r/VanLife • • 4h ago

A Journey to Alaska

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208 Upvotes

r/VanLife • • 3h ago

I built a app to plan a van conversion in 3D before you cut any wood: layout, bed, kitchen, solar

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98 Upvotes

r/VanLife • • 1h ago

Question on value

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11 Upvotes

We are looking at selling a 1995 Chevy 3/4 ton conversion van. It has only 49K miles and is mint inside and out. Never seen winter and garage stored. Not sure what a reasonable asking price is or what the value of the van may be. I thought about putting it in an auction to see what it gets. Any suggestions?


r/VanLife • • 23h ago

Just bought an old Amazon van!!

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181 Upvotes

Getting started on a self-build. Would love any tips from others who’ve bought an old Amazon van (like how to remove the 70mph governor).

Also, the drivers side vent is broken and there is no emergency brake cover and I’ve scoured eBay and google image search and can’t find the specific parts so if anyone knows where I can find these that would help!

My plan is to start with cutouts (MaxxAir Fan, MaxxAir Skylight, Shore Power, Water Inlet, maybe Ev Charging inlet). Then I want to do the Bluetti RV 5 electrical system because it seems the least confusing to me (waiting for a Black Friday sale).

We are snowboarders so we plan to be in snow a lot so planning to keep both fresh water and grey water inside. Also gas heater that is separate from the tank because I’m scared to tap it.

EDIT: Looking for actual help and feedback, not comments about how much you hate it or that it was an Amazon van. If you’re gonna be mean just exit the thread 😀 This has been a goal of mine for 10 years now and I finally am starting the process, and no I could not afford a brand new $50k+ van… so this is where I’m at.

I know there are others out there that have already done this according to TikTok, YouTube, and other Reddit threads that I’ve seen… so if that’s you I would love to hear tips!


r/VanLife • • 18h ago

Dating while living in a van?

55 Upvotes

Has anyone had any experience with navigating dating while living in a van? Are there women out there or on here that enjoy or don’t mind the lifestyle?

For context, I am in my low 30’s and my wife recently left me and filed for divorce. I’ve always had interest in the VanLife lifestyle but when it comes time to date again, I’m curious if that will even work? Or will I have to stay single during my VanLife time?

Thanks for any thoughts you may have.


r/VanLife • • 7m ago

Sorry if this has been asked - what software/hardware is used to get those cool control panels with all the van functions?

• Upvotes

I’ve been wiring into switch panels and buttons but it’s gotten to the point where there are so many remotes and buttons and things I’m getting annoyed. How do I build one of those dashboard things with all my functions in one place? I must not be searching for the right things online because I can’t find any solutions for DIY


r/VanLife • • 45m ago

Gas Transit or diesel Sprinter for long-term world travel?

• Upvotes

I’m planning to retire in about nine years and build a camper van for extended travel with my wife—potentially 12–15 years. We’d start with the U.S., Alaska, and Canada, then travel through Central/South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

I’m considering a high-roof extended Ford Transit with a gas engine versus a diesel Mercedes Sprinter 170 extended, preferably with AWD. I’m open to other suggestions too.

I’m handy and comfortable doing the camper conversion myself. I’m somewhat mechanically inclined and can handle basic maintenance and some repairs, but I’m definitely not an expert mechanic.

The build would include a fixed bed, bathroom, kitchen, substantial battery bank, and around 50 gallons of fresh water, so payload matters. My biggest concerns are reliability, finding compatible fuel, parts availability, and getting repairs done overseas.

I know vehicle options will change before I buy, but I’d like to start researching the right platform now.

