How to Live Van Life as a Solo Woman: My Experience and Tips

I’ve called a cargo van my home for nearly four years now. When people ask me where I’m from, I don’t know what to say anymore… So I usually just say I’m passing through or rattle off wherever I stayed a few nights prior, if I can remember. 

It’s been an adventure filled with breathtaking sunsets, unexpected challenges, and a whole lot of personal growth. As a woman living alone on the road, I’ve learned a thing or two about navigating this lifestyle. So, if you’re a woman who’s considering hitting the open road solo, I’ve got the lowdown for you!

Choosing Your Ride: Don’t Get Hosed

The first step is finding your perfect van. This is crucial. I’ve seen women get burned by buying lemons, so let’s avoid that. 

If you’re buying a brand new campervan already converted, research the builder and ensure they offer a good warranty. Ask if their warranty will cover issues while you’re on the road. If you buy the campervan in New York and it breaks down in California, if they won’t cover repairs, it’s no good to you. 

If you’re purchasing a used van to convert yourself or a used campervan already converted, spend the money and pull a Carfax. Thoroughly check the engine, tires, brakes, and electrical system. If you’re not familiar with auto mechanics, take it to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions to the seller. How long have they owned it? What kind of maintenance has been done? Ask for receipts of past work done. Be wary of overly polished vans with hidden problems. Remember, you’re investing in a home on wheels, so treat it like one. 

Know Your Rig’s Value and Insure It! 

I cannot stress this enough: Get a certified appraisal, and insure your campervan for what it is worth. Yes, your monthly bills will be higher, but it’s worth every penny. 

I have seen too many times that women insure their campervans for the value of the chassis only simply because they didn’t know you could get campervans appraised. Then something happens, and everything is gone. Poof. Your whole life, and that $3,000 auto claim isn’t going to cover the tens of thousands of dollars worth of items that are in the campervan. 

I personally have used Camper Van Appraisals twice, and their certified appraisal allowed me to secure solid insurance for my campervan. 

Getting insurance for a campervan can be tricky, especially if it’s a DIY build. You’ll have an easier time getting it if you have an appraisal. Roamly is the only insurance I’ve seen that will knowingly insure you if you live in your RV full-time. 

Breaking Down: It Happens

Let’s face it, breakdowns are inevitable. It’s happened to me a few times, and I have friends who have broken down more times than they can count. 

Get roadside assistance

Having roadside assistance is a must. Learn basic car maintenance like changing a tire, checking fluids, and understanding your vehicle’s warning lights. There are countless online resources and YouTube tutorials to help you become more self-sufficient.

Have basic tools that work with your rig

Make sure you have some basic tools, and ensure the jack and tire iron in your campervan are appropriate for the rig. The stock jacks and irons that come with most cargo vans are total crap and outright dangerous. I had one completely collapse as I was changing a tire. Check that the jack is rated for the weight of your rig, and have some good wheel chocks with you. 

Join related communities on social media

I joined some Facebook communities specific to my van chassis and some nomadic-centric communities that have been willing to help me out on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, there are always trolls in these communities. Don’t let negative comments discourage you!

Search the forum for your question first, and if you don’t see anything helpful, ask away. I once had someone drive an hour out of their way to come help me with a heater issue. There are some great, helpful folks out there! 

Building a network of van lifers is also invaluable. We’re a tight-knit community, and chances are, someone nearby can offer advice or even a helping hand. Sēkr is a great resource for finding other van lifers nearby. I found someone this way once to help me change a flat tire when I couldn’t loosen the lugnuts myself! 

Finding a Mechanic You Can Trust

Finding a reliable mechanic while on the road can be tough. Ask other van lifers for recommendations, check online reviews, and don’t be afraid to get multiple quotes. A good mechanic will be honest and transparent and will not try to overcharge you.

I have found some great mechanics by going to a local auto parts store and asking who they recommend. Once, I was directed to “the big blue building down the road—no signs, just walk up and ask for Tom.” He wasn’t on Google, but I now go back to him every year when I travel through the area because he is so wonderful. 

