Vanlife - anyone here do it?

[2HFL]

I recently made a pretty huge decision to completely change my lifestyle and will be buying a campervan to travel solo full time (UK, Europe and beyond) and basically see where my adventures take me, while vlogging the whole journey on YouTube and other socials.

I wanted to see if there are any current or previous vanlifers on PH, as I am keen to tap into your knowledge to learn more about it, if that’s ok. I also have a bunch of questions to ask about the practicalities, benefits, pitfalls and your real world experiences as I am certain there’s plenty I’m not aware of, yet!

It would seem, from my pretty extensive research so far, that a LWB with a high top will be favourite and, although I’ve not actually inspected any vans yet bar a poptop VW camper, the model I have found which appears to tick most boxes is the Mercedes Sprinter.

I would be very grateful for any tips or suggestions on what to look out for, must-haves in terms of equipment/spec and perhaps other models to consider which could also work well for this purpose.

I’ll need a garage area or at least somewhere to store a gravel bike, thought about a bike rack but security may be a concern? I’m undecided whether a fitted shower cubicle with loo is necessary or if the extra space by having a composting loo (I read these are far easier to empty) and an outdoor shower at the rear of the van would provide much-needed internal living space?

Also, if any campervan owners are local to Hampshire and happy to meet up to chat and show me around your van, so I can get a sense of what’s what and ask any questions (however silly they may be!) that would also be amazing!

[Actual]

I am writing this from my van and I'm on my travels but I'm not a vanlifer.

For choice of van and after 3 attempts to get it right I would recommend that you have a fixed bed arrangement that you don't have to make up and you can just collapse into at any time. If you are solo then you can manage with a transverse bed but if you are a couple then you need longitudinal otherwise you are always climbing over each other. Mercedes Sprinters and Ford Transits are generally considered too narrow for transverse.

For a vanlifer a toilet facility is essential but the disposing of toilet waste is a headache.

The other stuff that vanlifers seem to go overboard on is solar panels, lithium batteries and inverters followed by mobile phone antennas.

A good resource for all van stuff is a website called motorhome fun.

[POIDH]

2HFL said:

I recently made a pretty huge decision to completely change my lifestyle and will be buying a campervan to travel solo full time (UK, Europe and beyond) and basically see where my adventures take me, while vlogging the whole journey on YouTube and other socials.

I get, and am jealous that you can, the travelling for a year in your van.

Joining the endless stream of drivel about #vanlife on socal media I just do not get. I don't get why you want to put all that effort in to share. The competition is huge, and unless you have a partner with a fine bottom who does not mind it being the video image, you won't get meaningful traffic to earn anything, and half the #vlog #vanlifers are pretty poorly informed and just tour around one #instabanger place to another.

[LRDefender]

I'm not a van lifer but have been mooching around the place a bit lately.

I very nearly bought a MB MWB van but that didn't quite happen (thanks M.B ). When I designed the interior I included a shower & composting loo. If your going long term then consider the weather, very low temps, prolonged rain & snow etc. regarding designing & building the van. Think very hard about where you want to explore e.g - if you want to visit old towns & cities or high mountain roads then a long van might be a real hinderance, ground clearance can be an issue. The bigger the van the more difficult it is to find parking. Consider a 4x4 if remote and wild places appeal.

You'll get lots of good information from other sources - Facebook is great, try Overlanding europe plus they have many affiliated pages such as Overlanding Turkiye, Morocco, Balkans etc. They have a much more international reach than UK forums.

I think it's very important to understand the pitfalls & challenges of van life, such as isolation, poor diet, feeling vulnerable, mental & physical health issues & loneliness etc. You will still be the very same person with all the same issues you've previously faced but only in a less secure and less familiar situation.

I have been to some amazing places & met some incredible people who are now very special friends. I love exploring new areas, different foods, cultures, drinks all add to the adventure. If you're time-rich don't disregard stopping somewhere for a longer stay as winters can be grim, hunt out cool quirky campsites as you'll meet the most lovely people in the most unusual places. Say YES when invited into peoples homes & lives.

