My Travel Vehicles
Every vehicle is a teacher. Here's everything I've called home.
What Every Vehicle Teaches You
Each vehicle I've lived in has shaped how I think about van life. The pick-up taught me I could live with almost nothing. The bus taught me the value of community. The campervan taught me that you can have real comfort without a house.
Below is the full history — what each vehicle had, what it lacked, what worked, and what I'd do differently. If you're deciding on your first (or next) vehicle, this is the most honest comparison I can offer.
The Vehicles, In Order
From a $200 pick-up with a futon to a full shuttle bus conversion — the whole honest history.
01
"Loose Lucy" — 1999 Dodge Dakota Pick-Up + Camper Shell
The first vehicle. A pick-up truck with a matching camper shell bought for stealth and simplicity. Fit: twin futon mattress, 150Ah battery, blackout curtains, camp stove, and a Verizon mobile WiFi hotspot. No bathroom, no shower, no consistent power beyond the battery — and it was perfect for what…
02
"Starship Enterprise" — 2004 Ford E-350 18-Passenger…
This one wasn't built for solo travel — it was a rolling tour van for a 6-person rock band. Bought cheap in Chicago despite serious rust (low mileage saved it). Inside: full leather couch, loveseat, hammock, 600W inverter, and an electric wheelchair ramp that made loading and unloading gear…
03
"Jennie" — 1998 LDV Convoy Campervan
A proper van conversion for solo and duo travel. More thoughtful layout, better storage, real systems for power and water. This was the vehicle that took me through Europe and made long-term van life feel sustainable rather than improvised.
04
Rigs Since Then
After Jennie, I've worked through several more setups — always iterating, always learning. High-roof cargo vans, minivans for stealth urban camping, a pickup camper for mountain access. Each one solved problems the last one created, and none of them was perfect. That's the point.
What I've Learned About Choosing a Vehicle
Stealth vs. Comfort
Pick-ups and minivans blend into parking lots. Sprinters and buses don't. Know your priorities…
Power Is Everything
Whatever vehicle you choose, size your battery bank larger than you think you need. You'll find…
Buy Reliable, Not Cheap
A $5,000 reliable van beats a $2,000 problem van every time. Breakdowns in remote places cost far…
Your Needs Will Change
Your first van won't be your last. Don't overbuild — get on the road, learn what you actually…
Altitude Matters
High-altitude camping demands different equipment. Propane burns differently above 8,000 feet…
Community Is a Feature
Van lifers help van lifers. The online community and apps like iOverlander are as important as any…
Picking Your First Van Life Vehicle?
The blog has deep dives on vehicle selection, conversion tips, and what to look for when buying used.