UPDATE: It's been over two years since I made this video. I've long sold the van, my face is less fat, I have a girlfriend now and I'm living a really healthy life. I don't have any regrets about the experience I had in the van. It was incredible overall. Even with the seeming negatives. I definitely plan on buying a vacation van in the future, but that might be awhile. In the upcoming, I'm focusing on my job here in Chicago, professional photography and videography. Hope you're all well! Look me up on Instagram if you'd like to see what's going on in my life as of late. Also, I will be uploading to my channel here more frequently coming up. Later!
What happened? Why the change? You said fingers crossed, has anything odd happened to you since then? Also, whats the best places to park in your opinion. Im looking to start living in a van real soon and would like some tips.
Van life should have a start point and importantly an end point,otherwise it becomes a meaningless lonely experience. For me 3 to 6 months tops and you can enjoy the trip.As time goes on the negatives out number the positives (and it stops you becoming a lonely weirdo)
Nope, pretty sure it's about the VAN. You can visit all sorts of different places around the USA and World without a van and still live in a house that is your Home.
Yeah, but you sure as hell can't do it for 1/2 as long or have 1/2 as much fun! My house literally sucked the life outta' me and I couldn't go anywhere for more than a few days a year! THAT SUCKED!!! Now I stay in Key West for 2 months every year in my van!!!!!!
Sean, let me say what I mean this way ! The van is a method to enjoy life. And I agree with what you say about the house etc! My point is the JOURNEY / what happens between point A and point B is where the feelings of gratitude come from ! Best to you !
Big time agree with you. More than half his reasons against van living are things that anyone who either is slightly more experienced with van living, or at least willing to think outside the box could easily solve. Some don't even seem like problems at all, but features built into van life.
Haus: you have given a realistic and concise version of van living and working as a young American. I did this in circa 1978 in a 1969 E100 Ford Van with shag walls and a plywood base bed n mattress on pulleys with my RD350 motorcycle tucked to the wall side. Cooked on a pump up Coleman stove, cooled with Ice in a cooler and one gallon water jugs kept me hydrated. I’d bathe in streams, eat fresh caught fish and grocery veggies. Had to use bathrooms either outside with my shovel, or stop in any type store and use theirs. This 38 year throw-back memory is brought to the front of my bank by your Vid. Great for the last years of my life to recall. Oh, gas was .79 per gallon and the van would get 20mpg. as it was a straight 260 CDI Six cylinder. Tough time climbing the 12k Colorado mountains, but sure was economical on the straights.
For loneliness, GET A DOG!!!! Since I got my rescue dog, loneliness has all but disappeared! You'd be amazed at the company a dog is. They listen to you - both to your spoken word AND your unspoken words. They sense your needs and do their very best to give you what you need!!! Good luck to you!!!
Susan Porter I agree. I live alone with a dog and I can identify two of the best choices I've ever made in my life, getting a dog and moving out by myself.
A dog would destroy that RV. I love RV's but they are not as sturdy as a house. That would be a pretty small space for the dog to be in while you were at work. In the summer it would be too hot.
As a commercial long haul driver, I find all of these things to be a part of daily life. Showers, laundry, parking, and other amenities can be found almost anywhere in the US at most truck stops and travel centers- Not all truck stops and travel centers are created equal, but believe me, if you're fortunate to have a TA, Petro, Pilot, Flying J near you, you're more than set.
I agree, however . . . I've been to several truck stops that will not cater to RV owners or the general public. I've literally been turned away when I've gone in to use showers or laundry before because the truck stop had a "trucker only" policy. That sucks...
Spent a year driving truck full time, luckily there was usually a loves on most of my routes I took it's always great to pull over and take a shower at 3am and take a shower grab some coffee and hop right back on the road feeling clean and awake
Chris C , Yup...same thing happened to me as I walked towards the shower area and they weren't too polite about saying it's only with truckers! Pretty shitty because frankly I drop probably at least $100 in fuel and DEP for the diesel RV.
I ran into that, too, down in Arizona and Utah. They wanted me to show them a CDL, which I did not have because driving an RV only requires a regular DL. All I wanted to do was use the showers.
@@stackingmoney4623, that was just the tip of the iceberg. The guy typed like a broken-English cave grunter. "I rather pay..." I had to go back and read it slowly to figure out what he meant in that sentence, because it was just weird. You could get the basics of the either/or choice, but who pays MPH or MPG? you pay MONEY. And his first two sentences, while he is correct, don't begin to address the other financial aspects of the difference between home OWNERSHIP (not just rental) and living in a vehicle. In a vehicle, you could have an accident, one that damages, disables or destroys it. There goes your home on wheels. There are risks with any investment, and with any form of shelter. Sure, if all things go well, your out-of-pocket could be far less living in an RV, but there are comfort trade-offs, too. I wasn't trying to be a dick, it's just that when people post a comment, they are motivated to communicate. When they do a crappy job of it, it makes the effort seem so half-assed and pointless. Shame on me for giving a shit. I just like to understand, and it kind-of chaps my ass when I read barbaric comments like the one by "RVing Live The Dream." People, please proofread before posting, and even after you post, if they will let you edit, go back and fix the typos and things that don't make sense. Thank you all in advance! Stacking Money, it was more like "RVing Live The Dream" was the one who just wanted to type something. That said, I would love to try RVing, but am chicken, or find excuses not to. " Too much planning, I'm sure to forget something and have to go back, what will happen to the house while I'm gone, what about mail piling up, watering plants, setting lights on timers, do I buy and install security cameras, what about leaving food in the fridge, and more. So I decide it's too daunting, and settle back with a beer and the remote, or do other stuff around the house. I did a 6-week cross-country road trip decades ago, 12,000 miles of fun and seeing sights, but have only done 3-5-day road-trips since then. Peace, out.
@Dolphins And Whales - Thanks for the typo pointer! I fixed it. As far as dreams and adventures go, I hear ya! I have been living the dream as much as I could my whole life, when not working at jobs I loved. I even retired for 3-4 years in my late 30s, and traveled, kicked back, went where I wanted when I wanted, boating, water-skiing, hang gliding, motorcycling, bicycling, 4x4ing in the mountains, camping and more. It was a total BLAST having all that retired fun when I was still young enough to really REALLY get a lot out of it! I have ridden motorcycles since I was a teenager, and love it. When I was 30 I started hang gliding, taught myself how, and did that for over 30 years! Been 2 miles up, gone "cross country," (dozens of miles out) and back, had flights lasting over four hours, even circled in a thermal out in the forest, up in the sky, no-one else around, with a huge bald eagle. We went around and around together on opposite sides of a tight circle (about 50 feet apart, tops) as we both cored the thermal, climbing higher in the warmer rising air. It was amazing. Now I'm almost 1 year into "senior citizen" retirement, and loving it! Still have toys, and use most of them. At 68, I motorcycle, kayak, bicycle or just kick back in a recliner and Netflix it. I just don't play as hard as I did in retirement #1. I wish you the same kind of happiness, whatever you do! "A life not lived," as they say...
Thanks for the tips. Helps me to see that extra thought and planning is important. So I went through your list and tried to think of simple ways to solve each problem. 1. Lack of space- I am a clean freak and have to put everything right back soon if not immediately after I use it. 2. Things go wrong- I have an emergency credit card I keep for this problem. I can get the mechanical work I need done and rent a van while it is. I know I would not have everything I need but I would still have a roof over my head. 3. Gas mileage- That's why I went with a four cylinder Ford Transit connect. It gets on good days almost 22 mpg, and 19 on my worst days. 4. Lonely- I am kind of a loner personality already, but I do find that in every town finding a good well balanced church to attend is helpful. You can hook up with good decent people who are not judgmental (some are) and make friends pretty quickly there. If nothing else it will give you some place to be on Sundays and Wednesdays where you can interact with people. Maybe just make a friend to invite out for a meal afterwards. 5. Parking- fitting in with other similar vehicles is a help. A lot of times an industrial area where businesses are closed is good because there's no traffic at night. If you are all ready for bed for the night and you just pull in shut down and sleep and then drive away early to go make breakfast somewhere else no one will mess with you. That of course would take care of the number 6 problem. Parking is one of those hit or miss kind of things. 7. Being settled- One helpful thing is to have a routine and stick to it no matter where you are. It helps you feel settled in yourself no matter where you are. You know...wake up, make your bed, start some coffee, use the head, have some breakfast, clean up dishes etc, wash face and brush teeth etc, get dressed. Have routines and stick to them. 8. Variety- Even though you have routines to stick to, break it up with different outside activities. Go biking, skating, or jogging etc. You don't have to spend money to entertain yourself. 9. Showers and shopping- This is when a routine really pays off. Hit the store on your way home from work and pick up only a small amount. Enough to get you through a day or two if your going to be off work. Physically you can't store a week's supplies of food. Keep a list of what you are out of so you don't wonder around in the store for hours. Try to keep it down to a 15 minute trip or less. Hit the shower after that and then settle in for your evening routines before you move to your favorite sleeping spots. 10. Laundry and mail- The laundry is always going to be a little annoying. No way around it really. Just have to have a laundry day somewhere each week. The mail thing can easily be fixed for only around 70 to 90 bucks a year. Rent a "private mail box." Not a p.o. box, but a private mail box. There's one's like "Anytime Mailbox" where you can have an actual real address to have things mailed which require a real address, and have packages shipped there. If you move to another town, no problem, most of these services have locations in every major town. They will have your mail forwarded to the new town your in.
Many of your top 10 reasons are WHY I'm NOT a FULL-timer. I have a Cargo Van, the cargo area has been fully insulated with 2.5" of polyiso & has shelving/compartments for my "stuff", which is just right for me for 3-5 days/nights, year round. AFTER 4 days/nights, I'm ready to return home, enjoy a nice long hot shower & the other amenities of home base. I'm 72, 5'5" & 125# & retired. For my frequent, short trips, my van is a 5 Star Motel & I'm always the honored guest & my accommodations are always available anytime, anyplace; a 5 Star Restaurant & I'm always the honored guest with the best table in the house; I always have a bathroom that's never occupied & is always fully stocked; it's always provided me with shelter from the storm. What more can anyone ask of a vehicle?
If I were you, I'd be spending more time in it rather than when ever I'm bored. It sounds like a nice setup that you never use. If you're retired, you could be seeing the country more and trying out different restaurants that get shown on Travel Channel and Divers, Drive-ins, and Dives. But you'd rather stay at home and stay huddled in your dark cave like a hermit crab. Very sad to waste away when most people who don't have a retirement would kill for that life.
Regarding your mail. 1. get a mail box 2. regarding your grocery shopping: go every 2 or 3rd day. 3. noise: get ear plugs. Have a great night and don't buy plastic water bottles. Try to get a jug to hold water or canteen.
My feeling is you could also substitute living alone in a van to living in a small apartment in a big city. While there's some adventure - lifes better when it can be shared with someone else.
i sleep with earbuds on, the type that stops sound, not the type with music on. Ive done it for about 3 years now and i love it. I cant hear anything :P. Just keep the van locked incase someone tries to enter.
I just retired from the the air force after 26 years.I'm looking at class c right now.I love your channel.I'm learning more an more from you.Keep making them brother.
Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm going to try to get more videos up about specifics in the van, but my channel is also focused on travel and exploration. Thanks for the sub and good luck finding your class c!
I was always tense while sleeping that someone would; pound on my window (rare but did happen), break in (never happened), accidentally ram my vehicle (never happened), tow my vehicle away with me in it! (never happened). Even though most of these never happened... the stress was real and I got tired of it.
Extra storage idea.........cargo tray that fits into hitch, very strong totes that stack, latch and have a way to strap to cargo tray ( sears sells these, I have eight) .....I carry my art/craft supplies, my sewing machine, my extra food staples and extra cooking utensils, seasonal clothes, off grid survival items, and survival books......... Just in case you have not checked out these spots to park a camper van, NOT a huge RV.....if you travel interstates, welcome centers, road side parks ( to catch a nap not 24 hours) Museum and Historical site parking, Church parking lots and open gate cemeteries ( you can usually get permission to park churches by just asking as most have a parking lot or area that is suitable ....and if you let the county sheriff's office or local police know where and who you are and what you are doing ( taking pictures of and exploring the area) and only parking a few days taking a break from the road as you pass thru, most are pretty nice, and if they do not want you in a certain place they can direct you to somewhere ,................. also check out freecampsites.net, boondockers welcome, harvest hosts, (.on facebook,) and RvVillage is a great site to help you connect( if you want to ) with others with same style rig or lifestyle as well as Rv parks all across the nation if you want to park for a long period of time and be "on grid" with water and electricity.....when you google van living you will find some who have been doing this for 20 years or more and their advice on mail, state of residence, etc is awesome.
This brings back memories 50+ years ago when we owned a van,had 3 kids under the age of 3, and traveled and camped very cheap. We just threw a full size mattress in van, cooked on camp fire outside, and husband would hunt deer,turkey,squirrels, turtles etc. But we had full time jobs and went on week ends. Called "roughing it " back then..
I once considered living in a van when i was going to university and wanted to save money. However, parking was the biggest issue since I was going to university (Victoria BC) that really monitors its parking spaces. In retrospect, I wish I'd toughed it out and tried it since I think you learn valuable life skills in the process. You become very minimalistic and learn how to live simplistically. These days, I rent a house and I just want to fill it up with stuff.
Consistently Random Renting a house and having to fill it up with stuff is exactly my reason for working towards an rv lifestyle. There is no need for all that stuff in my life.
You don't really learn to live simplistically. Living in a VAN is Adapting to your small place but it doesn't change anything. If you go back to house living, you'll enjoy all the old amenities, nice bathroom, nice kitchen, nicely stocked fridge and cabinets, nice place to park your car, and a nice pillow top queen size bed with amazing silk sheets. Life lesson? I don't think so more of a intermediate between the real world and a part time fantasy that eventually wears thin.