For those who’ve traveled internationally in a van, what would you choose and why? Any engines or configurations you’d avoid? Firsthand experience would be especially helpful.


r/VanLife • • 2h ago

2008-2026 Chevrolet Express Van Remote Keyless Entry Kit

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0 Upvotes

2008-2026 Chevrolet Express Remote Keyless Entry Kit

Take the fastest route to DIY accessories on your Chevy Express Van with a remote keyless entry kit from MotorCityAutobahn.com. Providing the industry's latest generation of DIY setups preferred by both the professional and DIY automotive enthusiasts for their straightforward installation and proven performance. And with our lifetime warranty and 45-day QC performance guarantee with free returns, you have the assurance of a virtually risk-free purchase, backed by us upon delivery and long after installation.


r/VanLife • • 17h ago

2012 Honda Odyssey

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11 Upvotes

Any ideas on how to make enough space for 2 adults and a cat?

Shown in the photos:

- clothes tote

- cooking and food tote

- futon cushions

- queen sized air mattress

- bedding

- wooden pallets that we got for building just in case

Not shown: mesh collapsible laundry basket, my backpack


r/VanLife • • 4h ago

Present ideas?

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1 Upvotes

r/VanLife • • 4h ago

800W Alternator installation feedback

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0 Upvotes

Im looking for feedback on this installation that ran the alternator charger wires underneath a 2019+ Mercedes Sprinter 144" instead of inside the van.


r/VanLife • • 7h ago

How much is too much rust?

1 Upvotes

So, I'm in the market for a van for the first time, and feeling very nervous about it! I'm looking at secondhand Hiaces - something in the $20-30KAUD range that's preferably in good enough nick that it won't take a lot of fixing up as I have no prior experience or anyone to help me. I've developed a (perhaps unhealthy) terror of rust as everyone says it's something to look out for, but my question is, how much is too much? I looked at one the other day, a 2018 van that had light rust spots all over the floor of the inside cargo area. I didn't take a pic but I found a stock photo that looks similar to what the rust level was like (https://www.dreamstime.com/close-up-view-rust-spots-white-metal-van-natural-light-close-up-view-rust-spots-white-metal-van-image394057028). A few questions:

Is this (light rust covering the whole cargo floor area) something you'd expect to see in a 2018 van going for $28,000?

Is light rust just something I'll have to deal with at my budget?

If I'd bought this van would I have had to go over the entire floor with a metal brush and then apply rust treatment (so much work for little old me!)? I really want to avoid having to do extensive work on my future van, especially when I'm paying close to $30,000... :(


r/VanLife • • 15h ago

Do I need AC?

4 Upvotes

Making plans to build a van. I thought AC was a must have for me but the more I think about it - if I can scrap that, that completely changes my electrical system obviously. It would make it a lot simpler. If I travel with the weather/cooler nights,do I really need it? For people living the life already, what percentage of people out there have AC?

UPDATE: Thanks for all the feedback. I think I’m back on the AC. I know van life isn’t always perfect - being able to sit in a parking lot all day in the rain and be comfortable or not having to pack up and leave a good spot just because it’s a little warm will make it worth it. And being able to travel where I want instead of following everybody else around the country chasing ideal weather would be nice as well.


r/VanLife • • 31m ago

Left a clean sink 2 months ago, came back to this. WTAF?! Help?

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• Upvotes

As the title says, I left the van parked for for 2 months and came back to this?! Van had broken down so I cleaned everything when I parked up, but just now opened up the sink (which is covered, tho not air tight) to find this!

WTF is it?!?! Fungal growth?!

Can I just clean with regular cleaner / that’s gonna be safe for my water system? Or do I need something special here?!

I’ve been meaning to clean the U-bend under the sink for a while cos it stinks when it’s wet. Left over grossness from the previous owner. I’ll need to clean or replace that too I guess.

Anyone else had this? Help?!


r/VanLife • • 22h ago

TV removal help.

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7 Upvotes

Ok.....so when the previous owner of this e150 explorer put the new tv and Xbox into this van years ago...they REALLY put it in there.

