Bravo,. I've been road tripping in my Pontiac Vibe.(total 100000 km.) On my last trip to California I slept with my road bike and all my gear inside my car. I'm 76 and content.
Wow, that's good going! And gives me hope that if you can fit your bike in there I can find room for a fridge (essential for me, I have to eat lots of greens cos of health condition)
@@anitablades6033 yes I'd thought of growing herbs there (little pots). I also keep celery and kale in vases at home - I find last longer than in fridge. Thinking of late that maybe I could do something similar in a van
Yep! Their are a lot of people out there doing it for the same amount you can live in a house! Those seem to be the big channels on TH-cam. We do everything on a budget so we can work less and be free more! That’s the point of our channel, not showing you how to spend lots of money 💰 that’s easy! Everybody can do that! Living on 6000 a year that’s difficult! Thanks for watching!!
@@ParadiseOnPennies $6,000 a year would be the cost of one of my medications for a year without insurance. That's just one of my medications. I was diagnosed at what is considered a fairly young age with Afib. Eliquis is expensive.
That’s ridiculous! I’m sorry to hear that. Can you get any additional assistance with paying for it??? These costs are outlandish. We are so frustrated with the fact that health costs are at an out of control premium and at the same time this society continues a rampant destruction of nature, the very source of our medication and well-being. Waters are polluted, biodiverse forests are cut down, industrial waste is dumped on land and water, and so on, much of it is linked in reputable scientific publications to many of the increasing diseases we are all getting. That’s why we live this way now, while we can. The less we can contribute to the demise of nature and this crazy society, the better.
Things you won't need: -new vehicle (use what you have, will get scratched and dirty anyway) -high clearance (1ft is plenty) -roof/bike/ski racks (pick hobbies to do year round) -gas cans kept on the roof (lots of gas stations around) -exterior cooler/basket at the back(will be a problem with road bumps) -"survival" gear (that's gadget) -giant yeti cooler (expensive, takes a lot of space) -very expensive battery bank and solar (go for small battery bank or mini jackery, that's enough) -ton of clothes (eg enough to have 1 sweater instead of 3-4) -full kitchen supplies (keep it simple, pan, pots, few utensils)
A lot of these apply to specific types of camping or living out of your vehicle. If you are gonna rough it and do more of an off grid style you can make use out of a lot of what you claim you don’t need.
Hey guys, nice video. I live in a 2010 Ford Escape full time. I carry two totes that fit in the food well of the rear passenger sitting area. One has food (non-perishable) the other keeps my Stanley cook set, cutting board, plate, mug and utensils as well as lighting and fuel tanks for my MSR pocket rocket stove. I removed the bench seat portion of the rear seats as I knew no one would ever be sitting in them. At night when I sleep, I place the totes in the footwell which when the back tests are laid flat provide the additional length I need to lay a 3 in bi-folding foam pad that I purchased at Home Depot. I picked up a sleeping bag liner at Walmart and it works perfectly as a cover for the foam pad. I then lay my warm and fuzzy blanket down and carry a mummy bag rated for five degrees above zero and a Colman fleece lined bag for all other temperatures. If it’s below zero, I just put the mummy bag inside of the Coleman fleece lined bag and I’ve been warm to almost 20 degrees below zero. I have a cloth pouch that I keep a pair of chop sticks in along with long handle spoon and spork and a back up straw for my Starbucks vente cup which I drink out of regularly. As for charging devices, I converted the front and rear cigarette light ports to 3.0 USB ports. I change my tablet, and phone on them. I’ve never felt the need to carry a laptop because I can do pretty much everything I need to do on my smartphone. If I can’t do it with what I have, I can usually find an app. A few other things I’ve done is in the back right door panel pocket, I have four small travel size spray bottles. I put Amoral interior cleaner on n one, glass cleaner in another, fabreeze in another and diluted dawn dish washing soap in the fourth. They all fit comfortably side by side in the door pocket. In the left far rear pocket, keep my dryer sheets and extra napkins and in the far right rear, I keep a couple extra tall bottles of smart water, a fire extinguisher and my laundry detergent. I also carry a small tough tool box with a few basic essential tools for repairs that may come up, extra gloves, hand warmers, zip ties etc. during the day while I’m using my car for work, it sits behind the drivers seat. At night, It goes in the foot well of the drivers side front seat. I also carry one weeks worth of clothes in a duffel bag. When I run out of clothes, I stop at a laundromat and do my laundry. Finally, I have an Outdoor Gear back back that I carry my mens shower bag in with all my hygiene products, a multipurpose tool, insect repellent, first aid kit, pocket knife, light jacket and a sweat shirt, head lamp, extra lighter and my medication. During the day, it just hangs around the right rear seat back test and the chest strap locks it in place so I need not worry about it going any wear. And finally, Inhave a small zippered pouch that I keep all my charging cables in in the right front door pocket and in the drivers side door pocket, I keep a flash light, SAS pocket size survivor manual, hand sanitizer and some small bead containers that I keep spices in to make every meal a little extra special. All in all, I am quite content. I only replace items as needed and don’t even bother to carry a cooler and Ice been living in my escape for almost two years. One last thing, here’s a great meal you might really enjoy. Every grocery store, or at least most have precooked chicken and things like that in their deli department. I buy two chicken breasts, (cooked) a bag of frozen oriental vegetables, (birds eyes are the best) and a ramen noodle soup. I place the noodles in the bottom of a rectangular Tupperware container, the frozen vegetables on top of that and then break up the chicken into bite size pieces and layer that on top. I then boil water and pour it over the top of everything. Place the lid on top and let the steam steep everything for about 15 minutes. Then I add teriyaki sauce packets from Panda Express, stir and dinner be served. It’s really good and makes enough for tow though ai eat the whole thing to a head. Hope you enjoyed my note. Feel free to email me at TrinityWolf777@gmail.com for other tips and tricks I’ve learned and or for friendship. Warm regards; Don
absolutely! like many I work week days and have the weekends free - I like to camp and it's tedious putting everything in the car and taking it out a day or two later... keep all my cooking things - stove, pot, pan, propane, utensils in a old suitcase - works perfect - in and out. For those 1 night trips, sometimes i don't even use the tent - just sleep in my car's front seat with a sleeping bag...especially if it's raining. If you really want to go simple, don't even bring the cooking supplies - no mess, no clean up, which means you don't need a bunch of extra water either. A couple of subway sandwiches, a basic cooler for beer and a folding chair is all one really needs...
Do I have a story. When I started August 15, 2020 living in my RAV4 I bought many things that I didn't need and soon had to learn how to live on less. That's been a work in process. Lol
I've backpacked for many years around the world. I'm confident I could throw my 30L backpack into my jeep with a sleeping bag and be totally fine! Peace all.
If whole families of pioneers can go all the way across the country in covered wagons it proves you can get by without some of the things we today see as essentials.
I love y'all. I have been living in my jeep for 3 years and see so much nonsense from people, especially from those who youtube. But y'all keep it simple, and that is a beautiful thing.
I have said before in a comment on another one of your videos that you two are an inspiration. You inspire us to live as free humans instead of robotic consumers.
I plan to remove the back seats of a toyota avanza and replace it with a matres and a plastic box for my clothes. Its supposed to be a city stealth camper for work. Everything else I need like shower and internet are at work. The car is just for sleeping and change of clothes.
Snorkels are not for water crossings (mostly) they are mostly for raising your air intake above most of the dust clouds on dusty dirt tracks. You are correct that most people don’t need them but they are very good for long term travel in less developed countries with lots of dirt and gravel roads. It saves a lot of wear and tear on air filters and engines. Deep water crossings require a lot more modification to raise breathers and other things above water level. And most people will never need that.
Hi new to your channel. I have a Ford Escape and been toying with the idea. Your channel is gold right now haha. Plus I have a dog that’s been a concern if it could even be done. Thanks for the vids 👍🏻
Your guys channel is incredible. I was first going down the rabbit hole of 100k van setups then I'm like "that defeats the whole purpose of living cheaply on the road". Just use the car or SUV you already have! Simple and brilliant. No matter what you can't really escape society so there's no need to be a huge pack rat either. These setups are a lot of times based on fear rather than experience. A rare youtube find for sure.