I know you are lazy like me...READ along 😎 1. less space 2. vehicle mechanical problems 3. hi-fuel consumption 4. lonliness 5. finding parking spot 6. hard to sleep (summer/winter) 7. surroundings keep changing 8. lack of variety 9. kitchen and shower limits 10. laundry and mail issues honest guy . . . video well done
I just wanted to hug you.....so you didn't feel lonely . I am a 60 year old grandmother But I could see how lonely you were ! I could see it in your eyes, I am glad you had this adventure in the van. Thank you for sharing. Happy you have the life you see for yourself!
I have a 2002 Dodge Roadtrek and talked to other people with Dodges that had rear end problems. Mainly every 25K miles you need to change the transverse fluid with the additive. I recently retired and went on a three-week road trip to national parks and up to Jasper in Canada. A cat and a dog kept me company. The dog will bark at intruders; so I use earplugs. At Glacier NP, I got a No Bus message by the odometer. But AAA towed for free, and I had to spend two nights in Kalispell waiting for a $1,000 control unit from Dodge. A laundromat had good WiFi for uploading my videos. Also, if you get stuck in Park, I went through three mechanics before finding a TH-cam video showing how to jiggle the linkage in the steering column. But that happened in my driveway. And I have two houses; my mom's old house where I can have my own kitchen, and the other where my my wife stays. (She's not a happy camper.) I got the shower down to a routine; and actually prefer it when visiting relatives, because all my stuff is right there. Just do a "Navy shower" and wipe down the curtain with towel and hang up towels on stretched bungee cords overnight. If you're ever in Anza-Borrego and see a sign that says SOFT SAND, immediately stop and back up. I had no cell service and a passerby did and a tow truck came a long ways and was afraid of getting stuck himself, but winched it up and out of the sand. See my videos by putting my name, Paul Emus, in the TH-cam search bar....
Thanks for this perspective. I'm getting ready to do some of my own so I'm going to add some solution to your problems which are good problems, however they can be remedied in many many ways for instance you could take a shower in your clothes and hang them out to dry while you're at work inside your vehicle if weather permits. A lot of people in Europe wear silk underwear because it is so quick to dry. It is not so easy to find on the internet though you have to search through China. It's one of the highest quality items China produces. The thing about silk undergarments is, you don't have to wash your outerwear as often. You are very lucky to have a shower in your vehicle so you have the option of taking one and using the gym is always Prime. The last time I was at Van lover I loved the fact that if there was no eyes wherever I was I just hop in my front seat and drive away from it. As a woman I love to shop so I never lack variety and I learn where my money goes the farthest for the best deal. It's like a full-on hobby for me and my friends act like I'm a pro at it so they're always asking me where to get the best value for their cheese(bread,$). You are all so lucky to have a propane fridge if you don't mind a piece of advice...freeze your waters and put them in a ice chest. That will free up a lot of the room in your refrigerator underwater cam behalf thawed & when you drink it, well, I happen to think it's the best. It takes a little bit of planning but it's cool because you can have your ice chest with your frozen water right next to your bed and at night you don't even have to get out of bed to have a nice cold drink. My list of problems is very small my list of solutions is huge and that is why I'm going to start my own. I do think it's very important to note the drawbacks for people though because everyone is so different in their needs and wants and their half to's and can live without's. To coin a phrase, Keep On Rockin in the Free World ( as long as you like and hopefully that is never longer than you like)
Thanks for the comment! Good advice for sure. :) I typically shower at the gym so as to avoid getting my van all wet. Not really a big fan of the lack of space and all the annoying crap that entails.
older than I would like to be, but hoping that I live to be much older. haha I just turned 69. It was around 1968. back then there were service stations on every corner and we had gas wars. they would lower their prices down so they could beat the competitors price down the street. Sometimes it would go as low as 18 cents. oh the good old days haha
Huge advice! Install some little security cameras outside with the ability to get a live feed. That way if you hear a knock on your door or window, you don't need to open it or go outside if you hear something scurrying around. Second bit of advice, get a concealed carry permit and carry a gun. A lot of people think people that have an RV have money. Even little class Bs. On top of that, depending on where you are, there may be the risk of bears busting into your RV while you sleep because they smell food. I recommend a good 357 Magnum revolver for anything up to black bear in size. Revolvers are generally better for travelers because they have more load variance and have low capacity so they will never be effected by any new gun laws. (Use 125 grain hollow point rounds for defense against muggers and 158-180 grain hardcast semi-wadcutters for anything bigger than a cougar) Unless you live in grizzly territory. In that case, get a 12 gauge shotgun and load it with Magnum slugs. they will hurt like hell to shoot, but a bruised shoulder is nothing compared to what a big bear can do to you.
Foalhaus hahah I was thinking that about being strapped hahah...but I was laughing at how OVER IT YOU SEEM in your video LOL.. But I can tell u still down for the ride 🙌. IM weighing my options aswell on what kind of off grid type of situation I want.
Teddy Lowe Totally agree with you. I'm now learning how to shoot and after that I will take the license to have a gun. I also took a class at local judo course. Self defense is a must if you choose a van life, especially if you travel alone.
snowyconfession to be good at hand to hand it takes at least 5 years of training a couple classes will only give you enough confidence to stay and fight back that will get you hurt or killed just try to get out of the situation escape and live i dont know how many black belts I've seen get tje crap stomped out of them because they put faith into mediocre skills and crap teachers ive studied and taught martial arts for over 30 years and the first thing i tell students is the best thing you can do in a situation is leave always a sycophantic on drugs can take 5 shots dead center and still do amazing things they dont feel pain and will fight until dead.
William Buck Yup, I know about it. My instructor also said the same thing. Well, my plan wouldn't start for the next several years anyway. Me and my husband still nedd to secure our financial source first, and it need at least 4 years to do that.
Well, here's one thing. Ever consider trucking? Living in a van seems somewhat similar to trucking, except you work right there in your home. You wake up, shit, shower and shave or whatever, then head over to the office aka the cab and start driving. Except, you don't have to worry about where to park. You park at a truck stop or a rest stop. Or sometimes at where you're delivering to. You can shower whenever at the truck stop. Unless you're the type that showers everyday without fail and if you are, why are you living in a van or truck, then you should have plenty of showers saved up on your Pilot card or wherever. You get to see the country more or less. Most of it just passes you by though. You can get some time to explore if that's your thing though. It's not for everyone but I loved it. It just suited my personality. I have obligations now but I'd go back to it in a second. It's a pretty stress free lifestyle. You can take off in a hotel or stay with a friend. If you have a girl with you, it's better obviously. Also, why no P.O. box? I'd think that would be one of the first things you'd get.
+parking with foalhaus I just spent 9 months traveling around the country in a 26' class C solo. I hit 38 states and went into Canada driving over 18,000 miles. Spent time in RV parks both private and public but also Walmart parking lots while transiting. Your top 10 was spot on even for me. I would like to recommend an app that I couldn't have done the trip without: AllStays Camp & RV. If I remember it cost me $10 but proved to be invaluable. Its an amazing app for anyone who RVs. Anything you need this app will tell you where its at and it filterable. Overnight parking to include Walmarts, rest stops and casinos that allow free overnights, dump sites, propane, all pay to camp locations, cabbalas, bass pro shops, costco, REI, camping worlds, height limits, all truck stops and more. Its amazing. Enjoy the journey!
Not sure if you know this or someone commented before...You can have packages sent to a local post office under GENERAL DELIVERY. Just track your shipment and go to the post office counter and say you have a general delivery and have your ID ready.
Yeah pretty simple...have the address as GENERAL DELIVERY (IN CAPS) [Your Name] [Post office street address] My Post office said that they usually hold a package for 30 days before sending it back if no one claims
Take your van to a farm and be a Hand. Lots of variety, stationary for a month or season, growing in knowledge save and earn dollars and you might be near National Forest/Parks areas being in the country for short visits on days off, your sleep will be peaceful, your space will be beautiful. If timed right you could be a seasonal worker up North to down South after you get a little experience and name for yourself, you will become a Farmers best friend and have freedom, fun, health and fellowship/family.
good field. If you ever change your mind, it can be done. I just started as a basic farm hand this year. age 41. I'm quickly adding skills and making connections. Follow your bliss. Thanks for the vid.
It has been a life long interest so I have found a way to get nearer to it for a long time. I could have gotten this work much sooner if I was clearer and confident. What I have found is confidence produces more clarity. More action/solution leads to building confidence and the steps will become clearer. In my case, insane pain built up for so long before I became "ready" more aggressive. So take any and all steps that leads to farm world. Drive into the country, buy foods from farmers (stands, CSA memberships, direct sales (I love raw milk), subscribe to ACRES magazine for brilliant information, go to farm shows, conventions. Look for farms that have tourism, seeking volunteer help, perhaps internships. You could take a chance with Craigslist. I was about to apply for a farm-hand job but didn't have skid-steer experience or much of any experience, so I just went to go visit my friends farm where he works as a herdsman. That farm manager there turned out to be so awesome and gave me carte blanche to learn. I got skid-stear practice 2nd day there and have been here ever since. I'm currently working minimum wage as a seasonal worker so I am focused on building skills, connections, (remember Fun) so that I can get hired on with promotion/contract. Be grateful and just know that manure, dirt, insects, hay dust in your skin or poison ivy working for milk and eggs is better than a good day with traffic, city life, office cubicles. (I shouldn't knock anything, a beautiful life can be found anywhere, I just decided that country knowledge/living was the most suitable for me at this time.) BECOME VALUABLE and that will Speak loudly, it also shows that you are motivated with ambition. I work with dairy cows +. I don't exactly want to work with cows, but I love getting free Raw milk and I am adding to my skill set. Plus I keep looking for different jobs on the farm that I do like and volunteering to do them. Right now, operating any machine there and soil/nutrition improvement is my focus. So follow your interest with any area of life, from small to big and if it delights you keep doing it as a discipline until you build up Confidence and Clarity for the next step. You will make "mistakes" but just be honest and endeavor to improve and find the next step. Remember to take care of yourself. You must be a good husband to yourself before you can to animals and plants. If someone shines to you, then shine back and be curious and willing to help them in any way. If you don't with another, just work hard (self motivated) and find ways to be of use to them. Remember that you have other goals, dreams, hobbies. Find a way to keep at them. I have to say that working on a farm doesn't really feel like work with all the rewards. Doing a repetitive uninspiring job in a place you don't like is a JOB! If you aren't knee deep in country/farm life, look for a farm that offers tourism to work on, even if you start volunteering. It is a nice transition, compared to a hard-scramble threadbare staffed operation far from "civilization". If you have more questions about anything you can contact me at raison_d_etre@mail.com or just let me know how it is going. Peace, brother. Bryan
wow, a breath of fresh air...finally! Too many of the van dweller videos on YT have serious value conflicts, are fake, and/or don't address the real issues. This guy is smart, articulate, AND has a JOB!
Just an FYI, It's been a couple of months since I've made this video and I have learned ALOT since then about van dwelling. I have made multiple videos of insight about what I've learned along the way, so check them out!
Foalhaus you can get the Amazon deliveries sent to a 7/11 store drop box. That option is available at the check out cart when ordering from Amazon. 2nd, with the space issue, if you have the money I recommend that you tear down all that bulky space hogging stuff like the bathroom, etc and build seating areas with a lift up lid on the chair to store stuff inside the chairs. Just get plywood, foam, stretchable fabric, wood stapler and piano hinges. Then relocate your current bathroom to the back of the van and add cheap PVC pipes to attach the shower pipes to the back. Also, you can buy cheap long rectangle van windows at the junk yard and put them high up on the side walls of the van or just cut out your current windows and put them higher and cover the old window holes with metal. That way the heat vents up and out of the van easier. But, also because having windows high give a real cool lit appearance during the day giving the impression of sky lights. As far as the kitchen is concerned, I would get rid of it because it takes a lot of space in a small van and just build a semi round corner cabinet and there put a small kitchennette situation. With these ideas you could feel like your living in a real cool place. But, with the layout in most vans, it just is too filled with too many cabinets. One last thing in the seating area build a Murphy bed with a large piano hinge to lift up during the day and underneath the bed build an attached chair that will open up when the bed is lifted and closed. That what in the day time you can use the space where the bed would usually be as an office area with a piece of wood that folds out on front of the chair to serve as a table. I hope my suggestions help inspire you or someone else. Stay safe. -- Frank Branden. New York City.
Yes ! I would also pull a smaller traylor with a Port-o-Potty in it ! If the POP is too tall,simply cut the upper third of it off to fit in your traylor. Or conversely, remove the top of your traylor to accommodate your POP. Anyone with some degree of light carpentry skill should be able to render a tight fit that is both attractive and practical.
Great job...You brought up a lot of good points; and you were totally honest about it. I still live in a house; but living in a van intrigues me. I have a small van that looks like it could be lived in. It's a Ford Transit Connect. I know that's a VERY small van; but I am a very practical person. I don't need fancy cabinets, kitchen sink, and refrigerator. To me, it would be very easy to live without these things. These are just a few ideas that come to mind: 1. Skateboards make a fun hobby; they don't take much space; and are good for transportation. I make my own skateboard that is very fast, easy to push along, and is only 20 inches long. 2. Since my divorce, I am eating very simple meals, that I actually enjoy. Women demand really tasty, rich food; but I don't. I have noticed that the food I eat doesn't even require refrigeration. For example, pasta, rice, bread, vegetables, eggs, bottled water, grits, and oatmeal. There is quite a variety of foods that are cheap and don't require a refrigerator. 3. Laundry is not a big deal. You do not need to use a electric machine to do laundry. Firstly, you should adapt the way you dress. For example, you should avoid cotton materials, as they are hard to wash and take a long time to dry. If you dress in synthetic materials, such as polyester, they are easy to wash and dry by hand. Check out a product called a "Rapid Washer." This is how people used to wash clothes before electric machines came along. I have one of these; and they wash clothes VERY well, dare I say better than an electric washing machine. If you are washing polyester and nylon type clothing, it's not a big deal, meaning that it only takes a few minutes to wash and rinse the clothing. So you will not need a big wardrobe of clothes. You can just wash small loads in a five gallon bucket, as you dirty them. Let me know what you think about my ideas. Thanks.
