With any way of living–including living the van life–there are roadblocks you will encounter. Hell, being alive means learning what to do with setbacks. But the reality of van life is that you will encounter new and uncomfortable situations you won’t know how to handle. Having anxiety over these unknowns is so valid–and that’s why I’ve created this article.
I have done in-depth research on every problem with van life and have laid the major issues out here for you. Not only that, but I have researched and come up with multiple solutions for every problem. That way, whether you are going for a short road trip, or you are planning to make van living a full-time thing, you will have this resource in your back pocket. And if you’re thinking, “is van life for me?” you have the information you need to decide!
There are eight major issues van lifers encounter on the road: van build problems, vehicle maintenance, health issues, daily inconveniences, social life, economic hardships, legal problems, and safety.
Not every one of these points will resonate with you. That’s ok. Take what you need and leave the rest. And remember why you are dreaming or planning to live the van life and make sure the planning process is joyful. Once you get on the road, you will learn quickly how to problem-solve.
Read this article to prepare for living the van life and bookmark this article for when you need some roadside assistance. And most importantly, know that someone’s got your back!
FIRST, WHAT IS VAN LIFE?
If you are here, you probably know all about van life. But maybe you want to know more or unsure about what the lifestyle is specifically.
The van life movement is full of people living on the world’s open roads in renovated vans. That’s it! The core of the van life movement is all about self-agency: having control over your life and centering your own happiness.
If you want to read more, I have created this in-depth guide to what the van life is and everything you want to know about van life culture. Check it out!
PROBLEM #1: VAN BUILD PROBLEMS
With any endeavor, you will come across roadblocks in the process. Building out a camper van is no different. There is no way to avoid these, no matter how much you prepare. But preparing does help! And knowing what resources you have to rely on when you encounter these problems also helps a ton.
Here are the most common van build problems people encounter:
- Confusion about the electrical system. I.e. wiring, batteries, solar panels, etc.
- Leaks in the frame. These can cause rot and rust.
- Condensation. This is an issue because, without proper ventilation in the van, the condensation pools in the walls and can also cause rot and rust.
- Creative storage. Designing storage is fun for some, a challenge for others.
- Heat & insulation. Unless you plan on traveling far south every winter and don’t mind hearing everything happening outside of your van, heat and insulation are major considerations.
- Bathroom options. Are you going to install a toilet and a shower or no?
- Time & cost. The less time and money you have, the more difficult it will seem to accomplish a van build.
- Expertise. If you don’t have experience with carpentry, building out your own van can seem daunting.
Solutions to Van Build Problems
#1: Do your research.
Sounds obvious, right? But seriously, let yourself get lost in the abundance of van life resources available online. While you’re binging, take note of important points and make sure to remember the resources that were really helpful. Oh and make this part fun!
#2: Get clear on your plans.
Before diving into a van build, get clear on your goals, needs, and general design of your build. That way you can do more targeted research on aspects of your build.
#3: Take your time.
Rushing a build will cause more problems in the long run. Take your time, do your research, and produce quality.
#4: Leave room in your budget.
Problems will occur and you are likely going to underestimate cost rather than overestimate. Leaving room in your budget will make sure you can complete your van built right.
#5: Join Facebook van life groups.
These communities are excellent resources if you have questions you need to be answered urgently. I recommend Van Life Conversion and VanLife: Builds and Tips. But do a quick search on Facebook and you’ll find many of these groups.
PROBLEM #2: VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ON THE ROAD
I was once driving through Georgia on my way to Florida when my van broke down unexpectedly. I was luckily pulling into a Walmart parking spot when my engine began to smell, the engine light came on on my dash, and I lost my power steering. Because I was at a Walmart, I was easily able to get a tow to a local mechanic who fixed the issue in a day.
However, if I were somewhere rural when this happened or if I didn’t have AAA to give me a free tow, I would have been in a much stickier situation. That’s why I’ve created this short list of solutions to keep you rolling.
Solutions to Vehicle Maintenance On the Road
#1: Map out mechanics where you are heading.
Especially if you are driving a foreign vehicle, it’s important to know where the mechanics who will work on your van are.
#2: Keep an emergency savings account.
Having one of these will keep your mind at ease knowing you have the resources to fix an issue if one arises. If you’re driving a Ford, Chevy, Dodge, or Ram, I recommend at least $500. If you’re driving a Mercedes or a VW, repairs will likely to be more expensive, so I recommend saving at least $1000.
#3: Have a car emergency kit in your van.
That way, if you break down on the side of the road, you have the tools to keep you safe.
#4: Know your basics.
Checking your tire pressure and fluids often will likely save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. And knowing how to jump your van and change a tire will save you peace of mind.
#5: Get AAA!!
If you can afford it, I really recommend getting AAA. In the year I have been on the road, they have helped me out three times (getting a tow twice and getting me out of the mud when I got stuck on a forest service road I shouldn’t have been driving down). They will bring you gas if you run out, give you free tows, jump your van, and change your tire.
#6: Prepare to wave down help.
If you’re driving remotely or you don’t have a cell signal, you might have to wave down help if you breakdown. See #8 below for tips on protecting yourself and your safety in your van.
PROBLEM #3: HEALTH ISSUES WHEN LIVING THE VAN LIFE
Generally, getting sick in a van isn’t much different than getting sick somewhere else. But if your nursing a cold when you can’t get your van above 50°F or you’re by yourself in the woods somewhere, it will definitely be more challenging.
Dealing with more urgent medical needs when you’re traveling can also be really scary.
I personally haven’t experienced health issues when living on the road yet. But speaking from my expertise as a Wilderness First Responder and an herbalist, this is what I recommend.
Solutions to Health Issues when Living in a Van
#1: Stock up.
Have a stocked first aid kit and apothecary in your van. That way you have what you need when you need it. As well as a basic first aid kit, I recommend herbs and medications to treat fevers, headaches, sore throats, and coughs.
#2: Know your basics.
Having basic first aid knowledge and knowing how to take care of yourself when your sick is important whether or not you’re living in a van. This can be as simple as watching a couple of YouTube videos or you can take a course.
#3: Understand your insurance policy.
If you have insurance, of course. I personally prefer to put money in a savings account over giving my money to an insurance company. But if insurance is your thing and you can afford it, keep the updated card with you and know your plan’s limitations.
#4: Map out hospitals where you are going.
Having a general idea of where an emergency room is is a good idea. I would even consider saving the location on your phone in case you need to find one without cell service.
#5: Plan routine check-ups when you’re home.
Routine doctor visits and dentist appointments are necessary, but difficult to schedule when you’re traveling. If you know you’ll be around your home base sometime in the year, schedule these appointments then.
PROBLEM #4: DAILY ACTIVITIES WHEN LIVING IN A VAN
Keeping a healthy routine in a van is difficult. And maintaining your comfort in a van takes hustle. But once you’ve rewired your brain to understand how to handle the daily inconveniences of van life, you get used to it. So what are some of these inconveniences?
- Showering & bathing. Without a bathroom, how do you clean yourself?
- Going #1 & #2. Again, without a toilet, what do you do?
- Keeping the van clean. Especially if you’re living with pets and sleeping in the woods, your van gets dirty quickly.
- Keeping the van organized. When you’re living in a tight space, organization can go out the window.
- Maintaining a routine. Van living is closer to camping than conventional living. Therefore, maintaining structure in the day can be hard.
- Staying grounded. Many van lifers report increased anxiety levels once they’re on the road.
Solutions to a Healthy Daily Routine in a Van
#1: Take time to adjust.
Moving into your van, starting a new remote position, and beginning a road trip all at once is too overwhelming for anyone. When beginning the van life, take time to adjust to the lifestyle before asking much more of yourself.
#2: Experiment with what works for you.
While you’re taking your time to adjust to the lifestyle, experiment with routines. Maybe pooping in the woods isn’t for you. Maybe you prefer a gym shower over a solar shower. Or maybe waking up early in a van is unreasonable and you have to adjust your morning routine.
#3: Give yourself room to change.
Especially if you’re traveling often, you may need a new routine in every new place you go. This is normal. Be prepared to be fluid and forgiving with yourself.
#4: Focus on your self-care.
Many van lifers burnout in their first year. To prevent this, make sure to be extra loving toward yourself and be attentive to your needs. Van life is stressful on the body, give it what it needs to adapt and recover.
