Here we go!

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Lets get started

    I decided to live out of my car for a few weeks to see if this was a viable lifestyle while working a normal job. This seems like a good test to do before I commit to an option that is too extreme. Living out of my car was super easy, I have at times had to do this for short periods of time when apartment move out / move in dates didn’t align and this was a great time of year to start this experiment as the car wouldn’t be roasting or freezing at any time. The space of the car allowed me to do very little in the way of recreation, couldn't really stretch out and relax. The appearance of the back seat was a constant concern as it was filled with sleeping bag, pillow, back pack, gym bag, extra shoes and my dry-cleaning. Now the dry cleaning was a blessing because it offered shade and blocked anyone from looking in for the most part and the sleeping bag could be stuffed lower to allow the bag to cover it. I also had a bike on the trunk that blocked the rear window a bit thus decreasing the overall back seat visibility from the outside. I lasted 4 weeks with weekly chiropractic visits to help with being cramped all night and no adverse reactions to where I parked, which I’ll go into more later. I took a week long trip to Peru at the end of those 4 weeks and gained some perspective that really helped fuel the van plan and so I set forth with rebellious intent and searched hi and low for a van to get started. I could no longer take the back seat of the car so I took a place on a couch for a few weeks while I searched for a suitable residence. Reverting back to couchsurfing was terrible. At a certain age a random couch in a party house just doesn't have the same allure as it once did. I purchase my first residence on Dec. 12, 2014. This will be my next 2 years or more and will certainly be filled with tales and fringe life events that could only be had by those living out their dreams and seeking their own way in all things.

 

    Ok back to the Van. What do I need to have in there and how do I make this a place to call home while not being seen as “the creepy van guy” lurking for a spot to park overnight. Some people may be embarrassed or ashamed that they live in their car or van but I embrace it as being more efficient and living life on my own terms. This may be a fall back for some people and their only resort but making the most of it should be the motto and realize that its way better than the street or a tent. 

My criteria for lifestyle.

  • Mobility
  • Efficient
  • Convenience 
  • Privacy
  • Modern
  • Comfortable

This is all made possible through van dwelling of my math is correct. Living in a car is too small so van it is. With ($3,000 - $7,000), half what you would pay in the best conditions for rent, you can have your own van home and be an adventure all at the same time. The mobility is covered by virtue of being a van. Efficiency is had by mounting solar panels and being conscience of what you spend on consuming. Privacy is the name of the game when you can go to remote areas or put all the shades down in the middle of the city. Modern and comfort is up to you but I intend to tech up my van and have it like a home and office in one. 

Dwellings comfort and modern criteria? 

  • Bed / Bench combo
  • Storage, hanging and bin style
  • Themed decor
  • Multi monitor computer setup
  • Sound system
  • Power, solar and other
  • Emergency kit
  • Meal prep, blender, single induction burner, crock and quick hot water pot

With my list in hand I seek out the first part of the journey, finding a van. Craigslist and eBay are obvious choices as they offer quick purchase if you are in immediate need. Van dealerships are a decent option but you will spend 2-5 times more depending on the condition. Older model work vans and conversions are the trade here and can be mixed in initial setup options. I initially wanted to go with a pricey $7,000 newer ‘00 work van but opted for a ’94 pre converted dodge for $2,500 on craigslist. This option came with a bed and basic comforts like storage and closet type setup but also carried the risks and extra costs like repairs and new tires. I blew the radiator day one after purchase and noticed a slight slip in the transmission. $800 for new radiator and service puts the van at $3,300 so far and with my desired repairs, setup and additions would put me around $6,000 for a reliable and outfitted rig that will serve me for the next 2 years or longer.

Next step is the teardown and modification that will be discussed in detail in later updates.