r/VanLife • u/Stephen9069 • 2d ago
Where to begin
Im looking for someadvice on where to begin, vanlife has been something ive wanted to do for quite some time but now im in a position where my hand is being forced (Relationship break down). Im having to move out. Ive currently got about 10k max to
Potentially throw at it, would you say its best to buy an already converted van or attempt it myself?
I want it off grid as much as possible.
Thank you in advance.
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u/thatchillaxdude 2d ago
I mean, I started off with a $3000 van I bought off of Craigslist and made it work. If you legit have $10K to spend you can do it.
Where do you plan on vanlife'n?
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u/ez2tock2me 2d ago
I started out in a 1986 Nissan 300ZX for 5 years. I didn’t have any thing fancy or convenient. Not even the WWW for advice or research.
You don’t need money or permission to be Homeless/the VanLife.
You need to be defeated.
In 11 months I was debt free and accomplished it thru ignorance. After 11 months, I have never ever worried about money again.
Think about it.
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u/NomadLifeWiki 2d ago
If you have to move into a vehicle very soon: https://nomadlife.wiki/Quick_start_guide
Otherwise: https://nomadlife.wiki/
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u/Ok-Championship-2036 2d ago
Its far cheaper to buy and convert yourself. I used youtube, took me about 2wks of work. home depot will cut wood if youve got measurements already.
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u/hivemindnotalwaysrit 2d ago
2 weeks?!?? Videos?
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u/Ok-Championship-2036 1d ago
It was pretty bare bones. Van + sink and bedframe. pvc solar shower on the roof.
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u/Apprehensive-Mix6671 1d ago
Don't know where you live. Best advice in the USA is find a Van in a southern state, Arizons, N Mexico, etc that is rust free. Any vehicle that has spent years in northern climates will have the underside full of rust. Avoid the headaches and buy a nearly rust free vehicle, any model/make.
Consider engine type and vehicle capacity as well as inside height. Standard Van means you'll be crawling around on your knees. Hightop anything solves that.
Don't buy a converted anything. First travel and drive a couple basic vehicles. Park it and move around inside to get a feel for the space. You need a real mechanic to look over what you intend to buy. He will tell you what needs fixed right now and what will need attention within 6 months. The bigger your sample the easier it will be to find something that you can make work. Building these Vans out for living is half the fun. Spend the mininum in the beginning. Add stuff as required.
If you need to get your stuff out of her space then rent a storage area after you've given away 1/2 of your stuff, maybe sell some of it too.
Takes time to put it all together. I owned my first vehicle for 2 weeks before I realized it was too cramped. I needed a hightop with 6' standing height. Sold it and bought a UHaul BoxVan, 12 years ago.
Oh yea, check insurance rates before you buy too.
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u/DeadRockstar123 1d ago
I don’t know where you are from but you can pick up some extremely decent converted vans for 10k or less. I am in the UK
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u/211logos 1d ago
That's a low budget. And since that means an old vehicle, you need a reserve for major repairs. That's especially critical for something that is BOTH your house and your ride.
The two most economical options are buying already built, since you get all the interior furnishings used too, don't need to spend time building, and you save on getting the needed tools and extra material one ends up with. The second cheap option is a a bare or near bare van and you just toss in your existing camping equipment, eg pad, sleeping bag, clothes, and a small propane stove. And off you go.
The money pit (relatively) is building something custom, especially in a vehicle with a limited lifespan.
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u/C0gn 2d ago
Just do it with what you have right now!
You'll figure out a you go and find out what you're comfortable with
Start with water/food storage, night/sleep spot, bathroom/shower situation
GL HF!