Ladder to stealth.

Since I work as a builder a ladder rack atop a van is a common site and a very useful item. I have a ladder rack on top of my current van which normally carries a 16' extension ladder and a 6' step ladder. It also holds any long lumber that is unable to fit inside the van.

It has also occurred to me how handy a ladder rack would be for stealth vanning.

Seeing a professional looking rack with a ladder on top of a van screams "Work Van!". No one thinks twice about them. If you have a plain, windowless van, adding a ladder rack almost makes it impossible for someone to think that the inside contains a little living room rather than racks of tools and parts. For this reason no one would find it suspect that the windows have been blocked. They will just assume that you are hiding your valuable tools from prying eyes. This little addition could make it even easier to park overnight in front of a business or residential area without looking like you are sleeping inside.

Also, having a ladder on the rack can come in very handy. If you pick up odd jobs as you travel, a ladder will allow you to have more versatility in the things you do. If you are only going to own one ladder, buy a multi position ladder such as the "Little Giant Ladder" or the less expensive version made by Werner and available at Home Depot. It can be a step ladder, an extension ladder, scaffolding etc.

In addition to the ladder, many plumbers and electricians carry a large lenght of PVC or ABS plastic pipe on their ladder rack that is capped on the ends in which to carry smaller sizes of pipe and conduit. Having this setup atop your van adds to the professional look of your rig and also makes perfect storage for things like fishing rods, tent poles, rolled up rugs for the campsite etc. You could also use the black ABS pipe, seal it up, add a fill spout and a spigot and have a big solar water heater on top of your van. Be sure to use a sturdy rack and secure it well if you do this, it will be very heavy when filled.

If you do a good amount of stealth camping, the more your van looks like a work van the better.

Vans vs. Recreational Vehicles, one mans take.

For those of us who have chosen a converted van to travel in or live in fulltime, one of the most frequently asked questions is "why not just buy an RV?". While there is nothing wrong with living or traveling in a factory made motorhome, vanners chose their mode of transport for many different and specific reasons. Here are some of the answers I could give for that question (in no particular order).

1. Vans tend to be more affordable than most other motorized RVs. When you are buying an RV, either from a dealership or from a private seller, you are buying a luxury item. No one really needs an RV per say, and because of that they can be priced higher. In addition, ready made RVs contain a lot of specialized equipment and modifications which ad to the price. There are far more work vans out there than there are motorhomes, so the volume of choices makes it easier to find one that suits your needs and budget.

2. Vans are common. This provides several advantages. It is easier to get them worked on than a motorhome which may often need to be serviced at specialty shops. Parts are easier to find and more affordable. It also allows them to stand out less on the streets which can help avoid unwanted attention from both sides of the law.

3. Vans are built to suit the person who will be using them. Commercially produced RVs are layed out and equipped as to what the manufacturer thinks will appeal to the most people. Customizing an empty van to not only suit your style but also to contain only the features you need arranged how you want them makes for a much more efficient and comfortable living space. When you are done doing the work, the van is truly yours and will feel much more like home. Plus it can be endlessly redesigned and rebuilt as your needs or wants evolve.

4. Vans are simple. RVs come equipped with tons of complex systems built into every nook and cranny. Most vanners prefer simplicity so having a blank canvas and only making it as complex as you want gives control to the end user. In addition, when customizing a van for yourself, you are the one who put the systems in place so you know how they work. No need to pour through manuals (that may often not come with a used RV) or try and figure out someone else's work when something breaks. Simplicity and self reliance equals peace of mind.

5. Vans fit. Motorhomes, even ones based on van chassis, are often too tall and heavy to go everywhere an adventurous soul may want to trod. Vans fit into regular parking spaces, most parking garages, under low trees, down narrow trails, etc. Since they are basically trucks, the can also be easily modified to have increased ground clearance, off road suspensions, or even 4 wheel drive for those who wish to go way off the beaten path.

6. Vans are just cool. From the adorable VW bus to the macho Detroit models, vans are in a class all their own. The 1970's fad still holds its ground with the idea that a personally customized ride that can also be lived in is something awesome. Vans, and their cult status, are very appealing.

We all have our reasons for choosing vans to live or travel in and I welcome other vanners to add their answers to this question in the comments section.

My New Era of Vanning.

There are quite a few van dwelling related websites and blogs out there. A lot of the information that I have learned through my own experiences and will share here may mirror what others have written. Good ideas are universal and can be stumbled upon by one's self without knowing that others have been doing the same thing for years. That's part of the fun of vanning, a true involvement in your daily existence where you learn and adapt each day.

There are, however, two subjects that I don't see with much frequency in the van community which I intend to make central themes in my blog. Vanning with kids, and Green Vanning.

Vanning with Kids.

Many people who share info on vanning are often single or divorced and seldom have young children that are involved in vanning with them. There is a wealth of information about traveling with kids, and also RVing with kids all of which can apply to the van traveler with young ones on board. Almost 4 months ago my first son was born. Anyone who has a child can tell you all about how life changes with a baby, but I intend to do my best to write about how vanning changes with a baby. I will include all the tips and techniques I discover as my son begins to travel in the family van. Also along for every trip are our two Boston Terriers and I will include extensive writings on my experiences traveling with pets.

Green Vanning

I am a home improvement professional by trade and I am heavily influenced by green design. I have a strong personal conviction to caring for this world for future generations and to protecting our immediate health. Many of the techniques I have learned about green building and living are directly applicable to life in a van. In the confined space of a van (especially for full-timers) indoor air quality becomes a major concern. Also, waste and the way we deal with it in that small space can have an effect on the vanner as well as the planet. Look forward to numerous posts about ways that you can make your van healthier for you and for the world around you.

I am, by no means an expert on any subject. I do, however, hope that the information I share here will be able to help others who are interested or at least inspire them towards their own solutions. I welcome any ideas from those who have done it for themselves also.