10 Reasons Why Living in a Car or Van Often SUCKS!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มี.ค. 2023
- Here I explain the problems often encountered while living in a vehicle.
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#CarLife #VanLife #Nomad #Travel #Camping #Boondocking #LivingInACar #LivingInAVan #LivingInAPrius #Downfalls #Downside #Hiking #Exploring #PriusLife #Prius #Bad #Negative #Things #Parts #Traveling #Hard #Times #carcamping - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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I'm in South Carolina and work as an ER nurse at a hospital right off the interstate. There's ALWAYS a patients family member sleeping in their car rather than the uncomfortable chair in the patients room. The parking lot is regularly patrolled by security and I've never seen anyone kicked out for sleeping in their car 🤷 It's just something normal to us to see, there's security cameras and emergency call buttons in the parking lot. And because the ER never closes, it's common for those folks to come into the lobby to use the bathroom or get a snack from the vending machine. Truckers often park overnight in our parking lot for that reason. Just a thought for a safe place to overnight
as a hospital security guard (at least where I work), we do not care if you're sleeping in your car or even if your car is there for weeks. As long as you're not illegally parked in a handicapped spot or taking up mulitple spaces, we could not care less about your car there.
How much do y’all nurses make in SC and NC?
Do u pay for parking? I'd rather the spots were left for patients and their families and guests
@@marias8007 most hospitals are free parking, from my experience in the south.
Hospital parking typically has a lot of extra spaces and at night, even more so. Everyone that overnight Parks almost always avoids crowded parking lots, so I doubt people would take advantage of this.
However, if hospitals become a popular area to overnight, it has a possibility of ruining it for everybody which is why I don't publicly mention hospital camping.
Ok, Karen-er, I mean-@@marias8007
I lived in my car for 2 years when I got evicted.
It was very peaceful and I saved a ton of money 💰
I mostly slept at Walmart or a really nice Hotel parking lot.
I was in a small car, it was very uncomfortable. If I had a van it would have been sweet
I was evicted too are you ok now?
I used to park between two hotels, never had a problem
if i was going to live in a car it would be as large a car as possible. Too stressful being in something as small as a Prius.
Did you not already save a ton of money by screwing the landlord out of his rightful rent money?😮
@@prettyhandsasmr_ Here’s an idea, pay your rent and you won’t be evicted. Wow, what a concept.😅
1) living space
2) hygiene 🪥 🚿
3) resources 💧🍲 /food space
4) loneliness 🤦♂️
5) legal problems w no address 🏡
6) car problems/ breaking down 🚗
7) going to the bathroom 💩
8) mail 📬
9) lack of privacy 👀
10) finding spot to sleep 🛌
1) hire office space, very cheap right now and this can be used as daytime lounge room and for hobbies etc. There is a glut of offices you can get onto websites which hire out workspaces and office space casually.
2) There are a range of possible solutions including using gym memberships, using baby wipes, and doing washing in confined spaces.
3) water resources just need to top up, and be rational about using food, organised.
4) use the libraries where you visit, find drop-in centres, and go online for meetups.
5) this can be solved if you're resourceful and organised and have friends who can help.
6) obviously buy a reliable car and have it fully checked out before any road trips.
7) this is the same as hygiene and washing, but also solutions exist like bedpans, using containers etc.
8) same as for 5), you can get your mail forwarded ahead to fixed places but you must be organised.
9) window treatments are essential, blockout curtains etc.
10) connect with others on websites and get guidebooks on this. There are websites on Facebook for driveway sharing.
There are solutions out there with varying levels of comfort the main thing is to stay connected with others in a similar position there is safety in numbers.
#10 is what I hate and struggle with the most as being homeless in my car traveling across America
@@We-Climb Thanks Brandon, and appreciated....but so often it's easier said than done. Like if there is extreme weather such as heat or cold all of it is that much more difficult and even miserable. Although a lot of office spaces have heating and cooling and this could be good!
Also I am thinking of using a cheap storage facility for my excess (not in season, or just not needed now) stuff, so I don't have to throw it out only to need to buy it again later, wasteful and annoying. I worry about the 'minimalist' solution because it seems like we are convincing ourselves to use have fewer belongings regardless of need, especially emotional need.
The temporary use of office space seems like a compromise, you can use it as a lounge room or workspace, a lot of places are empty so this could be good. This means you are not constantly on the go and have somewhere to just relax and be in a space that is yours for the time being, just sleep in your van/car but spread out in the day and even evening in the 'office'.
It always seems easier in theory but there can be great solutions especially in shared office spaces. Being in a confined space like a car constantly will wear you down over time.
@deborahcurtis1385 depends on what you have as well. My first conversion was a 1994 toyota corrola. It was small but it provided shelter. Kia sedona was a huge upgrade and I'm currently in a promaster.
I gave all my stuff away a long time ago. I went on a walk from FL to SC with the bare minimum so my prespective may be a bit different. I totally get just wanting to have a space all day. For me it's taught me how to be comfortable no matter where I go or where I'm at.
I've never tried renting a space. And I agree that it can mentally break you down over time
@@We-Climb Oddly enough I have given nearly all my possessions away once, and lost most of them a few other times from human and natural disasters. So I'm familiar with detachment both voluntary and involuntary, I guess. But what worries me about minimalism is it's us being forced to adjust to this as some kind of norm whereas in fact we are experiencing the most extremes of wealth since pre French Revolution and it's getting worse.... I can certainly see the upsides and experienced them often enough, but I do think we're also a bit complicit in accepting the unacceptable. It's not a strong point I'm making, more of a bemused aside about the irony. I won't use the term fetishise since it's over used but struggling to find th right term, are we romanticising poverty? And becoming landless peasants? I think there's an element of that.
As for commercial renting, the massive oversupply has to present workable opportunities. You may not be able to sleep in one but it could be a kind of an anchor to develop and explore using some space.
Just a few ideas and nice discussion.
I do have to add 2 really important aspects:
1) being "tethered" to your vehicle. There is a very tenuous sense of security. You always have to be absolutely sure about parking zones, possible theft of your vehicle and break-ins. This is your home. It keeps you safe at night, gets you to where you need to go. You have to take care of it as much as it is taking care of you. To have it stolen or towed is the worst nightmare. So your mind is always there. You can never relax. This hangs over our heads like the proverbial "Damocles sword". Whenever I'm on the road, I have this heightened level of stress at all times. I'm not just going to go for a walk in the woods or go and sit in the library for hours. Without thinking about it very carefully first. Not unless I can see my vehicle out of a window, not unless I take very short walks. I can't just forget it for enemy a few minutes that I'm "houseless". Depending on the amount of property theft in your area, you have that much mental unrest.
2) Food: is very hard to plan and execute a good diet, feeding schedule and is hard to get really healthy food options without a full kitchen. I found that with time I gained a lot of weight and started to get sick a lot. You tend to compromise with food quality and freshness and even may stay to eat things you don't enjoy or even tolerate well out of convenience. You have to be super organized to do this even half as well as you would be doing it at home.
Due to point 1 you're stirring a lot more than you might of you don't have a dedicated exercise plan.
Due to point 2 you may feel sluggish at times and don't want to even bother.
It all comes down to mental and physical health.
