VAN TOUR - Two humans and two dogs live rent free in a micro camper
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มี.ค. 2024
- We were forced out of our home and could not keep up with Vancouver rent prices and their no pet policies so we now live full time in this vintage 17 foot RV.
With the average 1 bedroom reaching $2700 a month, there was no way we could afford to live, let alone save to invest in our future.
This lifestyle does take a bit of adjusting to, but the adventures with our dogs and the freedom easily make up tough times.
Ass, gas or grass, baby! -
Help us put gas in this old girl!
paypal.me/randalsmodernlife
Thanks for watching mates!
#vanlife #roadtrip #vancouver #campandcook #rvliving #alternativeliving
It's really awesome how every time Ester prepares a meal, you always say "thank you" The respect you two have for each other really shows thru in your videos. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks for noticing :) we have endless respect for each other and a little recognition goes a long way. All she has to say to me is good job and that keeps me going haha
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Your dogs look blissfully happy. They must feel very loved! ❤️❤️❤️
They are so loved, and seeing them happy is really fur filling to us.
❤I get a very peaceful vibe from you both😊
Thank you! We’ve been spending a decade trying to cultivate a peaceful existence. I can only hope it rubs off onto others. ❤️
The motorhome is a priceless story you will talk about in the nursing home. The dogs are brilliant and you can tell that they love being in the 4 pack. The girl is pretty, funny, artistic and authentic which is like a rare jewel today when everyone wants to be some one else. The captain of the ship is a good sort and he's ........Red Green handy too.
Haha good one. Esther really is a rare gem. I’m hanging onto her! And I hope there is someone who will want to listen to my stories in the nursing home.
I love love these vintage campers, they are cozy and inviting. The pups were the best part! 😊
Nice old Class C. A bit older than my Pace Arrow. Why buy new when the classics never die.
44 years and going strong 💪
Yep! Better than paying 80, 90, $100.000.00 for junk ....
We really enjoyed the tour of your home. It's great how you've made improvements to fit your needs.. Thank you 😊
My 2 artists! I wanted to wish Esther the best of luck on the art photo book project! I appreciate how you 2 make it work. I hope that things unfold for you both in the most spectacular way. :)
We will see where this channel takes us. I hope it goes well! I’m looking forward to her photo book too, her previous work was great!
The forest there is ridiculously beautiful. I wish I were there.
Yeah it really is. I try to spend as much time as I can in BC forests ❤️
Very cozy home. You’ve done a great job. Thank you for sharing this.
Your Van RV Is really cozy and looks really comfortable. The upgrades you did are Awesome !!....You two really inspired my wife and I to do some traveling... be hitting the road real soon. Thank you for all your Adventures. The Tips you gave for traveling are really good.
Wow, glad to hear we inspired somebody! Thanks for the comment!
Thank You for showing your home to us ❣
No worries, thanks for watching and commenting 😊
You guys are the greatest! Thanks for giving us a tour of your RV. I'm traveling for work this week in Mississippi. Somewhat of a bummer! On agood note, stopped at a gas station in Ridgeland and couldn't help but say hello to this older gentleman and his wife in a Wonder RV on a Ford Transit chassis. Very cool RV. They were CANADIANS on their way to Arizona then headed back to Canada. Friendly couple. Looking forward to touring Canada soon! Take care!
Canadians on the road are always so friendly! I remember our time in Mississippi in 2017. We drove a $400 ford thunderbird 10,000 miles across Canada to the east coast, down south to Florida and then back to west coast and up. Was a great trip. Mississippi was such a friendly place.
Awesome camper. We really enjoy your videos. Safe travels. Greetings from Florida.
Opposite sides of the continent! Thanks for the camper love!
Thanks. Been as far North as the Seattle area visiting my wife’s family. This was about 10 years ago. Almost went to Vancouver Island but never did. All the best to y’all from Florida.
