Without Bound - Perspectives on Mobile Living (Documentary)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ย. 2014
- Without Bound, a documentary featuring perspectives on mobile living from a group of fascinating folks who live fulfilling, sustainable, off-grid lives in vans, travel trailers and motorhomes...
Find out more about the people and how they do it:
Featuring:
Bob Wells - cheaprvliving.com
Randy Vining - mobilecodgers.blogspot.com
Josh and Meisha Manwaring - vagabloggers.com
Steven Ballee' - www.arizonaexplorations.com
Laurie Theodorou - / loverise
Music:
Music - "Go" by Josh Woodward. Free download: joshwoodward.com/song/Go
Music - "Crazy Glue" by Josh Woodward. Free download: joshwoodward.com/song/CrazyGlue
Music - "Evolution" by Josh Woodward. Free download: joshwoodward.com/song/Evolution
Music - "A Kind of Distance" by Simon Wilkinson thebluemask.com
Music - "Rendezvous" "The Falling Snow" "Migration" "Midnight Air" "First Light" "Coup Detat" "Butterflies" "Ghost Ship" "Frozen Dreams" "Heliotrope" by Simon Wilkinson thebluemask.com
Makers:
Michael Tubbs - michaeltubbs.com
Aaron Harlan - aaronharlan.com
After working for about 40 years, I retired and got killed in a divorce. I had to learn to live on less, and discovered, that everything I own actually owns me. I now live in an RV park, in a trailer, and have a small pickup. Everything is paid for. I have a much less stressful part time job and feel more free than I ever have. God is good.
God is indeed Good!
That’s quite the vote of confidence coming from a “good talker!
all you said is true except the end where you say god is good. your god gave you all the bad stuff in your life. end of story.
@@markwitte303 I could not agree with you more. It was my own sin that led to the bad stuff. Have a good day.
@@georgeseymour7116 The same God who said..."Sell all you have and follow Me"
1980s: "If you don't get your life together, you'll end up living in a van down by the river."
2020s: "If you get your life together, you might be able to live in a van down by the river."
YUP!!
I will NEVER go back to sticks and bricks. Chris Farley had it right from the beginning!
Lp
Well said..lol perfect
😁
This doc was made 10 years ago (released in 2014), I am one of the Nomads. Well, I was. For 12 years. Then, in 2020, at 77 I decided to settle down and now have a very small 1BR apt in my home town of Vermont. I loved my years of traveling, lots of adventures and made many new friends. I keep in touch with most of them. Love that I have this video as a memento. Nomadland too. It is a wonderful life. But then I love my life now also. Just pay attention to the good. What you pay attention to you'll get more of.
Thank you for the update. May you be happy and we’ll. Much obliged.
KT💙
Gosh I knew I had heard of you! Nice seeing you here!
Hello Chris this is my favorite TH-cam video. I can Listen to this video all day long will at least some of the time while driving a charter bus cross country.
Thanks for posting, Chris. One often watches a documentary like this - - and sees that it is "years" old, - - and wonders "Where Are They Now?" Glad to hear you're doing well and enjoying life. I wish you many more happy years in Vermont; beautiful country up there.
2015 my son, only child,20 drowned in a kayaking accident.( previously lost my mom to suicide after her 6 yr battle with mental illness,anxiety depression that meds didnt control) so after losing my son, nobody and nothing left, my life as i knew it all gone, no present no future, i never went back to my job of 26 years. I was sure i was just going to go to sleep and die, i wanted to. But i kept waking up, no longer fitting into any part of society, depression and anxiety stole my ability to function in this world. .. when i hit the road,left the home i raised my son in, the depression and anxiety lifted away, the nervousness that trying to live in a society i no longer had anything in common with, melted away, i am lucky because i have camped and my entire life, since digging worms with grandpa at 3 yrs old. All i need is the necessities, PEACE, freedom, and nature
Me and my wife are about to be evicted because it is just getting too much for rent. She has major anxiety as well as depression. What are some of the things that have helped you. I’m trying to get help for a trailer and we are looking into freelancing
Such trouble in some people lives. I'm glad to know you found more life .
All my life I ve wanted to live in a camper van for a summer, just one summer. But, my family always thought they knew best and discouraged me every time I mentioned it. My husband was only interested in sitting in front of the TV , then my children grew up and moved away and I got cancer so Im 65, facing illness and financial insecurity due to medical bills. The moral of this story is , do it now, enjoy life now, don't be stupid like me and wait til everyone else is happy and then you get the leftovers. Don't be me. Ive wasted my whole life doing for my family and working 50 hours a week and there has been NO reward for doing the "right" thing. Go , Now.
Yup kids get older and break the heart ,television the hypnotic devices for brainwashing sucks all these things are true
You're beautiful, Suzanne. Find some way to get that roadtrip in. It's the least your husband, et.al, could do. Their turn to give back. Your turn to enjoy.
@@freethinker6178 aww thank so much for the kind words. My husband left me, was having an affair and I did not know. so while my heart is broken, I still want to go and see the world.
suzanne zehner DO IT!
Make it your goal. If you have you cancer treatment squared away, make a goal, take the steps and make it happen. Even if it's only for a summer and not forever, just make it happen.
It was about three years ago that I first watch this film. About a year-and-a-half later I've moved into a van , now I've been living in a van full time for a year-and-a-half and I have no regrets
I traveled a year in my van, many years lived travel life. I lost my spouse, now working so I can be an expat. But love being under the stars and camping life. It is so amazing.
@debunker300 What is with you guys and the bucket?
@@jzt999 If you lived in California you wouldn't need a Bucket. Here the Homeless and Car Dwellers Just Shit on the Sidewalk. Check out San Francisco.
I don’t want to give up my small house but Bob and the van dwelling community inspired me to get out of debt and live a more simple life. I’m a nurse and find the profession intolerable. So for the last three years I have clawed and saved and paid off a significant amount of debt. I hope to have my home paid off this summer. Then I will be debt free! Blessings to all. Update I paid off my home in April!
