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Intro To Van Life

Campervan starter guide

4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 32 ratings
see reviews
Deanna Dunn

Have you ever wondered what van life is like, how much a van conversion costs, how the electrical or plumbing systems work or what it takes to build one yourself? In this course, we give you all the resources and answers you need to start your van life journey.

Included Inside:

- Cost Breakdown and complete supplies list

- Electrical Diagram

- Our Vans Layout and Dimensions

- Order of Van Build

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objective

Ins and outs of van life

Syllabus

Introduction

Intro to Van Life! 

Layout
Budget
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a cost breakdown and complete supplies list, which is helpful for those planning their van conversion budget
Includes an electrical diagram, which is essential for safely setting up a campervan's power system
Presents the order of a van build, which is useful for those who want to manage their project efficiently

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Intro to van life: beginner's starting guide

According to students, this course serves as a positive`great starting point for exploring van life and provides a positive`helpful overview of key considerations like neutral`budget, layout, and essential systems. Many learners appreciate that it covers a wide range of topics. However, a significant portion of reviews indicate the course negative`lacks depth, especially regarding the practical warning`how-to instruction needed for complex tasks like electrical and plumbing. Students often feel it's best suited for neutral`absolute beginners who need an initial orientation, and that neutral`additional research is necessary to successfully complete a van build.
Requires supplementing with outside resources.
"you'll definitely need to find more detailed info on specific systems..."
"This is just a jumping off point, not a comprehensive guide."
"It's not a complete guide... you'll need to supplement a lot."
Most valuable for newcomers.
"Useful if you know absolutely nothing about van builds."
"too basic if you've already done any research"
"This is great for zero experience with van builds, but not intermediate."
Detailed and helpful cost breakdown.
"The layout and budget sections were incredibly helpful."
"liked the cost breakdown and supplies list"
"The cost breakdown felt realistic for my plan and provided great insight."
Provides a helpful starting point.
"It gave me a complete roadmap for starting my van life journey."
"Good introduction. Covers all the main topics you need to think about."
"Amazing course! Highly recommend for anyone curious about van life."
Not enough practical how-to detail.
"wish there was more depth on electrical and plumbing"
"I didn't feel ready to start building after completing this course."
"Felt a bit like a long list of topics rather than a guide on *how* to build."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intro To Van Life: Campervan starter guide with these activities:
Van Life: Your Home on the Road
Gain a broader understanding of van life culture and practical considerations.
View Off Grid Life on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read through the chapters on van selection and conversion.
  • Review the sections on living on the road and community.
Review Basic Plumbing Principles
Ensure a solid foundation for understanding the van's water system.
Browse courses on Water Systems
Show steps
  • Review basic plumbing concepts like pressure and flow.
  • Research common plumbing components used in vans.
  • Practice connecting basic plumbing fittings.
The Vanlife Cookbook
Learn how to cook delicious meals in a van with limited space and resources.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the cookbook.
  • Read the introductory sections on van cooking techniques.
  • Try out at least three recipes from the book.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create an Electrical System Diagram
Reinforce your knowledge of electrical systems by creating a detailed diagram for your van.
Show steps
  • Research common electrical components in a van.
  • Plan the layout of your electrical system.
  • Create a diagram showing the wiring and connections.
  • Label all components and connections clearly.
Follow Electrical System Tutorials
Deepen your understanding of van electrical systems by following online tutorials.
Show steps
  • Research reputable sources for van electrical tutorials.
  • Select tutorials covering wiring, solar panels, and battery systems.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and asking questions.
  • Apply what you've learned to a small electrical project.
Design Your Dream Van Layout
Apply the course's layout principles to create a detailed plan for your ideal campervan.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm your needs and wants for a van layout.
  • Sketch multiple layout options, considering space and functionality.
  • Refine your chosen layout with detailed dimensions and component placement.
  • Create a 3D model or rendering of your final design.
Document Your Van Build Journey
Solidify your understanding by creating a blog or video series documenting a van build process.
Show steps
  • Choose a platform for your documentation (blog, video, etc.).
  • Plan the content structure, covering key build stages.
  • Document each step with photos, videos, and written descriptions.
  • Share your content and engage with the van life community.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro To Van Life: Campervan starter guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Campervan Builder
A campervan builder designs and constructs custom living spaces within vans, and this course provides a foundational understanding of van conversion. The course's detailed modules on electrical systems, plumbing, layout, and design directly translate to the practical skills needed for a successful campervan builder. The course, which includes electrical diagrams and a breakdown of costs and supplies, helps a campervan builder understand the necessary components of a build, allowing for accurate planning and cost estimations. Anyone interested in crafting personalized mobile homes should take this course, as it offers a comprehensive start in the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Campervan Builder
Van Conversion Specialist
A van conversion specialist focuses on transforming standard vans into fully functional living spaces, and this course can help you better understand how this is done. The course systematically covers the core elements of van conversion, like layout, electrical systems, water systems, and the order of the van build, which are necessary for anyone working as a van conversion specialist. The insights into cost breakdowns and the inclusion of a supplies list will support effective project management. Individuals who want to become a van conversion specialist will find that taking this course helps them build a strong knowledge base.
See salaries and explore the career path for Van Conversion Specialist
Mobile Home Designer
A mobile home designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces within mobile structures like vans, and this course will help you begin this journey. The curriculum, which includes sections on layout, design, aesthetics, cabinets, and insulation, aids in understanding the nuances of spatial design within a confined area. The course provides insights into integrating various systems, like electrical and water, which must be considered in the overall design of a mobile home. This course is valuable for anyone who aspires to be a mobile home designer because it will help you learn more about how to effectively design and plan mobile spaces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Home Designer
Tiny Home Builder