I love it❤,she says cook eat sleep an fart😂,U guys have the best life ever.I live in a fifth wheel but know way of moving it.I would love to be able to go places but i cant complain i have a place to live with a roof over my head.Be safe an warm out there❤.
That camper is a beauty. Very nice upgrades.
My fav humans and dogs ✨💙
❤l just Love your lil rv its perfect❤ between the two of you its a little cozy cabin on wheels ❤
Great tour thank you! It’s cool that you make living in your van workable. Thanks for sharing. ❤
Thank you 😊 it didn’t take long for us to settle into and organize such a tiny little space. Less is more!
Classics are always the best
Love the tour of your lil tiny home. Love it. Thanks for sharing ❤
Thanks for watching!
A vacuum gauge is a great tool for engine diagnostics and helping increase gas mileage. I've been using one for years and it's been very helpful and gotten me out of not having to call a tow truck a couple of times. The 360 is a great motor to have. Lots of nice modifications.
It's nice to see you are having a good time with your family in the mini motorhome.
I watched a video of yours and the engine was having over heating problems. I was thinking about moving my spare tire to the front like you have but thinking about having the tire fold down as to not block the air flow in hilly terrain. It could then fold up for normal driving.
Thanks for posting your videos.
Happy Travels....
That’s a good idea with the folding tire. In the end I mounted it on the rear bumper. I have heard of the vacuum gauge idea, might look into it. Thanks!
You have such a cool old camper. It's small but cozy and I love all the upgrades you've made. Safe travels out there!
Yep she’s very cozy. I love it. We spent a couple hours just snoozing in bed in the morning while it rained.
I was wondering how the dogs 🐕 got up there when you first opened the door for the tour (springs in their paws 🐾 😂) The fact you both plus 2 dogs can share that space says alot about your characters 👍 😊. Thanks for sharing 😊
Perfect timing on this video!! Your videos are hot right now!!
You did an awesome job on ur camper!! I really enjoyed this video 🤙
Thanks mate! The people were asking for a van tour so the timing seemed good haha
Very great use of minimal space! You guys are so creative. Safe travels!
Nice to see an old motor home still in good shape - nice couple as well. Safe travels!!!
Thanks!
Nice tour they are small I lived in a cab over camper on my truck for a few years I had a Dodge power wagon 4x4 truck with the same motor and it was a lot of fun. My wife and I in the beginning we live in a one bedroom bathroom and it was the best time out of our 32 years married. Life is short Take care of each other stay safe.
I like the idea of a truck camper. 4x4 would be fun! We are thinking of a change of campers. I love the old dodge trucks too.
@@randallsmodernlife yeah if you guys get a truck just get one with a diesel engine way better on fuel and the lance campers are pretty roomy and you can shower in them too... You guys live where it's necessary to have a truck.
Yes a diesel would be the dream! You’re paying big $$ for a diesel truck up here though, everyone wants one!
Just found this channel , look forward to watching other episodes . Stay safe !
Thanks! We should be able to keep you entertained with the backlog of vids, I hope haha
Wow, that's a sweet old motorhome! I lived in a 1978 Dodge (Fleetwood Flair) motorhome for 3 months back in 2010. It also had a 360 engine, carburated, so my right foot got quite a workout every time I had to start it in the high altitude. It had plenty of oomph, but it admittedly handled like a shopping cart. Best of luck with your adventures! On a side note; I love that you chose "Clarence" as the turtle's name, that was my grandfather's name as well.
Haha yep I know what you mean with the foot work out 😂 thanks for watching mate!
SUCH A VERY KOOL SHORTER RV. WORKS WELL .👍👍🤙🤙
It’s a beauty!
Love the van and the dogs are the stars of your video. 🦮
Yes they are haha they are my secret weapon
Kudo's to you both and your dogs. Amazing life.
Thank you 😊
Thank You for shearing.
Thanks for watching!
That is a very cute and cozy van , and you have everything so organized !! I came from Calgary to Nanaimo to spend the winter. I live and travel in my Ford Escape, no heater, so I stay in warm
places during winter. Last year I toured the states by myself , first time , and I want to do it again. 🎉
Thank you for sharing your home , and your happy healthy dogs 🙏🦮 💜. What breed are they ??
