Buying a car in BC (CA) | Big Bertha - Our beloved travel companion

It's not just any car – it's our beloved Big Bertha. She accompanied us for over 13,431 km in exactly 137 days (June 12, 2024, to October 26, 2024) – all at the proud age of 45.

How did we come up with the idea of covering so many miles with such an old van? Let's start at the beginning...

Love at first sight

On June 12, 2024, at exactly 3:59 p.m. Canadian time, we uploaded the following Instagram story: 'We looked at a car called Big Bertha and immediately fell in love.' With a handshake, she officially became part of our trip. Tanja said, 'Travel with style!'

Our first official acts with Big Bertha? Fill up the tank, of course, buy some decorations from IKEA to make her more cozy, and then give her a proper inspection with a thorough interior and exterior cleaning.

Table of contents:

1. Figures, Data Facts: Big Bertha

2. Memories with Big Bertha: You ask, we answer

3. Vehicle purchase and preparations

4. How do I find the right vehicle?

5. Additional TnB tips

6. Simple checklist before you buy your vehicle - save time and money!

   
   

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**Please note that the information shared here is based on our personal experiences. Prices, opening times and offers are subject to change, and experiences are often weather or seasonal dependent. Be sure to check up-to-date information directly with operators to plan your best possible travel experience.

Big Bertha: Numbers, data and a lot of adventure

Model: Ford Econoline 250

Year of Construction: 1979

Engine: 351 Windsor V8 with 5.7 liters of displacement – enough power to conquer mountains, valleys, and highways.

Consumption: 19 liters/100 km – yes, she’s thirsty, but every tank was a ticket to new adventures.

1979 - Did you know that...

• McDonald’s introduced the Happy Meal, a perfect mix of food and toys for the little ones.

• The Sony Walkman hit the market, revolutionizing the way we listen to music and making tunes portable.

• Volkswagen unveiled the Golf 1 Cabriolet, which later earned its cult status as the iconic "strawberry basket."

Memories with Big Bertha - You ask, we answer

1. What was your best experience with Big Bertha?

   We spent a magical night in Depoe Bay, Oregon. Tanja's joyful cry when she spotted a whale through her binoculars, while I savored my morning coffee, is a memory we’ll never forget. Breakfast with a gray whale – it doesn’t get better than that.

2. What was your worst experience with Big Bertha?

   One morning in Olympic National Park, during a routine oil level check, we noticed a milky liquid on the dipstick. Our hearts sank as we feared potential engine damage from coolant mixing with the oil. After several stressful visits to workshops, we finally got the all-clear: it was just condensation.

3. If you could turn back time, what would you do differently with Big Bertha?

   We definitely wouldn’t have sold her! Instead, we would have continued driving all the way down to South America. We loved her that much.

4. How did you come up with the name "Big Bertha"?

   The name was passed down by the previous owners, and we thought it was absolutely perfect – so we kept it.

5. How much did Big Bertha cost you?

   The purchase price was exactly 6.033€ .

6. What was the longest distance you have driven in one go?

   One tank of fuel got us about 400–450 km. With one more fuel stop, we managed 650 km in a single day. After that, though, she really needed a rest.

7. Which place would you most like to visit again with Big Bertha?

   Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks. Both places were pure magic, and we believe they must be breathtaking no matter the season.

8. What was the biggest challenge of living in a van?

   The retrofitted photovoltaic (PV) system provided us with energy – and a steep learning curve! We gained so much knowledge, but only after countless hours spent Googling and asking ChatGPT for help.

9. Did you have any problems? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?

   Yes, right at the start: after refueling, Big Bertha wouldn’t start. It turned out to be a faulty starter battery. Replacing it solved the issue, and it was the only time during our trip that we had to call BCAA for help.

