Rolling Heavy: How to Live in Your Van

One of the great advantages of owning a van (and there are many) is having an extra place to crash. Forget about your buddy's lumpy futon or grabbing a $26 per-night motel room. If you do a bit of planning, there is no reason not to sleep in your van.

One week ago, I came up on a heavy roller that was already decked out in fine fashion. A full-size bed, flatscreen TV, and a remote controlled air-conditioning system are just some of the classy additions already installed on my 1992 Ford Econoline. Since becoming a "vanner" again, it's been hard to coax myself to sleep indoors, especially since I've found a wifi hotspot and can watch Netflix from the alley where the van is parked (I run a power cord to a nearby outlet). With LED disco lights and a red shag carpet, it's a good feeling to be compared to the coolest vanner of 1990s television—Cody Lambert, the cousin who lived in his van on Step by Step. To my surprise, I'm not the only one in the neighborhood who prefers snoozing in parking lots rather than condos.

Last night I met up with bro of The Boardr, Jared Currey, to eat burritos and drink beer, while we compared our “mobile apartments.” Currey used to park his black 1999 Ford Conversion van eight blocks away from my place in Denver, and now he's doing it again, this time in Tampa. After his landlord booted him after one too many late-night mini-ramp sessions, he figured he could save some cash and have the opportunity to travel around Florida by moving into his “Black Betty.” Even with a dog staying with him full-time in Black Betty, he says that he's in no hurry to get back into a traditional living quarter.

“It's an unconventional way to live,” says Currey. “It's not for everyone, and it shouldn't be a last resort because you have nowhere else to live. You have to want to do it, but it's still not something I'd want to do forever.”

Aside from getting a bit of grief from people that “don't get it,” Currey said his experience has been excellent. He admits that the most difficult part about being a full-time vagabond is living with only the bare essentials and finding a place to use the bathroom. For the latter, he keeps a bandana in his pocket at all times, just in case...

Helpful Items For Living on the Road

• Propane camping stove
• Hatchet
• Instant coffee
• Bottle of bourbon
• Ramen Noodles
• Spam
• Canned vegetables/fruit
• First aid kit with antibiotics
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Stamps/stationary/cards/books
• Sleeping bag/tent/blankets/pillows
• Duffel bag with clothes for most climates
• Febreeze
• Toolbox
• Toiletries
• Cheap sunglasses
• Candy
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• Phone
• Laptop
• Skateboard
• Folding bicycle
• Extension cord
• Fishing pole/tackle box
• Bandana

Tips and Tricks from the Pros

Besides using bandanas as toilet paper, there are a handful of other tips that can keep you safe, healthy, and reasonably clean while living in your ride. Sebo Walker's been doing it for a while in California, while he sleeps outside some of the best skate parks in the world. There's no reason you can't do the same.

Gym Memberships: YMCA, Gold's Gym, Anytime Fitness. Be sure to sign up at a national gym to take care of your personal hygiene. Don't worry, lots of people probably brush their teeth at the gym.

Rest Stops Showers: I don't even wear sandals to the beach, but I'll keep a pair in the van for rests stops. For around $5 you can scrub yourself down like a real life trucker. Be sure to ask some drivers if they have any shower tokens, as most of them get them for free and have a bundle. Every penny counts.

AAA: One year's membership for AAA is cheaper than getting a tow truck. Period. It can also be a lifesaver if you run out of gas, lock your keys in your van, or need 10% off your bill at Denny's.

Parking: Street parking in downtown areas is usually a safe bet. After sundown meter spots are typically free, just be sure to move your wheels early in the morning to avoid a ticket. Friends' driveways, Wal-Mart parking lots, and rest stops are safe and legal places to crash for a night. Stay clear of “down by the river,” daycares, and elementary schools. Skate parks are usually cool, too…except Burnside. Don't sleep at Burnside.

Keep A Low Profile: Vans stick out like a kid pushing mongo, so it's important not to call any more attention to yourself than necessary. Stickers, empty beer cans, and fast food wrappers aren't going get you any pats on the back from Officer Doofy.

Save Up: If you put miles on your van, it will eventually break down. Whether it's a broken gas cap or a transmission, you should have at least a few hundred saved up for when something needs to be replaced.

This article is part of a series on TheBoardr.com. Check back later for more stuff about vans, skateboarding, and skateboarders in vans.