Intro to Van Life
Welcome to the world of van life! For the past 3 years, I've been living the dream, exploring the open road and calling my trusty 2021 Pleasure Way Tofino camper van my home on wheels. In this in-depth blog post, I'm excited to take you on a journey through the highs and lows of van life, sharing the good, the bad, and the unexpected experiences that have come with embracing this unique lifestyle.
As an avid outdoor enthusiast and photographer, the ability to pack up my gear and hit the road at a moment's notice has been a game-changer. My camper van has become a mobile basecamp, allowing me to venture deep into nature, capture stunning landscapes, and truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But van life isn't all rainbows and sunshine - there have certainly been some challenges along the way that I've had to navigate.
In this post, I'll give you an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at my van build, highlighting the features I love as well as the areas that could use some improvement. I'll share practical tips and tricks I've learned from my time on the road, and provide a glimpse into the realities of living in a compact, self-contained space. Whether you're a seasoned van lifer or just curious about the lifestyle, I hope this article will inspire you and provide valuable insights to help you on your own van life journey. So, let's dive in and explore the good, the bad, and the unexpected of life in a camper van!
The Van Build
At the heart of my van life experience is my 2021 Pleasure Way Tofino camper van, built on the Ram 1500 ProMaster chassis. One of the things I love most about this van is its compact size - it's only about 18 feet long, making it incredibly maneuverable and easy to park just about anywhere. This has been a game-changer when it comes to navigating tight city streets, narrow mountain roads, and crowded campgrounds.
The Pleasure Way conversion has also given my van a plush, well-appointed interior that feels more like a cozy home than a utilitarian work van. From the comfortable swivel seats to the impressive 2,000-watt battery system and built-in propane heating, this van has been meticulously designed to provide all the comforts of home, even in the most remote locations.
Pros of the Van Build
- Compact size for easy maneuverability and parking
- Comfortable, well-appointed interior with thoughtful design elements
- Impressive 2,000-watt battery system and propane heating for off-grid living
- Ample storage space for gear, supplies, and personal belongings
- Rear-facing camera for improved visibility and safety while driving
Cons of the Van Build
- Lack of four-wheel drive capability, which can limit access to some remote areas
- Underwhelming entertainment system with no Apple CarPlay integration
- Finicky swivel mechanism for the front seats
- Absence of a built-in bathroom or air conditioning system
Exploring the Great Outdoors
One of the primary reasons I chose a camper van over a traditional RV or trailer is the freedom and flexibility it offers. With my Pleasure Way Tofino, I can easily navigate narrow forest roads, squeeze into tight parking spots, and access remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations that would be inaccessible to larger vehicles. This has allowed me to truly immerse myself in nature and discover some of the most breathtaking landscapes the country has to offer.
Whether I'm boondocking in the Adirondacks, exploring the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest, or chasing the perfect light for my landscape photography, my van has been an invaluable companion. The pop-top roof and large windows provide ample ventilation and natural light, while the built-in solar panels and battery system ensure I can power my essential electronics and stay connected, even in the most remote locations.
Of course, van life isn't without its challenges, and I've had to adapt to the limitations of my compact living space. Cooking, for example, can be a bit of a dance, but the van's small kitchen area with its induction stove and sink has proven to be more than adequate for my needs. And while the lack of an air conditioning system can be a downside in hot weather, the van's propane heating system has been a lifesaver during chilly nights in the mountains.
Pros of Exploring the Great Outdoors
- Ability to access remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations
- Ample ventilation and natural light from the pop-top roof and windows
- Self-sufficient power system with solar panels and 2,000-watt battery
- Compact kitchen area that meets basic cooking needs
- Efficient propane heating system for cold weather comfort
Cons of Exploring the Great Outdoors
- Lack of four-wheel drive can limit access to some remote areas
- No air conditioning system can be a challenge in hot weather
- Compact living space requires careful organization and space management
Creature Comforts and Customizations
While my Pleasure Way Tofino may be compact, I've worked hard to make it feel like a true home on wheels. One of the features I'm most proud of is the rear-facing camera system, which has been a game-changer for visibility and safety while driving. Instead of relying on a traditional rearview mirror, I can now keep an eye on what's happening behind me on a dedicated screen, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and reverse with confidence.
Another area where I've made some customizations is the sleeping setup. The van's built-in couch converts into a comfortable sleeping platform, and I've added a few personal touches to make it even cozier, like a custom Elra storage system and blackout curtains for the cab area. These small upgrades have gone a long way in creating a restful and private sleeping environment, even when parked in busy campgrounds or rest areas.
Of course, no van life experience would be complete without a few creature comforts, and I've made sure to incorporate some of my favorite amenities. A portable video projector, for instance, allows me to transform the van into a cozy movie theater, while a rear seat organizer keeps my essential items within easy reach. These little touches may seem minor, but they've gone a long way in making my van feel like a true home away from home.
My Customizations
- Rear-facing camera system for improved visibility and safety while driving
- Comfortable sleeping setup with custom Elra storage and blackout curtains
- Portable video projector for in-van movie nights
- Rear seat organizer to keep essential items within easy reach
- Versatile storage solutions and organization systems throughout the van
Lessons Learned and Tips for Van Life
As with any lifestyle change, van life has come with its fair share of lessons and challenges. One of the biggest adjustments has been adapting to the compact living space and learning to prioritize what I truly need versus what I can live without. Storage and organization have become essential skills, and I've had to get creative with solutions like the Elra system and custom storage boxes to keep my belongings tidy and accessible.
Another key lesson has been the importance of self-sufficiency and preparedness. With no permanent home base, I've had to become adept at managing my van's power, water, and heating systems, as well as anticipating and planning for potential issues that may arise on the road. This has included everything from troubleshooting the finicky window screens to ensuring I have a reliable backup power source for my camera gear and other electronics.
Despite the occasional hiccup, van life has been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience. The freedom to explore the great outdoors, disconnect from the stresses of everyday life, and connect with like-minded adventurers has been truly transformative. And while the journey hasn't always been easy, the memories and experiences I've gained have been well worth the effort.
Top Tips for Aspiring Van Lifers
- Prioritize organization and storage solutions to maximize your limited space
- Become familiar with your van's systems and learn how to troubleshoot common issues
- Invest in reliable backup power sources and emergency supplies
- Embrace the flexibility and freedom of van life, but be prepared for the challenges
- Connect with the van life community for support, advice, and camaraderie
Conclusion: The Joys and Realities of Van Life
As I reflect on my 3 years of van life, I can honestly say that it has been a transformative and deeply rewarding experience. While there have certainly been ups and downs, the overall journey has been one of personal growth, adventure, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
My Pleasure Way Tofino camper van has been the perfect companion for this chapter of my life, providing the freedom and flexibility to explore remote corners of the country, while also offering the comforts of home. From the cozy sleeping setup to the impressive power and heating systems, this van has been a true home on wheels, allowing me to live life on my own terms.
Of course, van life isn't without its challenges, and I've had to learn to adapt and problem-solve along the way. But the lessons I've learned and the memories I've made have been well worth the effort. Whether it's watching the sunset from the comfort of my pop-top roof, or waking up to the sound of birdsong in a secluded forest, the joys of van life have far outweighed the occasional frustrations.
For more information on my van life journey, be sure to check out my website and follow me on social media: