How one couple is living the #VanLife dream It?s a story that?s engrained in #VanLife lore: Dreaming of something different, an outdoorsy couple quits two successful engineering jobs and sells their house?with nearly everything in it. They build their own DIY camper van and embark on a non-stop adventure that prioritizes experiences over the daily grind. Love camper vans" Come join our new community group!
That?s the story of 36-year-old Isabelle and Antoine from Montreal, Canada. Their downsizing journey began in January 2017 by selling all their things, choosing a van, and moving into it full time in August. And while professional van builds can run well over $100,000 (including the van), Isabelle and Antoine transformed a 2016 Ford Transit into a roving home in approximately 1000 hours and $18,275 (excluding the van cost). They?ve also obsessively documented the process on their website Far Out Ride.
In order to live in the van full time, the couple knew they needed an off-the-grid, four season adventure van that could fit both of them. That meant insulating the van, adding a Webasto Air Top 2000 heating system and extra ventilation, and ensuring that they had solar panels and batteries to power them in the backcountry.
Benefiting from the Ford Transit?s high roof and extended length, the couple sleeps on a platform bed that fits a double mattress. Storage compartments on the side help keep things organized and provide a place for clothes and gear. The int...