May 8, 2025
After nearly six years of living in my van, I’ve seen the lifestyle evolve from a fringe movement to a full-blown social media phenomenon.
While Instagram shows the breathtaking mountain vistas and perfectly styled van interiors, there’s much more to van life than the carefully filtered squares suggest.
The Truth About “Instagram-Perfect” Vans
One thing I’ve noticed during my years on the road: the nicer the van is, the less people actually sleep in it.
Those stunning $100,000+ builds you see online? Many owners rarely use them for actual travel.
Why?
Because people who invest in ultra-luxury vans often care more about status than adventure, or they’ve spent so much on their vehicles that they have to keep working regular jobs to afford them.
The irony is that the people in simpler, more affordable setups often travel more extensively because their lower overhead gives them the financial freedom to actually be on the road.
Real Challenges of Van Life
In my pursuit of skiing and adventure, I’ve faced countless challenges that never make it to social media.
When you’re chasing snow, everything gets complicated: roads close frequently, daylight is limited, and when something breaks (which it will), you’re dealing with repairs in freezing, wet conditions.
I remember nights when my heater failed in 15-degree weather, facing the impossible choice between venturing into the freezing darkness to attempt repairs or letting my pipes freeze inside.
These moments test your resolve but also build the problem-solving skills that transfer to every area of life.
Building a Van: Expectations vs. Reality
When I decided to build out my Sprinter van, I fully believed it would take three months. Seven months later, I was still working on it.
And truthfully, the best decision I made was to get it about 70-80% complete before hitting the road.
Living in it while finishing the build allowed me to discover what I actually needed versus what I thought I would want.
Many of my initial ideas about showers, overhead cabinets, and other features changed completely once I experienced life on the road.
If you’re considering this lifestyle, remember that YouTube and forums are invaluable resources.
As I like to say, I “attended the prestigious university of YouTube” to learn everything from construction techniques to emergency repairs.
The Van Life Safety Question
One of the most common concerns people have about van life is safety.
In my experience, it’s largely overblown. In almost six years of constant travel, I’ve only been asked to move my van three times.
My safety strategy is simple: I avoid both the top 10% wealthiest areas (where residents might report you for no reason) and the bottom 10% highest-crime areas.
The vast middle ground has been perfectly safe for me with nothing more than locked doors and bear spray (which I’ve never needed to use).
You don’t need elaborate security systems or stealth features—most people simply don’t care about a parked van, especially if you’re not causing problems.
The Essentials of Van Life
If I were to build another van today, my non-negotiables would be:
- Standing room: I couldn’t live in a space where I couldn’t stand up.
- Sheep’s wool insulation: It’s performed exceptionally well in all conditions.
- Diesel heater: Essential for winter conditions and cold climates.
- Hyper-organization: Everything needs a secure, designated place.
- Self-driving capability: This would be new for my next build, allowing me to work while traveling (though the technology has only recently become available).
Details matter tremendously in a small space.
Magnetic closures, child locks on cabinets, and creative storage solutions make daily life much easier when your entire home is constantly in motion.
The Community Aspect of Van Life
After four years of continuous travel, I ultimately decided to establish a more permanent base in Salt Lake City.
The biggest factor? A desire for community.
While I never felt lonely during my travels (I’m extremely extroverted), maintaining relationships and building a business became challenging without a consistent home base.
Dating was particularly difficult while constantly on the move.
That said, I found ways to build community on the road. Pursuing activities I loved—skiing, mountain biking, trail running—naturally connected me with like-minded people.
I learned to prioritize socializing over squeezing in extra ski runs or miles on the trail.
Cooking dinner for new friends (even if it’s in a van in a parking lot) goes a long way toward building connections.
Is Van Life Right for You?
Van life isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.
It requires comfort with uncertainty, mechanical problem-solving skills, and a willingness to occasionally be uncomfortable.
It means embracing minimalism not just as a design aesthetic but as a fundamental lifestyle choice.
But for those seeking freedom, adventure, and a different relationship with possessions and place, it offers unparalleled rewards.
The perspective gained from living with less, the confidence built through self-reliance, and the experiences gathered across thousands of miles are invaluable.
Conclusion
If you’re considering this lifestyle, start simple. Don’t think you need the perfect build before hitting the road.
Get the essentials in place, then adapt as you go. The journey itself will teach you what you need—and what you don’t.
Remember, the goal isn’t to create the most Instagram-worthy van, but to create the most life-enriching experience.
Focus on the journey, not just how it looks online.