From a 3-Hour Commute Office Job to Full OFF GRID Van Life With Dog
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Kev quit his office job after he became fed up with the 3 hour commute he endured each day. In this video, he gives us a tour of his fully off grid set up, although not an "Instagram Van", it's impressively kitted out with a full fridge/freezer, a washing machine and even a dishwasher! Kev tells us why he doesn't look back on his decision to live this lifestyle, and doesn't ever see himself going back to bricks and mortar.
Kev started his own business as a Mountain Bike Events Organiser, where he could work outdoors and in nature, often off grid for 30 days at a time. He now lives in his van full time, in beautiful locations in the UK countryside, such as this location in the Lake District, Cumbria, UK.
A special thanks to Kev for sharing with us
To follow Kev:
TH-cam Channel: / @offgridandworkinghard
Mountain Bike Events: www.pmbaenduro.co.uk
Freyja's Instagram: freyja_vtd
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#vanlife #vanliving #vanlifers #rv #rvlife #rvliving #rvlivingfulltime #fulltimevanlife #offgrid #offgridliving #offgridlife #selfsustainable #alternativeliving #alternativeliving #simplelife #minimalist #minimalism #ratrace #vandweller #solar #mountain #mountains #mountainbike
#mountainbiking
I'm glad Kev mentioned the deception of 'idyllic vanlife" Ytubers and Instas. But if they're really good videographers then the conceit pays well and funds it all. Bring on more of the authentic rat race escapees, and bring hope and inspiration to people desperate to live a simpler life.
Many thanks, yes I live the real #Vanlife not the instagram vanlife :)
Amen.
Boom 💥
Thank you so much for your videos! I had a misfortune, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I also created a channel and am trying to move in that direction, but so far not very successful((rq
@@KevIsOffGrid love this video Kev. Im first time out of a house in 30 years. Did Jan Feb in the uk this year with no electric, not even 12 volt. In the van. I charged in the car or battery tourches, when staying in a hotel id take a 4 plug extention top up all drills tools devices.
Ive 1x log burner 1 x gas hob. Hand washing. It was a Personnel challenge and a goal set as im sick of thinking im stuck to the grid.
Now im just looking for somewhere i can buy and small piece of land , size can be a small swimming pool. Not worried as long as i own it.
Whether you live in a van or a house the secret is the same:
1) Dont have debt at all if possible. And if you must (eg mortgage) keep it as small as possible and pay it off as soon as possible.
2) Dont buy stuff you dont have a direct use for or on a whim or because someone else says you should.
3) Dont "upgrade" ANYTHING just to play keep up. This includes your home.
4) Do bulk buy non-perishable foods you will eat over time when they are on offer or when you need to re-supply. It's a hedge against inflation on stuff you will need.
5) Learn to love your own company and not need constant external stimulus
6) Keep your home as small as possible for comfort. When you make it bigger you just buy more stuff to fill it with.
Love this! Thanks for sharing
no 6 is soooo true, and it drives me mad!!
I always worry What happens if you get long term sick or age related illness ? With no assets to sell or a house to live in, life could get very tough.
Amen brother
@@e.smiles450 Yes you are right. Prioritize your health! Physical and mental and pray.
The way that dog loves him says a million words.
Well you're right there, you can't have perfection. I've done all that commuting and long hours. In my early sixties I was made homeless twice and lived in a Citroën C1 for two years. I have bought a Transit now in my late sixties and I'm leaving this mold infested rat hole this week. The landlord can get stuffed. Thanks for your video.
How are you going now?
@kathywilde4506 Well, my health is improving since ditching all the medication and the mould. I have freedom because there's no address for officials to target, nowhere for corporations to send thugs to extract money on the grounds of bogus claims. No door to bang on, no hopeless greedy landlords. Yes, there are still weak minded Karens who think they're entitled to interfere in our daily lives. They've been programmed that way by the government. They make a very big mistake when they try to dictate to me, though. There have always been curtain twitchers, but the rise of the mad Karen is obviously a ploy by sinister forces to introduce chaos. I have no qualms about putting these zombies in their place.