Huge congratulations to you! ❤❤❤
@@carolinaalvesdelima675 Thank you so much!
Awesome
Just turned 50 and decided to live in my truck and hike all the trails. Life is too short not to live it.
Absolutely, just do you,and live happily and free.
Best of luck.
Houseless, Not Homeless. ive been Van Dwelling in the UK for the past 3 years now, im able to work all over the country and i can wake up every morning to a different view. my bank account healthy and so is my soul. if you're thinking about this life style don't hesitate to give it a try, even if its just at the weekends to start with, i promise you wont regret it, my main tip would be is to learn what you NEED and what you WANT!
What do you do to make a living moving around like that?
@@irenemac1545 you could do computer work, photography/ media, landscaping, etc
@@irenemac1545 there is a internet job called cambly.. google it..you get paid to have conversations with people that want to learn how to speak English..also I heard about a job where you can be on a mock jury over the internet and they pay up to $20 an hour..check out cambly for sure..
Amen
@Lou Frost I am in my middle sixties and I am moving to the Philippines to live out my retirement and that was on my bucket list..I also want to prospect for gold and I don't care if I find anything or not. It is just on my bucket list and I want to feel how it feels to look for gold in a place where there might be some..if I fly from Philippines with my Filipino fiancee or wife if I am married, will the australian government let her in the country? As an American do I have to get a visa before or can I get one at the airport after I arrive? Thanks 😊
Starting at about 15:03 - "...because this is what society tells me I'm supposed to do, with no possible payoff beyond going home to watch TV at night..."
Hit the nail on the head. I've been feeling this exact same way lately.
I am 67, still working without retirement income, and if I lose my job due to age prejudice, I am reassured that there is a lifestyle for me.
These people are truly successful. I didn't hear one of them mention debt, they are the bankers worst nightmare. Living within your means, what a concept!
I would live in a van before going into debt!
@@VladTheImpalerTepesIII I have never bought anything on credit. Very different attitude towards debt where I grew up. People would be ashamed to owe money and not pay. I know times are different but we, my brother and I, had it drilled into us with good manners, never get in debt. There must be a certain level of stress along with any debt. My Grandmother always said "if you owe the bank a hundred thousand thats your problem, owe the bank a million and thats the banks problem.
If you're slick and play the game to your advantage, the bank pays YOU. Truth. :) They're assuming you'll have 26% interest. Don't carry a balance=free $$$. Or they give you up to 20% off of store cards. If you buy something big/expensive= there ya go. If you would do it, anyway...
My vehicle... Mine , clear title.
My travel trailer... Mine, clear title.
Don't have to worry with the banks.
Living the life bitches!!!
@@exhiteknornmichael8316 , I am a small business owner. I can honestly say that the relationship I have with my bank, has much to do with the success of my small company. When we buy things we don't need on credit, is where things get difficult.
Wow. I go home from work every day in tears. I pray for a better way. To see others achieve it is phenomenal
I've been at that point too, working in a production environment, literally crying at work because I was so tired and miserable. I hope you find something more fulfilling buddy.
It sounds like you need to get a Better Paying Job or at least a Different Job. I didn't enjoy College or what I had to do to get to Go to College either. I Didn't Particularly Enjoy My Employment, BUT it has Paid for Everything that I have now.
Life is good and Retirement Income is Stable with a Payed Off House.
Security has always been My Goal. I very seldom ever Camp for Free and my Pickup Cap Camper is Legally Parked in My Driveway and My Trailer is Legally Parked in the Fenced RV parking spot Next To My Attached Garage/Workshop. I love to Travel and Camp.
For Me Having a Fixed Homebase adds Security to My Life. I'm never disturbed at home and my Camping Adventures are Always Just That, Adventurers.
Remember that a Working Career is Usually ONLY 50 Years.
@@aliciabrowndocken4660 Alicia,was that it?? Was the life your living your dream?? If so..that's cool,but the life you are describing here,was that your dream and goal you aspired to?? Did you possibly conform to the ways of the world? If this is not what you dreamed of doing someday,I encourage you to go for a big dream!! If this is your dream you purposely work on..then I congratulate you!
Any person who is progressively moving toward a pre planned,worthy goal is a success,and anyone that is doing something that is not thier dream...is a failure. -EARL NIGHTENGALE ” In General”
I started with nothing and worked my ass off and I'm very happy with what I've accomplished. It was a hard road but I'm able to do what I want to do now. Everything that I want in life costs money.
The only thing in life that irritates me is people who reduce everything that successful people have to just luck. If you're successful it's usually because of your own efforts. If a person is not successful and can't meet all of their own needs it is usually because of their own choices. That doesn't make it my burden. Many People are constantly trying to force the rest of us to support them. If you make money you have choices. If you don't make money you don't have choices.
The standard answer I give to everyone whose needs aren't met is that "You should have worked harder. The world owes you nothing".
Keep the faith your on the way!
Happy to include myself with the nomads in this documentary. Free from stuff. Free from fear. Free from conformity. Free from living anyone’s else’s ideas but our own. Congratulations to us all. I hope our brothers and sisters out there will lighten up soon and come ride along with us.
I Love that there's not a hot girl with tiny shorts and lushious hair in sight. This is real and raw! Older people, with so much wisdom and a wealth of stories. Love it!
Yes
I've lived in my van for 3 weeks now. Never been happier!
How is it going after a few months? I'm about to do it too! ✨
3 months for me. I've never been more happy in my entire life
Was an urban van dweller for about 2 years and I loved it!
Just bought an RV and ready to do some real travel.
i been in minws three years loving it im a urban dweller tho.
I lived in a trailer for 2 years in Newport Beach and loved it. I just sold my 5 br house and bought another home in SoCal and now want to go to living in a van.
