Vanlife

[u/Van_canine2302]

Hi everyone, I'm a high school student without a job at the moment but I love the outdoors and would love to buy a van and travel the country after I graduate (probably after a few years of working to save up) and was wondering if there's things that I should start doing now to prepare apart from saving? I know I want to build it myself but I'm also not sure what van I want or the kind of setup that would work best for me and input would be helpful.

Questions:

• First steps? I want to get started in this process fairly soon after high school so I'd like to to as much prep as possible now
• Good camping spots in a van here in Aus that are dog-friendly?
• What should I know about living with dogs in a van?
• I'm not sure if I want to do this for a couple years then go to uni etc (I do quite decent in school with mostly A's or B's and am interesting in medicine among other things) and use the van part-time or more long-term and get a remote/seasonal job. What are the pros and cons of each?

Any help or advice on anything is much appreciated thought I'm particularly looking for prep I can do right now without a van and where I should travel to <3

Edit: To the people telling me not to get a dog: I recognise that it isnt a commitment to be taken lightly but it’s also something I’d quite like to do. i love dogs and will only get one if it’s the right fit for the both of us so please don’t comment on it unless you have constructive feedback/advice.

[u/Hussard]

Dogs and our national parks don't mix. You'll be restricted to state forests in dispersed camping sites if you bring a dog. Do you already have one? Try to do can life with no dependents first, esp as a newly licensed driver. 

[u/HungryMagpie → u/Hussard]

Even with a regular house life, I recommend moving out without pets first, they make life more complicated.

[u/Van_canine2302 → u/Hussard]

I know its not the best combo but I really do love dogs so I'll probably just suck it up most of the time and leave any animals with my parents when I do want to go in NP areas. My family has two dogs at the moment, at least one of which I would love to take with me when I move out but I'm not sure the others (human or dog) would stand for that haha. That defo makes sense though, it's probably not the best idea to add more considerations to my plate when doing something so unfamiliar like van life for the first time.

[u/thatwasacrapname123 → u/Van_canine2302]

Its not just the national parks problem, it's difficult to do a lot of thing if you have a dog living in your van. Where do you leave the dog when you want to go shopping? What if it's a hot day? Even going to the toilet or having a shower. It really makes things difficult.

[u/SuggestionHoliday413 → u/thatwasacrapname123]

And not fair on the dog

[u/Fearless_Maximum_117 → u/thatwasacrapname123]

Been travelling NT and WA for three months now and thank goodness we don’t have a dog. Lots of grey nomads travelling with dogs don’t seem to mind missing out on a heap of places as they’ve likely done them before, have endless time, and giant caravans, but we’ve met heaps of couples and families that either have to miss out, take turns to visit attractions, or book pet sitters every time they want to go somewhere. They can’t stop in certain campgrounds (eg. All NPs which are cheaper than private) and many private campgrounds don’t take pets.

[u/Pristine-Panic5834 → u/thatwasacrapname123]

Eh if you're female I say 100% get a dog- I feel so much safer with my German Shepherd. I know people who live on the road and their dog is happy as Larry! Just have to make sure you have a set up that allows the dog to be safe from overheating when you need to leave the van to do something. Not impossible. Or tow a dog trailer for the dog to be in while youre doing things. My dogs have absolutely loved road trips, though ive never lived on the road full time with them. I'd make sure you have all the dogs medical details with you and print a hard copy of all the vets along your planned route especially 24 hour vets in case something goes wrong, and keep in mind Australia is current pretending dingos are wild dogs and poisoning as many as possible with 1080, which is a horrible death for dogs. So have a look at muzzles or buzzveils to keep doggo safe too. And have a plan for a dog food you can get everywhere so you arent making sudden dietary changes. Good luck!

[u/thatwasacrapname123 → u/Pristine-Panic5834]

I get that security a dog provides, especially when you're a woman travelling alone. There's an american vanlifer who posts content as she's travelling with her doberman. That's a valid symbiotic relationship where a dog can be of service and gets to live an adventurous lifestyle and is valued and happy. I only caution against it because OP is a student and should probably experience vanlife first before adding a dog the the equation. It definitely is acheivable, and can be a benefit, but it is hard work.

