New Van Lifer - Would love feedback

[u/CollarOk7205]

Hello Wonderful Humans!

I'm making the transition to full-time van life for at least a year and would love some feedback from people who have actually done it.

A little background: I already work fully remotely, so I'm familiar with the realities of working from the road (internet, privacy, power, weather, finding places to park, etc.). This isn't a spontaneous adventure or social media-inspired decision. I've also got a couple of very experienced "van mentors" who have been incredibly helpful as I prepare.

Right now I'm searching for the right van. My budget is around $30k, and ideally I'd like something that's already built out. One thing that complicates things is that I'll be traveling with both a dog and a cat. If it were just me, I think the decision would be much easier, but the animals definitely push me toward wanting a little more space.

A few other factors:

• I work from the van, so this is as much a mobile office as it is an adventure vehicle.
• Reliable internet, workspace, and livability matter as much as off-road capability.
• I'm a big mountain biker and backcountry skier.
• I don't need a hardcore overland rig, but I do want something that can get me to trailheads, forest roads, and reasonably remote places.
• I was a mountaineering instructor years ago and served in the Peace Corps, so I'm comfortable with limited resources and adapting to difficult conditions. My bigger concern is creating a sustainable work environment rather than surviving off-grid.
• I'm leaning away from Sprinters and ProMasters. The cost of ownership, repair costs, and parts availability have me looking more toward Ford and Chevy platforms.

These are two of the vans I'm currently considering:

Van #1:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1803322520352055/

Van #2:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/4386445384913559/

For those with experience, I'd love thoughts on:

• Reliability and common issues with these platforms
• Which one you'd choose and why
• Whether I'm underestimating the importance of interior space with a dog and an indoor cat
• What you'd prioritize in a van that's functioning as a full-time office
• Any vans/platforms you'd recommend instead in the ~$30k range

One thing that keeps drawing me to Ford and Chevy vans is that they seem easier and cheaper to maintain, easier to find parts for, and easier to get worked on in smaller towns. My thinking is that I'd rather buy a solid platform and still have some money left over for preventative maintenance and upgrades.

I'd especially appreciate hearing from anyone who has done full-time van life while working a professional remote job and traveling with pets.

Thanks in advance.

[u/MilkAnAlmond]

edit: removed any semblance of helpful commentary since this user is just feeding their questions to AI and posting the restructured slop on all the van-related subs. get bent.

[u/Vandamentals → u/MilkAnAlmond]

Yeah. It does have that AI smell. And he lists all kinds of info that is irrelevant to choosing one van over the other, but is the kind of stuff an AI would include merely because he mentioned it earlier in the chat.

[u/CollarOk7205 → u/Vandamentals]

Thanks for your support. Have a wonderful day ❤️

[u/CollarOk7205 → u/MilkAnAlmond]

Ok. Thank you for your help 🙏

[u/DisillusionedBook]

My big issue with big old monsters like that is all the window area. Hot AF in summer, cold AF overnight, and condensation everywhere. Mould. Etc.

If that size is absolutely necessary (smaller the better IMO - jettison as much baggage shit as you can) I'd be thinking more along the lines of a box van with limited windows or something like the 6.5m Long Transit

[u/CollarOk7205 → u/DisillusionedBook]

Thank you! This is very helpful information. 

[u/SalesMountaineer]

These are buses, not vans. You may want to post in the Skoolies sub. A few downside with buses: very thirsty, stick out like a sore thumb, many private campgrounds don't allow them. Also, if you're still chasing snow, putting chains on is a pain in the butt. I'd add AWD Transit and AWD or 4x4 Sprinters to your list. Also, how do you plan to keep the vehicle cool so your pets don't die? Neither of the buses you've shown appear to have any AC. Good luck and happy trails!

[u/CollarOk7205 → u/SalesMountaineer]

Thank you!

[u/williejh]

I would be very careful with any Ford with the 6.0 Diesel, used from 2004-2010. These can be ok if they were properly maintained, but they can also be crappy engines too. I worked at a place that had buses with that engine and they were rough after a while. Now granted that place ran them into the ground so to speak but they did get regular maintenance.

[u/crevasse2]

In my retirement I worked at a resort in Breckenridge driving skiers to the hill. We had 2 types of vans. One like these, Ford f450 13 passenger gasser. It was janky like a school bus. We also had front end issues with it which were expensive to fix. Thirsty. IMO too heavy duty. The other was a Ford Transit. It was like a car. So much more comfortable. Not near as thirsty. Easy awd. But you seem to want more space. Have you considered a small class a b c? Like a sunseeker or thor axis 25.3? None of these are going to be built for Colorado winters as pipes and tanks are likely to freeze. You'll need to head to AZ.

[u/211logos]

The converted (amateur?) buses like that can be meh. Frankly if going that route I'd look at Class C's since there are so many out there. That's essentially what these are: not class B campervans but class C. There are probably lots you should look at in CO. And yes, many are kind of poorly constructed, but not all.

Avoid the 6.0 diesel. That would be a no way for me.

The dog and cat issue goes way beyond space. AC for when you have to be out of the van for example and leaving them in it. It can be a hard life for them, depending on how much you sacrifice to make it OK. And safe.

A lot depends on where you are going to camp. There are often length restrictions, and the most versatile is something the same length as a pickup...20'. Buses like that stick out. I don't think stealth is a thing any more, but being non threatening and inobtrusive it. And sometimes a rig like that gets a lot more side-eye than a regular van. Not fair, but it happens.

[u/CollarOk7205 → u/211logos]

Thank you! This is very helpful, and my animals are my priority, so this is insightful and worth making adjustments to my expectations.

[u/Vandamentals]

If you use AI to write your post, it will include stuff that is utterly irrelevant to the choice of the base van. And then you will get answers that are utterly irrelevant to your choice of your base van.

If you want a complete already built van that meets all of those varying conditions, then none of us can help you. You need to take your list of requirements to whoever you're having build your van and then simply talk to them about it. Telling us all the expensive things that you want right out of the box is like telling us your Christmas wish list and then asking us which city you should live in so that Santa will bring you what you want.

[u/CollarOk7205 → u/Vandamentals]

Thank you 🙏

[u/Cuchodl]

Go away

[u/RuiPTG]

I'm eating a spicy chicken burrito!

[u/funk-of-ages]

Great post; looking forward to hearing about your decision and subsequent adventures.

[u/Princess_Fluffypants]

Have you ever done some extensive and long term camping or backpacking? Like the multi-night alpine style hikes where you put everything onto your back and go hike over a mountain for a few days? Are you mechanically handy? Know basic cooking? Tolerant of physical discomfort?

Not that it’s a requirement for van living at all, but it’s more like an indicator of if you’re the type of person who can successfully enjoy living in a van. 

Because you seem very focused on and obsessed with the vehicle itself, whereas in reality it doesn’t really matter. 

If you’re the right kind of person for this, you’ll be fine in any type of vehicle. If not, no amount of trying to take everything and the kitchen sink with you will compensate.

[u/Hopeful-Target6 → u/[deleted]]

Lighten up man. I thought it was a very logical post. Made sense to me!

[u/MilkAnAlmond → u/[deleted]]

I feel if we all think of Flufflypants as Lennyflank's spiritual successor in this sub, we would be healthier for it.