Intro/need advice

[cwendyfly]

Hello all, my name is Wendy, 55/single. I am currently between living situations (staying with family) and needing to jump into van life pretty quickly. I do have some cash to work with, so I would like to ask for suggestions and advice on the quickest way to find a high top van that is clean, prebuilt and ready to go, possibly gently used. I have some ideas of what I would like, such as swivel seats, stealth exterior, composting toilet, wood free if possible for mold/chronic health concerns. It definitely needs to have cab/cargo access. (It's my understanding that some do and some do not.) I have some health issues, both physical and cognitive, so I don't have a ton of capacity to scour the internet. I am hoping to find answers by reaching out to this community. Thanks for your time. Happy trails!

 

[bullfrog !]

Welcome! Vans ready to go and in general are not easy to find and when you do they are usually custom built to suit the person that built them, just so you know.

 

[Sky King]

If you have the cash I'm sure someone can do a build for you

 

[cwendyfly]

Welcome! Vans ready to go and in general are not easy to find and when you do they are usually custom built to suit the person that built them, just so you know.

Okay thank you! I am learning a lot here already

 

[Juan Chacho]

There's a pretty good selection (new and used) on thevancamper.com. Wood is popular, often painted, but if the van is from a dry state or a new build it should be mold free (?). Might need a dehumidifier if you're in a humid place, or a cold place (breath condensation). Most vans have cargo access from cab.

Your first van will be a huge learning experience in your true wants and needs, so just do your best and know nothing's permanent (even the whole van).

For example, I discovered I find a bucket toilet easiest: A bucket with toilet seat topper, garbage bag as liner, and horse stall pellets to soak up liquid. The pellets are very cheap at tractor supply stores. I tie the bag, double bag it, and throw it out. Nothing much to clean. It's like throwing out diapers, but doesn't smell. I do use a pee bottle much of the time to save pellets and hassle.

Sorry to hear you're rushed. Sounds stressful! Do things to ground yourself, breathe, and relax. Don't rush more than you really need to. I think you came to a good place. Another good one is the Homes on Wheels Alliance group on Facebook. Good luck!

 

[cwendyfly]

If you have the cash I'm sure someone can do a build for you

You would think. I was told today that most of the pro builders have six month wait lists. Do you happen to know of anyone (preferably in colorado, but possibly elsewhere) who does quality builds as a side gig?

 

[cwendyfly]

There's a pretty good selection (new and used) on thevancamper.com. Wood is popular, often painted, but if the van is from a dry state or a new build it should be mold free (?). Might need a dehumidifier if you're in a humid place, or a cold place (breath condensation). Most vans have cargo access from cab.

Your first van will be a huge learning experience in your true wants and needs, so just do your best and know nothing's permanent (even the whole van).

For example, I discovered I find a bucket toilet easiest: A bucket with toilet seat topper, garbage bag as liner, and horse stall pellets to soak up liquid. The pellets are very cheap at tractor supply stores. I tie the bag, double bag it, and throw it out. Nothing much to clean. It's like throwing out diapers, but doesn't smell. I do use a pee bottle much of the time to save pellets and hassle.

Sorry to hear you're rushed. Sounds stressful! Do things to ground yourself, breathe, and relax. Don't rush more than you really need to. I think you came to a good place. Another good one is the Homes on Wheels Alliance group on Facebook. Good luck!

Wow, thank you, this is all very helpful

 

[Sky King]

You would think. I was told today that most of the pro builders have six month wait lists. Do you happen to know of anyone (preferably in colorado, but possibly elsewhere) who does quality builds as a side gig?

Sorry no I don't but good luck!

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the Forum Wendy

Take a look thru this site to see how a build would go together. Good photos too.

Nomadsauraus DIY Campervan Conversion

In the top signature link below "van conversion" I've documented how I made my first build....which was basic. But it served my purposes then.

Wood is used quite extensively in Van builds but there are materials that could be substituted foe structural building. With insulation you may find materials that aren't prone to mold or mildew but be careful of vapors that they may emit in warm/hot weather.

But this is enough for you to get some basic knowledge now.

Good luck.

 

[bagabum]

Hello all, my name is Wendy, 55/single. I am currently between living situations (staying with family) and needing to jump into van life pretty quickly. I do have some cash to work with, so I would like to ask for suggestions and advice on the quickest way to find a high top van that is clean, prebuilt and ready to go, possibly gently used. I have some ideas of what I would like, such as swivel seats, stealth exterior, composting toilet, wood free if possible for mold/chronic health concerns. It definitely needs to have cab/cargo access. (It's my understanding that some do and some do not.) I have some health issues, both physical and cognitive, so I don't have a ton of capacity to scour the internet. I am hoping to find answers by reaching out to this community. Thanks for your time. Happy trails!

I would scratch the composting toilet and go with luggable loo and then have a 1 gallon wide mouth/screw on lid jug (Walmart) for storage between dump station spots.

 

[Juan Chacho]

Most of my lessons learned popped up in this video:

 

[rruff]

I would like to ask for suggestions and advice on the quickest way to find a high top van that is clean, prebuilt and ready to go, possibly gently used.

A quick google gave me these sites:

https://thevancamper.com/campervans-for-sale?state=california&country=us
https://vanlifetrader.com/
https://www.vanviewer.com/

 

[cwendyfly]

Thank you!

Sorry no I don't but good luck!