To be fair to the $100k crowd, not everyone is going into vanlife with the same goals. Some folks are not living in a van 24/7. Some folks need a really techy build because they are full-time remote workers who need 100% reliability, and don't need to pinch pennies. IMO, the best setups are the ones that are DIY enough to save $$$ yet 100% fit the user's needs
What cracks me up are the expensive conversion with the beautiful pull out kitchens. HOPE it don’t 🌧. People build a high platform bed with just enough head room to turn over. While under the bed they have a ton of storage bins that have things THEY might need, but never used. The weirdest thing is people aren’t being logical. They want to go stealth but have no idea of what that entails. IT MEANS you can’t park for the night then get out and pull out your kitchen to cook dinner all the while neighbors are watching to see if you leave. Better idea if you are stuck with having to get in your back door to cook is go to a park, cook your meal. Put up most of your window coverings then go find your place to sleep. Once there look around is anyone looking your way…now DON’T get out then open back door n crawl back in. Get into the back , close your drape put up the rest of window covers and go to bed. Play on your phone or iPad but keep the lights way low along with noise . The more you are not noticed the better. The real stealth campers will tell you they never get a knock on the door. If they come knocking you were not stealth.
I super appreciate this video. I have accepted a job on the other side of the US and plan to live out of my car to make the most.money possible.. but my car is a sub compact! 😅😅 I'm definitely going to have to get creative with it! Cheers
You might want to think about getting a small U-Haul trailer to pull behind your car then get a storage unit at your destination. That way you could take and keep nonessentials, things you may want for memory's sake or actually may need eventually. Your storage unit could even be a "home" office or a place to take a nap if you put a cot in it. It could be a place to stretch out, even take a quicky shower in a collapsible pool with sun-warmed water that you bring in. There are a lot of options with a storage unit if you only have a sub compact. Wishing you the best with your brilliant idea! :D
“Definitely avoid the Yeti coolers . . . You have to buy ice every day.” You are missing the entire point of investing several hundred dollars in a Yeti. They can keep ice frozen for 3 to 10 days, depending on conditions. In one test, a Yeti kept meat frozen for 4 days (in hot temperatures), while an Igloo under the same conditions failed after only 12 hours. Worth every penny and we never travel without it! Healthier and cheaper than eating out. Back at home, it’s handy to have ready for power outages. When a big storm is imminent, we pack it with a few essentials -as well as our freezer’s most expensive items- and a couple cold packs ahead of time. We learned our lessen after losing all the contents of our fridge/freezer twice. The cooler cost about the same as just one of those losses! A miscellaneous tip: if packing space for clothing is limited, *merino wool* requires less frequent laundering, since it’s naturally anti-microbial and odor resistant. You can wear it much longer without smelling sweaty. And it’s very durable. Great for minimalists! Also, packable puffer jackets can be stuffed into pillowcases, used as pillows, but there when you unexpectedly need the extra warmth.
from south africa.... a snorkle is a misnomer. you are not driving a submarine, has nothing to do with wading depth, but everything to do with elevated air intake. less dust and road grit, but more important less heat. most heat is up to hood height, and you get right out of that. huge impact on engine wear and tear, a bloomin important piece of equipment
Some great advice here. Special thanks for tip about the spare gas can. I had this on my essentials list cos grew up with my folks insisting it was essential for extended trips (they lived in a station wagon first year of marriage). That certainly frees up some space!
We only had an issue with gas once. And it was sort of our own fault. California has prices were too high so we tried to make it to Nevada before filling up. When we arrived the gas station was out of gas!! What are the chances! So we chugged along time the next one and literally made it 2 miles before it died on us.
@@ParadiseOnPennies yeah we play that game here in Oz too 🙄 But at least you know you did make it to the petrol station. Not your fault it was outa gas (altho that's probably cos EVERYBODY has same idea - we live, we learn). Down here we have sites and apps that tell you where the cheapest gas is near you - I wouldn't be surprised if there are similar 1s that say which stations are out of fuel
"Wedding" 20% price increase. "Survival" 50% price increase. Avoid the buzzwords. "Convenience " costs extra. From drinks to bug repellent at the gas station.
Gas can even empty is a must no one plans on getting stuck or running out. There may be a detour that may take you far out of your way ,expect the unexpected
This is all excellent advice! Thank you guys for this video!! I also backpack and I’m a Ford Escape owner- working toward my first overnights in it. I’ll be mostly using my backpacking gear in the car.
You are correct that one has not to be fancy, crazy n overloaded with clothes gadgets etc etc, when you are a traveling in a van n living a nomadic life. People use a lot of carpet upholstery in their van but it gathers/absorbs dust/moisture while driving/stationed which becomes stinky n itchy in the long run. So one needs to be as simple as nature .....😊
Yay! Someone else noticed that! 😁 I’m grossed out every time I see the interior of a van -or even just a sleeping platform- covered in carpeting! Indoor air quality is a much bigger issue in a very small space. Most carpet is treated with toxic stain repellents and fungicides, is installed with strong glues, is a catch-all for dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, and is very difficult to clean.
Paradise on Pennies - You might consider making another video actually demonstrating the hacks and techniques of how you can get by with less rather just talking about not having things. Part of the problem with having too much stuff is people can't truly grasp the the difference between need and want. Everyone seems to think they need a inverter to create AC house current when in fact there are so many things that can be powered / charged with 12v DC from a van's charging system. Living simple could almost be be considered a skill, it certainly takes discipline and attention to detail. You mentioned backpacking as your hobby. There is no more obvious way to drive home the concept of simplicity than to force a person to carry everything they "need" on their back. He who own less is less owned.
So far Just trying to prepare and figure out what I’ll need. I am older and have been spoiled. I enjoy electronics. Do you have a women’s clothing video?
Wonderful tips from someone living the life and keeping it simple. Great to have a video from you, looking forward to the next one. Never thought about those back racks dragging, good to know about the gas cans and coolers. Charging most of my gadgets via USB makes it a lot easier.
"Survival gear" yep... pretty much a huge scam of fearing people thinking they need it and they are badass enough to go out to the middle of nowhere like it's 1700 haha. The best Survival gear needed, is a bigger battery to charge your iPad to watch Netflix on the go
A big pain with extra gas cans would be having to constantly refuel using the cans as modern gas degrades in quite a short time leading to poor running and clogged filters so you would have to be stock rotating every month or so.
The truth a used van is 40k to 80k. Yes I've gone to the dealerships. Then the conversion is another 15k to 50k. So an estimated 55k to 130k for van life. What these youtubers don't tell you is they have money to do this and are still living out of their houses. Be careful most youtubers are liars and fakes to get numbers up. Most are piggy backing off of someone else idea, channel, and video🙄
This is actually quite true. And true of all media throughout history. Marketing and advertising and corporate involvement will always play a role and muddy the waters. Reality TV is a good example and now much of TH-cam has a reality tv thing going on. This is why our channel seems so “different” than most because we are just two folks living out in the wild and making videos on an outdated phone and not selling an image or idea or corporate product - in fact we encourage people to buy less and step out of the mass consumption game. Not a popular idea I can tell you that. lots of movements with good intentions have been swallowed up by the consumption culture. Even the hippy, environmentalism and anti-war and green energy movements have been. It’s kind of fascinating and kind of disturbing to consider. We just want to show people how the simple life can actually make us all happier AND make the world a better place. Hopefully someone out there is listening to the message. :)
Terrific video ! For those checking these out for their own build, the element that is consistently Not Addressed is building with consideration of THEFT DETERRENTS. Even screws used to mount things like solar panels should be Tamper Proof. On the west coast of the US, thieves are EVERYWHERE. True, you likely won’t be Theft PROOF, but you can sure as Hell make it difficult for thieves !
Very true statement if your staying in the cities! We stay out of the cities as much as possible so we don’t have to deal with people. Where we go we don’t see anyone.
I've slept many times in my car when travelling around. All you need is something to eat and drink. A loaf of bread, cold meat and a bottle of water does the trick for me! I curl up on the back seat. It's still more comfortable than trying to sleep on a plane!
And a way to cook the meat!? Unless you’re eating it raw!? 😆 We use a large water container to avoid buying bottled water & can often fill up free that way. Saves a lot of money there. Sleeping in a car is certainly doable but it does get squishy with several dogs and everything to your name in it.
One of your older videos but it is so refreshing to hear budget-friendly, common-sense advice about vanlife. It's taken me two years and lots of useless purchases before I realised I was spending more time ON the van than IN the van. lol Just get out there... you won't fall off the cliff of civilization and toilet paper stock, right?
