Van Build: Alternatives To Keep It Simpler And Cheaper
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2024
- Do you feel overwhelmed with some things in your van build and are wondering what is actually necessary to be comfortable in a van?
I’ll be talking about 5 things/topics where (in my opinion) you can easily go the simpler and cheaper route.
Thanks for your support!
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - Talking Toilets
3:33 - AC/DC Power
4:48 - Cheaper Fridges
6:04 - Talking Plumbing
8:18 - Water Storage (more plumbing...)
9:51 - Outro
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Hey, we’re Lisa and Kevin, a German/American couple that just needed to leave the city, quit our service jobs (no we didn't work in tech with tons of money saved up) and go explore in our 16 year old self-converted Sprinter “Tandy”.
Also we are aiming to show you the REAL van life, so I hope you want to see that, too.
If that's the case, feel free to subscribe and join uns on our adventure.
Thank you so much! - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Awesome video. Another thing, often overlooked for some strange reason, is you're saving a ton of WEIGHT! You're saving by not hauling so many extra components! This philosophy, applied across an entire van build, will save a lot of weight, which turns into money saved on gas.
And repairs to your vehicle, carrying around alot of weight in a non heavy vehicle , can and will cost you more than you realize
So true! Weight was a big factor for us as well but yeah, it doesn't really get mentioned much..
Excellent points
Loaded with 5000 lb, I get the same mileage as when empty. Lol, unfortunately, city and highway don't really matter much either. It would depend on the aerodynamics of the vehicle I suppose.
@@FreeClimbersNet Extra weight is harder on the clutch, the bearings etc. It is also harder on break disks/pads and suspension depending on the roads of course.
Simple logic...a horse pulling 300kg's and a horse pulling 600kg's...which horse will fare better overall.
Even though we may never notice any difference, doesn't mean there is no difference...human, horse or vehicle; less weight than necessary is a bonus; no matter how small 👍
Agreed! I'm in a SUV and I have a collapsible toilet that I use with cat litter, an electric USB faucet on my 5 gallon water bottle, a Jackery for AC and DC power, and a 4 cup electric kettle for hot water. People can have everything you said in your video and still keep it take so, so simple.
Sounds great! Perfect setup for a smaller rig! :)
I've not heard of a collapsible toilet or an electric USB faucet. I'll have to look those up soon. An electric kettle wouldn't be so bad either. * 0 *
I have an SUV and trying to keep things small and usable is a challenge to figure out before going this route soon.
@@maylin1986 I have the TripTips portable toilet that's 10 inches high but they also have one that's 12 inches high. It's perfect for using inside the SUV but probably too short to use on the ground. I have the Proctor Silex 1 liter electric kettle to heat up water for my coffee and tea, to bathe and to wash dishes. One liter is 4 cups. It uses 1000 watts and I use it with a Jackery 1500. It only takes 2 minutes to boil water. There are collapsible kettles available but the largest I found was 700 ml. I'm thinking of switching to a 1.7 liter stainless steel kettle when I get back on the road.
One can get by with what a hiker might carry on their backs. Something to eat, Some appropriate clothing, something to sleep in. You can find a place to do everything else.
I totally agree!
Thanks for all that positive feedback!! :) I´m a bit overwhelmed with that many comments (in a good way), haha. So it´ll just take me a little longer to answer to you all.
Save those questions for another video ☺️
And you are helping us to understand a most simpler way to go van life. I’ve listened to you THREE times on my drive home. I’m home now and listening a 4th time to make notes on things such as the off brand refrigerator and the foot pump idea. I already had plans for toilet with a bucket and using cat litter and a horse bedding something
Cassette toilet? Yes, I do use it for both #1 and #2 IF necessary. I have never had a problem with smells and just pop the tank into a carry all bag to get it to a bathroom to dispose of it.
There are a few brands of devices that make it easy for a woman to pee standing up like a man. I have used a SheWee for 3 years and love it. Urine is way grosser to deal with than poop, and urine and poop together is awful. So for #2, I use a 5 gallon bucket with a toilet seat lid, bags and kitty litter. For pee, I go in some kind of dedicated container with a screw cap and empty it every few days somewhere appropriate. Often down the drain in a manual car wash bay, which is where I also dump my grey water and refill my 5 gallon sink water jug . Don't put bleach in with the urine, though, because it creates toxic fumes. Bleaching after you empty is fine. After living in my van for over 3 years, I definitely agree with keeping it simple, cheap, and easily fixable or replaceable when something inevitably breaks or quits.
