Van Tour of Nomad Living Cheap in a Astro Minivan
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- In today's video, we meet Walt, who retired and is on a tight budget so he lives in his Minivan in the National Forests of Florida. He has an almost ideal life of living for very little and yet in a beautiful National Forest and can visit the Gulf Coast beaches every day if he chooses--it really is the good life!
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Thanks for watching!
Thanks Walt and Bob for sharing. I don't mind when people don't want to be on camera. I want to see their rigs, see how they're organized them, learn about their power set ups and how they find life on the road, but I don't necessarily have to see someone's face. I'm fine if they don't want to show themselves.
alan
I bet your videos send so much hope to people who feel stuck, or have no place to go. Battered women who may be scared, college kids who are scraping by, retirees and vagabonds alike. I bet there’s a bunch of people who are soaking all this in and just waiting for the right moment to pull the trigger. Thanks Bob, you are encouraging and teaching so many people that they can be free, and that there is a community that’s ready to help.
That is EXACTLY what Bob's videos have done for me. I am now actively planning my earlier-than-expected retirement and enjoying the vagabond life after feeling like life and the chance to retire with enough money to enjoy life had passed me by.
Silentpartner34 don't forget about battered men. It does happen and more than people realize. Women can be mean as shit too. Lol
Sad, you wrote "your videos" but CheapRVliving dude has not replied. He should huh. I guess he thinks he is such a celebrity that he feels like he doesn't have to. lol
It sure does help. Thanks Bob.
That's me. I would love to do this myself, and eventually save up and buy some land where I can one day live off grid.
Man, I love Astros and the creativity owners have when building them out. I'm running an 05 AWD here in SoCal with a full-size memory gel foam mattress. Always like seeing how others cram so many of their belongings into it because that's the only challenge with these monsters. She's a beast tho, cruises great and off roads like a champ!
As much as I'm so thrilled to see this smart man's set up, I find it interesting that all the hard work we do during our live time in America may not matter in the end and we may end up in a van. It's an inexpensive way to live and may be the only way an elder can retire with a penny in his pocket.
growing up in Mass., i got a car b/c everyone does. then i realized I could live outside Boston (or any major city), like in Somerville, and BIKE everywhere. FUN, HEALTHY, and pretty cheap! (Easy to fix bike problems too!) NO MORE CAR, GAS, INSURANCE, etc! There's ALWAYS a better way than the "tradition".
The things you own, end up owning you. You are sad, that this guy doesn't have a house. He probably thinks it's sad, you live in one spot for your whole life. You can't take it with you. Experience > material
I liked the window screen and how it slipped over the top of the door and the magnets. Never would have thought of that.
It is good!
It's always great to see how creative people can be. The wisdom of simplicity . The luxury of efficiency. This is an excellent example.
Excellent video Bob. I am currently giving SERIOUS consideration to starting this lifestyle. Just selling all my belongings and seeing the world! I just really think I'd love it. I'm still a little nervous about some health issues but I'm going to have a chat with my docs about those next month at my visit. I'm just tired of giving all my retirement and disability to rent, utilities and doctors and not having anything left for LIFE! And I did plan. I did what society says I'm supposed to and it's still not enough to have a quality life. Idk? If anyone sees this and believes in prayer, please say one for me. As a person of faith I know he'll guide my final decision. Bob, thank you. Thank you so much. I hope you know how much you're helping people like me. What a true blessing you are. God Bless you and yours, your tribe included!!
Lisa Booker
Amen sister. As a woman of faith to another, He will give you answers as you go. I face the same issues, just got an ok from my doc to go for it. The lower stress just more help. Just starting the big purge. Hope to be free in six weeks. Msg back if you like. We'll figure it out! God speed and God bless.
Melody Clark Good for you!! I'll definitely be praying for you!! God Bless and keep you safe and happier than you've ever been on your new journey!