Yea, we think backpack canoeing with the dogs would be a lot of fun too. So if we can’t carry a canoe with us & we’d do this infrequently then renting might make more sense in our case. There are inflatable kayaks I guess as well, but maybe costly and not sure if this exists for the canoe. Even thought of the possibility of buying one off say Craigslist & reselling it when were done!?
I dream of traveling with my boys but now my husband's providing as a trucker gone 3-4 weeks for a few days home. I'm focusing on saving more spending less with more experiences as a family. We have a cheap mortgage of $650 month our expenses are pretty low besides 1 car payment maybe in a year we can take week long camping trips with my husband n later once the homes paid for take longer trips.
Thank you for your video! I love your minimalistic approach. I, too, am sort of disturbed when vanlifers buy vans that cost 25K and then turn around and put 50+K into a build, making their van crazy expensive. What if you were to, God forbid, get into an accident? It seems like an awful lot of debt to carry, besides all the gear they already tote. Continued good luck out there!
Thanks! Yeah, we’ve been hoping to emphasize here that this is about living simple - both as a means to be free from constraints like stress, status and debt AND as a realistic way of doing this for people who aren’t sitting on a pile of money already. This is truly the only way - to simplify one’s needs. Those out there suggesting otherwise can’t possibly be being honest. You either already have tons of money or you do not and are therefor either painstakingly in pursuit of money to buy all the stuff or you’ve realized less just plain better. I don’t see much value in a video that tells people how to spend tons of money. Isn’t that easy enough? The value here is the emphasis on how to do more while spending less. Appreciate your comment & you joining us here & the well wishes. Thanks & take care!
Hoping you still reply to these older videos. I am at an impasse. I am 62. Not in great shape. Husband is dying. I have to live on 800 a month when he dies. I wont go into subsidized housing, wont live with my kids, cant stay here when husband passes. I currently own a 2018 Toyota Corolla IM. I need a bed ready and a potty. Those are my 2 must haves. I want to be stealth. Going to hang on the east coast tip to tip. I want to be able to tow. I can go back to Antique markets to supplement my widows benefit. Uhaul trailer is fine. My car can get about 14000, my mobile home maybe 8000. What is my best vehicle to tow, stealth, low maintenance costs, good mileage...or am I only dreaming...and comfortable. 😬
Have you checked out ‘Cheap Rv Living”? It’s another TH-cam channel that has a ton of good information and vids w women as nomads due to financial constraints. I wish you well.
Some people have gas generators and if the vehicle is diesel run they definitely need a gas can. But if the vehicle is gas run is there a safe way or gadget to extract gas from the tank to use with a generator or does it make more sense to bring a gas can after all ?
Well I am 73 and enjoy love GE on the road. I have little dog. Also have a bike. Mostly my stuff was s just the out grow of my backpacking days. Agree totally with less is more.
There are 12v compressor fridges now, but you need additional battery for it to work at night and drive every day or use solar, but it is not effective in some places, weather and season.
I "LOVE" ANKER...I have 2 charging cores and a fold up solar charger...I have had my first one for 2 yrs... and 500 w inverter, Bestex...all I need...😁 maybe one day 1 battery and 100 solar panel....but for now, I am good...!!!!
U can buy a cheap 20 Dollar picknick cooler for the beach,, put your ice in there, just for the hottest days, if u want to save your butter or joghurt. If u keep the ice in a zipper plastic bag, u do not even have to clean the cooler. For the difference of a yeti cooler of 380 dollar, u can buy ice for the rest of your life ...
Lol! This is true. The price is just so high and if you do the math per times the average person will use it versus buying ice (and sometimes not needing ice at all) it does calculate to several years out!
Thank you so much. Your perspective and experience is so valuable. I always primitive camped before, so I got lotsah stuff to pick through.... and I had trial runned a couple of times, with 'Lil Red (riding hood 🐺), my former VibeRide, as well. I've eliminated lots, purged many times and even now, I look at a pile of plenty enough, that hardly seems small enough, to fit into a rolling egg....but I shall overcome and git it on down the road, all quick-like, since my ride is named Quick Silver and all....lol. I just bought a little solar kit...it'll do....and the cooler was in question...soft side is the way I will go, if we be chillin' on this Diva Driveabout. Thanks, you nice nomads...lol...I'll be waitin' to watch the "what ya need for your steed" video. 🐝
This is only good advice if you plan to pursue the hippie sort of road life. Assuming that you'll always have access to stores or affordable gas can be a mistake. While it's true that people clog their overbuilt SUVs with showy crud, many of the things mentioned here make sense for folks with long-term remote aspirations.
Living on the road is a “hippy sort of thing” unless your rich then your just living in a small house that moves with everything a normal house has. And if stores and gas are not Available I think we are all gonna have big issues not just nomads. We have long term and remote aspersions and I don’t need any of those things. The video was for the people that don’t have tons of money that want to live a different lifestyle but get advertised to by other channels that have all the glam stuff that make it look amazing to tell them they don’t need it in order to be a nomad because we make it just fine without it. Don’t want to be sending people the wrong message that you can have all this stuff and never work that’s not the reality of being a nomad unless again you have tons of money. But that is not what this channel is about.
Thanks for this!!! When I first started planning...I was thinking of getting a whole solar panel set up. But a couple of weeks ago, I just bought a jackery and to hear you confirm it- that there really isnt a need for solar panels set up, helps!! Also I had it in my mind that I would need gas...glad to hear you think not...I think its more of a mental security/safety thing but youre right...gas stations everywhere...and I have a honda crv...mor mileage! Great tips
Awesome! Yea, we actually did run out of gas once but that was our own fault because we were trying to dodge high prices in California and then just our luck a station along the route was out of order. 😬 It’s all in the adventure. We’ve found that doing things simple ends up leading to much more memorable adventure than if we made it all easy peasy. Wish you the best on your adventures!!!
Good points. Not everyone needs tonnes of gear. But how are any of these things "scams"? I believe the point of a Yeti cooler (I've never owned one) is that you don't have to buy ice every day. I've heard stories where the ice lasts a week or more. Hence the stupid price tags on them.
Yeti is not the only cooler making that claim. After watching TH-cam comparisons, I've gone from thinking I need a Yeti, to being excited that at Tourit will do the same thing for half the price, to being convinced the Coleman extremes will work just fine- $60.00 or less (depending on size).
wow totally agree, very good points, and yes one of the biggest mistakes one can make is getting a new vehicle (what applies not only for starting van life, btw.). Financially seen any brand new car is a disaster. As soon as you drive the car out of the dealership it is pre-owned and as such of at least 20-25% of less value than the brand new thing. Means as soon as the tires hit the road you can calculate that you paid (seen from your side of the calculation) one third more than it is worth, and if you have to sell it very early due to any bad circumstances you will get in best case only what is worth but never what you paid. The other aspect of a brand new vehicle most people don't think about is that you have to bring a new car often to service - for "free services" as well as maybe for any repairs which are sometimes necessary with new cars due to whatever factory failures. You have to do that otherwise you loose the warranty. And even though it is often called free that means only the labour is free, but you have to pay for oil, brake fluid and what not else. And it takes you usually a day or two without car ... not so funny if you are used to live in it. Your advice to take what you have for a start is great, but: well, better see it theoretically, don't take it always literally. Means yes in most cases you have already a car and it might be even perfect for van dwelling but if not don't forget options such as trading your beautiful sedan into a huge van, or whatever would better fit to your future needs than what you really have. Btw. I guess that is one of the most overseen options one has - trading your whatever what is not so needed or not so fitting to your needs item against something what would be a much better option. Rule: Do not only consider purchasing but consider also trading. Give what you have in exchange for something that fits better. Maybe your cousin or your colleague or one of your neighbours have a huge van, but the kids left the house and they plan to have soon a smaller car, a sedan, a huge pickup or whatever, and fantastically you are the one who has such a car and you guys could simply exchange, trade the one for the other? And maybe you pay 500 bucks extra, or even better: your neighbour comes with 1000 extra on top for your ride? ;-D
Hey, sorry about the hangup on that link (thought we posted it). I updated the video's Description now to include a bunch of links. So, I noticed the specific Solar Charger that we have (brand is ANKER), the price has gone up quite a bit. However, there are some others available that seem realllly similar & har half the price. We can only speak for the Anker Charger, which is still going strong for us. However, if the others are similar they may be worth it, too. Here are all the links to make it easier for ya to find: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LINKS: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anker Solar Charger (price has risen alot since we got it!!) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012YUJJM8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=paraonpenn-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B012YUJJM8&linkId=fc9a8ca2283a7bfd72337a56f43288dc ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Solar Chargers seem to be nearly identical to the Anker one we have, but cheaper: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GQ7OEA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=paraonpenn-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B017GQ7OEA&linkId=25b4bcf8a5547fba97f821b5d2781070 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EXWCPLC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=paraonpenn-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01EXWCPLC&linkId=ca972e577a0d78c91871ad30b60b7c40 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know I'm late to this, but one thing I disagree with. I got a yeti cooler, and if you can find them on sale, they are worth it. I put ice in it only once every 7 days, and it fits behind the passenger seat on the floor, so no need to move it to a front seat at night. Being able to buy one bag of ice and keep things cold for a week is absolutely worth it (in my opinion)
Good to know! I’m just trying to save the people that watch the big TH-camrs (that have everything) some money from going out right away and buying everything they have before they even try suv life or van life. If your gonna be fulltime and you have the money then it’s probably a nice thing to have around.
