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Van Dwelling

 
Van dwelling seems to be gaining in popularity lately. More and more people are hitting the road in converted vans, RVs, or even just tents or cars. And there are lots of reasons why people are choosing this lifestyle. Maybe they want to downsize and simplify their lives. Maybe they want to travel and see more of the world. Or maybe they just want to be closer to nature.
  
But van dwelling isn’t for everyone. It can be challenging, and it’s definitely not the same as living in a traditional home. So if you’re considering van dwelling, here are some things to think about.
 
Pros:
  
   * You can go wherever you want
   * You can live a simpler life
   * You can be closer to nature
   * It can be cheaper than traditional living
 
Cons:
 
   * It can be challenging
   * You have to give up some conveniences
   * You have to be prepared for bad weather
   * You might have trouble finding a place to park
   * Your van could break down
 
So, what do you think? Is van dwelling right for you? If you’re still not sure, why not check out some of the resources below. You can read stories from people who are already living the van life and find out more about how to buy or build your own van conversion below.
 

What is van life?

 
Van life is a popular way of living among young people and digital nomads. It’s a great way to save money on rent and travel costs while still having the freedom to live your life the way you want to. If you’re considering van life, here are some things to think about:
 
   * Are you ok with living in a small space?
   * Can you live without a lot of stuff?
   * Are you comfortable with minimal amenities?
   * Do you mind being away from civilization for long periods of time?
 
If you answered yes to all of the above, then van life might be right for you!
 

Why People Choose Van Life

 
For many people, van life is the epitome of freedom. You can live and many even find ways to work from almost anywhere, making it the perfect way to see the world and experience new things.
 

Common Van Life Challenges

 
Van dwelling has become a popular way to travel and live minimally. But, it’s not without its challenges. If you’re considering van life, here are some things to keep in mind:
 
   * You have to find the right balance in planning and letting the adventure unfold.
   * You need to keep your van and belongings secure.
   * You have to figure out where to park and sleep every day.
   * You have to maintain all of the moving parts of the van.
   * You have to adjust to very limited space.
   * You have to overcome any of the constant obstacles that may come your way.
 
If you’re still interested in van dwelling after considering these challenges, then you might want to start considering what your dream van looks like.
 

Types of Van Conversions

 
There are several different types of van conversions if you’re considering van life.
 
   * There are cargo van conversions.
   * Class B motorhomes.
   * Minivan conversions.
   * Shuttle bus conversions.
   * Short school bus conversions.
   * You can hire a builder to customize a new van for you, or convert one yourself.
 
Van dwelling is a great way to explore the world and live an adventure, even if you start out by just doing it on weekends and vacation periods. There are lots of resources available to help you figure out what sort of van to build or buy.
 

Buy or build a van

 
For anyone considering van dwelling, reading stories of others who have made the lifestyle switch can really help you figure out if it’s right for you. Van dwelling can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s not for everybody. So weigh the pros and cons of van dwelling before making a big decision, and don’t hesitate to ask others who are van dwelling for advice.
 
There are pros and cons to both buying a van conversion and building one yourself.
 
If you buy a van conversion, the main pro is that someone else has already done the work for you. All you have to do is move in and start living your life. The main con of buying a van conversion is that they can be expensive, and you may not get exactly what you want.
 
If you build a van conversion yourself, the main pro is that you can customize it to your exact specifications. The main con is that it will take time and effort to do the work yourself. You will also need to be comfortable with tools and have some experience working with them.
 
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy or build a van conversion is up to you. Consider your needs and wants, and go from there.
 

Conclusion

 
If you’re considering van life, weigh the pros and cons carefully. It’s a great way to see the world and live an adventure, but it’s not without its challenges. There are many resources available to help you buy or build your own van conversion. So, what are you waiting for? Start your van life adventure today by exploring the stories and resources below! And if you like what you see, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more stuff like this in your inbox!
 

2008 Ford Econoline 4×4 Van Conversion with High Roof 001

Creative 2008 Ford Econoline 4×4 Van Conversion by Moxie Van Co.

This is a creative 2008 Ford Econoline 4×4 van conversion by Moxie Van Co. The van seats and sleeps two, features a passenger swivel seat, wool insulated walls, a 6.0L diesel engine, compact kitchen galley, fresh and gray water canisters, Maxxair roof vent, and more! 2008 Ford Econoline 4×4 Conversion with High Roof Customization Highlights [...]

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dark-van-001

Moody Sprinter Van Conversion

This luxury Sprinter van conversion is currently for sale in Cochranton, Pennsylvania, and is listed at $169k at Van Life Trader. It’s practically brand new, with only 1,025 miles on the odometer. The interior has a dark and moody vibe with wood paneling on the ceiling. This van has a queen-size memory foam bed that [...]