Hi Lisa I too am on Disability and am thinking about this life, I also talked to my doctor and he said with keeping up on checkups and stuff there are many doctors out there thru out the country that will see u and even with prescriptions u can pick those up at any Walmart thru out the country or CVS whatever, right now im looking to sell my 2015 KIA forte koup and see what i can buy to do this, right now I live on 942.00 a month and my rent is 400.00 plus electric and other expenses I know I can do this it is just taking that first step to do it, I will pray for you and wish you well best of luck......
Lisa Booker I pray that God will bless you and you can live a beautiful life.
I'm with you sister I'm alot like you I'll for sure be praying for you keep your faith we all in this together God Bless you !!! Keep up with your meds sister !!!
Love the multi-position bed!
I also thought it was nice great idea through some long pillows in and it's a couch !!! 😊
People with self sufficient and innovative capabilities are truly blessed which definitely qualifies them as the best boondockers in my opinion.
Thanks, Bob. You're always so nice to everyone. I appreciate that. Walt has a nice set up there. I like the chaise. Nice to lounge and read a book or watch a video. Everything makes sense.
I just got a 2003 safari AWD with no rust and a new fuel pump installed a year ago for $1300 . It only has 130,000 miles and runs great. It does need some front idler arms and ball joints and some good used tires on the front and new shocks. And the back needs an axel bearing and shocks. But the body and interior are near perfect and everything works , AC , cruise control , power mirrors , AM FM CD . One passenger side power door lock does not work (have to do it manually ) . Looking at about $250 or less in parts for front and back chassis repair . Will do work myself , but know a good mechanic that would do front and back for $200 -$250 or so not including parts. $1300 + $250 parts + $250 labor = $1800 for a good running rust free low mileage AWD van that needs nothing else. Just get one with a new fuel pump already installed and a good shifting trans because that's the biggest most common problem and expense with these things. I had an 89 Astro for 14 years and never had a problem with it other than a altanator and front idler arm. Good used alt was $40 idler arm $20 and easily installed myself .
Cool video Bob! As usual! Yes thrift store finds are great for van builds. I work for a thrift store and we get great stuff all of the time. When I get my van I won't have any problem turning it into a home.
Happy thrifting every body! :-)
100% agree, TH-cam van videos are great as well, I saw people use book shelves under bed etc bed lifts storage underneath , dressers into sink tops etc, but don't forget if you have a nearby junk/salvage yard ,If they have any rvs the cabinets are worth weight in gold , they are smaller in depth height etc ,sinks, , roof vents etc it does not all have to be new top dollar stuff ....America is a wasteful nation a lot of stuff tossed out can be reused and at one time it was top dollar stuff
0pp⁰⁰
lets keep the tribe growing !
The slide out in the desk is awesome....so much counter space that just tucks away....nice van Walt
He made that minivan look spacious
Nice you're looking after your Mum. I've lost mine and even though we know how Precious they are, we never really realise it until they are no longer just a phone call away. Blessings x
Very well done, Walt. An inspiration for my own van build.
Awesomely clean rig. Thanks Carolyn, Bob & Walt
Reminds me of the beautiful custom vans of the 70s, well done.
loved Walt's bed / convert to a lounger and that bucket from walmart.
Nice job Walt Thanks Bob😎😆
Another great interview Bob! Back in 85 I had a 77 Dodge 1 ton maxi cargo van. I sure wish I had it now. Your videos have inspired me to try and find another one and go crazy on the interior
I lived in Florida for over two years. On the hottest days, I found it bearable because I was near the ocean in Ormond By the Sea. Orlando, and other areas on the western side, are more humid and less comfortable. Highway A1A goes from north to south and is close to the Atlantic ocean. That's the best route for anyone who can't take the heat.
Ty4Sharing....Thumbs up ! Greetings from Wolf in central Florida.
one of my favorite conversions.
God bless him - I currently live in Florida and it's HOT.