@@ParadiseOnPennies yeah, definitely don't go out and buy one right away. I actually look at a yeti as a cheap alternative to a dometic fridge, which is a slightly different want/need than what you discussed in the video
13:45 of less is more. Don't take anything, you won't need it. Forget everyone has different needs/wants/expectations and circumstances. I mean, really... this whole life style seems very complicated. I think I'll just stay home. Wait...owning a home, not needed....I'll just sleep on a bench in the park and eat at the soup kitchen. Less is more right? Joking aside. 99% of living on the road, van dwelling, overlanding, bushcraft on TH-cam is really becoming an advertising medium for equipment companies. I'm gonna plug in my Biolite LEDs to my Jackery Power Station while watching Netflix on my Laptop through my Verizon Jetpack while my food is cooking on my Ultralite (insert brand name here) backpackers stove So many videos are twice as long becuse it take so much time to plug the brand of equipment used. It's getting tired. When I decided to go camping in my SUV, I went into the basement and dug up some gear I've had for years. Along the way, I would make a mental note of what I thought I might need while out camping and bought it as time went on.
Did we advertise something in the video? But yes I do agree 99% are doing” Van life” for the money, and as a business! We are definitely the 1% who are not That’s why we only get hundreds of views instead on millions! We’re real, and real doesn’t sell! We are not running the channel as a business. We want to show people they can be truly happy and authentic living with little belongings, and connecting back with nature. This overconsumption world is not going to be able to last much longer.
First thing you want is to fully run through your engine tires make sure your vechiles mechanically sound so you don't end up stranded I highly recommended learning some mechinic skills learning on the fly sucks ...
@@ParadiseOnPennies no offense. No judgement. Im jealous. I just thought it might be important to say objectively as it is quite a difference. To someone watching this that is stradling a fence or scared their partner wont hack jt and want to leave. Going at it alone might be a better idea for some. Again, bo offense. You seem like a really genuine person in your vids.
Just found your Channel I already have a large suv armada/qx56 yet there are no setups looking for a weekend warrior setup that would last for week long trips etc.. only other issue is it's a beast 4wd v8 6k pounds but I have lots of room just don't know where to start any help would be greatly appreciated!
Take note that the Anker solar panel price has literally doubled since we purchased it! Still working great, but I noticed there are some other brands that look very similar to the Anker one (might be just as good) for a smaller price. I’ll try to find and post those links on here to for comparison.
Thanks for the info. "Think like a backpacker" . I'm just about ready to go and fretting about a bed platform that now I will omit...try and hung stuff in my hammock. If u haven't got the tools or manpower just go with what u have. Happy trails.
Do you mean a bed platform in a van or SUV? We did a simple one when we first started out & it was like 20 bucks. We made a short how-to video on both the bed platforms we built. Might be helpful?
Interesting advice.. Never heard of Anker Solar charger before. I learned something new.. New subscribe.. Thank you for the video.. Have a blessed day..
disclaimer: of course everything is relative .. this is coming from the perspective of 2 people with dogs in a tiny ass ford escape , space is a premium. one person in a big ass suburban or full sized conversion van or camper van not so much. some of those things have queen sized beds and full kitchens and bathrooms in them and permanent kitchens ..... personally My first bullet point would have been, "unless you a single you dont need to even consider this lifestyle in a ford escape" ...... but hey thats just me .
Yes. We already had the Ford Escape so that’s the vehicle we used. We are all about being on a budget here. If you want a bigger suv or vehicle you can surly go buy one but some people don’t have the luxury to afford that. We are just showing you how to do it very cheap, and telling you a few things not to waste your money on if your on a budget as well.
Yes it was a Ford Escape. Older model before the new style changes came along in 2013? I think. The more squared style was a little roomier I think. Are you living or traveling in an escape now ???
Well considering I have a Camaro. I may need a new car if I want to live it. I plan on getting by with a battery powered fan, roto molded cooler and a camp stove of some sort. It is CA so a fan is essential
your videos are the first and only videos i have found on youtube that are totally real. you are true reality, im just starting traveling, and your advice is really beneficial..thanks so much,,,keep up the miles guys..
Glad our videos can be of help. Were both are not fans of being fake with people cause then you get fake friends in return so we are always as authentic and real as we can be with everyone we meet and in every video. I'm glad we are coming across that way. Not going to be fake just so we can get followers. We stick to our beliefs and values no matter what. So you just started traveling? Where have you all been to so far?
Bravo,. I've been road tripping in my Pontiac Vibe.(total 100000 km.) On my last trip to California I slept with my road bike and all my gear inside my car. I'm 76 and content.
Awesome! I hope we can still be doing this at 76!
Wow, that's good going!
And gives me hope that if you can fit your bike in there I can find room for a fridge (essential for me, I have to eat lots of greens cos of health condition)
@@susie9893 you can grow lettuce on you dash.
@@anitablades6033 yes I'd thought of growing herbs there (little pots). I also keep celery and kale in vases at home - I find last longer than in fridge. Thinking of late that maybe I could do something similar in a van
Vibe' aka Toyota
Just yesterday I saw an ad for a $200,000 van conversion. I was like isn't this all supposed to _save_ you money on housing?
Yep! Their are a lot of people out there doing it for the same amount you can live in a house! Those seem to be the big channels on TH-cam. We do everything on a budget so we can work less and be free more! That’s the point of our channel, not showing you how to spend lots of money 💰 that’s easy! Everybody can do that! Living on 6000 a year that’s difficult! Thanks for watching!!
It cost more than a house.
@@ParadiseOnPennies $6,000 a year would be the cost of one of my medications for a year without insurance. That's just one of my medications. I was diagnosed at what is considered a fairly young age with Afib. Eliquis is expensive.
That’s ridiculous! I’m sorry to hear that. Can you get any additional assistance with paying for it??? These costs are outlandish. We are so frustrated with the fact that health costs are at an out of control premium and at the same time this society continues a rampant destruction of nature, the very source of our medication and well-being. Waters are polluted, biodiverse forests are cut down, industrial waste is dumped on land and water, and so on, much of it is linked in reputable scientific publications to many of the increasing diseases we are all getting. That’s why we live this way now, while we can. The less we can contribute to the demise of nature and this crazy society, the better.
@@ParadiseOnPennies ...and there probably the ones that have no respect either
Things you won't need:
-new vehicle (use what you have, will get scratched and dirty anyway)
-high clearance (1ft is plenty)
-roof/bike/ski racks (pick hobbies to do year round)
-gas cans kept on the roof (lots of gas stations around)
-exterior cooler/basket at the back(will be a problem with road bumps)
-"survival" gear (that's gadget)
-giant yeti cooler (expensive, takes a lot of space)
-very expensive battery bank and solar (go for small battery bank or mini jackery, that's enough)
-ton of clothes (eg enough to have 1 sweater instead of 3-4)
-full kitchen supplies (keep it simple, pan, pots, few utensils)
A lot of these apply to specific types of camping or living out of your vehicle. If you are gonna rough it and do more of an off grid style you can make use out of a lot of what you claim you don’t need.
