Man Lives Full time in a "No Build" Minivan Conversion for FREE | Sienna Van tour.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2022
- Joe lives full time on his Toyota Sienna that he built into a camper van without attaching anything permanent into it. The town he lives has a program that allows him to park safely in a parking lot and he actually has a small storage unit parked next him that he uses as his kitchen and extra storage as he continues to downsize. He chose Vanlife after a break up and because he was seeking a simpler and more free life. If you enjoyed this video, please share it with your friends and subscribe to the channel for weekly alternative dwelling documentaries like this one.
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😂 yes but hope it’s not what I thought 😢
I'm moving into my van tomorrow, leaving my house, all the paraphernalia I've gathered and not used, I am downsizing to do this, life is short as he says, I have been working 40, 50 hours a week just to stand still, fed up of the struggle. Less hours, more life.
No
Good luck on your journey hope it goes well
Same here. Cant find an apartment I can afford on my disability check so im buying an SUV and moving into that.
I just did it yesterday. I’m having some trouble adjusting, but I know it’s the right decision. I hope your plan works out the way you hope.
Depends what you wanna do with it. If you don’t do it right, can be just as expensive as living in housing, with a lot more additional risk. All depends how you do it and what you’re comparing it to
I'm 52 and live in my little van now, not through choice ultimately, but I'd been close for a long time in my head. I feel that man's vibe with freedom, doing what you fancy because it's there, work enough to earn what you need to live. Over the last few years I came to realise it myself. On a very basic level, it's like 'the Matrix', but we do it to ourselves. We don't need loads of things. We need to be comfortable, have one knife to chop food, one little cooker, one plate, eating sticks and clothes. And a pee bottle (us oldies need to pee in the night - you youngies will also, eventually ;) ). We are sold the idea that we need to have the newest cars, designer clothes, jewellery, a massive house, mortgage, the latest phone etc etc and mostly that means bills, debt, contracts and that is poison created by companies and politicians that want you to line their pockets.
The system doesn't want us to be free. It wants us to fund it and make it rich. ferk the system
I so agree with you!
You put my thoughts pen to paper so eloquently 😁😁👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Nice comment yes minimalist is key
I agree 100%
Some people keep a 5 gallon bucket with the toilet seat that you can buy at Walmart for $12 and with plastic bags and a supply of kitty litter you have a backup plan for a bathroom
That's the issue I'm having. I can let my belongings go with no problem. But mom mom just passed in March and I put it all in storage. I'm going through it and giving things to family and friends but there's tons of things that I want to keep! No way it'll all fit in the van! So I just decided to keep the storage and arrange in a way that I can come and sit and remember my mom💚💚💚
That’s the problem with the heirlooms that I have inherited… a few bigger furniture pieces. I want to go full time in my minivan in the next six months. The parting with those pieces is non-negotiable lol so now I’m on the hunt of someone I trust to hang onto them for me. So I don’t blame you. Keep the storage as long as you need to ♥️
Take Photos or get a Bigger Van? X Rearrange things! X
You do what you need to do for you. Sorry for your loss. Another option is to take photos of all your moms belongings that help with your memories. God bless.
My mom just passed away this past March also, so I understand how you are feeling. 😢💔🙏
After losing friends and loved ones, some to Covid, I find that possessions don't mean too much anymore. You can't take a loaded u haul with you when you die. Take photos and store memories in your heart. So sorry for your loss
I like Joe's outlook on life. As I once heard someone say, "You only die once, but you have to live every day."
Profound 🤔
I want to do this but I don’t feel safe as a single woman and not sure about this unsure economy.
I died everyday and then I am resurrected i'is glorious
I really like his positive attitude, what I’ve found is you can have any outlook on life you want, but the larger picture is that you need to follow the commands in the Bible to go to heaven. You can’t make up your own life, we’re not here randomly
"I love to read"
Entire collection of Dr. Suess books... lol classic.
