Living in a VAN After 65: One Woman’s Story of FREEDOM
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2024
- Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Meet Mona, a 65-year-old solo female nomad living full-time in her 2008 Ford Econoline van. After retiring, she embraced a simpler, budget-friendly life on the road, finding freedom, community, and purpose. Join us for a tour of her van and learn how you can thrive as a nomad after retirement.
📌FOLLOW MONA:
TH-cam: / @thisvanlifeofmine
🔴AMAZON LINKS:
✅Pulsar 4000W Portable SUPER QUIET Dual Fuel Generator
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✅Bluetti Power Stations
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✅Butane Stoves
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✅Shower nozzle for plastic bottles
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✅Perforated vinyl horses
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✅Perforated Vinyl Various Colors
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✅Portable Bathtub
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✅Onite USB Light Bulb
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✅ EZ Off Jar Opener for Ceiling
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✅Olympian wave 3 Heater
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✅Antique brass cabinet pulls
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Check Out the CheapRVliving Video Content as Podcasts:
/ @cheaprvliving
Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
My Amazon Store
www.amazon.com...
AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
➡️Power Stations
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➡️12V Batteries
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➡️Portable Solar Panels
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➡️Hard Solar Panels
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➡️Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
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➡️Air Conditioner Units
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➡️Pop Up Tents
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Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn a small commision from qualifying purchases.
______________________________________
Website:
cheaprvliving.com
Looking for a Cool Hat, T-Shirt, Stickers and More..
cheaprvliving....
My Book- How to Live in a Car, Van or RV:
amzn.to/3LDxDWW
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
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Socials:
• Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
• Instagram: @CheapRVliving
______________________________________
Thanks for watching!
I so enjoyed hanging out with you that day Brian and filming my van tour❤🤗
Love your van, well done. The life on the road is rather addictive--I travel full time also.
@@atticuskilby515 thank you! Best decision I have ever made 😁
👍👍🙏
Nice set up
@@thisvanlifeofmine , I truly understand, it opens one eyes to so many things--diversity of landscapes and so many interesting people who inhabit therm. I love hearing their stories.
I loved her free spirit the most!♥️
Thank You❤
The horses 🐎 were a nice tribute to dad and gives privacy too. Great job ⭐️
I love my horses 😁
My best part of her video was hr attitude and common sense! You go girl! When there is a will there is a way!
Thank You I appreciate you watching😁
I love how happy she is and the good advice about having to try it out for a while in order to know what works for you individually. I also like how she can put her water in from the outside, and I always love anything multipurpose like her chair w storage. I guess the shower idea works because of her short hair. Not sure how well that would work with someone who has a full head of hair. It's such a blessing that she has family who help her and who do wonderful carpentry work.
Thank You for watching! Yes I keep my hair shorter these days just for van life😁
One sweet and tough woman all in one!
Thank You❤
At this time in my life it is unreasonable for me to consider van life but I follow Mona because I especially enjoy her outlook on life. In the past I had many travel adventures of my own and am now quite happy to adventure through others.
I'm so glad to have you along with me ❤❤
Happy to call Mona my friend. I was one of those lucky women she helped at Quartzite. 💚🦋
Hey Hey Ramona my friend...see you on the road!❤
love the tub! I dont even feel awake without a wash
I know right 😁😁
She has all the "luxuries!" Her electrical system is well thought out. Sweet lady ❤
I have replaced the 1500 Jackery with a AC180 Bluetti. I will be replacing the 500 Jackery soon also. They just take too long to charge.
I've watched Mona for several years and enjoy her channel so much. 🙏💛
And she's so smart.
Thank You for always being here for me❤❤
she is a charmer!
😁 Thank you for watching
Mona is fantastic! Smart, capable, well organized and thought out build. She obviously knows what she's doing!
On a side note, if she didn't grow up down the road from Dolly Parton, if be really surprised. Love her voice. She exudes charm, pleasantness, and selflessness. And something tells me she's got stories and could tell 'em well! Someone any caravan would be lucky to have.
I guess I could've just said "she's a gem", and subbed.😆
I get Dolly a lot out here 🤣🤣Thank you for watching❤❤
I want a van. I’ve been living in a Honda Civic for over a year!! Love your story
Keep working towards that dream!