@@Rzs31 I respectfully disagree
@@helenellsworth9556 Don’t care
Hey guys, nice video. I live in a 2010 Ford Escape full time. I carry two totes that fit in the food well of the rear passenger sitting area. One has food (non-perishable) the other keeps my Stanley cook set, cutting board, plate, mug and utensils as well as lighting and fuel tanks for my MSR pocket rocket stove. I removed the bench seat portion of the rear seats as I knew no one would ever be sitting in them. At night when I sleep, I place the totes in the footwell which when the back tests are laid flat provide the additional length I need to lay a 3 in bi-folding foam pad that I purchased at Home Depot. I picked up a sleeping bag liner at Walmart and it works perfectly as a cover for the foam pad. I then lay my warm and fuzzy blanket down and carry a mummy bag rated for five degrees above zero and a Colman fleece lined bag for all other temperatures. If it’s below zero, I just put the mummy bag inside of the Coleman fleece lined bag and I’ve been warm to almost 20 degrees below zero. I have a cloth pouch that I keep a pair of chop sticks in along with long handle spoon and spork and a back up straw for my Starbucks vente cup which I drink out of regularly. As for charging devices, I converted the front and rear cigarette light ports to 3.0 USB ports. I change my tablet, and phone on them. I’ve never felt the need to carry a laptop because I can do pretty much everything I need to do on my smartphone. If I can’t do it with what I have, I can usually find an app. A few other things I’ve done is in the back right door panel pocket, I have four small travel size spray bottles. I put Amoral interior cleaner on n one, glass cleaner in another, fabreeze in another and diluted dawn dish washing soap in the fourth. They all fit comfortably side by side in the door pocket. In the left far rear pocket, keep my dryer sheets and extra napkins and in the far right rear, I keep a couple extra tall bottles of smart water, a fire extinguisher and my laundry detergent. I also carry a small tough tool box with a few basic essential tools for repairs that may come up, extra gloves, hand warmers, zip ties etc. during the day while I’m using my car for work, it sits behind the drivers seat. At night, It goes in the foot well of the drivers side front seat. I also carry one weeks worth of clothes in a duffel bag. When I run out of clothes, I stop at a laundromat and do my laundry. Finally, I have an Outdoor Gear back back that I carry my mens shower bag in with all my hygiene products, a multipurpose tool, insect repellent, first aid kit, pocket knife, light jacket and a sweat shirt, head lamp, extra lighter and my medication. During the day, it just hangs around the right rear seat back test and the chest strap locks it in place so I need not worry about it going any wear. And finally, Inhave a small zippered pouch that I keep all my charging cables in in the right front door pocket and in the drivers side door pocket, I keep a flash light, SAS pocket size survivor manual, hand sanitizer and some small bead containers that I keep spices in to make every meal a little extra special.
All in all, I am quite content. I only replace items as needed and don’t even bother to carry a cooler and Ice been living in my escape for almost two years.
One last thing, here’s a great meal you might really enjoy.
Every grocery store, or at least most have precooked chicken and things like that in their deli department. I buy two chicken breasts, (cooked) a bag of frozen oriental vegetables, (birds eyes are the best) and a ramen noodle soup. I place the noodles in the bottom of a rectangular Tupperware container, the frozen vegetables on top of that and then break up the chicken into bite size pieces and layer that on top. I then boil water and pour it over the top of everything. Place the lid on top and let the steam steep everything for about 15 minutes. Then I add teriyaki sauce packets from Panda Express, stir and dinner be served. It’s really good and makes enough for tow though ai eat the whole thing to a head.
Hope you enjoyed my note.
Feel free to email me at TrinityWolf777@gmail.com for other tips and tricks I’ve learned and or for friendship.
Warm regards;
Don
absolutely! like many I work week days and have the weekends free - I like to camp and it's tedious putting everything in the car and taking it out a day or two later... keep all my cooking things - stove, pot, pan, propane, utensils in a old suitcase - works perfect - in and out. For those 1 night trips, sometimes i don't even use the tent - just sleep in my car's front seat with a sleeping bag...especially if it's raining. If you really want to go simple, don't even bring the cooking supplies - no mess, no clean up, which means you don't need a bunch of extra water either. A couple of subway sandwiches, a basic cooler for beer and a folding chair is all one really needs...
I've been building out my van for several months, watched a million videos....but this is one of the best!! Thankyou.
Do I have a story. When I started August 15, 2020 living in my RAV4 I bought many things that I didn't need and soon had to learn how to live on less. That's been a work in process. Lol
I've backpacked for many years around the world. I'm confident I could throw my 30L backpack into my jeep with a sleeping bag and be totally fine! Peace all.
If whole families of pioneers can go all the way across the country in covered wagons it proves you can get by without some of the things we today see as essentials.
Definitely!
Mormons and crossed pushing Wheel barrels.
Very good point.
I love y'all. I have been living in my jeep for 3 years and see so much nonsense from people, especially from those who youtube. But y'all keep it simple, and that is a beautiful thing.
Thanks! We're just staying true to us!
I have said before in a comment on another one of your videos that you two are an inspiration. You inspire us to live as free humans instead of robotic consumers.
Thank you for the wonderful comment!
I plan to remove the back seats of a toyota avanza and replace it with a matres and a plastic box for my clothes. Its supposed to be a city stealth camper for work. Everything else I need like shower and internet are at work. The car is just for sleeping and change of clothes.
Parkir dimana?
@@cemploncemplon8994 Walmart or truck stops
Snorkels are not for water crossings (mostly) they are mostly for raising your air intake above most of the dust clouds on dusty dirt tracks. You are correct that most people don’t need them but they are very good for long term travel in less developed countries with lots of dirt and gravel roads. It saves a lot of wear and tear on air filters and engines. Deep water crossings require a lot more modification to raise breathers and other things above water level. And most people will never need that.
Hi new to your channel. I have a Ford Escape and been toying with the idea. Your channel is gold right now haha. Plus I have a dog that’s been a concern if it could even be done. Thanks for the vids 👍🏻
It can be done. We had to people and 2 dogs for almost 2 years! Then we wanted more dogs so we had to upgrade!
Your guys channel is incredible. I was first going down the rabbit hole of 100k van setups then I'm like "that defeats the whole purpose of living cheaply on the road". Just use the car or SUV you already have! Simple and brilliant. No matter what you can't really escape society so there's no need to be a huge pack rat either. These setups are a lot of times based on fear rather than experience. A rare youtube find for sure.
Thank you! That means a lot.
To be fair to the $100k crowd, not everyone is going into vanlife with the same goals. Some folks are not living in a van 24/7. Some folks need a really techy build because they are full-time remote workers who need 100% reliability, and don't need to pinch pennies. IMO, the best setups are the ones that are DIY enough to save $$$ yet 100% fit the user's needs
What cracks me up are the expensive conversion with the beautiful pull out kitchens. HOPE it don’t 🌧. People build a high platform bed with just enough head room to turn over. While under the bed they have a ton of storage bins that have things THEY might need, but never used. The weirdest thing is people aren’t being logical. They want to go stealth but have no idea of what that entails. IT MEANS you can’t park for the night then get out and pull out your kitchen to cook dinner all the while neighbors are watching to see if you leave. Better idea if you are stuck with having to get in your back door to cook is go to a park, cook your meal. Put up most of your window coverings then go find your place to sleep. Once there look around is anyone looking your way…now DON’T get out then open back door n crawl back in. Get into the back , close your drape put up the rest of window covers and go to bed. Play on your phone or iPad but keep the lights way low along with noise . The more you are not noticed the better. The real stealth campers will tell you they never get a knock on the door. If they come knocking you were not stealth.
Exactly
I super appreciate this video. I have accepted a job on the other side of the US and plan to live out of my car to make the most.money possible.. but my car is a sub compact! 😅😅 I'm definitely going to have to get creative with it! Cheers
You might want to think about getting a small U-Haul trailer to pull behind your car then get a storage unit at your destination. That way you could take and keep nonessentials, things you may want for memory's sake or actually may need eventually.
