Small vehicles present special challenges for nomadic living, but they also have unique advantages over large vehicles. In the context of this wiki, small vehicles includes cars, minivans, minicargos, and SUVs.
Advantages
Compared to larger vehicles:
- Fuel efficiency is significantly higher in most cases, since you are hauling much less weight and have a lower profile against the wind. The more driving you plan to do, the more a larger vehicle will cost you. If you plan to drive less, fuel efficiency matters less.
- Parking and driving difficulty are lower.
- Vehicle clearance is lower; you can enter most low-clearance places like parking garages and drive-thrus.
- Vehicle insurability is generally easier and cheaper; most companies will be willing to work with you.
- Average annual repair costs will generally be lower, and most mechanics can work on your vehicle.
- Most have passthrough from the driving area to living space.
Disadvantages
- Reduced living space.
- Ceiling height will be too short to stand, and maybe even too short to sit up comfortably.
- Little to no room for solar mounting.
- Ground clearance is may be low. Undermount space is generally nonexistent.
- Higher conversion difficulty due to the small space and need for efficient use of every space.
Tips for living in small vehicles
Make as much use of vertical space as possible. Create a bed platform with storage underneath. Create floor-to-ceiling cabinets or drawers.
In most small vehicles, there won't be much room for floor space at all. You may prefer (or need) to use your vehicle itself for only storage and sleeping, and do most daily activities outside of the vehicle whenever weather permits.
Add external storage where possible. This typically takes the form of roof racks and rooftop cargo carriers, hitch racks, and trailers.
Cars
Many people have successfully camped and lived nomadically in their cars. It obviously has many disadvantages over larger vehicles like a van or RV, but it has certain advantages too. Compared to other vehicles commonly used, cars are generally more affordable, have better fuel efficiency, lower parking difficulty, easier and cheaper insurance, and may have a higher stealth factor. Cars are generally worse in most other ways due to their small available living space. More …
Minivans
Minivans are a workable option for nomadic living for many nomads. They are a step above living in your car, but the additional space can make a big difference. (Minicargos are similar to minivans but are designed for commercial use, featuring a large cargo volume in place of passenger seating.) More …
Minicargos
Minicargos (or minicargo vans) are similar in size to passenger minivans, and built on the same chassis, but are designed to carry cargo for commercial uses. They have many of the advantages of minivans, with a simpler interior and possibly a lower price point. Some are cargo versions of minivans and some are designed as cargo-first platforms. They are typically front-wheel-drive, with low ground clearance and low roof lines. Easier to drive and park, but with significantly less interior space. More …
SUVs
SUVs are one of the smaller vehicle options for nomadic living. ... More …
Resources
| Search forums and groups | Search van life discussion groups for "small vehicles" | |
| Search related sites | Search van life sites for "small vehicles" | |
| Search NomadLife.wiki | Search other pages on this wiki for "small vehicles" |