Living in a Van. Am I mad?

marielovesstea

Hello all.

Looking for a bit of advice maybe even moral support.

I've recently returned home to Ireland having spent an year travelling the world. For the most part, life was good and I was very happy. In the end though things started to fall apart. To cut a long story short I broke up with my boyfriend, other stuff when down and I felt I had to come home. I've spent the last few weeks 'taking time out' to figure things out and decide what I want to do with my life. It has not been easy, but I finally have figured out the direction I would like to go career wise and I start a course next week. I'm in my late 20's, and while living with mammy and daddy was okay at the start-without them I would be lost but I need to get out of there asap for mine/their own sanity and independence.

The course I start is in Dublin, while it would be great to move up there, the thoughts of giving someone 600+ in rent a month to share for what prob would be a bog standard house makes me sick to my stomach. I'm sort of over renting and sharing to be honest. I dont want to buy a house as I don't want to trap myself with a mortgage in case I decide to runaway again.

So I've been looking into buying a commerical van, importing it from the UK and converting it myself into a motorhome. Stealth camping, I want to make it into my home. I've spent the last few weeks researching it online, I've read two books and two online courses about van conversion and really think its the thing for me. I by no means think it will be an easy road, but one step at a time I know I can do it. I suppose the only thing that holds me back is the lack of support I have from friends and family. My parents are especially worried and no one seems to know where I'm coming from they all think Im mad. The thing is I think they are the mad ones!!! why should I pay crazy rents for a home I'll never own, why trap myself with a mortgage when I'm single and don't know where ill be 5 year from now.

I dunno.. maybe I'm just looking for a bit of reassurance that I'm not the only one out there that thinks like this and sees that there is another way to live in this country. I was so passionate about this at the start, but as the weeks have rolled by maybe I'm just starting to conform again and the lack of support does not help.

Anyone agree? I'd appreciate your thoughts.

jamesthepeach

No reason it can't be done.
I worked in London when I was skint and lived in a van for 4 months.
As long as you can arrange somewhere to wash you'll be grand. Don't expect to be having g guests over for dinner though.

begbysback

First question that comes to mind - where would you park it?

jamesthepeach

begbysback wrote: »

First question that comes to mind - where would you park it?

Not as much of a problem as you might think.

marielovesstea

begbysback wrote: »

First question that comes to mind - where would you park it?

Anywhere. Public parking, shopping centres, housing estate. The idea is to be stealth. ie white commerical van that blends in with the surroundings. I'm not looking for something that draws attention to myself. I'm not looking for a big caravan or motorhome that stands out a mile.

iwillhtfu

I wouldn't be a big fan of the idea long term with a typical day to day routine. I assume you'll join a gym for showers etc. Whats your plan for a toilet at night?

If you were serious about the lifestyle I'd look into a boat and see about moorings etc. I'd love a canal boat but they can be pricey. It's a very popular practice in London.

I should add I lived in a van for a year in Australia and that was more a holiday than anything and it got long in the tooth after a while and we had the weather to be outside pretty much all the time. I wouldn't fancy sitting in a van in the pouring rain for days on end.

wobbie10

would you consider a barge type boat ? lived on a boat myself for s year and loved it. would be more comfortable / safe than van in a car park id imagine. best of luck as I think your correct about mortgage etc

Obvious Otter

What are you going to do about access to clean water?

nuckeythompson

You won't hack it in the winter due to the cold.

April 73

How much would buying the van & converting it cost in comparison to paying rent for a house share?

super_furry

What will you do for a toilet?

Teyla Emmagan

This sounds incredibly dangerous for a woman by herself.

judeboy101

Some skanger steals anonymous white van, finds girl asleep in back, instant rape-mobile.

shaunr68

I suppose it depends on how much effort you put into the conversion - a van with a futon in the back could be a bit miserable, condensation will be an issue - it would be cold, damp and dark. Consider access to water, heating, cooking, showers, electricity, toilet facilities and so on.