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A ford escape…. Escape the rent prices haha! It ls really nice going to the states in winter. I hope to do it many more winters to come. Our dogs are Mexican street dogs. A mixture of everything.
I would love to travel the states and Canada........I did a very short trip over 20 years ago and I don't remember a lot.......People need to remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side......I talked to a few permanent van dwellers in my country over the Summer and said I would love to do what you are doing and they said they would love to have a permanent home.......I have a permanent home but because my kids are at school it's not that simple for my husband and I to just live permanently on the road. And we have extended family commitments also. .....You will either die one day with no money but a lifetime of knowledge thru travel or you will die with a little bit of money but rarely travel anywhere........It's that fine balance........Just don't live your life being jealous of other like my 80 Y.O. mother does where she assumes all her neighbors have more money than she does......Being jealous of others is just wasted time.......My mom is poorer now only because she went on expensive travels with my now deceased father when her neighbors looked at more budget friendly holidays.
I have friends in Miacatlin who run an animal sanctuary. They have 40 dogs plus cats , rabbits , and a pig named Mango 🌞. Yes, it is my retirement Escape 😂
This is Esther’s dream! We would love to homestead and Esther wants to rescue all the dogs and cats. She keeps asking me for a third dog maybe someday. The key is to always be content with what you’ve got!
Great vid
I love your Van love your dogs. Love you too love your way of life. Good luck in everything you do🐕🦺🦮🦴🦴😊👍
Thank you, that is much appreciated!
Wow, I love the retro feel to your home on wheels… it’s primarily why I subscribed to your channel - and also your two fur baby’s. And then I fell in love with you & Ester, and the wonderful foods she makes lol! I love the Berkey you have in the corner too 👍🏼
If I were to sum up your channel in two words, it would be “Good Vibrations”! Always my best to you four 🥛🍻
Haha I love it! Good vibrations! I might use that on a sticker or something haha I think Esther’s cooking is what’s going to make our channel grow.
Our camper definitely makes some good vibrations… and some questionable vibrations haha!
Yay! love your videos! Sweet azz mates, continue to enjoy your adventures! 😊😊
🤙 yeah nah, nah yeah thanks mate!
😀🤙@@randallsmodernlife
Thanks for sharing your home
Thanks for watching!
Great video! I love your Camper. The two of you have a great vibe. Safe journeys.
Thank you!
I like the trinkets!
howdy bro. i watch your channel with my brother at night. he likes retro campers cuz of y'all. cheers from California
Nice haha that’s cool! Glad to hear it.
Hellz yeah! Chillin in my van again and this pops up :) Hope you guys are rocking and rolling back in Canada!
The sun is finally out (for a minute) and it makes up for allllll the rain.
@@randallsmodernlife Wahoo!!!!!
That’s a beast of an engine to pull that van. They don’t make ‘em like the used to. Those older vans will still be on the road when the chip board brigade are in the RV graveyard. Keep on keepin’ on.
Yeah the 360 gets this thing moving pretty easily haha and it’s such a solid machine, will last many more years I hope.
I really enjoyed this video…I like to see how people have made improvements. For over 50 years, I had an awesome hobby of owning and restoring vintage rvs from the 70’s. I restored them back to original and showroom condition. Very time consuming and painstaking detail but I loved every minute of it. Unfortunately. I have some heart problems and a slight stroke so I had to give up that hobby as I no longer have the strength and stamina to do that kind of work. Your rv is in awesome original condition, I love it. Great job with the upgrades. It appears as though you are very handy which is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, it sounds like a great hobby to have over the years. Would love to see some of your work! Did you take pictures for records? I’d love to have more space and resources to do full restorations. I do motorcycles now because they are a lot smaller.
@@randallsmodernlife if you have an email that you can share, I’ll look and dig up some pics and send them your way.
