I would say some other upfront costs are at least two generators, with one that can be charged with solar panels, plus solar panels and a monthly gym membership for showers.
Literally the only thing I think about is winter. The way our winters get here in Canada (loooong and extreme cold), full-time camping life isnt even an option. Prime example, it is April 7th today and I'm watching it snow out my windown lol. Stupid weather π
No I tried that roommate thing and it didnβt work out, she crossed the line by trying to learn how to drive at 57, she took my car with out my permission, didnβt know how to operate the gears and crashed into my garage, which was closed. I had turned it into a tv room. She had already took over my kitchen, which is a no go. We had set boundaries which she violated after a few months. I was hospitalized for my ptsd, so she decided that she should be in charge. She conspired with my sister in law to have me committed by calling the Va and telling them that I was freaking out and trying to kill my self. Great plan, but they forgot my son, and my sister Alice. My son kicked them out, Alice beat the hell out of my sister in law, sent her packing to her daughter in Florida. No more room mates. People are not so honest these days. One can be alone and not be lonely.
Hmm, I donβt know how to answer the first question. We live on what we make and because we work for ourselves, that changes. Sometimes we have more and sometimes we have less, and we cook more crockpot beans then ha ha. We have traveled great distances for weather but for now, stay in and near our little town in WA.
I am sad to see they won't be continuing to make the electric Ford Transit. It sounds like an idyllic way to live on the road. They ste moving towards hybrid models instead. I imagine that the current administration doesn't make it easy to continue with anything that would save money- or the planet
I wasnβt aware of that. I do know that they are making new ones in Europe. And yes, the current administration, ahhh, donβt get me started. I do know you can buy affordable used ones, for good prices!
It looks like Mercedes, Rivian and Ram will continue making electric vans beyond 2026. And I bet there are a lot of used Fords out there which are E-Transits. π
I have this fantasy about owning an Airbnb and living part time in a van. The Airbnb would give me a physical home base when I need it and hopefully pay for itself or at least help subsidize van life. Wishful thinking, however, as my wife is no where near on board.
Hybrid vans may make better sense if available.
I would say some other upfront costs are at least two generators, with one that can be charged with solar panels, plus solar panels and a monthly gym membership for showers.
The ymca has a gym and a locker room. There are plenty of fitness facilities around, some with a fee as low as ten dollars a month.
Yes, a lot of people do have 2 generators or more. You need them.
Literally the only thing I think about is winter. The way our winters get here in Canada (loooong and extreme cold), full-time camping life isnt even an option. Prime example, it is April 7th today and I'm watching it snow out my windown lol. Stupid weather π
Nothing like April snow to crush your warm-weather dreams. Canada really doesnβt play around!
I save enough money vanlifing in the USA to go to Europe for 3 months every year and rent apartments in Italy and France so I love it!
Living in a van is conducive to very poor mental health. Try a roommate situation or a boarding house before trying to live in your van.
No I tried that roommate thing and it didnβt work out, she crossed the line by trying to learn how to drive at 57, she took my car with out my permission, didnβt know how to operate the gears and crashed into my garage, which was closed. I had turned it into a tv room. She had already took over my kitchen, which is a no go. We had set boundaries which she violated after a few months. I was hospitalized for my ptsd, so she decided that she should be in charge. She conspired with my sister in law to have me committed by calling the Va and telling them that I was freaking out and trying to kill my self. Great plan, but they forgot my son, and my sister Alice. My son kicked them out, Alice beat the hell out of my sister in law, sent her packing to her daughter in Florida. No more room mates. People are not so honest these days. One can be alone and not be lonely.
I prefer to be alone. Iβm not lonely, because I stay busy. Living alone is an art to be learned. It has many pros.
Sometimes protecting your space means choosing solitudeβand thereβs nothing wrong with that.
Thank you, I sometimes wonder if I sound like a nutcase.
AI written content?
Disappointing Λβ Λ
ππ’πβπ¦Ί
Fuck, man. Even van living is expensive.
No wonder so many are homeless.
Apartment life has comfort, but van life has optionalityβand in todayβs rent market, thatβs powerful.
Our electric van really saves us money on fuel and has a built in electric generator which is also recharged when we plug in.
What kind of electric van do you have?
We have a 2023 Ford E-Transit van. And we love her!
I will need to check that out. What is your monthly budget for Van living? Do you travel great distances? Follow the seasons to save energy?
Hmm, I donβt know how to answer the first question. We live on what we make and because we work for ourselves, that changes. Sometimes we have more and sometimes we have less, and we cook more crockpot beans then ha ha. We have traveled great distances for weather but for now, stay in and near our little town in WA.
I am sad to see they won't be continuing to make the electric Ford Transit. It sounds like an idyllic way to live on the road. They ste moving towards hybrid models instead. I imagine that the current administration doesn't make it easy to continue with anything that would save money- or the planet
I wasnβt aware of that. I do know that they are making new ones in Europe. And yes, the current administration, ahhh, donβt get me started. I do know you can buy affordable used ones, for good prices!
Here is the 2026β¦. https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2026/whats-new-2026-ford-transit
It looks like Mercedes, Rivian and Ram will continue making electric vans beyond 2026. And I bet there are a lot of used Fords out there which are E-Transits. π
Interesting post, but I would never feel secure or comfortable living in a van.
Youβve got to be kidding?
I have this fantasy about owning an Airbnb and living part time in a van. The Airbnb would give me a physical home base when I need it and hopefully pay for itself or at least help subsidize van life. Wishful thinking, however, as my wife is no where near on board.
I think thatβs a very good idea Mike. Your wife may come around and just try it. You never know. Right?
Baby steps
Car living is becoming more popular has housing costs continue to rise.