There are definitely some van life frustrations that you will need to learn to deal with when living and travelling in a van or small RV. Here I discuss the top 10 frustrations and how I have triumphed over them.
1.Limited Space:
Adjusting to the restricted living area can be challenging, leading to van life frustrations over lack of storage and personal space. I bought an empty Promaster van so I was able to plan my design to make the small space work for me.
How I am triumphant:
- You will need less than you think.
- Have a place for everything! Take the time to plan where all your belongings will be stored.
- When I bring in something new, I know where it will go or something will have to be taken out.
- My kitchen cupboard is filled with Tupperware containers which keeps food organized, fresh and bug free.
- I clean my dishes, counter and put away my food stuff after every meal.
- My clothes are hanging in my closet or tucked away in packing squares in an overhead shelf.
- I have a place to put my clothing at the end of each day. Hooks work great for this.
- A designated place for dirty laundry is important. It can pile up fast.
- Have a place to put your extra shoes. Mine are organized in a hanging shoe holder.
- I utilizing another shoe holder as a junk wall, this is where I store stuff I use regularly.
- Stay organized, it definitely helps to make a small space more comfortable.
2. Access to Amenities:
Difficulty finding reliable access to showers, toilets, and laundry facilities can be a significant source of frustration. Be prepared to have a different lifestyle than you had living in a house or apartment. It is all part of the charm of vanliving.
How I am triumphant:
- I made sure I had a toilet in my van.
- Get use to showering less often. I am now use to showering only every few weeks.
- I shower at truck stops or state parks.
- I find truck stops secure and usually very clean. They are however becoming more expensive runnning between $15 and $18 USD.
- Some state parks have shower facilities. I pay the $5 US daily fee, explore the park and then use the showers.
- I know some travellers have memberships to fitness centers but I have never used these facilities so cannot comment but it is an another option.
- Laundry facilities are available in towns or cities. I use them once a month or so and make it a days outing.
3. Internet Connectivity:
We are all wanting great connection to the internet. Sometimes I can be too reliant on this, but it is also necessary for me to live this lifestyle. Inconsistent internet access can hinder work, communication, and entertainment, causing considerable inconvenience making van life frustrations real.
How I am triumphant:
- I use my cell phone data plan to access the internet. I have to be careful not to scroll too much, which has allowed me to be more present.
- I download podcasts, audiobooks and shows using my data rather than streaming. This saves me from maxing out my data plan.
- I use local libraries to work or download shows to my phone or tablet as well. The wifi is not always secure but is usually fairly fast and I have a comfortable place to be for a few hours.
- Open wifi at places like McDonalds and truck stops can be used for downloading however in my experience these networks are often really slow.
- Some state parks or campgrounds offer wifi but again they are often slow.
- Starlink is an option many travellers use and seems to work well, however it is too pricy for my budget so is only on my wish list for now
4. Maintenance Issues:
Frequent maintenance and mechanical issues with the van can be both time-consuming and costly. I feel every van owner should have an emergency fund or an extra credit card for unexpected breakdowns.
How I am triumphant:
- I schedule an oil change and maintanence check every 6000 km or so at a Dodge dealership. Putting my trust in a dealership rather than a local mechanic I do not know is a choice I have never regretted.
- I get my big service done with the same dealership each year.
- I check my window washer and brake fluid on a regular basis.
- I carry a tire inflator, which will handle a tire emergency if I am not near a populated area.
5. Legal Restrictions:
Navigating parking laws and finding legal overnight parking spots can be a constant hassle. If you plan to travel this is something you will need to learn to deal with. If you are stealth in a city know the area and restrictions to find your best options. Be respectful when stopping for the night. If I am in an area for a few days I have a night spot and a day spot, that way I am not over staying my welcome in either.
How I am triumphant:
- There are several different apps available to find safe free places to stay. Some common ones are Campendium, Roadtripper, Alstays and the one I use the most ioverlander.
- Truck stops like Love’s, Flying J or Walmart are usually available for a night, just check with the service desk.
- Cracker Barrel restaurants are popular for allowing RV’s to park overnight. I used these quite a lot when exploring Florida.
- Rest stops are also great when travelling. Just watch for signage as some only allow stays to a maximum of 8 hours.
- BLM land, fish & wildlife and water management areas are availalbe in most states. In Canada there are recreation sites you can park at. Just make sure you know the rules for each area and follow them.
- I have also used Harvest Host in the past mostly in eastern Canada and the eastern states. This is not free but a great way to meet locals and get to know an area.
6. Weather Extremes:
Dealing with extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, without proper insulation or climate control can be uncomfortable and one of van life frustrations. Someone told me living in a van is like living in a tin can.
How I am triumphant:
- I designed my van with a wall behind the seats. This was orignially for safety as I lived stealth in the city my first year living in my van. The wall keeps the back area much cooler, which is another benefit when the temperature is high.
- I had two fans installed in my roof for air circulation.
- I had a propane heater intalled and am grateful everytime it gets cold.
- Mositure and condensation can cause problems in a cooler wet climate so regular checks to your window areas and under your bed is important. When I found dampness and mold under my mattress I purchased a DenDry mattress pad, which helped with air circulation. Mold is common in vans so be proactive.
7. Social Isolation:
Feeling isolated from friends and family due to the mobile lifestyle can lead to loneliness. This is one area I did not give much thought to when planning for this lifestyle. Luckily I am okay spending time on my own, however I was not prepared for the amount of time I spend alone. Loneliness is a real thing for a lot of vanlifers.
How I am triumphant over van life frustrations:
- I talk with two friends once a week or so.
- I post and scroll on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. This is where I can stay in contact with family and friends even if only remotely.
- I do have a homebase where I spend a fews months visiting with family, gardening, doing artwork and am able save money on gas.
- I have joined a few travelling groups online and have gone to some group events. This helps with finding and feelling like I belong to a community. This is still a work in progress for me.
8. Safety Concerns:
Concerns about personal safety and security, especially when parked in unfamiliar or remote areas.
How I am triumphant:
- I trust my gut and move on if I feel any unease.
- I have never had an issue with safety where I have parked in the past 3 years.
- If I am parked at a rest stop or truck stop I do not go in or out, once I park for the night everything is locked and I stay inside.
- When parked in a more remote area, I am aware of my surroundings and make sure my van is locked when I go to bed.
9. Waste Management:
Managing waste, including disposing of greywater and trash, can be inconvenient and unpleasant. Finding a proper place to dispose of waste is important and can be time consuming. It is definitely a part of van living so be prepared for it.
How I am triumphant:
- I try to buy groceries with less packaging if possible. I will store everything away then put any packaging in the grocery store garbage bins.
- I drop off small bags of garbage in the bins when I gas my van.
- For larger garbage bags and poo bags I find local transfer stations to dump them.
- I dump my grey water tank on side roads in ditches. I never dump it at a campsite as it can attract flies.
- When camped for a longer period of time in a remote area I divide my garbage by paper, recyling and put my kitchen waste into coffee containers. This keeps the garbage from smeling and is more easily contained until I can dump it at a transfer station..
10. Health Care Access:
Difficulty accessing regular healthcare services and managing health emergencies while on the road.
How I am triumphant:
- I make sure I see my doctor and dentist regularly. I am very grateful for having the health care we do in Canada.
- As a Canadian I make sure I have medical insurance when I travel across Canada and into the US.
If you are thinking of joining the van life community be aware that these van life frustrations are a part of living and travelling in a van. In my experience knowledge and planning will help you to experience a happy, positive and fulfilling vanlife experience. Happy travels.