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youtu.be-WuUca80XmFM

Murphy Bed Van Life: Yes or No?

This is a quick video demonstrating van life with a Murphy bed! During day mode, the bed hides into one of the van’s walls, acting as a sleek entertainment center. It quickly folds down for sleep mode when it’s time for bed. Would you consider this option for your own van life layout? Video: Murphy [...]

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Luxury Sprinter Van Conversion by Ravizza Luxury Vans

Building a Luxury Van Conversion in 60 Seconds

Ever wonder how to build a luxury van conversion with a walnut interior? In this short video, Lucas Ravizza of Ravizza Luxury Vans transforms a cargo van into a luxury camper van in just 60 seconds, a process that normally takes 8 months. How long would do you think it take you to convert a [...]

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Her Under-$10K Van Conversion

Her Under-$10K Van Conversion

Jessica was ready to leave her regular days in construction and hit the road — but on a budget! She found this low-top van on Facebook Marketplace already built out and for only $7,000. After updates and mechanical repairs, her total cost was $9,500 for the rig. Incredibly, her jewelry business took off after posting [...]

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She’s Been a Nomad for 12 Years

She’s Been a Nomad for 12 Years

While we’ve seen many families hitting the road with young children as of late, Bella’s parents chose RV life long before it was popular on Instagram! She grew up on the road for most of her childhood, but started to resent it as a teenager. She claimed she would never live like that as an [...]

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Warm & Cozy Ski Wagon 2019 Ram Promaster 136″

Warm & Cozy Ski Wagon: 2019 Ram Promaster 136″

You’d never know by the stealthy exterior that this 2019 Ram Promaster is an incredible cabin on wheels! When the doors open, you step inside a cozy space decked with wood finishes and a wood burning stove for maximum comfort. Originally built by the owners as a “ski wagon,” this van has been a resting [...]

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Family of 5’s Off Grid Adventure Van 6

Family of 5’s Off Grid Adventure Van with Bunk Beds

This family of five lives full-time in their 40-foot school bus conversion, but it doesn’t always allow them to get to remote, off-grid locations. So they built out a van conversion which they use for short trips away from the bus. That said, they spent 11 weeks in the van — with three kids and [...]

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Their Weekender Van w: Incredible Power Bank 3

Couple Doing Weekend Van Life Before Going Full Time

“Take what’s important to you, put it in your van, and see the world.” That’s the advice Angie and Tommie give to others considering a van conversion. The couple uses it for weekend trips and vacations, but they may bite the bullet and downsize entirely someday. That’s why they took great pains to make the [...]

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Tiny Planet Fancy Van Conversion 16

Van Conversion by Tiny Planet Group

Tiny Planet Group is a luxury van conversion company in Sacramento, California, which recently completed this stunning 2023 Mercedes Sprinter build-out! They chose a white and sand-colored interior that was crisp and clean. As you might imagine from the $170,346 price tag, this van comes with all the upgrades: an incredible solar and battery system, [...]

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Married Woman Traveling Solo For Healing 66

Married Woman Traveling Solo For Healing!

Tracey is a remarkable woman in a happy marriage who hit the road solo a few years ago to heal her inner child and work on finding herself. Her nomadic life has transformed her, and despite losing her RV to a fire, she didn’t give up on travel and instead poured her heart into a [...]

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The Caravan Van Meetup June 6 thru 12 3

The Caravan Van Meetup in Colorado: June 6-10

If you’re a nomad living in a van, RV, overlander, or another type of mobile house on wheels, The Caravan is an incredible meet-up in Naturia, Colorado on June 6-10, 2024. The packed schedule includes events for everyone — from cooking classes to a cold plunge to a repair outpost to a self-defense class! There [...]

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Downsizing to a Van and Saving her Mental Health 3

Downsizing to a Van and Saving Her Mental Health

Caitlin isn’t the first person to say that van life has helped their mental health, and she won’t be the last! After a divorce, she left her vast, beautiful home and moved into a custom-built van conversion that met all her needs. She feels so much freedom in downsizing and minimizing her belongings. But just [...]

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Retired Nurse Traveling in DIY ProMaster 223

Retired Nurse Traveling in Purple ProMaster

This retired nurse has been traveling in her gorgeous purple ProMaster and loves her new, adventurous lifestyle! She said she wants her van to feel like the 14-year-old’s bedroom she never had — and it’s just that and more. The house meets all her needs, with tons of storage, a hidden toilet, and a swivel chair [...]

