We’ve been living between van & canal boat for 12 YEARS… we don’t pay heating or groceries but there’s a huge downside
A MARRIED couple have been living in a van and a canal boat for the past 12 years – they don’t pay for heating or groceries but admit there is a huge downside.
Emma, Reese, and their little dog Daisy live in a self-converted van named Romany and have been sharing their van-life adventures via YouTube.
The trio live in a 2019 Ford Transit van which they say costs £100 in fuel to fill up.
The couple explained that their objective is straightforward: to embrace a life of travel, and their van empowers them to do just that.
Reece emphasised this point: “Van life means something quite simple”
“The van is just somewhere to sleep while you’re travelling. So, it’s travels first, and then the van.”
The couple are also renovating a 57ft canal boat.
In addition, they own a cottage, which they use as an Airbnb while travelling.
A question the couple constantly get asked is how much does van life cost.
Emma believes this is an impossible question to answer because it really depends on how much you have to spend.
However, she recommends buying as newer vehicle as possible with as little mileage as possible.
The mum added; “You can put an absolute fortune into doing the back of your van up and it looks absolutely gorgeous – but if the engine goes then that’s it.”
The couple explained that the most important factors in terms of cost are:
- Cost of the van itself
- Insurance
- Kitting out the van i.e. furnishings
- Where you want to go and what you want to do
- Fuel
Emma, who is mostly in control of managing their expenditures warned as a start-up, you’ll need around £4,000 to buy a van.
Once you’ve got the van, it could cost anywhere between a couple of hundred to £15,000 to furnish.
However, Emma advises looking on Facebook Marketplace, and eBay to find second-hand features such as rock and roll beds.
Also, making your own furniture will help reduce costs.
Emma also explained that a great way to save on electrical costs is to use a general relay rather than a smart alternator.
This is because a smart alternator requires a DC charger which can be costly.
The couple also revealed that they don’t have a shower, heating, or gas.
Emma warned: “When you start thinking about getting heaters in and piping all that stuff in unless you really know what you’re doing I don’t think you should be messing about with gas.”
The same goes for diesel heaters, she adds.
Instead, the couple use a transportable shower and use natural heat sources such as candles for warmth.
The couple also admitted they don’t spend much on food as going for out treats like coffees can add up.
The downside being that they will have to “share that slice of cake” from time to time, however, they understand their priorities.
Reece on the other hand has some simple advice and that is not to stay at a campsite.
The couple claims campsites in the UK cost around £15 – £40 per night and it’s “not what van life is about”.
Reece believes: “Campsites restrict you as there’s no freedom of movement.
“Van life means something quite simple. Nothing too spectacular, just a van with your stuff in and the open road.”
Emma added: “It’s about being as simple as possible.”
The Rise Of Van Life
The rise of van life began during the pandemic in 2020. With no one able to leave the country, staycations became popular for many say camping blog venturecampers.
On top of that, the rising cost of renting a house has put many off doing so, especially when wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living crisis.
Although it has gained popularity again, many people opted for van life in the 60s and 70s.