Awesome - sounds like you figured out your perfect way dealing with the gross stuff! I owned a SheWee but never used it. Having to clean and store it prevented me. If I didn't have an ottoman to sit, I would give it another try though. :) Smart idea to use car wash bays! Thanks for that tip!
Urine is totally sterile. 🙂 Poop is full of bacteria ugg!😷
Great video I'm glad someone is finally saying it, you don't need thousands of pounds to do #vanlife throw a mattress in the back and go have fun!
Thank you! And well said! :)
On the one big water tank vs. several small ones, I was watching a video years ago about an Aussie guy who was overlanding long before it got that name. Maybe Malcom Douglas, I'm not sure if it was him or the painter guy whose name I cannot remember. Anyway they said always have multiple water tanks. If your one big water tank starts to leak while you're out in the desert you could end up dead real fast. If you have multiple, less of a chance that you lose all your water at once.
Oh wow, yeah, that's a great point, too! Thanks for bringing that up!
This happened to me! I was getting in late to a campsite middle of night on a dirt road in the desert and I got a flat tire. Then when I went to open the side door my full 5 gal jug of water fell out and broke. All water gone. Could have gotten very sketchy.
I have a similar set-up for water. I have two 5-gallon sink tanks - one non-potable for cleaning and a grey. They are fairly easy to pull out and empty/fill. I have the same 7 gallon jug as you which I take to a water store for drinking water (reverse osmosis is crystal clear, beautiful water!). Yes, heavy! But I can usually park fairly close. Up here in Canada, I pay $4 for 7 gallons. I store it under my bed and about once a week, I decant into an 84oz metal water bottle that I use day-to-day for drinking and cooking. At the water store, you can rinse the inside of the jug with ozone water which desanitizes. 3 years in, and it is as clean as the day I bought it.
Oh that's a nice service with the rinse! Good to know that that water is as clean as it gets! And at least those 7gal jugs make a good workout!
I completely agree with you. Even if I have enough money to splurge on fancy plumbing and electricity, I still hate the idea of the weight those things add on to the van. It screams fuel inefficient and still won't give you the actual experience of a real house. So I'd rather go for the simple solutions, making my van easier to organize and still functional. However, for toilets I prefer the composting toilets that can connect liquid to the gray tank, then there's no need to empty the pee bottle anymore, only need to occasionally dump out compost poop.
I appreciate your simplicity to this lifestyle and I think it’s very useful as I also purchased a bunch of things I didn’t need before I started. That said, a lot of the things you are suggesting do work and are cheaper but that isn’t where it ends. In my trailer I have every modern convenience you can think of, from a shower to a microwave to a coffee maker, etc. And I still run around full-time to keep supplies filled and keep me going on this traveling journey. Any modern conveniences you are giving up, you are going to be paying for with time somewhere else. I don’t need more responsibilities on top of the full-time lifestyle I have already chosen. I guess we all pay for convenience so it’s just a matter of how convenient do you want to be? This is just my take but I wish I would’ve seen your video before I started! Thanks for making it!
So well said! Thanks for this comment! It definitely is a learning journey and it will never be perfect - cause that's just how this lifestyle is. Everyone has to make their little compromises in some way. Glad you enjoyed it! Enjoy your travels! :)
I'm not saying this isn't a valid point; in fact, I am currently making a list of Things I Will Not Give Up. But I find that over time, some of the things that are must haves become not so important. I'm an older woman so I'm not travelling without some kind of toilet accommodation; that's a deal breaker. But, as an example, I can get by eating food that doesn't involve cooking. I don't drink coffee. I know how to take a bath with a gallon jug of water, if need be, and get really clean. I can entertain myself if I'm in a dead zone and have no WiFi. Especially if I'm in a scenic area and/or surrounded by cool people. From what I understand, the first few months or years of van life are a process of trying and discarding things. I may feel differently if/when I ever get out there.
I’ll think of you at 3 am when you gotta go. Peeing it a bucket or bottle sucks. But hey you’re young. I’d like to see you in a few years without all those luxuries. Ha ha ha.. I love young people, they know everything!
