10 reasons why caravan life SUCKS

Summary

Brett and Mel, a family of four, share their nomadic lifestyle in an 18-foot Vancouver Family HTO, candidly discussing the challenges of van life. They address issues like finding campsites, space constraints, maintaining hygiene, and the impact of weather on their living situation. Despite the hardships, they cherish the freedom and experiences it offers, providing a balanced view of the less glamorous aspects of full-time van living.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ Finding campsites and parking can be challenging, especially during peak times and in busy areas.
• 📚 Balancing school and homeschooling with a nomadic lifestyle requires careful planning and can be stressful.
• 🚐 Limited space in a van leads to constant organization and can quickly become cluttered, affecting daily life.
• 💼 Jobs and chores like emptying the toilet cassette and managing resources are part of daily life on the road.
• 🚿 Hygiene and toileting in a van can be less than ideal, with limited water supply and space for showers.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The lack of a stable community and having to frequently say goodbye to friends can be emotionally taxing.
• 🏡 Living on the road can lead to feelings of isolation and being on the fringe of society.
• ⚖️ Legal and logistical issues like mail, education, and voting can be difficult to manage without a fixed address.
• 🌤️ Weather conditions greatly impact the quality of life in a caravan, with no control over the elements.
• 💡 Power management is crucial, with solar power being the main source and the recent addition of Starlink affecting energy usage.
• 📦 Receiving mail and packages is a logistical challenge, often requiring advanced planning and flexibility.
• 🔧 Constant maintenance and repairs are part of van life, but they also foster self-reliance and practical skills.
• 🌐 Internet access is essential for work and school, and the reliance on reception or satellite connections can be limiting.

Q & A

How long have Brett and Mel been living full time in their 18-foot Vancouver Family HTO?

Brett and Mel have been living full time in their 18-foot Vancouver Family HTO for the last two years.

What are some of the challenges faced when finding campsites during peak times like school holidays?

During peak times like school holidays, it can be very expensive and stressful to find a place to stay. They have to plan well in advance, which can limit their ability to explore an area properly due to the need to stick to a schedule.

What is the issue with Hipcamps and national parks as described in the script?

The issue with Hipcamps and national parks is that the photos taken by professional photographers can be misleading, making the places look better than they actually are. Additionally, when booking national parks, they often end up with sites next to toilets, which can make camping unpleasant.

How does the limited space in the van affect the family's daily life?

The limited space in the van requires the family to be very tidy and organized. It can quickly become messy, and accessing items can be difficult due to the confined space. They also have to deal with broken sleep and a lack of privacy.

What are some of the daily chores that the family has to do while living on the road?

Daily chores include emptying the cassette toilet, finding water, dumping waste, getting food, and disposing of rubbish. On travel days, these tasks can be particularly tiring and time-consuming.

How does the family manage toileting and hygiene in their van?

The family uses a chemical toilet in the van, which requires them to empty it regularly. The toilet is close to their bed and dining area, which can be unpleasant. They also have a shower in the van, but due to limited water supply, they have to be efficient and not shower every day.

What are the social implications of living a nomadic lifestyle as described in the script?

Living a nomadic lifestyle can be isolating as they don't have a consistent community. They may go months without talking to other adults and have to frequently say goodbye to new friends they make on the road.

What are some of the legal and logistical challenges faced by the family due to their nomadic lifestyle?

The family faces challenges such as receiving mail, ensuring vehicle maintenance, providing education for their kids, and voting in elections. These tasks are complicated by their constant movement and the lack of a fixed address.

How does the weather affect their lifestyle and what measures do they take to cope with it?

The weather greatly affects their lifestyle as they rely on the sun for solar power and can be uncomfortable if the weather turns bad. They have to be conscious of their power usage and may need to move to a caravan park if the weather doesn't allow them to generate enough solar power.

What are the financial implications of fuel costs on their travels?

Fuel costs are a significant expense for the family, especially as they need to move north in winter and south in summer to chase the sun. The rising cost of fuel can be a burden, and they are already considering the high cost of moving north again.

How does the family handle maintenance and repairs on the road?

The family faces constant maintenance and repair issues with their van and car. They have learned to be self-reliant and handle many repairs themselves, which has been a significant learning experience and a source of pride.

What is the impact of the internet on their lifestyle, and how do they manage it?

The internet is crucial for their work and school, and they recently purchased Starlink for a reliable connection. However, it requires a significant amount of power and a clear line of sight to the sky, adding another layer of consideration when choosing campsites.