The flexibility to take a trip spontaneously without being tied down by your belongings is among the most significant attractions of living off-grid in a van. It’s an adventurous method of living that manages versatility, brings you closer to nature, and teaches you the delights of simpleness. Besides, it’s a lot more budget friendly than living in a traditional home where you need to shoulder the expenditures of numerous utilities such as lease, water, and electrical power.
However “van life” is a way of life that also includes its own set of challenges that you require to be aware of before you even start developing a custom-made recreational vehicle.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the most tough elements of living genuinely off-grid in a van and how to conquer them so you can figure out whether this lifestyle is for you or not.
[Editor’s note: I’ll post remarks after each point, however you must understand 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 “RECREATIONAL VEHICLE.”]
1. Discovering Good Areas to Park
Parking is one of the biggest issues when it comes to residing in a van. Near urban locations, you can easily discover legal places to park with access to amenities such as food, water, waste disposal, and restrooms. Resources like Parkopedia and the Bureau of Land Management are great locations to start your search if you’re looking for such areas. Camping areas and truck parking are some other options you can check out.
However what if you want to set up camp far from civilization? The bright side is that you won’t need to worry about legalities, however the problem is that you’ll have to put in a fair little bit of believed to choose a perfect parking site. Safety is one of the most considerable aspects to think about while picking your place. You’ll want to discover places you could leave rapidly in case of a storm or fire, and you should likewise think about regional criminal activity rates in the search. And don’t forget to make sure that you’re not parking anywhere with hazardous wildlife!
The smart thing while living off-grid in a mobile car is to always prepare your path and research study the place so you can avoid possibly deadly encounters.
[Editor’s note: When adapted for a bug out scenario, planning destinations and having several paths to get there are important. But it’s difficult to understand such things unless you do your research study ahead of time.]
2. Generating Power Off-Grid
Most vans are powered by diesel or gas, which is necessary for operating appliances, lighting, temperature control, cooking, and home entertainment. Living off-grid does not mean foregoing all the high-ends of civilization. Still, depending on how far you are from the nearby refill source, you will not constantly have immediate access to diesel or gas. And you wouldn’t wish to lack power in a place where emergency situation 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 in advance expenses, however the reward will be worth it. You can install solar panels with sufficient batteries to save and utilize adequate power to keep you going for a few days. Having a backup source of power for rainy and cloudy days is also something you require to consider. Lots of nomads prefer setting up 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 decrease it any place you can. For example, building campfires for cooking would be a more energy-efficient technique than using a fuel or electrical stove.
[Editor’s note: Consisting of an additional can or 2 of gasoline/diesel would be wise, too. That is presuming that you have a safe place to stash it someplace beyond the guest cabin of your van.]
3. Sourcing Clean Consuming Water
One of the greatest obstacles of living off-grid is sourcing tidy drinking water. For washing up, you might be able to utilize the water from close-by freshwater bodies like rivers, but it’s a various matter for drinking. Even if the water looks clean, there’s no assurance that it is in fact safe as water from springs and rivers can be infected with harmful parasites and microorganisms that can jeopardize your health.
The option? A water purification system. Setting one up can be expensive, but it’s a necessary investment for your wellness. If, for some factor, you’re not in a position to set up one, there are some other ways of purifying water, such as boiling, distillation, and portable UV light filters. You can likewise bring chlorine tablets in your emergency situation kit. But remember that none of these approaches work versus poisonous chemicals or heavy metals. So a multi-level water filter is your best option for safe water.
Another method of acquiring tidy drinking water is by collecting rainwater. Setting up rainwater harvesting systems can be expensive, as well. Still, this approach 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 tough enough at home; I can only imagine how much more difficult it will be to setup anything of real usage while also ensuring it’s portable, compact, and long-lasting. In any case, keep in mind that a lot of water filters are going to have a challenging time eliminating lots of chemicals.]
4. Obtaining Food
If you’re preparing to avoid to remote places for long durations, you’ll require to end up being a professional survivalist to source food. Stocking up on non-perishable products such as grains, canned products and dried fruits will take you a long method, but discovering how to forage, hunt, and fish will take you even further since you won’t have to stress over running out of nourishment.
Research study your destination well beforehand to find out about the local plants and animals, and make sure you acquire authorizations for searching and fishing if they’re required. If you have the space to spare or will be staying in one location for a long period of time, then you can grow your own produce to become completely self-sufficient on your off-grid experience.
You might likewise encounter some homesteads or communities living off-grid during your journey where you can request pointers for getting food or have the ability to barter for some in exchange for something else.
[Editor’s note: I just wrote a post about how challenging sourcing your own food will surely become! However there’s no damage in having the abilities and understanding to do so no matter what the scenario.]
5. Handling Weather Condition & Temperature Extremes
Weather condition variations and temperature extremes are one of the most significant difficulties dealt with by many van-bound wanderers. That’s why weatherproofing is generally one of their greatest top priorities before setting off. To safeguard yourself from the cold, insulation is the very best approach. Central heating & cooling are also needed, need to the situation turn alarming. But otherwise, living off-grid means conserving as much fuel and energy as possible.
To deal with winter, numerous van residents install wood-burning ranges to warm their space economically. Air heating systems are another choice that consumes low energy. For warm and humid weather condition, it’s necessary to have a proper ventilation system. You can keep yourself cooler with open windows and fans, however ventilation systems promote much better air flow and keep the within the van without smells. Another significant benefit of ventilation systems is that they prevent the build-up of moisture inside the van, which can lead to mold, rot, and rust.
The most effective way to get away the impulses of the weather condition is to prepare your journey based upon the common environment because area. If you do not have an easy method to cool your van, locations like Texas would not be the best option in the summer. Choose locations with moderate weather condition or wait until your preferred area has a more suitable temperature.