😂😂😂 Got to love ‘em. Nostalgia 😅
Sorry... That's creepy.
@@cards-vs7hv Yeah I though that was a bit strange but he is a bit of a hippy ?.....I donoe, and calling his car "nellie blye ??...bit cringe. Probably the result of a breakdown of some sort.
@@cards-vs7hvyour comment is creepy.
@@IMGTOW-rk2iiwhat's strange on reading Dr sues...?
Hilarious he has all those dr Seuss books - I love those books and the cartoons too. I might be 62 but dr S takes me back to innocence and joy. LOL!!! 😂 ❤
I've been playing and made my own playhouse when I was a child. Now I'm 75. I'd like to be like that child and play again for as long as I can. Thanks my friend for sharing your cute journey.
That was so nice of his friend to give him the vehicle so he can have a place to live we need more people like him in our world
Went to eat at a medium priced restaurant today and had a real epiphany. Normally, there is a waiting list for about an hour on a Sunday at lunchtime. Today, I walked right in, no line. It occurred to me that middle class people do not have any money for this anymore. With inflation and post covid budgets, more and more people are simplifying their lives and reducing the mountains of debt they carry. Everyone is tired of the game. Van life is going to get more and more popular.
Cafes have no help.so the food is not very good .
Nathan..its nice to see you using the correct spelling of the word popular...I'm so tire of bad grammar....thank u my friend
Life is too short. Im 66 yrs old n i live in my van n I'd love to travel but my "house" is old n i fear a breakdown coming n ive no money for repairs.....so i stay put. W my dog in our spot. Keep it up dude, im so happy for you!
Charlotte… Home on wheels Alliance could have some assistance for you… Check out HOWA…
Hi! I feel you! What arrangement do you have to stay put? Where do you stay parked?
Only wise people can enjoy the little things ❤
This man is really rich ❤
I worked with this dude for awhile. Cool dude, bunch of interesting stories.
I want a van eventually but for now I'm in my car full time living since May 31, 2022 and I absolutely love it. I see every sunrise and sunset and my life feels so different. ❤🚘❤
The thing I would enjoy the most is not having to work 80 hours a week just to pay a huge mortgage and massive utilities 😢
I encourage you then to find a way! Or start working a bit less in conjunction with spending less. you'll see it can be done...
Never buy a house over 40k. There are plenty in the USA . Just have to be willing to move out if your comfort zone
@@user-kg7fl3kn5r You mean a trailer. They are terrible investments
I love his perspective on life. Do the things your 12 year old self would love to stop & do! I was speaking with my bestfriend telling her, we need to slow down & be like kids. As adults we let the rat race rob us of our joy & things we love doing! 😃 Thanks for sharing. 👍
So now Americans want to be like 12 years olds?
Joe Joe Joe. I helped him out here in Bend Oregon at Cellular Sales Verizon. Súper patient, understanding, and the best vibes. Definitely makes me think about my mind set. Stay real Joe!
Forrest, you find the most interesting people! Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this blokes story and philosophy. I agree with him about imagination, it's vital!
Good on you Joe, you've reconnected with your curious/joyful/inner-child that most people have knocked out of them on their journey to the grave. You're a beacon of love and hope x xxxx x
I sold my house and everything to travel in my van. Purged everything.
I love non-build minivan setups. Maybe I am bias because that is what I have lol but I just think they are so cool
I think for single ppl it works for sure !! For me I'd need a lil more space like a sprinter van tbh but still minimal
@@jessyncust76 I admit I wouldn't mind more space. But I travel with my 2 sons often in my minivan with our bunk beds and it isn't too bad. We have had 4 in the minivan for cross-country road trips a couple of times. We definitely do most of our living outside of the van though
We have a non build pick up truck that we are kinda living and sleeping in. Its been super hot at night so we have been going to motels. But with weather turning cooler at night we will sleep in our truck. The bed is like Joe's van, we have chargeable fans, we brought we we might need it's fun, it's been a little challenging and I'm learning more about my hubby, he needs to let his inner 12 year old old more and I need to stop complaining. Lots of inner work to be done but it's worth it to be one with nature. He also has a urinal and we have a home depot bucket to use as a toilet, we bought the ring and have a to go bucket ha!