Don't underestimate how quickly the 90 days in Shengen goes (thanks Brexit), aim to leave Shegen as quickly as possible as it's far easier to come back into Schengen (get a Schengen zone calculator) if you haven't used all your 90 days. Get lots of apps - iOverlander, park4night, Komoot, Spotify, Waze, Couchsurfing are all handy.

Enjoy your journey and keep us posted regarding your search for your van goes.

[skeeterm5]

As mentioned earlier a fixed bed is a god send if spending a lot of time in the van.

The only other thing I would add to consider in van choice is a pop top v high top. Most high tops won’t fit under the barriers that a lot of car parks (in the uk at least) seem to have.

A small shower is also a great thing to have in the van. Yes you can shower outside but I can tell you that the novelty soon wears off in cold weather.

Good luck with you search.

[2HFL]

Actual said:

I am writing this from my van and I'm on my travels but I'm not a vanlifer.

For choice of van and after 3 attempts to get it right I would recommend that you have a fixed bed arrangement that you don't have to make up and you can just collapse into at any time. If you are solo then you can manage with a transverse bed but if you are a couple then you need longitudinal otherwise you are always climbing over each other. Mercedes Sprinters and Ford Transits are generally considered too narrow for transverse.

For a vanlifer a toilet facility is essential but the disposing of toilet waste is a headache.

The other stuff that vanlifers seem to go overboard on is solar panels, lithium batteries and inverters followed by mobile phone antennas.

A good resource for all van stuff is a website called motorhome fun.

Thanks for this, I have joined the forum you suggested and there are some very helpful articles on it.

Could I ask what van you settled for in the end. and which vans you rejected (and why) just to get a sense of possible shortcomings? I do appreciate, though, that any van owner will have requirements which are very specific to themselves.

[2HFL]

POIDH said:

Joining the endless stream of drivel about #vanlife on socal media I just do not get. I don't get why you want to put all that effort in to share. The competition is huge, and unless you have a partner with a fine bottom who does not mind it being the video image, you won't get meaningful traffic to earn anything, and half the #vlog #vanlifers are pretty poorly informed and just tour around one #instabanger place to another.

I do take on board what you’re saying but that’s very subjective and is your own opinion, which I respect, of course.

I worked in the travel industry for a large part of my career, and have been to some truly amazing places across the globe, so the intention is to highlight the benefits of travel, while creating engaging, inspirational and real-life content.

While it will mainly be a lifestyle/travel vlog, there is going to be a real focus on taking action to overcome mental health illnesses, as it’s something which has seriously blighted me since I was a kid and controlled a lot of the (usually poor) choices I have made in life. This journey is not just a physical one, it’s also a mental one which I am hoping men might identify with whether or not they may have/had similar challenges to me. I am working on a number of partnerships/collaborations to this end but I’m under no illusions it’ll be easy, but if I can earn a little income from it that would be fab.

Perhaps I’ll meet a fine lady on my travels with that perfect ass who can give my subscriber count a boost

[2HFL]

LRDefender said:

I'm not a van lifer but have been mooching around the place a bit lately.

I very nearly bought a MB MWB van but that didn't quite happen (thanks M.B ). When I designed the interior I included a shower & composting loo. If your going long term then consider the weather, very low temps, prolonged rain & snow etc. regarding designing & building the van. Think very hard about where you want to explore e.g - if you want to visit old towns & cities or high mountain roads then a long van might be a real hinderance, ground clearance can be an issue. The bigger the van the more difficult it is to find parking. Consider a 4x4 if remote and wild places appeal.

You'll get lots of good information from other sources - Facebook is great, try Overlanding europe plus they have many affiliated pages such as Overlanding Turkiye, Morocco, Balkans etc. They have a much more international reach than UK forums.

I think it's very important to understand the pitfalls & challenges of van life, such as isolation, poor diet, feeling vulnerable, mental & physical health issues & loneliness etc. You will still be the very same person with all the same issues you've previously faced but only in a less secure and less familiar situation.

I have been to some amazing places & met some incredible people who are now very special friends. I love exploring new areas, different foods, cultures, drinks all add to the adventure. If you're time-rich don't disregard stopping somewhere for a longer stay as winters can be grim, hunt out cool quirky campsites as you'll meet the most lovely people in the most unusual places. Say YES when invited into peoples homes & lives.