That can't be easy! God bless you 🙏
Yes water bottle showers are a blessing when deployed to austere military bare base locations. Good to see her profile it.
Sometimes the little things are big blessings ❤❤
I use 2 peri bottles. One for top h😅alf of body@@thisvanlifeofmine
Mona is brilliant. Absolutely the best build I've seen on this channel.
Thank You so much!
Great Video!! This Lady knows what she wants. Keep posting and I'll keep watching 🙏👍
Thank You for watching 😁
I can totally recommend subscribing to Mona's YT Channel. This Van Life of Mine. Always look forward to Mona's videos
Thank You I appreciate you❤
Me to
I love the water storage/pantry cabinet. Love the use of space. Never heard of a potting mat, but I have seen a pet shower pool, great ideas both.
It's a potting pan, used to mixing potting soil. It works great for me!
Best accent ever
LOL thanks I can't help it 🤣🤣🤣🤣
That jar opener on the ceiling, so convenient, innovative.
It's a big help for sure for those pickle jars 🤣
Freedom is something people take for granted, I dont know why I have to explain or justify this to people…
I learned to be okay with other people not being okay with my decisions 😁
@@thisvanlifeofmine Smart
My freedom will start next year. In the fall. I cannot take off before then.
@@CyndiB-ds8mv Thank You😁
Mona is great, love her channel and her crew!
Thank You Love having you follow along❤
Mona is awesome!!! Love her personality and her van. She has done a fantastic job with it.
Thank You!
I’m bougie & learned from the Great Toilet Paper heist of 2019. I’ve a smaller nozzle from Amazon & water bottle~it’s my bidet🤣Bought a couple packs of washcloths from Walmart & life is good. Take Care & get out there💙
We do what we have to do right 😁😁
Mona is wonderful! I love watching her videos! She inspires me with her adventures and sweet spirit.
Thank You so much for your support I appreciate you!
I love the HORSES!!! And the AC with generator is brilliant and a necessity here in AZ, I know first hand. Good job on the tiny home!
Thank You! I go South in the winter and North in the summer but I still have to use it occasionally.
Lovely woman, Lovely home. Very nice interview.
Thank You ❤
The power ideas were great but she is just so inspiring!
And the power has changed since then, I am getting rid of all the Jackery's and going to Bluetti's. I still have the 500 Jackery but will change that out soon 😁
@thisvanlifeofmine any particular reason? I'm still decide which to buy and how powerful it might need to be
@@thefrugalwanderlustinglinguist Yes because the Jackery's take 4 hours to charge, the Bluetti's take less than an hour. Always buy more than you think you need.
@@eddy-vanismovk5.6 Yes they do!
What a great surprise to find one of my favorite You Tubers. Hi Mona.
Mona, this was a great tour. Im glad you were able to share it on your channel. Again, well done on your self build build. I like the Havelock wool insulation. When I do my tiny house and eventually get a van, Im going to use that. You will get a lot of new subscribers and bombarded with all sorts of questions. Congrats my dear friend.
Thank You so much! 🤗❤
I love everyone’s little personal hacks that work for them, and to see the happy face when they are presenting them 😊 like her shower! I have my own little hacks that I love to showcase with pride! 👏👏👏👍❤️
I love seeing others show their hacks with a happy face!
Very inspiring! It is all about the attitude 💖💖💖
Yes it is😁 Thanks for watching
Yes! Several builds, sometimes just from having funds to make changes and sometimes due to figuring out something that works better! Been in my van for 7 years and just now finishing ANOTHER remodel! This remodel has a bucket list of doing a CRVL tour this winter in Q! See you there 😊
See you on the road!
I saw this van in quartzsite last year.
Yes you did 😁I will be there again in Jan. If you are going to be there look me up!
Great build. Looks very comfortable!! ❤
Thank You Cheryl! ❤❤
After watching via Bob Wells etc ...for 51/2 years, I want a 2008 F150 Ford Econoline Van. This. Thank you for this video Brian. God bless you also. I pray you continue in good health 🙏 for many years 🙏 to come.
I love my Econoline ❤ Thanks for watching. God bless you and your family🙏
Love Mona’s power systems. ❤
Thank you I have changed since this video was filmed last Jan, I now have two AC180 Bluetti's, Trying to phase of of the Jackery's because they take too long to charge 😁
Hey that’s Mona ❤❤
Hey Hey Joey how's it going? Missing y'all at Jonnies this year!
