Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping and a mountain range outside your window. This is the vacation dream for many people. But for travel enthusiasts who adopt camper van life, this is an everyday reality.
This lifestyle has become popular as people seek out adventure, freedom, and a deeper connection with nature. It offers a unique way of living to individuals and families alike.
So, are you interested in buying a camper van, but not sure if this lifestyle is for you? Then let’s explore the pros and cons of van life. It will help you make the right decision.
Van Life Pros and Cons
The idea of a minimalist lifestyle is appealing. But camper van life has its own pros and cons.
Advantages of Camper Vans
Less Expenses
One of the biggest benefits of camper van life is the potential for saving money. When you live in a van, you can eliminate many of the expenses that come with traditional housing.
Say goodbye to rent and mortgage payments. You don’t have to pay hefty utility bills anymore. Instead, your major expenses would be the fuel, the maintenance cost of the van, and the occasional campsite fees.
Thus, it’s right to say that living on the road can free up financial resources. You can enjoy life experiences that aren’t possible with traditional housing. You can visit national parks, try local cuisines, and enjoy cultural events across the country.
Freedom
A prominent advantage of camper van life is the freedom it offers. You can travel whenever you want, wherever you want.
Feel like waking up by a beautiful beach? Or do you prefer living close to beautiful mountains? With camper vans, you can do it all! Your home is mobile. So, you can explore new places with ease. And everywhere you go, you can enjoy the comforts of home.
This freedom also extends to your daily schedule. You can decide how to spend your time. Whether you want to go hiking, try painting, or read a book, the choice is yours.
This flexibility and freedom draw people to choose the nomad lifestyle.
Spend Time in Nature
Modern life can be quite hectic and noisy. And if you love the outdoors, the busy city life can cause you discomfort. Thus, people are turning to van life because it brings you closer to nature.
You can spend more time in peaceful natural landscapes and relax. Imagine having your evening coffee by a serene lake. Or falling asleep while stargazing. These experiences become part of your everyday life when you trade your mundane lifestyle with van life.
Living closer to nature has numerous benefits. It improves your health and reduces stress. You can enjoy recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, trekking, and cycling.
For families, spending time in nature can also be educational. Kids can try foraging and learn about the environment firsthand. This fosters a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Simpler Chores
Living in a van simplifies daily chores. Since the living space is limited, housework is also minimal.
You will find it easier to organize the place compared to a traditional house. Cleaning takes minutes rather than hours. You don’t have to worry about keeping a full-sized kitchen clean. Instead, you have to make do with a few essential kitchen equipment that are much easier to clean. This simplicity extends to laundry too.
With less time spent on house chores, you have more time to focus on what matters more. You can enjoy your surroundings and indulge in your hobbies.
Community and Friendships
A prevalent misconception about camping life is that it gets lonely. But you may not know that van lifers share a sense of community. The community is welcoming and supportive.
Travelers living in recreational vans stay connected through social media and online forums. They share experiences and insightful tips with fellow travelers. It helps them stay connected with like-minded people and build lasting friendships. So, they don’t feel lonely despite their non-traditional lifestyle.
Families with kids also connect through in-person meetups. This way, children can meet other kids and make new friends. It enriches their social experiences and builds a network of friends they can talk to.
Disadvantages of Camper Vans
Limited Space
As compared to traditional houses, RVs are significantly smaller. So, you can’t expect spacious rooms with high-end furniture.
The living space is small. So, you can only keep essential belongings. If you try to store more items than necessary, storage space can quickly become an issue. As a result, you may often have to compromise on your comfort.
Living in a compact space for extended periods can cause frustration. When you’re living with a partner or family, you will often feel cramped.
High Maintenance Costs
With RV vans, you don’t have to pay hefty rent and utility bills. Your vehicle becomes your home. But the cost of maintaining and driving around a big vehicle isn’t cheap either.
The average cost of a brand-new van is between $200,000 and $300,000. You can get an older van for around $25,000. But its average lifespan will be lesser with fewer amenities. Or you can convert your old van into a camper. The DIY van conversion cost can be somewhere between $10,000 and $50,000.
Unlike a stationary home, a sprinter van is constantly exposed to weather and road conditions. This accelerates wear and tear. When taking your vehicle on long routes, you don’t want your van to stop running midway. Thus, regular maintenance is essential. But maintenance costs can quickly add up. So, you may end up spending a lot on keeping the van in good condition.
Finding reliable mechanics while you’re away from your hometown can be a challenge. And where will you sleep while your vehicle is undergoing repairs?
Difficult to Focus on Your Job
As a van lifer, you may look for remote jobs or work as a freelancer. This flexibility will enable you to work at your own pace.
But finding a remote job that aligns with your skills isn’t always as easy as it seems. Not all jobs can be done remotely. And finding one that suits your lifestyle choice can take time.
Even when you find employment, focusing on your work while on the road can be challenging. When staying in a remote location, you may not have access to electricity or a stable internet connection. Or your surroundings will distract you, making it difficult to finish work tasks on time.
So, you need a clear plan to ensure you can manage your work responsibilities without giving up on adventurous experiences.
Harsh Weather
Another con of van life is exposure to weather conditions.
Harsh weather can affect your comfort and safety. This may include extreme temperatures, heavy rain, strong winds, and snow. A camper van doesn’t offer a good level of insulation and climate control. So, you may find it difficult to stay warm during winter or cool during summer.
To avoid these problems, you should prepare in advance. Keep an eye on weather conditions. Before driving to a new place, make sure you know about its weather. Prepare your van to stay comfortable. This means investing in quality heating and cooling systems.
Also, have a contingency plan to take shelter in a comfortable place if the weather turns extremely bad.
Finding Parking
Choosing the van life saves you from the hassle of paying property rent. But you need a parking spot to park your RV.
It’s easier to find public parking spots when you’re in the suburbs and traveling through less-crowded places. You can book a camping spot when visiting a National Park. You will also find private campgrounds that offer parking facilities for camper vans. They offer access to amenities in exchange for a small fee.
In busy cities, it can be difficult to find parking spots. But you can ask fellow van lifers for advice. Some stores and private parking lots allow overnight parking for RVs. You can also find parking at designated truck stops.
Tips to Get Accustomed to Camper Van Life
Embracing the van lifestyle takes some getting used to.
Make the most of the limited space by adopting a minimalist lifestyle. Keep your things organized. Sort your stuff in labeled storage boxes. Also, keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your vehicle for emergencies.
Van life is all about spontaneity. You should be flexible with your travel plans. However, be a little more organized with your travel plans. Before traveling to a new place, figure out travel routes. You should look for a few parking spots with access to basic amenities. This will help you avoid plenty of issues.
Further, budget your monthly expenses. Map out your total income and create a budget. This will ensure you always have enough funds for important expenses such as fuel, parking, vehicle maintenance, and living costs. Also, a monthly budget will help you limit your expenses.
Lastly, don’t ignore your health. Maintain a balanced diet and practice good hygiene. Try regular exercise, whether it’s in the form of hiking, swimming, or bodyweight workouts. Staying active will improve your physical and mental well-being so you can enjoy adventures on the road.