Why You Shouldn't Start Van Life Alone (The Value of a Mentor)
Transparency Note: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and partner with other brands, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I actually use and believe in.
When I first started van life, I thought I had it covered.
I’d watched the YouTube videos, read the blogs, and packed my van with everything the influencers said I needed.
Then reality hit. It wasn't one big explosion; it was the slow realization that I had spent thousands of dollars on "cute" gear that I never used, while overlooking the gritty logistics—like how to manage repairs on an older van or where to safely park at 11 PM when every campground is full and you can’t find a free place to park.
That’s the thing about van life—it’s magical, but it’s also unpredictable.
A mentor can’t stop your transmission from acting up (trust me, I know!), but they can stop you from draining your savings account on the wrong gear before you even start. Here are five reasons you’ll be glad you didn’t go it alone.
1. Stop Googling, Start Planning
When I was prepping for the road, I spent weeks reading articles on where to sleep and how to stay stealth, while obsessively researching All The Gear. I had "Analysis Paralysis."
A mentor helps you cut through the noise. Instead of asking, "Which is the best solar panel?", a mentor asks, "How much power do you actually use?" We focus on what matters for your specific lifestyle—saving you months of confusion.
2. Save Your Budget (Function over Fashion)
I purchased so many things because a blog said they were "essential." Spoiler Alert: After a month, most of those things were just taking up space.
I spent money on items that looked good on Instagram but were useless in real life. A mentor helps you adopt a Function over Fashion mindset before you swipe your credit card, ensuring your budget goes toward gas and adventures, not clutter.
3. Prepare for the "Real" Road (Not just Sunsets)
Social Media shows you golden-hour photos and perfectly lit interiors. It won’t show you:
The reality of finding a safe place to park at 11 PM.
Keeping your dog clean in a muddy campsite.
Dealing with a rain leak over your pillow.
A mentor gives you the full picture—so you’re ready for both the magic and the mess.
4. Launch Day Without the Nerves
Your first night in the van will still come with butterflies. But when you already know how to set up camp, engage your safety locks, and manage your power system, those butterflies turn into excitement rather than panic.
This is exactly why I built the Road Ready Mentorship—to give you that vehicle confidence before you ever leave the driveway.
5. Help Is Just a Call Away
Sometimes you just need to send a text that says, “Is this normal?” With a mentor, you’ve got someone in your corner who’s been there and gets it. Whether you are stuck in a decision loop or just need a confidence boost, having a co-pilot makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Van life is a bold move—but you don’t have to leap blind.
Whether you need a complete step-by-step roadmap or just a single session to troubleshoot a specific fear, I am here to help you get road-ready.
Ready to start your journey? You don't have to commit to a full package today. Let's just chat about where you are. 👉 Book your FREE Curiosity Call today
Let’s make your adventure a little smoother—and a lot more fun.