Van life hasn’t become anything. It’s what you make of it. One of the best things is you don’t have to do it any way other than how you want it to be. I love my porta potty for instance. Easy to use, dump anywhere, nothing to break, using baking soda to control smells. I live in my van and I’m wintering in dangerous 4:18 Mexico. Currently Tepic, Nayarit. My neighbors are from Germany. My van life. You live yours.
Very well said, I agree! Glad you like your porta potty! Uh and enjoy Mexico! I'm just a ferry away right now actually, La Paz. :) Save travels!
I heat a small amount of water in the pot I used to cook with to do dishes and rinse with a spray bottle of cold water. I'm not a fan of the cold rinse, and am considering heating up some water for that too. OR, there are small under-the-sink, on-demand 12V water heaters, and I think about doing that eventually, but mainly in order to wash my hair at the sink and do a sponge bath when boondocking. Like you said, though, it isn't a simple, one-component thing! I have a Whale foot pump which is going strong after 3 years, and I love how frugal it is with the water.
Agreed! I have slowly come to all these conclusions (actually, I don't even think a foot pump is necessary; also dynamically a top opening fridge will ALWAYS be more energy efficient).
I'm totally sold on the no-build build
In a TH-cam world full of complicated and expensive builds, this video is a breath of fresh air! Thank you!
Little water jugs for the win! I currently have a seven gallon, a three gallon, two 1.25 gallon, and ten one gallon jugs. The only thing I take in to fill up is the one gallon jugs as everything else gets refilled from them. I top off the bigger jugs with anything leftover in the one gallons to make it more efficient. This might not make sense for everyone, but as someone whose neurosurgeon directed them not to lift more than five pounds (!!!), it works. (One gallon of water is roughly eight pounds - don't tell my doctor!) The seven gallon and the 1.25 gallon containers all have spigots and that is the ONLY "faucets" I have and I don't need more. I use diluted hand soap in pump containers to reduce the need for water when handwashing (the first ingredient in liquid soap is water but they have a thick mix so you feel like you're getting your money's worth).
All the bells and whistles sure look nice, until something breaks in the middle of nowhere. I just declined watching a video earlier where the creator was essentially bragging how many months (you've seen them too: 6 months, 7 months, a year...) it took to learn the skills necessary for a build. Why?!? You need a bed (even if it's only the floor right now) which means something to stay warm and probably support your head, a place to go to the toilet and clean up (I use a spray bottle with Dr. Bronner's and water with a washcloth plus small "No 'Poo" containers for hair washing), and a way to cook. That's really it. Everything else is a bonus.
Toilets in van life... I've seen so many people on TH-cam talking about NOT having a toilet of any type in their rig. Maybe I'm the only one who's ever had diarrhea, had to suddenly vomit, or had to get up in the middle of the night somewhere that would be inconvenient to pee. I seriously doubt that, but perhaps learning the Scout motto to "be prepared" has scarred me for life. Get a bucket, reuse those grocery bags, and a separate container for your urine. No real expense, and you really don't need cat litter either (unless you have a cat). Bag it, wrap it well, stick in with your other trash and bag that well also. Throw it away as soon as you can. It's not really brain surgery. If you have the inclination and are flexible enough, dig a cat hole instead. Even better.
Vast engineering feats are wonderful and have contributed much to the world, but living in a vehicle should be simple and straightforward. It certainly can be. Think about all of that time and money you didn't have to spend!
This was very helpful. I'm also a backpacker and I see the same thing in that community. People become enamored with equipment and gadgets, which causes them to lose sight of the original pull toward simplicity. I've been susceptible myself but am really trying to avoid these mistakes in setting up our van. Thamks for the tips.
I agree all the showers and cookstoves cabinets and stuff I’m not trying to make my life more complicated by trying to make my life simpler
This is real good to share and so true. I lived in one of the “harshest “ cold environments in my van (-23F average) . I have a latrine for a toilet …that I simply dispose like trash. I carry three 7 gal jugs …which I found was more than enough…I have a foot pump, but I hardly use it. I have a large thermost filled with water, which I found was the most widely used for most of my water needs. Cooking, washing dishes and in van hygiene, supplemented by sanit wipes. I have a portable battery that takes care of all my power needs. Lights and charging phone. I supplement not using its power with 3 triple AAA batt campo lights that cost me $5 buck each. They are placed strategically along the van . Portable Batt takes 2 hrs to charge from 60 %. I pay $10 for a full long hot shower and use of a gym equipment. When not, I heat up water and use a foldable bucket for a sponge bath in the van. I have a large gardening “pesticide pump, for outdoor showers. I bought at a goodwill for 3 dollars . It is more than a 1/2 gal that I use for a full sponge bath. Clothing warm and cold and kitchen utensils ( mini and foldable versions of just about anything I use in a full kitchen) , are too grand a luxury.. I have cooked all of my fav menus on my two burner propane stove. …this is all experienced in 6 months of cold weather with 3 months in artic freeze temps hunkered down in the Van living in a small town with a very small population. You can follow my journey to learn more.
