WHEELY NICE
I’ve been living full time in a motorhome for five years – I pay nothing in rent but there’s still lots of hidden costs
Watch the video above as Darran breaks down what he spends every month - and how he could save even more
A MAN who has been living full time in a motorhome for five years has revealed that he pays absolutely nothing in rent.
Darran 36, ditched his home for van life in 2017, and hasn't looked back since.
2
2
He parks his motorhome in urban areas, which means that he doesn't have to pay to stay at campsites.
But he revealed his lifestyle still comes with plenty of hidden costs.
Taking to his YouTube channel the Urban Motorhome, Darran explained that he spends around £250-£300 a month on diesel.
As well as filling up his tank, he uses a diesel heater to warm his mobile home, and also uses electricity from the solar panels on the roof for cooking.
Read more real life stories
Darren added that when he is filling his van with diesel, he also fills up his water tank for free, meaning that he doesn't have to pay water bills.
"They never have a problem because you are spending £100-£200 on diesel."
He also uses gas, which sets him back £30 a month, and spends around £160 a month on food.
Darran has to get a full MOT and service for his motorhome every year, which sets him back £200.
Most read in Fabulous
Breakdown cover costs him just £11 a month, while insurance is £373.
Darran also pays £25 a month for road tax, and keeps around £2,000 as an "emergency fund", in case his van needs any maintenance.
How to Own a Caravan on a Budget
To get internet in his van, Darran has a sim card for his Wi-Fi router, which sets him back £26 a month.
The van doesn't have a washing machine in it, so he has to go to the laundrette, which costs £30 a month.
And when he needs to empty the toilet cassette in the vehicle, he either pays a campsite a fiver to let him do it there, or empties it at one of his friends' houses.
In total, Darran spends about £752 a month to live in his van.
The Rise Of Van Life
The rise of van life began during the pandemic in 2020. With no one able to leave the country, staycations became popular for many say camping blog venturecampers.
On top of that, the rising cost of renting a house has put many off doing so, especially when wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living crisis.
Although it has gained popularity again, many people opted for van life in the 60s and 70s.
He said: "If you're doing van life to save hardcore, then that might be a lot.
"I'm not doing it to save money, I'm doing it because I love it, because I've found happiness and freedom.
Read More on The US Sun
"And I am still saving money, as I work full time."
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: [email protected] and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.