Good idea, I’ll make an email for the channel and get back to you!
Ok, give this a try - randallsmodernlife@gmail.com
Very good video, greetings from England.
Love the rig! Just got me a 93 Chevy box truck. Can’t wait to get it ready to camp out of. It needs a lot of work🤣
Ahhh I’ve always dreamed of a box truck conversion. A blank canvas!
Glad I never fell for one of those. I don’t have the skill set necessary to better or maintain the rig as you do. Having said that, it’s a really cool home.
very nice little home!
Why thank you.
Yah that looks great 🙀😹
Awesome rig guys! You have everything you need and it's got so much style! Sweet rig and couple! Enjoy.....
Thanks mate!
Guys it’s wonderful, I love it,, Congratulations, Good Luck. Happy & Safe Travels
From NYC,,
Thanks mate!
One day this is exactly what I want to do with my life and wife. 🤟🏼🤟🏼from NZ via Japan.
You have all you need. I wish you life long happiness
Thanks, kind words! ❤️
Fantastic van. Full of character. You've got to hold on it it. It's so homely.
Thanks, yeah it really is great, I’m pretty attached to it.
That’s a great price for that battery. I got 2 new batteries for 900. A buy one get one free deal because he had a failure of one and the dealer fixed the problem and installed 2 new batteries but the company mailed him 2 new ones 🤷🏼♂️. Love a small Rv. Ours is 21’ long and I’m 6’2 and barely hit my head on the AC unit 😂 The 360 with a 727 is a strong combo. 👍🏼 I think you got a good deal.
Thanks, yeah it was a pretty good deal to me! And gotta love those buy one get one free deals haha
Thanks
Wow thanks mate! Really appreciate the donation!
God I love that r.v. great video ...❤
Thanks mate!
All Esters meals look a amazing ❤😊
Oh they certainly are. She’s a great cook!
Thanks for the tour! Nice little rig. Are your Pups related? Love how they played with each other on the bed.
Thanks, yes they are sisters! Very bonded, and they really take care of each other
Sweet deal! Also, nice upgrade.
I'm thinking of picking up a used Ford e350 or a GMC savana 3500 with a 12 feet box with a deck over the cab, to replicate this kind of footprint.
I'm thinking of doing tla elevator bed with motors (or just cords) above the table bench like you used to have, at the rear.
The space above the cab would be for storage. Another idea I've got, shamelessly picked up from "Humble road" channel, is to have a bathroom/closet hybrid to optimize space.
Down the line, cooking would probably be electric, double "burners" and a instant pot, but it might take a while as it's expensive stuff.
Thinking of keeping it as stealth/workstuck as possible, with vent grills over the 1-2 windows I'm thinking of doing.
Definitely subscribing!
It’s hard to resist the abundant space of the bathroom for storage haha sometimes outs gets pretty full and a lot has to be moved in order to get in and use it.
I like your idea, I always enjoyed the stealth camper builds. Mainly for security reasons when parked in cities, you can leave the camper unattended.
love your channel, stay safe:)
Thanks! Just dropped a new vid, have a watch ❤️
Nice
Thank you for the tour ! I really dig that camper but I can only imagine the fuel expense. 10 mpg with a tail wind maybe ? 12 mpg downhill ? Either way great job on the mods and upgrades. Safe Travels
Well the thing is… the fuel gauge stopped working, and I’m not entire sure if I want to fix it! It’s less depressing that way haha I just stop every 200 miles or so for a top up and I sleep better at night not watching the needle 😂
LOL. My truck fuel gauge hasn’t worked for years. Thanks for letting me know I’m not the only one👊
great video!
Thanks Steve 😉
Have to hand it to you. That is not much room but you make it work. I'm looking to get me a 20 to 21 foot RV in the future to do some traveling. But I won't have 2 dogs. Ha Thanks for the video. :)
Haha we could always do with a bit extra room, but it just forces us to travel light!
shes a beauty
She sure is!