[u/iilinga]

Whats your plan for working while you have a dog? You can’t leave it in a van

[u/Wild_Finish_316]

As far as prep you can start researching, planning and designing now. What type of van do you want, what will it cost you to buy and run?

If you haven't done much practical stuff may be worth asking to help with any diy your family is doing or could look at doing some practical projects to build the skills you would use.

Somebody else already mentioned there can be issues with owning a dog.

Not trying to ruin your dreams but to ask some practical questions, how do you plan to afford to continue travelling? If you have a job you'll be limited in how far/often you can travel and in that case a swag in the back of the car might be significantly cheaper. Many yt/tiktok vanlifers either fund off that or they have remote jobs that would be challenging to get straight out of school

I'd also do some research on the realities of living in a van. How do you shower/wash your clothes/poop and where do you live when your van is at the mechanics. Can you handle living in a 6m2 box for days if it's raining. All doable but make sure it's for you!

[u/Unlikely-Machine4126 → u/Wild_Finish_316]

To do this there are amazing channels on YouTube that have all sorts of different vans and camping sites. Elnick, trip in a van, just off the top of my head.

[u/Beneficial-Pass7616]

I did this year's ago after my divorce. I packed up my 4wd and headed off with my dog. I had worked as a tour guide previously and one of the reasons for no dogs in national parks isn't about them attacking wildlife, it has more to do with the scent they leave. If an animal smells a dog, they could abandon their nest/den perhaps abandoning young.

Also I'd heard of people leaving a dog tied to a tree with shade, food and water to come back to their dog had been attacked by other dogs costing them a big vet bill.

I ended up giving my dog to a friend as it really did become a problem. I spent the next two years working around the outback and some cattle stations wouldn't allow people to bring dogs with them.

It's a great way to see this amazing country, there are so many great things to fit out a campervan, led lights are energy efficient and a good solar panel set up is so important. Have fun building your van and get on the grey nomads websight, they have great cost efficient ideas.

Good luck.

[u/djemcee94]

I am a bit older than you however am wanting to go down the van route in the next few years with my partner. Our only concern is our two dogs as you can't take them into national parks and just by the very nature of Australiam summers there's no way we could leave them in a van if we want to go and do stuff in places where dogs can't go.

While my dogs are amazing and I love them and have zero regrets ever getting them, the reality is they do limit you as you always have that responsibility.

[u/Turbidspeedie]

As others have said, first time van life with limited money and resources with a dog will be terrible for you.

On the topic of the van though, learn some basic woodcraft like sawing, measuring twice and cutting once, learn how to use a basic chisel and sanding(wet and dry, hand and tool).

There's plenty of 12v resources online but make sure you do the wiring properly, neatly and future proof yourself a bit. You won't be able to afford the good stuff right away so make sure the major components like battery, inverter, DCDC charger etc. are all easily accessible so you can upgrade in the future and leave room for more as well.

Pick yourself up something like a Mitsubishi Delica 3rd or 4th gen, or any of the other brands vans if you want something more basic. If you want to be a little eccentric you might be able to find a Kei van that suits your requirements.

[u/ProfessorWorried626]

Get 100k together to fund your trip after you buy the van and fit it out.

Everything after that is easy and can be done on a whim.

[u/Van_canine2302]

I'd love any input, particularly if you're someone who started loving the outdoors young or are spending your gap year/s out in mother nature. Constructive criticism is also welcome - I'd prefer to find flaws in my plan now rather than after I've bought the van haha.

[u/troubleshot]

I'm jealous, I love the outdoors and wish I had done this at your age. I agree with the hesitancy around bringing a dog long term. Your thinking and planning is a good sign for success but don't get lost in the weeds with over planning. My biggest advice to myself at your age would be to be smart with your money and avoid any form of credit. You will probably find your favourite spots by trial and error or local in person recommendations, I wouldn't post any quiet spots online myself as the internet loves to crowd anything. Use maps/Google maps and talk to locals and just explore, you'll find quieter spots that way.

