Van Living

Well this is the story of how we built our travel van. I will try to provide the reasoning for why we did the things we did, options we considered and what in hindsight we would have considered doing different. So please enjoy the journey through the van build.

First we have to get out of the way the main question you should ask yourself which is should you build a van, and I can say for the majority of people the answer is a definitive NO!!! Now you might be asking yourself why a van build page would tell you not to build a van, and its because with the popularity of van camping and travel the pendulum has swung to far, and for many people that are buying vans to do things that would be done better and cheaper with alternatives.

So before we get into whether you should build or buy a van lets discuss what you want to do and what type of full time traveler are you?

There are a lot of different types of full time travel that are very different, and I don’t think that most people cover very well.

1. Van living – This is where people are using there camping vehicle to live their best life in an urban or rural environment. For this its just about living cheaply in their mobile vehicle and living their best life.
2. Part Timers – Have a base of operations still but like to travel in their spare time, and the type of vehicle doesn’t really matter much here.
3. Van Lifers – People Traveling around to see travel take pictures and show how great the van life is to sell their brand.
4. Van Travelers – This is what we are. People who are traveling from place to place to see all the things they like to do.

Next I will go over all the alternatives are for full time traveling and camping:

• Truck – A truck will go anywhere and with a shell you can sleep up to two in the bed of the truck. The downside is that there is very little room, especially for two people. Cooking will be only outside, your workspace will be the inside of the truck. Cost-$ probably the lowest cost option.
• Truck with Truck Bed Camper – Goes anywhere, and has every amenity that you could want. Camper can be technically left in your campsite, so you can use the truck. Cost-$$ More costly than just a truck, but if you already have a truck then this is the much cheaper. The caveat though is the truck will have to be larger, 3/4 or 1 ton. Technically they do make a few 1/2 Ton campers, but having a larger rated vehicle just drives better with a heavy load. Truck can also be modified with other suspension modifications to enhance drivability. Honestly this is the best and cheapest solution for most people that are considering a van.
• Vehicle with Hitch Pulled Trailer or 5th Wheel – Can go most places depending on the tow vehicle, except rutted two-track roads, like some forest service roads. You must know where you are going or the be familiar with the road you are on, since turning around will be impossible , but because of your length. Good for going to established areas where you want to setup for a couple weeks and be able to use your vehicle to go do things in the area. Cost – $$-$$$$ Small travel trailers aren’t to costly to buy, but go all the way up to fifth wheel that require the largest rated trucks to pull which also require large spaces and hook-ups to get he most out of them.
• Motorhome – Can go to campsites next to the road and parking lots. Needs another vehicle to be towed behind to actually go and do anything other than sit in your campsite. Cost – $$$$ Very expensive to buy and even used are very expensive to operate.
• Van – This is the one that most will be interested in I guess.