To Be or to Boogie

There’s a place to sleep in it. I think that is the bottom line on what makes vans. I think it is what we can refer to as the “least common denominator.”  After that…can you fit your stuff (surfboard, guitar amp, motorcycle, kids, bean bag chair, fishing poles, dog, riding mower, ect.) in it?  That is probably the next line on the freedom vessel worthy criteria chart. And from that point it goes into how much you need or want in your van.  For some people its reclaimed wood, bamboo floors, home made candles, and a coleman stove, and for others it can go as far as solar power, running hot water, full stove, sink, and ice cube making capabilities.  Regardless of whether your are in an overland Syncro geared up in Patagonia clothes clinching a crafty beverage, or you have a 1984 Boogie Van, a 24-pack of Budweiser and an acoustic guitar, you like to “van.”  

In the late 1970s, early 80s the custom van craze was “hot”. Automotive manufactures started to cater to the custom van fans and miniature camper conversions were rolling into the marketplace. What’s really cool is the excitement you get when you talk to someone who has been doing vans since the late 80’s, they are so excited because they were lonely for about 20 years, now they are all fired up again. For many of the van community today it is these older vans that best suit our needs. It’s unfortunate, but for today’s American community that wants a consumer ready-to-go mini-camper van newer than after about 1996 their options are minimal and often very pricey. We all can’t buy six-figure Sprinter Airstream conversions or 4×4 Sportsmobiles. Today’s van life requires you to create your own van life, but I guess that is one of the most fun parts to van-ing, or you can drop some heavy coin on a manufactured camper, or get lucky and drive your grandma’s old van. 

Oddly, manufacturers all over Australia and Europe produce small modern camper units, but they are not often sold in America. Our economy doesn’t want you sleeping in your van under the stars. They want you in a chain hotel, watching American Idol with the Air-conditioning on, waiting for Dominoes to deliver you dinner on your two-week vacation away from your mortgage, your car-payment, and taking your prescriptions that are covered by your health benefits. So we tinker, we make older vans new, and develop products that make us stoked on the road. Life is too short to drive boring cars. Companies that produce aftermarket custom parts become profitable, and we gather to discuss our experiences, share some tips with one another, and exchange ideas. Or we gather to just to sit in the dirt outside our van and take turns riding the mini bike. Regardless, there is a community of van people. Find them, gather with them, you will find it fuels the fire you already have going.