During COVID-19 when people were stuck at home and couldn’t travel as easily, many turned to home projects to keep busy. A popular option was to buy a vehicle, fix it up, and travel the country – all while filming it for YouTube of course. While the recent common choice to remodel has been vans, people have also renovated ambulances and buses (called skoolies). Also, don’t forget the original van life vehicle – RVs. Below I’ll go through all the key considerations I’ve learned from watching van tours including safety, storage, and comfort pros and cons.

Often van tour videos are filmed very soon into van life or even before the person has had to use it. They focus a lot on aesthetics. There are a lot of things that look beautiful but become issues when you actually spend lots of time in or live in the vehicle.

Simple is the name of the game. Don’t give yourself more chores to do the everyday basics. Keep these points in mind whether you are planning to renovate your own van or just rent one for an adventure.

Beds

You have two basic bed types: fixed beds and convertible beds. I have seen some fold-down murphy beds, but they are much less popular. No matter the type, mattresses need slats for ventilation or mold can grow on the bottom.

Fixed beds remain beds the entire time. A benefit of fixed beds is that they give you space below for a storage “garage” which can be accessed from the back of the vehicle. Actuators can lift the bed up to give more room in the garage and make it easier to access. If the fixed bed is built too high from the floor, you will have to climb on a counter, bench, or step to get on and off it every time. Also keep head room in mind – you will quickly get annoyed if you can never sit up fully while in bed.

Convertible beds are usually dining areas or couches that are converted into a bed with some maneuvering. Cushions that turn into the bed mattress can be uncomfortable because you will likely feel all the seams where they come together. If you need to convert cushions, find a way to limit the number of pads or have seams only toward your legs where you will feel them less.

If you are interested in a convertible bed, make sure to consider where you will store your bedding and pillows during the day and how long it takes to make and unmake the bed each day. Converting the bed typically takes too long and people end up leaving it as a bed all the time.

If you have windows on both sides of the bed, this can be uncomfortable to lean on. Having a window only on one side gives you a flat wall to lean pillows against.

Storage

Cabinets need to be secured with something more than a basic latch. Soft-close drawer slides are not enough to keep the drawers closed on bumpy roads or sharp turns. Push to open closures or self-locking latches make a big difference.

Upper cabinets typically open toward the ceiling. It will get annoying over time to hold the door open with one hand while you dig around with the other. Gas struts keep it open so you can use both hands to put things away or search for items.

Any drawers or pull-out ledge tables should be on railings for stability and ease of use. Many people don’t put the pull-out table on railings; it takes more effort to open and makes a lot of noise as it scrapes coming out.

Storage bins are your friend to organize in cabinets. They also stop things from rattling while driving or falling out when you open the door.

Overhead cabinets on both sides of the vehicle near your bed make it more likely to hit your head or sit uncomfortably when leaning back. If you still want cabinets on both sides, consider having one side with shorter cabinets to give more head space.

Many people add a headliner shelf above the seats in the cab for more storage.

To limit items being stolen, keep as much inside the vehicle as you can. Many people have storage containers on the roof or attached to the bumper which are more vulnerable to theft.

Ambulances have the benefit of already coming outfitted with lots of storage and cabinet space you can repurpose. There are also outside storage compartments that expand your options without eating into the living space.

Kitchens

Deep sinks are key for cleaning dishes. Often wood counters are used in conversions and the cutout for the sink can be placed over it when not in use to give you more counter space. It can also double as a cutting board.

Fridges

It is important to make sure you can access your storage or fridge even if you are seated. Many people put top loader fridges in benches and then have to get up and move around just to open them for something they forgot.

Top loading fridges can store a ton of food because they can be packed full and not have items fall out when opening the door. This also means you will have to dig through and take items out to find what you need. It is a personal preference if a standard or top loading fridge is best.

Cooking

Choosing between a propane or electric range should be based on comfort level and space and energy constraints. Electric induction stoves require powerful inverters and are a drain on batteries to use regularly. Propane stoves are more energy-efficient but need careful construction and safety protocols.

Stoves can either be mounted in the countertop or be a standalone unit pulled out for each use. Some van lifers can even fit a 3-burner stove and oven combo in their kitchens if they are passionate about cooking.

Bathrooms

A wet room is a dedicated combination shower and toilet space that is waterproofed to protect the rest of the van. A retractable door on the bathroom saves space and keeps the rest of the vehicle dry. People also use curtains, but these can get moldy and need to be put away when not in use. Showers require a light and ventilation as well.

Many van lifers choose not to have an indoor shower. They either have no shower or a hose that attaches to their water tank so they can shower outdoors. Having a bag shower or outdoor hose is better than no shower at all; in case you get sweaty or dirty and don’t want to crawl into bed grimy.

Toilets

Unless you plan on always using Walmart, gym, and gas station bathrooms or feel comfortable in nature while following Leave No Trace principles, you will want some kind of toilet in the vehicle for emergencies or late at night.

There is no best choice, it all depends on your comfort level, location, and your accessibility to public bathrooms.

Many toilet options are available – chemical cassette, classic cassette, porta potty, dry flush, compost, and urine diversion systems (e.g., funnel, bucket). Chemical cassettes need to be dumped in designated dumping stations which are slightly harder to find.

The toilet can either be in a fixed space, a convertible space, or stowed while not in use and then pulled out into the main space.

  • A fixed bathroom, with walls and a door or curtain, realistically requires a longer van and high ceilings due to the space it takes up.
  • A convertible space usually involves a toilet installed in a cabinet that you lift the counter to access. When not in use, this can be additional kitchen counter space or a table. The toilet is still fixed in place, but the space is smaller and does not cut off your sight lines as much as a fixed bathroom.

The easiest long-term setup is to have a dedicated space, whether in a wet room or in a cabinet. You will not have to physically lift and move the toilet to use it or move it out of the shower to use the shower.

Dining/Work

As mentioned before, the dining area can be two seats and a table that convert into a bed.

The passenger seat can be mounted on a swivel to add additional seating for main area. Some even put a swivel on the driver’s seat as well. These are typically couples who both work remote jobs and use this area as an office with small tables as desks.

Many people use a Lagun mount table which rotates around the space. I have seen one couple make their own mount out of metal pipes to save money. Others use a flat pull-out drawer to make a tabletop. Keep in mind these tables can trap you in place, forcing you to remove everything and push it back in to get up or move.

Power and Water

Your electrical system should always be covered and protected. It is a terrible idea to have your electrical system in the same place as your water. If you have a leak, you will have to not only replace the water system and clean up flooding but also possibly have to replace the electrical as well (e.g., batteries, rewiring).

For your safety, propane needs to be inside a sealed box with a hole leading outside the vehicle for ventilation.

Water

You need a freshwater tank for drinking, cooking, and cleaning and a grey tank for waste water. Some people have a separate tap at the kitchen sink with a filter for potable drinking water. You need a freshwater hookup that is easily accessible from the “garage” or the side of the vehicle to make filling your tank easier.

If you’re in a place that is always warm, having the water tank mounted under the vehicle gives you more storage space inside. If you might be in freezing climates, you’ll want the water tank inside to keep the pipes and tank from freezing and breaking. Alternatively, you can still have an undermount tank with a heating element inside it.

Building a drain on the underside of your vehicle that can be activated with a button or switch inside the van is an easy way to empty your grey water tank. That way you can just drive over the dumping spot and release the water. Otherwise, you will have to shimmy under the vehicle to release a valve or physically carry the grey water tank for disposal.

Power

Having multiple power sources is a smart move. You can charge using shore power (connected to your home or a camp), solar panels, or the alternator while vehicle is running. Solar power can really make a difference on being able to charge your phone or computer. Those who only have one or two small panels tend to say they could have used more.

The control panel with information on energy levels and water gauges for the tanks is most effective when it is easily accessible from the main space. Being able to see when you need to refill your freshwater tank or how much power you are pulling from the solar panels is important.

General

The Basics

A high roof and bigger wheelbase give you more options and comfort. Don’t go cheap on the essential components like the electrical system, solar panels, and the mattress.

There are several types of insulation available. The big trend now is wool insulation since it doesn’t have chemicals and manages moisture, reducing mold and mildew.

While white sheets and white cabinets may look appealing, they need cleaning way more often. Light colors show the usual wear and tear of van life more quickly as well.

Prioritize your safety: know where your keys are and be ready to leave quickly if needed. There are security systems for break-ins or accidents that work for vehicles as well.

Roof

When deciding on the roof layout, solar panels and roof windows should be the priority. The top recommendation is to have a roof fan/vent above the kitchen for cooking, especially if you use propane. A second fan or window near the bed or back of the vehicle works well for cross ventilation. Certain fan brands can even be open when it is raining.

You can have roof windows with slidable screens – one to keep out bugs and one to act as a blackout screen for full moons.

Weight

Keep the weight of everything in mind. The vehicle is made to hold only a certain amount and things like tile, water tanks, appliances, and cabinets add weight quickly. Weight distribution is also important; having the kitchen, bathroom, electrical, and water tank all on one side can be a huge problem.

Windows

Consider the number of windows you want. More windows equals less privacy and less control over the temperature. It also limits storage options because it is harder to fit upper cabinets on a wall with windows.

For privacy and blocking out ambient light, you will want curtains or individual window covers. Most van lifers attach these to the windows with magnets because the frames are metal.

Switches

Light switches should be where they are most useable – in the main area, in the kitchen for the light above the stove or sink, and bedroom lights by the bed. That way you can turn on basic lights when you come back in the dark and aren’t stumbling around for a switch. You then can turn off your bedroom lights without having to get out of the bed, walk to the living space, and walk back in the dark.

Place light switches where you can easily access them. Do not put them in drawers or in hard-to-reach spots.

Technology

There are apps on where to park, shower, empty and get water, and find gas stations and campgrounds. Popular apps include iOverlander, Recreation.gov, Gas Buddy, Vanlife/Sēkr, Campendium, and HipCamp.

Wi-Fi can be hard to find and mobile connections may not be reliable in the beautiful remote areas you dream about parking your van. You can buy a signal booster or plan your workdays in cities or coffee shops accordingly.

It is nice to have a separate camera that you can turn on without having to be in reverse gear. That way if you hear a noise at night, you can look around without having to get out or peer out your windows.

My Thoughts

I don’t know that I could do van life full time. It would be a fun way to take a vacation though! A toilet and shower would be a must for me. A fixed bed would be great because even if I had a convertible space, I would be too busy spending time outdoors and leave it a bed the whole time. Now that many of us look forward to enjoying travel a little more, I wanted to share the ins and outs of van life as I see it.

My Favorite Videos

What do you think – could you survive van life? What would be your ideal setup?

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