Wow, that is freezing! Thanks for sharing your setup! Really impressive!
Please tell me what kind of heater you have. I've read every comment and no one has mentioned heat.
Thanks for the video. Very useful and good advice. I’m definitely a proponent of making things simple 👍🏼
Glad you found it helpful! :)
I don't have a van, but, what I used for #1 was a medium sized picture which worked great. I am so thankful for videos like this and others I have watch on those commodes as I almost wasted money, but, as much as dislike even dealing with thinking about poop in a regular toilet and cleaning, I certainly don't want to deal with carry and dumping a messy container of poop. As they say, keep it simple stupid. LOL! So much crap I used think would have been a need to do van life isn't so.
I agree to keep it simple. So much less to worry about. Take care.
You can also use a 5 gallon bucket 🪣 for a shower 🚿. USB portable shower head. Also heat up water on propane stove for shower and dishes. Agree on everything.
Less things to go wrong. Less need for power. Save money 🤑. Fancier and luxury isn't always better. Less is MORE 👏👏👏
Yes, sooo many options! :)
As I get ready to start my van life, it was overwhelming to have people do videos and point to 5 or 6 things quickly saying...blah, blah and blah,...to my ears. It was all the batteries and pumps and boxes with masses of cords. I am so grateful to hear your perspective. I have decided to get a 12-15 seat high top van and pull out the seats...already insulated! Air flow, done. I don't have access to a place to spend a lot of time building, so, I am using my antiques, my bed, my lamps and finding anything I can with batteries. The one big build will be a raised floor for storage underneath. I love that idea!!! If you ever see "The Sould Garden", pop over for a facial, reiki or homemade fabric. FINALLY getting back to ME.
Glad you found this so confirming! Sounds like you found the best solution for your situation! A raised floor does sound awesome! "Secret" storage is always a plus! If I see the name on van, I will come by! Enjoy your whole journey!
Some people have urology issues and need to use the bathroom frequently so a toilet of any sort is a must!
That's true - no point in being uncomfortable when you have some special needs.
I agree totally! Building my van out the simplest way possible.
Translation: cheap as possible.
Thank you, Lisa for these REALLY practical tips! My experience has been very much like yours.
Thank you so much! I've been struggling trying to figure out all this electrical for solar and power, etc. And, I ruled out the shower and expensive compost toilet, and AC. So your video has reminded me and brought up some very good points to keep it simple. And, for me the important part is getting on the road. Loved the simplicity of your video and backdrop.
So glad it confirmed your choices there! Very true - getting on the road and starting this journey is crucial! Hope you're able to start it soon! :)
Minimizing has many advantages but in the wintertime a $i00.00 diesel heater from Amazon is the way to go.
Ive used one for four years
Sooo much better than a buddy heater, and far far safer : )
New subbie!!! Thank you I’ve been super overwhelmed with the process of thinking about building out a van❤
Thank you so much for making this video! I'm in the planning stages and it seems like every video has complicated builds and electrical systems! I want to keep it as simple as possible and you helped a lot!
I love it, great info delivered with a quirky twist! I'm with you, the simpler the better. Less to break, freeze, clean, maintain and suck power. Thinking about a van, so this is super helpful... ❤
Thanks! And glad you found it helpful! Good luck on your van purchase/build/journey!
I use my moms old bedside commode 😂😂😂😂 PRICELESS
Your the best; I’m grateful you put this video together it answers basic questions for a older beginner.
Aww, glad it was helpful to you!
Great Points. Thank you for making this video.
Take em or leave em, I love your ideas and perspective.
I’d probably do a few things different, but great simplify ideas!
Thank you so much.
Good luck with your channel and adventures!
Thank YOU so much!! All the best to you, too! :)
Love it!!!
Oh thanks for tuning in!! :) Love your videos, too!
