Nick’s 9 Questions to ask before you start Van Life!
I have lived in a van, or a sailboat for the last 5 years! What started as a means to surf travel cheaply in New Zealand became an affordable way to travel the world, live in amazing places, and write my adventure story every day!
Why should I start van life?
Van life is becoming increasingly popular and for a very good reason!
You live rent-free
You have the ability to design your own space to redefine your place. You can build it exactly how you want to.
You have an ever-changing backyard in a variety of environments, it forces you into a minimalist lifestyle that changes what you deem a necessity in life.
It allows you to slow down and live for the moment not just the weekend.
More and more positions are becoming remote and why not have a mobile office/adventure mobile!
What is the right van for me?
Make a list of what you want out of your van. Ideally, you will be able to get everything you want in a van, but the reality is that there will be sacrifices to fit in your budget. Try picking 3 things you can’t live without when it comes to your livable space and start there.
Do I want to live in my van full-time?
Do I want to be able to stand up and how much height does that take?
How much space do I really need?
Do I want an indoor shower/toilet?
Will I be cooking meals outside or do I want an indoor kitchen?
Do I want a complete bed or one that can be modular so I don’t take up space?
How much gear do I need to live my best van life?
These are the questions you first need to ask yourself. My current van/ home is the third van I built but was the first van I really focused on these questions. I knew I wanted to live full-time van life. At 6’3” I knew I wanted to buy a high top so I would stand up and be more stealthy as I lived out of it full-time. As a surfer and remote worker, I needed a space that could hold my 4 surfboards as well as I needed to create and design a modular space/ system that could flow from office, bedroom, and finally a place to hang out and entertain friends.
What is most important when picking a van for van life?
Hands down the engine! In the end, your house can only go as far as you can drive. Find something that is reliable with little maintenance. If your van has a lot of issues or doesn’t move you might as well rent an apartment because it will spend more time in the shop then you living your best life on the road. This is the area you need to put the most research into!
Is the van new or used?
How many miles does the van have?
How much do you know about working on cars, trucks, and vans? You don’t have to be a mechanic to know the questions to ask to sound like one!
Is it diesel? Diesel engines are known for high miles and reliability.
Is it gas? Can be reliable but also has necessary services needed to be done at certain mileages.
When it comes to gas engines, anything over or close to 100,000 miles will most likely need a timing belt as well as a head gasket rebuild, this can also be referred to as a top end rebuild.
That being said all engines are not the same, make sure to research the year, make, model, and engine.
Make a list of pros, cons, and service questions to ask the seller.
Vans have an incredible resell rate! If you buy a good engine, and with a little decorating you can increase the value by $2,000-$5,000!
This research will give you the necessary questions to ask the seller and give you peace of mind knowing you made the right purchase!
Is buying and building a van expensive?
Make a two-part budget. Van $ vs Build $
Remember the most expensive part is the van itself. Reliability is key to keeping on or under budget as well as keep a high resale value.
You don't have to build your dream van first! You can work towards it. Buy cheap but reliable, build cheap but aesthetic, sell and upgrade. Great way to understand what system works for your van life.
I have never lost money on a self-built van!
In the past, I have spent $6,000 on a van and $500 build lived in it for 6 months and sold it for $8,500. My current van is a 2007 dodge sprinter that I bought for $10,000, self-built for $4,000, I’ve lived in it rent-free in California for two years and could easily sell it for $18,000. Another thing to remember is that by not paying for rent is paying for your van. I could give my van away and still have made money on not paying California rent prices!
What vehicle best suits my needs?
After pondering the questions above think about if you want/ need a van with the following:
4x4?
Hightop?
Longwheel base?
Diesel?
Gas?
Extra seats?
Extra space?
Solar?
How do I find a van?
PATIENCE!
Craigslist
Facebook market place
Dealerships
Forsale by owner
Fleet auctions
Constant searching is key, once you have pinpointed the make, year, and engine, the gems will pop up but you have to be ready to strike because they don't last long! Remember to research engines, service records, and prepare questions about both.
Do I want to live in my van full time or have a weekend adventure machine?
This is a very important question when purchasing, designing, and building your own van!
Do I want to stand up?
Am I planning on living in this full-time?
Where do I want to take my van?
Do I want 4x4?
Can I afford 4x4?
How much gear do my favorite activities require?
How much storage space do I need?
Am I van living alone or do I have a partner/family?
How can van life improve my life?
Gives you direct access to your favorite environments and activities.
Live rent free!
Great resale value
Home is where you park it
You can build and design your own space
Ultimate freedom
Off the grid minimalist living
You have a mountain house, a beach home, ski chalet, and desert mobile all in one!
Do I buy a built van or build my own?
I have always built my vans because I had a budget. Custom built vans can get pricey on labor costs. In no way was I a carpenter or handyman. We live in an empowering age! You can literally teach your self anything from Youtube, but be sure to check the reviews as even on YouTube there are many inexperience people offering up their advice.
The most important thing when building your van is leaving your ego out of it!
If it doesn't work or wont last, don’t force it!
Rip it out and start again.
Take your time.
Think about it.
PLAN and REPLAN
Lay your build out with tape.
Mock build with cardboard.
In the end you just have to start! Once you begin there’s not going back!
My Van Dora!
2007 Dodge Sprinter- Hightop with bus doors
3.0L Turbo Charged Mercedes Diesel Engine
235,000 miles when I bought her
Cost: $10,000 for the van
Build: $4,000
450 Hours of trial and error youtube inspired build time
Money saved by not paying rent living in California for 17 months: $20,400
Interested in testing out Vanlife? Check out Outdoorsy and rent your dream adventure vehicle for your next epic road trip! Use the code: occupationwild for $50 off!
About the Author:
Nick Watts builds custom vans along the coast