That Pampered Chef jar opener is a must for anyone with arthritis! I have 2!!
Changed my life the day I got it❤
I like hearing about the blue Eddie only takes 30 minutes to charge compared to the jackery that takes hours. She knows how to utilize her energy usage and a very knowledgeable way I enjoyed hearing about that. Helpful to hear about a generator comes in handy and how she has the plugs built into the van.
I no longer have the 1500 Jackery , I replaced it with a Bluetti AC180. Eventually I will replace the Jackery 500 with the small Bluetti. The Jackery's just takes too long to charge.
Brian, with his accepting attitude towards everyone, reminds me of Bob. I love both of them for their kindness. I really enjoyed listening to Mona talk about her van, and her van life. I’m certainly going to check out her TH-cam channel!
Thank You! Look forward to seeing you ❤
Very Symphatic Lady
Thank You❤
She is SO cool! God bless her.😊
Thank You! God bless you and your family🙏
Another creative, clever van lifer… and I learned same as she mentioned that it is best to refrain from buying and designing until you’ve experienced the van life for some time (try to use items you have already) and during that time you will continue to refine your design and needs based on the experience.
Yes I spent money I didn't need to spend😁
Love her build!
Thank You! I'm very happy with it!
You are really rocking it Mona. Over 17k views, over 2k likes, we need more comments at just under 200.
❤you and you are in my. 🙏
Hey there you are❤ always good to see you 🙏
Thanks for sharing today
Thanks for watching😁
What a generous and gentle lady!
Thank You ❤
My favorite part is the horses! 🥰
I love my wild and free roaming horses ❤
I like the perforated horses design. I could listen to her sweet voice anytime!!
Thank You ❤
Beautiful🎉
Thank You!
Yay Mona!!!
Hey there Laura😁
Nice build and lady. May the good Lord watch over you and your family and friends. Peace and Love 😊.
Thank you, bless you and your family as well 🙏🙏
Ok guys! I came here to check and see if anyone mentioned how much she sounds like Dolly Parton! ❤ The tone of her voice not only sounds like her, but her eternal positive nature is so similar as well. As she spoke, it just seemed like I knew her similar to the way we all feel we know Dolly. What a lovely woman.
LOL I get Dolly a lot and sometimes even Reba! Thanks for watching😁
I like that generator! I looked it up on Amazon and it seems like a great size. Dual fuel is the way to go as well as the super quiet. Thanks, Mona for sharing all. 2nd thing is the AC unit with its separate power - perfect for this setup. Overall, it seems like great decisions on where to spend and where to find free/inexpensive items. Headed to Mona’s channel ow 😊
I have since changed generators, the one I have now runs 10 hours instead of 4 hours...much better😁
@@thisvanlifeofmine Thanks, I found the link on your channel.
@@theroadhome_Liz_Summers Awesome!
Finally someone like me that needs to shower to start her day. 😊 Lots of great ideas and very practical. I enjoyed hearing Mona's story.
Thank You for watching❤
Some people doesn't realize that more weight uses less gas and is bad on the transmission
This is true
I live vicariously through Mona. 💯☮️💕
The can opener on the ceiling is genius. I’ve never seen that done before. You are an inspiration. Safe travels.
omygosh i love her. I need friends like this!
awe Thank You ❤❤
Great idea for bathing, and task working in the van.
I love having my shower every morning 😁
Have watched Mona for several years. Especially love her videos of where she travels. Have saved many so I can explore some of them. Admire her so much for how she chooses to live, such an inspiration.
Thank You❤ I appreciate you!
Am just minutes in... Love it already!
Thank You!
@@thisvanlifeofmine
Will be watching your channel!
Love Mona’s van! She is living the life. ❤
Hey Amy see you and Joe out on the road someday! 🚙🚙
Mona has a very nice build and just so well organized.I like her roof AC but didn’t catch how it is powered.
I power it either on shore power or I carry a generator that will run it. Thanks for watching ❤❤
Yay, Mona! Love your channel on TH-cam, This Van Life of Mine. 💙🦋💙
Hey Jan thank you for watching❤
HI mona!!!! Great tour, my friend!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank You Gracie Looking forward to seeing yours soon!