I love your style and am now a new subscriber. Birds of a feather...! 😁
Thanks so much! For sharing your solutions and subscribing! Welcome! :)
Thanks for sharing some real views of van life and what's necessary and not. Safe travels!!!! Love and light from Toronto, Canada 🙏🏽😊
Thank you! And all the best to you too! :)
you are absolutely right on! less is more!
All these things you mentioned all come with an extra van life bonus........MORE SPACE
Agreed! I thought I needed so much more than what I have… I’ve given so much stuff away…simple, ongoing van build…nice job.
Glad you can relate :)
LOL very cute little video on hard to talk about things. Great editing you spent some time on it. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your appreciation! :)
Thank you! Very helpful and encouraging.
great point:loved it! thanks!
This makes so much sense , very much in line with hat I’ve been thinking about , thanks so much
You're so welcome! :)
I wholeheartedly agree with the list. We often watch van builds online and get envious of their set-up, but then we go back to our little 13' trailer, we love its simplicity. You're right about the toilet, we have a porta-potty, and only use it at night for #1. The rest of the day, we use our home-made composting toilet that we put in the shower tent.
Right, it doesn't have to be fancy to be nice and functional! Great you got a compostable toilet outside!
Great information, keep it simple is the best advice! Thank you 💕
Thank YOU!
Thank you so much for sharing ❤
Loved it ....Thank you 4 The Info.
awesome ideas. simplicity.
Thank you for sharing your ideas. I feel the same way about my new van. I’m building just for the weekend getaway’s. So I’ve been focusing on bed and food prep station and storage. And plane to bring a cooler, water containers, grill and I have a little foot pump trash can for my business!! Figured like you simple is better 👍
Great video! I couldn't agree more.
I've heard it's nice to have seperate water tanks, such as one for washing, one for drinking, etc. Little water tanks, like you said sounds like the best and easiest way to fill and maintain water supplies.
True, that works well for lots of people! We still make sure to only have "good" water in all our tanks though - cause we drink a lot of water. It's nice to have extra shower water in our solar shower on top of the van though.
Thank you for these insights!
You are so welcome!
Love this video!! I'm hoping to get a minivan in the next couple years to travel and people in my life keep telling me all the fancy things and buildout I will *need* and I'm like...no. I don't.
Yaay, great plan! Only get what you really need. And thank you!
A lot of great tips.
The best advice ever!!!!
Cool build, pretty video, good music and informative! I’m on board!
Thanks so much!! Welcome aboard! :)
Solid advice!
Totally enjoyable amazing how things and situations can be made simplistic as you have done. I also have subscribed and wish you well on that aspect of it. I always will say and mean May Peace Health and Happiness follow you and yours
Thank you for the kind words! And welcome aboard! All the best to you, too!
I agree with everything you mentioned.
Great video! It makes me think a van build shouldn't be as complicated as I thought. Thsnks?!
I am building out mine right now, just as simple as yours. It works for me!
That's great! :) Good luck on your build!
So True...I have had my van for 5 years. I've never used the gas powered shower or boiler for hot tap water. I've used my water storage tank twice. I just use left over kettle water for washing up and either wash myself with a face cloth and basin with some hot kettle water or find toilets (Radar key entrance only) at night for a really good scrub down. I also use many 5 litre water bottles because I can store them anywhere and everywhere...easy to carry and fill; I'll be upgrading to 10 litre containers soon though.
I use a 5 litre pee bottle and poop in a bag inside my porta loo and bin it in doggy poop bins or simply use public toilets when I can. I'm so used to tent/bivy camping that I don't need much.
I could do with solar...I purchased it 5 years ago but never fitted it yet, I found it wasn't as important as I First though as I don't use much power and drive often...a little is nice though; so I think I'll fit it soon 🤣FIVE years later!
Good show, you too most likely did a fair amount of basic camping before going the van route...that's my thoughts 👍🐕🚐👊
Agree, keep it simple!!
Been a long time. Nice to see you again.
Hi! Was it a long time?
