Fresh tips, tools, and best practices for new van lifers and RV enthusiasts
Why Van Life Captures the Imagination
In 2025, more people than ever are choosing a camper van or Class B RV to unlock weekend escapes, extended road trips, or even remote‑work sabbaticals. A modern van keeps your outdoor gear organized, doubles as a mobile basecamp, and eliminates the need to juggle hotels or rental cabins—giving you total freedom to chase fresh powder, empty trailheads, or beach‑town sunsets.
This guide distills the latest insights from DM Vans owners, outdoor educators, and industry experts, so you can plan your first trip with confidence.
1. Dream & Budget
Define your “why.” Are you chasing weekend ski trips, cross‑country national‑park tours, or a flexible remote‑work lifestyle? Your answer drives every decision from van layout to power needs.
Crunch the numbers.
- Acquisition cost: Compare RVIA compliant, turn-key ready vehicle like the DM Vans LV3, LV5, and LV7 against custom builds and DIY conversions.
- Running expenses: Fuel, insurance, maintenance, campground fees, and the occasional latte at that hip coffee shop with Wi‑Fi.
- Financing: DM Vans partners with financing partners offering flexible terms up to 20 years starting at $483/month—learn more here for an instant monthly estimate.
2. Choose Your Rig
RV vs. DIY
- Turn‑key RVs (like DM Vans) deliver a warranty, professional quality, and resale value. Great if you want to start traveling now.
- DIY builds offer ultimate customization but require tools, time, and plenty of YouTube tutorials.
Vehicle matters.
The RAM ProMaster feels more like driving a minivan—tight turning radius, lower step‑in height, and front‑wheel‑drive stability—while costing $15–$30 k less than a comparable Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter and saving about 30 % on routine maintenance and parts. The ProMaster’s 136″ or 159″ wheelbases still sleep two comfortably and stash bikes or skis, yet fit a standard parking spot. By contrast, the Sprinter offers factory AWD capability and slightly better diesel MPG but comes with higher purchase price, DEF fluid costs, and fewer U.S. service centers familiar with camper conversions. In short: choose ProMaster for budget‑friendly, city‑friendly ease; pick Sprinter if you’ll pay a premium for off‑road prowess and luxury branding.
Must‑have systems for beginners
- Ventilation system for climate control and cooking.
- Inverter to run laptops or an induction cooktop.
- Lithium battery bank for off‑grid power.
- Stow table + swivel seats to create a mobile office.
Dive deeper in our article “Which Size RAM ProMaster Is Right for You?”
3. Plan Your Route
Start close to home. A two‑night micro‑adventure within 150 mi helps you learn the systems without range anxiety.
Research tools
- Roadtrippers for scenic byways and quirky roadside stops.
- Google My Maps to layer fuel stops, dump stations, and grocery stores.
- GasBuddy for real‑time fuel prices.
Backup navigation: Download offline maps in Gaia GPS or Google Maps before you lose cell service.
4. Find & Book Campsites
- Dispersed camping: Search Campendium, The Dyrt, and iOverlander for free National Forest and BLM spots.
- Paid options: Reserve sites at Recreation.gov, state parks, or private KOA locations if you want hookups and showers.
- Unique stays: Join Harvest Hosts for wineries and farms, or Boondockers Welcome for driveway surfing.
- Etiquette: Arrive before dark, pack out all trash, keep music low, and never dump gray water on the ground.
5. Boondocking 101
- Water: Carry a minimum of 2 gal per person per day. Collapsible jugs fit in any DM Vans GEARage for additional water storage beyond the 7 gallon built-in tanks.
- Power: Park strategically—solar panels love midday sun. Conserve by using USB‑C devices and LED lights.
- Waste: A composting or cassette toilet are mandatory in fragile environments.
- Propane & cooking: An induction cooktop taps your battery bank on non‑solar days; keep a backup single‑burner butane stove just in case.
6. Safety & Security
- Bring a dash cam and basic OBD‑II scanner.
- Install a Bluetooth deadbolt or hidden key locker.
- Keep valuables in a lockbox bolted to the chassis.
- Carry a first‑aid kit, Garmin inReach satellite messenger, and tire‑repair plug kit.
Insurance tip: Companies like Progressive RV or Roamly tailor policies to RVs.
7. Packing Fundamentals
Sleep & Comfort
- 20 °F quilts or sleeping bags + fitted sheet for DM Vans memory‑foam mattress
- Spare blanket, down booties, blackout eye mask
Kitchen & Food
- Induction or propane stove + cast‑iron skillet
- Collapsible sink, biodegradable soap, quick‑dry towel
- Reusable containers, spork set, and travel French press
Bathroom & Hygiene
- Cassette toilet or wag‑bags
- Quick‑dry wipes, Dr. Bronner’s soap, microfiber towel
- Compact shovel, extra TP, zip‑locks for trash
Tech & Power
- USB‑C and MagSafe cables
- 300 Wh power bank + solar lantern
- 5G cell booster or Starlink Roam kit if you work remotely
Extras
- Folding chairs, roll‑top table, hammock
- Multi‑tool, duct tape, self‑adhesive screen repair patches
- Rubber tray for muddy shoes, collapsible laundry basket
8. Seasonal & Weather Tips
- Winter: Add a Peak Heating System for digital climate control; insulate window covers; carry snow chains.
- Summer: Park so your MaxxFans create cross‑flow; add a A/C unit for humid locations.
- Shoulder seasons: Watch for fire bans and mud‑season road closures; pack layers.
9. Traveling With Pets & Kids
- Install ISOFIX/LATCH points or a crash‑tested kennel.
- Bring spill‑proof water bowls and a portable litter box if you’re a cat person.
- Plan kid‑friendly stops (playgrounds, museums) via Roadtrippers filters.
- Keep a pet‑first‑aid kit with tick removers and paw balm.
10. Digital Toolbox
| Need | App or Resource |
|---|---|
| Offline maps | Gaia GPS, onX Backcountry |
| Campsite reviews | Campendium, The Dyrt |
| Fuel prices | GasBuddy |
| Route planning | Roadtrippers |
| Weather & radar | Windy, NOAA Wx |
| Maintenance log | Simply Auto |
| Community chat | DM Vans Owners Discord |
DM Vans’ Proven Process – Making Van Life Easy & Accessible
- Discover – We learn your travel style, goals, and budget.
- Design & Build – Purpose‑driven floorplans deliver “everything you need, nothing you don’t,” with optional add‑ons for extra comfort and versatility.
- Communicate – Transparent, proactive updates keep you involved from deposit to delivery—including build‑progress photos.
- Deliver & Support – Doorstep delivery, thorough orientation videos, and a dedicated service team ensure miles of worry‑free adventure.
Ready to Hit the Road?
If you want a reliable, budget‑friendly gateway into van life, DM Vans builds turnkey Lifestyle Vehicles® perfect for first‑time owners:
- Beginner‑friendly systems that anyone can learn in an afternoon
- Drive‑like‑a‑car handling and compact wheelbase options that park anywhere
- Transparent pricing—you buy direct, skipping dealer mark‑ups
- Rock‑star support—real humans who answer questions before, during, and long after delivery
Start your adventure now:
- Find Your Perfect Van ➜ https://dmvans.com/van-finder
- Chat With a Van Specialist ➜ https://dmvans.com/contact
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—so you can focus on the journey.