On the mental health side I found it extremely troubling that you are forced to constantly link yourself internally to this fact that you have no where to call home, rather than to feel that everywhere is home for you. Because the stigma and shame in society are so strong, you end up having to constantly struggle with issues of dignity and shame for having this lifestyle.
Physical health also turns on a dime. If you are really houseless, one small problem which might require a hospital visit could endanger your vehicle or end up getting it towed. It's a very precarious, delicate balance.
Great post and fully present with the issues. This is not a step to take lightly and the practical and psychological burden is great. Being networked can help. There are Facebook groups for females who are in this situation and who can look out for eachother. Community is the thing that will help us all, but trusting and finding out who is trustworthy is difficult. The FB pages in my country Australia are really great.
A network of vehicle-dweller-friendly people would be great. But I don’t use FB or anything else they own.
It must get hot? Cold?
@@teresacorrigan3076 Vehicles only last so long, and gas is a necessity. I did this for a time, and it is difficult to get around people's societal programming that casts a dim light on the "homeless". It's actually ludicrous, but how are you going to tell anyone that? I have several friends also who live like this, they're not uneducated or even necessarily "low income". They're professionals. In any case, this country is about to be devastated economically, physically, and politically worse than anyone's imagination, but again, you can't tell anyone that. It's just a "conspiracy theory" until it becomes a conspiracy reality.
You made me think about more important things than this TH-camr did. I have no desire to live in a vehicle if I don't have to do so. I do live in a small space. I like small spaces.
Bro you need to know this, you inspired my wife and I to travel from Toronto to California last year in my wife's lexus CT200h hybrid rocking a similar living setup to you. It saved us so much money and we had a blast .
👍👍👍👍👏👏💕💕
Great Blair, glad i helped with that :) Sounds like a nice hybrid camper
Wtf…lol
@@1life1chance62 ?
Did you have a place to go back to?
Thanks for clearly enunciating the issues facing car-dwellers.
It's not a life for the faint of heart.
True that, but the positives far outweigh the negative.
"Enunciating"? Please learn the definition of words.
@@solovantravel Check your dictionary, you pompous git. It's an acceptable use of the word.
After getting off active duty in the military (which is just a really bad job), I ended up living in my truck which wasn't very different from how we lived in the army on deployment. I noticed I felt isolated or separated from "society", which was actually a very good feeling. I never agreed with our society's primal addiction to a 9-5 routine which everyone does their best to mold their life around (many better than me at this). I'm getting ready to do the same for an unknown period of time. I see it as simply another way of existing on the planet. I'm not working for a business which is basically only adding to the immensity of the damage to our planet and it's resources, including people. I'd even prefer to go live in a cave or other wilderness area, away from the manipulation and pressure of a government and society which is inhuman and mechanical.
Navy vet here. I feel pretty much feel the same, except that IMO "society" and "the government" are big, abstract entities. I see oppression in the day-to-day interaction I have with bosses, coworkers, roommates, landlords, other drivers on the road, the people in line at the grocery store, etc. There's a lot of good, chill people out there... but there are also a lot of people who will just mess with you for no good reason... people who are just bullies (or in the case of some bosses, greedy/lying/cowards). A big part of human nature is just naturally kind of cruel or they are defensive - which often manifests as aggressive/domineering. It's rare to meet people who are not trying to dominate or control. It's rare to meet people who are purely kind. Even people who are nice on the outside often have inner issues that can show how uncaring they truly are. Homelessness, slavery, the holocaust - these were/are all done in plain sight - and most of humanity just passes on by. It's a cruel world, and vanlife is a way to minimize and contain exposure to it. With vanlife, and saving money, and the freedom, I found I could sort of meter the amount of that cruelty that was coming at me from all sides. I was a lot happier in my van, and I'm counting the days and the paychecks until I can go back and make it more long-term.
@@AndrewDoe777 There is a cult, a small group of people controlling and hoarding information and wealth, at the very top of society. This is the influence which is creating the sick, maladjusted attitudes in people. They've created a situation where people believe they must conform to a system that doesn't care about them other than their values as workers - "energy pods". I'm getting as far away from major cities and the psychically sick atmosphere that permeates through them, not to mention the pollution, 5G electromagnetic soup, and a populace which are docile enough to allow themselves to be injected with substances which are highly toxic and dangerous. "Necessary" in the sense that the pharmaceutical companies working for gov't agencies who want only to control human consciousness. "Up the ante" one more time, just enough to spell the end of the human race. Human beings (organic beings) were never meant to be around 5G, it is only to be used around machine technology. This should tell people it's a bad idea to conform with a beast system which is inhuman and evil at it's core.
AMIN.
How do u play ps5?
@@PREripDOLPH Why are you wasting your precious time playing video games? In the very near future you will regret every moment you spent on them.
Easier to stash multiple one gallon jugs around the car than make the space for a single big container.
Or both. Big one for ease of use, small ones to refill it. Get 7gallons in the car instead of 3.
They make them collapsible as well.
What’s a multiple
@@Biggiiful: Will these jugs in a car freeze in the winter in cold climates?
@@jezzie1965 , several single gallons around the car.
Get a bedpan. They sell liners at the pharmacy (Walmart/cvs). Inside the liner is a sheet that gelled the liquid. In order to keep the bedpan straight when sitting in the car seat you may want to use a wedge. Also you can get a doggie training pad (or hospital blue pad) and put it under just in case of accidents. It works well, I have used it for #2 on my long drives in the SW on the reservation, where there are no trees and no facilities.
I have a bed pan in my Prius V. It is fir emergency only poops, which I try to dump immediately. But it is very handy at night. I’m an older lady and almost always wake up needing to pee. I use my bed pan, then dump it into a Folgers coffee can with snap on lid. I wipe bedpan with paper towel and disinfectant wipe, throw those into the coffee can. Back to sleep. Next day i empty the coffee can at a gas station or vault toilet. Works great.
Glad to see you finally made it out west. For campers/nomads, this is the best place. Southern AZ or CA in winter, go to AZ or NM mountains in summer. Lots of BLM and National Forest camping.
❤
It is absolutely horrendous trying to live in a car , never do it unless last option. It’s impossible and really does suck , I would never wish it upon anyone
@@MrSpaceace1999 Toally Agree .
Adult briefs.
Re: car tags, I suggest you consider South Dakota. Their process for meeting residency requirements is a single night in a local hotel. The next day, you bring that receipt to the DMV and get your license, registration, and title work done. When I went a few years ago, I needed an appointment, so I scheduled my hotel stay for the night before my appointment.
The nice thing about South Dakota is that they cater to mobile-living folks. There's no VIN inspection, no physical safety inspection, and no emissions inspection. Once you've got your title, tags, and driver's license, you never have to return to SD for any reason. The legal stipulation here is that *IF* you establish residency elsewhere, *THEN* you're surrendering your domicile in SD. And, since South Dakota is likely an easier drive than heading back east, I think it's an option worth considering.
Oh, an important prerequisite to the DMV stuff: sign-up for a mailbox that also satisfies the 'physical address' requirement, and use that address at the DMV for your license, etc. The service I used (broken-apart here to avoid my comment being deleted by spam-bots) was:
sdcampgroundandresidencycenterin
(dot)
anytimemailbox
(dit)
com
No downsides in my experience. They'll receive your mail, hold or destroy it, forward it to wherever you happen to be if you need the physical paper or, they also will open and scan the mail so that you can download it and print it yourself anyplace where you can print documents (like Staples, OfficeDepot, etc.). 10/10 do recommend.