Your storage unit could even be a "home" office or a place to take a nap if you put a cot in it. It could be a place to stretch out, even take a quicky shower in a collapsible pool with sun-warmed water that you bring in. There are a lot of options with a storage unit if you only have a sub compact. Wishing you the best with your brilliant idea! :D
“Definitely avoid the Yeti coolers . . . You have to buy ice every day.” You are missing the entire point of investing several hundred dollars in a Yeti. They can keep ice frozen for 3 to 10 days, depending on conditions. In one test, a Yeti kept meat frozen for 4 days (in hot temperatures), while an Igloo under the same conditions failed after only 12 hours. Worth every penny and we never travel without it! Healthier and cheaper than eating out. Back at home, it’s handy to have ready for power outages. When a big storm is imminent, we pack it with a few essentials -as well as our freezer’s most expensive items- and a couple cold packs ahead of time. We learned our lessen after losing all the contents of our fridge/freezer twice. The cooler cost about the same as just one of those losses!
A miscellaneous tip: if packing space for clothing is limited, *merino wool* requires less frequent laundering, since it’s naturally anti-microbial and odor resistant. You can wear it much longer without smelling sweaty. And it’s very durable. Great for minimalists! Also, packable puffer jackets can be stuffed into pillowcases, used as pillows, but there when you unexpectedly need the extra warmth.
RTIC coolers are way cheaper and same technology
Very good advice! Thank you!
from south africa.... a snorkle is a misnomer. you are not driving a submarine, has nothing to do with wading depth, but everything to do with elevated air intake. less dust and road grit, but more important less heat. most heat is up to hood height, and you get right out of that. huge impact on engine wear and tear, a bloomin important piece of equipment
Some great advice here.
Special thanks for tip about the spare gas can. I had this on my essentials list cos grew up with my folks insisting it was essential for extended trips (they lived in a station wagon first year of marriage). That certainly frees up some space!
We only had an issue with gas once. And it was sort of our own fault. California has prices were too high so we tried to make it to Nevada before filling up. When we arrived the gas station was out of gas!! What are the chances! So we chugged along time the next one and literally made it 2 miles before it died on us.
@@ParadiseOnPennies yeah we play that game here in Oz too 🙄
But at least you know you did make it to the petrol station. Not your fault it was outa gas (altho that's probably cos EVERYBODY has same idea - we live, we learn).
Down here we have sites and apps that tell you where the cheapest gas is near you - I wouldn't be surprised if there are similar 1s that say which stations are out of fuel
Carrying excess gas is heavy, it costs extra to run the van. Uses more gas. Secondly carrying water is more important in case of break down etc.
You guys make great educational videos thank you so much I'm learning a lot
"Wedding" 20% price increase. "Survival" 50% price increase. Avoid the buzzwords. "Convenience " costs extra. From drinks to bug repellent at the gas station.
Gas can even empty is a must no one plans on getting stuck or running out. There may be a detour that may take you far out of your way ,expect the unexpected
I don't know. Beenliving in my durango a year now... Still finding things to make it better.
Great advice. You're right about car overloaded with EXTRAS that can be stolen whenever you have to park the car.
Yep
This is all excellent advice! Thank you guys for this video!! I also backpack and I’m a Ford Escape owner- working toward my first overnights in it. I’ll be mostly using my backpacking gear in the car.
Very helpful advice! Thank you so much for sharing it!
You are correct that one has not to be fancy, crazy n overloaded with clothes gadgets etc etc, when you are a traveling in a van n living a nomadic life. People use a lot of carpet upholstery in their van but it gathers/absorbs dust/moisture while driving/stationed which becomes stinky n itchy in the long run. So one needs to be as simple as nature .....😊
Yay! Someone else noticed that! 😁 I’m grossed out every time I see the interior of a van -or even just a sleeping platform- covered in carpeting! Indoor air quality is a much bigger issue in a very small space. Most carpet is treated with toxic stain repellents and fungicides, is installed with strong glues, is a catch-all for dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, and is very difficult to clean.
Paradise on Pennies - You might consider making another video actually demonstrating the hacks and techniques of how you can get by with less rather just talking about not having things. Part of the problem with having too much stuff is people can't truly grasp the the difference between need and want. Everyone seems to think they need a inverter to create AC house current when in fact there are so many things that can be powered / charged with 12v DC from a van's charging system. Living simple could almost be be considered a skill, it certainly takes discipline and attention to detail. You mentioned backpacking as your hobby. There is no more obvious way to drive home the concept of simplicity than to force a person to carry everything they "need" on their back. He who own less is less owned.
Thanks! Good idea. We’ll see what we can come up with.
Invaluable advice. Reminds me of “How to go lighter” by Glen Van Peski of Gossamer Gear. Looking forward to your next video. Cheers!
Simple and minimalist i like your way of living less to worry about.
Yea, society complicates life too much.
This man has never used a cooler if he thinks you need to add ice everyday
Great video. Thx 😊
Love this video I’m new so I’m gonna see what else you got going thank you. I own a Subaru outback so that’s gonna have to do. 💕
That should do just fine! What’s your plan!!?
So far Just trying to prepare and figure out what I’ll need. I am older and have been spoiled. I enjoy electronics. Do you have a women’s clothing video?
Not yet but people have been asking so we will have one out soon!
Thanks for going over this info
Yes..thanks..
Wonderful tips from someone living the life and keeping it simple. Great to have a video from you, looking forward to the next one. Never thought about those back racks dragging, good to know about the gas cans and coolers. Charging most of my gadgets via USB makes it a lot easier.
thanks for the tips--------------------- vanlife4ever!
I was wondering the whole time where Heather went, then she never comes back. Very sneaky exit.
Probably chasing dogs
"Survival gear" yep... pretty much a huge scam of fearing people thinking they need it and they are badass enough to go out to the middle of nowhere like it's 1700 haha.
The best Survival gear needed, is a bigger battery to charge your iPad to watch Netflix on the go
We've all had to boondock it at one point or another in our life. Essentials only.
Common sense ....
Thanks for the tips
A big pain with extra gas cans would be having to constantly refuel using the cans as modern gas degrades in quite a short time leading to poor running and clogged filters so you would have to be stock rotating every month or so.
The truth a used van is 40k to 80k. Yes I've gone to the dealerships. Then the conversion is another 15k to 50k. So an estimated 55k to 130k for van life. What these youtubers don't tell you is they have money to do this and are still living out of their houses. Be careful most youtubers are liars and fakes to get numbers up. Most are piggy backing off of someone else idea, channel, and video🙄
Your name seems appropriate, using this comment as a reference...
This is actually quite true. And true of all media throughout history. Marketing and advertising and corporate involvement will always play a role and muddy the waters. Reality TV is a good example and now much of TH-cam has a reality tv thing going on. This is why our channel seems so “different” than most because we are just two folks living out in the wild and making videos on an outdated phone and not selling an image or idea or corporate product - in fact we encourage people to buy less and step out of the mass consumption game. Not a popular idea I can tell you that. lots of movements with good intentions have been swallowed up by the consumption culture. Even the hippy, environmentalism and anti-war and green energy movements have been. It’s kind of fascinating and kind of disturbing to consider. We just want to show people how the simple life can actually make us all happier AND make the world a better place. Hopefully someone out there is listening to the message. :)
40k to 80k for a used van that’s absurd 🤣🤣🤣
Terrific video ! For those checking these out for their own build, the element that is consistently Not Addressed is building with consideration of THEFT DETERRENTS.
Even screws used to mount things like solar panels should be Tamper Proof. On the west coast of the US, thieves are EVERYWHERE.
True, you likely won’t be Theft PROOF, but you can sure as Hell make it difficult for thieves !
Very true statement if your staying in the cities! We stay out of the cities as much as possible so we don’t have to deal with people. Where we go we don’t see anyone.
@@ParadiseOnPennies This is how I plan to travel, far far away from people lol
I've slept many times in my car when travelling around. All you need is something to eat and drink. A loaf of bread, cold meat and a bottle of water does the trick for me! I curl up on the back seat. It's still more comfortable than trying to sleep on a plane!
And a way to cook the meat!? Unless you’re eating it raw!? 😆 We use a large water container to avoid buying bottled water & can often fill up free that way. Saves a lot of money there. Sleeping in a car is certainly doable but it does get squishy with several dogs and everything to your name in it.
Put "Tactical" or Survival" onto an item's name and people will buy it. "Tactical pen" or "Survival toothpicks" sell like crazy!
So true! Marketing is becoming easier I guess.
I almost bought a survival bracelet for this very reason lol
One of your older videos but it is so refreshing to hear budget-friendly, common-sense advice about vanlife. It's taken me two years and lots of useless purchases before I realised I was spending more time ON the van than IN the van. lol Just get out there... you won't fall off the cliff of civilization and toilet paper stock, right?