10. What was the craziest or funniest experience on the road?

    Craziest: We were heading to Las Vegas, passing near Death Valley. The outside temperature was a scorching 40°C, but Bertha's interior hit an unbelievable 58°C because we had to redirect engine air inside to cool her down slightly. As we climbed a long, steep incline, her engine temperature started rising dangerously. At the top of the mountain, we were forced to stop. In the middle of the desert, we miraculously found one lone tree, offering shade just big enough for Bertha to rest and catch her breath. It was like a desert miracle!

    Funny: That would be the little field mouse that made itself at home in our Bertha. It was entirely our fault – we had left a banana outside, and it was happily nibbling away on it. A real piece of situational comedy!

    While searching for the culprit, I checked the cupboard where we kept our muesli and noodles. I opened it, and who was staring back at me in utter amazement, as if to say, "Hey bro, everything's fine, I'm just checking out what other tasty things you have!" Yes, of course, the mouse!

    I've never slammed a cupboard door shut so quickly in my life, and I stood there, completely frozen, trying to process what had just happened.

11. Were there moments when you wished you could swap Big Bertha for another vehicle?

    Actually, no! She made us grind our teeth a few times, but in the end, she never let us down – and that’s what truly matters.

12. What insider tips would you give to other camper van owners?

    At fully booked campsites, don’t hesitate to politely ask if there’s still a free spot. Often, someone cancels last minute, and you might just get lucky.

13. Did you customize Big Bertha?

    Yes, we added lovely decorations and made practical improvements. Pictures say more than words!

14. What was your most expensive fuel stop?

    When you’re traveling on a budget, every gas stop feels expensive, but California definitely took the crown for the most ridiculous prices. 1 gallon is equivalent to 3.79 litres. The average price of petrol in California in 2024 was $4.35 per gallon. In comparison, the price in Utah was $3.00 per gallon.

15. How did people react to Big Bertha?

    1. These were some of our favorite moments. We saw so many happy faces and heard things like:

       • "Oh my God, I used to have one of those!"

       • "That's a cool van! Is that the one with the 351 Windsor engine?"

       • "Can we take a look inside? There’s nothing this nostalgic anymore!"

       • "You're going on a road trip with such an old treasure? Unbelievable!"

       • "It’s so nice to see an old camper on the highway instead of abandoned or replaced by something modern."

       • One of the funniest comments came on the Las Vegas Strip, where someone shouted through the window: "Dude, you must have a really good mechanic – what a great car!"

16. Which song played most often during your road trips?

    Without a doubt, “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson.

17. What smell do you associate with Big Bertha?

    Definitely petrol – she was always thirsty!

18. If Big Bertha could talk, what would she say about your journey together?

    "I saw so much with you in such a short time – thank you! Those 13,000 km in 4 months really pushed me to my limits, but you always praised me and kept me going. You took me from the stunning mountains of Canada to the breathtaking sunsets in Los Angeles. You showed me Yellowstone in freezing temperatures and made Las Vegas exciting for me at 40°C – even though it got a bit too hot sometimes! Thank you for the adventures. I’ll miss you because you’re now a part of my engine, locked in forever. THANK YOU!"

19. What will you miss most about Big Bertha?

    Everything – but especially the countless stories we lived with her every single day, stories we’ll cherish and share for the rest of our lives.

Vehicle purchase and preparations in British Columbia (BC), Canada

A comprehensive guide to buying and using a car or RV in BC. Find all the important steps, tips and helpful resources here .

1. Exchanging your driver's license (cost: $31 per person)

   1. What is needed?

      1. Identity card or passport

      2. Visa

      3. National driving license

      4. Proof of current address in BC

   2. Process:

      1. Visit the ICBC Driver License Office

      2. Germany has an agreement with Canada, so you can exchange your driving license without taking another test.

   3. Additional requirements:

      1. Vision test

      2. Passport photos

      3. In rare cases: theory test (15$) and practical test (50$)

2. Vehicle registration and insurance

   1. Documents required:

      1. Vehicle registration document

      2. Purchase agreement (available from any broker)

      3. Identity card or passport

      4. Proof of current address in BC

   2. Important:

      1. The registration process is worth it because it can save you over 40% on car insurance.

3. Membership at a breakdown service (BCAA)

   1. Cost:

      1. $14.17/month or $170 for base vehicles

      2. TnB tip: Note that there’s an additional insurance cost of $70 for motorhomes.

   2. Services:

      1. 24/7 roadside assistance throughout Canada and the USA

How do I find the right vehicle?

