Thread: Could you actually live long-term in a van?

Originally Posted by garrycol

These MacMansions on wheels are becoming a bit of a joke in my view.

I like the truck but agree the payload is crap a truck that size should max out at 4499gvm hopfully with a payload of 1.5-2t. BUT all the luxury extras is what would make bring the tare weight right up there unfortunately. I could carry 3.5 ton with ease but legally I think only 2.5t the f truck was a 4500gvm but in lbs.
The Mansions on wheels are a joke, needing a truck to tow a van comfortably is ridiculous.
Personally I'd much rather spend 50k on getting an old v8 merc bus or similar on the road as a motorhome and tow a SWB series or Defer on a gypsy trailer or A frame around Australia.
More options to explore that way.
Cheers Jim

The payload for the 3500 is just over 2t it's the dually so it should.
Cheers Jim

Certainly the size and weight of some vans is ridiculous.

I like my swag.

We're looking at compact hybrid vans to minimise size and weight while still having the advantages of a van. Obviously I'm getting soft.

Yep totally soft Mick!

I’m looking at a Mulgo poptop (swag in the roof) because of the simplicity and because I don’t like towing, nor dragging a house around behind me.

If you don't have a toilet and shower in the van living long term out of it would be a PITA having to rely on public facilities or even caravan park aminaties.
Our van is 20f when being towed and has 2x double beds that fold down in seconds when we park up making it a 28 footer.
We have a dunny and a shower with a gas/electric HWS and we have been very comfortable for 5he last 4 months or so even in the NT buildup.
We have seen heaps of those " minimalist" type rigs being setup and they usually take ages to get setup and look bloody uncomfortable to live out of as well.
More IS better when you are thinking about spending months or even years roaming around the country, Even one of those itsy bitsy washing machines can make a huge differance as can cooking outside on a webber Q.
A camper trailer is fine for a long weekend or an annual holiday But I would hate to live long term out of one.

Nothing a shovel, a swim and a sense of adventure can’t fix.