There are also tons of places you can rent kayaks and do stuff.
Yea, we think backpack canoeing with the dogs would be a lot of fun too. So if we can’t carry a canoe with us & we’d do this infrequently then renting might make more sense in our case. There are inflatable kayaks I guess as well, but maybe costly and not sure if this exists for the canoe. Even thought of the possibility of buying one off say Craigslist & reselling it when were done!?
I dream of traveling with my boys but now my husband's providing as a trucker gone 3-4 weeks for a few days home. I'm focusing on saving more spending less with more experiences as a family. We have a cheap mortgage of $650 month our expenses are pretty low besides 1 car payment maybe in a year we can take week long camping trips with my husband n later once the homes paid for take longer trips.
Good luck with today's life , future is ???
Thanks! I never understood why most van life videos always seemed like contests to show how much crap could be stuffed into a space!
That’s what we thought also!
Thank you for your video! I love your minimalistic approach. I, too, am sort of disturbed when vanlifers buy vans that cost 25K and then turn around and put 50+K into a build, making their van crazy expensive. What if you were to, God forbid, get into an accident? It seems like an awful lot of debt to carry, besides all the gear they already tote. Continued good luck out there!
Thanks! Yeah, we’ve been hoping to emphasize here that this is about living simple - both as a means to be free from constraints like stress, status and debt AND as a realistic way of doing this for people who aren’t sitting on a pile of money already. This is truly the only way - to simplify one’s needs. Those out there suggesting otherwise can’t possibly be being honest. You either already have tons of money or you do not and are therefor either painstakingly in pursuit of money to buy all the stuff or you’ve realized less just plain better. I don’t see much value in a video that tells people how to spend tons of money. Isn’t that easy enough? The value here is the emphasis on how to do more while spending less. Appreciate your comment & you joining us here & the well wishes. Thanks & take care!
Super useful tips and advice. Thank you. Sub'ed.
Very helpful. Thank you. Just putting my blueprint together for what I will actually need. 2010 Chevy Equinox.
Cool! Are you panning to live in it or take a trip or ??
@@ParadiseOnPennies I’m gonna try to live out of it :)
Good points. I have the pick up truck life right now. So far i have spent total of $545 with my truck bed build.
Hoping you still reply to these older videos. I am at an impasse. I am 62. Not in great shape. Husband is dying. I have to live on 800 a month when he dies. I wont go into subsidized housing, wont live with my kids, cant stay here when husband passes. I currently own a 2018 Toyota Corolla IM. I need a bed ready and a potty. Those are my 2 must haves. I want to be stealth. Going to hang on the east coast tip to tip. I want to be able to tow. I can go back to Antique markets to supplement my widows benefit. Uhaul trailer is fine. My car can get about 14000, my mobile home maybe 8000. What is my best vehicle to tow, stealth, low maintenance costs, good mileage...or am I only dreaming...and comfortable. 😬
Have you checked out ‘Cheap Rv Living”? It’s another TH-cam channel that has a ton of good information and vids w women as nomads due to financial constraints. I wish you well.
@@deciduous_99 Yes I have, looked at many of them twice. Thanks.
Wait I found another Brian Laundrie clone
Who’s that?
Some people have gas generators and if the vehicle is diesel run they definitely need a gas can. But if the vehicle is gas run is there a safe way or gadget to extract gas from the tank to use with a generator or does it make more sense to bring a gas can after all ?
anna christine
Look into propane generators
Well I am 73 and enjoy love GE on the road. I have little dog. Also have a bike. Mostly my stuff was s just the out grow of my backpacking days. Agree totally with less is more.
Thank you. Take care.
There are 12v compressor fridges now, but you need additional battery for it to work at night and drive every day or use solar, but it is not effective in some places, weather and season.
I "LOVE" ANKER...I have 2 charging cores and a fold up solar charger...I have had my first one for 2 yrs... and 500 w inverter, Bestex...all I need...😁 maybe one day 1 battery and 100 solar panel....but for now, I am good...!!!!
U can buy a cheap 20 Dollar picknick cooler for the beach,, put your ice in there, just for the hottest days, if u want to save your butter or joghurt. If u keep the ice in a zipper plastic bag, u do not even have to clean the cooler. For the difference of a yeti cooler of 380 dollar, u can buy ice for the rest of your life ...
Lol! This is true. The price is just so high and if you do the math per times the average person will use it versus buying ice (and sometimes not needing ice at all) it does calculate to several years out!
What about a spare tire?
Thank you so much. Your perspective and experience is so valuable. I always primitive camped before, so I got lotsah stuff to pick through.... and I had trial runned a couple of times, with 'Lil Red (riding hood 🐺), my former VibeRide, as well. I've eliminated lots, purged many times and even now, I look at a pile of plenty enough, that hardly seems small enough, to fit into a rolling egg....but I shall overcome and git it on down the road, all quick-like, since my ride is named Quick Silver and all....lol. I just bought a little solar kit...it'll do....and the cooler was in question...soft side is the way I will go, if we be chillin' on this Diva Driveabout. Thanks, you nice nomads...lol...I'll be waitin' to watch the "what ya need for your steed" video. 🐝
The Backroads Aa
Very helpful for a newbie to be. Hope to see you out there
Great! Glad to know.
This is only good advice if you plan to pursue the hippie sort of road life. Assuming that you'll always have access to stores or affordable gas can be a mistake. While it's true that people clog their overbuilt SUVs with showy crud, many of the things mentioned here make sense for folks with long-term remote aspirations.
Living on the road is a “hippy sort of thing” unless your rich then your just living in a small house that moves with everything a normal house has. And if stores and gas are not Available I think we are all gonna have big issues not just nomads. We have long term and remote aspersions and I don’t need any of those things. The video was for the people that don’t have tons of money that want to live a different lifestyle but get advertised to by other channels that have all the glam stuff that make it look amazing to tell them they don’t need it in order to be a nomad because we make it just fine without it. Don’t want to be sending people the wrong message that you can have all this stuff and never work that’s not the reality of being a nomad unless again you have tons of money. But that is not what this channel is about.
So true for us on a budget.
Thanks for this!!! When I first started planning...I was thinking of getting a whole solar panel set up. But a couple of weeks ago, I just bought a jackery and to hear you confirm it- that there really isnt a need for solar panels set up, helps!! Also I had it in my mind that I would need gas...glad to hear you think not...I think its more of a mental security/safety thing but youre right...gas stations everywhere...and I have a honda crv...mor mileage! Great tips
Awesome! Yea, we actually did run out of gas once but that was our own fault because we were trying to dodge high prices in California and then just our luck a station along the route was out of order. 😬 It’s all in the adventure. We’ve found that doing things simple ends up leading to much more memorable adventure than if we made it all easy peasy. Wish you the best on your adventures!!!
Good points. Not everyone needs tonnes of gear. But how are any of these things "scams"?
I believe the point of a Yeti cooler (I've never owned one) is that you don't have to buy ice every day. I've heard stories where the ice lasts a week or more. Hence the stupid price tags on them.
Yeti is not the only cooler making that claim. After watching TH-cam comparisons, I've gone from thinking I need a Yeti, to being excited that at Tourit will do the same thing for half the price, to being convinced the Coleman extremes will work just fine- $60.00 or less (depending on size).
@@Imgone2024 well as I said, I've never owned one but I do own a Coleman extreme and it sure works fine.
I have a solar charger flat as a tack 😊 chragers my phone Just right
wow totally agree, very good points, and yes one of the biggest mistakes one can make is getting a new vehicle (what applies not only for starting van life, btw.).
Financially seen any brand new car is a disaster. As soon as you drive the car out of the dealership it is pre-owned and as such of at least 20-25% of less value than the brand new thing. Means as soon as the tires hit the road you can calculate that you paid (seen from your side of the calculation) one third more than it is worth, and if you have to sell it very early due to any bad circumstances you will get in best case only what is worth but never what you paid.
The other aspect of a brand new vehicle most people don't think about is that you have to bring a new car often to service - for "free services" as well as maybe for any repairs which are sometimes necessary with new cars due to whatever factory failures. You have to do that otherwise you loose the warranty. And even though it is often called free that means only the labour is free, but you have to pay for oil, brake fluid and what not else. And it takes you usually a day or two without car ... not so funny if you are used to live in it.
