Ethan Liebross chose to convert a Ford Transit van into an off-grid residence rather than incur additional debt for medical school. With his father’s assistance, he spent two months converting the car into a modern living environment equipped with butcher block countertops, a memory foam mattress, and other conveniences. Before starting medical school, Ethan spent a year traveling across the United States as a freelance journalist.
He went on this voyage after becoming absorbed in reading about other communities as a student, motivated by a desire to discover them personally. Ethan’s desire to immerse himself in communities drove him to make extensive travels. Unable to afford hotel stays, he decided to convert a Ford Transit van into a habitable area. By roughing it for a year, he was able to achieve his travel dreams while staying within his budget.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the average monthly cost for a studio apartment is roughly $1,600, but in the UCLA area, where expenditures tend to be higher, many of Ethan’s peers spend around $1,800. “I will admit that at the start of school, when classes began, I kept it a secret. I didn’t want people to know I lived in a van. I’m concerned that the school will kick me out.
Will they consider it unprofessional? Ethan shared.Finding parking in Ethan’s neighborhood is challenging, but if he finds a spot, he retains it for the entire week, save for street cleaning on Friday. Although this setup is convenient, it consumes a large amount of gas. To reduce this, Ethan prefers to bike whenever possible. Every morning, he quickly puts up his bike before riding the 8-minute distance to class, which is conveniently placed nearby.
Despite the availability of financial possibilities, Ethan chose a simpler lifestyle over accruing larger housing debts. Ethan’s van exemplifies his resourcefulness and DIY ethic. Every part of its design and functionality has been carefully planned and implemented. The electrical setup is mostly dependant on DC power coming from a 200-amp battery, with the propane system supporting cooking.
Ethan has gone above and beyond to make his living area both useful and comfortable. Water, a valuable resource in the van, poses its own set of issues. Ethan has devised inventive solutions to this problem, such as gathering at friends’ apartments or using public parks. Despite occasional plumbing troubles and the necessity for DIY repairs, Ethan accepts these challenges as necessary parts of the van life experience.
Ethan’s van has a CR130 refrigerator, which is specifically developed for truckers and long-haul drivers. Despite its high price of roughly $900, Ethan believes it is one of his most valued investments. The bed in Ethan’s vehicle, complete with a memory foam mattress topper, provides rest and comfort after a long day of courses and studying.
The created elements, such as the butcher block countertop and handcrafted drawers, represent Ethan’s commitment to creating a warm and inviting living environment. Its efficiency, thanks to its DC power source, distinguishes it from traditional refrigerators and makes it an uncommon find on the market.Learn more about Ethan’s life in his mobile house built from a Ford Transit van conversion in the video below: