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Posted: 2/9/2021 1:58:07 PM EDT
I've seen a lot of threads on here lately with regard to this, but wanted to make a formal post about what the spouse unit and I have done.
Background: We are a late 30s childless couple that decided after almost buying a house in 2007 that indentured servitude was not for us. We saved roughly 90% of our income and invested our way to financial independence. 3 years ago, while watching Below Deck, we realized that the chef (Adam Glick) lived out of a self-converted Ford Transit. We though we could do the same thing, but decided after a cost analysis, it would be better for us to work and let a professional do the conversion. We waited until Summer of 2019 to buy the following base vehicle: 2020 Ford Transit AWD Extended High Top, Black. Full windows 3.5 Ecoboost Bi-turbo Engine Full driver Aids We then drove the empty van to VanLife Customs in Denver, Co to have a final meeting and start the conversion. We were on a 1 year waitlist to get the van even started. Van Build Details: Solar System: 400 a/h Relion Lithium Ion batteries. 400 watts of solar on the roof rack and an Renogy suitcase pack that adds 200 watts. Victron MPPT and BMS. Bathroom: Foldable mini toilet (shitting in a bag) Guns: Sold all of my collection except for a battle rifle, a bolt action and a Glock 29 and 20. I have some ammo stashed in my dad's crawlspace to "replenish" when I come through. Security: Fordpass alarm/app/GPS. Blackvue 900 front and rear cameras 4k and running in parking mode off the house batteries. 4 Blink outdoor cameras mounted to the roof rack and running off a Visible Hotspot phone. We've spent the last 8 months travelling around the country and visiting friends/bookdocking. I thought it might be cool to get a thread going so we can meetup with arfcommers around the country or just get tips from them. We are currently in Phoenix, heading to south Texas and eventually Florida.  IMG_20200608_152944 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152204522@N02/] IMG_20200608_205357 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152204522@N02/] IMG_20200623_150714 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152204522@N02/]
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Posted: 2/9/2021 1:59:59 PM EDT
[#1]
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:00:16 PM EDT
[#2]
What's your total cost so far?
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:01:12 PM EDT
[#3]
10mm master race checking in
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:01:59 PM EDT
[#4]
Did you ever consider a Sprinter?
If not, why and if so, what caused the Ford to win? |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:02:09 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What's your total cost so far? $60K for the van, $85K for the upfitting. We have already been back to have some "rework" done. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:03:00 PM EDT
[#6]
How many miles on the odometer now?
How much do you have into the conversion? Any major repairs or unexpected downtime? Are you earning money while on the road? |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:03:14 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Did you ever consider a Sprinter? If not, why and if so, what caused the Ford to win? Sprinter has $350 oil changes and is harder to find a dealership to work on it. I wanted AWD, not 4WD. Also, the Transit had factory swivel seats. The Ecoboost also has more power. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:04:14 PM EDT
[#8]
Faces blurred in first post, not second fwiw.
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:04:40 PM EDT
[#9]
In on 1! Envy you guys! Good luck and safe travels!
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:04:42 PM EDT
[#10]
What is your income source to keep thing going? Investment returns?
Not trying to be a dick, I'm serious. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:04:53 PM EDT
[#11]
Good for you guys!
Wishing you all the best! Will be following this thread. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:04:58 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: $60K for the van, $85K for the upfitting. We have already been back to have some "rework" done. Wow. I guess in that area it's a pretty good deal. A 2007 doublewide with 26 acres just sold for $160k around here. Why didn't you just buy an RV? Any reason to go with a van over an RV? |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:04:59 PM EDT
[#13]
Nice dog, nice gal, nice van. I'm happy for you.
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:05:03 PM EDT
[#14]
That's pretty cool OP.....the van turned out awesome.
Pretty sure if my wife and I tried that it would be a murder / suicide within 4 weeks 
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:05:20 PM EDT
[#15]
Girlfriend looks like she could kick your ass.
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:05:33 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: How many miles on the odometer now? 10,001 How much do you have into the conversion? See above Any major repairs or unexpected downtime? Nothing from Ford, save for an adjustment on the parking brake. Are you earning money while on the road? |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:05:50 PM EDT
[#17]
Pioneer speakers? Ick! Ok, they're not the worst, but if you'd like to actually enjoy your music with a little less listener fatigue, get some JL Audios up there.
Anything on this page will be a marked improvement: https://www.crutchfield.com/g_473750/6-6-1-2-6-3-4-Speakers.html?tp=78072#&nvpair=FFBrand Also, my uncle has a very similar van he uses to travel between his Michigan and Florida residences and other travelling. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:05:54 PM EDT
[#18]
Awesomely winning big
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:06:06 PM EDT
[#19]
That van looks sweet!
Is the bed area like a loft type thing? |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:06:08 PM EDT
[#20]
Wait 60k plus 85k?
Why not just get an rv and actually be comfortable at that price |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:06:17 PM EDT
[#21]
My cousin and his wife do the same thing. They've been in it for a year.
Whatever makes you happy! Have fun and enjoy life. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:07:06 PM EDT
[#22]
Do you have a youtube/instagram/onlyfans?
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:07:27 PM EDT
[#23]
Awesome, do it while you are young!
Question: Why not a quality towable camper and a decent truck? |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:07:29 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Wow. I guess in that area it's a pretty good deal. A 2007 doublewide with 26 acres just sold for $160k around here. Why didn't you just buy an RV? Any reason to go with a van over an RV? We wanted overland ability with the AWD and wanted to park it on the street. We have parked in some places you'd never be able to park an RV. Great questions to everyone by the way. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:07:37 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sprinter has $350 oil changes and is harder to find a dealership to work on it. I wanted AWD, not 4WD. Also, the Transit had factory swivel seats. The Ecoboost also has more power. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Did you ever consider a Sprinter? If not, why and if so, what caused the Ford to win? Sprinter has $350 oil changes and is harder to find a dealership to work on it. I wanted AWD, not 4WD. Also, the Transit had factory swivel seats. The Ecoboost also has more power. Good call. My dad has a Sprinter and it’s a pile of shit. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:07:39 PM EDT
[#26]
Holy hell van up fitting sounds profitable.
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:07:46 PM EDT
[#27]
So far, where have you been staying? Boondocking? Camp grounds? How long at a stretch? Are you doing other activities while traveling (biking, skiing, hiking, etc.)??
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:07:52 PM EDT
[#28]
You have enough money stashed away to throw it away on a $150K depreciating asset that will be worthless in 5 years?
What are your plans after the honeymoon of living out of a van fades away? |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:08:08 PM EDT
[#29]
Where do you shower?
In the river? |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:08:15 PM EDT
[#30]
You can be the land based Blackfox. Let us know if you buy an island
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:09:38 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That's pretty cool OP.....the van turned out awesome. Pretty sure if my wife and I tried that it would be a murder / suicide within 4 weeks 2 for me. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:10:18 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Do you have a youtube/instagram/onlyfans? https://www.instagram.com/terfandserf/ Income is only from investments. We may take odd jobs in the interim. We worked together for 12 years and lived in a small home. Living small and being able to clean something in 10 minutes is awesome. Also, there is a full queen latex bed in the back. Oh, we are both weightlifters. She can bench press 145lbs. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:10:19 PM EDT
[#33]
Whatever you do... don't go to the Florida keys, work as a bouncer and leverage self-illusioned influencer status on arfcom for freebies.
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:10:30 PM EDT
[#34]
Invest in some Exoshiled for the glass to prevent glass damage from rocks, hail, debris, and smash and grab attempts. Have them hit all the glass if you can swing it. It's seriously worth the investment seeing this is now your primary home.
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:10:44 PM EDT
[#35]
Sweet. Tagging the thread.
The sign hanging behind your bed overtop your wife looks like something I'd make and sell. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:11:06 PM EDT
[#36]
Awesome!
(Except for the man bun...) |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:11:29 PM EDT
[#37]
Do you all plan on moving to a state with lower tax burdens?
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:11:44 PM EDT
[#38]
I’d hate to see what kind of RV you could have gotten for $150k..
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:11:57 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.instagram.com/terfandserf/ Income is only from investments. We may take odd jobs in the interim. We worked together for 12 years and lived in a small home. Living small and being able to clean something in 10 minutes is awesome. Also, there is a full queen latex bed in the back. Oh, we are both weightlifters. She can bench press 145lbs. If you guys are in Denver and need a place to workout for an evening or two shoot me a pm. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:12:02 PM EDT
[#40]
Have you christened every room of the van yet?
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:12:49 PM EDT
[#41]
Envious. Would like to do similar in retirement. Not sure if I can wife on board... She's a big fan of large bathrooms.
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:13:14 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Where do you shower? In the river? most of the people living the #vanlife have a national chain gym membership and use their facilities. - Clint |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:13:39 PM EDT
[#43]
I think it’s great.
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:14:03 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You have enough money stashed away to throw it away on a $150K depreciating asset that will be worthless in 5 years? What are your plans after the honeymoon of living out of a van fades away? Yep, paid for. We figured out what we need to live on 4% annual gains. We have a separate retirement account for later on. The van is actually worth more than that now. There is now a 3 year wait at the upfitter, and they offered to buy it back USED for more than we have into it. We may settle down later, but it's awesome for now. We have mostly been boondocking. There is a warm water shower out back, but we've bathed in Lake Superior, the Colorado river, ect. Wife unit grew up on a horse farm and is a hillbilly. She loves it. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:14:24 PM EDT
[#45]
I see in the last photo you are "down by the river."
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:14:29 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 2 for me. Which way the is murder is going? It would be a race to the gun on day 2 for me. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:14:43 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Oh, we are both weightlifters. She can bench press 145lbs. Did the van conversion include a weight room? I guess she could just bench you. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:14:47 PM EDT
[#48]
At what point did you decide to quit working and start the van life? Did you calculate based of off savings and a 4% withdrawal rate for the rest of your lives?
*edit looks like this was answered, congrats on retiring early! |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:15:13 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yep, paid for. We figured out what we need to live on 4% annual gains. We have a separate retirement account for later on. The van is actually worth more than that now. There is now a 3 year wait at the upfitter, and they offered to buy it back USED for more than we have into it. We may settle down later, but it's awesome for now. We have mostly been boondocking. There is a warm water shower out back, but we've bathed in Lake Superior, the Colorado river, ect. Wife unit grew up on a horse farm and is a hillbilly. She loves it. I'm in the wrong fucking business. |
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Posted: 2/9/2021 2:15:30 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Invest in some Exoshiled for the glass to prevent glass damage from rocks, hail, debris, and smash and grab attempts. Have them hit all the glass if you can swing it. It's seriously worth the investment seeing this is now your primary home. Awesome recommendation! |
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