Joe's mindfulness living is beautiful. I can't say enough how much I appreciate his view on life.
“You don’t have to like everyone but you have to love them” Not sure I really grasp that but sounds like there’s something profound in it.
I felt calm listening to your way of life
A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
Nice one bro, keep on trucking.
He mentioned the key word " FREEDOM " 👍.
Anyone who loves snoopy is awesome to me, happy travels mate
Love him and his attitude. I plan to do this when my youngest goes off to college. I have to hold off a couple years. I’m a single income person with a “career” job and I STILL live paycheck to paycheck trying to make ends meet. Also work a part time job and it still isn’t enough. All because rent, gas, inflation is so high. I’m so over living that way. I am so excited to be able to do this. But I’ll have to wait a couple more years. Right now I have to keep my son stable. But it’s nice to see someone do this by choice. That’s me. 🥰
What a delightful down-to-earth life philosophy Joe has. Thanks for the reminders to keep it simple and love everything and others.
I love this inspiring story! Joe's happiness, after re-creating a more free lifestyle, is the most appealing part. Great to hear his philosophy and how he refined things, in phases, so that he's comfortable and safe, and still free to have a lot of choice in how he spends his time. Good on ya, Joe 👍 Since I live in Portland, also, it really got my attention that he's found a 'safe park' for sleeping. I didn't even know there was such a program in Beaverton. I'm glad he found it.
I also wrote an entire rant about the homelessness in the Portland area that is NOT by CHOICE for most of them. But, it got so gloomy, and pointed at the regional, national and global forces that are causing these multiple layers of crises for the entire global economy -- with so much uncertainty about our future, and still so little help being offered the most vulnerable among us -- that I didn't want to drag down the upbeat tone of Joe's story, and the working solutions he is finding.
We are all aware of these external forces putting incessant downward pressure on us. All I can say is: prepare, in advance, as much as you can; offer assistance to others as you are able. And Heaven help us all, going forward. 💞☮
💛🌼
💗🙏
I hear a lot of excuses. Explain to me please how Jose, the Mexican who jumped the border, has no education, works non stop illegally, manages to have a family, drive a nice SUV, have a beautiful garden and house in a few yrs when he started with nothing, and is not living in a car like a bum. And explain to me how a White guy who is a citizen, can have any job with ease, inherited his mother's estate, has family here to support him, has an education, has connections, decides that a job is too much work and wants to live like a bum because of this and that wimpy excuse. No. It does not fly. Stop being a bum. It is by choice not accident. Heaven helps those who help themselves, not bums.
@@mjremy2605 Don't judge, MJ, , who the f are we to judge each other?!
@@marciabarreto780 Not so much about judging as preventing the illusion of a utopic lifestyle for those who want to follow. It is a disservice to others to exalt this style of life, which in effect, contributes nothing to society and is a lie about how easy it is. Its not easy, its hard and will damage you body and soul.
Van lifed now for about 9 years, 2nd van and next year I’ll be 65 and will upgrade the either this van or another. It’s an evolutionary experience, l went into it knowing exactly what I wanted and needed… little did l know 😂 nice to see someone else with a cruisy outlook on life. No point being the richest corpse in the cemetery 😂
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this guy. His way of thinking and his outlook on life is so awesome!!! What a sweet guy! Thanks for sharing this video. We need more people like him! Be safe out there ❤️
I’m also in Oregon, me and my 13-year-old son, husband and four-month-old kitty are living in a 43 foot fifth wheel that works for us. We are stationary but we still have the freedom to explore with less bills. Love this guy and his smile, keep doing the things!!! 💕
Finding places to park it must be hard.