At first it may seem easy, but after 2 weeks or so of using that manual clothing washer it would be tedious and eventually you would wallow in your own filth. 💣
Whoa, cowboy! Slow down on the generalizing of women, please. I don't know where you come from, but a lot of men in Texas wouldn't give up their 'rich, tasty food' (read that as bar-b-q) unless there was a gun pointed at their head. One reason it's hard for me to battle a weight problem is because my husband expects full meals of real food. I'd be happy much of the time with a salad or light soup, but he'd have a fit & it's hard to not eat food that you've spent hours cooking & smelling. You kind of made women sound like gluttonous pigs...
Sorry Wendy he is right. I'm ok with Taco Bell, Easy Mac and Hot Dogs, find me a woman that doesn't think I'm treating her like shit feeding her that? They all want Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Applebee's, anything to waste my money while they continue saving their money from their full time job.
They "all" want that??? No, they don't. You're wrong, & you're generalizing, which is what my comment was about. Not generalizing women. You either don't know enough women, or you know the wrong ones!
Number one what you MUST have is a fat savings. My van broke down in the desert mid August and I couldn't afford the one mechanic in town (Needles, CA) when I was sitting there crying not knowing what to do, two guys approached me and said they could do it for half. I had NO other options. My parents were overseas and couldn't be reached (this was 1992) So here I was being pulled by a rope off into the high grass to a junk yard basically. These guys could have done whatever they wanted with me. I got lucky and they fixed my van after having to sleep in a 20 year old trailer for 5 hideously hot days. I feel so sorry for people out on the road with no money. Don't do it if at all possible, and especially if you don't have st least 10 grand to get from point A to point B.
No, you do not need 10k... you need not to be stupid. You got into trouble bc you didn't plan. Not only didn't you have money, you had no way to reach people and people who could help didn't know where you were! That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard a vanlifer do! You ***always*** have a contact or three who know exactly where you will be heading and how to reach you. You have check ins with family or friends. GET ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE - it is CHEAP. Sure, you'd still need cash for repairs but you wouldn't be putting yourself in danger. 10k will not buy you a working brain.
@@RampantArtist excuse me asshole but you did not know my situation. I was fleeing an abusive relationship at 19 and had no money because he would take my check. I was trying to get home to California as I knew nobody out there but him. I had no choice. Don't judge someone unless you know the story. I was young, broke and scared to death, not to mention traumatized. That man in Needles was an asshole and the other two saved me.
ANTIQUEFOTOS - you were lucky those two men who saved you weren’t perverts - who goes out on the road without any money? Did you think it would just appear like mana from heaven? It’s too bad you were running from an abusive relationship, but as Judge Judy would say, “ you picked him” -
@@madambutterfly7513 Like you never made any mistakes in your life right? I don't blame myself for anything. I wasn't going to ask my parents for money. I had almost made it. I had friends waiting for me. Shit happens and I dealt with it myself.
@@madambutterfly7513 jesus...don't be a heartless bitch who never made mistakes...she was a damn kid figuring this stuff out...she was smart to leave the creep. a ton of people don't. she took a huge risk and so what if it wasn't perfectly planned. when you are desperate you do whatever you have to...show some damn compassion..as for judge judy, well, she must be your mentor, sadly....why do people on youtube have to jump so cruelly down peoples throat???? WHY??
Very honest sounding guy.I used to sleep in our driveway now and again in our caravan after the nightshift as the family would break my sleep at around 9am.What I noticed was how the neighbours drove their cars .Some were good drivers and others were a pain in the ass .Particularly one woman who woke me up every time she turned the corner .The noise her tires made drove me nuts .Very hard on the vehicle.
I'm a grown woman who wants to, and eventually will, live in a van or little truck camper. I get what you're saying, but just know there are women out there who are totally fine with it.
wouldn't be much of a trade-off for me as I'm already lonely! in fact I would probably get into contact with more people by living in a van than i'm right now! LOL
Being homeless is not better than paying rent. granted he's not homeless but is making a life style choice. Unless you've lived it suck it up is usually not a good response.
writerconsidered I agree with you.i have a 1986 Chevy horizon camper van that I live in. and everything that he said is true.jes not complaining he's just being realistic and stating the facts.the pros and cons.
A few solutions that come to mind 1 Hearos earplugs are the best to keep noises out, they also seem to allow me to hear my alarm clock but if you are in a van I would suggest a noiseless light up alarm clock. 2 The food issue can be solved by paying attention to packaging, (you do not need bottled water) there are places where you can buy items from a bin that you use plastic bags and labels. and figuring out what items do not need refrigeration really helps. 3 the gas mileage and variety thing is solved by having a bicycle or better yet a small moped. You can just park the rig somewhere it will stay for weeks or months while your holding down a job and use 2 wheels to get around. Just being able to move the van twice a year to go to a warm place in winter and cool place in summer can be reason enough for doing the van living thing you don't have to drive your house every other day. Going to the laundrymat (near the university) is a good way to rub elbows with the ladies, or the guys if your so inclined. Here's a trick, pay for 2 energy drinks from the machine and then say to someone "oh hey the machine gave me two drinks, would you like to have one"? When she says "I saw you pay for two", you can accuse her of checking you out. Also just out of nowhere having a budgie as a caged pet would make the most sense, even if you wanted to park the van for a few weeks or months to travel abroad, a friend could take care of a caged bird way easier than a dog or cat.
hahaha, constant shifting of items, yup. I never thought I'd have to open my wardrobe to access my pots and pans. lol I totally agree with your list. Thumbs up!
I bought a Ram Passenger van and took out the seats, etc. Bought 4 contractor plastic bins about 18 inches high and put a hollow core door over them with a mattress on top. Worked just fine until I had to remember which box something was in. Now I am planning on replacing them with transparent bins and of course smaller ones also. I create FileMaker databases that can be use on computers, iPhones and iPads and one for recording where I store something is on my agenda. Where’s that darn spool of thread? Bin 7...
I originally wanted to build a van like this but once it clicked that "Oh wait, if it breaks down... I'm homeless." I decided that I would rather build something that I can disconnect from the main vehicle -- and potentially hitch up to a rental truck if need be. Not sure how great that idea is but if anyone is reading and has done that, I'd love it if you let me know if that worked out better -- or do you regret it?
peterpanmannnn Those are often sold, my family has had a few over the years. they're good for camping but if you are trying to live in it it'll have to fit in one parking space for anything in cities or towns.
How about a Smart Car,then carry a tent in it.When you are ready to sleep,...park,set up your tent,and drive the car inside.I think you can avoid a lot of fees and charges.It really doesn't take a huge tent to do this.
Check out the units that fit into a truck bed. Kinda small. But they have legs on them so you can raise them out of the bad and drive off or use another truck. For a larger size look for the 3/4 ton units. But stealth goes out the window but you can park in any spot your truck will fit.
You know what sucks, paying a mortgage payment, rent, home owners insurance, property taxes, water,sewer, garbage, replacing hot water heaters, washers, dryers, mowing the lawn, etc, etc, etc, that is what sucks sunny boy.
I've had to cough up that kind of money often with my old truck, always in for repairs, and it wasn't easy. But I'm paying $850 in rent...if I was living rent-free in my truck, wouldn't that be easy to pay for? I'm curious about this whole deal lol
As long as your working repairs are cheap. First vanning rule save money for the next one. Sometimes traveling gets in the way of money. A lot of people lose there van to not working. There's insurance every month, registration, phone bill "if you want it". Life cost money. Live happy.
+tamonettX500 - living in an RV or van RV with all the vents in it, is like having a big bullseye. Draws to much attention unless you live in an RV park. RV parks suck, because they will kick you out at the drop of a hat.
For the mail just have them allow you to pick it up there at the postal office; and the laundry, just do it in a small tub full of water and soap scrubbing on an old fashioned scrubbing board. And if you want set up a home base where you have some land and a shed trailer or cabin that is your settling down property for a while. You can use this to keep other necessities that can’t fit in the van.
This is why I'm going to be intermittent RVr in a van. I can't take the chance. I'll keep my apartment. But, my van will be there in case of emergency bug out. I've been by myself for the first time in 67 years for a whole year now and being alone can be a drag but it can also be joyous when you want to be left alone. But being a professional musician all my life and traveling throughout the United States in every kind of bus possible, I can sleep through anything. They did wake me up for the Statue of Liberty as I was going over the bridge!. Beautiful statue, City Lights, and the water was shiny.
I live in a 31ft RV and the minimal storage capacity is even a challenge for me. I've always considered downsizing even further and being even more mobile in a van. Thanks for the videos man and keep rockin' out the minimalist lifestyle! FYI: I pull my 31ft travel trailer with a 2002 Ford Excursion that has a V10 gas and I get 11.5mpg when I'm NOT pulling the trailer and about 8 when I'm pulling it, so you're doing pretty good!
Man, the only complaint I had was not really with living in one but just some lady. I was sleeping in a hotel parking lot and in the morning I woke up and was using my phone for a little bit. An employee from the hotel came out with another girl and she was just in an angry mood saying that I can't sleep there and when I replied with sorry she just got angrier. I guess it's a mindset. We all just have to stay positive and see the brighter side of things!
If you get a ups mailbox you can have your packages rerouted to any center while on the road. And laundry mats are in every town so you don't have to burden friends.
Also, if you're off the grid in the middle of nowhere, you can buy a Satellite Phone. Besides the original purchase of the phone it only costs money when calls are made (although it's expensive to call). That way you can keep it in case of an emergency and still contact the outside world. I've used them as emergency contacts when out on extended sailing trips. And though they might be expensive it's cheaper than your life...
Your mail can be delivered as "General Delivery" to any post office that is convenient for you. They generally don't like doing it for daily mail and say that it can only be done for a month but somebody at the post office where I did that when in between houses told me that some people do it for years and personally I did it for around 6 months. It's also good if you have specific parcels that you want delivered like some online purchase.
What a delightfully sincere and informative video - well done. I have a feeling that you'll find a way of addressing the 'negatives' you talk about. Keep up the good work.
Friend, I read that you can have packages derived to a UPS store and check into the post office about a PO Box. Laundry at a friends house is probably good company for a while but I am the very tidy type and I would find a laundry mate as often as I could. If you can lose the day job that would be good. Find work online. Sleeping is imperative to good health. I don't know how but you gotta find a quiet place and somehow make the sleeping environment, cool and fresh air with out loud fans happen. Maybe your Van Life would be better if you lived in another city and check out free wild camping in your state or any state. Best of luck to ya.
Maybe people are afraid you won't reciprocate. You know, they invited you to dinner at their house and you invite them to the Walmart. I'm just kidding. Noise would suck. Earplugs? Though you might be creeped out by not being able to hear. I would be on HIGH ALERT at all times. I'm sure your friends don't mind getting packages from you. Laundry: if you chip in for water or buy them a pizza now and then it would benefit everybody.
This brings up one question.. and that is the choice between a camper van ( class B) and an 18 to 21 foot Class C. The power train will be the same, and the gas consumption will be very similar.. but the space difference is huge ! Now the tin siding class C's are mostly CRAP.. and they leak. But there are some fiberglass class c's ( Chinook) which do not leak. There is a cost differential.. but often less than it should be considering how much more liveable they are. Less stealthy yes, ..but if you avoid going BIG.. and shoddy... better for full time living. The other choice is gas rather than diesel. which is a 50% difference in fuel use ( in the same machine).
Years later, I post this... A Refreshingly Honest Vlog about van living... re Security. The line between 'Paranoia' and 'Heightened Awareness' is a very fine one...
agreed i think finding a place to park at night is the biggest issue especially if you dont like campgrounds which i dont i prefer bush camping! if you are in the wilderness its not a problem but when u are where people are its not easy to find the right place but u learn as you drive!
You know, that part when you tell people you live in your motor home, it's so true, we had a guy come work with us, x fire fighter really nice guy parked his home in a pub car park, the deal was if you hear anything at night he phones the land lord and he gets to park for free, but I couldn't help noticing the strange comments from people, and remarks as they drove past his home, really don't understand,some people are so shallow it's sad.
booAHHHH I had a PO box in Florida without a physical address and UPS offers mail boxes that also count as real street addresses but they're more expensive than PO boxes.
I appreciate this video. A lot of people upload videos about how fun and exciting it is livin' out of a vehicle and honestly, it's not. I lived out of my car for three months in the late summer to early fall of 2016 and every day of it SUCKED. It was uncomfortable, cramp, annoying, and embarrassing. Yet all over TH-cam there are cutsie videos of how to live out of a car. I'm not saying it can't be fun and exciting, especially if you're traveling, but for the rest of us it's just a pain.
Yeah, I guess it all depends on WHY you're living in it. I was fine with it because it allowed me to have a certain level of freedom and it was awesome. If I lived in a vehicle against my will, I guarantee it would suck so bad.
you're only going tony house because you're lazy and don't work hard enough to make the money required to buy a nice house. stop lying to yourself and everyone else.
