Vanlife with Grandpa: J’s Adventures Across the United States With Her Furry Co-Pilot

Hi, I’m January, but I just go by J. I’ve been living on the road for over two years now, sharing my tiny home on wheels with my cat, Grandpa—who’s always nearby, whether he’s rubbing his head on my laptop during video calls or pretending he’s a fierce mouser (even though he’s never actually caught one). 

My journey began shortly after graduating college when I bought my van and decided to build a home on wheels. It took me a whole year to finish the build, and while I had originally planned to road trip for just a year around the entire US, I found myself  falling in love with the west like Arizona, Utah, and California. Now I’m on year two going on three out west in my van. 

The West just makes sense for vanlife—there’s so much free public land to camp on, and the vanlife community is thriving here.

Rebuilding the Past: Converting My Van

My van is a 1979 classic that was already built out as an RV when I bought it. It came with a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bed, but let’s just say it was stuck in the early 80s, and not in a good way. It was nasty, dirty, stinky, and full of surprises—like the time I pulled down the ceiling panels, and dead mice and rat droppings rained down on me. I gutted it completely, tearing everything down to the bare metal bones.

The rebuild took twice as long as I expected—an entire year instead of six months. But it was worth it. I wanted the van to feel like mine and to know it was healthy and clean. The process wasn’t easy, but when you see the transformation, it’s so rewarding. Now, every detail reflects me and the life I want to live.

Fully Solar, Fully Electric: My Power Setup

I run everything off solar. I have four 210-watt panels on the roof, 400 amp-hours of lithium batteries, and a 3000-watt inverter. It powers everything—my fridge, air conditioner, electric stovetop, lights, etc. I don’t use propane at all.

I designed the electrical system myself, spending months researching and buying all the parts. But when it came to plugging it all together, I hired a professional. I didn’t trust myself not to start an electrical fire. It’s worked out pretty well, though the system has its quirks. Sometimes, things break or stop working for no reason, and then, just as mysteriously, they fix themselves. 

Adventures and Mishaps: Living with a Quirky Home

Living in a van means dealing with the unexpected. For me, the biggest challenge has been breakdowns. My van is old, and it breaks down a lot. When that happens, I lose my house and my car all at once. One time, I ended up crashing on a mechanic’s couch for a night while the van was in the shop. Yes, it was as awkward as it sounds, and yes, my mom was furious when she found out. But relying on the kindness of strangers has gotten me through a lot of challenges. 

Most of the time, I’ve been lucky—friends nearby let me stay with them, or the problem gets fixed in a day. But there’s always that moment of panic when the van won’t start, and you’re in the middle of nowhere wondering, “Now what do I do?”

The Vanlife Community: Finding My People

One of the best parts of vanlife has been the community. I’m currently at Skooliepalooza, one of the biggest vanlife gatherings in the country. It’s like a reunion—you get to see friends you haven’t crossed paths with in months. Everyone is always off on their own adventures, so events like this are a rare chance to catch up.

I’ve been surprised by how easy it is to make friends on the road. When you meet someone living a similar lifestyle, it feels like an instant connection. 

Whenever I meet a new person in the vanlife community, it feels like I’ve already known them for years. We’ve all faced the same struggles and experiences in this lifestyle. I thought making friends as an adult, especially after college, would be tough, but this community proves otherwise.

Favorite Places: From Utah to Baja

People always ask me about my favorite places, and it’s hard to pick just one. Southern Utah is incredible—Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Bryce Canyon, and Zion are all breathtaking. Moab is a recent favorite; I went for the first time and completely fell in love. Sedona in northern Arizona is another magical spot, and San Diego is my go-to when I want a mix of beach and city life. I’ve also explored Baja, Mexico, and the landscapes there are stunning.

There’s so much more to see. I dream of traveling to Central and South America one day, though I’d probably wait until I have a partner to join me. There’s safety in numbers, after all.

The Challenges of a Solo Vanlifer

Traveling as a solo female comes with its own mix of challenges and advantages. Sure, people often say, “It’s riskier for women than men,” but honestly, I feel like solo male travelers and solo female travelers experience much of the same challenges and hardships. Most of the struggles I face are just about being solo—like dealing with breakdowns and solving problems on my own. 

One unique thing about being a solo female traveler is how much help I receive from strangers. It’s kind of like what people jokingly call “pretty girl privilege.” I think because I’m a solo female traveler and a young petite woman, people seem more willing to lend a hand when I’m in need of one. In contrast, I’ve noticed solo male travelers don’t always get the same support, which can make their journey feel lonelier.

For me, it’s about striking a balance—being open to kindness while staying cautious about people’s intentions. 

At its core, solo travel teaches you resilience and shows you the beauty of connecting with others, even in the most unexpected moments.

Tips for Life on the Road

I get asked for advice a lot, especially from people considering vanlife. Here are a few things I’ve learned:

• Use iOverlander: It’s the perfect app for finding free camping spots, water fill-ups, and even laundromats.
• Go big with your solar setup: It’s better to have too much power than not enough. 
• Embrace the quirks: Your van will break down. Things won’t always work out as planned. But you’ll figure it out. Roll with the punches. 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

When I started vanlife, I thought I’d only do it for a year. Now, I’m heading into year three, and I’m not done yet. That said, living in a 50-square-foot box can get exhausting. Sometimes I dream of having a home base—a place where I can take a break from the cramped bed and the lack of plumbing. My goal is to buy property by the end of the year, but that doesn’t mean I’m giving up vanlife. I’ll keep the van and continue exploring, just with a little more balance.

Final Thoughts

Vanlife has been an adventure—full of freedom, challenges, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re considering it, my advice is to just start. You’ll figure out the rest as you go. As for me, I’m excited to see where the road takes me next, whether it’s Canada, Alaska, or somewhere completely unexpected.

Follow J’s vanlife journey on Instagram 👉 @jfromeverywhere.