@@stormyweather8798 we are stationary and we’ve been at this RV park since the end of May and we just pay monthly we have everything we need here and it’s close to my sons school. Very clean full hook ups etc.. but yeah some of the other places available around here are full and you have to get on a waiting list so I guess we got lucky.
You're married to your 13 year old son?!!? That's sick, lady.
@@JaredConnell no! My 13-year-old son and husband🤣
Be blessed
Hi Joe. Changed over to fulltime nomad living. Its been around 10 years now, still loving it. I believe you are the first person i have listened to, who has succeeded in describing why I am out here. Awesome mate, thankyou.
Anyone Else wondering why all the Dr Seus Books. ???
And the toys too
Arrested development...
@0:14
Wth hun, You know this is getting more common than NOT, these days & its awesome, no more dirty looks, mostly for living in your Van, but i was doing this back in the 90s w/ a 2 yr old, when it wasnt cool because of a manifold of different reasons, but i was n college working 2 jobs & raiaing my son, so i had to do what I had to do.. I remember how bad I felt as a mother for my son..God Blessed me & i was able after graduating to buy a house & making 300k a yr, I'll never forget the first hot SHOWER I got to take after 3 days & it felt so GOOD, I cried so hard because my son was splashing in the water. We went to a local wtr park. Now, I'm about to embark as a disabled 42 yr old after 9 Major Back Surgeries & Several Bone diseases, hike in rent price's, so If I have 2 do it again, I'm doing it with a bang, im an artist, in a Certain Niche, So It'll be done with Flame & Flav, also it's my b-day. I'll be Puttin it on my Channel..but won't be posting till after my bday, I don't want to be a burden on my son, so I don't want him to know. Im in college & non profit..Ill try to continue 2 Give as much as I can to Other's, families kids.. That need basics of life. Ive got all that ALREADY, so we'll see. God Bless take care..
"with hun"... what is that?
You are a trooper with terri jobs and a child. that's something. did what you needed to, I respect that.
Why can’t I have this Guys nice attitude? I have tried so hard.
Freedom = Do what you love, love what you do
What’s up with the childrens books and stuff toys. I heard him say he can sell the books? 🤔
Cool guy...no bullshit...no games....no Ego....just listening to his intuition :)
I bought a bitty home on five acres but no bills! I started a native edible food forest, a dream of mine, with loppers, a shovel and a bucket. I design and make quilts, then recently shifted to all hand sewn slow quilting, less stuff and more satisfying. Added 2 ft raised garden beds all around for hugelkultur (no irrigation) and berm insulation to moderate house temps. Upped passive Solar heating and have a partially underground she shed becoming a tiny house with no utility costs.
As a kid, my adventurous parents took us all over, it was awesome too. We camped 3 months at a time. My hubs took us to Mexico for a few years, I loved it. I think this is glamping and if it were gone, I'd have another adventure.
A few unhappy labor pods hate your smile, move away from their cooties. Regulars smile back. My short stint being owned by the Corporate Succubus was miserable, no baubles are worth that.
Awesome, I hear the Toyota Sienna is the way to go. Very reliable.
I’m trying to downsize from a very small mobile home to a fifth wheel and what I’m discovering is that way too much stuff gives me joy lol I can’t LET It GO!!!! Ugghh
Cool rig and the guy has the right attitude. Means a lot.
"I smile so much it makes other people uncomfortable". I can totally relate to that! Keep it blissful. I have a van named "Bliss" for that very reason. I love your set up. Awesome! Happy travels.
Hey, you rock man! You got this, you know it. Very cool to hear your share about your life and perspective. I hope to meet more people like you as I drive out in my van.
his attitude is infectious. he's inspiring me.
I'm with you brother, I just work part-time and do everything I love from Friday night to Monday mornings
Yeah, easy when he’s collecting unemployment even though he chose to quit his job
Joe sounds like a guy who just stumbled into van life and he is figuring it out..
🤗
You need to get a kindle reader and all the books are stored in it.
