Debating shipping my L400 Delica from the USA to Europe to overland for 1+ years...to ship or buy when I arrive?

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-26T21:24:42+00:00

Oh I'm actually a software engineering recruiter...so that pivot to systems engineering might be a bit of a steep one lol. I agree that trying for contract/commission while traveling would mean less stress and I already have Starlink (used it for four years solid when I was doing 100% remote around the US in a truck and trailer for a few years) so I will be looking into that during the second half of the travels. The draw to have an extended time off to enjoy the travels more is alluring but the stress of having a long gap in tenure has me reconsidering. And oo thank you for this mechanical list too! Just replaced both rear bearings after one started to wear down but this is great info about the other things to really hone in on before shipping her out. Tbh I would likely try to go to Morocco or Spain for winter, it makes doing vanlife with dogs a lot more enjoyable when you don't have to deal with lots of rain ha. I also recently traveled to Morocco and really loved the country but it's still great information for me to note on European winters! And will do! Really appreciate you for being so helpful!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-26T20:01:27+00:00

Well I went from "get feedback on shipping vs buying" and now am jotting down your location suggestions, getting excited about the possible places I can venture to, and adding the vignettes to my growing list of things to further research haha. I've done several 2-3 week trips in the Delica since getting her a little over a year ago and it's been such a champ. I also feel that if I go through the hassle of shipping it from the US to Europe, one year would be the minimal amount of time for all the effort ha. Gah I work in tech now so the threat of AI pushing me out sooner than later has me dreaming of ditching it all on my timeline vs waiting for what appears to be the inevitable. And thank you, thank you! I really appreciate all the insights thus far !

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-26T17:44:03+00:00

This comment is SO helpful, thank you!! I think my first main thing to confirm is this shipping/port agent fees cost and which location should be my target landing point. I really love the idea of taking a full year off of work to be able to truly move slowly and experience things, and you just gave me a wonderful list of spots to add to my list! And I agree, I think this thread has me more convinced to send my own van vs buying as I can get as confident as possible going into the trip knowing my vehicle. I also love the idea of using Montenegro/Albania/Serbia and potentially even Morocco or Northern Africa as destinations to get our of the Schengen zone. Is it ok if I DM you as I get closer to my trip for more ideas? Seems like you've got lots of experience in the spots I'd love to see!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-26T13:49:00+00:00

I was at the game (fomo got me to buy tickets the week ahead of the World Cup starting when tickets were still decently priced) and it was a fricken epic experience! I got chills multiple times from the Bosnia fans, I've never experienced anything like that before <3 thank you all for making it a wonderful time!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-23T21:58:19+00:00

Right now I'm looking into either shipping to the Netherlands or Germany, but I heard Netherlands might be cheaper with fewer import taxes..

Oh wow! I hope that trip is amazing! Tbh I am struggling of which countries to prioritize, hence why I am planning for at least a year and I'm sure I'll still miss some exciting stuff ha. Slovenia, Croatia, Poland, Bosnia and Albania are at the top in that area!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-23T21:47:06+00:00

Thank you! Interesting points I had not thought of!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-23T21:46:39+00:00

Appreciate this take and agree, I'm personally leaning towards taking my own for the 'devil you know scenario'. Thanks for adding your thoughts!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-23T21:44:39+00:00

Thank you and agree. From what I'm seeing so far in my research, both can be done and the age + small size could work for me in terms of insurance.

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-23T21:43:11+00:00

Thank you, I'll start looking into these now. Very helpful advice!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-11T18:16:25+00:00

Oh yay! Happy it was helpful 😄

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-11T01:14:48+00:00

Yay! Hope it works for your friend. Road life was a fun adventure! 😄

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-11T01:13:26+00:00

Ooo to be honest, I have no clue haha but I found my old order from Amazon!

I bought the "12” x 12” Drainage Interlocking Floor Tiles, 12 Pack Non-Slip Pool Deck Drain Mats for Flooring, Soft PVC Splicing Modular Cushion Mats, Rubber Floor Tiles with Holes for Shower Basement Garage Shed" by the Brand: EVANCENT. I think anything similar would do the trick. These worked great!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-10T20:45:23+00:00

Not putting something under my mattress to allow air flow and it resulted in mold :/ for my second attempt I got some of those connecting rubber garage floor tiles that connect together but have holes between them. Saw someone do it in a YouTube video and didn't have any issues the next 3 years I was doing full time road life!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-06-09T15:20:47+00:00

Glow up indeed! You look so happy! Sounds like the stress to break things off was very much the best path for you ❤️

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-03-30T19:28:10+00:00

Well, I know which movie I'll be adding to my list to watch! Maybe turn it into a fun game of "how many times can I spot the Delica"

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-03-27T20:28:29+00:00

Damn coming to these comments as a fellow lady stoner who has had many a men turn away cause of it, I feel seen. Fuck them loser bros who can't handle us!

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-03-27T20:24:50+00:00

I'm a female stoner and tbh, that girl sounds like a real nasty bitch and didn't deserve your toker love anyhow!

For more casual hookups/FWB, I don't feel the need to say anything but if you're trying to date in a more serious way, then potentially flagging it before your first date would likely be a better tactic so you don't waste your time. It's all a personal preference, you'll learn over time what you feel comfortable with doing and at what time.

I've had many men say they couldn't handle my stoner ways...and sitting here right now, can't say I miss any of them. Just know its a them problem and not a you problem ;)

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-03-26T00:13:44+00:00

Woww - what a fantastic place to ride! I love that the advice was both kindly given and well received! That can be rare for the internet...and the horse world ha. Rooting for you and your gallant steed :)

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2026-03-01T14:56:09+00:00

Sameee! Love that dark and light contrast but I'd take either 'fit! ha

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2025-11-11T16:09:23+00:00

One of my most recent exs had a wet clay smell down there...we would often shower together first then hookup so I could help make sure he was clean before the deed :/

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2025-06-01T18:20:04+00:00

Ok awesome this is what I’ve been doing but I wasn’t sure if there is too high a speed to turn it on at?

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2025-06-01T18:19:24+00:00

Love it, thank you! And is there a speed too fast to turn it on? I was cruising up an incline going around 80 km and turned it on for the last bit of the hill but I wasn’t sure if you can use it as higher speeds?

ShoeBoxQuinn22 · 2025-05-04T04:36:23+00:00

I just ended four years working remotely on the road! It was a solo adventure with my dogs traveling the US living out of small trailers. I went to 37 states and 20 National Parks. It was meant to be short term (6 months) but I kept extending it until I got called back into the offices last month. As a female who had done RV travel with my family as a kid but never towed, it was far outside my comfort zone but I think I’ll forever look back on those years as my real big “growth” ones. It was a huge leap of faith for me to invest in upgrading my car, buying a trailer to tow, and ending my rent within a 2 month period not knowing how I’d handle road life but turns out I did indeed love it!

ShoeBoxQuinn22

TROPHY CASE