Every institution tries to make life hard for the modern nomad with exorbitant parking charges, so we need to circumvent these and seek out remote areas. Otherwise, we would be destitute in short order. European countries have a totally different attitude and provide free amenities for people on the road. It is, however, the best way of life for men: in Britain and we are outdoors all the time.
What a delightful human being, the sort you'd like as a good friend. I admire his sense of self, which allowed him to make this pretty radical lifestyle change. Once you figure out what does not make you happy, the "easier" it is to make the changes that work for you. I lived for 12 years in a 17-foot travel trailer until health issues interfered. I had everything I needed, practically within arm's reach. Those 12 years were some of the best in my long life so far. It doesn't take a mansion, expensive car, designer clothes, ad infinitum to make oneself happy. First, you start within yourself!
living in a trailer park is something different ma friend
@@bryanoconnor7354 Didn't live in a park; traveled!
Gave up the 3 or so hour commute and moved to small farm in Tasmanian’s west, work 10 hrs week now, pays for the shopping each week and no traffic travelling my 45 mins to work, love the quiet rural life and the bartering for goods that occurs in the country - couldn’t handle the Sydney traffic anymore, was sending me literally mad
Very Jealous! I live in Sydney and just started working again after a few years of not and the traffic absolutely does my head in. Have been wanting to leave for years and move to a rural property. One day though hopefully.
but do you really ? or are you just trying to convince yourself
@@neo69121 absolutely, the traffic and congestion was doing my head in, people too, I’m more introvert
3 hours a day commuting. Plus 8 hours a day in a workplace where colleagues are trying to stab you in the back to climb the greasy pole. PLUS, all those jobs are pointless shite ANYWAY.
If it were not for all those shite pointless jobs you speak of , Kev's fridge and freezer would be empty .
He would have no laptop , tyres on his van , dish washer , washing machine the list goes on and on ,
All produced by people in shite jobs as you say even the food for his Dog is produced by people in shite jobs and the cloths he wears down to his boots and hat !
Best taste of real van life/ real life. Has a job that matches where he wants to live. No flash kitchen's built into flash new vans. Totally real..love it..more inspirational than a beautiful person Instagraming a sunset in their van in St tropez
More people need this, a 3 hour daily commute is roughly 20% of your waking working life, just let that sink in 😐
We've truly been sold a lie. And everyone just laps it up
Been working from home since the pandemic, and I've resolved to never go back to the office. Paycheck be damned.
If you're working a 12 hour shift then you're correct. Just let that sink in
It's a solid 1.5 months per year.
People have had enough of the rat race. It has got to the point where people can no longer do it!
It takes me 15 minutes to walk to work, 10 to the gym . That's more than enough of a commute for me. Fair play to those who can stick to it, but I don't think the $$$$ is worth the time lost ( even if it's spent listening to podcasts or audio books )
He's a smart lad, and I totally get where he's at.😊
I used the live in the older, 84, sister of this van. Loved it. Now on a boat and loving it even more. Once we remove the value of money, the value of life has the chance to shine through.
Do love the old Mercs :)
As long as he's warm, got food and a dog, pretty good going, I say!
Leave no trace… most important aspect. Great tour.
Instagram vans are two-a-penny, Kev's van is unique. I know which I prefer ! Happy travels Kev & Freya ❤️
As soon as I heard the 3 hr commutes, the crash delays .....it took me back to the same.. ...although not van life living I've returned to life by retiring. Less money by far but the zero stress and not working for the rat race is worth the money change. This was a great vlog. Really enjoyed it and loved the honesty ....of "real van life"... loving the dishwasher ....great idea ...
Good on you I say ....life is for living and to be happy 🙏🦉 be safe , be kind G 🦉
I love the laptop bucket desk. Yeah, this video was so inspiring. Just a real fella living out his dream. No frills, just real life. I wish more Vanlife videos were like this. He’s so relatable….thank you!