Noise. Traveling between Chicago and Wichita one year I spent a few nights in my car. Another (an a biggie) disrupted of sleep is men talking outside your vehicle. Have to wake up and move on down the road. About your mail. Check with the Post Office and see if they still have General Delivery. It's a service where you can pick up your mail at the Post Office. I haven't used it since the nineteen seventies so I don't know if it's still available but you can check and see.
I don't know if anyone else pointed this out or if you discovered it on your own by now but there are ups sites, storefronts you can have Amazon ship to.
Yeah my top one for agreement is sleep disturbances/getting used to sleeping environment, showering and laundry. Hope to get warranty for any potential repairs to engine or transmission. Thanks for your video legacy.
you're so right about everything and nothing beats a permanent home in a real building on firm ground really! but even that does have its own problems anyway ... now, most of the problems you mentioned regarding living in a van or RV do have their own solutions too ... for example, if you get stuck in the middle of nowhere because your vehicle's engine is down due to technical problems, well, that surely sucks but having a bike or ATV in the back of the car may be a good idea to help you out of the spot and bring back help ... yes, it's costly and even the bike or ATV may break down just as well, but if you can afford to pay for the costs of living in a van or RV, then you'd surely be able to tackle that problem too ... worst case scenario is you'd get to use your foot and hitch hike for example to get to the nearest place in civilization ... buying food and grocery multiple times a week is certainly a no-no if you live in a regular house, but now that you have to do it because you live in an RV, then look at the bright side: you're having more 'fresh' food than the average guy! ;-) noise? then come live in my small apartment that is situated right in the middle of a suburban area that is actually turned into urban for a long time now and a super busy highway with so many cars starting at 5am is only ten minutes walk to my East side plus a busy railway station even closer at five minutes walk to my West, with trains honking that super loud nasty "child-maker" horn of theirs at least several times a day starting at 2am! did i mention the airplanes passing by overhead at very close distance every ten minutes or so, especially in daytime? wooh! all i need now would be a busy harbor with large ships passing by every few minutes, adding their own 'horny' tunes to the mix! :D what i am getting at is, again, yes, you're right about all the negative sides of living under your present circumstances, but most people living in apartments or single houses do also suffer from similar or worse cases ... good luck anyway and hope you'll be able to make it the way your find best ASAP!
Great job. Many long timers keep an old school CB radio and a satellite phone is a newer option just may take awhile to save up for. For vehicle emergency or personal safety.
Honestly i havnt done it yet. Though in my opinion i think these people that are doing it. Traveling, hiking, photography, adventure ect. These people are the ones actually living!! I do miss the big guy though.... gone to soon...
"Van life is also bad for relationships too, sigh...whatever". Lmao. That was awesome. It was very honest and it takes balls to do what you're doing. Keep up the good work and stay real.
The sad part about all these videos is the fact that the baby boomers (our parents) had such an easier time just getting a real job fresh out of college (or really, just high school) with financial security that living like this wasn't even remotely necessary. Cool video though.
You think everyone doing this is doing so because of financial insecurity? Dude... there is a HUGE ass movement of people who just don't want the hamster wheel.... tied to a job just to pay a mortgage on a house way bigger than any of us need. I have owned a huge home in coastal maine... I have lived in silicon valley... I could have all that, but I don't want it. I don't earn a lot now, but not because I cant. I don't because I prefer to be out there living... I see no reason to slave for 40yrs just to try to enjoy the last 20
I would have to politely disagree, but only based on what I know my babyboomer parents went through to get a mortgage at 12% interest during the 80s, working their asses off, only going out to dinner on very special occasions, driving old beat up vehicles, etc. - that's the household I grew up in. With all those baby boomers fresh out of college, there was a TON of competition for decent jobs, and even crappy jobs. Employers had their pick of the litter. The tables have sure turned though. Especially if you know a trade or are willing to learn.
I don't agree. My uncle with his engineering degree had no problem getting a job with a major defense company, which he had for 40 years (!) The 12% interest that he paid for two big homes in SoCal was a piece of cake. He spent his working life without applying once for an other job, and health insurance (real health insurance!) for the whole family though his job was the most natural thing. For him and his generation, the idea of living in a van would have been mental.
a lot of people have a lack of space in their van cause of all mods, furnitures and stuff they put in there. Cause normally, a van is perfect for carrying lots of stuff.
use a work van front divider with a door in the middle. lol, in winter frost builds on lower window part and moisture on top. Yes, stealth is key. A work van with no windows in back is better, or paint over windows. Also crack the front windows alittle for ventilation.
i am alone 90% of the time at home and only slightly less at work i am not lonely at all. i have a few good friends and am happy being around ppl but i can be just as happy on my own,and have done it for more yrs than you have been alive.this isnt a critique,just a heads up that there are quite a few ppl out there that have no problem with the alone thing.i hope that part of van life for you improves,either by learning to be happy alone or finding a partner to travel with you.good luck
Thanks for the comment! I was just pointing out that it can get lonesome in the van all the time. I don't mind it myself, but it's a factor for sure. I'd say overall, I abosolutely love this lifestyle. I have another video where I point out on the pro's if you haven't seen that one. th-cam.com/video/IGxUwWiarzs/w-d-xo.html
Re: mail, you can get an address at the UPS store, I understand, in the States.. Also, over Amazon, in Europe, there are drop locations that will receive your order and you just go pick it up. There are lockers at the mall, or a small store, etc...also, there are stores that will take delivery for you, too, like the sporting goods store, Decathlon.
Laundromat: ever heard of it? You seemed very unorganized. If you are not simplistic it's not going to work of course. Please don't let people like these discourage you.
Can you pick up your mail directly at post office? Here in Europe you can even have personal mailbox at the post office. Laundry is easiest part, do your laundry manualy, with your hands ;) Done it 100s of times. One more thing, get rid of shower and put bigger fridge/freezer there, get rid of little one and voila now you got even more space. If you dont want a fridge in your WC put a wall in the midle of it and remove the wall next to your living space.
If your in a remote spot you can subscribe to AAA service. Best case is to have at least 2000.00 just sitting around for emergencies. Also get to know your quiet spots around the current town to go in.
Let me add one to the list of (big) cons: It's hard to get laid when you live in your van "Hey baby, wanna come back to my '95 Dodge minivan for a hot dog?" Lol, nah I'm good.
Thanks for making the video. All I’ve been hearing on TH-cam is how great van life is. Many pros no doubt. But you’re right on the spot about the con. Many of us just don’t realize there are basic necessity in life. Shower, clean cloth, safe/quiet living and power. Oh, yes, a girlfriend lol. Good truth video about van life. Thanks.
post office, general delivery. Google it get mail and packages delivered to a near by post office. And when you travel you can just switch post offices
Thanks for the feedback about the difficulties. Boat Galley is a guide site about food and storage for boats (also small space) and Backpacking Chef is good for recipes (going to dry food with the dehydrator and cook it in the thermos). Like the set up with the doors for the bathroom.
FYI the transmissions go bad in these because of the added RV conversion weight. If rebuilding use heavy duty / racing components for better reliability. ALWAYS keep that in mind.
bc1969214 That would be my first upgrade. I'd assume even if they did add a cooler it would be a small one. Trans coolers are cheap, even the big ones.
Gallons would be cheaper. You might also consider a 5 gallon refillable with a hand pump on top. A Nalgene bottle and something like this seems ideal to me. www.ebay.com/itm/like/191788235671?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true
90% of all bottled water has plastic in it because the bottle is made of cheap plastic.And no doubt any drink that comes in a plastic bottle will have plastic.Canned drinks have plastic bpa liners that break down. Check out Platypus water bottles.They are pliable,cheap and amazing.
@@zizzerzizzerzuz1154 That's a good idea. I hadn't seen the 5 gallon jugs with pumps until now - but then, I hadn't looked. :-) Wonder if the OP got one. I stay in my small RV for months at a time, and I usually have hookups, but I do buy gallon jugs of water for drinking and just in case something goes wrong.
Local Wax-Mart has both 3 and 5 gallon water jugs and a separate pump $20 that will fit both. I carry a PUR filter pitcher for when water is questionable. I also get free filtered water at McDonald's when I stop for coffee. Whole Foods and some grocery stores also sell filtered water for your own container for less than 50 cents a gallon (38 cents in NOLA).
I've lived in my van and it's not bad at all, once you figure out where to find essential services (showers, laundry, safe overnight parking, etc...) and develop a regular routine. Don't get me wrong. It's not a romantic or glamorous lifestyle and a real home is always preferable, but if you're down on your luck or doing a road trip on the cheap, it's fine. Beats sleeping on the dirt...
UPDATE: It's been over two years since I made this video. I've long sold the van, my face is less fat, I have a girlfriend now and I'm living a really healthy life. I don't have any regrets about the experience I had in the van. It was incredible overall. Even with the seeming negatives. I definitely plan on buying a vacation van in the future, but that might be awhile. In the upcoming, I'm focusing on my job here in Chicago, professional photography and videography. Hope you're all well! Look me up on Instagram if you'd like to see what's going on in my life as of late. Also, I will be uploading to my channel here more frequently coming up. Later!
What happened? Why the change? You said fingers crossed, has anything odd happened to you since then? Also, whats the best places to park in your opinion. Im looking to start living in a van real soon and would like some tips.
Thanks for the update! What made you decide to sell the van?
Informative video! Especially about the mail! Thanks for the update!
Van life should have a start point and importantly an end point,otherwise it becomes a meaningless lonely experience. For me 3 to 6 months tops and you can enjoy the trip.As time goes on the negatives out number the positives (and it stops you becoming a lonely weirdo)
13mpg?! Jesus dude, even a semi, pulling a 53’ fully loaded trailer gets 7mpg.
My friend...Welcome to your Life there's no turning back ! It's not about the van. It's about the JOURNEY! Embrace the Journey and the challenges!
Nope, pretty sure it's about the VAN. You can visit all sorts of different places around the USA and World without a van and still live in a house that is your Home.
Correct the van enables your travel effort! However, your overall experience is about the memories, people and enriching moments ALONG the way !
Yeah, but you sure as hell can't do it for 1/2 as long or have 1/2 as much fun! My house literally sucked the life outta' me and I couldn't go anywhere for more than a few days a year! THAT SUCKED!!! Now I stay in Key West for 2 months every year in my van!!!!!!
Sean, let me say what I mean this way ! The van is a method to enjoy life. And I agree with what you say about the house etc! My point is the JOURNEY / what happens between point A and point B is where the feelings of gratitude come from ! Best to you !
I'm just beginning Thank you for you comment 😀 my thoughts exactly. Can't wait its also about. FREEDOM !
Hey, there is only one BIG reason.
Simple.......living in a van it is not for you.
Uh no. There can be pros and cons to everything. Nothing is perfect.
Big time agree with you. More than half his reasons against van living are things that anyone who either is slightly more experienced with van living, or at least willing to think outside the box could easily solve. Some don't even seem like problems at all, but features built into van life.
Haus: you have given a realistic and concise version of van living and working as a young American. I did this in circa 1978 in a 1969 E100 Ford Van with shag walls and a plywood base bed n mattress on pulleys with my RD350 motorcycle tucked to the wall side. Cooked on a pump up Coleman stove, cooled with Ice in a cooler and one gallon water jugs kept me hydrated. I’d bathe in streams, eat fresh caught fish and grocery veggies. Had to use bathrooms either outside with my shovel, or stop in any type store and use theirs. This 38 year throw-back memory is brought to the front of my bank by your Vid. Great for the last years of my life to recall. Oh, gas was .79 per gallon and the van would get 20mpg. as it was a straight 260 CDI Six cylinder. Tough time climbing the 12k Colorado mountains, but sure was economical on the straights.
For loneliness, GET A DOG!!!! Since I got my rescue dog, loneliness has all but disappeared! You'd be amazed at the company a dog is. They listen to you - both to your spoken word AND your unspoken words. They sense your needs and do their very best to give you what you need!!! Good luck to you!!!
I really need to! One way or another I'm going to get one soon.
Susan Porter I agree. I live alone with a dog and I can identify two of the best choices I've ever made in my life, getting a dog and moving out by myself.
A dog would destroy that RV.
I love RV's but they are not as sturdy as a house.
That would be a pretty small space for the dog to be in while you were at work.
In the summer it would be too hot.
Susan Porter some people dont like pets, like me!
I'm gonna live in a van with 2 dogs. I'll be too busy to be lonely!!
As a commercial long haul driver, I find all of these things to be a part of daily life. Showers, laundry, parking, and other amenities can be found almost anywhere in the US at most truck stops and travel centers- Not all truck stops and travel centers are created equal, but believe me, if you're fortunate to have a TA, Petro, Pilot, Flying J near you, you're more than set.
I agree, however . . . I've been to several truck stops that will not cater to RV owners or the general public. I've literally been turned away when I've gone in to use showers or laundry before because the truck stop had a "trucker only" policy. That sucks...
Spent a year driving truck full time, luckily there was usually a loves on most of my routes I took it's always great to pull over and take a shower at 3am and take a shower grab some coffee and hop right back on the road feeling clean and awake
Chris C , Yup...same thing happened to me as I walked towards the shower area and they weren't too polite about saying it's only with truckers! Pretty shitty because frankly I drop probably at least $100 in fuel and DEP for the diesel RV.
Been driving for many years. I have never been asked if I drive a truck. Maybe get your fuel after shower, if that's how they know.
I ran into that, too, down in Arizona and Utah. They wanted me to show them a CDL, which I did not have because driving an RV only requires a regular DL. All I wanted to do was use the showers.
BIG issues happen in a brick and mortar. You just have to save for mishaps. I rather pay 12 MPH than $2000 in rent
"pay 12 MPH" What?