Solid tip
I was going to take this route but this is where I ran into the car insurance problem. If you have an RV, no problem. But if you're in anything else, it's impossible to get the insurance, which will eventually nullify the tags situation : (
Lived on the road 5 years, worked and traveled all over usa. South Dakota worked well. I had a truck and no insurance problems. Perhaps a different company would work, i had Allstate. Also Americas mailbox staff renewed my tags and such as I needed for me. Wells Fargo had no problems with their address either.
Pahrump, NV the same and no smog tests required.
Really appreciate your video. No one that I have seen has listed the down sides as forthrightly as this before. I have been forced to live in my car on a few occasions.
The worst issue is the balance between privacy and isolation. There can't be any. That takes a huge toll on our mental health.
The next worst is finding a safe place to sleep where we won't be molested on some way. Criminalization of homelessness and stigmatization of marginalized groups adds to the isolation.
Takeaway: isolation is the biggest downside.
Yeah, otherwise, the rest is just the challenge of being a camper all the time. That would be a piece of cake if it were not for the isolation problem.
Effectively, nomadism has been outlawed. And people who don't want to spend energy minute of their day either "working for the man" or having to think about doing it and spending their entire life caught up in that are being basically hounded to death by degrees.
The isolation makes you FEEL this, that you are EFFECTIVELY an OUTLAW to society. We end up feeling ashamed without really realizing it. I mean, the whole covid thing, locking up restrooms, taking away a person's dignity. I rest my case...
That’s why I sold my Prius Hatchback and bought a Prius V much roomier.
This was very honest.
You "Think" too much to be a Nomad. Please ...don't even try. You wont be happy..😀Guaranteed...
I often find myself struggling with the same issue even when I have a physical address to live. I want privacy so I go into my room and shut the door and windows, then I feel isolated. It doesn't matter whether you're in a car or in a house it's the same dichotomy
Regarding space, I have a Prius as well, but I removed all the seats. Best choice ever. You gain a ton of storage space. I built a flat wooden platform that runs from the front all the way to the back. Where the front seat was, is a hinged door that lifts up to an insulated food box that's heated using the floor heater vent that was normally under the seat. The space typically the passenger foot well, is now covered and acts as additional storage. With the back seats out, the driver seat can fold entirely flat and reaches the full back position.
Yea I did that, check my older videos
Minivan 🚐 would be huge upgrade, I would choose it for full time even with mpg sacrifice
@@user70331 Yeah. All vehicles have their pros and cons that need to be weighed for each individual. I used to have a 4Runner that had more than plenty space but I use Doordash to basically cover the cost of my traveling around the US. Because of that cost per mile to operate the vehicle was one of the biggest factors. The Prius is pretty absurd for doordash. For 2-4k$ you can have an insanely reliable and cheap to maintain car (assuming you do the work) but that 2-4k$ investment can greatly improve your earnings margins for delivery work. Any van I could afford in the same price window would easily be half the mpg *at best* and quite a bit worse than that in city driving/dashing/idling.
•Prius being a hybrid has many benefits as well. When sleeping in a particularly cold or hot area, the vehicle can be left in the ready state, and give you power, heat, AC, all while keeping the engine off most of the time aside from turning it on to warm up the coolant for heat or to charge the HV battery. I can set my car to maintain a 69° temperature all night and it will hardly turn the engine on. Doing this costs about 1-3$ a night assuming it's done all night. A normal ICE vehicle can easily consume upwards of a gallon of fuel per hour, Prius can consume a gallon per night or better.
• While they are small, the design is actually very well thought out. When removing the seats and building a platform into it, there's more than ample room for one person and a dog. Though, I live very minimally. A tail hitch box can be a useful addon too. The smaller size of the vehicle actually makes it much easier to find parking for it, and to hide it away when camping. It's also less conspicuous. With the platform in the vehicle my dog has full roam of the entire inside unimpeded, plenty of room for her to play while I work and she can go to any of the 3 windows she wants. She's a 70lb gsd but can sit/stand upright in the vehicle.
• It's actually a very cheap vehicle to maintain. The cost of the HV batteries has come way down and most places offer reconditioned batteries with warranties installed for a grand or less. It's also a very easy job to just do yourself. Common wear items last way longer, such as brakes, sparkplugs, etc. Brakes are only used under certain conditions otherwise it's using regenerative braking so your pads last way longer. Engine is running way less than normal vehicles so parts last longer. Was probably the easiest sparkplug I've ever changed, same with oil, and doing doordash I have to change oil every 1-2 months. Also only 3qrts :p
Idk. Vans are nice if ya really need the space. But I'm a simple dude and have very little. Used to hate the Prius, but it really does offer a lot of nice things for this sort of lifestyle that no other vehicle in this price range really can offer.
You can see some clips of my travels with my Prius and 4Runner on my channel if interested but it's kinda lame content lmao
❤
@@user70331 I watched an older video. Explain the benefits of having a hybrid like this with heating and cooling... The engine will kick on to charge the battery backup every little bit if it gets really cold out and you can just leave the car on with the heater on and you don't have to have a secondary heat source. He even said it used very little fuel. I am somebody who is fine sleeping when it's hot as long as it's not super humid but sometimes it's just too hot and you need to cool off so you could do the same thing with the air conditioner on hot nights.
In general: Only people who have or can afford to have a traditional home think it's fun to live out of a car. People who live out of a car because of lack of money don't find it fun.
My partner and I chose the monthly payments on a van versus rent. Rent in this area with everything is near 1800. The van montly total is about 1350. We're going to own it. Do anything we want with it. My first was a toyota corola. Some people adapt better then others.
@@We-Climb And some people simply cant.
@KennyMonoxide I'm sure if situations happened it could change their prespective. I also base alot of it considering civilization hasn't always been this way. We had alot less in the beginning and managed just fine.
@@We-Climb There is also the factor of outside temperature and health. For example, a person with severe sleep apnea living in a car in a freezing climate is going to have a harder time than a healthy person living in a car San Diego or most of Hawaii.
I takes time to change your mindset from a conventional lifestyle to nomad life. The journey of it expands your mind and gives you challenges. That is beneficial. You learn what matters, and eventually the reason why you did this. I started in a backseat of an F-150. That was 8 years ago. I now have a toy hauler which I converted into an RV with full solar. But the freedom of being out of the rat race and finally living the small number of years you have on your terms is what really matters. The challenges are what keeps you strong. It creates your schedule sometimes, but mostly your day is yours and you can do what you want, every single day. If you aren’t good at running your own life, you will either learn quick, or find a way back to conventional living, which is far more expensive.
You're right, the challenges to keep you strong and mentally sharp, good point. Blessings on your travels!
How do you deal with illness? Doc appointments and med refils?
@@kandacepatterson7965 I used to use meds when I had a more sedentary lifestyle. But I am lucky and my increased activity has been my medicine.
But for those that need certain prescriptions they can be mailed to your location. I use UPS not USPS. I have a mailbox in one state and I just have anything mailed to a UPS store near me. I pay a fee. But if you get meds in the mail, nothing will change. Just leave your address alone with your insurance and have meds mailed. Some plans allow a cheaper price if you get a 90 day supply sent to you. But I no longer need them.