I love how you view life! I wish you nothing but continued happiness and blessings
Omgosh! Seeing your books made me realise you and me were meant to be! Lol. My husband doesn't understand why I still have Dr. Seuss books everywhere! Take care and great video!
Joe has one helluva COOL accent, Whoa, HOLLYWOOD ACCENT and with such a fabulous outlook as well. I'm surely heading over to his channel as I've been a year in my 2010 Bailey Pageant Caravan on tow with my Audi and I'm needing ALL the positive people I can find in my life. This video is brilliant, thank you Joe, have a blessed week
A good man, a peaceful man , thanks
I’m glad he’s got such a positive outlook on life.
Wonderful minimalist philosophy of happiness Joe
How to make the Universe work for you, is one of my favorite sayings...
He's a cool guy..I'm impressed with the van..I'm no building an uplander cargo van..I'm intrigued by his floor platform..Giving me ideas about how to secure my cot an kids kitchen I currently have in there..nothing is too secure in my van yet
I really enjoyed the time spent watching the video. I can see the love that you have inside of you and what's inside is the only thing that can come out. I love your peaceful laid-back nature. Good luck in your travels because you are love you will encounter the most beautiful people on your journey. ♥️♥️♥️
The storage pod could also be converted to a tinyTiny house.
I love Joe’s philosophy on life! Blissful hearts & joy in simple living. My son & I live in a retired school bus & wouldn’t want to go back, we are happier than we have ever been loving freedom, and owning our time.
I love your channel! thanks for making these great videos.
Like Dave Chappelle ones said something wrong with our society ...it's very easy to become homeless this days and very hard not too .We have lack of compassion to others ,we don't forgive.We all want to argue but we don't want to work.
Good luck to to this dude find what he looking for .
This is along the lines of what I plan for my traveling. Instead of hotels.
That safe parking lot is key!
THIS ...GUY .... IS .... COOOL ...... period!
He has a good soul. Thats very apparent.
😇☺
This library on wheels idea is the coolest!!
What a beautiful soul, as I endeavor to move into this new lifestyle Im looking forward to meeting amazing inspiring people like Joe.
What a nice'n lovely bloke!
All the very best wishes to him!
Greetings from Germany
That is the neatest van- sooooo organized. Enjoy your travels 💚
Ok... I LOVE the Dr Suess collection. That tells me everything I need to know about this guy... 😁👍🏻
Horton wants to meet a who maybe? Ha! I had a Fiat named Horton . Dang things run via a rubber band. It breaks there goes your transport. No one told me...!replace it every year.
What a wonderful human being 🥰
Sigh! Me, myself and I? Think! To be granted existence as a conscious being is to receive a stupendous gift. The universe wants us to realize THIS. Then we will come alive and forever express our gratitude by seeking opportunities to serve others.
Joe needs a Kindle and a library card.
I loved this interview! And, loved the van no-build!
SOOOO HAPPY to hear someone else express themselves SOOOO BEAUTIFULLY like Im hearing my same sentiments about LIVING YOUR LIFE NOW!!! 👍🙏🥰 LIFE IS TOO SHORT, LIVE IT NOW!! AMEN BROTHER 🙏🙏
Awesome interview and tour, I very much relate to this and am heading towards this more simple and nomadic lifestyle in my no build SUV setup soon.
Good for you, its quite an experience the nomadic vanlife ;)
I love your little little library. I am quite the book lover myself.
Right on Joe, this video is so inspirational, be safe and enjoy this LIFE😘
I hope it’s going well for you still living in your van.. may you keep on living happy..
I am loving your Dr. Seuss library!!
I'm 44 and this is kind of an ideal way to live for me it's good to see these comments of older people choosing to take a nomadic van approach to living yes I could definitely see myself happy this way. I already treat my Honda Element like my second apartment it's basically all I need as far as an indoor space most of the time.
