Why we chose to live in a van vs a large rv

It is very important to know your travel style when deciding what type of vehicle you want to use to travel.

Did you even know there were options?

1. Convert your own vehicle into your home. We have seen everything from a small car to a large SUV, and everything in between.

2. Some type of RV: Class A - these are the large RVs like look like tour buses. This was actually our first choice, but later you will read why we didn't go that route. Class C - these have a truck cab with less living space than the Class A. Then there is the Class B - which is a van that has a manufactured inside. Finally, there are truck campers, 5th wheels, travel trailers, and tents!

3. Converting a cargo trailer into a home.

4. Converting some type of cargo van (Promaster, Sprinter, Transit or Nissan) into your home.

Depending on how you want to travel, and how often you want to travel will help you decide which option is best for you.

But guess what? We didn't have a travel style. Well, we did, but it had nothing to with vehicles. Our travel style was to take a plane to the destination, get a hotel, and rent a car. Obviously, our preferred method of travel was going to be a big Class A that we could tow a car behind. That made sense to us. It would afford us the most room and the most luxury. The Class A, or even a 5th Wheel, is the most logical starting point for someone downsizing and wanting some luxury.

As we began our research, we found a couple on YouTube who had been traveling fulltime for just over a year. They had the Class A with tow vehicle. But they were in the process of downsizing more and moving into a Class B campervan. WHAT?!?!? Were they crazy? As they explained all their reasons for downsizing, we found that we had similar needs and desires for traveling. We then began discussing the van option, and why we felt it would work best for us.

1. LIVING OUT OF THE VAN, NOT IN IT

The whole purpose of this lifestyle is to travel and explore. The goal isn't to live in the van for the sake of living in a van, we aren't that adventurous. We knew that we didn't want to be so comfortable in an RV that we wouldn't get out and explore. So, knowing that we wanted to be out adventuring, we knew we wouldn't need all the space of a Class A.

2. RV PARKS AREN'T IN THE BUDGET

We also knew we didn't want to be in RV Parks. We want to be out in the middle of nowhere. Boondocking (free camping) was the plan. As much as possible we need to free camp. Not only is this budget friendly, but it is also part of the adventure.

3. A TOW VEHICLE

Not only would we need to buy a very expensive RV, but we now have to purchase a car that could be towed. This is now a 2nd vehicle that would need gas and maintenance on the road.

4. HOW LONG ARE YOU PLANNING TO STAY?

We are out to explore; therefore, we may end up moving around a lot. We decided we needed something quick to set up and tear down, as well as something easy to drive.

5. RVs AREN'T MADE VERY WELL

I (Chris) was dead set on a particular campervan that I had seen on many YouTube channels. And although Ray wanted to build our van, I fought him tooth and nail, because I found what I THOUGHT I wanted. When we went to go look at it...IT WAS HORRIBLE. I stepped into it and immediately thought NO!!! It had broken bits throughout, not nearly enough storage, and the price tag was just outrageous. After walking through every van on the lot, I acquiesced, and told Ray he could build it. Best decision ever!!!!

After discussing these things, and others, we knew that a campervan was going to be our method of traveling. We can travel like any other large SUV. Drive through cities easily enough and fit into MOST parking spaces. Since we generally stay in remote places, we can park just about anywhere because we are able to drive to them.

So far, we are extremely happy to have made the decision regarding a van. There are some times we wish we had more space (like on bad weather days), but we've learned to adjust. Ray made it so homey inside, that even on good days I just feel like hanging in the van.