@@logmeindangit you know he means 12 miles per gallon, you just wanted to type something
@@stackingmoney4623, that was just the tip of the iceberg. The guy typed like a broken-English cave grunter. "I rather pay..." I had to go back and read it slowly to figure out what he meant in that sentence, because it was just weird. You could get the basics of the either/or choice, but who pays MPH or MPG? you pay MONEY. And his first two sentences, while he is correct, don't begin to address the other financial aspects of the difference between home OWNERSHIP (not just rental) and living in a vehicle. In a vehicle, you could have an accident, one that damages, disables or destroys it. There goes your home on wheels.
There are risks with any investment, and with any form of shelter. Sure, if all things go well, your out-of-pocket could be far less living in an RV, but there are comfort trade-offs, too.
I wasn't trying to be a dick, it's just that when people post a comment, they are motivated to communicate. When they do a crappy job of it, it makes the effort seem so half-assed and pointless. Shame on me for giving a shit. I just like to understand, and it kind-of chaps my ass when I read barbaric comments like the one by "RVing Live The Dream."
People, please proofread before posting, and even after you post, if they will let you edit, go back and fix the typos and things that don't make sense. Thank you all in advance!
Stacking Money, it was more like "RVing Live The Dream" was the one who just wanted to type something.
That said, I would love to try RVing, but am chicken, or find excuses not to. " Too much planning, I'm sure to forget something and have to go back, what will happen to the house while I'm gone, what about mail piling up, watering plants, setting lights on timers, do I buy and install security cameras, what about leaving food in the fridge, and more. So I decide it's too daunting, and settle back with a beer and the remote, or do other stuff around the house. I did a 6-week cross-country road trip decades ago, 12,000 miles of fun and seeing sights, but have only done 3-5-day road-trips since then.
Peace, out.
@Dolphins And Whales - Thanks for the typo pointer! I fixed it. As far as dreams and adventures go, I hear ya! I have been living the dream as much as I could my whole life, when not working at jobs I loved. I even retired for 3-4 years in my late 30s, and traveled, kicked back, went where I wanted when I wanted, boating, water-skiing, hang gliding, motorcycling, bicycling, 4x4ing in the mountains, camping and more. It was a total BLAST having all that retired fun when I was still young enough to really REALLY get a lot out of it!
I have ridden motorcycles since I was a teenager, and love it. When I was 30 I started hang gliding, taught myself how, and did that for over 30 years! Been 2 miles up, gone "cross country," (dozens of miles out) and back, had flights lasting over four hours, even circled in a thermal out in the forest, up in the sky, no-one else around, with a huge bald eagle. We went around and around together on opposite sides of a tight circle (about 50 feet apart, tops) as we both cored the thermal, climbing higher in the warmer rising air. It was amazing.
Now I'm almost 1 year into "senior citizen" retirement, and loving it! Still have toys, and use most of them. At 68, I motorcycle, kayak, bicycle or just kick back in a recliner and Netflix it. I just don't play as hard as I did in retirement #1.
I wish you the same kind of happiness, whatever you do! "A life not lived," as they say...
You mean 12MPG
Thanks for the tips. Helps me to see that extra thought and planning is important. So I went through your list and tried to think of simple ways to solve each problem.
1. Lack of space- I am a clean freak and have to put everything right back soon if not immediately after I use it. 2. Things go wrong- I have an emergency credit card I keep for this problem. I can get the mechanical work I need done and rent a van while it is. I know I would not have everything I need but I would still have a roof over my head. 3. Gas mileage- That's why I went with a four cylinder Ford Transit connect. It gets on good days almost 22 mpg, and 19 on my worst days. 4. Lonely- I am kind of a loner personality already, but I do find that in every town finding a good well balanced church to attend is helpful. You can hook up with good decent people who are not judgmental (some are) and make friends pretty quickly there. If nothing else it will give you some place to be on Sundays and Wednesdays where you can interact with people. Maybe just make a friend to invite out for a meal afterwards. 5. Parking- fitting in with other similar vehicles is a help. A lot of times an industrial area where businesses are closed is good because there's no traffic at night. If you are all ready for bed for the night and you just pull in shut down and sleep and then drive away early to go make breakfast somewhere else no one will mess with you. That of course would take care of the number 6 problem. Parking is one of those hit or miss kind of things. 7. Being settled- One helpful thing is to have a routine and stick to it no matter where you are. It helps you feel settled in yourself no matter where you are. You know...wake up, make your bed, start some coffee, use the head, have some breakfast, clean up dishes etc, wash face and brush teeth etc, get dressed. Have routines and stick to them. 8. Variety- Even though you have routines to stick to, break it up with different outside activities. Go biking, skating, or jogging etc. You don't have to spend money to entertain yourself. 9. Showers and shopping- This is when a routine really pays off. Hit the store on your way home from work and pick up only a small amount. Enough to get you through a day or two if your going to be off work. Physically you can't store a week's supplies of food. Keep a list of what you are out of so you don't wonder around in the store for hours. Try to keep it down to a 15 minute trip or less. Hit the shower after that and then settle in for your evening routines before you move to your favorite sleeping spots. 10. Laundry and mail- The laundry is always going to be a little annoying. No way around it really. Just have to have a laundry day somewhere each week. The mail thing can easily be fixed for only around 70 to 90 bucks a year. Rent a "private mail box." Not a p.o. box, but a private mail box. There's one's like "Anytime Mailbox" where you can have an actual real address to have things mailed which require a real address, and have packages shipped there. If you move to another town, no problem, most of these services have locations in every major town. They will have your mail forwarded to the new town your in.
Excellent suggestions. A lot are good for life in general. Thanks for sharing.
@@blackmanops3749 look into general delivery @ the usps... believe it's free
Many of your top 10 reasons are WHY I'm NOT a FULL-timer. I have a Cargo Van, the cargo area has been fully insulated with 2.5" of polyiso & has shelving/compartments for my "stuff", which is just right for me for 3-5 days/nights, year round. AFTER 4 days/nights, I'm ready to return home, enjoy a nice long hot shower & the other amenities of home base. I'm 72, 5'5" & 125# & retired.
For my frequent, short trips, my van is a 5 Star Motel & I'm always the honored guest & my accommodations are always available anytime, anyplace; a 5 Star Restaurant & I'm always the honored guest with the best table in the house; I always have a bathroom that's never occupied & is always fully stocked; it's always provided me with shelter from the storm. What more can anyone ask of a vehicle?
If I were you, I'd be spending more time in it rather than when ever I'm bored. It sounds like a nice setup that you never use. If you're retired, you could be seeing the country more and trying out different restaurants that get shown on Travel Channel and Divers, Drive-ins, and Dives. But you'd rather stay at home and stay huddled in your dark cave like a hermit crab. Very sad to waste away when most people who don't have a retirement would kill for that life.
Power to you, Sir. Living life on your own terms, living the dream that's right for YOU. You can't ask for more!
Regarding your mail. 1. get a mail box 2. regarding your grocery shopping: go every 2 or 3rd day. 3. noise: get ear plugs. Have a great night and don't buy plastic water bottles. Try to get a jug to hold water or canteen.
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, all very sound advice that I'm starting to understand. :)
My feeling is you could also substitute living alone in a van to living in a small apartment in a big city. While there's some adventure - lifes better when it can be shared with someone else.
Noise? Look on the bright side. One day you will be my age and you won't hear it so well.
Touche. :D
i sleep with earbuds on, the type that stops sound, not the type with music on. Ive done it for about 3 years now and i love it. I cant hear anything :P. Just keep the van locked incase someone tries to enter.
Parking with Foalhaus I like in a house and I still put some white noise. If the fan or AC is not on,
Lt. Static of those are not on, I just find on TH-cam
Jean on the Road
I just retired from the the air force after 26 years.I'm looking at class c right now.I love your channel.I'm learning more an more from you.Keep making them brother.
Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm going to try to get more videos up about specifics in the van, but my channel is also focused on travel and exploration. Thanks for the sub and good luck finding your class c!
I was always tense while sleeping that someone would; pound on my window (rare but did happen), break in (never happened), accidentally ram my vehicle (never happened), tow my vehicle away with me in it! (never happened). Even though most of these never happened... the stress was real and I got tired of it.
I had that for a little bit, but if you go to areas you are comfortable in, that stress eventually goes away.
Parking with Foalhaus
I don't agree. I think there is an undercurrent of stress that never goes away.
The Force protects me and anyone touching my vehicle is instantly thrown 50 feet away. The buzz of my light saber...
A 1911 under your pillow helps a lot.
Agent 86 out
why were you in urban areas? That seems weird to me
Extra storage idea.........cargo tray that fits into hitch, very strong totes that stack, latch and have a way to strap to cargo tray ( sears sells these, I have eight) .....I carry my art/craft supplies, my sewing machine, my extra food staples and extra cooking utensils, seasonal clothes, off grid survival items, and survival books......... Just in case you have not checked out these spots to park a camper van, NOT a huge RV.....if you travel interstates, welcome centers, road side parks ( to catch a nap not 24 hours) Museum and Historical site parking, Church parking lots and open gate cemeteries ( you can usually get permission to park churches by just asking as most have a parking lot or area that is suitable ....and if you let the county sheriff's office or local police know where and who you are and what you are doing ( taking pictures of and exploring the area) and only parking a few days taking a break from the road as you pass thru, most are pretty nice, and if they do not want you in a certain place they can direct you to somewhere ,................. also check out freecampsites.net, boondockers welcome, harvest hosts, (.on facebook,) and RvVillage is a great site to help you connect( if you want to ) with others with same style rig or lifestyle as well as Rv parks all across the nation if you want to park for a long period of time and be "on grid" with water and electricity.....when you google van living you will find some who have been doing this for 20 years or more and their advice on mail, state of residence, etc is awesome.
Thanks very much for posting this, Sandra.
This brings back memories 50+ years ago when we owned a van,had 3 kids under the age of 3, and traveled and camped very cheap. We just threw a full size mattress in van, cooked on camp fire outside, and husband would hunt deer,turkey,squirrels, turtles etc. But we had full time jobs and went on week ends. Called "roughing it " back then..
I suggest you buy a packet of Hearo's ear plugs to solve your issues with sleeping. They are the best damn ear plugs on the market hands down.
Knuckle_Bump that or be like me hearing impaired that does the trick for me
Lol
Ear plugs? No no, then you can't hear the public outside the van talking about you the vagabond inside while falling asleep. Or someone knocking.
+Tmac Kjr --Do you mean the awesome hecklers who talk loudly next to your rig to make you feel nice and fuzzy? 🙃
imagine that ..human's being a pain in the ass !! no shit
That comment was "circus" funny. Clown. Diarrhea of the mouth...*sigh* but you can't help yourself. Carry on.
Amazon has "Amazon Lockers" all over that you can send your stuff to too, if you don't have a friend where you are. Interesting video, thanks!
Yeah, I'm going to try it out.
Amazon only holds the stuff in the Locker fir 2-3 days
Store delivery for many. Amazon is not only etailer.
I once considered living in a van when i was going to university and wanted to save money. However, parking was the biggest issue since I was going to university (Victoria BC) that really monitors its parking spaces. In retrospect, I wish I'd toughed it out and tried it since I think you learn valuable life skills in the process. You become very minimalistic and learn how to live simplistically. These days, I rent a house and I just want to fill it up with stuff.
All very good insights. :)
Consistently Random Renting a house and having to fill it up with stuff is exactly my reason for working towards an rv lifestyle. There is no need for all that stuff in my life.
You don't really learn to live simplistically. Living in a VAN is Adapting to your small place but it doesn't change anything. If you go back to house living, you'll enjoy all the old amenities, nice bathroom, nice kitchen, nicely stocked fridge and cabinets, nice place to park your car, and a nice pillow top queen size bed with amazing silk sheets. Life lesson? I don't think so more of a intermediate between the real world and a part time fantasy that eventually wears thin.
I know you are lazy like me...READ along 😎
1. less space
2. vehicle mechanical problems
3. hi-fuel consumption
4. lonliness
5. finding parking spot
6. hard to sleep (summer/winter)
7. surroundings keep changing
8. lack of variety
9. kitchen and shower limits
10. laundry and mail issues
honest guy . . . video well done
I just wanted to hug you.....so you didn't feel lonely . I am a 60 year old grandmother But I could see how lonely you were ! I could see it in your eyes, I am glad you had this adventure in the van. Thank you for sharing. Happy you have the life you see for yourself!
"Bad for relationships..."
Say no more.
I have a 2002 Dodge Roadtrek and talked to other people with Dodges that had rear end problems. Mainly every 25K miles you need to change the transverse fluid with the additive. I recently retired and went on a three-week road trip to national parks and up to Jasper in Canada. A cat and a dog kept me company. The dog will bark at intruders; so I use earplugs. At Glacier NP, I got a No Bus message by the odometer. But AAA towed for free, and I had to spend two nights in Kalispell waiting for a $1,000 control unit from Dodge. A laundromat had good WiFi for uploading my videos. Also, if you get stuck in Park, I went through three mechanics before finding a TH-cam video showing how to jiggle the linkage in the steering column. But that happened in my driveway. And I have two houses; my mom's old house where I can have my own kitchen, and the other where my my wife stays. (She's not a happy camper.) I got the shower down to a routine; and actually prefer it when visiting relatives, because all my stuff is right there. Just do a "Navy shower" and wipe down the curtain with towel and hang up towels on stretched bungee cords overnight. If you're ever in Anza-Borrego and see a sign that says SOFT SAND, immediately stop and back up. I had no cell service and a passerby did and a tow truck came a long ways and was afraid of getting stuck himself, but winched it up and out of the sand. See my videos by putting my name, Paul Emus, in the TH-cam search bar....