On the other hand if you have the skills and time to undertake a proper conversion with onboard facilities, and are handy with electrics and plumbing then why not?

You may have issues getting insurance as the Irish insurance cartel has decided that private individuals are not allowed to own a van so you might find that you have to convert it to a reasonable standard and have it re-registered as a motorhome.

I lived in a 6.4m motorhome for a year while touring the continent (two adults and three small dogs), mostly free camping out in the sticks rather than using campsites as we were pretty much self sufficient - a refillable LPG supply, gas water heating, shower, toilet etc, onboard water tanks and two whacking great solar panels. We'd stay at a campsite about once a week to empty the toilet cassette and use the washing machine. Access to water was easy enough, the onboard tank had a 100 litre capacity which lasted a couple of days. I'd buy small quantities of diesel regularly, say 20 or 30 euros at a time, most garages have a tap and if buying fuel they don't usually mind you filling up with water.

neonsofa

Would you have Wi-Fi access/charger/table etc. for doing your coursework? Although I'd imagine that's the least of your priorities as others have pointed out.

fxotoole

More power to you, I say. No property tax, rent, mortgage, etc,

What would you do for internet access/TV/entertainment?

How would you handle looking after meals/keeping food fresh (assuming you wouldn't have room for a fridge/freezer)?

Be prepared to keep the van serviced, NCTed, taxed and insured.

Speaking of which; would there be any insurance implications for living in this van?

Mrs OBumble

Don't want to share.
Don't want to pay rent and let someone else own.
Don't want to own in case you decide to run away. (But owning a fitted out van would be ok).

Think you can just magically park in places overnight and no one will notice. (Yeah right: sure they won't. It's not like shopping centres and industrial estates have security guards who monitor vehicles).

Don't want to consider where exactly you'll toilet yourself.

Think you can safely cook inside a van.

In short, yes you are crazy. Bat-**** crazy, in fact. Possibly selfish too - in that you don't want to cover the your own living costs.

4068ac1elhodqr

No reason it can't be done, but best as a spring project.
To source, import, diy-convert and insure now would also take ages and be met with mid-winter's occasional -10oC.

Fully expect this sort of idea to become more popular with the ever increasing shoe-box rents out there.

Would likely need loads of research and assistance to be done properly, so many factors:
Inconspicuously & security, location, materials, insulation vs ventilation, power sources, utilities all important.
There's a reason why the ever popular VWT4/5 feature-rich vans command such a very hefty new price tag.

Gatling

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Think you can just magically park in places overnight and no one will notice. (Yeah right: sure they won't. It's not like shopping centres and industrial estates have security guards who monitor vehicles).

You be surprised to know for most part they don't care where people are parking over night

LiamoSail

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

In short, yes you are crazy. Bat-**** crazy, in fact. Possibly selfish too - in that you don't want to cover the your own living costs.

Well she clearly is willing to cover her own living costs on the basis that she's buying the van. In fact, as a student, she'll probably be paying a hell of a lot more towards her own living expenses than most students do

marielovesstea

judeboy101 wrote: »

Some skanger steals anonymous white van, finds girl asleep in back, instant rape-mobile.

Sorry but how is this helpful?! I understand there is a degree of risk involved. People can break into houses too you know. I'm not stupid, and risk parking it in a 'dodgy' area. I did the living in a van in France for a few weeks in areas I did not know very well and had no issues. Maybe educate yourself like I have before you post something like this.

GG66

You can get diesel heaters for your campervan. You'll need it even if you have it well insulated. Eberspacher or Webasto are the main players. Consider that these might make noise if you're parked up somewhere that's quiet.

Mobile broadband should be fine, either tethering to a phone or a wifi dongle.

Even if you're stealth you will need to be prepared to move around a bit. And you'll need to have a DOE on it every year if you're driving it, so it does need to be roadworthy even if you're parking up most of the time.

