On June 19, 2020, I purchased my 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. On the same day, exactly one day later, I purchased a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. Funny how life seems to work out…
Preparing for Five Months on the Road in Our Minivan Camper!
My dreams are finally coming true. After years of planning and decades of imagining RV life, Wynston and I are hitting the road for five months! We will be living in our minivan camper conversion as we traverse the Pacific Northwest region.
We took a 6 week road trip last year, and that was the happiest I’ve ever been! Now it’s time to step up our game!
Our DIY Minivan Camper Conversion Product List
When I bought my 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan in June of 2020, I got started on converting it into a camper right away. After years of research I was ready to embark on my van life journey.How I’m Preparing for a Five Week Road Trip
Wynston and I are going to be living in our minivan camper conversion as we explore the United States over a period of five weeks. This sort of solo undertaking takes research, preparation and a lot of open-mindedness.
Travel is not new to me, and neither is driving a long distance by myself. But because I will be living on the road for five weeks with my dog, it’s important that I prepare properly.
In this post I share how I’m preparing for a five week road trip with Wynston around the USA. I’m working on my van, mind, body and soul so I am fully ready to be living out of our vehicle.
Van Life Adventures: Exploring San Diego
I chase weather. I go where it’s cold, raining, snowing…anything but sun. Living in the desert for 22 years has taken it’s toll on me and I’m over it. Therefore, I like to travel where the weather is not going to fry my soul if I walk outdoors.
But anyways, that’s what brought Wynston and I to San Diego for a van life trip – weather in the 70s. The San Diego area is about a 5.5 hour drive from our house, which is super close for us! When you’re used to driving 12+ hours to visit a beautiful spot, only having to travel less than 6 is awfully appealing.
I decided to book a stay at the San Diego Metro KOA. If you aren’t familiar with KOAs (I definitely wasn’t), they are family-oriented campgrounds with lots of activities and amenities.
I’m attracted to KOAs because they give you the ability to camp with the amenities of a hotel such as showers, bathrooms, electric hookups, activities for the family and often a pool and cafe. At most KOA campgrounds, you can camp in a cabin, tent or RV. Some even have tiny homes and yurts. Whatever your style is, the KOA probably offers it.
I hadn’t been to San Diego since I was a teenager, so I was especially excited to visit. I wasn’t really sure what to expect of a campground in the middle of an ocean “city,” but I gave it a whirl, and it was worth it.
