Ways to Cut Van Build Costs
Evaluate your necessities
You’ll see a lot of very expensive and intricate van builds when doing your research, some with showers, decks, and even flat screen tvs, but is it necessary? I think you’d be surprised how little it takes to live a comfortable and exciting life. I get frustrated not having running water in my van, but I’ve been able to manage with what I have. It will really come down to deciding what you can or cannot do without. If not having a toilet in your build would make you miserable, then incorporate it into your build, but don’t base your build off of the fancy vanlifers if that is not what you can afford or need. Part of evaluating your needs is also deciding your Why. Why are you building out a van- for weekend travels, to get from point A to B, or to live in it long term?
Some things to consider:
Do you need a toilet in the van? If you are staying primarily at campsites that have toilets, it may not be necessary.
Do you need a shower in the van? Can you manage with an alternative choice such as showering at gyms?
Do you want a sink with running water?
Do you want a built in stove? Other options include portable camp stoves.
Use what you already have
You don’t need new bamboo cutlery or new clothes just to live the #vanlife. A lot of what you’ll bring with you on the road is things you already have. I would recommend using what you have when you first start out, then you can always upgrade if you decide you are missing something.
Some things to consider:
Do you have camping supplies that would still work for you in a van?
Do you have basic kitchen and household materials that you can take with you?
Do you have furniture that could work in the van? Some folks will use plastic shelving or drawers without doing a full installation.
Use second Hand Materials
My van build was pretty cheap because I used old pallets and cabinets for my furniture. We ripped apart oak pallets and planed them down to repurpose the wood into my bedframe. That may not be doable for everyone due to the tools needed, but try and think outside the box when finding materials to use. A lot of thrift stores will have materials, but I would also recommend checking out a nearby ReStore (through Habitat for Humanity).
Some things to consider:
Do you have any old furniture or materials that could be repurposed?
Do you have fabric that can be repurposed as cushion covers or bedding?