It may be cheaper for you to buy something that has already been converted and registered as a motorhome than converting your own.

Lots of tips on getting water already and you could easily stand up wash and shower in parents or friends once a week. You will want a way of heating water, boiling water to wash takes a long time and becomes a frustration.

My main concern would be security while sleeping and while you're away from the van with all your belongings in it.

LiamoSail

I don't see how this idea could be significantlyy cheaper than renting a room for around €700/month. For a start, the van + conversion is likely to cost the guts of a years rent, while the tax, insurance, fuel etc would be the equivalent of two or three months rent.

What would this save you over the length of the term you're planning on living in it, and at what expenses in terms of convenience, safety, security, hygiene and comfort? Surely the negatives of living in a van severely outweigh those of sharing a house

cocaliquid

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Don't want to share.
Don't want to pay rent and let someone else own.
Don't want to own in case you decide to run away. (But owning a fitted out van would be ok).

Think you can just magically park in places overnight and no one will notice. (Yeah right: sure they won't. It's not like shopping centres and industrial estates have security guards who monitor vehicles).

Don't want to consider where exactly you'll toilet yourself.

Think you can safely cook inside a van.

In short, yes you are crazy. Bat-**** crazy, in fact. Possibly selfish too - in that you don't want to cover the your own living costs.

lol you can but a chemical toilet in a van and a gas cooker . She's not crazy plenty of youtube videos of people doing it around the world.

SteM

marielovesstea wrote: »

Sorry but how is this helpful?! I understand there is a degree of risk involved. People can break into houses too you know. I'm not stupid, and risk parking it in a 'dodgy' area. I did the living in a van in France for a few weeks in areas I did not know very well and had no issues. Maybe educate yourself like I have before you post something like this.

Do you only want people to post if they're going to encourage you?

LiamoSail

cocaliquid wrote: »

lol you can but a chemical toilet in a van and a gas cooker . She's not crazy plenty of youtube videos of people doing it around the world.

Where would you discharge the the tank?

wordofwarning

wobbie10 wrote: »

would you consider a barge type boat ? lived on a boat myself for s year and loved it. would be more comfortable / safe than van in a car park id imagine. best of luck as I think your correct about mortgage etc

Barge living is basically not allowed in Ireland. Plus even if it was, barges are actually quite pricey to buy. You are looking at 50-150k for one. Plus other fees etc.

Vans are pretty safe. The main reason why vans get broken into is tools are advertised on the side of the van ie tiler branding plastered on the side. Most van breaks in are opportunistic ie you left a laptop on the dashboard in clear view. You can get excellent van alarms

The biggest issue I can see with living in a van is insurance. I can't imagine an insurer being happy with a van modified to a home. Although you can pick up not so pricey campervans

iwillhtfu

LiamoSail wrote: »

Where would you discharge the the tank?

Where do the ethnic minority discharge their tanks?

marielovesstea

Matthew Blue Self-sufficient wrote: »

No reason it can't be done, but best as a spring project.
To source, import, diy-convert and insure now would also take ages and be met with mid-winter's occasional -10oC.

Fully expect this sort of idea to become more popular with the ever increasing shoe-box rents out there.

Would likely need loads of research and assistance to be done properly, so many factors:
Inconspicuously & security, location, materials, insulation vs ventilation, power sources, utilities all important.
There's a reason why the ever popular VWT4/5 feature-rich vans command such a very hefty new price tag.

Thanks for your post. Yes I am looking into this thoroughly. Researching everything from paying VRT, reregistration of the vehicle, insurance, installing windows, vents, insulation, security, electrics water tanks, shower/toliet options, bed, hobs, gas etc etc. I've a refill pad full of research. Ive watched hours and hours of online tutorials, read books on it. I know I'm not an expert, but the more i look into it the more it can be done

kona

Jaysus this country is miserable.

jimmycrackcorm

marielovesstea wrote:

Anywhere. Public parking, shopping centres, housing estate. The idea is to be stealth. ie white commerical van that blends in with the surroundings.