When the woman said.... " I had a fire, but it wasn't my house that burned down it was my life" touched my soul. And I don't know what's more real than that.
About five or six years ago I saw this documentary… It was one of the motivating factors that inspired me to change my life. My wife and I lived in a 3000 square-foot home that we were finishing the renovation on, deciding to sell it and downsize our lives. We have lived in a sprinter van now for almost 5 years and we are so happy that we did it. We have gone and lived so much life in this time… I still work 8 to 10 months a year, but our life is so much more stress-free. We used to run a company with five employees and I was working 60 hours a week.. it was what society told me I needed to do to be successful. However I burned out and realized it really meant nothing. Now we gave up the comfort of life to live free, happy, and still comfortable in the 1% of the world.
@@FITNESSOVER45 Yeppers!
@@FITNESSOVER45 it’s the size of some of them too! It does depend on where you are.. up here in Ontario Canada condos range $400,000 to $800,000 (because things have done stupid up here). Fortunately, we bought our van in 2018 before pandemic inflation, but we went with Mercedes as I was familiar with it, know it’s reliable, great on fuel, and it tough enough to pull my work trailer (my work takes me all over our province). The whole rig is now a mobile home and office! Took time to get it all put together, but now it’s all just about done and life is awesome!
After I retired from truck driving, I made the easy transition into living in my van. I lived that way for nearly eight years, and now at 73 I’m going back to living in my van, to experience once again that sense of security and freedom that you can’t find anywhere else. If you have an inclination to do this, don’t let the chance go by.
I was laid off two months ago. I took what money I had and bought an RV to live in full time. Selling all my stuff is filling my savings fund and allowing me to renovate my rig. For now, I will camp host. This will allow me to live, save, and pay off student loans faster than I would have made paying rent on six figures. I have no idea what lies ahead but I am so excited about the bounty of options I have.
That's inspiring to hear, Good luck!
Ps. I love the jacket.
Great...if you were earning 6 figs, then you can still generate an income if needed. I suggest continuing to work on the road, bank that $, buy a small apt/house, rent it while you travel, someone else pays mortgage for you, you have an investment to return to.
The phrase " I lost my job , so I bought an RV " presupposes have substantial liquid assets
A year later, as I'm watching this again, I'm wondering how things turned out for you...I hope you lived the dreams and followed your heart.
I think this Documentary is 1000 times more relevant then it was when it first came out ....
I'd say 10,000 by now. 2 Taco dinners and 2 orthjottas thee other night me and a buddy in Elkhart Indiana , $30.00 Good thing I'm livin in my truck! I usually don't even splurge quite like that , but he ordered the fancy Mexican drinks, I usually just get some decent food and go with water
Can’t believe the amount of people complaining about the music in this documentary. I barely noticed the music I was too focussed on listening to them and their experiences for my own research into vanlife 😁😁😁
I lived in a van for close to 2 years. My first night in the van was pure heaven. For the first time in my entire life, I had a fully paid house. I have no rent costs. No electricity costs. No property taxes. The peace I felt was indescribable. I slept like a contented baby.
Water can be acquired anywhere. I got more time to myself. My income did not change. So I was saving the equivalent of my rent and electric costs every month. Think about that. On that first month, I bought a new phone. Then a new laptop. The rest of the time, I saved and ate out more at better places. NOT fast food. Once I passed 35, I became a porcelain plate restaurant goer. No more fast food for me. It was a good life.
I enjoyed MORE of my money as a result of this lifestyle. Freedom is real with van life. Owning land is a farce, anyway. You can't have it forever. And the way titles are written, you really ARE just a glorified renter for life. That's it. Owned and tied to a post by the system.
Blessings my friend. My target date is EOM July. 🙌🏼
If you don't mind me asking, why did you stop?
Yea right? BONUS you experience a connection to nature.. Life in the shoe box you work for the shoe box!
why did you stop at 2 years then?
Lol. Typical. Pro tip kids. The system is the best way to not eat cat food and shit in a bucket while posting fake glamorous shit to utube and instafajegram
I am four years away from retirement and I rent a room and live alone, so thinking about my future after my working life is over, sitting in a tiny room all by myself all day and night frightened me. This video made me realize that I can live on the road and travel. There is hope if you are willing to think outside the box!
The most important thing is friends and family. Living on the road w/no destination is not very fun. I hope you find friends or family member at wherever it is that you end up at.
@@missingremote4388 Depends on what ones perception of fun is. To me- it is a road not traveled, meeting new peeps, not living the rat race, places I've havent seen yet but will falll in love with. And doing it with as little cost as possible. Not the life everryone choses. Most of the peeps who do it full time, do have friends and family. To me, I've allways wanted to do this lifestyle of being a nomad. That would be "fun" for me! A journey to see and do and explore, with no house to take care of except the one that I tavel and explore i, stay in an area for as long or as short as I want to. See nature in ways I havent before, landscapes I've never seen in person before..Dooesnt mean one loses contact with friends and family. They can even join in on some of the travels! Ad one can always go to where the family and friends are. You are the boss of where your house goes, not tied to a statinary house.And cost... much cheaper than rent/owning a house with such a vast country to explore.
I got the letter from SSI that I can get my retirement $ when I'm
66 y.o. ~ I wonder if any of it will still be there for me to collect.
This state has taken on the cost of all the recent border crossers and their minor kids provided free healthcare. They have brought back the penalties for the working poor who can't afford healthcare or the jobs like mine that don't provide it. Something has to be done for people like me. 63 & still working my @%$ off.
Yeah, it's just getting up the funds to get on the road. If I could live a few months without paying bills to keep a roof over my head I'd be set to go. That what sucks!
Retire as soon as possible. Everyday is another day closer to death.
I just wanted to put my 2 cents in...
