How I Found My Van - Things you should know about buying a CARGO VAN.

Purchasing a cargo van as a home is not a smooth process. Be ready for confusion, financing issues, hidden fees, and much more! Most definitely worth it.
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We are Linnea and Akela. In May, 2020 I purchased our 2016 Ram ProMaster, Togo, to become our full-time home. With this van build, I am using my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan BY THEMSELVES and ON A BUDGET, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire. And, to GET OUTSIDE!
SUBSCRIBE for van build details, wanderlust travel, and the truth about van life with a big german shepherd!
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela

[@abdssamedsamado]

In this video we felt sincere happiness and we saw tears of joy

[@Linneaandakela]

Aw I'm so glad!

[@akiwiincanada]

Patience is a virtue for sure. I looked for months for a Transit Connect to camperize - everything was either sold or not quite right. Then one popped up 4 hours away, super low miles, a passenger van with all the bells and whistles, and for less than I'd been looking at for base model cargo vans. It was a trade the dealer didn't really know what to do with - so he priced it to move and move it did, into my garage. So happy you found your van, and loving your channel!

[@margiesvanmori]

Are you doing the van life as well? I am driving a 1988 chevy and it took me about a year to find the perfect van! Bu you're right patience pays off!

[@brendacalderon9445]

Same, I drove 6 hours to get a new vehicle. But they tacked on that $3000 price. I think I was beyond frustrated, had appointments local and when I showed up it had already sold. I was so done.

[@SarahGraymatter]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and insights. I never thought to go to a small dealership. BRILLIANT !! I’m really grateful for the several “watch out for…” commercial status, dealer surcharges, as well as having the dealer do some of the repairs. This was a great “how to” that I haven’t found elsewhere. THANK YOU Women helping women

[@QueenBaha]

💗🌸Girl I am totally crying and smiling at the same time…so glad I found this channel, this has been an almost 4 year journey for me (living in my minivan) leading up to purchasing the same rig more or less. So friggin happy for you, thank you for your heart wide open & your transparency particularly for the benefit of us women💃🏽be prepared…I’m binge watching (also subscribed) and will be commenting a lot so my apologies hehe🌸💗

[@parttimedirtbag]

I had so many of these experiences and frustrations when we bought our truck! It's so scary and exciting when you've made the decision about what you want and you finally find it and can take the plunge. SO excited for you!

[@Linneaandakela]

Right?! The entire process I found myself thinking..."why does this have to be so hard?" haha! Thank you!

[@parttimedirtbag]

@Itsdurpdurp-roblox thank you!

[@ricksalido3910]

@@parttimedirtbag It does not have to be this hard but dealers purposely make it so in order to try and take the customer for as much as they can. I would recommend you call my dealership next time you need something. We offer a program where we get you the vehicle you want with the miles, color, year and model all at the target price you are looking for, without adding any fees whatsoever. You have to pay your taxes and your registration that is it. nothing more. So if you ever need the help its House of Kars in Colorado Springs Colorado, we are Veteran owned and family operated. Also all Vanlifer's are welcome here anytime.

[@robertpa13]

Thank you for documenting your experience in buying a cargo van. I will keep that in mind when I purchase mine. I really enjoy all your videos very informative. Keep posting them and I'll keep watching them.

[@Linneaandakela]

Absolutely. I wish I knew a lot of the details before I began searching, so I'm happy that it helped you out a bit. Thank you for the support!

[@justwannasay5454]

I went online and bought a 2017 GMC Savana cargo van three years ago for a decent price. Had like 13,000 miles with the original rollover warranty. I then drove it to the Long Beach area and had a 24" bubbletop hightop installed. My van is now worth $10,000 more. I love my GMC.

[@patrodriguez427]

I'm so happy for you. Cried with you. What a great brother to share all his support and encouraging conversation. Great research too. Congratulations.

[@karenwhelihan432]

Awe! congratulations! looking forward to seeing videos of the actual build!!