Many thanks :)
So, let's do it together and I shall be your doggie!!
“ I don’t have an expensive misses” what a line
More scooby snacks for me!
Liked the video. I don't often watch these all the way through but that was quite natural and Kev seems a genuinely lovely chap.
I travel 3 hours a day. This really made me question my life 😊
Do it, do it, do it, what have you got to lose. 3 hour commute is ridiculous isn't it, imagine if only had a horse to get to work on 😂
What an amazing life for a dog.
I like my own space too because I'm an introvert, it looks absolutely idyllic for me. I know its not all insta worthy and I'm glad Kev mentioned how physical it is...not for the faint hearted. I bet being outside a lot makes his immune system strong 💪 Freya is a delight 😍
That is my sort of person and my sort of lifestyle. Only another 3 or 4 years and I'll be there 🤞with my dog of course!
What a lovely bloke
Some guy. Not for everyone but he has nailed it.
Credit to you getting out of the rat race
May it continue for as long as you can 👍👍
Inspiring fella. Well done for making the change. It takes courage, and you've got it.
Thanks
You have an amazing life with your dog. Good luck to you
People are programmed robot slaves of the system working from 9-5 brainwashed thinking thats success and happyness.....sad to see how many are unhappy and empty inside create the illusion with extern factors like status, money, material things they are something. Its all relativ.
Happyness starts inside you.
I choose to live my life alone in peace, strong, rest, powerfull etc....the more people around you the more expectations, talk about others, lying, frustrations, hate, negativity, jealousy, double agenda etc.
Blessed to you
Kevin love your story. Very much want that lifestyle for me and my collie. Seriously will have to make this happen. Have beautiful places everywhere here in Ireland that could be the backdrop to daily life. Thank you Kev. Anne 🌟
Kev’s always supportive to people doing TH-cam & gives an honest account, no rose tinted glasses or personal agenda.
Cheers :)
Great tip about spending money on getting out in the van rather than making the perfect van. Thanks for sharing, love it! 👍
Love it Kev, living the dream now for sure. I'm going to join the club once I sell my house. Cannot wait.
Great bloke to listen to not full of the usual " look at me" videos, only problem is he sounds like he is from over't wrong side o't'hill to me😂
Oh my! What's not to like about this man? He's Intelligent, handsome, earthy, loves animals, has a wonderful accent (I'm American so please forgive me saying "accent") He's living his best life. Kudos to him.
Thanks for the compliments :)
He does have a strong accent, my guess is he’s from Lancashire, around Blackburn area .
@@mikeolly67To him, it's his dialect. His natural way of speaking. My way of speaking is American English but because I grew up in Texas, I speak with a southern accent. That's all I meant. 😊 I didn't want to offend him. ♥️
@@leawade8663he said thanks for the compliment to you, click the profile pic on that comment and you will find his yiu tube page x x x I’m from Lancashire but it can be Yorkshire too that accent, quite similar …and we wouldn’t be offended x x x
@@leawade8663And I love a Texas girls accent 😍 😂
Awesome video, and truly inspiring; Hats off to you Kev and I love your spirit!
loved this video ... what an awesome guy, love his ethos and happiness with life 😍
Many thanks.
Love this guy. Some great principles here. Inspiring stuff.
Fantastic content...I race at Kev's events and he does a great job.. Great to see a personal side of how he gets on day to day week to week... Check out PMBA Enduro for his race events as the support from racers goes a long way... and again LNT
Thanks and enjoy the races :)
People just don't get it.
Really enjoying the 3 videos on this channel so far. I love that you just let them speak and there is nobody behind the camera interrupting and asking a million questions.
Gotta respect a man with a beard like that! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for sharing Kev, what a beautiful life ✌🏾
I like that quote "You can manage with less, but it's always easier with more"
I think it takes a special kind of person to do van life, but if work happy days 😂 I think a lot of us would love to do it myself included but it's a massive jump from what we've got used to 😢
i spend 45 min per way to work daily, im making my van now and ill just park it at work and go home during the weekend, or probably just stay at work 24/7, might go skiing during the weekend though, my van will have a gaming setup so i have stuff to do when im bored, ill have solar, kitchen etc, not sure if ill add a shower but i have a sprinter so its enough space, i also have space inside for a motorcycle for when i get that, so i can drive around if i get bored.