Back when this pandemic hit us I suddenly had to review my own life. I had started watching TH-cam for the first time and came across Bob's Cheap RV living. He blew me away! Suddenly I understood how our society has enslaved us with fear and consumption. We really have lost our way. Since than I have been working towards being a full-time Nomad. So far I have lived in a tent and now have an SUV that I'm converting into my mobile home. The world is changing so quickly and we ought to think carefully how we proceed. I choose to live as a nomad and do my art. Meet wonderful people. See incredible places. And most important I will be kind to everyone I meet. Love all you Nomads out there!
Good for you!!! And best of luck to you in all of your endeavors! You will do great!
One of the greatest times of my life was when I lost a farm job I had in Colorado and left with only $700 in my pocket and drove on Highway 50 all the way from Colorado, across Utah and Nevada, and on to the Redwood Forrest in Northern California, camping along the way. I then drove up the California Coast to Oregon and Washington State, all the way across Idaho and Montana, and eventually back to my home state of Alabama, covering over 5,000 miles. This was around year 2000 or so, and I remember being able to fill my Saturn SL2 up with only $14 in gas. I could go 500 miles in that Saturn on that $14. Man them was some good times and the good old days. Wish they were still here.
Wonderful video! We (my wife, 3 daughters and I), sold our houses, got out of debt, chucked my job in, culled 95% of our belongings, bought a 4x4 and new caravan and started travelling while doing house sitting. We have never looked back. What an awesome way of living. I earn money doing handyman jobs. From a family of happy campers in Australia!
Darth Insidius WTF is wrong with you attacking everyone on here. You need some serious psychotherapy dude!
My sister is doing this and is happier than she's been in years.
I watched this documentary on our sticks and bricks back in 2016 to 2017, then on January 2018 the wife and I along with our three four legged companions are full-time rv dwellers on our 31 foot house on wheels. As of now, November 2023 and we are still going strong except with only one remaining four legged companion as the two has crossed to the other side during their rv living adventure. "Home is where we park it". "Take the less traveled path." Live life now, tomorrow may never come. Howdy, from the Nevada Desert!🤠🏕
I bought a piece of property on a lake After my divorce and I started living in a rv I absolutely love it !! Completely debt free,, it's amazing that every day feels like a Saturday and my money stays in my pocket !!
I bought a lot too on Cedar Lake in Texas. The lot has no zoning restrictions. It didn't cost much and I'm glad to have it.
Bob still in the mix! You can't help liking him! Guess it's time for me to get out there asap before I'm white headed , and go meet him in Arizona ! God bless
This could be a documentary for today in 2024. Rent, food, gas, taxes … I see more people living like this.
May have too.
Love this video and have watched many times! Unfortunately, after divorce....I re-evaluated life....sold the house, tired of working 70-90 hour weeks, corporate corruption, etc....bought an RV and am about to celebrate 1 year living in an RV fulltime in the near future. I have more friends than ever before and live life to the fullest without worrying about materialism. Currently selling off remaining items and cant' wait to be free to just travel and enjoy life. I do work still but only 6 months out of the year and am 43 years old but enjoy life to the fullest! :)
I worked many weeks on end 12 hour days and have little to show for it I’m 66 and not doing another year living in despair working the plan to get on the road!
I come back to this video from time to time to watch again. I very much enjoy it.
Thanks, Kevin!
+Campervan Kevin ditto
+Campervan Kevin So do I!
+Campervan Kevin This is the second time for me!
+Campervan Kevin I do too!
I’m a senior citizen who was displaced after hurricane Ian in Florida. It’s been several months, and there are ZERO affordable rents anywhere. I bought a ford transit connect. It has low mileage, but I’m really scared to even try to go on a road trip, and haven’t got a clue how to even BEGIN transforming it into a home. My time is running out…necessity is the mother of invention, so here’s hoping!
Thank you for making this video!
What does a person really need? Sleep safe and warm, food and a way to clean you and clothes.
Everything else is a blessing.
Many thanks to Bob Wells for all that he has done. He is a tireless champion of the vandweller community and the world is a much better place because of his efforts!
Then why does he promote a deadly experimental Vax??? Thecovidblog.com
@@mykingdomforahorse9256 He is deceived in this aspect.
@@alyarednesher8663 Or he is being financially compensated for pushing the deadly "blood clot shot"
@@mykingdomforahorse9256 That would be sad. So, be careful everyone!
I'm going to watch this every day until I make this lifestyle a reality for me!!! Such an inspiration!
Thank you for this lovely comment. First thing I read this morning right when I got up and it put a smile on my face!
Just look within yourself and ask what it is that is keeping you from doing this. There will be challenges but the answers will come.
Do it! You won't regret it!
+Todd Wilson yes I've been doing exactly that...I'm getting closer to making this happen...if I don't try it I will regret it!
+The Frugal RVer thank you for the encouragement! ☺
this documentary probably has more meaning now in 2022 then it did in 2014
More relevant today and soon with complete democrat destruction everyone will need a van and or camper.
Right?! My thoughts too. I'm tired of paying crazy rent. Instead I'm going to take my rent money and travel.
@@308dad8 the democrats didn't invent a pandemic!
@@therealz360z7 You have the right to be as stupid as you want Sleepy. But yes it’s a Global democrat coop intended solely to topple the world’s economies sonwe all “may be incorporated into a global government”. China is going to rule everyone, they’ll kick in your door regularly and break your windows and seize any useful amount of money and valuables. You go ahead and get your mRNA boosters, get extras it’s good for you. I had a retarded nurse tell me she got all 3 of her shots and it was “amazing”. Amazing”? If you believe in that shit why are we all still stapling printer paper over our airways by your orders then? Son if you want to open your eyes compare this big bad “pandemic” lethality and who is vulnerable with Flu. Flu spreads around the globe every year, democrats made up a name and knowing its the Flu they made CDC authorize calling every death “covid”. If you weren’t asleep you would’ve noticed the 600,000 heart attack fatalities a year suddenly were gone and over 1000 fatal gunshot wounds were suddenly “covid” too, boy you need to open your eyes and see the end of the show or stop watching it.