[@LizToro0512]

This is so awesome, thank you for sharing. Learned a lot

[@soph9463]

yes! ive always seen van life conversions and ive always thought that ive never had any experience with any of that and that i couldn't do it because men are the ones that are always taught about this stuff. that is so important to talk about. im really happy to be supporting your channel and watching your content !

[@kandiemoreland7267]

Never pay asking price. We were interested in buying a new van. The dealer said it was $6000 over Msrp. There is a shortage right now. My husband got the price down $10,000.

[@moirasadventures3658]

omg when you cried, I cried. I'm in the beginning of my van journey, you are keeping my flame and inspiration going. thank you so much!

[@sheriherrick4420]

I realize I'm behind by what? 3 yrs?? But I'll catch up fast! So far I've watched a few vids and I just LOVE you & Akela too! I can't wait to see how everything turns out for you!

[@blessedveteran]

Thank you for being such a strong woman, we need more of those in our world 😊

[@josephj7991]

I LOVE Your Van Build Videos! U are an Excellent teacher! Best series I have seen! Your are teaching and showing as u learn, not condescending and are exploring options as u go? Happy Travels to u both !

[@Linneaandakela]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@NesKimStyle]

What an amazing person you are

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

Additionally, INSURANCE can be an issue as well. Many times standard insurance companies won't underwrite a "commercial" vehicle ...our E-350's have to have a commercial policy. DONT tell your insurance company it's an RV....just say it's a VAN! Just had to deal with this yesterday.

[@elizabethgolding2754]

Just be careful with that. If you have a claim, chances are good the insurance company will not cover your issue. Sad but true. Instead, check with your DMV and find out how to convert from van to RV on your registration. Insurance will be much more affordable and you will be fully covered. Don’t know what state you are in, some are better than others. Worth the check though.

[@justwannasay5454]

Yeah I have a cargo van. The insurance (California) was not a problem, but the registration is high. But mine is not a camper but it is a hightop.

[@Jojok103]

So sweet I started crying.

[@tobeyanderson2673]

You're killing it and I'm glad I found you. I appreciate your explanations. 👊🍻

[@sheilajoseph9953]

So glad you found the van you wanted. Good luck with build. Thankyou for sharing.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

You are accomplishing your goal of empowering others. Thank you for the information and encouragement!

[@Linneaandakela]

You are so welcome! and thank you!

[@ArcadianOutpost]

Took some notes thanks. I’m considering an upgrade.

[@nash5844]

Rock on! Super inspirational! Looking forward to the upcoming videos!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thanks so much for the support.. miss seeing yo face!

[@backspace2esc]

Thank you for sharing all the details regarding the purchase and build. You have this!!!

[@Anna.Z.]

I cannot wait for a time when I can say "It's my van" myself! I was so emotional watching you sitting up at yours. Fantastic!!!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thanks so much! Yes, that day will be so exciting for you!

[@hill-n-dalefarm]

Congratulations! A new Adventure

[@Steffgmtb]

Loved your vid!!! I cried the day I got my van too. It took almost 6 months to find back in 2019. Same as you, 136” 1500 High Roof. Built it out all myself also. 3 years later, it’s been the best!!!

[@Breakable_Pencil]

So awesome! I’m really wanting to get a van early in my life so the jump to van life isn’t so difficult. I have no idea how to renovate anything so when I saw your Tik Tok I was so happy! Thank you for thoroughly documenting the experience, and please keep going! (Also your editing and filming is really good!)

[@Linneaandakela]

Of course! Don't worry about not knowing how to do anything.. even though it is scary, you can absolutely handle it!

[@fachriranu1041]

Very different covid experience in my country. Here if you want to buy used car it very easy because a lot of people selling their car.