As far as doctors go, check you insurance as some plans don’t work in all states. Some do. It depends on whether that company has a license to do business in the state you are in. The place you are needing services. If you have a driver’s license and a forwarding service use your driver’s license address for any bills.
You do vehicle registration renewals and insurance cards by not changing anything with any of those and just have the UPS store forward your new stickers and registration to a UPS store close to you.
@@kandacepatterson7965 exactly
@@jasontomica8938don't get ill.
I lived in my Prius in 2021 for around 6 months. I’m in an apartment now but I do kindof miss those days. The freedom to get up and just go anywhere, do anything, the open roads, so much freedom.
I do agree loneliness was hard though, but that could be a problem even if you have an apartment.
I was thinking that. If I’m in an apartment and lonely then it won’t be much of a change to be lonely living in a car. At least as far as the loneliness
It seems if you are an outgoing person, then it's a problem. I LOVE being alone. I FORCE myself to interact with people.
Yes the freedom❤
Never would consider a prius for car camping, unless you are a petite person. So if it works, then 5*
If you dont have head room in the rear and how you use the space, consider updating or modifying your layout. I went from an Altima to a Sentra and had to do some reconfiguring to get the best use of space. Upgrade your Gatorade bottle to a Nalgene. Wider opening to make reuse between cleanings more hygienic. Also if you don't have a emergency poop bucket at least get a Tupperware or sealable container to lock the scent away. There a company called EcoGel that makes some portable port-a-potty type powder you sprinkle into the bag that works well to absorb and deodorize as well.
Metal ammo cans with a good seal make good waste storage.
Powerade Bottles have a bigger opening also and pine pellets are EXCELLENT for No.2 odor and soaking up liquid waste. Nearly every channel I follow use it and absolutely swear by it!
@S. E. C-R Pine pellets are great but heavier and take more space than Ecogel. They do also make good fire kindling as well so could be a good trade off depending on storage space availability and needs(which is always a challenge in a smaller vehicle.)
@@itsTheKevL Good point, they are heavier depending on how much you keep on hand. I should have said they’re for emergencies situations only and most keep just a small amount in a left over sized plastic container, bottle or jar that fits in a cup holder, like just a couple of cups worth.
Highlander Hybrid?
I lived out of a car for a few weeks in winter. Will never do it again. Worst time of my life on several levels.
Same man shit was horrible
I lived in my car for 10 months this year. You nailed everything. I could definitely give some unique advice and information but everything you said was 100% spot on for what i experienced last year in 2023. Thank god i had a nice rav4 to live in.
I've been living in my van for the past 8 years now. The first year of living in my vehicle, I had a few issues that you talked about in this video because I lack the knowledge and experience. Now, I have no issues living in my vehicle at all! I've already figured out every issues you're talking about in this video. To make living in your vehicle enjoyable, you probably should talk to someone who's been doing it for awhile.
Thanks for the video. I believe you help inspire people to try out living in their vehicle because so many are in need of an alternative to the Incredible high price of rent these days
I would highly recommend a van if you can buy a good reliable one. A van can be dressed out a variety of ways with curtains for privacy and room for a portable toilet and sink.
I knew a married couples living in an old VW. It was the smallest van I ever seen.
The husband built a small bed, tiny kitchen and even a small bathroom.
I lived in vehicles for over 40 years starting in the mid 1970's. Cars to step vans. Even a small house boat. It was much easier when I could fix almost everything for twenty dollars beside the road. South in the winter and north in the summer. My grandfather did the same in the 1930 to the 1950's . He had the neatest pickups with canvas tops he had made.
That was life in the 1970's sometimes. LOL 😅 😆.
4runner- I want a new 4runner so bad I am willing to live in it.
I can afford a gym membership & keep my belongings in storage & buy sell items for extra income.
My only concern is when my vehicle needs service. Idk where I'd stay. 😅
I got friends & family that might help me. Hate to rely on someone else.
I know I can get a rental for 25 bucks a day as long as my car is getting serviced. *dealership service*
I been isolated my entire life & ready like seeing new places & exploring.
I spend a lot of time alone.
I am going on 3 years without a phone.
& 25 years without a credit card.
I'd say I'm ok. Not dead "yeet"😂
Looking forward to Part 2: 10 Reasons Why Living in a Car Often RULES!
good idea, thanks
@@MountainSpringsAdventuresplease do
You always have good common sense things to share on your channel. Thank you! The stuff about mail, drivers license, where to register a car, all that really sucks! The USPO recently made folks who don't get their mail at their physical locations have to prove WHERE they live so they could continue to get their mail. It feels like a person has to prove that they are NOT a criminal.
Thanks for keeping it real, the truth from your experience is informative and needed.
I appreciate your transparency about this lifestyle for those of us still in the planning stage!
You are so welcome!
Searching for a place to sleep every night is my greatest challenge. It does require a lot of mental energy. Ya, I'm one of those who was inspired by you to buy a prius v and build it out to live in. That was in March 2021. I've been all over this country, put nearly 40G miles on my car already, and have faced numerous personal challenges, including losing my little cat to the desert in Pahrump, Nevada. Crapping in a bag in the car truly is awful. The lack of space is maddening. BUT, there's still a lot to appreciate about this contrary lifestyle. I'm in the process of deep cleaning my teenie-weenie cramper and rearranging a few things. Getting a fridge made a happy difference. My build is solid and homey. Thank you for being candid and so for real. You're my favorite.
NICE to see you and Shannon again Bo !!!
You've been missed but not forgotten 😊
I would always go to your channel to see if you posted lately...
I've watched all your vids and thoroughly enjoyed them while learning from a true master at You Tubing...
No fluff and NO music... I am happy you are still out here in your Prius and actually living L-if-e...
I have an '05 Prius and find that camping in it is kinda easy... Wish I could trust the neighbors more, as I would be gone for months at a time...
That day may arrive before I hit 70 😮...
Can't believe I went through all of these messages AND watched your video...
Just need the 10 ''good'' reasons to be out in your Prius semi full time...
We will ALL be waiting, but do it when you want to...
Hope to meet up with you some place, some day... Just to look you in the eye and sincerely Thank YOU for all you've done for us nomadic travelers...
Be SAFE and Stay Hydrated.... Give Shannon some extra ''Love'' for us !!!
Thank you so much, you're going to make me cry haha. I definitely dont consider myself a "master" at youtubing. Maybe eventually!
Yes, maybe I will do a video about the GOOD parts of living in a vehicle, but I feel like all my other videos kind of only show the "good" side. Well see. I'm trying to get where I'm posting regularly!
Take care!
What a great & inspiring sharing, Bo! Keep on going! Bless ya❤
I just saw this episode. I feel you, especially about finding groups or tribes to meet up with. It gets lonely from time to time. So far it's been easier now that I got me a kitten. If you ever upsize...
Coincidentally, I just left the desert out near San Diego...Out near Julian. You're right about the water situation. I also left there last week, went to Quartzite, Scottsdale and now I'm near Tucson... thinking about camping in My. Lemon.
Anyway. I just subscribed and I'll start fallowing you. Maybe you'll give me some ideas on where to go next... Since I'm aimlessly traveling around the West in my minivan.
