My Van: What My Plans Are for the Future

I've always dreamed of combining my passion for coding with my love for travel. 🚐✨ After years of working from conventional offices and home setups, I'm finally taking the plunge into van life. This post documents my journey converting a 2010 Sprinter van into a fully functional mobile workspace and living environment.

🔍 Why a Sprinter Van?

My choice of a 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter wasn't random. After researching various options, I settled on this model because:

• Standing height — At 1.9m, I can stand upright inside (crucial for me)
• Reliable diesel engine — Known to run for 300,000+ miles with proper maintenance
• Affordability — Older models offer great value compared to newer options

Yes, you read that right — $12,500. It's not pristine, with some rust around the wheel wells and high mileage, but the engine runs smoothly. Finding an affordable van in today's market was challenging, but patience and willingness to take on a "project vehicle" paid off.

🛠️ The Build: Affordable & Removable

My approach to the van build is guided by two key principles:

🏗️ The Current Build Progress

I'm about 20% through the conversion process. Here's what I've completed so far:

💻 The Mobile Workspace Setup

As a developer, having a proper workspace is non-negotiable. My office setup will include:

• External monitor — On a swing arm mount for flexibility
• Power-efficient setup — Laptop + monitor manageable with solar system
• Connectivity solutions:
  • Cellular modem + external antenna
  • Planned stops at coworking spaces for intensive work days

📝 Lessons Learned So Far

The build process hasn't been without challenges:

1. Everything takes longer than expected — What I thought would be a 3-month project is looking more like 1 year
2. Working with curved surfaces is difficult — The Sprinter's walls aren't flat, which complicates building cabinets and storage
3. Weight management matters — I'm carefully tracking the weight of everything I add to avoid exceeding the van's capacity
4. Community knowledge is invaluable — Forums and YouTube videos have saved me countless hours and dollars

💰 The Financial Side

Going nomadic isn't just about freedom — it's also a financial strategy:

My calculations suggest I'll save approximately $400 per month, while gaining the flexibility to travel and experience new places.

🌈 The Future Vision

This van isn't just a vehicle or a home — it represents a fundamental shift in how I approach work and life. Looking ahead, I envision:

• Seasonal migration — Following good weather and interesting opportunities
• Community connection — Meeting other digital nomads and remote workers
• Professional growth — Using the flexibility to attend more conferences and workshops

📱 Follow Along

I'll be documenting this journey across several platforms:

• Instagram — new account
• GitHub — Yes, I'll create a repo for my build with plans, material lists, and electrical diagrams
• This Blog — In-depth monthly updates about both the technical aspects of the build and the remote work lifestyle
• YouTube — I will upload detailed build videos and tours of the completed van

🔮 Final Thoughts

Whether this becomes a temporary adventure or a long-term lifestyle, I'm committed to sharing both the highlights and challenges along the way. Not every aspect will be Instagram-perfect, but that's precisely what makes it a genuine journey worth documenting.

I'm eager to connect with others who are curious about or already living this lifestyle. Have questions about my build or remote work setup?