Great video, great common sense ideas. I don’t live in a van when I travel but I make do in a small car traveling solo all over the US on long vacations. I have been thinking about getting a van or a pickup truck and camper to live on the road but the cost for these range between $50,000 and $100,000 if buying new or $10,000 to $20,000 or so used. Your video was a real wake up call that those things are nice but way too expensive and time consuming to buy, build, and maintain. It was like you were giving a reality check on all these unnecessary things. Very liberating and helpful video. THANK YOU. 😅 Some things I have that I find very helpful are a couple of portable batteries (Jackery and Bluetti) and a solar panel and inverter to charge the batteries. For waste number 2 I have the five gallon bucket and heavy duty waste bags with a toilet seat built for the bucket, more comfortable and stable. For waste number 1 a large funnel makes the aim less of a problem. I tried the electric refrigerator but turned it into just an ice chest good for a couple of days allowing me to eat better with greater variety.
Glad you found some good insights in this video! :) Reality check, successful, haha. Sounds like you have some great solutions set up for you! All the best on your travels!
Great tips
Great ideas
We use a five gallon fresh water and a five gallon grey water tank under the sink. We have a small submersible pump that fits in the fresh water tank that provides pressure when the faucet is opened. Works great and no wasted water.
Sounds great! I've only heard good things about the submersible pumps! :)
I had the same tiny inverter, it lasted for almost 5 years and got used almost daily by at least one of us. That was a great buy!
It's awesome! No regrets!
Thank you
I totally 👍 agree
Your channel looks like it will be good 👍. I agree on what you said. 😉. Everything you said are my thoughts exactly, I've subscribed.
Thanks so much! :) Glad you agree! Funny how this video suddenly took off - and yours is the first comment!
Great video
I also just have a little 300W inverter that I use to charge my laptop, mainly. The only thing I think about wanting to have a 1000W inverter for is a hair dryer. But that is rare, since I don't have a shower anyway!
True, there are those rare events where more would be nicer. I wanted to borrow someones egg cooker the other day and somehow could not power it with my battery/inverter haha, but oh well.
Totally agree. Our van is very similar in that it’s very low tech, very simple, requires less maintenance therefore more time for other stuff.
Yaay!
Good video, true comments; liked & subscribed!
Thank you and welcome! :)
SUCH good advise!!! There’s no wrong way to set things up but this simple approach (which is what vanlife was all about when it started) has somehow gotten forgot about. I lived very comfortably for 3 years in my van with a basic uncomplicated system.
That's awesome! It's fascinating how fast we can get used to other circumstances, and still be comfortable. :)
OMG! Finally someone who has my same approach (and limited budget concerns!)
I have not build my van yet but I definitely know that I will have a tiny bucket for number 2 and a bottle for number 1 and no plumbing whatsover.
Basically because I would not know how to do it but also becaus I can do without.
Also, If you have the floorspace you can use a kids inflatable pool and a jug to get your body clean. I have yet to figure out hair washing. I might use a the portable shower thingies and a bucket. It does not have to be a kids pool it can be any container. I saw a build were they made a waterproof square on the floor with a drain. Used for storage otherwise and covered when not used
I agree. Not in van yet, in subaru forester. But learning that simple is better.
That counts - it's a great start!
I had the Alpicool cf55 and it was great
good information.
Thermos flasks are good, and a stick stove and kettle for lots of hot water on laundry days, for free.
hey super tips! I am always amazed by how many van tour videos showing the super amazing shower they built (usually truly gorgeous) when they then casually mention that they never actually use it 😂 That shower is just super expensive storage that was a ton of work hahahah. Also shocking to me: the loudness of those water pumps. I too am a fan of the foot pump or USB faucet. Loved your video and your simple set up!
Haha, glad you agree! :) And yes, met lots of people who barely ever use their showers, too..
❤❤❤❤ Love everything you pointed out… bottom line is “keep it simple” ❤❤❤❤
I often think foot pumps for water would be great! Do you have a video of that install &/ setup? I'd love to see it :))
Really, really helpful. I'm transitioning to a Promaster after I sell my house but I crossed the country 3xs in a Ford Econoline and I learned what I needed and what I didn't. I've been talking with "custom" van builders and they're all about me spending thousands and thousands of $$ doing slight variations of their layouts. Turns out "custom" vans are actually cookie cutter vans. Lots of money for something I don't need, don't like, don't want.
Thanks re water container size! I'm looking right now for containers. Like bucket and ottoman idea. I still have an ottoman, could fit a seat in too, so awesome! The thought of spending so much for systems is daunting. Then you have to get your head around it all.
I once saw a foldable solar panel, plugged into a jackaroo, plugged into laptop outdoors..