Happy travels man. 🌺
More could be added to the list but I think the biggest one is that the entirety of the list becomes an increasing weight. I learned that living for decades in a foreign country. Yes, you adapt, you forego and do without, find alternative ways, all that, but the little black dot of difficulty and the LOAD of doing that gets bigger, not smaller. Whats most helpful is having some kind of an anchor like a little piece of dirt of your own somewhere that creates an address (and somewhere to go when you must), and someone to help as problems arise like taking in packages, doing a special errand or chore.
Awwww, been missing your uploads! Good to see you again!
This guys speaking voice is awesome. I was rolling listening to his stories after the 1st minute or so.
Thanks for the video!
Thanks for sharing! I think living or going against societal (a.k.a. Peoples’) expectations & standards is the toughest mental gymnastics one has to fight when living this lifestyle.
For many it is thrusted upon us. Disabled had a stroke family threw me to the street, couldn’t talk, had to find a way on SSDI which is not enough for rent anywhere. Been here 8 years. So you find a way. But after this amount of time I wish I would have done this when I was young and healthy. You don’t need much money to survive like conventional living. But do try a save for a new vehicle as it will one day die. Then you are in the rain and dodging meth heads. It’s a plan to fail and take it in stride existence with daily freedom as a reward. The reward for me is worth it. I am glad my family didn’t care. Conventional living and taking care of them for decades was far less rewarding and much harder. It wore me out.
@@bd5866 It is not easy but the challenges make you stronger. I had a plan, owned my first business at 37 years old. Small trucking company moving produce from California to east coast. Did well made payroll. But then the stroke at 55. The wife of 33 years realized I was going to disrupt her lifestyle by being a burden. She sent me to the street, which is illegal but you can’t fight it when you are not well enough to do it. She sold the business, somehow got divorced while I was on the street and I heard she is now broke anyway. I am doing much better and can talk pretty good. I have osteoarthritis, aphasia, so communication is much better in written form, and to top it iff, I also have distal muscular dystrophy. But I found a pickup truck, then bought a toy hauler, then slowly and with much struggling due to my condition, I converted the toy hauler into an RV. I now have solar as well. Full kitchen and living room. I took 8 years but I won. I also paid back $37,000 in back debt during this same period. I am now saving $1800/month for a new pickup with warranty. My brain has always been able to make things work in the worst possible scenarios and I should have probably been a mountain man right out of high school and avoid the whole marriage thing and the years of counting on growing old together. That dream was what I thought I wanted. It actually was working. But I was only 50% of the success. I was naive to think I had the odds beat.
I hope you do not discover that you have no worth other than your income. I hope your life does not get turned upside down. But always be ready. It can happen to anyone. And in my case I will never be able to afford conventional life again. I just do the best I can and one day someone will find me out here. I probably am on my last decade. So at least I paid everyone and don’t owe the world a damn thing anyway. Lol. Good luck and be vigilant, do research, prepare just in case.
Good to see your video's again. Thanks for being honest about your lifestyle. Everything has its pluses and minuses. I live in a home and I just spent $7K on maintenence. A definite minus. So hand in there buddy!
Love watching you're videos ! Please keep them coming !
thank you so much for sharing that. basically planning is needed! i wish you all the best in your travels and much fulfillment. :)
Hey, those are not terrible compared to paying. $1500 a month rent, and hopefully, you're saving. And if you being a productive human being, my hats off to you use the Kitty litter in a bucket. It works wonders no smells. And collapsible water jugs that will fit under your car seat. After you go through the water, you probably already know it, But I've been studying Van life. I'm looking for a Van of my own for a few years now.❤
Yeah I faced a similar choice live paycheck to paycheck in a small dumpy apartment or live in a Van. I choose the Van because I wanted to have money to do things. I tried renting a room in a house full of strangers but I got tired of messy inconsiderate housemates and crazy landlords. One landlord banned my girlfriend from the property even though she hadn't done anything wrong. I recently traded the Van in for a hybrid SUV. Space is really limited in the SUV but its very stealthy/I can park anywhere and I can run the heater/AC off the hybrid battery for several hours on really hot/cold days. I have a physical job so sitting down for hours after work doesn't bother me.
yes, thought about k litter as a option.5*
Hey there Bo!! Yep, I completely agree with you …living in my LincolnMKZ hybrid is starting to get to me big time.
Thank you so much for telling us the other side. I havent heard anyone give the down side. You have given me things i didnt think of. Thank you so much for this info. Nearly everyone makes it sound like the most wonderful thing to do. It sounds so romanic to hike, see the the USA. mountains lakes, the beautiful National Parks, the awesome hiking and etc. You can get so caught up in the great side of it your not thinking what could the down side be. Usually you dont hear the down side. I didnt even think of mail, bank, address, registration on car and so on. Thank you for helping me in my decision to be a nomad or part time. I'm going part time.
I was wondering how you were doing. Thanks for pointing out the realities of this lifestyle.
No problem 😊
Here in FL we have a state-wide law against sleeping in a car... anywhere. One of the few states like that, i read. Plus a 3 hour limit in Rest Stops. My Prius V is sitting outside almost all ready to go this weekend, when my lease is up.
I'm going to take the longest apt search ever around the country, lol.
Check that law...
Most cars don't have ''sleeping'' areas...
If one is made partial full-time in a vehicle, I m pretty sure that law can be beat in a court...
Florida has that law for the reason of the snow birds and folks sleeping at the beaches etc... Beside, you have a lot of things there that will hurt or even EAT you if you step out at night...
Even in your backyards at your house 😂😱
@@boobtubeakatv1296 When the government tells you where you can sleep, it’s time to get a new government. Lol.
I sleep on i 95 rest stops 40 nights last 5 years nobody tells me to leave and ther3s security at them. I did have cocoa beach cop who had me in data base after several nights sleeping in suv at a bar parking lot or walmart because when she pulled up to me when ibwas already stopped she knew I was living in car and it was dark she couldn't know just instantly. I was doing it 3 days week for 2 weeks in Florida when this haopened
@@joelincolnlincoln6315 so if you are caught living or sleeping in your car overnight, what do they do? Citation? Fine. Arrest, impound? What if you are at a truck stop?
@@mehameha4453 i don't know. Everyplace is different. I hear the keys are tough. But ibknow on east coast they don't bother people at truck stops. The truck stop in cocoa is full of cars like 40 cars or vans every night. The rest stops always have a few people sleeping and lots of security. Florida in the towns I go to do not have sides of the road. Theres no ability to just park on the side of a road to begin with. So you have to worry more about the property owner you park at than the cops. Cops don't get that involved in private property unless its empty parking lot and just you. Well I do see cops in long Island lots but not in Florida hotel lots
I love you, keep it up. Anytime you show up in my feed it's an instant and definite watch.
Thanks Mike! So glad you enjoy watching the content, take care
Funny, some of the things you call disadvantages sound good to me. So glad you are sharing this. Thank you.
Always enjoy your videos, always has value rather than all the other vlog style tubers trying to sell something. Dude! If you’re speaking of Anza Borrego Desert State Park, I think I saw you! I was like, in my mind, “That lifted Prius looks like Bo, Mountain Spring Adventures!” Even saw the pup in the passenger seat since you had windows down. Then you make this video! Been living in my truck the past several months switching between Joshua tree, Anza, and Arizona until after all these winter storms. Safe travels! If I see you, I’ll wave you down & your pup.
