VanLife

Not original OP, but providing to the community.

IMO, there is an imaginary line btn practicality and functionality of a build.

Further more, van lifestyle is all about compromises, make due with the space you have, avoiding clattery.

This is ticking all the boxes 😊

I've never been one to try to fit under a title but it is hard to explain my situation sometimes.

I live full time in an RV. But I don't fit in with the RV crowd. RV folks mostly camp out at a park plugged into electricity and sewer for a couple of weeks before going back to the suburbs. At most they hop from one park to another.

I live the vanlife lifestyle but in an RV. I've never plugged into shore power or been to an RV park. I live off lithium batteries a generator and solar power. Many of my nights are spent on the side of a road or a Cracker Barrel parking lot.

Most of what I know about this lifestyle I learned from /r/VanLife

Now that reddit is gone and we're all on this wonderful new lemmy I'm wondering where I fit in. Does this community welcome people like me or should I wait for the old farts to figure out how to create /c/RVlife?

Of course it will not stay like this 😉

Okay, it seems like this is quite an aged discussion. How would you define the term “vanlife”? Also, I’m aware that many individuals dislike it.

Is the label exclusively reserved for full-time van dwellers?

Personally, I align more with being a weekender, despite having traveled extensively for several months. Where would you set the boundary in this regard?

Or is it primarily about the conduct of individuals while they are traveling?

In Europe Park4Night is quite popular but I‘m interested in your alternatives

At least some kind of decoration stickers?

During the pandemic I stripped this to a bare shell, Welded it and replaced some panels, rebuilt the engine and painted it. Here is the result. I also have a yellow T2 that I did after...

https://i.imgur.com/xRPfnDI.jpg

Neither are complete yet but I keep working on them.

Feel free to ask questions

It’s a 2008 Peugeot Boxer L3H2. Self converted and we love every inch of it

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/176167

Howdy folks,

just throwin this out there to add more content to the community and share a bit about my plans.

I've been building a diy rv/vanlife vehicle, using a 1987 Ford/Grumman Kabmaster. the goal is to have a vehicle that I can boondock on, completely cut off from civilization for up to 2 weeks (and then go resupply). I chose the stepvan because it has a lot of headroom and 90 degree angles (no weird rounded walls like you see in other types of vans)

Linked is my youtube channel documenting the buildout thus far, in slideshow form as I have found it is much easier to take pictures than to try to shoot raw video and edit it later on (shaky cam syndrome, etc).

bought the vehicle from a local seller in my area & got some of the modifications done that I wanted before having the engine (Cummins 4bt diesel, 105hp) looked at - it had been having issues and I knew that it was in a bad way but they said "imminent catastrophic failure" - and as they were unable to source some parts due to covid and the nonsense with the train workers union strikes going on at the time, I decided to shop around and find someone who could do an LS swap & get a new engine in there.

Thus far, my stepvan has been in the shop for quite some time now - my mechanic is an older guy and has had covid/hospitalized twice, had some health issues after that and there have been delays in getting parts shipped out here, plus he had a death in the family and had to take time off for that. these kind of things always take 3x longer than you thing they're going to. anyway, I'm having the following performed:

• install new engine & new/updated components (intake manifold, radiator, hoses/tubing, etc)
• removing old manual transmission (gearing was too low really, would have cost more to keep the standard trans) to an automatic transmission + various components relating to that (universal joint, new drive shaft & rear diff/gearing)
• some suspension work
• new breaking/hydraulics system
• revamped exhaust system
• removing the diesel fuel system and installing new parts for a gasoline fuel system (gas is just cheaper than diesel these days, I remember when it was crazy cheap).
• custom dash work done for new gauges/meters (original speedometer topped out at 55mph).
• need to get 5x new tires too but probably not through my mechanic, I'll go to Costco or something.

so yeah, it's a lot of work but my mechanic said he's getting close to being done... I've been working on designing a plumbing system (interior fresh water tank & water filtration for drinking, on-demand hot water for the sink/shower, interior grey water holding tank) and an electrical system (solar, 48v LiFePO4 battery stepdown to 12v for interior appliances + inverter/charger for my 120v loads - electronics/networking gear).

its a load of planning and work to get the parts all meshing up right. when I get my stepvan back from my mechanic I will add more videos as I document the process of my buildout.

Videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF938X4yT0IHLy4TpFCJg-w

enjoy ;)

Drop any tips you may have for a new van owner like myself

Here a small list of campervan meetings in 2023. I decided to keep past meetings in it just for the curious. I think it's far from complete but feel free to add more in the comments.

I have intentionally left out trade fairs. Also so far the list is pretty limited to Germany and some European Meetups but I would like to update it with other meetings.