[@ashtonfiser6395]

At an old job we had Ram Promasters and I loved driving them whenever I had to go out. If I ever Van life this will be my van of choice:)

[@msworkinitout]

Here's that part again making me cry

[@diamondaguilera2697]

So excited and intrigued by your journey. This has given me a bigger look on options of what i can actually do with my life. Thank you so being so intimate and honest with your experience, excited to keep watching !! 😁‼️

[@Linneaandakela]

That is amazing! I wish you the best of luck with your future adventures!

[@HeyHollyYoo]

Hi Linnea! I am so proud to know there are women like you who went the hard route, and I hope my next van, I can do on my own, and will be watching all your videos to learn along. Thank you for sharing your journey, it's inspired me to take the leap, and hope to maybe see you on the road sometime!

[@Wendyholzinger2224]

I’ll probably cry as well. Just started. 😮

[@stephaniephillips802]

I am so glad I stumbled upon this video! It’s really the first one I’ve seen that walks through real life experiences and struggles. Im excited to watch more, definitely a follower!

[@SarahGraymatter]

Ditto

[@msworkinitout]

This made me cry

[@heatherhickman9116]

Wow what a roller-coaster but now so excited for you 🤗

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes, definitely a roller coaster! Thank you for the support, we are excited too :)

[@chrism5237]

So ive "officially" (not in my possession yet" my 2500 promaster, and pretty much watched all your build videos and am prob going to use alot of your ideas on building it out, ive been thinking about this for like 8yrs now, and finally just went for it, not looking forward to spending the money, but definitely looking forward to the process, your channel and a few others really kinda made my mind up and i took the leap, just hoping it all works out and i can get on the road someday

[@stephie4ever]

I want to thank you for being YOU....and knowing that there are women who do not have faith in their own abilities.....that other women will be able to watch your videos and be comfortable in the learning process and the doing it!!!! Just amazing ..so I am a new sub because I love your attitude, your passing it forward etc!!!! Thank you!

[@billb902]

You are adorable. Love how you show your raw emotions. Love sharing your journey. Stay real.

[@elisabethlavoie7655]

You made me cry!😄 I had the same feeling when we bought a 30fter about 10 years ago and decided to live in it full time in Quebec, Canada (yes it gets really cold in the winter months).

[@jkyoft78]

When watching the price of a vehicle, take down the VIN, look it up, and you can make sure that the VIN matches when you see it later, or on another website. Also, avoid emotional decision making.

[@ellpat2928]

Thank you so much. Great info I never thought about. !!!

[@OveBakken]

"Stop crying and figure it out!" 😆 That's actually very good life advice.

[@Nanitasadventures]

I along with many others I’m sure, are appreciative of the realistic videos you post! 🙌🏽 & sooo enjoy your videos 🥹

[@traveldog1]

I know that this video was almost a year ago, but I feel like I am living a parallel life with you except you are almost a year ahead. I am going to be a part-time traveler...for now, so I bought a smaller Ford Transit Connect and it isn't new but pretty close. I too wanted to be able to depend on this van. Yes, there were some issues with my loan and I had to do a lot of research and be patient but I found her! I cried on the way home from the dealer. After watching a bunch of your videos, I even think I will be able to do some of the build on my own...you inspire me. Thanks for such an honest, funny, and brave channel. I am so enjoying your journey!

[@martykong3592]

Kudos! Thank you so much for sharing! You did a LOT of homework, and wished I had seen this earlier, as just had to deal with car dealers, after selling my Class C RV (Mercedes Sprinter based) and yes you were are right, very expensive to maintain, ID you can find a service shop, I was shocked not all Mercedes dealers can or will work on them. also sold my Mini Van, and already missing it, so have been looking at Promaster City as a smaller hauler, and maybe roadtrip vehicle. Again thanks much, safe travels and adventures! :) Smaller dealers ? maybe better way to go.

[@Davinagoddess]

Thank you, I’ve been looking to buy a van. I’ve always been a loner i think the nomad life has been callinh my name. I’m tired of society

[@Ricksvan]

I've just been through this , it wasn't easy. I've felt the pain .