[Editor’s note: I have actually never attempted to reside in a van, so I can’t state what individuals do, however installing a wood burning range in a van appears a little bit extreme, possibly even unsafe if not done properly. However, why not toss in some excellent quality sleeping bags? Those tend to operate in all but the most severe conditions. Perhaps an awning would be a good idea to include to shade from the summer heat. I suggest dealing with passive solutions prior to active ones in such a scenario.]
6. Guaranteeing Your Personal Security
Living off-grid ways higher opportunities of experiencing dangers, whether it be wildlife, weather condition, surface, natural catastrophes, or perhaps other human beings. Even after you’ve done your research on the location, there is always the possibility of catastrophe. But by purchasing the best survival equipment, you can substantially minimize potential threats and feel much safer.
You’ll want to protect your van with durable locks and an alarm to avoid break-ins and theft while likewise staying familiar with your environments at all times for any suspicious activity. If you’ll be staying in areas with bears or other wildlife understood for threatening or burglarizing automobiles, learn more about them beforehand and buy equipment like electric fences to repel them. It is likewise essential to invest in the construction of your van to stay protected against unpredictable weather condition, such as lightning storms.
You need to also have a way to reach out to your enjoyed ones or emergency situation services in case you need aid. The majority of off-grid tourists keep communication devices, such as personal location beacons, two-way radios and satellite phones, convenient for regions without cell phone network coverage. Another thing to hide in your van is a 5-day survival backpack with all the necessary items to make it through throughout a crisis, including food and water.
[Editor’s note: Security in a van should be a nightmare. And if there’s any sort of real difficulty, like a SHTF circumstance, I would absolutely be sleeping with one eye open. But that does not indicate there is nothing you can do as there are a range of alarm systems that could be used to provide 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 will not have access to bathrooms with sewage systems out there in the wild, and even though you have complimentary reign in nature, it’s still necessary to have a waste disposal plan. Composting toilets and sewage-disposal tanks are popular options among the majority of off-grid van residents, with the latter being preferred as it’s simpler to utilize. However septic systems have to be emptied ultimately, so you’ll have to go to a dump station at some point. Composting toilets, nevertheless, safely procedure human waste into fertilizer on the spot.
Incinerating toilets are another human waste disposal method that is acquiring appeal, however these are typically costly. These toilets use severe temperature levels to burn the waste and turn it into ash you can quickly empty. Even if the expense is not an issue, the odor might be. They are expected to be odor-free, however many people grumble about a foul smell throughout the incineration process.
Whichever technique you choose to get rid of your waste, ensure you do it in a way that is sanitary and adhere to local guidelines and regulations. It’s much better for your health and the environment!
[Editor’s note: Waste disposal is something that the majority of us tend to shrug off, even at home, yet it’s essential to your health. Whatever prepare you select, make sure it works for your situation and above all else: keeps you sanitary.]
8. Handling Health Emergencies
Your health can deviate for the even worse at any time. This is where people camping near metropolitan locations benefit because they can quickly get to a health care center or contact emergency services. However the majority of don’t let this prevent them from exploring far-off locations.
Preparedness is key to quickly dealing with health problems while you’re on the roadway, so guarantee you always keep necessary first-aid materials on hand. A first-aid package with bactericides, plasters, and painkiller is a vital thing every traveler ought to have. If you have any health conditions that need particular medication or have any extreme allergies, ensure you keep the necessary materials stockpiled in your set. You must also discover fundamental first-aid abilities so you can quickly act during an emergency situation. It’s one of the necessary abilities for off-grid living.
No matter where you go, always have a Plan B in case things fail. Have a way of communicating with health services either straight utilizing a satellite phone or through an emergency contact who can reach out to emergency services on your behalf. Most importantly, avoid taking excessive threats and reach out when you need help.
[Editor’s note: Medical emergency situations are yet another topic that gets the brief shrift when compared to whatever else. Products are always great, but understanding of how to use them is similarly– if not more– essential. Read books, enjoy videos, take classes … whatever you can do to increase your understanding is terrific.]
9. Handling Monotony and Loneliness
Living off-grid is a satisfying experience that lets you escape the hectic city life and get closer to nature, but it can also be very separating if you’re doing it solo. People thrive on social bonds, so it’s essential to stay in touch with this side of ours. Some deal with it by immersing themselves in books, exploring the outdoors, or enjoying motion pictures, whereas others look for social connections.
There are numerous who enjoy the off-grid lifestyle, and among the very best ways to get in touch with them is through neighborhood forums and social networks groups. Many regions have events and meetups that you can join. In this manner, you’ll not just have the ability to get valuable pointers and techniques from experienced van tourists, however you will likewise make lifelong pals for your off-grid experiences. Speaking to other campers and people from regional communities is yet another way to remain in touch with your fellow beings and overcome sensations of loneliness.
[Editor’s note: Bonding with similar individuals is wonderful! We need to all pick to do that regularly.]
Is the Off-Grid Van Life for You?
In spite of the numerous benefits of traditional living arrangements, the off-grid way of life continues to acquire momentum since it’s a way of living that allows one to experience the appeal and wonders of nature up close. It’s a more sustainable method of living that’s cheaper, freeing, and extremely enriching.
The obstacles pointed out above are just a few of the lots of you’ll need to get rid of if you want to accept the off-grid van life. It’s hard, however dealing with minimal resources is possible when you have the right tools. And for those who have the determination to adjust, a deep desire to live closer to nature, and accomplish self-sufficiency, there’s absolutely nothing rather as thrilling and satisfying as the off-grid life.
[Note: This was a guest post.]