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Lori & Jill’s aquavan

Lori & Jill’s Aquavan: Ram Promaster Conversion

While Boho Vans rents vans to travelers wanting to try out van life, they also do custom conversions for folks who are sold on the lifestyle! This van, built for their clients Lori and Jill, has a beautiful all-wood interior in Boho Vans’ signature style and some significant upgrades. The van has a hidden toilet, [...]

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ProMaster Cabin Van for 32K 002

Ram ProMaster Cabin Van Conversion for $32K

This is a 2014 Ram ProMaster 2WD cabin van conversion for $32,000 in Bozeman, Montana. It’s listed at Van Life Trader with 191,000 miles on the odometer. It features a propane heater, a 20-gallon water storage tank, a 10-gallon grey water tank, and a solar power system. $32K Ram ProMaster Cabin Van by Dans Vans [...]

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Ford Transit Club Wagon Van Conversion 008

2016 Ford Club Wagon Van Conversion

This is a 2016 Ford Club Wagon 2WD van conversion with 87,000 miles on the odometer. This high-top van seats five and sleeps two at 17 miles per gallon fuel efficiency. It’s listed for sale on Van Life Trader for $60,000 out of Florida. It’s a Ford Transit 350 XLT with a high roof, eco-boost [...]

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Victorian Cottage ProMaster Conversion Vallan Anundson 002

Victorian Style ProMaster Van Conversion

This is a 2015 Ram ProMaster van conversion with a one-of-a-kind Victorian style. Equipped with 12 solar panels and a 680ah LiFePo3 battery, this van conversion offers more than just style. It allows you to run air conditioning quietly and constantly, even when off the grid. It is available on Van Life Trader in Seneca, [...]

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MVl1 Dodge Caravan Camper Rental in Maine 006

Maine Van Life in a Dodge Caravan Camper

This is a 2014 Dodge Caravan minivan turned into a stealthy camper van. It’s listed on RV Share out of Winterport, Maine, near Acadia National Park. If you’ve considered van life, why not try it out first? This minivan has everything you need to try the lifestyle out for yourself! At $135 per night, it [...]

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2020 Winnebago Revel Jewel Box Van Conversion on RV Share 0017

Winnebago Revel Class B Van Conversion Rental in Florida

This is a 2020 Winnebago Revel Class B van conversion rental out of Davie, Florida, nicknamed the “Jewel Box.” If you’ve been considering van life, it’s always a good idea to try it first. One way to do it could be by renting a Class B like this beautiful 19 ft. adventure wagon that sleeps [...]

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Stealth Ford Transit Van Conversion For Sale Naples Florida 001

Stealth Ford Transit Van Conversion for $42,500

This stealth Ford Transit van conversion is listed for sale at Van Life Trader out of Naples, Florida, for $42,500. It’s a 2019 low-roof van, which makes it easier to drive and park without making it look like a conspicuous camper van. It seems like an ordinary work van, but inside, it’s a cozy little [...]

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Couple Travels in DIY Van w Parrot

Couple Travels in DIY Van w/ Parrot

After weekend traveling out of their SUV, Shay and Luis decided to sell their home and their food truck and live full-time in a Ford Transit van. With zero former DIY experience, they learned all they needed from YouTube to create a cute and functional home on wheels. The van has a nifty hidden bathroom, [...]

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Ultimate DIY Van Build Shaiden 2

Shaiden’s Ultimate DIY Van Build: The Mothership

Shaiden has lived in several DIY vans over the years, but his “Mothership” is the best, most incredible van he’s created to date! A lover of all things futuristic/SpaceX/innovative, Shaiden has added luxury features throughout the rig using the latest technology. While it would be hard to get this level of perfection from your first [...]

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Bert DIY Van w: Clever Desk 5

Couple’s DIY Van with Clever Desk & Heating System

Bert is a van conversion built by Ermenegildo and Lou in Quebec, Canada. It took them about six months to create their dream rig, complete with a convertible home office, functional van kitchen, and nifty bathroom with a zip-up door. They made the rig perfect for their lifestyle, installing a unique heating system with hoses [...]

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Adorable Couple’s $45K Van Conversion

Couple’s $45K Van Conversion

Taylor and Britt met as part of a hiking group and eventually fell in love on a “travel buddy” journey to Montana. Their story is as sweet as their personalities, and you’ll love getting a taste of it in the video tour of their van below. They converted the van in 10 months, and it [...]

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How a Summer of Vanlife Turned into 4 Years!

Anjali’s 4 Years of Van Life

Anjali has been living on the road for more than four years, first out of a basic build that was supposed only to last the summer until 2020 hit, and her job went remote! She loved the van so much that she decided to stay on the road and eventually upgraded to this ProMaster, which [...]

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