Finding our Home on Wheels
’09 144” Dodge Sprinter 2500
Bought in Virginia and repping Ohio plates our Pablita has taken us the distance and we are excited for more adventures together! Sending it back to January 2024, Gus, Molly, and I were living in a one bedroom apartment in Norfolk, Virginia. A few months before, we had the pleasure of connecting with Jadyn and Jasmine, who’ve turned into amazing friends and road trip buds. They were doing van life with their Golden, Jax, and making it work! It was an eye opener to me and Gus. Before Gus and I met, I’d always thought of living an alternative lifestyle. Choosing to work seasonal jobs, I felt I was already doing something out of the ordinary. After Gus and I really talked about our goals, we knew we didn’t want to be stuck in a lease or throwing money at rent. Seeing Jadyn and Jasmine doing so well with this lifestyle just made it even more inspiring. Gus’s boss actually sold us our van, sent him remote and we were on our way! This was my first-ever vehicle, let alone a van! Meanwhile, Gus was already on van number two. He used to drive a '89 Ford EconoLine like a boss.
The search for our van seemed to fall into place but we certainly spent many hours scouring the web to decide if Pablita was the one. Let’s share some tips for searching for your home on wheels:
-Do lots of research
Van life everything. Our social media was filtering through van life pages. We watched many Youtube videos on the matter and Google’d a TON.
-Get a well done inspection at a mechanic (even if you have to pay)
We ended up getting two inspections and having to replace the glow plugs. Many automotive stores like AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts offer free diagnostic scans.
-Look at different states preferably in the southern states (often cheaper and less rust)
This is a big deal. It is very important to see the severity of the rust, specially underneath the van (frame).
-Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist were helpful sites for the search
We sent out many messages to sellers to get an idea of what else was out there. Be careful to send any money/ be cautious if the seller doesn’t have the VIN, could be a scam.
-Join Facebook van life groups, there are many out there (VanLife, Sprinters for Sale…)
-Ask a lot of questions
Has the van been in any accidents? What’s the mileage? Any major repairs? Rust? Has it been lived in? Do you have documents of previous mechanical work? Etc…
-Make pro and con lists
What are the benefits of this lifestyle? What might you have to give up?
-It’s a big decision but you can do it!
There were moments when we talked ourselves out of it but in the end we knew this nomadic life was what we were itching for! Now, we are about to celebrate our 1 year van-anniversary! Thanks for being a part of the journey!
