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It is very uncomfortable to spend extended time in a metal box in south FL. It is hot and humid almost every day and many nights. An AC and an electrical hookup to run it, are essential. While parked in my driveway, the inside temperature of my van reaches triple digits daily. When in motion...

Nice build! For the record, I think that's a Transit Connect. A big distinction from the Transit- just ask your wife!

It doesn't have to take thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours, and master construction skills to build a fully functional van that can be lived in for an indeterminate period of time. An "old fart" setup- comfortable bed, kitchenette (cabinet, sink, running water), toilet, fridge, microwave...

I have Good Sam towing service, which caters to RVs. With the appropriate plan, they will tow both vehicles (and to separate locations if necessary). The answer is in their FAQ below. I suggest getting a multi-year plan at initial signup. When it's time for renewal, they not give you the big...

Most people who see a van are too busy thinking about their own life to "see" the van (or any other vehicle). And the few that do notice it are not thinking that someone is living in it. Who in their right mind would voluntarily choose to live in a vehicle?!? The only folks who notice vans are...

I am very mobile, so it was essential that my plan have out of network coverage. My objective is not to minimize my yearly health care expenditures. My goal is to have insurance so that in the event something major happens it doesn't cause financial hardship. PPOs allow patients to go out of...

I'll speak from my personal experience. Our class A is insured with State Farm. They asked if it was our primary residence. Though it didn't apply to us, they are prepared to handle that situation. The insured location is determined by the vehicle's registration/tags. I am not sure I understand...

I would not encourage anyone to spend above their comfort level. That said, I think you may be over estimating the expenditure of time, money and knowledge needed for a 12V compressor cooler setup. Solar is not required. I have a mid sized system that powers a fridge, induction cooktop, and...

Not many folks custom order a vehicle. It is a long process that can be fraught with anxiety and misunderstanding. I've entered the process twice (Sprinter and Transit), both times ending unsuccessfully. I will try again next year, when manufacturing is hopefully back to normal. Here's what I've...

In most cases, the vehicle registration must be the same state that issued the driver's license. There are exceptions. I maintain bonafide residences in two states and keep vehicles registered and insured in the respective states. Registration was a hassle and documentation was required...

Most Americans qualify to participate in the Healthcare.gov Marketplace. There are a wide range of plans, and it's designed to be affordable with subsidiaries that phase out as income rises. Since options and cost vary by state, nomads have an advantage because they can choose a favorable...

You've got a van, that's the hardest part. You don't have to wait until retirement or until your lease is up. You don't have to buy a bunch of stuff or build anything. You don't have to watch a bunch of YouTube videos. Just hit the road! If you work during the week, go on the weekend. If you...

Unless there are other compelling reasons for getting an SUV, it's not the best choice for conversion. Given their size, the space is not efficient for living out of compared to minivans. Though the Promaster City, Transit Connect, Pacifica, Sienna, Odyssey, et al. are smaller than large SUVs...

I don't know where the view that white cargo vans are stealthy originated. But I strongly disagree. Maybe I've seen too many episodes of Law and Order, but I think a white van parked in an unusual environment is creepy. Window vans are less likely to rise suspicion. I'm curious what others think:

The opinions expressed herein are based on my real life experience with vehicles, travel, real estate investing, and multiple relocations. In an apples to apples comparison, living in a stationary abode is cheaper than nomadic life. Google "house hacking" and you'll see many ways to lessen the...

This YouTube channel has dozens of video on topics related to doing van life inexpensively. Lots of practical advice based on real world experience, no glamour.

I do not subscribe to a definition of "vanlife" that requires selling all your belongings and giving up your stick/brick home. Financial freedom and control of your time are not predicated on owning a van. I live in a van part time. I live in a house part time. I wouldn't want to do either...

A fridge that ran off solar wouldn't be very useful, it would stop working between dusk and dawn, on cloudy days, when parked under shade, etc. So what you're really taking about is a fridge powered by batteries. Solar is just one method for recharging said batteries. The issue you face is how...

Your stuff isn't worthless- it served you for 30 years. You paid for it, used it, and now want to get rid of it. It was valuable- to you over the years. That's not brainwashing. You got your money's worth. The "stuff" we buy is not an investment. With few exceptions, it starts losing value the...

I have a Ecoflow Delta, which is renowned for it's fast charging capability. My numbers may not be replicable on a Rockpal or Jackery, but my experience should be applicable. The Delta charges via the cigarette lighter on my vehicle at ~100 watts. It charges via a household outlet at 1000+...