Thanks for the comment! I'll check it out! Good advice.
The real problem is that its a dodge. The american fiat. Especially transmissions.
Thanks for this perspective. I'm getting ready to do some of my own so I'm going to add some solution to your problems which are good problems, however they can be remedied in many many ways for instance you could take a shower in your clothes and hang them out to dry while you're at work inside your vehicle if weather permits. A lot of people in Europe wear silk underwear because it is so quick to dry. It is not so easy to find on the internet though you have to search through China. It's one of the highest quality items China produces. The thing about silk undergarments is, you don't have to wash your outerwear as often.
You are very lucky to have a shower in your vehicle so you have the option of taking one and using the gym is always Prime.
The last time I was at Van lover I loved the fact that if there was no eyes wherever I was I just hop in my front seat and drive away from it.
As a woman I love to shop so I never lack variety and I learn where my money goes the farthest for the best deal. It's like a full-on hobby for me and my friends act like I'm a pro at it so they're always asking me where to get the best value for their cheese(bread,$).
You are all so lucky to have a propane fridge if you don't mind a piece of advice...freeze your waters and put them in a ice chest. That will free up a lot of the room in your refrigerator underwater cam behalf thawed & when you drink it, well, I happen to think it's the best. It takes a little bit of planning but it's cool because you can have your ice chest with your frozen water right next to your bed and at night you don't even have to get out of bed to have a nice cold drink.
My list of problems is very small my list of solutions is huge and that is why I'm going to start my own.
I do think it's very important to note the drawbacks for people though because everyone is so different in their needs and wants and their half to's and can live without's.
To coin a phrase,
Keep On Rockin in the Free World
( as long as you like and hopefully that is never longer than you like)
Thanks for the comment! Good advice for sure. :) I typically shower at the gym so as to avoid getting my van all wet. Not really a big fan of the lack of space and all the annoying crap that entails.
gas is pretty cheap now, however, I can remember when gas was less than 25 cents a gallon
How old are you?! :)
older than I would like to be, but hoping that I live to be much older. haha
I just turned 69. It was around 1968. back then there were service stations on every corner and we had gas wars. they would lower their prices down so they could beat the competitors price down the street. Sometimes it would go as low as 18 cents. oh the good old days haha
The good old days!
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Parking with Foalhaus what do you mea the good old days, you look 25 years old. lol
I just tried Amazon's locker delivery service. Picked up my package at this Nob Hill Foods. It worked awesome!
I'm going to give that a try very soon. Thanks!
Huge advice!
Install some little security cameras outside with the ability to get a live feed. That way if you hear a knock on your door or window, you don't need to open it or go outside if you hear something scurrying around.
Second bit of advice, get a concealed carry permit and carry a gun. A lot of people think people that have an RV have money. Even little class Bs. On top of that, depending on where you are, there may be the risk of bears busting into your RV while you sleep because they smell food. I recommend a good 357 Magnum revolver for anything up to black bear in size. Revolvers are generally better for travelers because they have more load variance and have low capacity so they will never be effected by any new gun laws. (Use 125 grain hollow point rounds for defense against muggers and 158-180 grain hardcast semi-wadcutters for anything bigger than a cougar) Unless you live in grizzly territory. In that case, get a 12 gauge shotgun and load it with Magnum slugs. they will hurt like hell to shoot, but a bruised shoulder is nothing compared to what a big bear can do to you.
Hahaha I have all these steps considered. I love your knowledge on guns. I love guns.
Foalhaus hahah I was thinking that about being strapped hahah...but I was laughing at how OVER IT YOU SEEM in your video LOL.. But I can tell u still down for the ride 🙌. IM weighing my options aswell on what kind of off grid type of situation I want.
Teddy Lowe Totally agree with you. I'm now learning how to shoot and after that I will take the license to have a gun. I also took a class at local judo course. Self defense is a must if you choose a van life, especially if you travel alone.
snowyconfession to be good at hand to hand it takes at least 5 years of training a couple classes will only give you enough confidence to stay and fight back that will get you hurt or killed just try to get out of the situation escape and live i dont know how many black belts I've seen get tje crap stomped out of them because they put faith into mediocre skills and crap teachers ive studied and taught martial arts for over 30 years and the first thing i tell students is the best thing you can do in a situation is leave always a sycophantic on drugs can take 5 shots dead center and still do amazing things they dont feel pain and will fight until dead.
William Buck Yup, I know about it. My instructor also said the same thing. Well, my plan wouldn't start for the next several years anyway. Me and my husband still nedd to secure our financial source first, and it need at least 4 years to do that.
Well, here's one thing. Ever consider trucking? Living in a van seems somewhat similar to trucking, except you work right there in your home. You wake up, shit, shower and shave or whatever, then head over to the office aka the cab and start driving. Except, you don't have to worry about where to park. You park at a truck stop or a rest stop. Or sometimes at where you're delivering to. You can shower whenever at the truck stop. Unless you're the type that showers everyday without fail and if you are, why are you living in a van or truck, then you should have plenty of showers saved up on your Pilot card or wherever. You get to see the country more or less. Most of it just passes you by though. You can get some time to explore if that's your thing though. It's not for everyone but I loved it. It just suited my personality. I have obligations now but I'd go back to it in a second. It's a pretty stress free lifestyle. You can take off in a hotel or stay with a friend. If you have a girl with you, it's better obviously.
Also, why no P.O. box? I'd think that would be one of the first things you'd get.
+parking with foalhaus I just spent 9 months traveling around the country in a 26' class C solo. I hit 38 states and went into Canada driving over 18,000 miles. Spent time in RV parks both private and public but also Walmart parking lots while transiting. Your top 10 was spot on even for me. I would like to recommend an app that I couldn't have done the trip without: AllStays Camp & RV. If I remember it cost me $10 but proved to be invaluable. Its an amazing app for anyone who RVs. Anything you need this app will tell you where its at and it filterable. Overnight parking to include Walmarts, rest stops and casinos that allow free overnights, dump sites, propane, all pay to camp locations, cabbalas, bass pro shops, costco, REI, camping worlds, height limits, all truck stops and more. Its amazing. Enjoy the journey!
Thanks for that! That's amazing I'll check out the app for sure!
Nice share - thanks. I'm about to hit the road forever and it's nice to get a reality check before I do that.
Not sure if you know this or someone commented before...You can have packages sent to a local post office under GENERAL DELIVERY. Just track your shipment and go to the post office counter and say you have a general delivery and have your ID ready.
Hmm, I'll keep that in mind! Thanks!
Yeah pretty simple...have the address as GENERAL DELIVERY (IN CAPS)
[Your Name]
[Post office street address]
My Post office said that they usually hold a package for 30 days before sending it back if no one claims
Take your van to a farm and be a Hand. Lots of variety, stationary for a month or season, growing in knowledge save and earn dollars and you might be near National Forest/Parks areas being in the country for short visits on days off, your sleep will be peaceful, your space will be beautiful. If timed right you could be a seasonal worker up North to down South after you get a little experience and name for yourself, you will become a Farmers best friend and have freedom, fun, health and fellowship/family.
Haha, interesting suggestion but I work in technology! :D Thanks regardless.
good field. If you ever change your mind, it can be done. I just started as a basic farm hand this year. age 41. I'm quickly adding skills and making connections. Follow your bliss. Thanks for the vid.
+Bryan M How does one find jobs like these?
It has been a life long interest so I have found a way to get nearer to it for a long time. I could have gotten this work much sooner if I was clearer and confident. What I have found is confidence produces more clarity. More action/solution leads to building confidence and the steps will become clearer. In my case, insane pain built up for so long before I became "ready" more aggressive. So take any and all steps that leads to farm world. Drive into the country, buy foods from farmers (stands, CSA memberships, direct sales (I love raw milk), subscribe to ACRES magazine for brilliant information, go to farm shows, conventions. Look for farms that have tourism, seeking volunteer help, perhaps internships. You could take a chance with Craigslist. I was about to apply for a farm-hand job but didn't have skid-steer experience or much of any experience, so I just went to go visit my friends farm where he works as a herdsman. That farm manager there turned out to be so awesome and gave me carte blanche to learn. I got skid-stear practice 2nd day there and have been here ever since. I'm currently working minimum wage as a seasonal worker so I am focused on building skills, connections, (remember Fun) so that I can get hired on with promotion/contract. Be grateful and just know that manure, dirt, insects, hay dust in your skin or poison ivy working for milk and eggs is better than a good day with traffic, city life, office cubicles. (I shouldn't knock anything, a beautiful life can be found anywhere, I just decided that country knowledge/living was the most suitable for me at this time.) BECOME VALUABLE and that will Speak loudly, it also shows that you are motivated with ambition. I work with dairy cows +. I don't exactly want to work with cows, but I love getting free Raw milk and I am adding to my skill set. Plus I keep looking for different jobs on the farm that I do like and volunteering to do them. Right now, operating any machine there and soil/nutrition improvement is my focus. So follow your interest with any area of life, from small to big and if it delights you keep doing it as a discipline until you build up Confidence and Clarity for the next step. You will make "mistakes" but just be honest and endeavor to improve and find the next step. Remember to take care of yourself. You must be a good husband to yourself before you can to animals and plants. If someone shines to you, then shine back and be curious and willing to help them in any way. If you don't with another, just work hard (self motivated) and find ways to be of use to them. Remember that you have other goals, dreams, hobbies. Find a way to keep at them. I have to say that working on a farm doesn't really feel like work with all the rewards. Doing a repetitive uninspiring job in a place you don't like is a JOB! If you aren't knee deep in country/farm life, look for a farm that offers tourism to work on, even if you start volunteering. It is a nice transition, compared to a hard-scramble threadbare staffed operation far from "civilization". If you have more questions about anything you can contact me at raison_d_etre@mail.com or just let me know how it is going. Peace, brother.
Bryan
LOL you are not within 1000 miles of our southwest border.
wow, a breath of fresh air...finally! Too many of the van dweller videos on YT have serious value conflicts, are fake, and/or don't address the real issues. This guy is smart, articulate, AND has a JOB!
Thanks. :) And I never want to be like alot of other vandwellers who only talk about their van and are obsessed with it. Boring!
if you pass through southern oregon and need a safe place to park gimme a growl.
Just an FYI, It's been a couple of months since I've made this video and I have learned ALOT since then about van dwelling. I have made multiple videos of insight about what I've learned along the way, so check them out!
Excellent... we are going to try this up in Canada. cold here though. th-cam.com/video/FJthBpXG4CM/w-d-xo.html
Foalhaus you can get the Amazon deliveries sent to a 7/11 store drop box. That option is available at the check out cart when ordering from Amazon. 2nd, with the space issue, if you have the money I recommend that you tear down all that bulky space hogging stuff like the bathroom, etc and build seating areas with a lift up lid on the chair to store stuff inside the chairs. Just get plywood, foam, stretchable fabric, wood stapler and piano hinges. Then relocate your current bathroom to the back of the van and add cheap PVC pipes to attach the shower pipes to the back. Also, you can buy cheap long rectangle van windows at the junk yard and put them high up on the side walls of the van or just cut out your current windows and put them higher and cover the old window holes with metal. That way the heat vents up and out of the van easier. But, also because having windows high give a real cool lit appearance during the day giving the impression of sky lights. As far as the kitchen is concerned, I would get rid of it because it takes a lot of space in a small van and just build a semi round corner cabinet and there put a small kitchennette situation. With these ideas you could feel like your living in a real cool place. But, with the layout in most vans, it just is too filled with too many cabinets. One last thing in the seating area build a Murphy bed with a large piano hinge to lift up during the day and underneath the bed build an attached chair that will open up when the bed is lifted and closed. That what in the day time you can use the space where the bed would usually be as an office area with a piece of wood that folds out on front of the chair to serve as a table. I hope my suggestions help inspire you or someone else. Stay safe. -- Frank Branden. New York City.
you could also pull a small trailer, for more storage space.
Yes ! I would also pull a smaller traylor with a Port-o-Potty in it ! If the POP is too tall,simply cut the upper third of it off to fit in your traylor. Or conversely, remove the top of your traylor to accommodate your POP. Anyone with some degree of light carpentry skill should be able to render a tight fit that is both attractive and practical.
please tell me you found a new Hair Stylist ?
Great job...You brought up a lot of good points; and you were totally honest about it. I still live in a house; but living in a van intrigues me. I have a small van that looks like it could be lived in. It's a Ford Transit Connect. I know that's a VERY small van; but I am a very practical person. I don't need fancy cabinets, kitchen sink, and refrigerator. To me, it would be very easy to live without these things.
These are just a few ideas that come to mind:
1. Skateboards make a fun hobby; they don't take much space; and are good for transportation. I make my own skateboard that is very fast, easy to push along, and is only 20 inches long.
2. Since my divorce, I am eating very simple meals, that I actually enjoy. Women demand really tasty, rich food; but I don't. I have noticed that the food I eat doesn't even require refrigeration. For example, pasta, rice, bread, vegetables, eggs, bottled water, grits, and oatmeal. There is quite a variety of foods that are cheap and don't require a refrigerator.
3. Laundry is not a big deal. You do not need to use a electric machine to do laundry. Firstly, you should adapt the way you dress. For example, you should avoid cotton materials, as they are hard to wash and take a long time to dry. If you dress in synthetic materials, such as polyester, they are easy to wash and dry by hand. Check out a product called a "Rapid Washer." This is how people used to wash clothes before electric machines came along. I have one of these; and they wash clothes VERY well, dare I say better than an electric washing machine.
If you are washing polyester and nylon type clothing, it's not a big deal, meaning that it only takes a few minutes to wash and rinse the clothing. So you will not need a big wardrobe of clothes. You can just wash small loads in a five gallon bucket, as you dirty them.