Don't underestimate how quickly the 90 days in Shengen goes (thanks Brexit), aim to leave Shegen as quickly as possible as it's far easier to come back into Schengen (get a Schengen zone calculator) if you haven't used all your 90 days. Get lots of apps - iOverlander, park4night, Komoot, Spotify, Waze, Couchsurfing are all handy.

Enjoy your journey and keep us posted regarding your search for your van goes.

Thanks for such a detailed and useful post, that’s really helpful.

I lead quite a solitary life already and I’m incredibly comfortable with my own company and never feel lonely as such.

I spent 12 months travelling the world solo as a 20 year old and it was the hardest (at times) but most rewarding trip I ever did, and it changed my life completely from what I was going through before I set off.

Over 30 years later it feels like I am doing the same again and it’s massively exciting as I know I’m going to embrace it fully and have some truly wonderful experiences.

Edited by 2HFL on Friday 17th May 19:17

[2HFL]

skeeterm5 said:

As mentioned earlier a fixed bed is a god send if spending a lot of time in the van.

The only other thing I would add to consider in van choice is a pop top v high top. Most high tops won’t fit under the barriers that a lot of car parks (in the uk at least) seem to have.

A small shower is also a great thing to have in the van. Yes you can shower outside but I can tell you that the novelty soon wears off in cold weather.

Good luck with you search.

Thank you too.

I agree with the consensus about the fixed bed, I don’t want to be faffing around with that daily. I also take on board the outdoor shower and how it might sound fine in principle, but the reality of taking one in grim and cold weather is obviously far less appealing!

With regards to the van size, definitely something by having a look around and driving a variety I’ll get a good sense of what will work. I have driven a Mercedes Sprinter in the past for work which is probably why I’m drawn to them, but I like the VW Crafter look, as well as the Transporter high top. I’ve taken on board what you said about barriers, but I actually intend to be in the UK as a last resort so hopefully won’t restrict my movement too much.

Appreciate all the replies, I’ll certainly keep this thread updated as things progress and will also share my channel, just in case anyone here wants to follow it.

Edited by 2HFL on Friday 17th May 19:19

[egor110]

Are you looking at a van conversion or motorhome

Also what budget are we talking about ?

[2HFL]

egor110 said:

Are you looking at a van conversion or motorhome

Also what budget are we talking about ?

I intend to get a converted van on a budget of up to £20k.

A number of campers I’ve been watching on eBay which fall within and above my budget remain unsold, which makes me wonder whether they’re ropey or if the market is actually cooling a little after the pandemic amid the huge popularity in this market so maybe I’ll find a bargain, that’s the hope…

[egor110]

2HFL said:

egor110 said:

Are you looking at a van conversion or motorhome

Also what budget are we talking about ?

I intend to get a converted van on a budget of up to £20k.

A number of campers I’ve been watching on eBay which fall within and above my budget remain unsold, which makes me wonder whether they’re ropey or if the market is actually cooling a little after the pandemic amid the huge popularity in this market so maybe I’ll find a bargain, that’s the hope…

Ok both nagshead and me work for m.h dealers cheap vans are normally cheap for a reason ie there's bad damp or it's old and hard to get parts for .,

[2HFL]

egor110 said:

2HFL said:

egor110 said:

Are you looking at a van conversion or motorhome

Also what budget are we talking about ?

I intend to get a converted van on a budget of up to £20k.

A number of campers I’ve been watching on eBay which fall within and above my budget remain unsold, which makes me wonder whether they’re ropey or if the market is actually cooling a little after the pandemic amid the huge popularity in this market so maybe I’ll find a bargain, that’s the hope…

Ok both nagshead and me work for m.h dealers cheap vans are normally cheap for a reason ie there's bad damp or it's old and hard to get parts for .,

Yep I figured this could well be the case, as well as probably being over-priced too. Where are you guys based?

[egor110]

2HFL said:

egor110 said:

2HFL said:

egor110 said:

Are you looking at a van conversion or motorhome

Also what budget are we talking about ?

