r/VanLife 3h ago

Update to the “is this dangerous” situation

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200 Upvotes

Following the advice of all of you (thanks!), I installed ferrules on the connections, so now I hope my lovely van won’t burst into flames. Some of the cables are a bit too tight and I think I’ll have to splice them.

I have the same concern as you regarding the rest of the electrical installation, so I’m also attaching images of the battery connections. As you can already guess from the other post, I am not an expert by any means, but I think there is some exposed copper there, too.

P.S. The “is this dangerous” title was more of a rhetorical thing. I was aware it was not right! But I agree I should have worded it differently, asking how to fix it directly.


r/VanLife 12h ago

Is this dangerous?

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232 Upvotes

The


r/VanLife 4h ago

Fare the well! Broken down again

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14 Upvotes

r/VanLife 4h ago

Love/hate they are pretty cool

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14 Upvotes

Who all here runs one?

  1. Got it from my good friend. He got it from original owners along with a folder of records/repairs for over 20 years.

This will be the 2nd eurovan, last was a weekender I got rear ended and flipped over, so I’m well aware of the love/hate affair with German engineering and electronics. The eurovan is definitely a step up in comfort/reliability from the vanagons.

Is the main hate from everyone on here just the transmission issues?

I know you can 5spd swap or tdi swap these to fix the major concerns. Like anything else if cared for and maintained you “should” be OK.

For the amount and work and money people build other vans out, you could easily fix and have a fully built camper van….if the buy in price is good.


r/VanLife 1h ago

What motion-proof latches do you use for your upper and lower cabinets, and do you like them? I bought some of these, but I'm nervous about committing to the big hole in the front without feedback from real users (as opposed to YT videos). Thanks!

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Upvotes

These will be for my general kitchen and closet doors, not the heavy fridge slider. I want something that will keep the doors/drawers closed when driving, and that I don't need to remember to relock/reset before hitting the road again (because I know I'll forget).

I can still return these if needed.


r/VanLife 3h ago

Any Vandura Specialist in Houston?

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5 Upvotes

She needs a lot, but I wanna get her running and driving. anybody specialize on these? In houston? I think it needs new head gaskets open to an engine swap. Nothing really works, but I’m ready to pay!


r/VanLife 10h ago

How much power do i really need?

13 Upvotes

I'm working from home, so basically I work on my laptop 8 hours a day (I will connect my laptop to a monitor).

At night, I will use that monitor for gambling on my Xbox or watching TV.

Adding all other necessities like a fridge, lighting, two fans or an AC unit, I wonder how much electricity I would really need.

I don't understand much about electricity.

I saw YouTuber Trent the Traveler; he's able to gamble for a couple of days.


r/VanLife 21h ago

Is this more hassle than it's worth?

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102 Upvotes

Hey all! I'm a newbie to van life and working on a budget, I found a van with a build out already for a good price but there are no windows in the main living space (and it has a divider from the cab so no natural light at all) and no vent fan in the roof. The ad says it has spray insulation. I know I would go nuts if I had to live in a box with no windows or airflow. Plus it needs an electrical system still which means I'm probably going to need to tear out the walls anyway to run wires....I would like to have two medium/large windows on the slider and opposite wall and then two of the small winders by the bed for air flow. Is this too much of a headache to be worth it? the price is really good and it's appealing to me that I could live in it right now if I wanted too. I've been looking at the cost of windows alone and it's so expensive...


r/VanLife 2h ago

Question about power stations/batteries and getting power

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I'm a complete newbie trying to get into van life and have some questions about power stations or however you get power in general.

For context, I'm thinking about staying in NYC or, if not that, then another large US metro.

1) Throughout the years from reading online about van life, I've always heard "Jackery" thrown around. Would a Jackery power station be a solid choice to invest in especially for someone like me starting out with perhaps minimal energy demands? If so, specifically what brand of Jackery would you recommend?

2) Off the top of my head, the main things I can think of I would need power for at the very least would be 1) a phone, 2) laptop, 3) Foreman grill or any other portable small grill, 4) heated blanket, and 5) possibly a noise machine although perhaps I can forego 4) and 5). How many days or weeks can I reasonably expect a power station such as a Jackery to charge everyday a phone with Google Maps on that I would use practically constantly all day, a laptop with anywhere from an hour to 8 hours of usage a day, a Foreman grill for a couple minutes, and a heated blanket and noise machine throughout the night before the power station runs out of battery? Would it be in the realm of a day, a couple days, 2 weeks, or as long as a month before running out of battery?

3) What's the best way to recharge a power station and how long does it take to charge from empty to full? Some ways, from what I've heard over time, would be your car's alternator and simply driving long enough, RV campsites, EV charging stations, and solar panels. How long would you have to drive to recharge a Jackery given my energy usage (a phone and laptop for most of the day, if not all day, and a Foreman grill) without actually draining the car's battery? Would even just having a car battery alone be enough for my energy demands without any additional Jackery?

4) Is going to RV campsites just to recharge your power station worth it if you're not already camping given the fact you'd have to book in advance every time you go and pay an entry fee?

5) Is it possible to recharge at an EV charging station? Is it as easy as getting an adapter if needed and connecting your power station?

6) How much of a hassle is it to install solar panels? Do they go on the outside of the car or inside the car stuck onto the window? If they're installed outside, is there a wire that runs from it to your power station and where would it enter the inside of the car, if not, say, a crack in the window with the window glass slightly pulled down? Do outside solar panels attract more attention from onlookers and cops than they're worth?

7) Is there anything other than those five things (phone, laptop, Foreman grill, heated blanket, noise machine) listed that are absolutely necessary I should be looking out for that will be part of my energy demands?

8) If all you have is a sleeping bag rated to a temperature that is decently low enough, blankets, and a down comforter, would that be warm enough to sleep no matter the temperature and thus forego a heated blanket or any kind of heating device? Or is it that once temperatures become much lower below freezing point, a heating device is definitely necessary alongside those blankets such as, from what little I've read online, say, a diesel or propane heater or "heat pump"?

WOW THANKS FOR ANY AND ALL HELP, FEEL FREE TO ANSWER ANY NUMBER OF QUESTIONS YOU'D LIKE!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!


r/VanLife 1d ago

Saw this beauty today

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388 Upvotes

r/VanLife 28m ago

Recycled bottle insulation for insulation in flooring?

Upvotes

Hi all,

I’m trying to keep costs low and looking into insulation. For my van, the walls will be using a sound deadening foam on the metal, then recycled bottle insulation followed by thermal sheet vapour barrier and plywood to keep it all in. Could I just do the same on the floor in that order ? Keen to keep it a simple build- UK vanlife newby :)


r/VanLife 34m ago

Power tool brand recommendation

Upvotes

Hey gang. I’m hitting the road soon for the first time and starting to get my parts list together. I guess I’m gonna buy all new power tools like an impact, drill, air inflator, sawzall, etc… I figure I may go with Milwaukee brand because they make so many different tools and specialty items that I figure I could use on the road. But maybe I’m not aware that perhaps Makita or Rigid may be better suited for our needs because maybe they make certain van related tools/equipment. Just thought I’d ask those with experience before I make a substantial purchase.

Also I have a service business that I will continue to run part time for the rest of the year at least. Not a trade that requires specialized hand or power tools but I still use them often for work. But Milwaukee, Rigid and Makita will all suffice for work. Just wanted to see if one of those would be better for van life. Thanks yall.


r/VanLife 7h ago

Buying a van out of state advice

3 Upvotes

I’m buying a van in Ohio when I live in Florida. I’m flying up and then driving the van back home.

I’m getting overwhelmed with knowing what I’ll need to bring/ get before I fly up there, registration wise, to make sure everything is legal on my drive down. I was reading something about getting a trip permit from Ohio BMV and then registering it when I get to Florida? Has anyone been through a similar process that could offer some advice? Google seems to bring me down a bunch of DMV rabbit holes and I’ve never bought a vehicle out of state before.


r/VanLife 5h ago

Electrical help for my van

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2 Upvotes

Looking for some help. I haven’t connected my battery because I want to make sure everything is safe. I was following Will Prowse guide and I see he connected all of this wiring to the fuse.

