The freedom to travel spontaneously without being tied down by your belongings is one of the biggest allures of living off-grid in a van. It’s an adventurous way of living that affords flexibility, brings you closer to nature, and teaches you the joys of simplicity. Besides, it’s much more affordable than living in a conventional home where you have to shoulder the expenses of many utilities such as rent, water, and electricity.
But “van life” is a lifestyle that also comes with its own set of challenges that you need to be aware of before you even begin building a custom RV.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the most challenging aspects of living truly off-grid in a van and how to overcome them so you can determine whether this lifestyle is for you or not.
[Editor’s note: I’ll post comments after each point, but you should realize that “van living” is more like what I would call RV or camper living in this post, and not a minivan or anything like that. So, anytime you read the word “van” think “RV.”]
1. Finding Good Locations to Park
Parking is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to living in a van. Near urban areas, you can easily find legal locations to park with access to amenities such as food, water, waste disposal, and restrooms. Resources like Parkopedia and the Bureau of Land Management are good places to begin your search if you’re looking for such spots. Campsites and truck parking are some other options you can explore.
But what if you want to set up camp far from civilization? The good news is that you won’t have to worry about legalities, but the bad news is that you’ll have to put in a fair bit of thought to pick an ideal parking site. Safety is one of the most significant factors to consider while choosing your location. You’ll want to find places you could leave quickly in the event of a storm or fire, and you should also consider local crime rates in the search. And don’t forget to ensure that you’re not parking anywhere with dangerous wildlife!
The wise thing while living off-grid in a mobile vehicle is to always plan your route and research the location so you can avoid potentially life-threatening encounters.
[Editor’s note: When adapted for a bug out situation, planning destinations and having multiple pathways to get there are crucial. But it’s hard to know such things unless you do your research in advance.]
2. Generating Power Off-Grid
Most vans are powered by diesel or gas, which is essential for operating appliances, lighting, temperature control, cooking, and entertainment. Living off-grid doesn’t mean foregoing all the luxuries of civilization. Still, depending on how far you are from the nearest refill source, you won’t always have immediate access to diesel or gas. And you wouldn’t want to run out of power in a place where emergency services can’t reach you.
This is why it’s imperative to have your own portable power grid when you’re living the mobile off-grid life. Building one will have some high upfront costs, but the payoff will be worth it. You can install solar panels with enough batteries to store and use enough power to keep you going for a few days. Having a backup power source for rainy and cloudy days is also something you need to consider. Many nomads prefer installing wind turbines in addition to their solar panels for more power while they’re on the move.
Even with your own power source, you’ll have to be conscious about power consumption and try to minimize it wherever you can. For example, building campfires for cooking would be a more energy-efficient method than using a fuel or electric stove.
[Editor’s note: Including an extra can or two of gasoline/diesel would be wise, too. That is assuming that you have a safe place to stash it somewhere outside of the passenger cabin of your van.]
3. Sourcing Clean Drinking Water
One of the biggest challenges of living off-grid is sourcing clean drinking water. For washing up, you may be able to use the water from nearby freshwater bodies like rivers, but it’s a different matter for drinking. Even if the water looks clean, there’s no guarantee that it is actually safe as water from springs and rivers can be contaminated with harmful parasites and microbes that can jeopardize your health.
The solution? A water filtration system. Setting one up can be costly, but it’s a necessary investment for your well-being. If, for some reason, you’re not in a position to install one, there are some other ways of purifying water, such as boiling, distillation, and portable UV light filters. You can also carry chlorine tablets in your emergency kit. But bear in mind that none of these methods work against toxic chemicals or heavy metals. So a multi-level water filter is your best bet for safe water.
Another way of acquiring clean drinking water is by collecting rainwater. Installing rainwater harvesting systems can be costly, as well. Still, this method ensures you have another option in case there aren’t any nearby water bodies for you to take advantage of.
[Editor’s note: Water collection and treatment are difficult enough at home; I can only imagine how much more difficult it will be to setup anything of real use while also ensuring it’s portable, compact, and long-lasting. In any case, remember that most water filters are going to have a difficult time removing many chemicals.]
4. Acquiring Food
If you’re planning to head off to remote locations for long durations, you’ll need to become an expert survivalist to source food. Stocking up on non-perishable items such as grains, canned goods and dried fruits will take you a long way, but learning how to forage, hunt, and fish will take you even further since you won’t have to worry about running out of sustenance.
Research your destination well in advance to learn about the local plants and animals, and make sure you acquire permits for hunting and fishing if they’re required. If you have the space to spare or will be staying in one location for a long duration, then you can grow your own produce to become fully self-sufficient on your off-grid adventure.
You might also come across some homesteads or communities living off-grid during your journey where you can ask for tips for acquiring food or be able to barter for some in exchange for something else.
[Editor’s note: I just wrote a post about how difficult sourcing your own food will surely become! But there’s no harm in having the skills and knowledge to do so no matter what the situation.]
5. Dealing With Weather & Temperature Extremes
Weather fluctuations and temperature extremes are one of the biggest challenges faced by most van-bound nomads. That’s why weatherproofing is usually one of their highest priorities before setting off. To protect yourself from the cold, insulation is the best method. Central heating and cooling are also necessary, should the situation turn dire. But otherwise, living off-grid means saving as much fuel and energy as possible.
To tackle cold weather, many van dwellers install wood-burning stoves to heat their space economically. Air heaters are another option that consumes low energy. For warm and humid weather, it’s essential to have a proper ventilation system. You can keep yourself cooler with open windows and fans, but ventilation systems promote better air circulation and keep the inside of the van free of odors. Another major benefit of ventilation systems is that they prevent the accumulation of moisture inside the van, which can lead to mold, rot, and rust.
