Living In A Van At 16?

[FutureStealther]

Hey guy's ill be 16 in about 3 months and will be getting a job to save up for my Astro LS van.
Instead of buying a fancy car like any other teen i plan to buy a 2005 model Astro LS and convert it into a stealth van. I'll add things such as a bed, a cooler for food and drinks, a security system that monitors all sides of the van from the inside, a portable fan to keep cool, black out curtains, solar panels, a machete or knife for protection, my laptop, a portable stove, and I'll also buy one of those portable 4g wifi hotspots to keep in my van among a ton of other things. There is just so much i want to customize and add, i really believe i will definitely be proud of myself when i finish my customization. I mean how many 16 year olds do you know who can say they have their own ride to school and their own place to live?

Also.... I plan on chilling/ living in my van sometimes. Like in my drive way and stuff. Is this legal?

It'd be really cool if i'd be able to live in my van at 16.... as long as i don't get into any trouble with the cops or anything i don't see myself having a problem, i mean its called a "Stealth" van for a reason haha.

I really am looking to become more apart of this forum, i'm sure it'll help me a ton once i've began customizing my Astro.

 

[SaltySeaWitch]

Welcome FutureStealther

I think it is a great idea provided your parents also think it's a good idea too I did read the other night that if you have a curfew in your town then minors in a vehicle sleeping (after curfew) are in violation so that may be something to check on. As long as you are in your parent's driveway and have blocked out the windows from nosy neighbors, I doubt cops will be searching driveways but be aware of any laws just in case imo.

I look forward to seeing future pics of your rig and good luck!

 

[eDJ_]

Hello and welcome to CRVL,    

I wasn't much older than you when I was putting my first Van together.
I started with a bed, an ice cooler,  and a cabinet with two shelves and a metal
top for a stove and later basin for water.  On one of the two doors of the cabinet
I mounted a fold up table and I found some folding canvas "Directors" chairs.
I made mosquito net covers for the big side door and the rear windows and front
door windows. 

I was working then during the summers and found a deal on a 14 ft motor boat
with 40 hp motor & trailer for $500 dollars.  I could have sold the motor alone for
$1500. 

So while the other Guys wanted the hot rods the Girls were afraid to ride in,  I
could invite them to go to the lake for a boat ride and picnic. (towing the boat
with the Van)  Instead of scaring them to death with a 500 horse power roller coaster
ride and possible encounter with a Cop.   I had a good sound system in my Van and
tried to keep some of the latest music to play.  (stuff that they had heard about but hadn't
heard yet).

Check out my Van conversion link below to see how "I" set mine up.

 

[lterry]

This guy started living in a van when he was 16.
https://www.youtube.com/user/JustinCredibleTV

 

[FutureStealther]

This guy started living in a van when he was 16.
https://www.youtube.com/user/JustinCredibleTV

Hey!! I love Justincredible As well as many other van/RV dwellers on youtube!

 

[Silver]

I wish I started when I was 16 / 17 . But never too late right ?

 

[wagoneer]

Sounds like me but I was into Station Wagons 16 years old in a 1956 chevy BelAir wagon with some hot rod mods, I wish I had some pictures to share, way way pre dig cam.

 

[debit.servus]

GO FOR IT!!! I first thought of living in an unconventional dwelling at age 16 and explored all the different mobile and immobile dwellings. First tiny houses on wheels, then housetruck, tour bus conversion, shuttle bus conversion, school bus conversion, step van, enclosed cargo trailer conversion, back to housetruck, back to school bus conversion weighing the pros, cons and most importantly cost before settling for living in a van.

A van is the best starting option for ages 16 and up. Small rig to operate for a just licensed teen, low purchase cost, upkeep & maintence cost (20-40% more than a four door passenger econobox, depending on size of van). A roof over ones head the minute the keys are handed over after purchase, unlike a tiny house on wheels for example. Lower fuel economy but worth it because most people cars are not mobile bedrooms. I can imagine after living the van life you won't prefer to live in a conventional house or apartment because of the freedom a van offers.

 

[mockturtle]

Modifying the van with plans to eventually go full time, then travel US & CANADA before deciding on a career path.

This is a good idea, IMO.  Too many young people go right from high school to college without a clue, wasting their parents' money and their own time.  If you know your career path, then pursue it.  Otherwise, take time to travel [provided you can support yourself] and see the world.  Many a young man 'back in the day' went to sea against his parents' wishes and later developed a career or enterprise.

 

[wagoneer]

LISTEN TO THAT WISDOM. After high school most kids are blown out and have no clue about the world, the real world. It should be mandatory to take at least a year off.

 

[Kozi_Kidy]

I agree with wagoneer, kids should take a year off and see the world after HS. I have a 16yo and a 18yo, I have encouraged my kids to do just that. Sounds like you plan to stay local and finish school, very smart! I wouldn't like it if my 16 took off across the country but as you get older start exploring in wider circles. Best wishes to you young'n!

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Of course, if you think you have trouble getting dates now, wait until the girl tells her parents:

"He's so cool!  He lives in a van down by the river!"

Regards
John

 

[Patrick46]

Of course, if you think you have trouble getting dates now, wait until the girl tells her parents:

"He's so cool!  He lives in a van down by the river!"

Yeah, and he craps in a bucket, too!!!