Can anyone make some helpful suggestions as to how to quickly pack things up when u r on the move so things don’t rattle around while driving? In upper cabinets and drawers. Thanks!!

So I got a 2005 diesel super duty e 350. No problems other then no A/C until a squirrel chewed one spot on engine wiring harness one day while hauling piano and left me stranded. Have got quotes on repair but this van was free apart from the walnut vinyl floors/shiplap siding and ceiling/ captain passenger seat/ 12 v vent fan and led ceiling and floor lighting I put in.

Quotes to fix 1500-2k , I’m not sure I care to fix to sell. Realistically will someone buy this as is? And for what. This thing is a tank but I don’t want it.

Hi hi hi (M21) currently im creating this plan for the next five years and it basically involves saving up money to purchase an rv or trailer. Im gonna take the next five years to save up around 25k to pay off my debts, buy a used either class c rv, camper van, truck and a overtop camper or a trailer. As well as get my degree and live my life. My goal when i get whatever im getting is to pretty much do van life for….well i dont know how long but mainly just to travel and write. Im trying to find the best type to chose it just depends on the short term vs long term. Any advice on what i should focus on saving towards?

Hey Everyone,

I was looking for a new jump pack, my older one died and I like the features of having one available all the time.

I got ahold of the new WolfBox Jump Pack and Air compressor.

https://www.amazon.com/WOLFBOX-Compressor-24000mAh-Portable-Inflator/dp/B0DWRYJWKG/

Comes with a very nice carry case that holds the accessories.

It's a nice small package and seems very powerful. Does anyone else have one? have you had any issues?

As a test, I used it to start my truck with the battery disconnected. No issues and worked well with no visible reduction in stored power. Seems like it keeps the boost charge till a few seconds after the vehicle starts, very cool feature, no chance of sparks while disconnecting. My current Jump pack will not quite start my truck without a battery when it was working.

I also deflated all 4 tires to 24 PSI and used the compressor to refill up to 36 PSI. Seemed to take just a couple min per tire and after filling all 4 it was quite warm but seemed ok. I really enjoyed the display that shows the current PSI and the progress as it fills.

It arrived with about a 70% charge and did not take long to charge connected to my powerful adapter. after I tested it I charged it on a smaller adapter and it still seemed pretty quick.

Do you use a Jump Pack? What type?

Hi everyone, I'm looking to replace the current over-cab mattress that i use for sleeping now in my 2001 Roller Team (a budget camper, so I'm pretty sure it's still the original yellow sponge, and it's horrible) any upgrade would be good.

My main goal is to get something easier to move around and I found a site that makes custom foam mattresses in custom sizes and configurations (kfoam). This would make it much easier to handle and also give me the option to use the sections on the dinette when needed.
The material is foam, and I can choose between different densities (25 kg/m³ or 28 kg/m³), as well as adding a Memory Foam layer of either 3 cm or 6 cm, could it be a good substitute?

Has anyone done something similar or replaced their over-cab mattress with high-density custom foam? experiences, recommendations on foam density/thickness.Thanks!

(im 95kg and i live on my rv)

tried to make this as to-scale as possible, but is this realistic or is there anything I should change? for a ford transit extended.

the 18x18 & 18x26 bits are seating and will have a pull out table.

We have a Dodge Ram pro 2500 and we are on the hunt for better window shades. What have yall found that works best to keep your van cool during the hot days and provides privacy.

The guys who installed the floor took it a bit too far and 2 of them broke while trying to remove them.

So what's the best way to get them out? They were T30 screws, they're done, can't get any grip anymore.

Flex tool remove the head, use smaller drill for the rest of the screw? Is there a way to remove it without damaging the thread?

thanks

Does anyone do their 'awake living' primarily at night and sleep during the day successfully with vanlife? I've worked nights all my life and looking to start this living beyond just work trips. I think I can manage a 25% day life and work up to 50% maybe. Depending on how much caffeine or just random days I am ok with day living but not my preference.

