by Admin | Feb 20, 2024 | Car Blog, Dodge, Minivans, Vans
“Van living” or “van life” is an emerging trend that has been growing in popularity around the US. Yahoo Finance estimates that the number of vanlifers has grown by at least 63% over the last handful of years.
It appears more folks are turning vans or buses into tiny homes on wheels and hitting the road full time. Thanks to social media, #vanlife looks idyllic – but who wouldn’t want to wake up to mountain views every morning! It’s dreamy!
But is this barebones, mobile lifestyle truly sustainable for the planet?
Evaluating the Eco-Scorecard
On one hand, van lifers consume way fewer resources. Small spaces mean limited energy for heating and cooling. Rooftop solar panels provide electricity and water tanks get refilled only when needed.
This lightweight living uses a fraction of what the average American home gulps down. A vanlifer rarely spends similar amounts as living in an apartment.
Typical expenses of a vanlifer would include groceries, gas, laundry and sometimes, gym memberships to access the showers. A 300-watt solar panel can power a rice cooker, toaster oven, coffee pot, toothbrush, laptop, cellphone and electric shaver, among other equipment.
The van is a tiny home, and you’ll not be needing to heat or cool a big place. That means less carbon footprint than most people.
But many older vans guzzle gas, especially lumbering around all day seeking boondocking sites. Newer conversions to high-mpg hybrids or electric help, but aren’t the norm yet. And even eco-vans still require manufacturing and materials. Don’t they?
The Takeaway
While not 100% green, van living reflects growing anti-consumerism sentiment. Trading McMansions for just the essentials of a modest mobile pod reduces waste.
But this unicorn of sustainability still has some warts. For now, #vanlife lands somewhere in the middle on the eco-scorecard. At least nomads are driving in the right direction – literally and philosophically!
by Admin | Mar 5, 2023 | Minivans, Vans
The van has traditionally been the simple go-to mode to transport people and stuff to a particular destination. But they’re more than that these days and are a lifestyle choice – how things change!
The rise of “van life” has attracted droves to trusty vans and life on the road. People want to enjoy more freedom and connection with their environment, which explains why models such as ID.Buzz are growing so popular. So, why is hopping into a van and hitting the road so appealing these days? What’s it about van life?
Freedom
Vans are like flexible homes. They can accommodate a small family and be on your way for some fun out of town without limitations. So, are you in the mood for a beach party or beer at the foot of the mountain? No problem! With a van, the world is your oyster – or, even better, your parking lot.
A sense of Community
Van life brings a sense of community, and nothing spices life more. Chances of meeting other ‘vanlifers’ increases when parked at a rest stop or campground. It’s the way of the universe. A vanlifer attracts other vanlifers.
These van life connections are often beneficial, especially when looking for advice on the best places to see the sunset or share a beer.
A Downside?
Vanlifing isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There are some times you’ll wish for some privacy and settling. But a vanlifer will only see pros that far outweigh the cons, and they love it that way.
But let’s be honest for a second, who wouldn’t want to wake up to a different view of the sunrise every morning? We’re all adventurers at heart and potential vanlifers. Life is about the moments that take our breaths away, so if you can vanlife, why not?
by Admin | Jul 20, 2021 | Minivans
Have you lately been looking into minivans? Most people would go for crossovers and SUVs because apparently, their design is a lot more appealing than minivans. But the latest minivans, such as the 2021 Sienna with its squinty headlamps and wide-mouth grille, are sweet to the eyes.
There are several advantages a minivan has over your dream crossover.
Better Capacity for People and Cargo
Maybe you have a large family, or you are a party animal who likes having a small crowd of friends on an adventure. Whatever the case, a minivan is miles better for carrying people and cargo. A great example is the Chrysler Pacifica, with foldable second and third rows for more cargo space.
Then again, the 2021 Honda Odyssey has a spacious interior and is reconfigurable for cargo and other family members. Also worth the mention is the budget-friendly Dodge Grand Caravan with the capability to carry seven passengers.
Better Fuel Economy
Forget the shape, minivans are economical, and you can accomplish a lot with them. Their fuel economy is better than that of most SUVs. Considering that minivans carry many people and cargo, you get better value for your money. You do more with less fuel.
Latest Minivans are More Comfortable
In the not-so-far-away past, the interior of the majority minivans was nothing to write home about. But that is in the past. Current vans compete with higher-end SUVs, sedans, and crossovers with comfortable and premium interiors.
For example, Chrysler Pacifica comes with comfortable seats for the whole family and space to travel in luxury. On the other hand, the highly practical 2021 Honda Odyssey has pleasant driving dynamics and is intended to make the life of every passenger a little easier. If luxury is your staple, there are options such as the Mercedes-Benz Metris. Still think that minivans are not for you?