[@marleyaris1739]

“Soooo Smooth” LMFAOOO..... I’m really happy for you

[@kevidalamia]

Im extremely happy for you

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!

[@jamesoldman3021]

I hope your purchase can handle your conversion. When you have completed take it to a scale and make sure you are not over your GVW. I would expect you will only have about 3500Lbs. to play with. Depending on what you equip your build with you are probably going to be close to being maxed out. Remember when you go over those scales you will want to have everything topped up. Some will tell you while we run on the highway with minimal fuel etc. But if you are going to be heading in the backcountry you are going to want everything full.

[@brandonGCHACHU]

I hate buying from dealerships there's always a "hidden" fee or some hoop you have to jump through. I just wanna get straight to the point, work out a price, hand over my cash, get the title and bill of sale and leave but that's never the case. I did buy a truck from a small dealership in Phoenix a few years ago who were straight to the point and even financed me with no finance charge. Every payment went straight to principal. Just about every vehicle on their lot was trash though lol. Now I just buy from individuals.

[@gonewiththekale]

What a scary process. That means putting money down and trusting them not to get one with rust and/or a lot of dents. I’m in the process of finding a high top and it IS NOT EASY. I am going to be leaning so much through your adventure- thank you in advance 🙏🏻

[@ExclusiveLM]

Don't buy any vehicle in auctions because they usually sell "AS IS". If the vehicle breaks down or has leaks, transmission or engine problems the auction sellers are no longer responsible and you might end up with a lemon. Not even the car dealership that bids on your behalf is responsible once you buy it. So, unless you are a mechanic or a mechanic comes to inspect it for you at least an hour before bidding never ever just buy anything from an auction even if it's a government auction.

[@timnation5757]

Chrysler is recalling a total of 26,867 vans because a problem with the electrical system can make the transmission unexpectedly shift into neutral without warning, which could increase the risk of a crash. The recall includes certain model year 2015-2016 Ram ProMaster City vans.

[@ddjwebb]

I like your tenacity. Going to watch this series now.

[@laurens7796]

You got such a great deal!!!!!

[@barrytimm5497]

You're adorable! (I hope that doesn't sound too icky coming from an old man, but you remind me of my daughter and how she reacts to similar situations! )🙂

[@Linneaandakela]

Aw thank you!

[@thomasconwaysr.9734]

Cool I got to see how this entire thing started.....Have fun and stay safe

[@alaskayoung3413]

Love when online ads give a good price and even says that’s the price and then when u call or show up it’s way higher. Or it’s in small ass lettering at bottom that says doesn’t include blah blah fees.

[@thesaltylifeofme6079]

Hi Linnea! Love watching your videos on the van build! I'm like you, step by step is how I learn best! I love your videos and how you explain what you're doing and why! Your lighting video drawing was very helpful! Would you mind sharing the channels you referenced for other builds?

[@rachaelgoldstein6134]

I know this old video but I feel the same about money.

[@timnation5757]

The issue is caused by a low-voltage electrical harness connector by the front driver seat that may be susceptible to water intrusion and corrosion. Corrosion in the CAN-C (“Star”) connector can cause a loss of communication to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into and stay in neutral without warning the next time that the vehicle stops. An unintended shift into neutral will prevent the vehicle from being moved. Additionally, if the driver turns off the engine, the van won’t be able to restart. To repair the vans, dealers will inspect the CAN-C bus communication connector for pin corrosion. Vehicles found with corroded CAN-C bus connector pin(s) will have the connector replaced. All involved vehicles will also have the CAN-C bus communication connector relocated to a new location under the instrument panel.