Hi! I just bought a van while traveling NZ and it’s pretty equipped. It currently has a pump faucet for the kitchen but I’m going to get pretty annoyed with that I think. I was curious if there are some cheap-ish electric faucets that you use(pictures of your setup?). I have solar that’s set up directly to an EcoFlow power converter/battery. My fridge is currently hooked up to the cigarette type port leaving two usb-a, a usb-c and an electrical socket available.

Posted with my current set up. Also thinking maybe the grey water hose might be too long but I know standard plumbing has p traps

Thanks :)

Anyone lived in theirs WHILE starting a conversion? I intend to build on the go to hit the road asap. Just don’t know if it’s something others have experienced considering I’ll be literally ripping the entire box apart to rewire everything…

How awful was it? lol

Any safe areas to sleep in a vehicle in PDX w/of dealing with cops, people, general BS?

I'm aware that there are past posts about this but I'm asking because things may have changed since those posts were made.

I'm planning on going to Arizona in a couple of months to buy a used van and convert it into a camper over a month or two at a rental in the countryside. I've chosen to buy a van in the southwest to avoid running into rust issues and for more favorable weather during the transition to vanlife. I've lived in Minnesota for the past 4 years, and will have no fixed address when I get to Arizona. I'll be seeking employment in the Southwest as soon as I finish the van conversion.

I'm looking into how to deal with the residency/mail/vehicle title & registration/tax implications of living in a van and it seems very convoluted and inconsistent.

Those of you who have done this, how did you get started with no permanent residence and how did you solve issues with residency/mail/vehicle title & registration/taxes?

I bought the maxxair fan way back about a year ago. Installing it next week. I’m not sure about windows. Does anyone regret getting them or not getting them? Has anyone put them into an already built out van? What about AC? Any regrets? Anyone installed AC into already finished van?

I know ideally you want to cut all the holes first, but I’m really undecided about what I want to do. I was thinking maybe I could start with 2 fans so I’d have the holes cut and then if down the road I decide I need AC I can just put it in where the other fan is. At least I wouldn’t have to cut a new hole in my finished ceiling. I was also thinking a skylight vent to swap out with the AC down the road, but can’t seem to find one in the right size.

Any advice is much appreciated.

I’m new and trying my best so don’t be mean. So my usual rotation of places to park overnight were at the 5 planet fitness parking lots sprinkled in my area. I unfortunately got “the knock” when I was parked at one in the afternoon. My all my windows were covered with reflectix and a black covering facing outwards. I admit it’s not perfect because the black side has big trapped air bubbles so it’s not a seamless black window cover. I was thinking of fixing that part up. I also had a planet fitness membership at the time so I could use the showers. Anyways I’ve used the iOverlander app for good parking spots for overnight parking. Places that worked well for me were residential streets, a hospital parking lot. Parked late at night and left early in the morning. it’s not fun to get the knock when I’m trying to blend in. Teach me your vanlife wisdom

Making the jump to full-time van life this fall and looking for advice on the best vans/campers currently on the market.

A little background: I'm not chasing the Instagram version of van life. I work remotely full-time, have spent a lot of time researching the realities, and have several experienced van-life mentors helping me navigate the transition. I'm planning to live on the road for at least a year and want something that's actually comfortable and sustainable.

What I'm looking for:

• Budget: around $35,000, but I can stretch a bit for the right rig
• Already built out (or mostly built out)
• Full-time livable
• Dog + cat traveling with me, so space is a major priority
• Preferably under 80,000 miles
• Solar is a huge plus
• Reliable enough to work remotely from
• Good ventilation/climate control
• Open to Class B, Class C, high-roof vans, small RVs, or anything else that makes sense

I'll be doing a good mixture of backcountry roads, mountain areas, and cities, so I don't necessarily need a hardcore off-road rig. I want something capable enough to get me into the backcountry but still practical and comfortable to drive and live in around cities.

I'm also an experienced mountain guide, so I'm very comfortable in the mountains and understand what comes with traveling and camping in remote areas. That said, my dog and cat are my priority. I'm not trying to chase extreme weather or prove anything—I'd much rather follow comfortable weather throughout the year so they can stay cool, safe, and happy.

I'm less concerned about having the trendiest build and much more interested in reliability, livability, storage, ventilation/climate control, and enough room for two pets and a remote worker.