I am continually amazed at the ingenuity of people to solve and adapt. Great job on this van build!
Thank You, it's a journey sometimes 😁
Greetings from South Africa.
I just love this lady's van buillt !!!!
Very practical, especially the "shower arrangement!" and all the power she can generate!!! ❤
Thank You! ❤
I loved that she had multiple sources of energy. It’s always good to have a backup. Great video!!
I now have two AC180 Bluetti's and a All Powers R1500 and still have the 500 Jackery😁 Plenty of power!
Incredibly thoughtful build.
Thank You❤
Her build is totally fantastic🎉I really do appreciate how she has the connectio in her door for the generator to charge the bluetti.
So nice having shore power, no cords coming through a window 😁😁
Great set up. Love your idea of building as you go. I totally agree over time you'll understand what you really need. Safe travels! Keep living your best life!
Thank You! Best decision I ever made😁
“What is my favorite part of this video,” he asks? THIS LADY!! She’s my favorite part. What a doll. I hope to meet her someday.
Such a cheerful and independent lady. I wish you many beautiful adventures!
Thank You so much ❤
What a great van, she’s delightful too!
Thank You❤
Inspiring!
Thank You!
Totally off the grid. 🤩 Many great ideas. Beautiful setup. ❤
Love Mona’s outlook on life. Living her best life. Thank you for sharing 😊
Hey Deekay thanks for watching❤❤
I love her❤❤ Peace and many Blessings to her!!
Thank You ❤❤
Hello from Puerto Rico to all the friends of this Chanel
Hello thanks for watching ❤
What a sweet sweet woman. I hope she has a wonderful journey.
Thank You ❤
Hi I subscribe to Mona’s channel and she’s a personal friend of mine I was supposed to be meeting her again this week but unfortunately I couldn’t make it I love her enthusiasm,being a full time van lifer and so much more she’s an inspiration and a very awesome friend big hugs 🥰🤗❤️🎉🥂
Hey Mark sure did miss you this weekend my friend❤🤗
She is such a sweet person 💜 so humble and a really kind personality. Love the horse windows
Thank You so much❤
Great interview, Brian and Mona! Thank you so much ❤
Thank You for watching❤
So cool!
Thank You!
I like the shoes rack. Great use of space...I think organized easy access to my clothes and shoes will make the transition to Van life less of a challenge for me.
Yes no clutter, take only what you need. Keep it simple and you will be fine🙏
People talk so much about the vans but i want to hear more about what they do all day and where they stay at night.
If you look at her channel, she covers all that 😊
FYI, there are a TON of videos on YT that cover that, and more. 😊 I think I've watched more than I'd like to admit.
I was in a SUV & tent for 3(?) yrs, and I hiked and took photos. Enjoyed countless natural views that soothed my soul, and soaked up the sunshine, survived Big Dust, lots of rain, hella winds, swarms of bees, a few rattlesnakes, many elk, and a live mariachi band on the Mogollon Rim. 😊 Can't wait to do it again!
I use the IOverlander app to find free places to stay.
Mona knows her system well, knows how it's configured, and how to operate it. She has a positive attitude and communicated to her audience very well. For me, I'd want a higher ceiling, being I'm 6 feet tall. I sure hope I get to see her out on the road someday. Thanks for sharing.
Love this lady and her van😊
Thank You I appreciate you❤
Thank You I appreciate you❤
Such a nice lady!😊
Thank You😁
What a lovely woman she is. Everything is so organized and thought out. Great system. Great video, Brian.
Hey Mona! For your fridge. I've found that it helps if I can put a lot of the smaller stuff in a few reusable storage containers so I can then pull out one thing instead of three or more! Love your van set up!
Great tip thanks!
Great set up. I love that you have a lot of power. The generator is a game changer for the AC and heat. ❤
Oh yes love the AC for sure, can't do without that😁
So much thought and innovation in Mona's van home.I love that she can take a shower every day. Happy Travels.
Great van build! Thank you for sharing!
Love that drawl! Inspiring lady ❤
That's my southern raising shining through 🤣🤣
Wow , my type of person . Shower everyday! God bless 🙏🏻
I can't function without it 🤣🤣🤣🤣 God Bless🙏
My favorite part was Mona, and then her little brother's carpenter skills!
Fantastic build. I really admire her👍
Thank You I appreciate you ❤