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

Just subscribed. Find a fleet mechanic who knows that specific van. They can be a WEALTH of information. Our local ambo fleet runs 60-70 vans...they know EVERYTHING about given models weak points. They just rolled the last two E-350 wheel chair vans out of the fleet. We bought both. My 18 yo son wants the 2011. We kept the 2013 for the rest of the family. I had a light on the dash...he said we can scan it..."it's likely the left rear wheel sensor...they always go bad" ...and it was! ..I do know the newer Pro-masters and Transits are challenging mechanically. It looks like your in Cali ...so rust less of an issue. Here, where it snows the rear frame that hold the leaf springs is simply sheet metal and will be a rot/rust issue over time. Slather with red wolf's head grease (stringy, sticky) and then coat with oil thinned with keto or diesel. I will ask them about 2016 Pro-master. Enjoy

[@jasonlavere5071]

I feel your pain. Hot customer and no one with the right connections are willing to do the research and find you a vehichle. Sometimes I just don't understand why people become salespeople. Should be a slam dunk sale to me. But I went through the exact same thing.

[@d-arts7139]

awe! i watched and waited to see your excitement toward the end. but felt sick with your ups and downs! lol yea it tales awhile. i drove 2400 miles getting my trailer last spring. and then once you got the van, its like you just woke up from surgery... i kept thinking you shouldnt be driving!!!

[@rebelgordo2339]

Cars use to loose 10-20k when people drove them of the lot. Now the don’t lose anything until you put 50000km on them

[@williambarnes8014]

I’ve heard from a couple friends that said try going to Costco. Sounds weird but apparently it’s true.

[@irosencrantz882]

Wow! You're coupled with Heath Ledger!

[@Linneaandakela]

I love Heath Ledger!

[@irosencrantz882]

@@Linneaandakela, I •miss• Heath Ledger!😞😢😭

[@JohanlastZa]

That feeling you had when you got emotional about realizing that this is your van now.....that is how most people feel about their first car. Basically, everything you buy with your own hard-earned money has the same feeling. This is why thieves that steal people's properties they worked hard for, get zero sympathies from me. I hope there is a special place for them when they die.

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes, yes yes!

[@cindyv3823]

Just saw your TikTok and came to this to see your journey!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!

[@krystalwhite675]

LOVED THIS‼️ looking forward to watching your build! Cheers 🍻 to much success 😃😜

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!!

[@justjosie8963]

You are so impressive! I watched your vid helping your mamma and the fam having fun on the water. You even crawled right under there and knew what you were looking at!

[@bcuzhugs]

finding a van is hard.....hoping to pick ours up next week and drive from Wyoming to Wisconsin.

[@gianttravelsbyvan9670]

...how about we turn it on, I'm sweating! LOL There is going to be a future glut of these vans, as Amazon has an order for 100,000 electric vans, so will be putting their gas vans out to pasture gradually, and that's simply a sign of the times as commercial vans start to go electric in general. Buyers should also be aware of potential insurance issues for a normally commercial van. I had to switch from Progressive since they don't offer coverage for ProMasters.

[@choomysweetheart1088]

Came from tiktok🤗 God bless you!

[@shows01]

Just follow your dreams.

[@Forrestbigwoop]

Stock Promaster high top is 40k minimum now, guess ill go for financed under carvana? My grandfather has all the tools for renovations but he rents and HOV trailer park so not sure if Id be able to build it there..otherwise im living in my car rn and I prob have more money saved then most my family..4k lol things are ridicules' van life trending 40k debt and 10k renovation over a year is whats ahead if I can even.

[@Ussnowbunny]

New to your channel. Looking forward to following along in your adventures.

[@Linneaandakela]

Welcome!

[@kimsalabim4871]

Awesome!!!!

[@johndavid4831]

Dealers are soulless lowlifes. That fear doesn't go away, Every time there is a van in the range I want to spend, the reality of spending some...not even all the money I have , gives me a tiny stroke. I'm 54 and it took me a while to get it built up. I sometimes think this van life is impossible, because I would have to spend my money to do it.

[@josephj7991]

I found my 2014 Promaster 136 HR on Car Guru over 2 200 miles away. There are surprisingly Few for sale and most work Van's were beat up? Avoid used UHaul Van's! U know they are treated like rented miles! Mine was private owned, only driver to church on Sunday? 😉🤥 but is in Great Shape, was Very clean!