Awesome, thanks for this..no need for wasting money on building..my marriage is over, practically. I've been living in a boxroom for over 15 years, a cell I call it.😆 so space doesn't bother me....Once house is sorted for the kid's, I'm going..love your beard, much better than mine 🤣 .. your a cool dude, take care, and thanks again.
Peace of mind is the most important aspect, good for you
Brother, you got your head on straight. Peace and love to you my friend.❤❤❤
I spent 3 winters in my van. In the north east. 1st winter I thought I was gonna die. Second winter I spent a lot of money on gas bottles. 3rd winter I bought a Chinese diesel heater. Now I travel to where it's warmer.
😄 what did you think of the diesel heater? Sounds like that didn't work for you either.
@@danielwurmer2266 actually it worked perfectly. But I still prefer to chase 70 degrees.
@@bud...wise...ass. I hear you buddy! I live in the north of BC canada with solid 6 months of snow per year. No heater in the world can make that more enjoyable then spending your time in a warmer climate!
Isn’t it hard to find a place to park in the Northeast
@Avacadofrommexicoyeah there are planet fitness walmart rest stops with mcdonalds.
Smart dude! I’m inspired. Thanks for sharing!
Awww so beautiful. He looks happy.
Hi Joe, you could use Leveling blocks to raise the front of your van without using much space to store them and without modifying nothing.. In winter could be a little challenge if you live full time..
An interesting dude. I’m glad you said what you said about build/rebuild, because I thought maybe I was going nuts! Lol. I have changed my van three times and am thinking about another lol!! Blessings!!
Back in the late 80's I lived out of a 1974 Ford Econoline van. Just had the two seats up front. Small slant 6 engine with 3 on the tree tranny. I put in a small cot and had a couple of lawn chairs with me. And my guitar of course. Had some storage boxes for my food and utensils. My clothes I kept in an old Army duffle bag. I started driving big rig long haul bout 88'. I sold that van then bought me a 1984 Dodge Ram conversion van. Most companies I drove for were out of state from where I was from so I would drive to where the companies were. I would park my van there at their home base for a couple of reasons. One, I hated sitting in the driver's room while my truck was being worked on. Hated listening to the whining and bitching, usually over something stupid. So, I would tell the shop to take their time and tell my dispatcher that I was gonna take a few days off and go find me a camping spot. And the second reason is, whenever I came back to my home state, I didn't have to worry about finding a spot to park my truck in. I would leave it there at the yard.
But I loved living outta those vans. A lot of freedom. I am retired now and staying home, but I have a Dodge Dakota truck and find time for a small road trip and camping. I usually put a tarp up over the bed of the truck and put a cot up that way. I am 63 and still have a blast camping and road tripping.
Did you mean a straight 6?
@@jamesdelap4085 No it was a slant 6. Back then that's what we called them. Cool van though. I had it for a while.
Enjoyed reading your comment
Nice simple set up. I agree with the philisophy of keeping things that give you joy (besides necessity). Thanks for sharing.
.My 2004 Honda Odessey is a simple build. I have a patio recliner cot with a 3 inch foam pad. Moved into it summer 2021 in Fairbanks Alaska and have lived in it ever since.
This man has a great sense of life. He has some great books.
Wow!!!! Joe was talking to me! Thanks dude!! Keepem coming!!
I run hot he says ,as he's wearing a toque in summertime
Looks very cozy. The van is a real home. Very good idea and outlook on life.
Wonderfull Human.I saw These Video and like every single word. I come from Germany and live in my Van With my little Dog. I love your way, you live
With u all the way man ✌
This guy is so inspiring 😃💕
Joe, You are too cute love your humor, your laugh and your view on life. I am starting my van life pretty soon!! Going to travel to Italy.... and can't wait ....probably going to do a video journal on you tube about my no built car camper. Your smiling that makes people uncomfortable is the same feeling i have....love snoopy. You are awesome!! 🤗
U are so adventurous. Just go to Sonoma. Same climate.