Sounds great! I hope you find a good solution! And yes, there's lots of portable solar panels around these days! Definitely worth checking out! :)
Get a auto parts washing bucket with a screw lid… much more comfy on the bum and lid seals in any smell.
Upright fridges lose a lot of cold every time the door is opened…dual zone chest fridge is the way to go.
Solar bag shower and aquatic rec centres keeps me clean. 10 litre cube water containers pack well and stack if needed.
Yep yep, agree on all of that! :) Need to check out that bucket though, ours makes for an intense ring on our butts haha
You totally niled it, exactly how I built my van
Thanks ,Best Regards
simple IS best, always!
🙂🤙
Absolutely! :)
@@lisaventures ✌
awesom!
Thank you for this Lisa. It breaks my heart to see what van life has become. It was a originally a minimalist freedom adventure movement. It has become posh apartments on wheels with a lot of care cash and worries and work. There's not much freedom in that.
I don’t see how what I have in my van affects anyone’s decision to be minimalist. How about we all do our own thing and mind our own business?
Wow, a little kranky are we?
Thank you! Van Life has definitely developed a lot and kind of become mainstream which probably explains why there are so many different perceptions of comfort and compromise... But yeah, I'm glad you also enjoy the more simple ways of this lifestyle. :)
Lol a 5 gal Paint bucket, (now a Home Depot) an 8 gal trash bag, kitty litter, and a lid! Been doing that since…gosh, I’m embarrassed to say how long!, but we had a 1969 blue and white VW van! Lol I’m getting things ready to go again now that I’m retired. Really enjoyed your video. Happy to see one that doesn’t cost as much as a small house!
No need to be embarrassed! :) Just proves how timeless this option is, haha. Glad you enjoyed it! Awesome you get to go back on the road again! Exciting times!
I use the reliance 6 gallon and also the Arizona tea jugs. They are very sturdy and so much easier to fill and use.
Sounds great! The Arizona tea jugs are so multi purpose, haha!
Agreed, I’ve always wondered why people don’t just utilize a 5 gallon bucket toilet, seat cover, and trash bag. As long as you have baby wipes, and a way to clean your hands, it’s just as good as a toilet at home. I will definitely never use a porta potty again in my life :-) with that set up anyways. as well, just great information in general. When I was starting my van build, I told myself go as cheap as possible and see what else you might need. So far I haven’t needed anything extra :-) except for a taller roof! That would be nice :-) still not a need I guess. Thanks for sharing
Glad you can sympathize with this simplicity! :) The taller roof might be a bit harder to implement quickly, but great to hear everything else works well for you!
I also put camping/ RV toilet granular stuff ,it really kept smell down . I was a truck driver and couldn't throw my pee away every time.I emptied it once at night ,usually
We too use a potty bucket with the bag and the pine/litter for poop system. And for a tinkle I use a deep wide mouth Tupperware container that just sits inside the same buckle. When dump I spray with Vinegar. For my heavy or longer Warter haul I have a portal foldup Luggage rack with wheels that I just unfold then strap on my larger water containers when need. I use a Hanging 7gal camp shower that heats itself in warm weather. CHEAP @ WALMART. I have just pined up a blanket between doors for privacy when feeling shy. But some ppl has that popup shower room. SUPER cheap btw. I just don't have it. And Bird bath it in the cold weather. I will though heat up a little water to add to my bird bath water. I do like using a solar light to offset any of other energy use from van/rv . Thanks for sharing Can't wait for more of your sharing's. Be Blessed...
Hey can you do a video on how you do things?
@@geebee1983 th-cam.com/video/ULjR3k6I0a8/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/TbPtBLzHzYY/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/RdJvn0_X0sg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/QVlOlQkXugE/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/bYggfpUc9MY/w-d-xo.html I am not a sponsor of any of these. Iam just showing these for they are some of the close's idea that I may use. SO please YOU do YOU and take these and make them your idea and fit your life.
Wow, that all sounds like great solutions! Thanks for sharing! The foldup luggage rack is a great idea! Take care! :)
I just realized that the few years I went without owning a car (I lived in an apartment) and riding my bike and walking everywhere was a great test of finding bathrooms and food :) My pup and I would be hours away from home and although HE can di his business in the middle of a grassy park, I am not that brazen...yet. ;) You really do always find something, and worst case scenario (I never had to do this), you can knock on somebody's door.