Let me know what you think about my ideas. Thanks.
At first it may seem easy, but after 2 weeks or so of using that manual clothing washer it would be tedious and eventually you would wallow in your own filth. 💣
That ford transit connect is a good option to remain inconspicuous. Looks like a work vehicle. 🚍
Whoa, cowboy! Slow down on the generalizing of women, please. I don't know where you come from, but a lot of men in Texas wouldn't give up their 'rich, tasty food' (read that as bar-b-q) unless there was a gun pointed at their head. One reason it's hard for me to battle a weight problem is because my husband expects full meals of real food. I'd be happy much of the time with a salad or light soup, but he'd have a fit & it's hard to not eat food that you've spent hours cooking & smelling. You kind of made women sound like gluttonous pigs...
Sorry Wendy he is right. I'm ok with Taco Bell, Easy Mac and Hot Dogs, find me a woman that doesn't think I'm treating her like shit feeding her that? They all want Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Applebee's, anything to waste my money while they continue saving their money from their full time job.
They "all" want that??? No, they don't. You're wrong, & you're generalizing, which is what my comment was about. Not generalizing women. You either don't know enough women, or you know the wrong ones!
Sorry, but I'm getting tired of hearing fulltime RVer's complain about things that are so easy to avoid or alleviate : /
No need to apologize dude, you are right. T
Exactly it's like stfu or go live in apt
People like you become so strong minded and can conquer anything life throws at them god bless.
Thanks so much! I'm nothing special. I just face discomfort head on. :) Thanks for the kind words!
Number one what you MUST have is a fat savings. My van broke down in the desert mid August and I couldn't afford the one mechanic in town (Needles, CA) when I was sitting there crying not knowing what to do, two guys approached me and said they could do it for half. I had NO other options. My parents were overseas and couldn't be reached (this was 1992) So here I was being pulled by a rope off into the high grass to a junk yard basically. These guys could have done whatever they wanted with me. I got lucky and they fixed my van after having to sleep in a 20 year old trailer for 5 hideously hot days. I feel so sorry for people out on the road with no money. Don't do it if at all possible, and especially if you don't have st least 10 grand to get from point A to point B.
No, you do not need 10k... you need not to be stupid. You got into trouble bc you didn't plan. Not only didn't you have money, you had no way to reach people and people who could help didn't know where you were! That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard a vanlifer do! You ***always*** have a contact or three who know exactly where you will be heading and how to reach you. You have check ins with family or friends. GET ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE - it is CHEAP. Sure, you'd still need cash for repairs but you wouldn't be putting yourself in danger. 10k will not buy you a working brain.
@@RampantArtist excuse me asshole but you did not know my situation. I was fleeing an abusive relationship at 19 and had no money because he would take my check. I was trying to get home to California as I knew nobody out there but him. I had no choice. Don't judge someone unless you know the story. I was young, broke and scared to death, not to mention traumatized. That man in Needles was an asshole and the other two saved me.
ANTIQUEFOTOS - you were lucky those two men who saved you weren’t perverts - who goes out on the road without any money? Did you think it would just appear like mana from heaven? It’s too bad you were running from an abusive relationship, but as Judge Judy would say, “ you picked him” -
@@madambutterfly7513 Like you never made any mistakes in your life right? I don't blame myself for anything. I wasn't going to ask my parents for money. I had almost made it. I had friends waiting for me. Shit happens and I dealt with it myself.
@@madambutterfly7513 jesus...don't be a heartless bitch who never made mistakes...she was a damn kid figuring this stuff out...she was smart to leave the creep. a ton of people don't. she took a huge risk and so what if it wasn't perfectly planned. when you are desperate you do whatever you have to...show some damn compassion..as for judge judy, well, she must be your mentor, sadly....why do people on youtube have to jump so cruelly down peoples throat???? WHY??
Very honest sounding guy.I used to sleep in our driveway now and again in our caravan after the nightshift as the family would break my sleep at around 9am.What I noticed was how the neighbours drove their cars .Some were good drivers and others were a pain in the ass .Particularly one woman who woke me up every time she turned the corner .The noise her tires made drove me nuts .Very hard on the vehicle.
agreed!!!!!! especially the lonely part. I'm glad you put honesty in this video. nice points
Thanks! It's definitely one of the tradeoffs.
+Soulless Steve haha :D
Thanks! Just trying to tell it like it is!
I'm a grown woman who wants to, and eventually will, live in a van or little truck camper. I get what you're saying, but just know there are women out there who are totally fine with it.
wouldn't be much of a trade-off for me as I'm already lonely! in fact I would probably get into contact with more people by living in a van than i'm right now! LOL
You need to suck it up. Anything is better than paying rent. As far as noise run the fan on your ac and close the windows.
I'm coping don't worry. Thanks for the comment. :)
Being homeless is not better than paying rent. granted he's not homeless but is making a life style choice. Unless you've lived it suck it up is usually not a good response.
writerconsidered I agree with you.i have a 1986 Chevy horizon camper van that I live in. and everything that he said is true.jes not complaining he's just being realistic and stating the facts.the pros and cons.
And that's what inexperienced people need to know before attempting van life. I found this very interesting.
A few solutions that come to mind 1 Hearos earplugs are the best to keep noises out, they also seem to allow me to hear my alarm clock but if you are in a van I would suggest a noiseless light up alarm clock. 2 The food issue can be solved by paying attention to packaging, (you do not need bottled water) there are places where you can buy items from a bin that you use plastic bags and labels. and figuring out what items do not need refrigeration really helps. 3 the gas mileage and variety thing is solved by having a bicycle or better yet a small moped. You can just park the rig somewhere it will stay for weeks or months while your holding down a job and use 2 wheels to get around. Just being able to move the van twice a year to go to a warm place in winter and cool place in summer can be reason enough for doing the van living thing you don't have to drive your house every other day. Going to the laundrymat (near the university) is a good way to rub elbows with the ladies, or the guys if your so inclined. Here's a trick, pay for 2 energy drinks from the machine and then say to someone "oh hey the machine gave me two drinks, would you like to have one"? When she says "I saw you pay for two", you can accuse her of checking you out. Also just out of nowhere having a budgie as a caged pet would make the most sense, even if you wanted to park the van for a few weeks or months to travel abroad, a friend could take care of a caged bird way easier than a dog or cat.
Hahaha this is great... Thanks!
hahaha, constant shifting of items, yup. I never thought I'd have to open my wardrobe to access my pots and pans. lol
I totally agree with your list. Thumbs up!
Thanks. :)
At one time, my slow cooker lived in the tool bin. Things do get muddled, even in our 32 feet.
I bought a Ram Passenger van and took out the seats, etc. Bought 4 contractor plastic bins about 18 inches high and put a hollow core door over them with a mattress on top. Worked just fine until I had to remember which box something was in. Now I am planning on replacing them with transparent bins and of course smaller ones also.
I create FileMaker databases that can be use on computers, iPhones and iPads and one for recording where I store something is on my agenda. Where’s that darn spool of thread? Bin 7...
I originally wanted to build a van like this but once it clicked that "Oh wait, if it breaks down... I'm homeless." I decided that I would rather build something that I can disconnect from the main vehicle -- and potentially hitch up to a rental truck if need be. Not sure how great that idea is but if anyone is reading and has done that, I'd love it if you let me know if that worked out better -- or do you regret it?
peterpanmannnn Those are often sold, my family has had a few over the years. they're good for camping but if you are trying to live in it it'll have to fit in one parking space for anything in cities or towns.
so maybe a smart car and bed on wheels but beyond that parking becomes a nightmare unless you rent a camp site
How about a Smart Car,then carry a tent in it.When you are ready to sleep,...park,set up your tent,and drive the car inside.I think you can avoid a lot of fees and charges.It really doesn't take a huge tent to do this.
Check out the units that fit into a truck bed. Kinda small. But they have legs on them so you can raise them out of the bad and drive off or use another truck. For a larger size look for the 3/4 ton units. But stealth goes out the window but you can park in any spot your truck will fit.
You know what sucks, paying a mortgage payment, rent, home owners insurance, property taxes, water,sewer, garbage, replacing hot water heaters, washers, dryers, mowing the lawn, etc, etc, etc, that is what sucks sunny boy.
Scott Conger power too
700, not that huge? I guess it could be worse but that's a lot of money to me!
I've had to cough up that kind of money often with my old truck, always in for repairs, and it wasn't easy. But I'm paying $850 in rent...if I was living rent-free in my truck, wouldn't that be easy to pay for? I'm curious about this whole deal lol
As long as your working repairs are cheap. First vanning rule save money for the next one. Sometimes traveling gets in the way of money. A lot of people lose there van to not working. There's insurance every month, registration, phone bill "if you want it". Life cost money. Live happy.
+Tmac Kjr I agree.
I painted my entire house for about that amount of money. He also pays a lot more for water than I do.
+tamonettX500 - living in an RV or van RV with all the vents in it, is like having a big bullseye. Draws to much attention unless you live in an RV park. RV parks suck, because they will kick you out at the drop of a hat.
For the mail just have them allow you to pick it up there at the postal office; and the laundry, just do it in a small tub full of water and soap scrubbing on an old fashioned scrubbing board. And if you want set up a home base where you have some land and a shed trailer or cabin that is your settling down property for a while. You can use this to keep other necessities that can’t fit in the van.
I still think the pros outweighs the cons, I hope it's like that for you. Good luck and safe travels dude.
Oh the pros DEFINITELY out weight the cons! These are all tolerable cons
This is why I'm going to be intermittent RVr in a van. I can't take the chance. I'll keep my apartment. But, my van will be there in case of emergency bug out. I've been by myself for the first time in 67 years for a whole year now and being alone can be a drag but it can also be joyous when you want to be left alone. But being a professional musician all my life and traveling throughout the United States in every kind of bus possible, I can sleep through anything. They did wake me up for the Statue of Liberty as I was going over the bridge!. Beautiful statue, City Lights, and the water was shiny.
It is definitely not for everyone! But I always say try it for 3 to 5 weeks to get a good feel for it before doing it full time!✌️🇺🇸
I live in a 31ft RV and the minimal storage capacity is even a challenge for me. I've always considered downsizing even further and being even more mobile in a van. Thanks for the videos man and keep rockin' out the minimalist lifestyle!
FYI: I pull my 31ft travel trailer with a 2002 Ford Excursion that has a V10 gas and I get 11.5mpg when I'm NOT pulling the trailer and about 8 when I'm pulling it, so you're doing pretty good!
That's awesome! Sounds like a pretty sick rig! Thanks and I'll keep the content flowin. :D
Man, the only complaint I had was not really with living in one but just some lady. I was sleeping in a hotel parking lot and in the morning I woke up and was using my phone for a little bit. An employee from the hotel came out with another girl and she was just in an angry mood saying that I can't sleep there and when I replied with sorry she just got angrier. I guess it's a mindset. We all just have to stay positive and see the brighter side of things!
BenyQuinonez Man, she was probably just jealous that you don't have to pay rent and be independent. 😂 I would definitely be happy for you instead!
That or she was just having a horrible day, but she seemed sour about the whole thing.
In her mind, she was probably wondering what she was going to do with the little money that she had left after bills and rent. I had it ALL!
BenyQuinonez lmao!!!
BigD Travels MGTOW 😂😂
If you get a ups mailbox you can have your packages rerouted to any center while on the road. And laundry mats are in every town so you don't have to burden friends.
I love these types of vlogs because it is a totally different type of lifestyle than mine.
Glad you enjoy!
Also, if you're off the grid in the middle of nowhere, you can buy a Satellite Phone. Besides the original purchase of the phone it only costs money when calls are made (although it's expensive to call). That way you can keep it in case of an emergency and still contact the outside world. I've used them as emergency contacts when out on extended sailing trips. And though they might be expensive it's cheaper than your life...
i like your realistic evaluation.
Your mail can be delivered as "General Delivery" to any post office that is convenient for you. They generally don't like doing it for daily mail and say that it can only be done for a month but somebody at the post office where I did that when in between houses told me that some people do it for years and personally I did it for around 6 months. It's also good if you have specific parcels that you want delivered like some online purchase.
What a delightfully sincere and informative video - well done. I have a feeling that you'll find a way of addressing the 'negatives' you talk about. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much. And as time has passed, I definitely have. Good prediction. :)
Friend, I read that you can have packages derived to a UPS store and check into the post office about a PO Box. Laundry at a friends house is probably good company for a while but I am the very tidy type and I would find a laundry mate as often as I could. If you can lose the day job that would be good. Find work online. Sleeping is imperative to good health. I don't know how but you gotta find a quiet place and somehow make the sleeping environment, cool and fresh air with out loud fans happen. Maybe your Van Life would be better if you lived in another city and check out free wild camping in your state or any state. Best of luck to ya.
Maybe people are afraid you won't reciprocate. You know, they invited you to dinner at their house and you invite them to the Walmart. I'm just kidding. Noise would suck. Earplugs? Though you might be creeped out by not being able to hear. I would be on HIGH ALERT at all times. I'm sure your friends don't mind getting packages from you. Laundry: if you chip in for water or buy them a pizza now and then it would benefit everybody.
Hahah. Sound advice.
This brings up one question.. and that is the choice between a camper van ( class B) and an 18 to 21 foot Class C. The power train will be the same, and the gas consumption will be very similar.. but the space difference is huge ! Now the tin siding class C's are mostly CRAP.. and they leak. But there are some fiberglass class c's ( Chinook) which do not leak. There is a cost differential.. but often less than it should be considering how much more liveable they are. Less stealthy yes, ..but if you avoid going BIG.. and shoddy... better for full time living. The other choice is gas rather than diesel. which is a 50% difference in fuel use ( in the same machine).