[@Linneaandakela]

That sounds like a great find! Congrats!

[@TrueEssence8]

I appreciate you soooo much! :)

[@linneasyren3340]

Linnéa in english is Twin flower. :)

[@robertgermono1756]

congrads wd

[@Breanna7]

❤❤❤❤

[@superkittenisconfused9822]

My sister sent me your tik tok!!!! Your journey is so inspirational and I hope you continue to make these videos!!!!!

[@natehawthorne4828]

Finding a Ram Promaster around $15,000 is near impossible now. RIP me😭💀

[@erinfield1943]

19:10- cost of van (a little less than $20,000 USD)

[@LibertarianHoosier]

I'm looking into getting a cargo van myself. Specifically, a Ford Transit 250 high roof. I'd prefer one that is like new, but I'm willing to buy new if last option available. I drive a Penske Ford Transit 250 rental for work, and that's what got my attention. My current daily, is a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup, and I love it, but it is an older vehicle, and I've owned it for three years now. So I feel it's time for an upgrade. I do haul, or help friends, and family move, and I feel it would be a great option for what I need. To anyone who daily's a Ford Transit as their personal vehicle, what should I be prepared for, and is owning, and daily driving one worth it?

[@ExclusiveLM]

Here is a secret about car dealerships. You do NOT need the tacked on accessories they add to the final price. The ONLY thing you need when buying any vehicle is the WARRANTY. That warranty covers any problem for a certain amount of time. If you want to pay a little more for a longer warranty that's your choice. But that cost will depend on the type of vehicle, age of vehicle, and type of insurance you get that may or may not cover certain things you won't need in a warranty since the insurance will cover it. So, the additional warranty may be between 1,500 to 3,000. I would not pay more than 1,500. And that's it. So, the total cost you pay should be the flat price of the vehicle which car dealers don't want to tell you. But have to insist they tell you the flat price. Then, the extended warranty IF you decide to get it on top of your regular warranty period which the dealer also must tell you. Tax, and about 215 dollars for the car dealership to get your plates, registration and transfer of title to your name with the DMV department. On top they may charge you a few hundred for man hours doing the actual paperwork for everything involving the sale of the vehicle to you. Then, if you make monthly payments on the car then they will charge you an interest rate monthly. That means for example that depending on the extra rate on top of the final cost of the car, if the total is 8,000 dollars the interest rate might be an additional 2 to 3 thousand dollars over 3 to 8 years. Current car interest rates are between 6.79 percent if you have good credit to over 18 percent with bad credit. That means you pay an extra 18 dollars for every 100 dollars of the final flat cost of the vehicle. I hope my comment helped someone.

[@meredithellenn]

Not me getting a van 3 years later and the prices of all of these models have doubled 😭

[@alpinebro619]

13:40 😐😦😵‍💫 Linnea!

[@johngrant1337]

Tell yourself it is just sheet metal and they build new van everyday and payment is part of life

[@Linneaandakela]

Very true!! love it.

[@TravisCorriher]

Purchasing a van this week, love the WGSD! Check-out Echo Dogs White Shepherd Rescue, I volunteer with them and can't wait to help more with the dog transports!

[@tikitiki7610]

be sure to inspect vehicle in daylight...hi noon!... dusk and crooked individuals will literally pull the dark over your eyes/ but we stupidly waited for 6 hrs>>after having driven from houston, tx to north of ft.worth tx. and let him and his squeeze and his parents convince me to take this van.

[@Aleoop57]

Can you tell me why it had to be a dodge and not a Ford and also how is it working out for you now? Have you had any problems with the Dodge?

[@pricklyboyangel7903]

They add 3k in fees like that’s not some people’s entire budget smh

[@susananderson9619]

Exactly what a shady dealership did to me,I canceled my sale, and they were almost as pissed as I was, then my credit rating tanked 200 points