From Breakdowns to Freedom – Vanlife with Our Old Camper Martta
Vanlife with an old motorhome isn’t about luxury or perfection – it’s about freedom, patience, and learning to call a rattling, squeaky camper your home.
If home, to some, means a house with plumbing, an electric stove and a Pinterest-worthy kitchen – then sorry, my home is called Martta.
She doesn’t shine, but she moves. And she feels more like home than any concrete box ever could.
Martta, a fateful ride
We had been searching for an old campervan for ages. Every time we found a listing, someone beat us to it. But then – finally – we were first. Saw the ad, called immediately, went to see it, and that was it. Love at first sight.
Martta had low mileage, had been well taken care of, and even the inspection guys used to praise the old lady’s condition. Lots of others were interested in buying her too – some even got a bit upset we were quicker.
Which was kind of wild, considering we’re usually the ones missing out.
She’s been with us for at least ten years, probably more. We gave her a makeover right away – made her our own. Even though sometimes I get the itch to redo the interior, we’ve stuck with the old look. Okay… the curtains, rugs, and seat covers could really use an update.
Once, someone in a caravan group called the decor “a porn cave” – which honestly made me laugh so hard I considered making a sign for the door.
Condition and quirks
Martta ran like a dream for years, but in the last few, age has started to show. She’s left us stranded by the roadside more than once.
Electricity works when it feels like it. The Trumatic heater gave up. And the fridge? Works only on electricity – and only when it’s in the mood.
We’ve replaced both batteries, changed all fluids, installed a new alternator, and the timing belt has been changed twice.
She doesn’t have a turbo, so even the smallest hill makes her cough and slow down. And once you go over 80 km/h, she roars like an opera singer and gulps fuel like a long-haul trucker in July.
So it’s better to take it slow and enjoy the scenery.
There’s no power steering either – but hey, you know you’ve driven something real when you finally park for the day. Great for the biceps.
What’s inside?
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Gas stove and fridge (the fridge works… sometimes… usually not when needed)
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Trumatic heater (officially retired)
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Fixed toilet that works great – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done
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Shower exists, but it’s never been used – and it’s high on the removal list
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Ceiling air conditioner – only works on electricity (when it works at all)
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Sleeps four: two above the cab and two with a convertible sofa-bed setup
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Storage: half yarn and dog food, half random “might-need-this-someday” stuff
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Interior style: handcrafted, upcycled, unapologetically personal – and maybe a bit porn cave chic
I’m planning to rip out the shower and build a cozy travel area for the dogs in the back, plus relocate the toilet into a more practical spot.
Traveling with five dogs means space runs out fast.
A little drama over the years
One repair shop visit ended in a mysteriously broken door lock – the kind of break where you suddenly have a free-flow entrance for everyone. Still needs fixing.
Someone once tried to break into Martta. The thief was clearly no pro – they wrecked the door hinges, even though just pulling the handle would’ve opened it.
Amateur move, but still a pain. The hinges had to be replaced – but at least now the door shuts tight.
What about the future?
Sometimes I browse online and dream about a different kind of setup – like a self-built van conversion with a tiny house trailer in tow.
But for now, we’re rolling with this crew and this clunky, faithful beast. Martta is familiar, full of character, and still full of potential – even if she growls and complains now and then.
I still remember…
Those first nights in Martta. Using the gas stove and Trumatic for the first time – I was absolutely convinced I was about to blow the whole thing sky-high. There I was, crouched by the window, holding a match, heart racing.
My first time emptying the toilet was… an experience. Let’s just say I learned fast. These days it’s no big deal, but back then? Yikes.
And the ceiling air conditioner? Works only on electricity, so not much use in wild camping spots. And even then – it works when it wants to, not when it should. Classic Martta.
But you adapt. I’ve learned to switch on the gas, talk the fridge into cooperating, read Martta’s little warning signs and sense when something’s about to go sideways.
And when everything works even halfway… she feels like home.
Martta isn’t perfect. She’s not new, quiet, or easy to drive. But she’s mine. She takes us – me and the dogs – wherever we feel like going. Sometimes to our destination, sometimes a bit off course, but always one moment at a time.
She’s more than just a vehicle.
She’s freedom, gratitude, and home – with a side of sweat from having no power steering.
What about you – do you travel with an old camper, a self-built van, or something totally different? Drop your stories in the comments – I’d love to hear about your ride’s quirks, wins, and “oh no” moments.
Curious about what Martta looks like inside?
Read how she turned from dull to dazzling – a colorful home full of life.