Living in the equivalent of a prison solitary cell?

Why not get a caravan and get it parked in a traveller site?

LiamoSail

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Where do the ethnic minority discharge their tanks?

It's not an issue I've ever considered. Presumably there's laws against discharging it on a public street, though presumably that's not much of an issue for certain sections of society

marielovesstea

kona wrote: »

Jaysus this country is miserable.

ha ha. yeah delighted I opened up here! lots of support!

Pelvis

If this was a good idea, we'd all be doing it. It's not a good idea, it's idiotic.

marielovesstea

for anyone that is interested, I cant seem to post links.look up 'vandogtraveller' and 'deepredmotorhome'.. this is what I'm aiming to achieve.

iwillhtfu

LiamoSail wrote: »

It's not an issue I've ever considered. Presumably there's laws against discharging it on a public street, though presumably that's not much of an issue for certain sections of society

You better believe there are laws but as you correctly assume plenty of waste and not just by pikeys think farmers and large processing facilities plenty of people flouting the law.

OP as much research as you do where do you honestly see yourself parking up? Keep in mind you will have to remain inside the van with doors etc closed. Don't be thinking you'll be able to swing open the doors and kick back while you have the dinner on.

Regardless of whether it's achievable or not it sounds like a dismal existence.

DoozerT6

Why not buy an actual camper van or motorhome??

iwillhtfu

http://vandogtraveller.com/living-travelling-in-a-van/

http://deepredmotorhome.com/

You're dreaming OP your van wont be able to have vents,camper style windows etc if your plan is to stealth camp. You'll stand out a mile in Dublin and living in constant fear of a knock on the door with at best someone asking you to move on.

shaunr68

LiamoSail wrote: »

Where would you discharge the the tank?

Stay on a campsite every so often and use the facilities. Some even allow you to pay a service charge say 5 Euros to empty the cassette and fill with water, without staying at the site. Much easier on the continent, in France they have the Aires de Service network and through Norway most picnic areas and laybys have a water tap and many have a chemical toilet disposal point as well. All for free - they want to encourage tourism.

wordofwarning

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Don't want to share.
Don't want to pay rent and let someone else own.
Don't want to own in case you decide to run away. (But owning a fitted out van would be ok).

Think you can just magically park in places overnight and no one will notice. (Yeah right: sure they won't. It's not like shopping centres and industrial estates have security guards who monitor vehicles).

Don't want to consider where exactly you'll toilet yourself.

Think you can safely cook inside a van.

In short, yes you are crazy. Bat-**** crazy, in fact. Possibly selfish too - in that you don't want to cover the your own living costs.

Take a look at this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKPa3uVddbU

This guy is a millionaire and still chooses to live in a van. It is not all about money and I think OP makes that clear. It is about freedom and choice. The freedom of moving somewhere else without having to worry about a mortgage etc.

A lot of people live in vans in SF. They earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and choose to live in vans. I suppose what makes Ireland and US different, is that an American makes a decision based on what makes them happy. In Ireland, people regularly make decisions on what makes them happy but rather what will others think.

iwillhtfu

wordofwarning wrote: »

Take a look at this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKPa3uVddbU

This guy is a millionaire and still chooses to live in a van. It is not all about money and I think OP makes that clear. It is about freedom and choice. The freedom of moving somewhere else without having to worry about a mortgage etc.

A lot of people live in vans in SF. They earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and choose to live in vans. I suppose what makes Ireland and US different, is that an American makes a decision based on what makes them happy. In Ireland, people regularly make decisions on what makes them happy but rather what will others think.

He spends his off season in the van probably 3 months of the year and the climate is night and day to ours.

As you quite rightly point out he's a millionaire so can choose to do as he pleases which includes staying in hotels whenever he wants.

Gatling

Plenty of vans and motorhomes for sale on adverts they could easily be converted into a home ,
Easy enough to find parking aswell depending on where you are planning to stay ,
As long as you're not making a nuisance you should be relatively left alone

myshirt

You could get a hearse, plenty of room in the back. Wouldn't attract attention the way a van would.

Arcade_Tryer

SteM wrote: »

Do you only want people to post if they're going to encourage you?

Behave. A post joking about a person potentially being raped is not criticism; it's f**king pathetic.

Del2005

marielovesstea wrote: »

Thanks for your post. Yes I am looking into this thoroughly. Researching everything from paying VRT, reregistration of the vehicle, insurance, installing windows, vents, insulation, security, electrics water tanks, shower/toliet options, bed, hobs, gas etc etc. I've a refill pad full of research. Ive watched hours and hours of online tutorials, read books on it. I know I'm not an expert, but the more i look into it the more it can be done

This is your stumbling block. To get camper insurance you need to have a regular car insured and you can't get private insurance on a commercial vehicle. The VRT on campers is ????, commercial VRT is fixed camper is based on a figure revenue pluck from the air.

If you are going to stealth camp you can't have windows, the only vans with rear windows are crew cab and you won't qualify for one of them. If going for a stealth van it might not even pass the VRT inspection.

Ask in motorhomes/campers/caravan forum for advice on converting to a camper and insurance issues.

As for security/safety don't think you won't be noticed. There a section of our society who spend all day driving around looking for stuff and they'll notice a van parked up regularly.

Juwwi

myshirt wrote: »

You could get a hearse, plenty of room in the back. Wouldn't attract attention the way a van would.

Snoring coming from the back of a hearse would attract attention

Nash Bridges

Are there any suitable camper van sites in Dublin? A long term off season rental may not be too expensive.

I like the idea but would see winter weather as the biggest obstacle, going beyond being uncomfortable I would see it being bad for your health living in a van in winter in Dublin.

4068ac1elhodqr

myshirt wrote: »

You could get a hearse, plenty of room in the back. Wouldn't attract attention the way a van would.

Or a magnetic side sign saying 'asbestos removal services', on a boring grey low-profile van - folks would know keep well away from that haz-mat.

Windowless unfortunately would be the best (or maybe just one sprayed over using half-tone stencil). Vents or sunroofs could be put on the roof, along with magnetic solar panels.

DoozerT6

^^the guy in that video seems like a chilled out, happy dude, but his VW van is cramped and squalid. And he was washing his dishes in a locker room bathroom. And as someone else mentioned, he's in Florida where it is warm pretty much year round. I wouldn't be basing any life decisions on his example tbh.

Incidentally, someone in Wexford is giving away an actual mobile home for free at the moment....https://www.donedeal.ie/mobilehomes-for-sale/mobile-home-for-free/16535638

Many others for sale for just a few grand.

K.Flyer

marielovesstea wrote: »

[...]
I'm in my late 20's ...

Before you spend another red cent on any part of your plan, you need to do one very important thing.
And that is to see if you can get insurance cover at a reasonable price, if at all.
If you only have a provisional licence, you may have to bin the idea as you most likely will not be quoted on a commercial vehicle or a camper.
If you do have a full licence, getting a quote still may be difficult if you do not have any no -claims-discount to prove driving experience within the last two years or a business that requires a van. Most insurers will not insure a commercial van for private use, which is another hurdle.
If you tell them you are converting it for sleeping in, if they entertain you, you may need an engineers report on the conversion stating it is all done to spec etc.
If you don't tell them and you are involved in an accident you may find your insurance nullified for non-disclosure.
As said above, look into buying a purpose made camper van, an older and cheaper one.
This way you may have better luck getting insurance, but still do your homework on insurance before investing any money into the project as insurance costs in Ireland have gone ridiculously expensive, especially for younger drivers.
Otherwise, best of luck, I imagine more people will start looking into the idea as rents keep escalating.

greenfield21

Yeah just ditch it along the road, no one will notice.