I intend to get a converted van on a budget of up to £20k.

A number of campers I’ve been watching on eBay which fall within and above my budget remain unsold, which makes me wonder whether they’re ropey or if the market is actually cooling a little after the pandemic amid the huge popularity in this market so maybe I’ll find a bargain, that’s the hope…

Ok both nagshead and me work for m.h dealers cheap vans are normally cheap for a reason ie there's bad damp or it's old and hard to get parts for .,

Yep I figured this could well be the case, as well as probably being over-priced too. Where are you guys based?

I'm in somereset and he's in devon .

[Wacky Racer]

I personally would not have a fixed bed, if you are travelling alone the bed would take no more than five minutes to put away in the morning, you could sleep in a sleeping bag with a couple of blankets on top.

We have nearly twenty years experience travelling thousands of miles in motorhomes. and campervans, yes fixed beds are fine if you have the luxury of plenty of space.

Get a few insurance quotes, you may be in for a shock.

Good luck, sounds a great idea.

[egor110]

Although the space under the bed can be a handy garage space.

[2HFL]

Wacky Racer said:

I personally would not have a fixed bed, if you are travelling alone the bed would take no more than five minutes to put away in the morning, you could sleep in a sleeping bag with a couple of blankets on top.

We have nearly twenty years experience travelling thousands of miles in motorhomes. and campervans, yes fixed beds are fine if you have the luxury of plenty of space.

Get a few insurance quotes, you may be in for a shock.

Good luck, sounds a great idea.

Cheers for the feedback, it’s always good to hear contrasting opinions.

What are your thoughts on the ideal van height, for my purpose, as I’m around 6ft tall.

Are pop-tops or fixed tops better? Or would a standard height van like say a Transporter, be comfortably liveable too?

[LimmerickLad]

When I did it years ago in my old Merc I had a bed fixed to the roof on chains which took no more than a minute to drop or raise so no need to make it each time....I was a lot younger then though

[Slowboathome]

2HFL said:

Thanks for such a detailed and useful post, that’s really helpful.

I lead quite a solitary life already and I’m incredibly comfortable with my own company and never feel lonely as such.

I spent 12 months travelling the world solo as a 20 year old and it was the hardest (at times) but most rewarding trip I ever did, and it changed my life completely from what I was going through before I set off.

Over 30 years later it feels like I am doing the same again and it’s massively exciting as I know I’m going to embrace it fully and have some truly wonderful experiences.

Edited by 2HFL on Friday 17th May 19:17

I get this. It's a spiritual journey, if that doesn't sound too wk.

[2HFL]

Slowboathome said:

2HFL said:

Thanks for such a detailed and useful post, that’s really helpful.

I lead quite a solitary life already and I’m incredibly comfortable with my own company and never feel lonely as such.

I spent 12 months travelling the world solo as a 20 year old and it was the hardest (at times) but most rewarding trip I ever did, and it changed my life completely from what I was going through before I set off.

Over 30 years later it feels like I am doing the same again and it’s massively exciting as I know I’m going to embrace it fully and have some truly wonderful experiences.

Edited by 2HFL on Friday 17th May 19:17

I get this. It's a spiritual journey, if that doesn't sound too wk.

Doesn’t sound wk to me, I agree!

I’ll actually be leaving a very well paid job, saying goodbye to the daily routine/comfort zone, leaving my controlled environment (which is how I view the system we all live in) and I certainly don’t have bucketloads of cash in the bank either.

it is actually a huge risk in the current climate but it’s something I know I need to do as part of my bigger picture / life journey, however wk that might sound…

I came to the conclusion that my life is effectively going around in a hamster wheel right now and will continue to do so as long as I let it, but time is fkin previous. One of my company founders (worth multiple millions) passed away this week, it’s absolutely devastating as the chap was just 60 and a throughly nice fella. Diagnosed with cancer at Xmas, now he’s gone, life is so unfair, he was one of the good guys in life.

His passing was an indicator to me that I have to do this, to not lose any time, as the clock is ticking on all of us. I’ve been thinking about it for some time, I know it makes sense.