Living the Promaster van life is an exciting lifestyle, but comfort and efficiency are crucial for sustaining it long-term. My van is my home and I want live as stress free as possible. I have lived through heat waves and below zero weather in my van, so my comfort is very important especially in these extreme situations.
Whether you’re a weekend adventurer or enjoying a full-time van life, here are essential tips to make life on the road both enjoyable and practical.
1. Prioritize a Comfortable Living Space
I was able to design my van interior the way I needed and wanted. I tried several different layouts on paper with the specific needs I felt I wanted. Firstly I wanted a permanent bed. Secondly, was a bench to sit on with a kitchen on the opposite wall, with upper cabinets, but not one over my head where I was sleeping.
I also chose to have a wall with a door behind the seats, giving me more privacy as I knew I would be living stealth in the city for at least a year while I was still working full time.
Your van is your home, so invest in features that make it feel cozy:
- A Good Mattress: A quality bed setup is essential for restful sleep. Opt for a memory foam or custom-sized mattress that fits your van’s layout.
- Temperature Control: Insulation, vent fans, and portable heaters or AC units ensure comfort in all seasons.
- Declutter Regularly: Limited space means you need to stay organized. Use well planned storage bins and foldable furniture to maximize space .
2. Master Efficient Power and Water Management
A solar system was a priority in my budgeting and van design. I chose not to install a shower or black tank. I have a separator toilet, where I manually empty my pee bucket and bag my poo.
Living off-grid requires planning:
- Solar Power: A rooftop solar system with batteries can power lights, appliances, and devices. This setup reduces dependence on campsites or gas-powered generators .
- Water Storage: Install a fresh water tank and a greywater system. I carry a 20 gallon jug for drinking water.
- Energy-Saving Tips: Use LED lighting, charge devices during the day, and monitor power usage with an app or display .
3. Streamline Daily Tasks for a Happy Promaster Van Life
When I was first planning my Promaster van life I made a note of the things I used and the clothes I wore for a few months beforehand. That way I had a good idea what I wanted to bring into my van. I have downsided my clothes a few time over the years as I took more than I ever used.
I suggest living in your van or carving out a small space before purchasing all the gadgets that are advertised for vanlife. Less is definitely more in this lifestyle.
Efficiency in chores saves time and energy:
- Simplified Cooking: Choose multipurpose cookware and a compact stove. I have a one burner induction cooktop. Meal prep and dry food storage help avoid last-minute grocery stops.
- Compact Tools: Keep a basic toolkit for repairs, from van maintenance to household fixes.
- Apps for Logistics: Apps like iOverlander or Campendium can help you find campsites, water refill stations, and parking spots .
4. Stay Connected and Safe
I do some remote work so needed to have internet access while travelling. Libraries or public wifi are an option but I also wanted to be off grid at times so needed another option.
I use my phone data plan for downloading and accessing what I need to on my computer and it has worked well for me the last 3 years. Starlink is popular among van lifers but I am on a tight budget and have not caved in so far.
Maintaining communication and security is key:
- Wi-Fi Solutions: Portable hotspots or mobile data plans provide reliable internet for work or navigation.
- Safety Measures: I chose not to have any windows other than my back ones just for this reason. I always make sure my doors are locked and I have a dash cam that will hopefully detour anyone from breaking into my van. Parking in a safe area is always a priority.
5. Take Care of Your Well-Being
I knew I wanted to live in a van and travel, however I did not really consider how much time I would spend alone. I do meet fellow travellers but the interactions are often fairly superficial.
Mental and physical health matter on the road:
- Routine Exercise: Incorporate activities like yoga, hiking, or stretching to stay active.
- Personal Time: Meditation or journaling can help you maintain balance and process the highs and lows of vanlife.
- Community: Join vanlife forums or meet-ups to connect with like-minded travelers and share tips.
6. Plan for Flexibility
I love the spontaneity of travelling in my Promaster van life and thrive on not having any set plans. This may not work for everyone but I only have a big picture of where I am going and then each day decide where I travel to and explore next.
Life on the road is unpredictable:
- Backup Plans: Always have a secondary campsite or route in mind. Weather, van issues, or closed sites can disrupt your plans.
- Emergency Kit: Stock up on first aid supplies, jumper cables, and essential spare water and food.
Conclusion
Vanlife offers freedom, but staying comfortable and efficient requires intentionality. With the right setup, tools, and mindset, you can embrace the Promaster van life with ease and maximize your adventures.
Let me know what part of vanlife you find the most difficult?
The post Promaster Van Life – How to Stay Comfortable on the Road appeared first on Sharing My Van Life.