February

• 10.02. - 12.02. Fan4Van Winter Event Schliersee, Germany 🇩🇪

March

• 12.03. Freddyfiles Ninove, Belgium 🇧🇪

April

• 20.04. - 23.04. Vanspring Flughafen Altenburg Nobitz, Germany 🇩🇪

May

• 04.05. - 07.05. Vanlife & Barbeque Vejers Beach Camping, Denmark 🇩🇰
• 04.05. - 07.05. Sprintervan Festival Viechtach, Germany 🇩🇪
• 05.05. - 07.05. Camp dich in den Mai Cham, Germany 🇩🇪
• 12.05. - 14.05. Bullicamp Ostfriesland Stickhausen, Germany 🇩🇪
• 18.05. - 21.05. Gates of Summer Naturpott Borkenberge, Germany 🇩🇪

June

• 08.06. - 11.06. Abenteuer & Allrad Bad Kissingen, Germany 🇩🇪
• 08.06. - 11.06. Queer Summer Camp Dinkelsbühl, Germany 🇩🇪
• 10.06. - 11.06. Rhön meets Bullis Ostheim, Germany 🇩🇪
• 15.06. - 18.06. Midsummer Bulli Festival Fehmarn, Germany 🇩🇪
• 23.06. - 25.06. VW Bus Festival Hannover, Germany 🇩🇪
• 23.06. - 25.06. Caravan & Vanlife Meetup Böblingen, Germany 🇩🇪
• 23.06. - 25.06. Weltenbummler Treffen Eigeltingen, Germany 🇩🇪

July

• 07.07. - 09.07. Kastenwagentreffen Bexbach, Germany 🇩🇪
• 07.07. - 09.07. Balkan Bus Meeting Sliven, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
• 07.07. - 09.07. Camper Jam Weston Park, UK 🇬🇧
• 20.07. - 23.07. Vanlife Ferropolis Gräfenhainichen, Germany 🇩🇪
• 27.07. - 30.07. Freiheitsmobile Treffen Weiswampach am See, Luxemburg 🇱🇺
• 28.07. - 30.07. Kropper Bullitreffen Kropp, Germany 🇩🇪

August

• 04.08. - 06.08. explorer Ostsee Camp Fehmarn, Germany 🇩🇪
• 04.08. - 06.08. Yes We Camp Cham, Germany 🇩🇪
• 17.08. - 20.08. Burger, Bier & Bus Niedergörsdorf, Germany 🇩🇪
• 31.08. - 03.09. Bulli Summer Festival Wesel, Germany 🇩🇪

September

• 01.09. - 03.09. Van Days Leibnitz, Austria 🇦🇹
• 08.09. - 10.09. Camper Camp Festival Hameln, Germany 🇩🇪
• 08.09. - 10.09. Arena Summer Camp Klingenthal, Germany 🇩🇪
• 08.09. - 10.09. Busfest Malvern, UK 🇬🇧
• 14.09. - 17.09. Busbastler Basecamp Dornstetten, Germany 🇩🇪
• 14.09. - 17.09. Camp Nation Basecamp II Heimbach, Germany 🇩🇪
• 15.09. - 17.09. Adventure Northside Hamburg, Germany 🇩🇪

December

• 01.12. - 03.12. Winter Camp Cham, Germany 🇩🇪

Let us know what you want to see here. Are you interested in help building you DIY van? Do you want a list of vanlife meetups? Sny other ideas?

One of our favorite spots so far near San Roque / Spain

🚐 Welcome to our brand new Lemmy community dedicated to the wonderful world of vanlife! 🌍🚐

Whether you're a seasoned road warrior or just starting to explore the idea of living on the road or just love traveling with your van, this is the perfect place for you. Our community will become a supportive and vibrant hub for van enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Share your tales of cross-country road trips, breathtaking camping spots, and hidden gems you've discovered along the way. Seek advice on converting your van into a cozy home on wheels, choosing the best gear for your travels, and finding the ultimate vanlife hacks. Engage with fellow vanlifers, swap stories, and create connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion for freedom and exploration.

We encourage you to ask questions, start discussions, and contribute your unique insights to our growing community. No matter where you are on your vanlife journey, this is a judgment-free zone where everyone's experiences and perspectives are valued.

Remember, this community thrives on respect, kindness, and inclusivity. We celebrate diversity and embrace the rich tapestry of vanlife experiences that people from all backgrounds bring to the table. So let's foster an environment that inspires, uplifts, and supports one another.

Get ready for a virtual campfire where every story will be heard.

Buckle up, hit the road, and join us in this amazing journey. Welcome aboard!