@@therealz360z7 What I’m saying for you because you might be too slow to get it is Yes it is! It’s a SCAM! Perpetrated globally by liberals after complete dictatorship of the entire earth.
he hasn't worked in 35 years, I am definitely inspired
45 years now...this was filmed in 2012!
I "retired" in 1996 at age 36. I have no debt, no giant house or massive new car eating everything I can earn, I have a Toyota 4runner now and I live very little of the American Dream, but I enjoy every day.
I think after my mother (92) goes to the Lord, I will embrace this lifestyle. It will enable me to do the things I am longing to do. I won't worry mom that is why I will wait. I want to bush craft. camp, travel our grand country. Thank you folks!!!
Dianna Harrison if you have a friend or relative who can watch her for a long weekend then rent and go. We often wait until the next phase and it never happens. I am a caretaker so I know it’s not easy. But as a cancer survivor I know tomorrow is not promised.
Install cameras to watch her
I also mother is 89.and I will have nothing better ..at this time looking into vans..good luck to all
Take her with you.
I am starting the nomad life within a year. I was an upscale chef for over 15 years . Im building a food truck. I need nothing but a van , my food boat & wilderness. I will travel to see friends , dojos , nature , play music & I can work security & sale good ole fashion Texas cuisine. I'm so ready. The rat race had me fooled. At 42 , I've now woke up
Nice... my wife and i are making plans also the nomad life style has always intrigued us good luck on your adventure you never know we might run in to each other GOD BLESS
Glad you woke up so you can enjoy your life. Peace
I see you posted this a year ago, I hope you made your dream happen!!!
Im getting close. Thanks guys
I'm 52 and feel the same way.
I have lived in my van for the last 18 months but working in construction gives me little free time. After listening to these inspirational people I know exactly what needs to be done to regain my quality of life! Thankyou kindly! Dan from the UK
Been playing the work game for 35 years, career, mortgage and stress. This is my future
Me too brother, me to!
I'd rather live, than merely exist. I'm perfectly happy in my very unfinished van.
THAT is the inspiration i needed today! THANK YOU
Life GOAL. I’m a hospice nurse. I see so much death. Need freedom. Mental decompression
@@AtlantaHospiceRN I certainly appreciate and respect the work you do.
Been living out of my Prius with my terrierist for a year & a half and have never been happier. No debt, always out in nature, I work when I want, and at the moment sleep in as much as I want. Finally finished my first book and am shopping it around. Getting a house is not on my bucket list. The dog is happy and so am I. Living stress free and fancy free. Be a freethinker and live different.
I watch this every few years and still enjoy the message. Going on 10 years living in a motor home and I wouldn’t change a thing. There are so many good points made by all in this video but Randy Vining talking about saving $100,000 and how to live frugal was what did it for me. Maybe adjust that to $200,000 today, but it’s still doable. Stop buying stuff, you’ll get there quicker than you think!
I usually fall asleep to TH-cam on quietly in the background. Tonight I started out somewhere on my massive Watch Later list and I woke up in the middle of the night on this one. I remember seeing it before, years ago, and I remembered the craving for freedom it nurtured in me. So nice to watch it again and see the constantly growing list of comments - some, helpful and joyful- and others... not so much. Doesn't it seem as if some people's freedom only extends to whining, arguing and making fun of others who are simply living by living simply? But that's OK... Freedom of speech is precious, too. I'm glad I stumbled upon this video again in the dark of the night; it fills me once more with that sweet longing for true freedom.
living on the road since 2005. under the radar.
wagincrap hi.are you related to Bob wells? You remind me of him. 🙄
Because I live in my SUV, I was able to retire this year at the age of 26. I started working at 14 and saved and invested religiously for a decade, so now I have enough savings to live the rest of my life this way (high 6 figures) since my costs are so ridiculously low. I am not homeless, I am houseless and I wouldn't have it any other way. I spend my days hiking with my dog, fishing, and meeting cool people. I spend my nights on my computer using my unlimited data to hotspot internet. I have never ben motivated by career, and my goal in life has always been to work as little as possible.
Good for you. Do you never feel like you need a centre or somewhere to do when you're lonely?
you cant even legally get jobs till 15. so we had illegal work as children. but i was taught to do things other than bronze class work. like every aspect of the system told me not to work an to learn instead
But that money could be worth nothing if hyper inflation kicks in.
@Theeggtimer Most nomads spend very little money monthly. Setting up the vehicle with solar, a solar generator and other electrical or plumbing or buildout are initial costs. Sure, replacement of everything down the road could happen, but a lot of people are able to live on many fewer dollars than those with rent or a mortgage. Inflation may cause issues but I'd wager health insurance and issues may be a big expense. Having a healthy diet and getting exercise can keep a lot of health issues at bay.
I made my fortune, but then chose to build a rural off-grid self-sufficient homestead, and travel in a converted cargo van. Best of both worlds.
These old people rock!!
they're decent, fun and alive.
I wouldn't necessarily call them old people.
156 real estate agents disliked this.
Nakidz then they will get laws past saying its against the law to be free
amen to that
The Elite don't like Sheeple wandering from the collective idiocy... Total control is their objective. They use "Culture, religion, race, religion, and yes.. even "Climate Change" to divide us as basic humans.
"The more you worry about what COULD go wrong...The less you think about what IS going wrong." Steve Ballee
T
Great documentary ! Fast forward to 2023 and how exponential have van dwellers and rv dwellers have grown. Many with families and young children in tow. Some go back to sticks and bricks. But the experience those children lived and their family, unforgettable memories 🎉
Absolutely loved listening to the guy in the red floral shirt. He had some serious nuggets of wisdom tucked in there and seemed ridiculously down to earth.
"The fruits of the industrial revolution ought to be liberty." This man has WISDOM.