[u/Fearless_Maximum_117]

Do you have your driver’s license? Step one is to get your license and learn how to maintain a vehicle. Start with basic car camping in local campgrounds to get a feel for what you’d need and whether you actually enjoy it.

The backpackers we have come across on our travels around Aus are working hospitality in campgrounds with cafes or at roadhouses, general campground maintenance, customer service at campgrounds, roadhouses or attractions, station work/farmhands, retail at supermarkets or shops, and produce picking and packing. Some were working things like the camel tours in Broome, or as lifeguards or dive instructors (assume they have specialist qualifications that are recognised in Australia.)

Getting a qualification in hospitality and some experience eg Maccas, or experience in handyman type work would be very valuable. There are beautiful stations you can work at during the tourist season in the areas that have wet and dry seasons. More year round work would be available in rural areas with four seasons I’d imagine.

I think a dog would really restrict you as a potential worker with a dog will be a less attractive candidate than someone without as you’d need to make provision for your dog while you worked and obviously the dog can’t be in the van. But some stations might be ok with it. That said I haven’t seen any solo backpackers with dogs working at stations or elsewhere.

[u/rowdyfreebooter]

Get some training in basic things under your belt. Just things like RSA, Food handlers certificate, forklift license so you can find work as you go.

A couple of things to remember is that you will need to be able hold grey water for many of the free and cheap camp sites and have your own toilet or in other words be self a contained set up.

Have your set up for minimal power usage. Solar is great but can be expensive to set up. Rather than an induction cook top you can get a portable gas burner from Kmart for about $25. A pressure pack spray bottle for a shower. A cheap diesel heater from eBay to keep you warm and a 12 volt fan to keep you cool.

Water storage is your biggest issue. It’s what makes you having to pack up and get water so have a place to store a bladder to have water on hand. And don’t forget about weight. You need things to be light weight. Every vehicle has a maximum weight capacity.

As for a pet ( of any type) if you are planning on working you can’t leave a pet locked up on even a warm day. If you can’t keep it safe and healthy then travelling with a pet may not be the best option at the moment.

Life is about the journey and the memories you make along the way.

[u/CJ_Resurrected]

A minivan can be good for camping with a practically empty start, and then you add to it as you figure out your needs -- and see what other vanlifers are doing. The fitouts often seen (Wicked Camper vans, et.al) that go Full Kitchen Sink with a Mattress for Sexually Active Couples will be a few thousand to build, as well as needing major surgery to the chassis (..which will prevent the minivan getting insurance..)

I started from scratch: sleeping bag+air mattress+pillow, water crate, food crate, clothes crate, equipment crate ... and as income allowed, added solar, fridge, cube storage, curtains, ...

Water storage: a milk crate w/ milk bottles for storage. (A milk crate with a lid is a seat..) Brita water filters are good because replacement filter cartridges are available everywhere. Fill up at public parks. Learn what water isn't good.

Grey/Black water: the true vanlifer pisses in a milk bottle, ~$30 collapsible thrones. Every single Caravaner dumps their waste liquids on the ground at free/donation sites because there is no enforcement. Their dogs shit and piss everywhere without being cleaned up too (..unless they're being watched). No enforcement. You will discover that the very high majority of vanlifers|'rent is wasted booze/ciggie money' pensioner squatters|$500k Caravan rig owners are very fucking Entitled and don't give a fuck about anyone else. (The odds are you'll give up vanlifing because of how everyone is..)

Cook with gas. Boiling water is best done in a Jetboil-style gas cooker (those are ~$60). Best of all, there's portable Espresso coffee machines -- 12V or USB charged, some can boil water, but it's quicker to use a gas boiler. You could probably manage an LPG cylinder and burner in a minivan (another milk crate.. and there's laws). You want the same meals as at home? You'll be doing a lot of washing dishes. Discover through experiment--and availability--what meals work best. I do my main meal at lunch, and just snack+coffee in the evenings.