Our top 3 platforms for car searches

1. Facebook Marketplace & Groups

   1. Examples:

      1. Canada Car Market / Camper Vans for Backpackers / Travellers

      2. Vanlife Canada: Buy and sell Campervans, RVs and Motorhomes

   2. TnB tip:

      1. Search in the right region (city/state)

      2. Communicate directly with sellers

      3. Check seller profiles for trustworthiness.

      4. Never make deposits in advance!

      5. Always test drive before purchasing.

2. Craigslist

   1. Comparable to Ebay Kleinanzeigen

   2. TnB tip:

      1. Use the filter function (price, mileage, etc.) to narrow down results.

      2. Pay attention to detailed descriptions and clear photos.

3. AutoTrader Canada

   1. Ideal for specialized conversions and high-quality vehicles

   2. TnB tip:

      1. Check the vehicle’s maintenance history.

      2. Consider having a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchasing.

      Important: A professional vehicle inspection typically costs $150–$300. If you’re unsure about a vehicle, this investment is well worth it to avoid potential problems down the road.

Additional TnB tips for buying a car

1. Plan your time:

   1. Allow at least 2 weeks to compare prices and conditions.

   2. If possible, start comparing options before your departure.

2. No remote deposits

   1. Never pay a deposit remotely to avoid fraud.

   2. Always complete payment locally and in person.

3. Test drive and inspection

   1. Always test the vehicle yourself.

   2. Have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic to ensure there are no hidden issues.

4. Price negotiations

   1. Use minor defects or issues as leverage for fair price negotiations.

      
      

Simple checklist before buying your vehicle

1. Note the mileage

   1. Write down the mileage to keep track of maintenance intervals and fuel consumption

2. Check tires

   1. Ensure tires are evenly worn.

   2. Look for visible damage such as cracks, holes, or worn tread.

3. Test the lights

   1. Switch all lights on and off:

      • Headlights (low and high beam)

      • Indicators

      • Hazard lights

      • Brake lights

      • Tail lights

   2. Ask someone to help you check the lights.

4. Check fluids (visual inspections only)

   1. Look under the vehicle for oil or other fluids leaking (even when the engine is warm)

5. Windshield wipers and washer fluid

   1. Test the wipers for functionality.

   2. Check washer fluid levels.

6. Test the brakes (during a short test drive)

   1. Drive a short distance and ensure the brakes respond immediately.

   2. Listen for unusual noises when braking.

7. Start the engine and listen

   1. Ensure the engine runs smoothly.

   2. Listen for unusual noises like knocking or rattling.

8. Inspect the body and underbody (as far as visible)

   1. Walk around the vehicle and look for:

      • Obvious damage or rust.

      • Loose parts.

   2. Keep in mind that wetness, moisture, snow, and road salt can lead to rust.

9. Check door and window locks

   1. Test whether all doors and windows close securely and open easily.

10. Inspect the interior

    1. Check seat belts for damage and ensure they lock securely (safety first!).

    2. Confirm there are no warning lights on the dashboard.

    3. Test all electronic equipment (e.g., window lifters, seat heating).

11. Check emergency equipment on site (or purchase additional equipment)

    1. First aid kit.

    2. Warning triangle.

    3. Flashlight (optional).

12. Take a test drive

    1. Pay attention to:

       • Smooth driving behavior (no unusual vibrations).

       • Steering that’s responsive and doesn’t pull to one side.

       • Any noises when cornering or driving on uneven roads.

13. Questions to the seller

a. "If you didn't sell the car, what would you fix first?"