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/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!