Safety First: Protecting Yourself

I feel lucky because I have been “solo” a lot in my life, and this wasn’t a huge concern for me, although I am always aware that I need to take more precautions when traveling solo. I was just already used to it when I started van life. 

Regardless, over the (many) years I’ve been solo, I’ve learned that safety is paramount. Trust your gut. If a situation feels off, remove yourself. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when camping alone. 

Here are a few tips to help you feel safe while out on the road: 

Have an emergency contact

Always have an emergency contact who knows where you are. You can share your location via Google Maps, other location-sharing apps, or simply communicate your plan with them and ensure they know what to do if you don’t check in. 

Secure your campervan

Invest in good locks and a van security system if you can afford it. When parking in cities, always park in busier areas and under lighting when available. I’d rather deal with road noise and lights knowing someone is less likely to break into my campervan than park in a dark, quiet alley solo. 

Plan for an easy exit

Always park nose-out so you can make a quick exit if something feels unsettling. If I’m in an area I’m unsure of, I always have my campervan packed up and ready to go. I won’t “set up camp” unless I’m 100% comfortable with my surroundings. 

If I’m parking on public land, I review the roads that are nearby to see if I have alternate exits if something happens and I get blocked in. Gaia and OnX Offroad are great app resources for this. 

Learn self-defense

I recommend EVERY woman learn basic self-defense. No matter what weapon you choose to carry, unless you are practicing daily, the chances of that very weapon being used against you is very high. Adrenaline makes you sloppy.

However, knowing basic self-defense will be safer and more effective in the unlikely event you ever have to protect yourself against another human. There are many online resources and classes available. Nicole Snell has an outstanding course and lots of free resources that are specific to hikers and solo female travelers. 

Learn how to use bear spray or pepper spray and keep it with you in your campervan. Keep in mind that some National Parks don’t allow bear spray inside the park. 

Learn About Your Surroundings

If you’re staying in a city, go to the visitor center and ask what areas are safe to park in as a tourist. Staying on public land? Call the forest service and ask about any dangers in the area. If you’re in an area known for wildfires, download an app like Firesource to monitor any fire activity. Read up on the local Forest Service or BLM web pages. 

Dealing with Creepy People

As with life in general, you’ll likely encounter creepy people every once in a while as you travel. Remember that you have no obligation to talk to anyone. Listen to your gut, and if someone is making you uncomfortable, leave. 

It’s important to set boundaries early on. A firm “no thank you” is usually enough. If someone persists, don’t hesitate to be more assertive if necessary.

Remember that emergency contact? Give them a call and pretend they are someone coming to meet with you in a few minutes. I grabbed my phone and pretended to give directions to my location to a “friend” on the other end when someone was close to my van, making me nervous. The creepy person left, and then I went and found a new spot to stay at. 

Since 2020, when I started traveling solo, I’ve only had a very small handful of creepy encounters. In general, I’ve found that people mind their own business and don’t bother you. But if I feel a weird vibe somewhere, I don’t stick around to find out otherwise!

The Van Life Journey

When I started van life as a solo female traveler, my main learning curve was figuring out where I was allowed to park overnight. I was traveling with my dog, and that gave me a huge blanket of security. 

But I know that not every solo traveler has had the prior experience that I had, and it’s perfectly normal to be nervous or scared to take that leap into the unknown. But I can assure you that as long as you follow your gut, stay aware of your surroundings, and take precautions as necessary, you can have an incredible adventure and not be looking over your shoulder all the time. 

Remember, you’re capable of anything you set your mind to. So, hit the road, explore, and enjoy the journey!

MORE ARTICLES TO READ:

• 15 Solo Van Life Tips for First Timers
• Fearless and Free: Seven Solo Female Van Life Travelers Tell All
• Why I Chose Van Life: Insights from 7 Solo Female Travelers