for them, the ideal van life setup would be one where they could replicate the experience in a more practical, smaller vehicle like their Raptor. The van, although luxurious and full of potential, didn’t make sense for their needs anymore. They appreciated the adventure but were ready to move on from the full-time van life experience.
3. Lessons Learned from Both Journeys
These two van life stories highlight a few key lessons:
- Be Realistic About Your Needs: Both Casey and the couple learned the importance of being realistic about what’s necessary for daily life. Whether it’s a large sink or a convertible shower, the key is to prioritize what truly matters and make room for the things that support your lifestyle.
- Space is Limited: One common challenge is the lack of space. While a van can be a cozy retreat, it’s also a small, confined space that can feel suffocating. Understand that everything in your van will need to have a purpose, and don’t bring along unnecessary items, no matter how tempting.
- Maintenance Will Happen: No matter how well you plan, maintenance issues are bound to arise. Whether it’s plumbing, electrical systems, or structural issues, van life requires patience and adaptability. Purchasing a used van or one that’s already set up may save you time and energy compared to building out a new one from scratch.
- Van Life Isn’t for Everyone: Van life isn’t as simple as it looks. The lack of space, constant need for organization, and unpredictability of maintenance can be stressful. If you’re considering van life, it’s essential to try it out first, ideally by renting a van or taking a short trip before committing full-time.
The Freedom and Challenges of Van Life
Whether you’re building out your own van or buying one ready-made, van life offers a unique freedom that appeals to many. However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges—from spatial limitations to maintenance headaches—and go into the lifestyle with a clear understanding of what it really entails. While Casey’s journey showcases the empowerment of building and living in your own van, the couple’s story reminds us that van life isn’t always the right fit, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to follow your own path, make informed decisions, and embrace the adventure—whatever it looks like.
Interested in starting your own van life journey? Be sure to do your research, try it out, and remember: if it doesn’t work out, there’s always another road to travel.