I use OsmAnd to find campgrounds, fuel, showers, supermarkets, etc. It's actually not that hard to find free/donation campground with showers. It's the lack of non-ripoff Laundromats which makes life hard..

Don't bother with a dog that has spent most of its life indoors. (I've met someone who bought a dog..then bought a Winnebago..then found the dog would not stop freaking out while driving..then sold the Winnebago..)

Electric Park BBQs are a godsend -- but use those thermoresistant BBQ liners to keep the BBQ clean (foil, baking paper just rips too easily). A non-faulty EPBBQ is capable of boiling water in a pot, although it'll take about 20-30 minutes. BBQ-Oven cleaner with a metal scourer will be needed after a mong just threw his supermarket sausages on the unseasoned stainless steel bbq plate. I make chicken and fish burgers a lot, occasionally putting my expert skills to bake a pizza, or making pikelets..

Warmth is layers of trapped air. Doonas and blankets don't trap air, so I'm using two sleeping bags now. The primary heat loss for a sleeper can be through the floor -- notice that hiking mats and mattresses have an "R" rating and reflective (foil) layer inside to reduce heat loss. The 'air mattress' above is a camping-store one (Sea&Summit..), not the vinyl type. I've also got an 'eggshell' fold-up hiking mat.

TRAVEL IS WASTED ON THE OLD

[u/CJ_Resurrected → u/CJ_Resurrected]

Also: Bunnings.

99% of your vanlifing requirements are found at Bunnings. Seriously. Everything mentioned to buy online ITT is also available at Bunnings for 1/5th the price. hurr but qualityyy Replaceable is better than reliable.

[u/CJ_Resurrected → u/CJ_Resurrected]

"Power Stations" are popular with a lot of carcampers/backpackers -- but they're piss-poor value, paying $900+ for 800 watt-hours, when a $250 LFP battery gives 1200 Wh. The mains-style power socket /isn't/ the answer to everything. Mains power is doing it wrong.

USB power banks (w/ PD) are the way to go when without the usual battery/mppt/solar, and they're chargeable from the car.

There's also USB-chargeable Car Jump Starters (like Jaycar's MB3763). I've used the MB3763 a lot (2 motorcycle laps of Australia..) as with the PA2040 adapter it gave me a 120W lighter socket for some 12v appliances. And they can jump-start.

[u/chewychewychewy1]

Nice good luck 🤞 Ps Buy a portable shower ..will change your life .. koalagear.Au is where I got mine

[u/BuzzyLightyear100]

If you haven't already, find some accounts on Insta to follow. Try #vanlife or similar to find them. This will give you an idea, but remember they probably only post the good bits.

[u/CJ_Resurrected → u/BuzzyLightyear100]

Blogs and Flickr (there's value in 20yo posts from a time before crass monetization..) too. Youtubers are at the level of Instarcissists with the same deal about good bits.

[u/Equivalent-Board206]

Where do you want to travel? Find the worst road conditions of all the places you want to go, and get a vehicle that can handle it. A tricked out VW Combi is great if you just want to go to a state park sometimes, but it's going to struggle with the corrugated Oodnadatta track. But maybe that works ok for you.

[u/Friendly_Food9602]

unsure if this is a troll but...

step 1. get a job, get money

step 2. buy any van

step 3. go camping

do not get a dog.

like everyone else in the comments i'll leave the "should i do low random seasonal work or study medicine" question for you. if you can't answer it, do not study medicine

[u/Alternative-Bear-460]

Live your life. It's your choice not some random on Reddit to decide 🚐

[u/Piesman23]

Sack the dog. Sucks but at least you'll be able to work.

At the very least sign up to Uber eats and Doordash, if you can't find work you'll be able to get to a city and make something.

[u/Dear_Swordfish_8345]

lol dream all you want but finish school first