Jen P Florida can be done during the Fall, Winter, and Spring in North FL and the Panhandle. The temperatures in the daytime rarely exceed 85 and are usually between 40 and 60 at night. Summer however is intolerable. I have seen that late Sept. to late May is possible to live in this region in a van. June, July, August, and the first 2 to 3 weeks of September though are unbearable. Hope this helps.
I bought an Astro van due to my living conditions I absolutely love it it's a work in progress hooking up solar bathroom
Bob I must say I just really enjoy your videos and I learn so much ! It gives me hope that I may be able to do this one day as well . I really love seeing so many diff homes on wheels thank u for all the hard work u do
the "chase" lounge, brilliant 9:15
Really nice and homely. Has pretty touches too. Thanks for sharing.
I prefer the East Coast, the beach the sand and the breeze. I would like to see more vandweller, boondocking and RVer videos from those on the East Coast. I learn something new from every one I watch. A question for anyone who has been out to the West Coast did you try to cook cactus? There is so much of it out there. I had it once in a restaurant and it was tasty. Similar in taste to French green beans. It is easy to cook, sautés nicely.
I don't think you're allowed to cut any of it on public lands, though.
Excellent tour..thanx Bob. Walt really did a great job. Inspiring!
I Love van tours, this one is sweet...
Beverly Cook not stealth enough for me
trucker wrecker, yes, the solar is a give away, but you can always stay in places where that's not an issue...
Nice and it works well for him.
You're looking well Bob.
👍Nice video. Walt's sister could/should make and sell those slipover no-see-ums / midgies / sand flies & mosquito window covers. I hate those dang things & their mosquito cousins! 😩
That red organizer is a car trunk organizer from Harbor Frieght. I have one in my car. Works great!
I do like the fact that you film with you (Bob) sitting inside the van. It give a great size perspective and lets me know how small the van space is. I'm 6'3" 220lbs and it would be hard to maneuver in that van without basically knocking everything over.
Jeffrey Whitaker just for sleeping and driving
Nice Walt! I live full time in my van in Tampa. We might be crazy for steading the heat. lol
I’m in St. Pete. If you’re open to visits, I’d love to see your rig. I intend to start my build by next summer.
The idea is to stay out of the van except when driving and sleeping
I live in the Brandon/Valrico area myself and am shopping for either a van or small rv to live in preferably stealth...and yes its too hot here!! I plan to go west or north once i buy something!! Happy trails!!
Probably they used a roof fan/air conditioner
Chris McKenzie I do the same thing in Florida,,, you do get used to Florida weather and hurricane season. But I love ❤️ my #VanLife
pretty good...watching it again. thanks Bob
I like everything to be hidden away in closets drawers or in storage it looks neater that way and more professional
That's a sweet little set up. Not hard to do either.
I enjoyed this. I needed to hear this. Thanks have a great day. 💕💕💕💕💕
Very nice set-up
This video is well done. If it comes from Bob Wells, it's top quality! Period 👍🇺🇸 * The gentleman and his minivan our fantastic!
Chevy Astro the mother of all minivans.
More towing capacity than any other in her class 5500 lb
is literally a truck.
I loved my Chevy Astro Van!
I'm looking for an other one I had 330k miles on my 98 played $500 orginally and it was at 150k. Worked and lived in it for over a year. With the way this world is going I want to go back to the boondocking life.
How cool is that Bob!
I liked the focus being solely on the rig.
Very nice for a mini van !!!
Nice Walt!!!
Well organized. Nice
I keep coming back to this one. I have a mini van and I am in love with how he made his bed also a lounger. Plus his budget is almost the same as mine. With some custom stuff I want to accommodate my pets, and bug control for the side and back doors, this van is perfect. PLUS guitar stowage!
I love those bright and cheerful colors.
Very nice set up.
Counting down to the day when I move into my van (On the lookout for a van now).
Very nice wow an Astro...
I want to see you Walt AND hear a song! #LoveYou StBob
Such a nice van. What freaks me about florida is the snakes&gators!!!