Years later, I post this... A Refreshingly Honest Vlog about van living...
re Security.
The line between 'Paranoia' and 'Heightened Awareness' is a very fine one...
agreed i think finding a place to park at night is the biggest issue especially if you dont like campgrounds which i dont i prefer bush camping! if you are in the wilderness its not a problem but when u are where people are its not easy to find the right place but u learn as you drive!
You know, that part when you tell people you live in your motor home, it's so true, we had a guy come work with us, x fire fighter really nice guy parked his home in a pub car park, the deal was if you hear anything at night he phones the land lord and he gets to park for free, but I couldn't help noticing the strange comments from people, and remarks as they drove past his home, really don't understand,some people are so shallow it's sad.
Noise can be greatly reduced with insulation. Packages can be held for pickup at any USPS or UPS Store.
Thanks! I'm using ear plugs, so that's been helping.
Yuk. White noise might help too.
PO box and laundromat. Clean off 2 from the list
C0LLAPSTHES0C13TY you have to pick up your mail, so not a good choice. Not off the list.
No matter how I look at it, I have to pickup the mail... How else would I open or read it..?
you need to have an physical address in the state you want the PO box... not off list
um.......isn't there a monthly fee to maintain a PO box?? One key to living in a van is to save as much money as you can in every possible way.
booAHHHH I had a PO box in Florida without a physical address and UPS offers mail boxes that also count as real street addresses but they're more expensive than PO boxes.
I appreciate this video.
A lot of people upload videos about how fun and exciting it is livin' out of a vehicle and honestly, it's not. I lived out of my car for three months in the late summer to early fall of 2016 and every day of it SUCKED. It was uncomfortable, cramp, annoying, and embarrassing. Yet all over TH-cam there are cutsie videos of how to live out of a car.
I'm not saying it can't be fun and exciting, especially if you're traveling, but for the rest of us it's just a pain.
Yeah, I guess it all depends on WHY you're living in it. I was fine with it because it allowed me to have a certain level of freedom and it was awesome. If I lived in a vehicle against my will, I guarantee it would suck so bad.
Thanks for the info. I thought you did a good job of explaining.
Appreciate it. I'd be saying some different things now, but you live and learn. :)
Yes, live and learn.
Thank you for a frank and honest posting.
My pleasure!
These are very reasons I've decided to go Tiny House instead of van living. I don't imagine I can be as mobile as you are however. ~Smile!
Thanks for the comment! Check out my other videos! I'm always smiling! :)
Ciecie Newson do you have vlogs?
you're only going tony house because you're lazy and don't work hard enough to make the money required to buy a nice house. stop lying to yourself and everyone else.
Bryan Lewis its a small sacrifice to do for people trying to get ahead or meet their larger goals. What's a big house good for when your by yourself
Ciecie Newson - there’s no difference between tiny house & RV xcept one is on wheels - lol
Noise. Traveling between Chicago and Wichita one year I spent a few nights in my car. Another (an a biggie) disrupted of sleep is men talking outside your vehicle. Have to wake up and move on down the road.
About your mail. Check with the Post Office and see if they still have General Delivery. It's a service where you can pick up your mail at the Post Office. I haven't used it since the nineteen seventies so I don't know if it's still available but you can check and see.
Already on it. Thanks for the comment!
very useful and realistic comments... thanks for sharing...!
My Pleasure. :)
I don't know if anyone else pointed this out or if you discovered it on your own by now but there are ups sites, storefronts you can have Amazon ship to.
What do you think to get a bus to be more conforble thank for the video to show the edge
Not a good idea, in my opinion. That instantly turns you into a Police Magnet and everything else that goes along with that. Not worth it.
Yeah my top one for agreement is sleep disturbances/getting used to sleeping environment, showering and laundry. Hope to get warranty for any potential repairs to engine or transmission. Thanks for your video legacy.
AAA membership, the towing alone is worth it.
you're so right about everything and nothing beats a permanent home in a real building on firm ground really!
but even that does have its own problems anyway ...
now, most of the problems you mentioned regarding living in a van or RV do have their own solutions too ...
for example, if you get stuck in the middle of nowhere because your vehicle's engine is down due to technical problems, well, that surely sucks but having a bike or ATV in the back of the car may be a good idea to help you out of the spot and bring back help ...
yes, it's costly and even the bike or ATV may break down just as well, but if you can afford to pay for the costs of living in a van or RV, then you'd surely be able to tackle that problem too ...
worst case scenario is you'd get to use your foot and hitch hike for example to get to the nearest place in civilization ...
buying food and grocery multiple times a week is certainly a no-no if you live in a regular house, but now that you have to do it because you live in an RV, then look at the bright side: you're having more 'fresh' food than the average guy! ;-)
noise? then come live in my small apartment that is situated right in the middle of a suburban area that is actually turned into urban for a long time now and a super busy highway with so many cars starting at 5am is only ten minutes walk to my East side plus a busy railway station even closer at five minutes walk to my West, with trains honking that super loud nasty "child-maker" horn of theirs at least several times a day starting at 2am! did i mention the airplanes passing by overhead at very close distance every ten minutes or so, especially in daytime? wooh! all i need now would be a busy harbor with large ships passing by every few minutes, adding their own 'horny' tunes to the mix! :D
what i am getting at is, again, yes, you're right about all the negative sides of living under your present circumstances, but most people living in apartments or single houses do also suffer from similar or worse cases ...
good luck anyway and hope you'll be able to make it the way your find best ASAP!
Good insight! :) I only did a 'negative' video because I had just done a 'positives' video right before!
You'll have a lot of time for rolling Doobies.... while...... LIVING IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!! Matt foley RIP.
RIP Matt Foley
It's Chris Farely isn't it?
It's Chris Farley.
Matt Foley who lived in a van down by the river, was the character actor Chris Farley portrayed on SNL
Mark Dee Ikr, I was waiting for him to say that jokingly, , , but he didn't. May be that he's too young for the reference, but I'm not lol
Great job. Many long timers keep an old school CB radio and a satellite phone is a newer option just may take awhile to save up for. For vehicle emergency or personal safety.
You’ll know you have it made when you are LIVING IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER !
Honestly i havnt done it yet. Though in my opinion i think these people that are doing it. Traveling, hiking, photography, adventure ect. These people are the ones actually living!!
I do miss the big guy though.... gone to soon...
"Van life is also bad for relationships too, sigh...whatever". Lmao. That was awesome. It was very honest and it takes balls to do what you're doing. Keep up the good work and stay real.
The sad part about all these videos is the fact that the baby boomers (our parents) had such an easier time just getting a real job fresh out of college (or really, just high school) with financial security that living like this wasn't even remotely necessary. Cool video though.
It's necessary for my sanity, not for monetary gain. Thanks regardless! :D
You think everyone doing this is doing so because of financial insecurity? Dude... there is a HUGE ass movement of people who just don't want the hamster wheel.... tied to a job just to pay a mortgage on a house way bigger than any of us need. I have owned a huge home in coastal maine... I have lived in silicon valley... I could have all that, but I don't want it. I don't earn a lot now, but not because I cant. I don't because I prefer to be out there living... I see no reason to slave for 40yrs just to try to enjoy the last 20
@@RampantArtist all of your problems could have been solved with better management.
I would have to politely disagree, but only based on what I know my babyboomer parents went through to get a mortgage at 12% interest during the 80s, working their asses off, only going out to dinner on very special occasions, driving old beat up vehicles, etc. - that's the household I grew up in. With all those baby boomers fresh out of college, there was a TON of competition for decent jobs, and even crappy jobs. Employers had their pick of the litter. The tables have sure turned though. Especially if you know a trade or are willing to learn.
I don't agree. My uncle with his engineering degree had no problem getting a job with a major defense company, which he had for 40 years (!) The 12% interest that he paid for two big homes in SoCal was a piece of cake. He spent his working life without applying once for an other job, and health insurance (real health insurance!) for the whole family though his job was the most natural thing. For him and his generation, the idea of living in a van would have been mental.
a lot of people have a lack of space in their van cause of all mods, furnitures and stuff they put in there. Cause normally, a van is perfect for carrying lots of stuff.
Dogs are great travel companions;)
I really want one!
Absolutely!
And leave your dog in a cramped, hot/cold van all day while you're at work? Yeah. Great idea.
..People are working in their rvs online🤦🏽
use a work van front divider with a door in the middle. lol, in winter frost builds on lower window part and moisture on top. Yes, stealth is key. A work van with no windows in back is better, or paint over windows. Also crack the front windows alittle for ventilation.
I'm going to be making a video soon addressing stealth camping and my experience over the past 8 months.
i am alone 90% of the time at home and only slightly less at work i am not lonely at all. i have a few good friends and am happy being around ppl but i can be just as happy on my own,and have done it for more yrs than you have been alive.this isnt a critique,just a heads up that there are quite a few ppl out there that have no problem with the alone thing.i hope that part of van life for you improves,either by learning to be happy alone or finding a partner to travel with you.good luck
Thanks for the comment! I was just pointing out that it can get lonesome in the van all the time. I don't mind it myself, but it's a factor for sure. I'd say overall, I abosolutely love this lifestyle. I have another video where I point out on the pro's if you haven't seen that one. th-cam.com/video/IGxUwWiarzs/w-d-xo.html
Parking with Foalhaus
ty i will watch that 1 as well and again it was just a heads up not a rant lol
sounds like you need a blow up doll for company
thunderbird97
lol i havent gone that route either,and im just fine
lol at least she wouldn't complain or spend your money
Re: mail, you can get an address at the UPS store, I understand, in the States.. Also, over Amazon, in Europe, there are drop locations that will receive your order and you just go pick it up. There are lockers at the mall, or a small store, etc...also, there are stores that will take delivery for you, too, like the sporting goods store, Decathlon.
Laundromat: ever heard of it?
You seemed very unorganized.
If you are not simplistic it's not going to work of course.
Please don't let people like these discourage you.
Can you pick up your mail directly at post office? Here in Europe you can even have personal mailbox at the post office. Laundry is easiest part, do your laundry manualy, with your hands ;) Done it 100s of times.
One more thing, get rid of shower and put bigger fridge/freezer there, get rid of little one and voila now you got even more space. If you dont want a fridge in your WC put a wall in the midle of it and remove the wall next to your living space.
The space is a bit more solid and less customizable.
I’ve thought of that whole dating thing and how it can be awkward. Dude: So, where do you live? Me: In the parking lot...? Lol
Stacy Parker - lmao
If your in a remote spot you can subscribe to AAA service. Best case is to have at least 2000.00 just sitting around for emergencies. Also get to know your quiet spots around the current town to go in.
Let me add one to the list of (big) cons: It's hard to get laid when you live in your van "Hey baby, wanna come back to my '95 Dodge minivan for a hot dog?" Lol, nah I'm good.
Actually I got laid in my van you must be doing something wrong
Thanks for making the video. All I’ve been hearing on TH-cam is how great van life is. Many pros no doubt. But you’re right on the spot about the con. Many of us just don’t realize there are basic necessity in life. Shower, clean cloth, safe/quiet living and power. Oh, yes, a girlfriend lol. Good truth video about van life. Thanks.
If you don't park near a river specifically to say you live in a van down by the river, you are wasting the whole thing.
That's why I park near a river.
post office, general delivery. Google it get mail and packages delivered to a near by post office. And when you travel you can just switch post offices
Dude you should write a book and pic. of your travel. !!
I'm going to one day!
Thanks for the feedback about the difficulties. Boat Galley is a guide site about food and storage for boats (also small space) and Backpacking Chef is good for recipes (going to dry food with the dehydrator and cook it in the thermos). Like the set up with the doors for the bathroom.
I think it would be a good I dear you can save a lot of money about 6 years then you can Buy a little house Thank you for sharing ✌🏻️
Peace Love as long as u don't gambling.
FYI the transmissions go bad in these because of the added RV conversion weight. If rebuilding use heavy duty / racing components for better reliability. ALWAYS keep that in mind.
Yeah, I've heard that for sure.
Did this come with extra transmission cooling as part of the conversion?
bc1969214
That would be my first upgrade. I'd assume even if they did add a cooler it would be a small one. Trans coolers are cheap, even the big ones.
stop buying bottled water. save space. save the earth. use reuseable bottles. get like a hydro flask or something
So you're saying buy gallons in stead??
Gallons would be cheaper. You might also consider a 5 gallon refillable with a hand pump on top. A Nalgene bottle and something like this seems ideal to me. www.ebay.com/itm/like/191788235671?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true
90% of all bottled water has plastic in it because the bottle is made of cheap plastic.And no doubt any drink that comes in a plastic bottle will have plastic.Canned drinks have plastic bpa liners that break down.
Check out Platypus water bottles.They are pliable,cheap and amazing.
@@zizzerzizzerzuz1154 That's a good idea. I hadn't seen the 5 gallon jugs with pumps until now - but then, I hadn't looked. :-) Wonder if the OP got one. I stay in my small RV for months at a time, and I usually have hookups, but I do buy gallon jugs of water for drinking and just in case something goes wrong.
Local Wax-Mart has both 3 and 5 gallon water jugs and a separate pump $20 that will fit both. I carry a PUR filter pitcher for when water is questionable. I also get free filtered water at McDonald's when I stop for coffee. Whole Foods and some grocery stores also sell filtered water for your own container for less than 50 cents a gallon (38 cents in NOLA).
I've lived in my van and it's not bad at all, once you figure out where to find essential services (showers, laundry, safe overnight parking, etc...) and develop a regular routine. Don't get me wrong. It's not a romantic or glamorous lifestyle and a real home is always preferable, but if you're down on your luck or doing a road trip on the cheap, it's fine. Beats sleeping on the dirt...