Moving Into A Small Van | My Vanlife Journey Begins

[@milkyvanlife]

Welcome to van life... And what a journey you will have.... Im in a same size van as you and over the years its changed. Now ive got a porta loo, sink with pump tap and on board water and waste, diesel heater, gas stove, steel box oven on top, cool box, battery system, table seat and bed. Its so cosy so ive decided to live in it the past 7 years... Life has a new meaning for me and a sense of freedom and self enlightenment. Its not for everyone but give it your best shot. What really helped me was finding a farmer who lets me stay on his land permanently, so im now grounded on the farm as i was paranoid of my home being knicked or getting into an accident. Now i run around in a little car on my camping adventures. Life on the road was fun for a few years but was difficult finding spots constantly and people tried breaking in 3 times, cops knock on, some idiot threw milkshake allover my front windscree.... Sorry im not trying to put you off promise. Just choose your spots carefully and be prepared. One last thing.... If you go full time id get a high roof,... 7 years constantly ducking and sitting has ruined my back. Take care fella and have a fantastic journey👍

[@luminyam6145]

Good luck with your journey!💖

[@DonnyUtton]

That’s very nice of you to say I appreciate that thank you ☺️

[@MamaJoedan]

A cute vanlifer! wooo

[@DonnyUtton]

Haha that’s nice of you to say

[@TheGoblinsGaming]

Proud of you chief.

[@DonnyUtton]

Appreciate the support mate Nice to see your comments

[@Globetrotter-1]

Ecoflow Delta and the Ecoflow 800W alternator charger...perfect for full-time off-grid year round.

[@DonnyUtton]

Sounds like a cool set up.

[@Yorkies-Travel]

All the best 👍

[@DonnyUtton]

I appreciate that thank you ☺️

[@dannybowden5296]

Hi mate! You might want to reach out to Wandering Where and Wandering Turnip. They've both converted small cars into campers, Kia Piccanto and Toyota Aygo (can't get much smaller than those!). There are videos on both their channels of what they've done and how they've done it that are worth checking out too.

[@DonnyUtton]

Oh brilliant Just checked out the turnip guy and gives me hope and encouragement haha I’m hoping to get the van carpeted in near future once I find work again Might have to look at doing uber eats delivery in the van again Hope you’re well

[@Maggiethecaddy1]

I have a bluetti, it works really well but you will need to work out what wattage your largest appliance you want to use is and make sure it will power it. Mine is 1000w and will boil a small kettle etc. you can charge it from the cigarette port while driving or take it into work with you and charge it on mains. I think solar panels might go missing though if left unattended sorry to say. Unless permanently fixed to the roof. Good luck with it though. Also, I have a usb rechargeable tap cost less than 15 quid, you just stand it on top of a water container/ bottle if you haven’t got a sink. Really handy for washing, cleaning teeth etc with a small bowl under. Have had it six months now and not had to recharge it yet 😂

[@wesdean9128]

As for power, I decided on the Ecoflow Delta2 Max and the accompanying alternator charger. I'll get solar panels too, but need to do more research on those first. Bluetti is pretty much the same as Ecoflow for the most part. Pretty much the same cost, capacity, etc. It does have a 30amp dc port (which is extremely nice), whereas the Ecoflow's port is significantly less. My gut instinct, however, directed me to lean towards the delta2 max, and I've learned to listen. I never fail to end up in no ends of trouble when I don't. lol

[@jdvanlife]

Hey brother, in regard to sleeping, your head should face away from the direction of traffic. Welcome to van living. I would recommend wind deflectors, condensation is going to be your nemesis coming into the colder months. You can edit videos through Movavi on your phone, saving a lot of battery power. You need to source a form of power asap, although you will not be able to heat the van through a cheap power source, but worry about that later. Give me a message if you have any questions or require help if things become difficult. All the best, JD.

[@DonnyUtton]

ive gave you a sub mate, thanks for the offer of help. Movavi? oh ok ill have a look for that one, its free? I now have a hackery 500 and a solar panel to use and its portable so can charge in different locations or work etc hopefully haha I want the wind deflectors, on my Christmas list

[@richardmorris7210]

You need some insulation asap all the metal work will get wet and ur stuff will become damp and mouldy silver foil lining on all metal surfaces and carpet line the full van.....if you dont mind travelling supply the materials and al happily help do it with you just moved into van life my self im based in west yorkshire

[@isnoo1]

Just found you and looking forward to your journey. I have travelled in Australia in a few vans and you gradually learn what you need/"want". Due to my age and health issues I no longer live full time in my latest van - just 6 - 8 weeks at a time when I go camping/travelling. Hugs and good luck - have FUN on this new phase of your life.

[@DonnyUtton]

oh wow travelling Australia sounds like an amazing experience. sorry about the health issues. its nice you still get to enjoy your van and I appreciate the words. thank you

[@keepitreal1547]

Genuine question. Why is it that most vanlifers have tattoos? There must be some correlation?

[@DonnyUtton]

Hahaha Interesting question Hmm 🤔 I was tattooed many years before vanlife but always wanted to live in a vehicle. Maybe the ink effects the brain 😉😂😂😂