Your advice to take what you have for a start is great, but: well, better see it theoretically, don't take it always literally. Means yes in most cases you have already a car and it might be even perfect for van dwelling but if not don't forget options such as trading your beautiful sedan into a huge van, or whatever would better fit to your future needs than what you really have.
Btw. I guess that is one of the most overseen options one has - trading your whatever what is not so needed or not so fitting to your needs item against something what would be a much better option. Rule: Do not only consider purchasing but consider also trading. Give what you have in exchange for something that fits better. Maybe your cousin or your colleague or one of your neighbours have a huge van, but the kids left the house and they plan to have soon a smaller car, a sedan, a huge pickup or whatever, and fantastically you are the one who has such a car and you guys could simply exchange, trade the one for the other? And maybe you pay 500 bucks extra, or even better: your neighbour comes with 1000 extra on top for your ride? ;-D
Very helpful video thank you.
Your welcome
I’m not seeing the link for the solar thing that you use.
Hey, sorry about the hangup on that link (thought we posted it). I updated the video's Description now to include a bunch of links. So, I noticed the specific Solar Charger that we have (brand is ANKER), the price has gone up quite a bit. However, there are some others available that seem realllly similar & har half the price. We can only speak for the Anker Charger, which is still going strong for us. However, if the others are similar they may be worth it, too. Here are all the links to make it easier for ya to find:
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LINKS:
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Anker Solar Charger (price has risen alot since we got it!!) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012YUJJM8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=paraonpenn-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B012YUJJM8&linkId=fc9a8ca2283a7bfd72337a56f43288dc
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These Solar Chargers seem to be nearly identical to the Anker one we have, but cheaper:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GQ7OEA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=paraonpenn-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B017GQ7OEA&linkId=25b4bcf8a5547fba97f821b5d2781070
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EXWCPLC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=paraonpenn-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01EXWCPLC&linkId=ca972e577a0d78c91871ad30b60b7c40
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Good tips ty for sharing
I know I'm late to this, but one thing I disagree with. I got a yeti cooler, and if you can find them on sale, they are worth it. I put ice in it only once every 7 days, and it fits behind the passenger seat on the floor, so no need to move it to a front seat at night. Being able to buy one bag of ice and keep things cold for a week is absolutely worth it (in my opinion)
Good to know! I’m just trying to save the people that watch the big TH-camrs (that have everything) some money from going out right away and buying everything they have before they even try suv life or van life. If your gonna be fulltime and you have the money then it’s probably a nice thing to have around.
@@ParadiseOnPennies yeah, definitely don't go out and buy one right away. I actually look at a yeti as a cheap alternative to a dometic fridge, which is a slightly different want/need than what you discussed in the video
13:45 of less is more. Don't take anything, you won't need it. Forget everyone has different needs/wants/expectations and circumstances.
I mean, really... this whole life style seems very complicated. I think I'll just stay home. Wait...owning a home, not needed....I'll just sleep on a bench in the park and eat at the soup kitchen. Less is more right?
Joking aside. 99% of living on the road, van dwelling, overlanding, bushcraft on TH-cam is really becoming an advertising medium for equipment companies. I'm gonna plug in my Biolite LEDs to my Jackery Power Station while watching Netflix on my Laptop through my Verizon Jetpack while my food is cooking on my Ultralite (insert brand name here) backpackers stove So many videos are twice as long becuse it take so much time to plug the brand of equipment used. It's getting tired.
When I decided to go camping in my SUV, I went into the basement and dug up some gear I've had for years. Along the way, I would make a mental note of what I thought I might need while out camping and bought it as time went on.
Did we advertise something in the video?
But yes I do agree 99% are doing” Van life” for the money, and as a business! We are definitely the 1% who are not That’s why we only get hundreds of views instead on millions! We’re real, and real doesn’t sell! We are not running the channel as a business. We want to show people they can be truly happy and authentic living with little belongings, and connecting back with nature. This overconsumption world is not going to be able to last much longer.
I'm making my 2011 Mitsubishi rvr gt into a camper and into electric
First thing you want is to fully run through your engine tires make sure your vechiles mechanically sound so you don't end up stranded I highly recommended learning some mechinic skills learning on the fly sucks ...
Definitely
The massive tents on top of cars. Gets a little ridiculous
Yeah they get a little crazy! For the price we think you should be getting a lot more.
It's better to have a winch than a lift and larger tires. Get factory size KO2s and a decent hidden winch.
Thanks
I keep a two gAllon gas can. My electric pan is everything.
Very good advice.
Spread the word
How bout no 2nd person. They take up space, storage and smell.
I would give up everything to spend everyday with my best friend! No amount of space, or smell could change that!
@@ParadiseOnPennies no offense. No judgement. Im jealous. I just thought it might be important to say objectively as it is quite a difference. To someone watching this that is stradling a fence or scared their partner wont hack jt and want to leave. Going at it alone might be a better idea for some. Again, bo offense. You seem like a really genuine person in your vids.
How about no shelter dogs? Pets are expensive.
Ours are pretty cheap. No dog food or toys bought here.
New subbie. Keep the vids coming
Welcome! Glad to have you with us!
Great information ty
Great
Good advice 👍
Thanks, appreciate the feedback.
Just found your Channel I already have a large suv armada/qx56 yet there are no setups looking for a weekend warrior setup that would last for week long trips etc.. only other issue is it's a beast 4wd v8 6k pounds but I have lots of room just don't know where to start any help would be greatly appreciated!
Just took a look at the solar panel you have on Amazon. Man that is affordable. Great video. 😊
Take note that the Anker solar panel price has literally doubled since we purchased it! Still working great, but I noticed there are some other brands that look very similar to the Anker one (might be just as good) for a smaller price. I’ll try to find and post those links on here to for comparison.
Thanks for the info. "Think like a backpacker" . I'm just about ready to go and fretting about a bed platform that now I will omit...try and hung stuff in my hammock. If u haven't got the tools or manpower just go with what u have. Happy trails.
Do you mean a bed platform in a van or SUV? We did a simple one when we first started out & it was like 20 bucks. We made a short how-to video on both the bed platforms we built. Might be helpful?
Interesting advice.. Never heard of Anker Solar charger before. I learned something new.. New subscribe.. Thank you for the video.. Have a blessed day..
We’re glad to have you here!
Funny thing is I bought an Anker battery pack last year just for traveling. I wonder if it's a solar capable 1. Looks the same as 1 you have
disclaimer: of course everything is relative .. this is coming from the perspective of 2 people with dogs in a tiny ass ford escape , space is a premium. one person in a big ass suburban or full sized conversion van or camper van not so much. some of those things have queen sized beds and full kitchens and bathrooms in them and permanent kitchens .....
personally My first bullet point would have been, "unless you a single you dont need to even consider this lifestyle in a ford escape" ...... but hey thats just me .
Yes. We already had the Ford Escape so that’s the vehicle we used. We are all about being on a budget here. If you want a bigger suv or vehicle you can surly go buy one but some people don’t have the luxury to afford that. We are just showing you how to do it very cheap, and telling you a few things not to waste your money on if your on a budget as well.
From South Africa Snorkles are a definate improvement. It lifts the air intake out of the heat amd dust zone which is approximately bonnet height.
Cool! How is it in S Africa? Never been there but would like to.
Is THE GREAT ESCAPE a Ford Escape???
Yes it was a Ford Escape. Older model before the new style changes came along in 2013? I think. The more squared style was a little roomier I think. Are you living or traveling in an escape now ???
@@ParadiseOnPennies no, I bought a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid in August. I'm just having fun with my first ever SUV. I'll never go back to cars.
finally, you read my mind.. good tips. less is more..
Totally! Hard to actually find someone these days actually practicing it and not just saying it!
Well considering I have a Camaro. I may need a new car if I want to live it. I plan on getting by with a battery powered fan, roto molded cooler and a camp stove of some sort. It is CA so a fan is essential
Our Yeti cooler keeps Ice for 3 days.
Yeti coolers are a little out of our price range.
your videos are the first and only videos i have found on youtube that are totally real. you are true reality, im just starting traveling, and your advice is really beneficial..thanks so much,,,keep up the miles guys..
Glad our videos can be of help. Were both are not fans of being fake with people cause then you get fake friends in return so we are always as authentic and real as we can be with everyone we meet and in every video. I'm glad we are coming across that way. Not going to be fake just so we can get followers. We stick to our beliefs and values no matter what. So you just started traveling? Where have you all been to so far?