VanLiving in Retirement

The best single web source for cheap, nomadic vehicle living information is www.cheaprvliving.com. They also have a YouTube channel by the same name. There are many vehicle conversions on these sites to review. These include: vans; utility trailers; schoolies (retired school busses both small and large); and, box trucks (bread trucks and former U-haul trucks).

Would like to see articles about vehicle retirement living address the question of security. It seems like vehicles would be far less safe to live in than buildings, but I don't know for sure since I don't see the issue brought up.

Sorry - but watching this video left me cold, and not because I can't embrace the concept of tiny living.

It's hard to understand why one would pay $80K - $100K for a reinvention of the wheel, no pun intended. RV manufacturers have all but perfected the manufacture of tiny houses on wheels, including all-in-ones with roughly the same size footprint, but at a much lower cost along with better layouts and features.

If the best way to utilize space is to stow a portable toilet in a kitchen cabinet under the sink and microwave, it seems clear that the living area is at least eight square feet too small. Talk about a massive yuck factor on more levels than any of us want to ponder. Even a dog innately knows better than to poop where he eats.

Hi JCarol

I felt the same way--too claustrophobic and the price is outrageous. Vehicles like this can only decline in value over time. This appears to be a flash in the pan for a small segment of people even interested in living full time in a van.

Expensive? I guess it could be if you buy a $150,000 Roadtrek or a $120,000 Winnwbago Class B self-contained van. Most people doing this as an alternative way of living are spending $5,000 to $10,000 to both purchase a used vehicle AND construct a simple living quarters. It is very cheap living accommodations. You can buy a used 40 ft. long schoolie for $5,000 or less and spend $10,000 to remodel the bus and have a fully contained home with fresh and waste water holding tanks; a shower and sink; solar panels, batteries and power inverter; dedicated bedroom; dedicated dinette table; and, a sofa. To make the cost reasonable, however, you must do the conversion work yourself.

If one spends very little for the vehicle, there will be little to no depreciation. The financial risk is limited to the conversion budget. This is nothing compared to the housing market downdraft of 2007-2010. Furthermore, there's always more financial risk purchasing a house in a retirement or vacation area versus purchasing a house in a mixed neighborhood.

Doug, I was referring specifically to the Mercedes conversion featured in the blog topic. As an RV recreational camper who is not a full timer, I'm well acquainted with (and quite admiring of) the remarkable DIY conversions that people build with low budgets and great skills. Their results offer great livability at a terrific price.

Despite wishing it were otherwise, most retirees haven't the combination of talent, confidence, stamina and inclination needed to convert old school buses into living quarters. For them, used RVs are easy to find, reasonably priced, and include the amenities you listed above.

You and I would surely agree that when considering full-timing, particularly if boondocking, a few creature comforts (like a dedicated bathroom and indoor shower) become extraordinarily important. A little more space, as in the schoolie you described or a smallish RV, will also go a very, very long way.

Not to speak for Jennifer Lee, but my impression of her comment was that expensive conversion vans like the Mercedes will depreciate drastically and have narrow appeal. I agree.

JCarol, When I made my expensive comment I was also referring to Mercedes-based Roadtreks and Winnebagos. I also own a recreational RV (Class A) not used for full-time living. Bought it used to not incur as much depreciation. That said, the segment of the current RV market that is not experiencing large depreciation is the small RV market, namely the Mercedes-based Class B vans and Class C's on cutaway chassis. They are expensive but not depreciating rapidly because they are in such high demand at this time. One Mercedes-based manufacturer's units take 9 months to get from order to delivery. It's used market reflects little depreciation in late model units.

JCarol you are correct in the interpretation of my comment. Sorry I was not more specific.

Gotcha, Doug, and agree completely. To avoid a huge initial outlay and subsequent depreciation we bought a used 5er and a used diesel truck to haul it. Both were in excellent condition and have given us no trouble.

I agree on the smaller Class B & C RVs being in high demand and likely to remain so, but those are a whole different kettle of fish from the small van conversion discussed in this article.

Happy camping, my friend!

Have you Rv'ers heard of Harvest Hosts? They have a website and have free overnight stays at farms, vineyards,museums and all kinds of fun venues for one night only. These are small businesses that are trying to attract visitors. It would be a fun way to see the country as there are hundreds of places --they have a map of the USA on their website. Many are in out of the way places. There are a few rules about etiquette and cleanliness while staying overnight, but that would just be good manners no matter where one chooses to stay. Below is the link.

https://harvesthosts.com/

We loved Harvest Hosts so much we purchased a lifetime membership during our 1st year of membership. They have now been purchased by a new owner but that’s not a bad thing. The new management has added 360 golf courses. Can’t wait to start up again in April (we rent out West each Winter for skiing) and enjoy additional ‘free’ overnights as we travel.

Also: boondockers welcome and freecampsites.net. Military bases have campgrounds if you're former armed service personnel. Corps of Engineer Campgrounds and state parks are reasonably priced. There are many resources to locate free or low cost overnight campsites.