The most effective way to escape the whims of the weather is to plan your journey based on the typical climate in that area. If you do not have an easy way to cool your van, places like Texas would not be the best choice in the summer. Pick locations with moderate weather or wait until your desired location has a more suitable temperature.
[Editor’s note: I’ve never attempted to live in a van, so I can’t say what people do, but installing a wood burning stove in a van seems a tad extreme, possibly even dangerous if not done properly. But, why not toss in some good quality sleeping bags? Those tend to work in all but the most extreme conditions. Maybe an awning would be a good idea to include to shade from the summer heat. I suggest working on passive solutions before active ones in such a situation.]
6. Ensuring Your Personal Safety
Living off-grid means higher chances of encountering dangers, whether it be wildlife, weather, terrain, natural disasters, or even other humans. Even after you’ve done your research on the location, there is always the possibility of disaster. But by investing in the right survival gear, you can significantly reduce potential risks and feel safer.
You’ll want to secure your van with sturdy locks and an alarm system to prevent break-ins and theft while also staying aware of your surroundings at all times for any suspicious activity. If you’ll be staying in areas with bears or other wildlife known for being dangerous or breaking into vehicles, learn about them in advance and buy equipment like electric fences to repel them. It is also essential to invest in the construction of your van to stay protected against unpredictable weather, such as lightning storms.
You should also have a way to reach out to your loved ones or emergency services in case you need help. Most off-grid travelers keep communication devices, such as personal location beacons, two-way radios and satellite phones, handy for regions without cell phone network coverage. Another thing to tuck away in your van is a 5-day survival backpack with all the essential items to survive during a crisis, including food and water.
[Editor’s note: Security in a van must be a nightmare. And if there’s any sort of real trouble, like a SHTF situation, I would absolutely be sleeping with one eye open. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do as there are a variety of alarm systems that could be employed to give you at least a few seconds warning.]
7. Disposing of Waste
Waste disposal is yet another challenge of an off-grid life in a van. You won’t have access to bathrooms with sewage systems out there in the wild, and even though you have free reign in nature, it’s still essential to have a waste disposal plan. Composting toilets and septic tanks are popular choices among most off-grid van dwellers, with the latter being preferred as it’s easier to use. But septic tanks have to be emptied eventually, so you’ll have to go to a dump station at some point. Composting toilets, however, safely process human waste into fertilizer on the spot.
Incinerating toilets are another human waste disposal method that is gaining popularity, but these are typically expensive. These toilets use extreme temperatures to burn the waste and turn it into ash you can easily empty. Even if the cost is not a problem, the smell might be. They are supposed to be odor-free, but many people complain about a foul odor during the incineration process.
Whichever method you pick to dispose of your waste, ensure you do it in a way that is sanitary and complies with local rules and regulations. It’s better for your health and the environment!
[Editor’s note: Waste disposal is something that most of us tend to shrug off, even at home, yet it’s crucial to your health. Whatever plan you choose, make sure it works for your situation and above all else: keeps you sanitary.]
8. Managing Health Emergencies
Your health can take a turn for the worse at any time. This is where people camping near urban areas benefit because they can quickly get to a healthcare facility or contact emergency services. But most don’t let this deter them from exploring distant locations.
Preparedness is key to quickly resolving health issues while you’re on the road, so ensure you always keep essential first-aid supplies on hand. A first-aid kit with antiseptics, bandages, and pain relievers is a crucial thing every traveler should have. If you have any health conditions that require specific medication or have any severe allergies, ensure you keep the necessary supplies stocked up in your kit. You should also learn basic first-aid skills so you can quickly take action during an emergency. It’s one of the essential skills for off-grid living.
No matter where you go, always have a Plan B in case things go wrong. Have a way of communicating with health services either directly using a satellite phone or through an emergency contact who can reach out to emergency services on your behalf. Most importantly, avoid taking undue risks and reach out when you need help.
[Editor’s note: Medical emergencies are yet another topic that gets the short shrift when compared to everything else. Supplies are always good, but knowledge of how to use them is equally–if not more–important. Read books, watch videos, take classes…whatever you can do to increase your knowledge is wonderful.]
9. Dealing With Boredom and Loneliness
Living off-grid is a rewarding experience that lets you get away from the hectic urban life and get closer to nature, but it can also be extremely isolating if you’re doing it solo. People thrive on social bonds, so it’s necessary to stay in touch with this side of ours. Some deal with it by immersing themselves in books, exploring the outdoors, or watching movies, whereas others seek out social connections.
There are many who enjoy the off-grid lifestyle, and one of the best ways to connect with them is through community forums and social media groups. Most regions have events and meetups that you can join. This way, you’ll not only be able to get helpful tips and tricks from seasoned van travelers, but you will also make lifelong buddies for your off-grid adventures. Talking to other campers and people from local communities is yet another way to stay in touch with your fellow beings and overcome feelings of loneliness.
[Editor’s note: Bonding with like-minded people is wonderful! We should all choose to do that more often.]
Is the Off-Grid Van Life for You?
Despite the numerous advantages of traditional living arrangements, the off-grid lifestyle continues to gain momentum because it’s a way of life that allows one to experience the beauty and wonders of nature up close. It’s a more sustainable way of living that’s cheaper, freeing, and incredibly enriching.
The challenges mentioned above are only a few of the many you’ll have to overcome if you want to embrace the off-grid van life. It’s not easy, but living with limited resources is possible when you have the right tools. And for those who have the willingness to adapt, a deep desire to live closer to nature, and achieve self-sufficiency, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating and satisfying as the off-grid life.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
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