Best line out of the whole documentary: “Not to seek love, but to be love.”
This is one of the first videos I had seen before I started my new life in the car. I had been a bit unsure back then, because society tells you you should be afraid to live in the car, that it’s uncomfortable and that people will pity you. Only when I stopped listening to society and started listening to my heart, I realized that I had finally discovered how to live my life with the freedom to go wherever I want.
Even if van life isn't for you, the characters in this doc have some good wisdom about valuing experience and friendships over material wealth or social status. Great doc!
Thank you Jeremy! From one of the people in the doc.
@William Bonney You speak thru the lense of an accountant or a pessimist one.
In 2013 my business went bankrupt. I had held on since the recession began and couldn't take it anymore. All I had left was my '56 Dodge pickup truck and a '63 Scotty camper. I left Pittsburgh with the intent to take a one-week road trip to visit a friend in Woodstock, NY. Half-way there, I made a left turn on a back road and just kept going and didn't return home for a year. I drove 17,000 miles with nothing but a Rand McNally map on the front seat. No radio. No air conditioning. No power steering. I intentionally stayed off the major highways and stayed on the back roads. You don't get to see America driving 75 MPH on a highway. You see it on the soft, white underbellies of this nation's back roads. The beautiful two lane roads that lead from one small town to the next. We have everything in America...the mountains, deserts, forests, beaches, and especially the beautiful people. Every bend in the road was another adventure waiting to happen another stranger to become friends with. Everyone I met...hundreds....were all special, kind people who had that same look in their eyes that said, "I wish I could do what you're doing". That year changed my life and it took a long time to get over. It's very hard to just "stop" once your journey comes to an end. Traveling like this can easily become an addiction, but a cleansing addition. The road can baptize you. I tell everyone, and I will tell all of you who read this.....get out there and do it before you die. No matter what it takes, just do it.
A similar thing happened to me way back in the 1980s when I left my job, sold everything, took all my money in cash and set out for a six month road trip around America traveling on Blue Highways. It stretched into two years before I had to go back to work. One of the reasons I was able to stay out that long was that I kept meeting retired people in National Forests camping in their trailers and they would give me food, telling me they were glad I was doing this when I was young and the food would help me keep going, even for just one more day. It changed me from being a workaholic to someone who can relax and enjoy doing nothing sometimes just because I want to. I wish everyone could have the opportunity I had. I'm retired now and love relaxing and just doing whatever I want when I want.
What a lovely story xx
My wife and took a long road trip for almost a month 5 years ago, we both were able get that month off from work at the same time, which was no easy feat, we rented a gutless wonder compact car that got 40 miles to the gallon, loaded it with food some clothes and other gear and hit the road for 29 days, we headed west from Michigan, we rented cheap small cabins along the way, even slept in the car.
Our kids thought we were insane!
We visited 13 states, including 9 national parks, we logged almost 7400 miles, we traveled along the historic old route 66, visiting all the national parks we could, including Glacier and Yellowstone.
It wasn't a vacation, it was an adventure, better than any vacation we ever took, best time ever!
To everyone, if your reading this, I recommend taking a trip like this, you won't regret it.
This film is even more urgent and relevant in 2021. This lifestyle needs to be accepted and appreciated and validated by Society. Excellent and sensitive exploration of the people who do it and the philosophy that underpins it. You did it before 'Nomadland'!!
It doesn't need to be validated or acknowledged! Don't mess up a good thing by showing society how cool it is.
@@mariebernier3076 I wouldn’t worry about that too much. People seem to have a proclivity to migrate away from anything that would be in their best interests, require some imagination or understand the risks in this endeavor are no more than the illusion of safety they prefer to cling to, Yk?
@@tundrawomansays5067 You are a funny and smart lady!! I'm used to doing things in a way that makes sense to me and getting odd looks. My honest initial response was a feeling of deep irritation that nomads would ever bother with acceptance from the normies - who need them? But the point is that they should not have to exist at the edges, but be interwoven, instead, into services/benefits as people who have real reasons to live this way.
asking permission to live your life? That's weird.
This video couldn’t have been more relevant today than it was 8 years ago….just wow
Wow these are people I can relate too. I am 52 and live in a caravan in NZ because I refuse to pay the price of a rental flat . I think we waste so much energy and money in our big houses . I aspire to build a tiny home and be self-serfient in my retirement and live freely.
I truly love all these people and wish them peace and happiness.
thank you
I've always been debt-free lived under my means. I rented a place for many years. I didn't want to buy a place to be tied down. I was the second best tenant my landlord ever had he would say. Put my landlord was a scum bag. But the more I did the worse my land lord got. After watching all these TH-cam videos of people living off grid. I was jealous and I wanted to do it so bad. And I knew if they could do it I could do it because as a teenager I was homeless for a while. And that's when I made it happen before covid I moved off grid and haven't looked back since. The only regret I have I wish I would have done it years ago!
I wish I had seen this Documentary when I was 40. Now it it time to start.
Amen
Wish I had seen this at 18
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second-best time is today...
I’m lucky I’m seeing this at 25
i am 78 yrs old and working on paying off all my bills right now next year this time i well get a trailer and hit the road just me and my dog have no idea were i well be going well be doing lot of sight seeing
I hope it works out for you!!
Donald, check out 'CheapRVliving' here on youtube.
I been on the road for over a year, no regrets an its good for the sole
Good luck to you. Let us know how you get on?
Donalds, what do you have to lose by not paying off the rest of your bills? No offense, but at your age, there's really no reason that I can think of to keep paying bills that are keeping you from enjoying the rest of your life on earth. I mean, unless your debts are government debts, you can't go to jail for being in debt.
i lived in my Ford Ranger camper for 7 years..and i lost so much fear i know i can do anything.
Yeah, a lot of people are anxious and depressed because they aren't aware of what they capable of. People used to have a lot of DIY skills, from making household objects, growing food and fixing things.Having skills increases confident.
