Van Life for Beginners: What I Wish I Knew

AdVanTure Rox Aug 04, 2025
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A yellow and white camper van parked on a dirt road at sunset with a mountain backdrop, overlaid text reads “Van Life for Beg

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. 

So you’re thinking about van life. Maybe you’ve been seduced by dreamy Instagram reels of cliffs and coffee mugs, or maybe you’re just done with rent and craving freedom. Whatever brought you here, let me offer you something the glossy blogs usually skip: reality.

I started living this lifestyle in 2009, stationary in a fifth wheel. Over time, I added a van to my setup alongside a 35-foot Class A motorhome. The motorhome is now stationary—it’s just too much work for one person. The van became my mobile rig, and even with all my experience, van life came with its own set of surprises. Tighter space, new logistics, different kinds of discomfort. It was a learning curve I wasn’t fully expecting.

This isn’t a checklist. It’s what I actually wish I’d known before going full-time in a van. The kind of stuff that would’ve saved me time, money, and a few really uncomfortable nights.


Hygiene and Water Management

Some folks wonder if they even need a bathroom in their van. For me, because I use this van as my full-time home, a bathroom is a luxury I’m not willing to go without. Having access to my own toilet and shower setup means I’m never reliant on finding public facilities—especially when I’m boondocking or parked somewhere remote.

That said, I still use baby wipes—specifically the thick, unscented Costco Kirkland ones—for in-between cleanup. A proper wipe-down goes a long way when conserving water.

I also use my Planet Fitness Black Card membership for hot showers while on the road. It’s worth it for the convenience and cleanliness alone. Just don’t abuse the privilege—no setting up camp in the parking lot. That kind of behaviour ruins it for everyone.


Managing Sleep in a Noisy Van

image of a portable sound machine great for drowning out noise so you can sleep

Vans have paper-thin walls. Every rustle, engine, or gust of wind is amplified. I learned quickly that I needed a battery-powered sound machine if I wanted a shot at real sleep. Using your phone all night drains power you’ll need tomorrow. Here is the one I bought, check out the pricing below:

Same goes for airflow. My roof fan works, but I don’t want to run it all night and drain my 'house' battery. A portable, rechargeable fan changed everything—especially in hot climates. I wrote about my setup in this post on portable fans for camping.

Here is my new, absolutely can't live without portable fan that I love. I use Ryobi tools and have multiple batteries and chargers.

Check out the pricing below:



Power Systems and Battery Choices

I spent good money upgrading my old-school battery system to lithium, thinking 100ah would be enough. It wasn’t. Between Starlink, my fridge, fan, and basic electronics, I outgrew that battery fast.

If you’re even thinking about full-time van life, here’s my advice: go big on power. Get the biggest battery you can afford and slap on as many solar panels as your roof will hold. I explain why in my post about solar kits for van life.

Here is the reasonably priced 100ah Lithium battery I bought - TWICE, I liked that it has two USB charging points, so no matter what you are doing, you can at least be charging your phone. It also comes with a charger you can plug in anywhere. Check the pricing below:


Internet and Cell Connectivity

I started out using the original Starlink setup, and while it gave me solid internet access in a lot of places, it was bulky and power-hungry. I’ve since upgraded to the Starlink Mini, and I’ve noticed a big difference. The unit is smaller, lighter, and seems to connect faster and more reliably—even in areas where the original struggled. It also draws far less power, which is a huge bonus when you’re trying to conserve battery.

That said, Starlink still isn’t perfect. Trees, terrain, and weather can mess with your signal. That’s why I always keep a solid cell plan with good roaming. Between the two, I can stay connected nearly everywhere—whether I’m working, navigating, or just trying to stream something without losing my mind.


Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs

One time, I had to replace my brakes mid-trip. That was a fun surprise. Living in a van means your house and your vehicle are the same thing. When something breaks, you're both stranded and homeless.

If you’re going full-time, get regular checkups on your rig. Don’t put off brake pads, fluid changes, or weird noises. Trust me on this one. I’ve also put together a road trip checklist that covers the basics to review before you head out—it’s worth a glance even if you think you’ve got everything covered.


Useful Extras That Make Life Easier

Coffee on the road is sacred. After trying too many complicated setups, I found my go-to: the Jogo Coffee Straw. It’s a filter built into a metal straw—you just toss grounds in your mug, pour hot water, and drink. Simple, nearly zero waste, and no gear to clean. You can check it out here.

Also? Get a jump starter that doubles as a tire inflator. Mine has saved me more than once. It’s earned its place in my van. Here is an link to the one I bought, my van is diesel so it has to be high power!


Final Thoughts

Van life for beginners isn’t about figuring out what van to buy or how to organize your drawers. It’s about adjusting your mindset. About learning what discomfort you can live with—and what gear helps you avoid the rest.

If you’re considering this lifestyle, go in informed. You’ll still make mistakes (we all do), but maybe you’ll skip a few of the stinkier, sweatier, more frustrating ones.

For more raw, real-world van life insights, check out my eBook Rolling Solo—just $5 CAD. No fluff, just straight talk from the road.


About the Author
Royanne has lived full-time in alternative homes since 2009. From a stationary fifth wheel to a 35-foot Class A motorhome and now a van, she shares unfiltered advice about mobile living at MissadVANture.com—where grit meets the open road.



Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.