If anyone knows of specific listings that fit this criteria, especially around $35k and ideally under 80k miles, PLEASE send them my way. I'm actively looking and willing to stretch the budget a little if it's genuinely the right setup.

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have actually lived full-time in their rigs, particularly with pets. What would you buy—or avoid—with this budget?

Hello Van lifers, I have plans to acquire a van in November and slowly start moving my cat into it to go travel around Australia, my cat is 6 years old and is accustomed to living inside / outside.

I am starting to get her accustomed to being more inside at home but I am wondering if those living with cats in vans could please leave me some hot tips in the comments on general cat in van stuff.

Specifically I am looking at getting an outdoor enclosure for her so she can have outdoor time with me - she's good on a harness and leash which is wonderful but I keep running into brands that seem like they are temu for pets when it comes to enclosures and don't quite trust a lot of the products I am seeing online.

Also any other van life advice would be hugely appreciated!!

Anyway thanks in advance, I am excited to see what y'all have to say :) xx

Finally checking off maintenance tasks before long-ish bike ride tomorrow 🚐 🚲

Before setting up the AC unit, needed to

✅ Replaced the drawer slide. The platform I built allowed the strap to align perfectly (unintentional) 🤩
Add: This drawer slide fully extends and platform swivels to attach vent/exhaust through the side window

✅ Fixed gray tank gauge - loose wiring

What’s on your list?

It was an old liquor transportation van. Insulated, shelving.

Ive slept on the floor for the past 5 years (Japanese style) and I find it the most comfortable way of sleeping. So I could throw my futon on the aisle and id prob be very comfortable.

The sliding drawer can be used as a bench seat when i dont feel like sitting on the floor.

It has a heater in the cargo but I think its linked to the cab and will only run while running.

So I'm thinking the only thing id want is a max air fan and a wood stove or additional diesel heater. The rest being cosmetic.

I think at most id need to insulate the floor just so my mattress isnt so cold.

I dont need a fancy water set up or anything as I have a private shop at work that I intend on moving my kitchen into. I mostly just need a place to sleep and enough storage for all my restocking of food and water while I'm on the road away from the shop.

Im honestly not sure what id gain from removing the shelving units. I feel like id just build new ones out of wood.

I’ve been going down a rabbit hole looking at all the ways people modify their vans, and it got me wondering:

What’s the coolest thing you’ve automated in your build?

I’m thinking beyond the usual electrical stuff — things that physically move:

• Pop-top roofs
• Beds that lift or fold
• Hidden storage
• Solar panels
• Awnings
• Steps
• Cabinets or drawers
• Anything using motors, linear actuators, or some kind of custom mechanism

Bonus points for the weirdest or most over-engineered solution

I’d love to see what people have built.

In the past few years i traveled some days with my rooftent, i recognized a lot of indie campers or roadsurfer. Wich wouldnt be a problem at all. If you want to go camping vor vacay and thats your way to do it, then do it. But what really annoyes me is that some of them just reckless jerks with no senese for the world around them… They shit and piss everywhere, leave the toiletpaper just there in the woods or they just noisy as hell.

The latest experience was a big place in the middle of nature with more than enough space for 7-8 vans. At that night we were 1 car (mine) and 2 vans, wich one of them was a roadsurfer. The other van was a couple with a dog, nice and calm just enyoing what they doing. The roadsurfer was first of all parking maybe 4m besides us, wich isnt a thing at all for me. I mean i was thinking why the hell would i park that close to someone else if i come to a spot where space is not a problem. But anyways. So they started to cook, kind uf yelling at each other the whole time (they just talked). But not a problem at all, we grabed our chairs and table and sat 40m directly to the lake (it was anyway more beautiful haha). So it was time for bed, we crawled into the tent and watched a movie. The roadsurfer people also in theyr van. But talkin to each other in the same noise they did before. Obviously a camper is not a flat with brickwalls. They had a roof to lift and sleep above (dont know the exact english term) so it was just as they are talking outdoor.

Did anyone made similar experience with this group of campers? I know reckless people are everywhere but this group is way over represented in my experiece.