In the van full time as of a month ago...

[Lolatheredvan]

I finally did it.  I gave up sticks and bricks and will be living full time in my converted little red Promaster City Van that I have named "Lola".  I still work but I have a bit of an unusual business and working full time while living in the van won't be a challenge (at least I hope not...).  

I am 60, and to be honest, don't know how long I will do this but I am looking forward to having plenty of adventures along the way regardless of how long this adventure lasts...

Judy  

 

[VanFan]

Hey Judy!  Thanks for checking in here.  We'd love to hear more about your adventures as you go along.

 

[landyachtman]

Welcome to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[HappyLife1977]

Don't worry too much about how long you can do it. Three doctors, (two fired in seqence for bad office staff), told us they were surprised we are healthier than people living in housing. More out door life, drive away when you feel like a change, eat better because you are forced to think about stocking things that will fuel you without over filling the van. Life is good!
Honestly I think we personally would both be dead by now if we had stayed put.

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

Sounds great! Live it up!

 

[PeterPiper]

That ProMaster looks to be only slightly smaller inside than a common minivan?

Practice makes perfect.

I suspect the first few months will be harder than those later, after you figure most things out.

I was camping recently and was shocked at how I misjudged the cold.   There were some "uncomfortable", low sleep nights to say the least.
But next time I will be better prepared now that I've experienced it.   I clearly recall how cold my head and face got.

May I recommend a $130 Diesel heater for the cold?  Without it during my last outing...uncomfortable would have been much worse.  They are (IMO) the absolute best way to keep warm outside of sleeping bags and extra clothing.
Personally, I want to be 'comfortable" in my van when parked in sub 40F weather, similar to being in a house with heat.

 

[Lolatheredvan]

Thanks so much for the welcome and the info and advice...I figure the first few months are going to be some major life learning experiences and that's ok with me. I love to read and learn so I will definitely be looking to the forum for past posts as well as current posts for information and how-tos.

One of my theories is why reinvent the wheel, and instead learn from others who have gone before me who share their learning experiences and take their sage advice.

Judy

 

[PeterPiper]

Thanks so much for the welcome and the info and advice...I figure the first few months are going to be some major life learning experiences and that's ok with me.  I love to read and learn so I will definitely be looking to the forum for past posts as well as current posts for information and how-tos.

One of my theories is why reinvent the wheel, and instead learn from others who have gone before me who share their learning experiences and take their sage advice.

Judy

Hi Judy,
As a novice myself, I learned REAL quickly how far off I could be when the temps plunged down to 0C

Are you in a climate subject to cold often in the winter or a warm climate year round?
As if the cold of winter is not bad enough, the heat of summer can be just as bad or worse for van dwellers.

It's often easier to stay warm than to cool down when it's 90 plus outside and you're in a vehicle.
I honestly don't have a solution yet for the heat.   I have the cold covered.

I do have 200watts of solar panels on the roof, a fridge, a portable shower, a potty, a diesel heater and I'm sewing up some nice custom insulated window shades as I type but still  a long way to go.  A sink would be nice

Good luck.....be safe....and keep us posted.