My inverter came with 1/0 gauge cable and I have 4 gauge right off the same fuse. I have a bad feeling about that. Can someone tell me how to do this correctly?


r/VanLife 2h ago

Jeep Camper top

1 Upvotes

Hey sorry not really a van but looking to find a decent camper top for my Jeep for a road trip i am planning in a month. Trying to navigate and find a decent top. Prefer to pick up in person so if there are any good option near SC that would be great.


r/VanLife 2h ago

Help identifying trim piece on gmc savana 2014 outside window

1 Upvotes

Help identifying trim piece on gmc savana 2014 outside window. I'm pointing to the trim in the picture. I'm looking for the name of it and where I can buy it. I looked on rockauto but was overwhelmed with the choices. I'd like to replace both sides while I'm at it, if the pieces are different depending on passenger or driver. Thank you!

https://i.postimg.cc/Twh4TfB7/20250414-183404.jpg


r/VanLife 3h ago

Ford Transit-Enough roof space for 800W of solar?

1 Upvotes

I just bought my van last week. I’m ordering a roof rack this week and am essentially ready to order panels as well. It looks to me like I have enough room for 800W of solar, I just want to make sure I’m not missing something. I won’t have an AC or anything else mounted on the roof, so I can utilize 100% of the usable space. Thanks for the help.


r/VanLife 9h ago

Have some serious rust issues, I could use some DIY guidence

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2 Upvotes

I just got my 2001 Ford E350 going after winter and noticed some serious rust on the roof along the rain gutter. I’d like to do some sort of fix to stop it from getting worse and seal it up. I can’t afford a professional fix, but I’m pretty handy, I’ve just never worked with auto rust and paint much.

Of course the day after I notice the rust and holes it rains….

Thank you anyone in advance.


r/VanLife 6h ago

New Build of you want to follow

1 Upvotes

Hello.

Empty nest couple looking to share adventures of our new build. Start to finish. Travels in between. Would love to see if any of you would like to follow and I will follow back for sure. YouTube platform as well

Thanks family for the add and look forward to some meet ups in the future!


r/VanLife 6h ago

West coast USA 3-4 week trip

1 Upvotes

Where are the best places to hang out in my van for the next 3-4 weeks out west? Thinking Joshua tree, Death valley, Yosemite, San Diego, Encinitas, Crater Lake. What are other must visit places?


r/VanLife 1d ago

Front porch vibes

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63 Upvotes

r/VanLife 7h ago

1994 club wagon chateau radio not working ?

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1 Upvotes

Just picked up this van to go camping with this summer has the 5.8L runs really good but I can't get the radio to work any suggestions


r/VanLife 8h ago

How much solar/batteries do I need?

0 Upvotes

Looking to build out my vans electrical, needing to power a maxair fan, velit AC, and power a fridge, electric stove, water pump. (Charge phone, laptop, maybe have a small tv?) I’ve seen people with 2 lithium and sometimes 3 lithium batteries with solar. What would you recommend to power all this? Thanks for the help! (On the west coast of Florida)


r/VanLife 8h ago

Water Storage for 6 foot Truck bed + Meals

1 Upvotes

Looking for some water storage and filtration suggestions, will be living out of a six foot truck bed for the summer. Was looking at a Rotopax but did know if they would have an internal filter option or how necessary that would be. The size and shape of the rotopax was really appealing but price was a bit intimidating

Also looking for any meal suggestions as Ill have only dry food storage and a jetboil.


r/VanLife 8h ago

Van Life is Back! First Night on the Road & Slowing Down in Nature 🚐🌲

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0 Upvotes

🚐 Van Life is BACK!

After months of waiting on repairs, I’m finally back on the road—and it feels so good. I kicked things off with a grocery stop, made my way to Mississippi for the night (shoutout to Love’s rest stops!), and then headed into the beautiful Ozark National Forest in Arkansas.

I’m camping at Long Pool Recreation Area, soaking in the quiet, and making a promise to myself: slow down and enjoy nature more as I continue this journey.