The idea of waking up to the sound of waves crashing against rocks and a picture-like view of cascading mountains is enough to make anyone leave normal life and take to the road. But before you hit the road, there’s a lot more to think about than just buying a van and then travelling to a beautiful location (I’ve learnt this the hard way). After years of travelling and a lot of trial and error, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that any taking on the nomadic life of the road should know about to avoid situations that cause major setbacks and large expenses.
So, if you do want to swap normal life for van life, there are 4 essential things that you should know before you start your journey.
1. A reliable Van
Before you even think about hitting the road, one of the most important things that you need is a reliable van. Your van will be the foundation of everything as it is your house and your car combined, so you need to ensure that you think about a few things before you hit the road.
One of these things is size. The bigger the van, the harder it is to drive and the more petrol it takes, but the more space for living. These are the trade-offs you must decide on and choose what you value the most.
Another of these elements you must think about is the history and mileage of the van. Although a higher-mileage van may be cheaper to purchase at first, it could turn into a black hole for the costs involved to upkeep and repair it..
Finally, you need to decide whether you would like to build your own van or buy a pre-renovated van. If you are handy at DIY, then building your own could be cheaper and enjoyable for you; however, if you’re itching to get on the road, a pre-revovated van might be best.
2. Power and electricity
To have power and electricity in your van, you need to have the basics: solar panels, leisure batteries and an inverter. It’s crucial that you carefully plan energy needs based on what amenities you would like to include inside your van, whether that be a fridge, laptop chargers or camera gear.
Portable power is incredibly convenient for those who work off-grid or would like to store food correctly inside their van. Power, such as solar power, can give you complete independance, especially if you are travelling in a hot country, creating complete off-grid freedom for your travels. For some, power isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
3. Maintenance gear
When living and travelling on the road, it’s essential that you are ready for anything. This is why maintenance gear such as a first aid kit, basic tools, spare fuses, jumper cables and fire extinguishers become a necessity to have in the van with you. Before you start travelling, you need to ensure that you have these essentials, as well as break cover and learning some DIY skills. In van life, independence isn’t just romantic, it’s about being ready for the unexpected.
4. A minivan licence
One element that you may not consider at first is the necessity for a minivan licence. Not all vans are classed the same, so you must gain the correct licence for the weight and size of your vehicle or if you are attaching any trailers to carry items. For example, I had to obtain a Cat D licence from Lifft Group for my particular van, which I had to factor into my budget but also find the time to do before hitting the road. So before you start your travels, make sure that your license matches your van, not just for legality, but for your peace of mind.
Ready to hit the road?
From getting the right licenece for your van, to equiping your van with power, these essentials will help to create a sooth road road to freedom with less unexpected bumps. With the right preparation, the open road isn’t just a dream, its your new home! So, don’t wait and get going!