The Truth About "Vehicle Life"

There are distortions about what living in a vehicle is really like, some skewed to the positive and others to the negative. Some are idealized, focusing on “freedom” and an ability to travel. Some point out the discomfort, inconvienence, and even danger. Having lived out of a vehicle for nearly four years I have experienced both the pros and cons, the positives and negatives about living out of a vehicle.

First off, if you think living out of a vehicle is as depicted in 2021’s Nomadland you are bound to be disappointed. It’s a great film but it presents what I call the “Cliff Notes” version of vanlife. The main character works at a campground, at Wall Drug, and Amazon. Each of these jobs last months (in real life) but in the movie they seem to only take weeks. That is probably done to not drag down the pace and plot of the movie but anyone considering those jobs should keep that in mind.

More importantly are the “social distortions” in Nomadland, how Fern (the main

character) automatically makes a lot of good friends and everyone sits around a big campfire in the warmth of fellowship. No. Maybe if you’re a gregarious extrovert who is comfortable walking up to complete strangers, but even then—

If you are contemplating this lifestyle be prepared to be lonely, lonely like you have never been. You are moving from one life to another and the experience can isolate you from people in your life. How can they relate to your vehicle life experience? They may also distance themselves because of their struggle with their concern for you. Also, when living out of a vehicle you are moving from a life in private spaces (your apartment or house) to public spaces (federally owned land or parking lots outside places like Wal Mart). You learn to keep your guard up, to be wary and cautious about strangers. So…walking up to other “vehicle dwellers” expecting to automatically be friends is not necessarily a realistic expectation. Finally, vehicle life is cliquey: Skoolie people tend to hang out with skoolie people. People in proper RVs tend to look down on people who live in converted vans and there is a hierarchy to RVS from Class As on down.

I need to call out many of the influencers on social media who share pictures of their $150,000 Sprinter vans with the glorious  wood paneling and rear doors—invariably---opened to a perfect sunset on an empty beach. I’m sure you’re familiar with these pictures and videos: There’s always an acoustic guitar on a peg, Tibetan prayer flags, and beautiful people eating avocado toast when not doing yoga on that idyllic beach. Mind you, I have spent time in absolutely beautiful places and had them to myself…aside from bees—bees always seem to find me.

I’ve gone into the negatives, let’s end this with the positives. If you can hack vehicle life it is empowering; it can make you aware of your capacity to be resilient and resourceful. Little things that bothered you in the “stick and brick” world are no longer a big deal. Conversely, things you took for granted like indoor plumbing and cenral heat become wonders to be celebrated. Don’t let the negatives dissuade you from what can be a (positive) life changing experience, but be aware of and prepared for them.

And be prepared to make friends with bees because they will be drawn to you like conspiracy nuts to guns.

I have a book on Amazon detailing my first year living out of the van, it can be found here:

https://www.amazon.com/American-Outback-Two-No-Signal/dp/B0B8BK5D65