A tiny home builder is versed in the unique aspects of creating small, efficient living spaces, and this course can help you build a useful knowledge base. While the course focuses on vans, it deals with many aspects of building a tiny home, such as layout, insulation, temperature control, and appliance installation. The practical experience of building in a confined space such as a van can translate to small home building, as both must effectively integrate utilities and comforts into limited square footage. Those interested in the field of tiny home construction will find that this course provides a strong introduction to the challenges of building in limited space.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tiny Home Builder
Interior Outfitter
An interior outfitter focuses on the installation and design of interior components within structures such as vans, and this course will be very helpful to this work. The course provides resources on layout, design, aesthetic, cabinets, and cushions, all of which are central to the work of an interior outfitter. Learning how to coordinate electrical and water systems, as covered in this course, will help an interior outfitter manage the installation of these systems. This course is a starting point for anyone considering the work of interior outfitting as it offers practical knowledge about space management and system integration.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interior Outfitter
Mobile Living Consultant
A mobile living consultant advises clients on the design and functionality of mobile living spaces, such as vans. This course, which offers resources on van life, can help in the work of this consultant. The course’s comprehensive content, which includes layout, budget, electrical systems, water systems, and design, provides a solid background for one to advise clients on various aspects of van conversion. This course may be helpful for anyone looking to be a mobile living consultant, as it provides insight into the challenges and solutions in mobile living.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Living Consultant
Project Manager
A project manager plans, executes, and oversees projects from start to finish, and this course will help you manage projects in the context of van conversions. The course's methodical approach to van building, from budget planning to the order of construction, can help a project manager in the field. The course outlines the management of numerous aspects of a project, such as budget, electrical systems, and timeline. Anyone interested in project management, especially in the field of mobile spaces, will find this course useful in the organization and logistics of the process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Renovation Contractor
A renovation contractor manages and executes various renovation projects, and this course has some relevance to the field. The course covers elements of construction within a confined space similar to renovations, such as electrical and plumbing systems, insulation, and interior design. The knowledge of cost breakdown, material lists, and build order can be useful to understand the process of renovations. This course might be of interest for someone thinking of becoming a renovation contractor, as it provides some practical knowledge of construction and design.
See salaries and explore the career path for Renovation Contractor
Electrical Technician
An electrical technician installs and maintains electrical systems. This course, which offers an electrical diagram, will be relevant to this technician's work. The course module on electrical systems will be most relevant to someone who wishes to become an electrical technician, as it offers practical knowledge about planning and implementing an electrical system. The information about electrical wiring and appliances can be helpful to someone in this field. This course may be relevant for someone who wants to become an electrical technician, as it provides some base knowledge about electrical systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Technician
Plumbing Technician
A plumbing technician is responsible for installation and maintenance of plumbing systems. The course offers coverage of water systems, which is a critical element in the work of a plumbing technician. The course explains the components and setup of a plumbing system in a confined space, which will be valuable. This course may be helpful for anyone looking to be a plumbing technician, as it will introduce them to the challenges of space-constrained water systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Plumbing Technician
Handyman
A handyman is skilled in various home repairs and maintenance tasks. This course, which offers a wide variety of information about van building, can be useful. The course includes many aspects of home maintenance like electrical, plumbing, and interior work. The course may be helpful for anyone who wishes to become a handyman, as it provides an understanding of different types of repairs and installations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Handyman
Carpenter
A carpenter works with wood to build, install, and repair various structures. The course, which discusses cabinets and interior structural elements, has relevance for the work of a carpenter. The sections on cabinets and wall construction provide an understanding of carpentry within a mobile environment. This course may be useful if you are interested in becoming a carpenter because it provides hands-on experience in cabinet work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Carpenter
Design Consultant
A design consultant advises clients on aesthetic and functional design, and this course helps you better understand these design considerations within the context of a van. The course covers several design elements such as layout, aesthetics, and interior elements, which provides a foundation for advising clients on similar projects. This course may be useful for someone who wishes to be a design consultant, as it provides insight into how to design for small spaces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Design Consultant
Auto Mechanic
An auto mechanic repairs and maintains vehicles, and this course has a slightly relevant relation. The course, however, focuses on the interior build of a van, not the mechanical aspects of the vehicle. The course provides very little useful information on being an auto mechanic. The course may be helpful, however, in the context of understanding the overall vehicle for someone who wants to work adjacent to an auto mechanic.
See salaries and explore the career path for Auto Mechanic
Salesperson
A salesperson works in sales, helping customers purchase products or services. This course, however, is unrelated to sales. The course focuses on the technical details of van conversion, not the skills necessary for effective sales. The course would not be helpful for someone who wants to work in sales. Therefore, a salesperson may not be attracted to this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Salesperson

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intro To Van Life: Campervan starter guide.
Cover image
Off Grid Life
Save
Offers a comprehensive guide to van life, covering topics such as van selection, conversion, and living on the road. It provides inspiration and practical advice for those considering or already living the van life. It useful reference for students looking to expand their knowledge of van life beyond the course material.
Off Grid Life
Paperback
Check
Off Grid Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
This cookbook provides practical and delicious recipes specifically designed for cooking in a van. It addresses the challenges of limited space and resources, offering creative solutions for meal preparation on the road. It great resource for students looking to improve their cooking skills in a van.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
37 total mins
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Deanna Dunn
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a cost breakdown and complete supplies list, which is helpful for those planning their van conversion budget
Includes an electrical diagram, which is essential for safely setting up a campervan's power system
Presents the order of a van build, which is useful for those who want to manage their project efficiently
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