Anyone here doing the “van life” thing?

[vectordawg]

My wife and I are looking at building a van. Nothing crazy. No built in shower or toilet. No holding tanks. I’d like solar and batteries to power an AC unit. Also, I’d like an outdoor shower. We won’t be living in it, just a dry comfortable place to sleep and store our stuff on some 2-3 weeks long trips. I had pretty much decided on the Ford Transit but now I’m considering the Mercedes Sprinter. I’ve watched a million YouTube videos but I’d like to hear from some of y’all that use them on hunting trips too. Anyone on here living/traveling/hunting like this?
Ryan

 

[HuntHarder]

Don't litter our forrest Hippie. I am kidding, I just went on an elk hunt where "Van life" was the thing. People camped everywhere and no respect for people's space. Good luck in your search

 

[DuckDawg22]

If you go Sprinter, get one of the dongles to disable the crosswind "assist" feature. Passing semis triggers it and it's super sketchy

 

[va_to_co]

Lived in a van for 2.5 years, full time (May 2021-Jan 2024). Had an '08 Dodge Sprinter. Did some hunting out of it (antelope, whitetail). Didn't have an AC unit (those worth their salt require a lot of power). Had batteries, solar, sink w/ electric pump, propane stove, MaxxAir fan, diesel heater, fridge/freezer, etc. Happy to try and answer any questions you might have!

 

[Jfkbeast2]

My wife and I are looking at building a van. Nothing crazy. No built in shower or toilet. No holding tanks. I’d like solar and batteries to power an AC unit. Also, I’d like an outdoor shower. We won’t be living in it, just a dry comfortable place to sleep and store our stuff on some 2-3 weeks long trips. I had pretty much decided on the Ford Transit but now I’m considering the Mercedes Sprinter. I’ve watched a million YouTube videos but I’d like to hear from some of y’all that use them on hunting trips too. Anyone on here living/traveling/hunting like this?
Ryan

I got an off-road camper for hunting and it has been elite. Goes farther than my F150 actually, truck broke last trip, camper was perfect.

 

[vectordawg]

Don't litter our forrest Hippie. I am kidding, I just went on an elk hunt where "Van life" was the thing. People camped everywhere and no respect for people's space. Good luck in your search

I’m definitely NOT a hippie! LOL Almost no one has respect for people’s personal space anymore.

 

[vectordawg]

I got an off-road camper for hunting and it has been elite. Goes farther than my F150 actually, truck broke last trip, camper was perfect.

I’ve thought about those too.

 

[vectordawg]

Lived in a van for 2.5 years, full time (May 2021-Jan 2024). Had an '08 Dodge Sprinter. Did some hunting out of it (antelope, whitetail). Didn't have an AC unit (those worth their salt require a lot of power). Had batteries, solar, sink w/ electric pump, propane stove, MaxxAir fan, diesel heater, fridge/freezer, etc. Happy to try and answer any questions you might have!

So the AC might be a no go? Did you ever regret going with a diesel? Did you have shore power for the times you might be at a campground?