I come back to watch this every few months to keep my dream alive...
29:42 that poem that guy told was amazing
😭
This is not being homeless, it is being house-less.
I think the guy at the beginning summed it up. There are people who choose this lifestyle because they prefer the freedom of being mobile, of having a super lean life, to the relative "security" of conventional living, but with all the obligations. As best I can tell, there were two (maybe three) people in this video who fit that mold. The rest were people who were living this way as a result of some life catastrophe or who basically gave up on life because obligations are hard, being a care-free van dweller is actually quite easy if you're willing to sacrifice your dignity. I come away from this mixed. I appreciate the positive aspects of those few who do this as a deliberate lifestyle choice but don't doubt for a second that the majority of people in this movie, if given a mortgage free home with all expenses paid for life, would take that in an instant over what they have now.
Yep. This lifestyle has huge, huge limits. I built a rustic cabin complete with a modest solar array. It is a fantastic reprive from the real world for about two weeks. Chopping wood and hauling water and being in nature invigorates the soul... to a point. When it becomes a necessity of life rather than a break from it, well, then it kind of all sucks. It's very easy to fantasize about this sort of thing when you're warmly enveloped in all the luxuries modernity quietly provides us in the background of our lives. Its good to know that if all hell broke loose, I could do it if I had to, it's great to escape to 'the simple life' from time to time but as a day to day existance? No thanks.
aglands House and expenses covered or not, one major difference between owning a stick and brick home and a "mobile" dwelling is that you can choose your neighbors. Don't like your neighbors or neighborhood, start your engine and move. :-P
They have a home. It just happens to be portable.
Brenda Henderson how so?
After a really bad divorce I lost my business and my home and now I live in my RV in an RV park in NC. I'm working on saving up for a little newer and bigger RV and a newer truck .. once I get to that point I'm hitting the road and going West like the old pioneers. What helps me through the grind of working every day and coming home for a few hours of down time before I have to go to bed and do it all over again is the excitement of the outcome I'm working towards. Not a house, new cars, etc. Just a decent running truck and a little nicer camper and enough money to hit the road and I'm gone!
God luck bud
I so identify with these folks. They said all the things that have been in my heart but hadn’t found their way into words.
I car camped for a year and a half. After rejoining civilization for five years, nothing is better than returning to the nomadic life and being able to do so with a small camper that fulfills all my needs. I choose to continue working full time for now, and I’ll be debt free in a few months. Then, it’s all about saving for an early retirement, which is essentially guaranteed with this lifestyle. For those of us who aren’t supported financially by family, living this way is even more of a gift.
I've been thinking of it for years. But, as I am a senior female, with a respiratory condition, I am very apprehensive. Financially , I'd be just fine. I've seen many men and women, singles and couples, on TH-cam. Many awesome stories shared like the ones here. But some others have had scary experiences. Still thinking about it.
I grew up on a sailboat traveling with my parents . I loved it and we were very happy . When I was a teen we came back to the states and I tried to find my place in a structured society ,it never really worked well for me and have always wanted to go back to a more nomadic way of life. This documentary really hit home for me and the thought process of these individuals makes me feels not so out of place .. Thanks :)
that's so cool!
Did your parents wrote a book about you and there travels ?
“The fruits of the industrial revolution oughta been liberty.” Best quote of this documentary... to me
AGREES!
I agree! I thought so too! :)
It is.
ok i misunderstood. i live in Ukraine, i own two lands and van i am sorry i can afford being homeless on my own land
Shooter Brown I’ve had this thought for awhile but never knew how to express it so this definitely stuck out to me too
I’ve watched this podcast several times in the past. Because of this I already knew what I’d be doing after I retired from trucking. Bob has done so much for me and I believe that he’s a great man!
I’ve just shared this video again.
Been living tiny for years.These lovely people just inspire me
Peace, security, and happiness is a state of mind which does not depend on your belongings.
Crap I have this nesting thing, and a freedom thing. But the box boxes you in...Expat life in a cheaper warmer climate. Hard to recreate my life on our coffee farm in Hawaii. My husband a musician, beach jams and pot luck every weekend with friends.
@William Bonney NO man that it biblical truth!!
I live in a rv next to a river. Can’t think of a better life than this.
Did you listen to a lot of Matt Foley, the motivational speaker?
The lady singing and playing the guitar 🎸 brought my heart Such JOY! Thanks Beautiful Lady.
What you said at the beginning is ole so true. I spent the last 15 years living way off grid in the mountains. I'm 68 now and i had to move into an apartment a month ago cause of my health. I feel like I'm in a prison. I don't think i can continue living here. I'd rather take a chance on my health and die in the woods than live here. No freedom whatsoever. I can't believe how many camera's are everywhere. I'm going back to the woods.
I'm 70 and seriously considering this. I take care of mom at present. Id rather die in the wilderness than in a filthy nursing home.
Go for it if possible!
Just turned 71 and have been thinking/researching the van life for a few years. WOW - really hope I can put it together - and see the places and people I haven't so far!
yes I work in a nursing home don't go in there.
@@tinashumate3111 I am 71 bought a 4Runner in Aug. been “gear”ing it up ... like to travel- “go and see”; like a travelin gypsy and will go in May ....
I too am caring for my mother...I’m planning my future of a nomad, when the time comes I’ll be ready!! I always promised my mother I’d never let her go to a nursing home, I’ve worked at them...I KNOW I did everything possible to care for my patients with the limited staff they provided, ALWAYS the minimum UNTIL state came to inspect, that’s when “extra” help was there, after inspection back to minimal SMH
So my life dream is on hold for now 😉
Who’s here during the 2020 pandemic? How relevant.
I'm a month and a half away from getting into a mini van - with absolutely no fear or anxiety about it
History repeats itself.
@Barry White I guess all these people are dropping dead just to fool you.lol.