Cool van
The build quality of these older rv's is much better, a lot of people spend a lot of money on 400000 machine's. Yes very luxiurus if it works. I live in an rv from 1991 even a bit smaller than yours can't buy happiness or satisfaction in live. Live and learn...
Yeah they new ones are just crazy expensive, it doesn’t make sense! This lifestyle is supposed to me about saving money? Haha the older vans are build so strong 💪
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nice bedford
Great tour. Thanks. Really looks perfect to me aside from the fuel costs I guess. If you are Ryan and Esther who is Randall? The van? Sorry I called you Randall in a previous comment Ryan
Haha good question, and you’re right, I am Randall. It’s my alter ego or so thing like that? Sometimes Esther and I like to act like an old couple ‘Randall and Ethel’ (we like a good cup of tea and early bed) Just for fun and it’s been sticking for many years now.
There’s a whole town in Australia that knows me by the nickname ‘Rowdy’ thanks to my Dad haha so please feel free to call me what ever you want ✌️
You have the coolest gf that wants to live with you like that. You’re living in a dream ❤
I sure am, and I do pinch myself often haha I’m very grateful for what I have.
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Hi Ryan and Ester... Really one of the most interesting videos yet. Loved understanding the rig and how you all function together in it with the dogs. You both are my camping hero's and I hope to live like you both with my wife some day. We are still in the Philippines for at least a year until we can come and try that life. I'm originally from the USA and my wife is Filipina. Trying to get a visa and come there legally with her will take some time. Hope to meet you all some day! What genuine and nice people you are and squeezing all of the joy and love for each other and life you can out of everyday! What examples you both are of having a rich life! Lots to be said about keeping it simple and working together.
I'm thinking the changes you were talking about in the future might include a baby? Just a guess mates.. I'm sure you will discuss it when you are ready. But whatever it is I am sure you both will figure it out together. Even if you get a bigger camper or settle down, whatever the changes life offers you both have each other. God Bless on where ever the journey goes!
Hey, if you ever make it over here and are in the area, please reach out! We’d love to meet you and your wife! And it’s possible, we may need an extra seat soon. Who knows just yet…
Love the RV can't wait until mine is done and on the road. I would like to know what is the best way to replace the roof on a RV. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Probably start with either a shelter to do the work under, or in a very sunny area that won’t get rain. Then rip it up and put down a bunch of new plywood boards followed by a water proof layer on top? I’m no expert though on this at all as I’ve never done it.
Hi mate, my motorhome is 1977 b300 dually 59000 miles 318 ci motor, 19.5 foot, runs good, put a rubber roof on, pushed the roof up on the inside so the water runs off the sides, 16.5 tires, lost track of my mechanic, so it just sits at home in north seattle... like you vids... Norlin
Nice specs on the dodge! Can you tell me about the rubber roof? I’m interested in that!
I just shored up the struts that cross over with some wood strips until it actually bowed up enough for the water to run off, works good, no leaks , oh and I used liquid rubber roof ,100$ a gallon ..Norlin
I have a 1977 Dodge D300 360 engine high top fiberglass the same one that Napoleon Dynamite in the movie I got it out and I haven't done anything else with it I think it's a pretty rare van I love your van I just came across your Channel trying to figure out what to do with this van I also have a lazy Daze 95 Class C thanks for showing us your van😊
Hey, Ryan.My name is Willie listen.I'm also a full-time vandweller.I'm in the panhandle of Florida.Originally from baltimore maryland i'm wondering what kind of diesel heater you have in your rig
Hey Willie, we have a 5kw Amazon diesel heater. It’s plenty enough to keep our van warm all night on the lowest setting. I heard the 8kw can be too much for smaller RVs.
Thank you guys for your vid, what kinda tape is that that you used on the roof? Thank you in advance 🍻
Look up Eternabond! Good stuff. I got this from camping world when we were in the states. But somehow I’ve got another leak so I need to go on the hunt and get my tape out again.