Great video and setup. Welcome to Florida, I’m over in Titusville on the east coast. Hope you folks missed Irma. She kicked our tail but, we’re doing well.
good job bob
That is one of the coolest van builds i seen!
THANK YOU. ENJOYED IT!
Thanks for inspiring me to buy and build out an astro van! I hope to share it with you all someday!
Even though I'm not planning on retiring anytime soon I'm already putting aside some of them some of things that I will need when I when I go out camping. I love the screen and the idea of the magnets phenomenal
I used to live a Astro van like that,same color too,97
Great job walt! I'm working on setting up my toyota sienna right now...I appreciate all the Great ideas. 😇
Yeah makes a big difference in presenting the character in your video or not. I understand that he doesn't want to be the main item in the video, but just a "hello" would have made a BIG difference in your video here Bob.
Thanks for posting!
Zesty Italian Just a "hello" would have revealed his identity though.
Britt H even the back of his head would have been better than nothing. Just so we would have had SOMEONE there.
Zesty Italian Okay, I understand that. 👍
lived in a dodge200 camper van every winter+worked in a logging camp in canada 9 months per year,,great fun,boondogging trough 33states,but now on m/cycle,with tent+sleepin bag!!
Thank you Walt. Growing up on an island up north, the beaches I see here on the gulf are pretty sad. Ill have to check out the more northern gulf coast to see what you're talking about.
And that's pretty cool that your family helped you organize.😊
The back shelf gr8 idea and I wanted to see how he did his curtains and hang them up
Love the van, great video!
love the chaise lounge
Astro vans are awesome I own a 98' Astro and he has made great use of his space
Perfect
tiki lebby, yap, agree. I like it too. It would work for me as well.
Very nice - I'm quite "visual" so a beautiful living space is important to me. On another note, LOVE your shirt Bob!
The pockets in the curtains are great!
So practical. Given me so many ideas 😳😳.
Love those solar lights.
And a TV ? Amazing
Nice van setup
That's a nice van.
I love this! The bed is great. I’d like to know more about bed build, measurements etc.
I agree. I love that it can be turned into a chaise lounge. I'm building out my 2000 Astro right now and I'm taking the best things I see on these videos and will incorporate them. It will be awesome.
fly screen is great idea
Awesome Bob and Walt!
Hugs, MommaFaye
notboring! as usual, great videos,thank you Bob
Great job Walt!
Hey Mr Wells ... Let me know when your in Dan Diego Ca again.... Ill show you super simple and easy van design. Way cheap. Thanks for all you do brother. Hugs and high fives.
Nice
Good job Walt! As l am a Tallahassee Vandweller also. Keep safe out there 😊
Thank you
I so wish I would have gotten one like this.
Don't get the chevy 99 silverado. Unless you want to have a lot of problems. With the front end... 150,000-200,000 miles and it all needs to be replaced.
Don't be like me. Buy anything else...
Thanks for the opportunity. To see how it can be. It is very nice!
Hello Bob. Very good interview. I am looking to go full timing and this may be the way to get started. At least it's in my price range. Bye now.
liked it...good overview .....keep em comin !
Nice set up.
Excellant video Thanks Walt for sharing you home ,tour. I had a Safari great van Wish O had it now ut had a hum ,vibration and traded it. I hope GM got that worked out Bob,CAROLYN great camera work😉 interviews Safe journeys to all
Hi Walt! I’m julie lol love ❤️ this! Hi Bob! And Carol Hi all from cyber world! I watch a lot of these videos and this one I could do!!! Thanks everyone!
Thumbs up.
I love this setup!
Awesome conversion! I'm trying to figure out if I can attach a small cabinet without putting holes in the walls of the minivan.
Bob, how does he stay cool trying to sleep?
I love it
Very nice Walt. It is good for one person for camping or living full time I guess. thanks
Well done! Congratulations Walt!