PROBLEM #5: SOCIAL LIFE WHEN LIVING IN A VAN
Whether you are traveling alone or traveling with (an) other(s), your social life when you’re living the van life is challenging. Finding community when you’re on the run is difficult and if you’re living in a van with another person or a pet, the space can get tight.
When living the van life you may have trouble:
- Finding friends and community. Also developing deep relationships with others.
- Keeping in touch with loved ones and dealing with the pain of separation from them.
- Sharing your space with your travel partner.
- Keeping pets happy and out of your way.
Solutions to Relationships when Living in a Van
#1: Seek van life communities.
A quick search on Facebook will give you a ton. I also recommend you check out the Vanlife App. Part of the app allows you to see nearby van lifers and to message them through the app! They also have weekly Meetup Mondays aka virtual van life meetups!
#2: Consider van life gatherings.
Once we’re over COVID-19, of course. I recommend looking into Open Roads Fest and Vanlife Diaries Events.
#3 Meet the locals.
Research local meet up hubs and engage in the local communities you travel through. Take classes, attend events, and engage with people you meet while you’re exploring. Bumble also has a tool that allows you to make friends with locals in your area.
#4: Make an intention to keep in touch.
It seems obvious but it might not be when you’re traveling. Making an intention to keep in touch with friends and family will help you feel less lonely on the road.
#5: Keep open communication with travel partners.
Set clear boundaries, communicate expectations, and keep open communication. Being in a cramped space with another person is arguably more challenging than living a conventional lifestyle with another.
#6: If you plan to travel with pets, do your research first.
Look up how other people successfully travel with their pets and make a plan before hitting the road.
PROBLEM #6: ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS ON THE ROAD
Depending on your mode of mobile income, making money when you’re living the van life can be a big challenge. If you have a stable remote position, you’re not likely to struggle financially. But those who rely on seasonal or gig work may face periods of financial hardship.
If you want more info on making money living in a van, I have a whole article just on that. In it, there are short term and long term solutions to making money. I’m sure the article will be helpful to you.
Solutions to Economic Hardships on the Road
#1: Ask for help when you need it.
I put this first because it’s an option most people tend to avoid. But if you’re in need, ask for help. Ask friends and family if they can help support you, do research into food pantries and other charities in the area you’re traveling in, and look into government assistance programs. I’ve had to do all three in my life.
#2: Try a side hustle.
There are so many remote side hustle positions available nationwide. Including Uber, Door Dash, Shipt, and so on. Look into the Dave app, it has information on side hustles in your area.
#3: Freelance.
Take your skills to the freelance market and get paid to work gigs remotely. This is a great option for people who need income between jobs. Check out Upwork, Flex Jobs, and Hubstaff Talent.
#4: Begin building your own business.
I can’t recommend this option enough. Whether you’re an artist, writer, accountant, or anything else, you can create a successful remote business. I’ve seen so many people do it, including myself. It’s not a get rich quick scheme, but it will ensure financial freedom in the long run. Check out Patreon and consider starting a blog. Click here for a free professional training on blogging for profit.
Blog for profit! (And passion!) Don’t believe the skeptics, blogging is alive and well and you can make a profit from it, too. With the help of the Blogging Fast Lane Accelerator course, this very blog has come to birth and is thriving. You don’t need to be a writer or a tech genius to be a successful blogger. Traveling Homestead Project wouldn’t be as successful as it is without the BFL community.
PROBLEM #7: LEGAL PROBLEMS WITH VAN LIFE
You might be wondering if living in a van is even legal. Dealing with legalities can be tricky and confusing, but once you know what you’re doing, it’s no different than dealing with legalities in a conventional lifestyle. Here are some legal issues van lifers face:
- Determining legal residence. In the United States, you technically have to have a legal residence. Living in a van or RV full-time without a legal residence is technically illegal.
- Taxes & insurance. The main reason you must have a legal residence is for tax and insurance purposes.
- Receiving mail. You can’t stick a mailbox on your van and call it good. So receiving mail and packages is tricky.
- Parking legally. Whether you’re a stealth camper or a strict legal camper, parking and avoiding the authorities can cause stress.
