About a Van...life
Questions to ask yourself before building a van.
This is a short description of some questions to ask yourself when you are first thinking of your van build. These questions will help you in the design process of your van.
What gear do I plan to take with me?
Although you are going to be living tiny that doesn’t mean you will have to be short of fun activities or gear to bring. This is a major decision for van dwellers. Many are into all the outdoor activities that you can do. If you are a biker think of how you want to store them. Do you want them under your bed? Would you be comfortable with them on a rack outside?
Are you going to have paddleboards? If so inflatable or not? Would you need to store them on the roof? Or maybe you will store them on the side of the van.
Rock climbing, do you have a full rack? Do you need to make a storage box to keep all your gear from clanging around while driving?
Do you go backpacking? Will you need a place to store backpacks or all sizes, bear canisters, tents, camping supplies?
Believe me you will always have a camp chair. And typically you want a place to hold firewood. Because what is a van without carrying firewood.
Do you want to cook inside or outside?
Will you get more enjoyment out of setting up a portable stove outside?
Maybe you want to have a stove that you can both use inside and outside. Or you can have an indoor stove and an outdoor stove, so that way you have options. The nice thing with an indoor stove is when the weather is crummy outside you are already equipped to cook inside.
Are you comfortable with a propane stove?
There is always a topic of debate between a propane stove or an induction. This is a personal preference. HOWEVER and this is big, if you do an induction YOU MUST make sure you have enough battery power to support the large pull. Often people with an induction have both the induction and a small camp chef little propane stove. This gives them the ability to always cook a hot meal no matter if it’s rainy outside.
Take the time to analyze what is important to you in your new home.
Will you want windows in your van?
Do you need windows to make it feel more homey? There a big purchase, and also a commitment, because once you cut the holes there is no going back. Make sure you check all your window options.
Do you need a shower?
Are you scared to give up your daily shower? I’m here to tell you it’s really not bad. Your body adjusts very quickly, and your skin will actually thank you. There are so many options to put a shower inside your van if you need it. You can also get a hot water shower off propane installed in your van for a great outdoor shower. There are other less expensive options such as a solar shower as well. But it’s something to really think about.
Toilet necessities.
Do you need a toilet? There are multiple options. You can do a portable toilet, a composting or as simple as a pee jar. It comes down to what you feel you need. This is your home so you want to feel comfortable.
Are you planning to do snow activities?
Are you a winter cold weather lover, then don’t be silly install a heater.
If you are not planning to enjoy all the snow activities then really think on the place you plan to spend your winter. If you won’t be in extremely cold climates that a Mr Buddy heater might be all you need.
Will you work from the road?
Think of seating, desk space. Will you have other people in the van? Will it mainly just be you? Do you need an actual space to work at or can you work from bed?