Yes that was me haha, Anzra Borrego is an awesome place. Message me on Instagram if you want. I was all through that region this winter. Beautiful desert area
Many of the points you are making are a choice. It all depends on how you set up your rig and where you camp! We love the feeling of freedom being on the road brings. Unfortunately, we are temporarily grounded but hope to get back out there soon! Thanks for your insights! 💙Terry and Terri
Great videos. The only thing that sucks in a car is hot at night ,depending on where your at and your legs have to be up on something while sleeping. Other than that,it's a money saver. Love your dog. 🐕
Just recently started living in my ford escape for about a month now and the struggles are definitely real! I’m in Minneapolis so probably not the best area to do this sort of thing but I’m getting the idea of how this lifestyle is and kind of want to go back to apartment living unless I lived and worked by a lot of blm land
You definitely need a Prius in Minneapolis for climate control
hey. Thanks for the video, I think many people who are not in this subculture will appreciate it. You made many good points about some of the hardest parts about living on the road. I don't have as much experience as Bo, but if there are any others who have any questions I will do my best to help.
Thanks for sharing, I own a house but would like the freedom to travel in a Prius weeks at a time. My biggest fear from your list would be mechanical issues with the car, I need to learn more about the Prius systems. Happy trails.
Yea, if you own a house and only travel part time, then that solves a lot of issues. This is mainly for the full-timers
Thanks for such a thorough discussion, although I kinda feel that the nice round number of 10 potential issues only represents a part of a much larger number! Still, a good start!
Each area or problem seems to present an opportunity for examining and understanding a distinct part of our life that ordinarily takes place below the level of awareness and intention.
For instance, in the matter of bathroom habits, most people discover very soon the practical aspects of keeping liquids and solids separate. But the effects of input type on volume and frequency of elimination, not to mention overall metabolic health, can be a significant and productive area for inquiry. Generally speaking, more nutrient dense foods -- those with less indigestible content -- produce an end product that has less volume and less odor. That may be unsurprising to many, but really nutritious natural foods are also more satisfying and quicker to digest, with wonderful benefits for better mood and overall function.
Your right about the healthy foods! I have definitely experienced that myself. I noticed I have much "cleaner" BM's when I'm eating lots of healthy vegetables especially like spinach, carrots, etc
I could definitely camp in a car, but based on all the problems you listed, I would have to have an aprtment, bed, bathroom, etc, to live comfortably. Great content! Thanks for sharing. 👍🌞
Love the video, great tips; for number two in a bag- put kitty litter in a trash compactor bag, double trash compactor gag it, and it will not smell. Keep it up man!
I think anyone that thinks living in a car or van is a luxurious life without challenges would be incredibly naive no matter how awesome people try to make it look. We live in a 30 ft shuttle bus on our own property off grid and that comes with plenty of challenges so I can't imagine living in a car or van. Of course there a lot of awesome things about it and I love my bus and our expenses are minimal. When you're a nomad there are things you have to consider and be prepared for. For example the past 2 years I've been very ill and I've had 3 major surgeries and if we didn't have our land it would've been impossible to live in a bus always trying to find a place to park. I lived in Las Vegas for 4 years and I live in Pahrump now which is only an hour away. All my doctors are in Vegas and my surgeries were in Vegas so if we didn't have a home base here, dealing with these health challenges would have been a nightmare and these health problems came out of nowhere. I'm very healthy and exercise regularly and eat well so I could never have predicted this would happen to me. I'm in better shape than anyone I know and now here I am bed bound recovering from surgery. Because we're on our own land I can rest and recover for as long as I need and we have an amazing solar system, but it was very expensive. That's another thing to consider. If we had limited or no electricity it would have been so miserable recovering from surgery. We also have running water, but we have a 40 gallom tank that needs to regularly be filled. Luckily I'm married and my husband can do all that. If I was alone there is no way I would've been able to do all the necessary taskss that come with living off grid. The nomadic life can be an awesome and you'll have incredible experiences most people will never have and the nomad community is very tight net and very supportive of each other. I would never discourage someone from living this life, but they need to know all the challenges that come with it. Like anything in life there are pros and cons. Very good, informative video and these videos are so necessary.
Great to see your posts again! I like hearing about the realities of car/van life - the good, the struggles. Have small crossover car with low roof/short cargo which needs a mini camping test this year. I'm strongly considering a full time life change.
Hi Michelle, I cleaned out my car and put a small futon mattress in the back recently. I was thinking about taking it for a test camping trip soon just to see if I could rough it, if I had to.
Definitely brought up some great points I haven't thought of, thanks
No problem!
I enjoy your videos. Always very informative or adventurous! 👍
I appreciate that!
I'm really enjoying your videos. Keep up the great content.
Glad you like the content Chester. And thank you so much for the super thanks!
Yeah the social isolation part is probably the main thing that would prevent me from going nomad full time. It's tough enough making friends as an adult in a heavily populated city, let alone out in the middle of nowhere. If I was going to go nomad long term I would try out online board games, tabletop RPGs, and video games, perhaps via starlink satellite. It's not as good as in person interaction but it's something. Also finding friends to hike and backpack with would be a priority.
As for the space thing, have you tried out bigger tents? Some of them have enough space to even stand up in. Might be a good way to set up a temporary desk and get some shade.
A lifestyle best suited for introverts.
Too many people you cant make friends too few they all become friends fax
@@alexandersprout7992 yes. Yes. And yes. Keep those energy vampires away!!
HOWA is a good resource. They sponsor an online zoom meeting/community 4x weekly through the Meetup app.
It helps with the isolation.
Tents draw attention
This is the most realistic video on living in a vehicle that I've seen on U-tube; thank you for putting it out there like you have. I'm not out there yet but am thinking I will be forced to in the not so distant future. Ran into a brick wall when checking about car insurance for the unhoused, a few years ago. It seems, if you are not in an RV, you can't get that special insurance that's available for travelers. So, how do I get auto insurance without an address, much less the DL?
And thank you for mentioning the bathroom in the car scenario. I have stayed in my mpv and had to go #2 in the middle of the night. Awwful!!! The smell stayed in the vehicle for several weeks! I burned incense several times but even the incence began to smell of mixed incense/poo. . . ugh!! Heaven help me when I actually do have to rely on my vehicle for housing.
Yeahhhhhh a new video !!!!! Love it 💕
for the mail deal you just hire someone to deal with all that. the person that you choose you make them your home address. they receive all your mail and then send to closest place to you. you can give them permission to open mail or they dont have to.
Having mail delivered to a friends Apt / house gives you tenant rights to that place. Have to make it very clear you do not plan living there.
Bravo...........alone........no net...........no job.........I did it for many many years before it had a name or chanel .......I had art working studio but could not camp there........homelessness.......u must have stronger will for outdoors........i spend all my free time outdoors...... but would never admit it on camera.......self-conchess ........big problem paying rent for a box ....that u can't own......hmmmm....cheers
Subscribed! Stay strong brother. Timmy C Arizona
Always Enjoy Your Videos.
Thanks for The Info !!
My pleasure!
I think the ideal would be to have property that you can claim as your primary residence while you travel. That way you’re more legit. Maybe even have roommates to look after the property and help you with mail (and rent).
