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 forests, 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?

 

[Billy Goat]

@fngTony I think he lives in one.

Always lurking around, he must have a white van with free memes painted on the side or something.

 

[SDHNTR]

This is a thing where I live and it’s an incredible problem across all of our public beach and park parking lots. The crime, trash and vagrancy associated with those living out of their vans and RV’s is destroying our city since our mayor decided to allow “urban camping” as an alternative to homelessness. I’m sure you’re an upstanding citizen, but please if you decide to do this, for your own safety, stick to bonafide campgrounds!

 

[va_to_co]

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?

People definitely run AC, I just didn’t really have the roof space for enough solar along with that. I didn’t mind the diesel, got 21-25mpg. Did a decent amount of work on it myself (glow plugs, injectors, regular maintenance). The ‘08 was just prior to requiring DEF, so I didn’t have to deal with that.

I didn’t have shore power and from what I recall, only twice ever stayed at a campground (in Yellowstone). Also had a battery isolator to charge with the alternator while driving.

 

[Shraggs]

I have not done this but am thinking about it. First for remote hunting or a base to come back to and 4 wheel drive is a must that puts the sprinter the only option for me. Don’t like the shock and ground clearance on ford or dodge. Kinda hoping current administration may address the DEF requirement.

I tow the boat often 4 hours fish all day and return, be so nice to have accommodations and go late night before and stay at a boat ramp and be the first in.

Hoping when I’m retired in couple years my wife will want to come with me (going without her if not!) to see all the great national parks, other sights this country has to offer - and hit all Guy Fietti ?recommendations along the way. A van so set up would be ideal.

 

[tony]

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.

What brand is that? I'm looking at tear drops.
Damn they are pricey for what they are!

 

[Blurry1]

Depends on your hunting terrain. I have a F150 with a GFC camper. I find no need for AC or anything more than a good cooler for a fridge. I considered doing a Quigley job on a transit but I think the space is too limited. Given the cash and more importantly storage for yet another vehicle I would go with a vehicle thats built for towing lift kit and heavier tires. From what ives seen and friends have experienced the sprinter lacks. My sisters dodge adventure van is a beast on a 3500 chassis. I’ve have friends happy with the fords too.

 

[Billy Goat]

This is a thing where I live and it’s an incredible problem across all of our public beach and park parking lots. The crime, trash and vagrancy associated with those living out of their vans and RV’s is destroying our city since our mayor decided to allow “urban camping” as an alternative to homelessness. I’m sure you’re an upstanding citizen, but please if you decide to do this, for your own safety, stick to bonafide campgrounds!

Where are you finding beaches in South Dakota?

 

[CorbLand]

Where are you finding beaches in South Dakota?





View attachment 945128

 

[Billy Goat]

View attachment 945129

Life's what you make it.

 

[Trogon]

I have a 2wd, 170wb sprinter with minimal build out. Wife and I use it for weekend camping and roadtrips. It’s fun but I wouldn’t recommend for hunting or serious backcountry travel due to size and lack of 4wd. Anywhere I hunt I want 4wd, that’s big bucks in a sprinter. To build it out with what you want that ain’t cheap either. I bet you’re pushing 100k at that point. Better off with a 1ton pickup and slide in IMO.

Also Mercedes maintenance is a pain. Diesel system is a pain, computer system is a pain, parts aren’t that easy to get in a small town. The list goes on.

 

[SDHNTR]

View attachment 945129

That guy wins!

 

[Brushcreekbill]

I’ve traveled and hunted extensively out of a vanagon westfalia.
Pictured is a 2wd version I had when I lived in Mexico. I had a syncro that I just sold that was an awesome hunting rig.