Additional Coverage:
- I traveled in a camper van for the first time. My 10-day trip through the Pacific Northwest wasn’t perfect, but it exceeded my expectations. (businessinsider.com)
Van Life Revelation: A 10-Day Road Trip Exceeds Expectations
Oregon Coast, CA/OR – Forget what you think you know about van life! One local adventurer recently embarked on a 10-day road trip from California to Oregon in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van, and the experience shattered preconceived notions, proving that life on the open road can be surprisingly comfortable and incredibly scenic.
Ashley Probst, a first-time van traveler, ventured out with a friend, expecting a rugged, potentially challenging journey. Instead, she discovered a world of unexpected amenities, friendly communities, and breathtaking views, all while navigating the open road with surprising ease.
The vehicle itself was a star of the show: a 2022 Mercedes-Benz Beast MODE 4×4 Sprinter van, borrowed from her friend’s parents who endured a two-year waitlist for the in-demand model. This wasn’t your average stripped-down camper; it boasted air-conditioning, a heating system, a mini-fridge, and even a pop-up shower. Probst noted that the impressive rig drew compliments and questions daily from fellow travelers.
“Before I knew the specific type of van we had, I didn’t expect our home base to have many amenities,” Probst shared. “But I was impressed by the air-conditioning, heating system, mini fridge, and pop-up shower.”
One of the trip’s most delightful surprises was the RV park experience. Probst, a novice to these overnight havens, found them to be vibrant, welcoming communities.
“Everyone I met at the various parks was friendly, inquisitive, adventurous, and, most importantly, joyful,” she recounted. Beyond the camaraderie, many parks offered stunning vistas, including a favorite grassy campsite on the central Oregon Coast directly across from a beautiful beach, and another whimsical spot adorned with gnomes and Bigfoot statues.
Despite initial nerves about piloting such a large vehicle, Probst quickly found driving the Sprinter to be a breeze. The backup camera with projection lines made parking a cinch, and the van’s robust design provided a sense of security, capable of handling diverse terrains and weather conditions.
Storage was also abundant, with enough pockets, drawers, and cabinets that some went unused, easily accommodating two bikes and all their belongings. And when it came to cooking, simplicity was key. A portable battery, hot plate, and pan were all that was needed to whip up satisfying meals on the go, proving that a full kitchen isn’t necessary for delicious roadside dining.
While the van didn’t have an onboard bathroom – a conscious decision to remove a “bucket” toilet for more space – this minor inconvenience didn’t detract from the journey. Public restrooms, friends’ homes, and RV park facilities filled the gap, complemented by travel-size dry shampoo.
The main unexpected expense was fuel. The diesel-powered van required frequent refueling, with each full tank costing around $200.
Over the 10-day trip, approximately $1,000 was spent on gas. However, Probst quickly pointed out that this was still a significant saving compared to the cost of hotels or Airbnbs for the same duration.
Working remotely was another potential hurdle that proved to be a non-issue. Probst relied on her iPhone’s hotspot for internet access while driving and strategically scheduled virtual meetings for times when stable Wi-Fi was available.
Inside, the van transformed from a comfortable travel space to a surprisingly spacious lounge when clean. Swiveling front seats and a convertible sofa bed created an area that comfortably accommodated four people and a dog, with room to spare. The high ceiling allowed for easy movement, though the main walkway required a sideways shuffle.
Probst concluded that her initial concerns about van travel – from finding overnight parking to limited space and internet access – were largely unfounded. Her advice for aspiring adventurers?
“Go in with realistic, if not low, expectations.” This approach, she says, turned potential anxieties into pleasant surprises, making the journey even more enjoyable.
Despite the frequent refueling and the lack of an onboard shower, Probst enthusiastically endorsed the experience, stating she would readily embark on another van trip. Her journey serves as a vibrant reminder that embracing new forms of travel can lead to incredible discoveries and challenge our preconceived notions of adventure.