Van Life with Lupus: How Bee Rocks Full-Time Minivan Living Despite Chronic Illness

So, you're thinking about hitting the road full-time, but you're dealing with a chronic illness? It's a valid concern, but as Bee from the YouTube channel Outgivant proves, it's absolutely achievable. In this interview with CheapRVliving, Bee shares her experience living full-time in her 2014 Chrysler Town and Country minivan, all while managing her lupus. Get ready for a dose of reality, practical tips, and inspiration to chase your nomadic dreams, no matter your circumstances.

Choosing the Minivan Life

Bee's journey to minivan living was sparked by a combination of factors: her lupus diagnosis, her son becoming an adult, and discovering the CheapRVliving community during the pandemic. She needed a way to set her son up for success while also prioritizing her own well-being. The flexibility and affordability of van life offered a unique solution, allowing her to manage her health while embracing a life of freedom and adventure. As Bee puts it, her life took a "beline, no pun intended," toward this lifestyle.

She didn't have a vehicle at the time and "put it out there in the universe that when the time came... she would just put something in my lap that was appropriate for me. And here she was." Her 2014 Chrysler Town and Country ended up being the perfect fit for her needs, offering a blend of space, fuel efficiency, and reliability.

Conquering the Challenges: Health and Weather

Living with lupus presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to temperature regulation. Bee highlights the importance of knowing your limits and adapting to the environment. She can handle cooler temperatures, but struggles in the heat. "63 in full sun is what I can handle um in the van, you know, without it getting overwhelming," she explains.

To combat heat intolerance, Bee actively seeks out shade, heads to higher elevations, or moves to cooler climates. She emphasizes the need to be aware of your body and its signals, especially when managing a chronic condition on the road. Regular doctor visits, at least every six months, are also crucial for maintaining health and managing medications.

Minivan Conversion: Functionality and Flair

Bee's minivan conversion is a testament to resourcefulness and personal style. She creatively repurposed a discarded changing table into a functional "Wii kitchen," complete with a dog bowl sink and a rechargeable faucet. The water jug underneath is a 3 gallon container that feeds into the faucet. Her pots and pans feature removable handles for space-saving storage, showcasing her attention to detail.

Color plays a significant role in Bee's van, with vibrant tie-dye fabrics adding personality and warmth. She made the tie dye bed and pillow herself and got tie dye towels as well. The back two seats are still in the van to support the bed, while the middle two seats are out for storage. This colorful and creative space reflects Bee's positive attitude and her ability to create a comfortable home on wheels.

Power and Essentials on the Road

Powering her nomadic life is a combination of a Bluetti AC70 and an older PS54 power station, which she charges with a 300-watt suitcase solar panel. These power sources keep her devices running and her Blue Yeti microphone ready for content creation on her Outgivant YouTube channel. She also says that it is her primary source of power.

Bee also prioritizes safety on the road, emphasizing the importance of trusting your gut. She advises fellow solo female travelers to be aware of their surroundings and carry a self-defense tool they're comfortable using. Bee's practical approach to safety underscores the importance of preparation and awareness when living on the road.

Mimi Time: Sharing the Van Life Joy

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Bee's story is her relationship with her granddaughter, who affectionately calls her "Mimi." Bee intentionally kept one of the back seats to accommodate her granddaughter for "Mimi time" in the van. The pair enjoy camping trips and DVD watching, creating lasting memories together. The minivan serves as a "fort on wheels" for their adventures, showcasing the versatility of this lifestyle for people of all ages.

Key Takeaways

Don't let chronic illness stop you: With proper planning and self-awareness, van life is possible.
Know your limits: Understand your body's needs, especially regarding temperature and medical care.
Embrace resourcefulness: Repurpose items and find creative storage solutions to maximize space.
Trust your gut: Prioritize safety and be aware of your surroundings.
Personalize your space: Add color and personal touches to create a comfortable home on wheels.
Just do it: Don't overthink it. Take a short trip to test the waters and see if van life is right for you.

Bee's story is a powerful reminder that van life is accessible to people from all walks of life, regardless of their circumstances. Her positive attitude, practical tips, and vibrant personality are sure to inspire anyone considering a nomadic lifestyle. Be sure to check out the full interview on CheapRVliving to learn more about Bee's incredible journey and her tips for thriving on the road with chronic illness.