Right now everything is wired to the battery of the vehicle and it's essentially useless to me since I wouldn't run this engine to watch TV when I have huge solar battery banks instead. I went to go tinker with the cables and...well...........this thing is really installed in this bitch hardcore. Can't get the Xbox out without moving the TV, and I can't move the TV at all? Do I need to literally cut this thing off with tools?


r/VanLife • • 13h ago

Propane woes. Danger or not?

1 Upvotes

I have a Heimer sunlight one. It is built on a ram 2500 base. There is an external propane tank mounted underneath. We were camping last week and used the propane heater. The first night it wasn’t lighting well and I realized I didn’t have the valve open all the way. Night too it lit fine with the valve open all the way, but at three in the morning, it was 38° outside and the propane alarm went off. We aired out the vehicle and could smell propane outside and inside the van. We turned it on again a little later and the propane alarm went off again. We discontinued its use and got a campsite for the night and plugged in and used a space heater instead. I can’t find any leaks on the outside of the tank. We have not delved into accessing the heater yet because it’s several layers down and we don’t actually know anything about heaters. Seeing it may not change anything. My theory is the constant use and low temperature increase the pressure in the tank and made the relief valve expel propane and that’s why we smelled it outside. And then it was sucked into the intake valve on the other side of the van and that’s why the propane alarm went off inside. Is this possible or are we just going to kill ourselves trying to stay warm?


r/VanLife • • 15h ago

Airplane Roof Box?

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1 Upvotes

r/VanLife • • 1d ago

First Timer here, had to move into the old 1980s rv last minute. Just me and my cat. Need advice.

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17 Upvotes

r/VanLife • • 6h ago

Just another day an expert doing his job

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0 Upvotes

r/VanLife • • 17h ago

New Eco-Worthy 280Ah LiFePO4 stuck in standby. Called tech support and they said i need to charge it at exactly 12.4v 20a for 2-10hrs and it might come back to life.. I'm on the road, how?!

1 Upvotes

I'm having a problem with my 12V 280Ah LiFePO4 Bluetooth battery and it's utterly ruining our trip right now. I've spent the first two days of it in a car park crawling around checking every part of the electrical system, but everything gives the values expected.

The battery app is permanently showing Standby, 98%, 0 A and 0 W. In two full days of testing and running differently loads from different places, these values haven't changed at all in the app. I have power but only when the sun is on the solar panels. Cover them and everything goes black, so nothing everything or night.

I found another owner who had the same issue and fixed it by getting into advanced settings in the app and turning charge and discharge off, waiting 10secs, then turning it back on. Didn't work for me though.

Any ideas how to get this brand new battery working?

Is this a software bug that could be updated so it doesn't happen again?

Any ideas where you might find a consistent charge at 12v 20a for 10hrs in Portugal?


r/VanLife • • 18h ago

Fiamma awning

0 Upvotes

I’ve got a fiamma awning. On my t5 LWB I’ve got a rhino kammrack roof rack, how can I put on my awning as well.


r/VanLife • • 1d ago

Just landed in the Savannah, GA area

3 Upvotes

Hi, I'm Val, first time poster to this group. Back in May I started living in my Subaru Impreza with a roll-up mattress and a cargo bag. I spent some time around New England (mainly Massachusetts) figuring some things out before heading South for the winter.

I feel drawn to Georgia at the moment and I'm really excited to figure out why. I'm in the Savannah/Hinesville area at least into November. It gets lonely out here, and I could use some friends, or suggestions for cheap places to go. Anyone else in the area?


r/VanLife • • 1d ago

Small van build with a dog crate. Advice please

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2 Upvotes

r/VanLife • • 18h ago

Motorhomes that expand

0 Upvotes

They don’t have to be massive but I want one of those Motorhomes that expand. Do they do those in the UK or would you have to import it?


r/VanLife • • 18h ago

Job

0 Upvotes

Hello, I want to drive all around the United States in my van but the issue is work. I’m an aircraft mechanic and that’s not a remote job. What do you guys do for work? I want to find a fully remote job I know I won’t make as much money but I’m okay with that.