Yes, owning a house or property is the best way to do it in my opinion. Unfortunately I don't own a house right now. But I plan to eventually
This is exactly what I was going to advise. You research the states that have the most favorable RV laws, or tax laws, maybe South Dakota, then you find a town there that is growing, prospering, and you buy something really cheap. Then you find "roommates" who end up paying the mortgage. You now have a legal residence where you can receive mail, and there are people there who can accept Amazon packages for you, and you are building equity. Do it.
Not everyone has a choice about living in their ca r!
America's Mailbox is who I use
UPS Store address.
You can label your box as apartment or suite.
Any# Street name,
Apt (Your box #)
Your city, State, Zip.
Because of Patriot Act, address will flag.
You tell them you have only a mailing address, not a physical address.
You can use as address on your drivers license and personal property taxes.
Employees are in the store to receive your packages.
25 years for me!
(I look so stable on paper!) 😉
All of the reasons you named could suck in a major way. You should do ten reasons on what keeps you doing it. Safe travels!
Good idea, thanks
Exactly? Why keep doing it or choosing to if it has all the issues mentioned? Yes this is what I like to know as well. 👍👍👍👍
Luigi, i didn't mean to come off as saying the nomad lifestyle is bad, just that it has issues. Did it seem like I was bashing it?
I did NOT think you were bashing. Rather, you gave an honest view of issues you face. Some stuff out there is Pollyanna-ish about living in a car. I like to know about problems I might face - in addition to stealth hints, cooking, etc.
Dehydrated foods take up very little space. You can get everything from butter to veggies to meats. Amazon has tons of it. Tastier and more nutritious than canned
Nice to see another video man
Living out of a Tesla… absolutely love it!!!
❤
@@ivar-the-terrible nope… Tesla model y
@@skepticalmechanic if you buy a Tesla you better live in it, all that damn money you done spent on it.
@@skepticalmechanic 2:25 He says himself it's a Prius.
(Also as someone who has been driving a Prius for 13 years, I can safely say - that's a Prius).
how is it? jow long you can boondocks with ac on?
Had to move into my son s minivan after house fire before Christmas lost everything home dog and car now homeless living in van till engine blew now living in sons garage while he's having chemo welcome to my world
Bo...... BIG THANKS - FOR YOUR HONESTY!!!!!! I APPLAUD YOUR EFFORTS “ SWEET PUPPERS”....
Excellent information. Thank you so much !
I thank God for giving me the money to afford an apartment! Thank you, Lord! I am truly grateful. 🙏🏼
God gave you the money?? How come I had to work for it??? Not fair!
😂
@@NilDreams I inherited it. I can't help it that you didn't.
@@boobtubeakatv1296 Heathen.
@@brendaleverick3655 so glad you clarified that! So it wasn’t god who gave it to you. I was starting to wonder if god doesn’t like the millions of people that he didn’t give a home to. I’m assuming you didn’t inherent much since you were only able to afford an apartment. 😂
The best way to handle tires and flats is Walmart buy your tires "insure them through Walmart " and that way whenever comes time to rotate them or if you get a leak they take care of it. They have locations everywhere but Oregon .
Yep, I get road hazard at Walmart
To help with the community interaction, volunteering to assist groups can help. Even working in an opshop or a food provision place can give a sense of community, particularly when you revisit on an annual/regular basis. You get to know the locals and they appreciate your service, welcoming you amongst their ilk.
This was really eye opening and useful. Thank you!
Hola from Baja San Felipe. New follower. I camped with a habitent and 2008 Prius 5 years and camped 47 states until my spine crumbled. I'm 90 miles south of Calexico CA in a great new house for $400 a month in Mexico. I mis camping, but my pain level was too great to drive now after 3 surgeries. I went cross country 4x in 5 years. mostly state and federal lands, saw 22 National parks, 45 Nat forests...
I was lonely and scared a lot in the deep south...I taught college so I have students to visit everywhere
You can register your vehicle and establish address with the STREET ADDRESS of any UPS store. Most nomad folk register on line in South Dakota as it is the cheapest state...I'm going to reregister in CA. when mine expires in 2 years.
You can send packages ahead c/o any UPS store you will get to, or c/o postmaster. UPS charges $5 to pick it up. I tried to stay in the same place 2 weeks, and had a bathroom tent with compost bucket & peat moss
Thanks for watching from Baja. I thought about moving to mexico, but it seems the crime is very high. I thought California had high taxes and all that stuff?
@@MountainSpringsAdventures OMG, they will take SO much more of your money in CA
You're pretty much right about all that but there is and are trade offs, like for me I can't afford $1,500 a month for an apartment plus all the other stuff and it does take time to get used to stuff.
When your car breaks down and you have to leave it at the mechanic, instead of going to a m/hotel or rb&b, rent a Uhaul van, bring enough gear to live in it for a couple of days, it'll be cheaper than the hotel and you still have wheels, i.e. mobility, like about 40-50 bucks a day at the most.
As for # 2, pour some kitty litter under + on top of your business, it'll keep the smell down.
Great video! Yeah there are problems no matter how you live. But folks like you are exercising your mind on how to survive if things were to get bad. I am not nomadic but I do preps in my car and house just in case. Lots of good information to chew on and thank you!
Well said!
For #2 Emergency: if use in car in a bag, how about having some Cat Litter to cover up. I have 2 cats & I use Arm & Hammer Feline Pine Litter Pellets & they take care of the odor instantly when it is covered up ( putting litter on top) by my cats or by me.
just remember yall it’s actually illegal to sleep in your vehicle in Florida.. Years ago I found this out the hard way. Never admit to a cop you live in your rig in Floridistan!
Wow. I got away with it. Good to know.
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
I love your honesty in your videos! I am building out a Prius to be a camper in the next weeks, I'm looking forward to traveling.
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I've lived a Prius for the last six months the thing that works best for me is using a tent as a place to shower and a toilet and also it's good just to have some basic locations that you can use during the year such as quartzite or New Mexico and then you travel between those two areas and just stay there for several months at a time and that seemed to work best for me thanks.
Hey Bo, always great to see a video from you. Thanks for sharing the thumbs down of car life. Good insight for people getting ready to get out on the road.
Look forward to your next video!!😀
Thanks chuck!
Absolutely informative ! My friend wants to try this lifestyle , I will discourage her😂
For break downs you can rent a cargo van for around 20-30 bucks a day....much cheaper than motel rooms and you still have transportation...just move your bed & essentials into the van and you are good to go for a day or two or more while your vehicle gets repaired.
I did a similar thing when I broke down in an area that had no car tental places within 500 miles and I had to be at my new job the next day. Very much overkill, but I rented a Uhaul moving truck to get to my destination for the new job and didnt have to get a motel. I bet not many folks think about the problems with the car rental places wanting to charge $500 for 1 way rental when a Uhaul rental is a fraction ;)
apparently you didnt visit slab city while in california i lived in a ford fusion and did just fine even through the summer i never was out of water had food all the time had coffee and even cooked breakfasts and this was before i had solar. there is never a hard time finding a spot to sleep in slab city you can either park close to some friends camps if not in it or anywhere as close or as far from the community as you want. there is also free internet and i dont mean some cheap hot spot i mean real true starlink internet. also there is stores and med clinic busses schools library police and fire and ambulance all within 4 miles not even a 5 min drive. i dont know where you been but you surely hadnt been here perhaps you should stop by im now on beal road right by the salvation mountain i be glad to meet you and show you some tips and tricks i done since i been here.
hi there! ive watched your videos for over 2 years! i just wanted to say that i have my van registered plates in TN where i lived before i left to live in my van. i registered it to relatives property in Tennessee. if your state has an online renewal system, i was able to renew online and have my tag mailed to a separate address from the one that was registered onto my tag, so i had it mailed to a P.O Box. the other thing i have had to do is while i was staying at a campsite, ask if they would receive a package for me while i was there! maybe these may give you ideas? much love either way!