Solutions to Legal Trouble when Living in a Van
#1: Have a legal home base.
For me, my mom lets me establish my legal residence at her house. This residence is used for tax and insurance purposes. It’s also where my paper mail goes when I can’t get it electronically.
#2: Figure out a mail & package game plan.
The video above has really good information on receiving mail and packages. They mainly recommend Amazon lockers and FedEx general delivery shipping.
#3: If you’re going to stealth camp, know what you’re doing.
Research stealth camping and understand the risks. Most van lifers stealth camp, so it’s more than possible. I just recommend looking into it so that you avoid tickets and getting woken up in the middle of the night by police.
PROBLEM #8: SAFETY WHEN LIVING IN A VAN
Besides doing the work to prevent safety issues in your van build and engine, it is also critical to know how to keep yourself safe.
There was one night I was parked in a pull out on a Nation Forest Service road. At about 2 in the morning, a group of men in a pick up drove by honking and yelling at my van. It was really disturbing and I decided to move on from that place in the morning.
Living the van life as a whole isn’t any more dangerous than living elsewhere. However, if van living is new to you, it is important to know the dangers of this particular lifestyle and how to prevent emergencies.
Solutions to Staying Safe when Living the Van Life
#1: Trust your feelings.
Your body doesn’t lie. If you feel unsafe in an area or uneasy around an individual, trust that. Move on. But also learn to recognize what is fear and what is intuition. Travel should be fun and relaxing without fear getting in the way of that.
#2: Know your area.
Do research on the areas you’ll be traveling through and to. What are the crime rates, what are the demographics, is there racial or lgbtqia+ tension in the area, etc.
#3: Keep a loved one updated.
Check-in with a friend or family member when you’re traveling to a new location. Especially if you’re traveling alone, it’s a good idea for someone to know your general whereabouts.
#4: But don’t share your location elsewhere.
People can be apologetically creepy. Don’t share your location on social media until after you’ve left.
#5: Weapons.
I don’t recommend guns because laws change dramatically between state and national borders. (If you do want to keep guns, do your legal research!). Otherwise, having three or four options in different places in your van is best. Consider pocket knives, pepper (or bear) spray, tasers, machetes, etc.
#6: If you plan to park rural, know when hunting seasons are.
And if you plan on walking around outside or letting a pet run outside during hunting season, wear hunter’s orange.
HELPFUL VAN LIVING RESOURCES
Don’t just take my word for all of this. It is really important to have an abundance of resources to rely on when you need help. Here are some recommended resources for problem-solving van life.
Books
Why Bookshop over Amazon? Bookshop is an online bookstore that aims to support small bookshops around the world. 75% of their profit is donated to local bookshops and they have donated over $11,500,000 to small bookshops to date. Amazon, on the other hand, has forced many small bookstores to close because they cannot compete with the massive company, they are a major contributor to global carbon emissions, and they underpay their employees.
The Vanlife Companion by The Lonely Planet
A true companion for van lifers, The Vanlife Companion is here to help answer all of your on-the-road q’s.
How to Live in a Car, Van, or RV by Bob Wells
Van living isn’t glamorous sometimes. How to Live in a Car, Van, or RV is the perfect guide to keep with you on the road.
How to Live in a Van and Travel by Mike Hudson
A fun, inspirational, and informative guide, How to Live in a Van and Travel is another helpful guide to study before hitting the road.
If you’re interested in reading some stellar van living books, head to my list of 12 van life books (approved by a full-time van lifer). Or head straight to my Bookshop page where you’ll find reading lists on van living, camp cooking, and more!
CONCLUSION
There is a solution to every problem or concern you may face.
Whether you are in the planning stages of van life, you’re gearing up to move into your van, or you’re a seasoned van lifer, the unexpected issues are sure to rear their head. But that shouldn’t mean you give up on the lifestyle. There are plenty of beautiful, magical moments to experience living the van life.
I hope this resource gives you the confidence that you’ll get through the hard times. You are equipped and capable of getting over those humps!
Did I miss a problem that you want answers to? Or do you want more info on one of the topics above? Leave a comment below, I always respond!
Thanks for stopping by and good luck out there. <3
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