I like his practicality and authenticity.
What a wonderful life! Thank you for sharing. Sending love and light.
I enjoy it, thank you.
I did 3 bus journey a day for 7 yrs then quit with no job . Spruced up the C.V and got another job with apartment included and have a 30 second walk to my office . Sometimes you just have to take chances in our sweet short life . I was in Lake District 4 weekends on the trot in Jan including a
Fabulous walk from Newby bridge to hawks head so probably not far from where he is now. Good luck to him !
Freya most certainly loves the life! Another top video ….Smithy
Love this guy. Also have a Vario and an Iveco but not as lucky to have somewhere to park. Everything he says is bang on. Awesome.
Just what I needed to watch. Me, Male , 60 . Just gone full time in my van, no plan, just explore the UK but return to friends in the Devon area from time to time. To spend time sitting by lakes, rivers or just watching the view as the clouds roll pass.
Admiration, full respect to you, I'm a car lifer in a crv, amazingly just left your area, what a beautiful area especially with the next couple of days weather, will be following with interest, down to earth bloke, fair play 🍻👍
Many thanks. Currently in Forest of Bowland AONB in this lovely sunshine.
Why are all these people seeming happier than me , I have a well paid job, a mortgage , bills and a car on lease … like your supposed to do ..I don’t get it …
you were lied to. i spent 6 months 'reprogramming ' my brain 3 years ago. it took me half a year just to not feel guilty for no longer workjng 65hrs a week. thats beyond messed up.
You do not get it, doesn't mean others don't get life living off grid. Not everyone is the same, not everyone is ruled by money and material things. Some just want a more simple life, a life with more freedom and less stress. If everyone was the same, would be a boring world! All robots working 65 plus hours; paying bills; no time to have activities or much free time. You said you have a well paid job, well your lucky then! Some people are not as lucky and have minimum wage jobs, where with the cost of living, are unable to afford a property and pay their bills. We are not all like you, we are all different, it's not for you to get it honesty! These people maybe happier than you are they are more at peace; less stressed; less money worries; more time for family; travel and hobbies, and more time to realise who they really are and what is actually important in life.
Commuting thats the trap Iam in your video is inspiring subscribed cheers
Omg as simple as it is, I really needed to hear him say "don't spend money on the van getting it perfect, use it in the van enjoying it" that is so so true!!!
🙌🙌
Yep. I have spent the last 12 years taking care of my mother and have been buying stuff for my " nomading." My tt is full of stuff -- (solar lights, Berkey water filter, fire extinguisher, 12 volt frig, cooking stuff, Lectric bike etc.) and on and on. Hopefully I will use it all. But everyone always says just go with what you have and add as needed. I think thats good advice but I love my stuff. And it was easy to order and get while living in a house.
such and amazing video and its great to see something that isn't poslished. this is real life and very inspiring.
"Don't spend money trying to make the perfect van, use that money to go and use the van".
These words would have saved me a loooot of money, sweat, tears and stress if I only heard them 3 years ago!! 😭😭😭
Fantastic kev, you stay safe and sound mate. Love mountain biking and the lakes.. My second home 😊👌❤️❤️🇬🇧
I sure wish I liked dogs, a lot of people enjoy their company.
Hey up from Barlick, came across your vid whilst viewing prepping videos.
Stoked to have come across this channel! Looking forward to future videos 😁
Thank you! Glad you like our videos so far. Many more to come 😊
I have a similar set up and agree with his advise, just get the best truck you can afford and move in with cheap camping equipment if you have to. Then use the money not wasted on rent to eventually turn it into a home with all of the comforts and very few compromises. I also will never live in a house again, I don't need much money so I don't have to do the meaningless jobs to get it, which is freedom. Something in very short supply unless your born rich.
Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this 👍🏻 fantastic home, great well thought out set up! The continual rainbow with Freya underneath had me smiling the whole way through 😊
Thanks Tracy! Glad you enjoyed the video. Many more to come 😊
@@liveration Already subscribed ✅
could've done vanlife during corplife. 5 minute commute to your van. 😁👍💯
I love your van and love your dear dog so sweet. you not going in no home that the last thing you want to do, stay healthy you be alright great video
I happened upon your video by chance and was drawn in by your voice, relaxed attitude and realism.
You seem to have an excellent balance between socialisation and your own company.
Hitting the nail in the head re the need for some funds to keep things going - especially if not being able to afford a 'good/newish' van etc.
I love the muddy boots & dog paw in & out realness.
Thank you for sharing
Glad you connected, thanks for the comments.
Great story I'm all for getting out of the rat race beautiful veiws
Love that I heard from Kev, "leave no trace". Good life, good living, Kev.
Tesco finest in the fridge....Kev you've changed 😂
“Leave no trace”. True. 👍
Great fella. Thank you for the advice and knowledge
I have a cool 24 tt in my driveway and a hightop cargo van in CA. The Hi-Lo has 400 watts of solar so far on the top. The plan is to nomad. Hopefully I will get there. I would like to see links for your dishwasher, washing machine and shower setup. That is amazing. I am 66 and having a few health issues that happened after the death of my 88 year-old mother. My advice would be not to wait. Dont put it off. Time is short. My house is listed as we speak. I have two dogs and a cat so theres that. 😊
I'm jealous. I wish I could pull this off...
Love that!!!! One day I'll be there, one day!!!
Van maintenance has been the fine print for me - Always a hefty bill when I come out of the shop!
But if you do the math, it's a lot less than paying rent, pretty much anywhere in the country at this point.
This part of England is so different to where I live, amazing
Love what you do! But the music is not needed....let the wilderness sound come through!
Funny Freya’s food is your lap top stand - double use matters in small space! Ingenious there Kev…enjoying your best life 🙏
No expensive misses made me lol
Absolutely fantastic video. . Brilliant way of life. . Been at it years on road. . Vanlife simple
Excellent, living the best life!
6 hrs a day for me 3 each way plus 8 hrs shift killing me. Hate it .
Hi Kev, We leave our rented flat on the 8th of May and this will be our home. She's not huge, but we can get to park up in most places. th-cam.com/video/Mb8_oO271-c/w-d-xo.html
I love this 'down to earth' stuff & what a nice chap
Seems a good guy! All the best to him
Subbed. Best of luck with everything Kev
Thank you
That guy is the MAN!
This guy is completely set! Impressive
This will be tardy to some. To me it’s freedom, it’s raw and visceral and beautiful in a way Instagram will never reveal. I love this, truly.
Big up batch cooked chilli
As a mountainbiker I'm well jell!
Hi, Kev love this video. I did the same thing last September 1st. Enjoy this life, it's not dress rehearsal :)
Hope you are having fun doing it 10 years next year for me.
It suits you. That's good! Enjoy,
you freed yourself from the matrix!
Great job fella!
God bless you man...I want to do the exact same thing,..apart from mountain bike track building...
Thats the bit, and the events, that allow me to do this.
A lot of boat systems are idea for van/ RV living. Thank you for sharing your house.
Would love to hear more about these boat products. They seem to be well made and unique.
I have my 1995 Mitsubishi Delica with nothing in it but my solar system, some tools and spares, no bed, stove, fridge, toilet, just me and my van. This way it forces me to meet people as I drove it from England to several countries in West Africa and spent two and a half years in it, videos here. He is right, there are no perfect set up, just go and you will figure it out along the way
Would love to do a lap of Africa. Well done for doing that, top adventuring.
@@KevIsOffGrid You can, it is very adventurous and never boring
@Temdri World yes, once i stop organising events.
Great video, What a humble bloke, as honest as you get with real van life
Thanks