I'm watching this in December 2022, at least eight years after this documentary was first aired... nothing has changed. Gas is back up to $4++ a gallon, inflation is rampant to the point people can't feed their family, and we are still chasing the dollar with jobs paying wages that can't keep up.
Hey Garden Girl, I live in Canada. Here gas is sold by the litre. 1 litre is $1.45 and 4 litres is slightly less than a gallon. So slightly less than a gallon is $5.60. A dozen free range eggs costs about $8.00. The world has gone crazy.
We live in a 30 ft shuttle bus and we bought an acre of land in a small desert town with a 3 year loan and it will be paid off in 7 months. We have ab awesome solar system that we can run anything off of and a generator and we dug a well. We will never have to worry about being homeless because everything is paid for in cash and we're only in our 40s. If you're willing to live simple you can retire at a much earlier age.
I have been watching Bob Wells videos for a long while and this lifestyle intrigues me. I live in a big house with a pool and a ton of junk. I pay a housekeeper, pool man and landscaper. I really don't need the hassle. I don't know how my life got this way.
I used to own rental properties and had a large boat until I realized that the more stuff I owned, the more stuff owned me.
The problem is that I am a self employed professional and love my work but it requires I stay in my license area. I will never retire. I wouldn't know what to do with myself. My other problem is that I feel the need to have roots. I like being part of a community and going to a church where everyone knows me and cares about me. I like walking into the American Legion and everyone notices and says; " how ya doing brother"? I also want to be near my children and grandchildren.
Riding my Harley used to feed my need for freedom but a distracted driver crushed my leg.
I guess I just really need to scale down to a smaller dwelling and pick up a camper van and escape from time to time.
Steelhorsecowboy yes!!!
Not a thing wrong with that plan. Best wishes 👏
Sounds like a plan!👏
I appreciated your comment. I was raised in a loving household, albeit minus a father. Mother preached: “You must go to college!” I went, but some complicating events intervened and soon, I found myself working two jobs and thinking that my dreams had pulled out of the station without me aboard.
I filled a bag with mostly useless flotsam from the humdrum I had felt locked into. Then I stood by the highway with an outstretched thumb begging for a ride to anywhere. The next two-years gave me the knowledge and insights to navigate the next 50-years!
Thank you to everyone that was part of this awesome film! Props to all the cool vibes. I have 4 years until my daughter graduates and I’ll be joining you all. We live in a 500sq ft cabin now. You are all incredible!
I don't believe this lifestyle is something I can do. But it is comforting to know that it is an option if all goes bad.
I watched this 4 years ago. More relevant than ever right now
Same, I always want to do it, but always too scared, I just lost my job so really thinking about it.
I retired from trucking this past April of 2020. I'm used to living on the road. My new home is a Ford Transit van. This continues the FREEDOM of movement but now I'm on my own time.
You can do it one day at a time. Don’t fall into the trap of worry.
I'm a conservative too. No worries.
Good man David! Take care driver
Just bought my rv. Hitting the road in 3 weeks!
Watching January 2023, things are even more out of whack than when this great film was made. This group of folks really found meaning in the simple stuff.
8 years old and so many have taken this path, just wonderful. Beautiful, flawless documentary! I wish the best to all.
Biggest change I've noticed
Before I would dread getting out of bed every morning. Just so I can get up and go to work. Just to pay bills. Morning was NOT a happy time of day for me lol.
Now....i wake up easily right when the sun comes up and I have a smile on my face. IM HAPPY, IM FREE. I have no idea what's gonna happen each and every day and its beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
This is my calling ❤️❤️❤️ my soul needs to live like this. It will be my future⭐️
I felt the same way for 3 years...I finally just did it. So far, so good and I regret waiting 3 years.
2018 I had breast cancer, 2019 a massive stroke..... lost my business, had to sell my home, had the choice of rv'ng, renting or buying a mobile home.... against many people's advice I chose to live my bucket list and bought a 29ft 1995 class A, and been living in it full time. It can be hard as I'm mostly dependent on a wheelchair, and can't help my husband, so it's a lot for him.... but I still love it, and don't want to go back to a conventional house. Nope.... I love waking up in nature, with a different view all the time.... I was told that I'm not living the American dream by choosing to be homeless..... well.... it's MY dream that I'm living, and I will grab the 2nd chance I was given and run with it! ❤ we're not really stealthy with our class A, 2 big dogs and 3 cats..... but we make it and we love it.... I was raised camping cross country in a tent in Brazil with my parents.... mom is 77 and still backpack around the World solo, and always refused to live in fear.... I think it's in my genes.. husband is gypsy, so it comes naturally to him too...
I wish you and your husband all the best for the future and I hope that you are in good health.
@@janer7792 thank you! All things considered I'm happy and health! Wishing you and your family a great holiday season and happy travels 😊
Keep living your best life! I wish you the best!
You not homeless. You're "Houseless" a big difference. This way of living is the NEW American dream. Good Vibes 👣
I'm 64 and Australian. My hat goes off to these folks who have such great resilience and humour. In my country we have the Grey Nomads who are mainly retired with more financial backing. I worry about your people as their pensions and medical insurance can be little or nothing. We all start out bright and shiny but you really have to know what your doing with life on the road as it can be unforgiving. Shame on any country that does not respect their older brothers and sisters as without them we are in the wind.
Does Australia give you some kind of free money when you retire?
@@joeglennaz Depends on your finances though everyone is entitled to an old age pension, free health care and vastly subsidized medications over the age of 68.
“ We’re the seeds of a brand new breed “ Wow!
Thank you, I have watched this marvellous documentary several times, each time I watch, it gives me more.
I appreciate the honesty of these people, telling stories of their past and what really matters to them now. FREEDOM from both the tyranny of Money and societal pressure. These people are not only reinventing themselves, they spread the message that it’s ok to go your own way.
Bravo