Isn't yours the same as Sleeperdude's? They are on TH-cam, it's a family that rebuild given up on old vehicles. Yall could talk forever. ;)
Oh I’m going to check that out right now. Haha giving up on old vehicles. I feel like that a lot sometimes. But the cost and easy or work…. We’ll see what happens down the track.
Esther's word is "shit". 😅
I notice the Australian accent and I want to know how long you have been traveling in U.S./Canada? Did you travel much in Australia before you decided to make Canada home? What is the birth country of your partner and how you both met? Your family of 4 ( including your two dogs) are fascinating and I would love to hear about your background story......FYI in certain states in Australia ( like Victoria) The past Premier made a law stating Landlords are not allowed to ask if you have pets or not in their application form (as long as you follow council laws like no more the 2 dogs and 2 cats) that sort of thing......I think this is fair.
I’ve travelled the east coast of Australia from top to bottom a dozen times now. And we’ve been living in Canada for 7 years now (with a two year gap in between. Esther was born in Malaysia, raised in Brunei and migrated to Australia as a teen. We met when I was living in Melbourne. I’ve heard that there is a similar pet law here in Vancouver, but, people don’t follow the rules much here. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission seems to be the go here haha
@@randallsmodernlifeI agree about the pets......Just don't tell the landlord......Our neighbors in Melbourne are renting and have pets but they told us not to mention anything to the landlord and we agree.....Good rental neighbors so we don't say anything to their landlord.
Plugs were abit close to the sink
Thats a tiny nice rig. When were you in the Q?
December to January. Would have stayed longer if it weren’t for visa issues.
Great video. I'm curious about the tape used on the roof. What is that? Thanks.
I found it at camping world, it’s some sort of sealing tape. Eternabond I think it’s called.
@@randallsmodernlife Thanks, Randall
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im pretty sure we met about 20 yr ago/ plasterer job at private house Bondi u and your wife stayed at our house a couple of days
Question: I'm thinking about doing van life. Yes, because Southern California rents are insane, but also so I can put money away. Have you been "paying yourselves" the money you're not paying in rent and utilities? Or at least the difference?
We aren’t working at the moment (seasonal jobs) so nothing is going into saving but when we start next month everything we don’t spend on rent will be saved for the future.
Would you suggest getting an awning? Do you use it often?
Yes! It’s a game changer! We do use it often in warm weather.
Question. Compared to $2700 per month for rent. How much have you spent on maintenance/ saved on rent?
I’m saving a lot! Since I do my own maintenance, and the greatest thing about old American made vehicles is how insanely cheap parts are. So I’m only buying parts, not paying for labour. It’s minuscule compared to rental prices. Thanks for asking!
what instant hot water heater do you use?
Just an Amazon brand propane hot water. Think it cost $250? Seems to be a decent unit so far.
Were you a hockey player or just a major badass?
Lol you talking about the no teeth? Bikes….
What breed or mix are your dogs? How did you get them?
They are Mexican street dogs and we’re adopted through a rescues program. We offered to Forster the two , before they’d be split to go to separate homes. Well they were so tightly boned that we couldn’t bare the thought of them being split, so we adopted them both.
@@randallsmodernlife that's wonderful ❣️ They are beautiful dogs ❣️
Fuel costs sucks... 👎
Yeah its best not to look at the $$ ticking when filling up 😳
I'm trying to place your accent? Ozzy or Kiwi?
It’s like asking a Canadian if they are American 😂 I’m from Aus mate!
That's too small for 2 dogs there's not enough space how can you cook omg no way it looks too stuffy 😮
You make do with what you got!
I came to see the tour. Not the crap. I'm sure people know what a burkee is btw.
The crap is the tour haha! and I didn’t even mention the name Burkee, that’s how well everyone knows it 🤭
well done
Great RV🚍You'al Discovered & Great Restoration🪛🪚🧰! Enjoy The NoMad Life! Pups🦮🐕🦺Are Unconditional Loven💕24/7! The Journey Moves Forward👍Safe Travels🛣always, Tommy🤠
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