Thanks for watching all this time :)
Actually, my tags are tennessee also :P I used to live in Chattanooga. Last year they did mail me my tags out of state (Georgia), but they called me afterwards and asked for verification by emailing them something with my address on it.... i sent them a bank statement
Very good information, I am very curious about this lifestyle.
watching your intro was nice but i was anticipating that mega huge BUT and I wasn't disapointed. lol
I don't see your issues as issues. I have friends that are 'van-lifers' (in Canada) that live in vans and/or cars. All these issues are challenges yes, but not serious if you have the mindset of a van-lifer/car dweller. It all depends on what an individual might see as a difficulty or challenge. Perhaps things are different if you are trying to live in the Arizona desert. Up here in Canada we have cold temps, snow and freezing rain to deal with and they present doable situations in my opinion. Be prepared for the area that you are going to be living in. Cheers.
These are just homeless, basically lazy people who are lucky enough to have a vehicle and yes, being a “nomad” or homeless SUCKS.
@@eddymahon1503 And going to the bathroom sucks. I've talked to so many people who live in their vehicles they tell me it's the worst
How do u go about mail ?
🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 This! All this! LIVING IN A VEHICLE IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY! I adore living in my SUV, but most people will not enjoy living in a vehicle. That's why it shocks me that people decide to live this lifestyle without even trying it out. That's insane.
One of my biggest challenges is everything takes 2 to 3 times longer to do in a vehicle. A simple, 10 minute task in a house is a 20-30 minute task in a vehicle.
This is my take on your challenges as a SUV dweller -
1. Lack of space - Yes! Not only is it hard to sit up in the back, but there's limited storage. It's bare necessities plus some extras. The lack of space means I have to be clean and organized all the time. Two things out of place equals overwhelm. Plus, it's extremely easy to lose stuff and ridiculously challenging to find things. Everything has to have a place and be put in that place.
2. Hygiene -I carry 10 gallons of water, minimum, so I have a shower toga and a shower bottle lid that goes on 2 liter bottles (check Amazon). I use that, gyms, or portable sinks in my SUV to stay clean (no rinse bath solution).
3. Resources - Yep
4. Lack of Community - My travel motto is "I'm here until I'm bored" so I'm usually in places for at least a week, usually longer. I have a lot of interests and hobbies so I have those communities everywhere I go. Some active communities are hikers, climbers, artists, musicians, and spiritual groups (Buddhists, pagan, metaphysical, etc). If nothing else, I can play Pokemon Go. There seems to be a local FB group in most towns and they meetup all across the city to battle. Plus there's the traveling nomad community (I stay clear of vehicle dwellers who don't travel).
5. I use to pay a company to collect my mail. These companies were set up for the RV community and they give you an address you can use for legal purposes. Just Google them.
6. Car problems - Yes! I have an emergency fund.
7. Bathroom - I'm a woman and I have a collapsible toilet and a protein shaker bottle (which has a wide mouth). As for #2, I put kittly litter in the bag before I use it, use it, sprinkle baking soda on top, and then tie the bag close. No odors from the bag. I open the windows to get rid of any lingering odors in the vehicle.
8. I use to pay a company to collect my mail. These companies were set up for the RV community and they give you an address you can use for legal purposes. Just Google them.
9. I have window covers for all my windows. It's completely private.
10. This hasn't been a problem and I'm on the East Coast. There's always a Walmart, Cracker Barrel, camp store, 24 hour business, church, mechanic shop, etc and so many vanlife apps with parking info. I get to a spot after 10 pm and leave no later than 6 am. I usually do my morning routine in parks, but never where I sleep.
Oh yes by all means--- Steer CLEAR of ppl living in their vehicles NOT traveling--- they Might be Less FORTUNATE than you n have No Emergency Funds for break downs.....or Worse- They Might be HOMELESS Acting like Traveling Nomads!! God Forbid you accidentally Socilize with a homeless person forced to live in their car n Mistake them for Cool Nomads!
@@charlottegunning1548 Almost everyone who lives in their car and doesn't travel DOES NOT want to be living in their vehicles. They're only doing it until they can get back into a house. They already have friends and family, they're usually embarrassed to be homeless, and they aren't remotely interested in talking about how great living in a vehicle is. They're on the grind to do better. The exception, in my experience anyway, are people who live in their car and have drug problems or mental health problems. Both groups are happy to talk but they're also needy and come with drama and chaos. I don't have time for that craziness so I've learned, through experience, to stay clear.
Great post! Very helpful! Also always fully check out the vehicle you intend to buy, including doing a search on the year and model to search for problems. This is always helpful.
@@deborahcurtis1385 Yes! I search for "car year" "car model" "reliability". Most importantly, have your vehicle checked out by a real mechanic, not your friend who knows about cars. There's always a mechanic who will look over your vehicle for free or very cheap. Call around. Meet the seller at the shop or make an appointment for the seller to bring the car in. One hour of the seller's time is worth the THOUSANDS you're about to give them. Ive had every used vehicle I've ever purchased for myself and my children checked out before buying and I've never had a problem with any of them. Not one. My guy friend just won't listen and he's on his 4th car that he's basically using as a paperweight. My other friend was in a hurry, couldn't wait for me to find a good car, listened to her cousin and bought a car from a police officer without getting it checked out, and she's spent thousands on this car in less than 2 years. 😐 Get the vehicle checked out (and walk away if the seller won't do it, that's guaranteed a lemon). Research the year and model. Be your own advocate.
@@serenityjewel Great advice! "Falling in love" with a car is a big no-no.
Thank you for your video. Very helpful! 😊
When I decide to travel I plan on getting a decent camper to live in, something nice but not too expensive. I was homeless for 2 years and it sucked bad, not interested in being homeless again. All I can tell you all is to plan ahead before hitting the road, the 3 main comforts is a bed, bathroom, and a comfy couch to sit and relax on rainy/stormy days. When I was living on the streets I had none of these comforts and I'll be damned if I am cutting that out of my life, but to each their own!
Don’t know if you’ve heard of this service before, but there’s mail forwarding companies out there who will scan your letters and email them to you when you receive something. Last time I checked the prices, the cheapest option was $10 a month, I think.
Yes Ive heard of it, its americas mailbox in south dakota.
There were some based out of TX and OR too. One specifically for full time RV'ers. They would give you a physical address to use and in some states you can get the no income tax benefit.
Beware . . . some DMV's are onto the addresses provided by the mailbox places . . .and auto insurace companies, too : (
Who can afford rent? Forget about buying. The housing market is going to crash, not correct but crash, IMO! You know how hard I work for the peanuts I make! Never worked harder in my life to have so little. Just surviving really.
Thanks for the video. I could deal with everything except the going to the bathroom part. It would ruin everything. Especially for someone older.
Thanks for the great video.
Lived in my car for 4 months,
Context: I was a urban/city car dweller.
Worst parts for me were:
1. Wanting to wind down after work only to realize you’re going back to your (well I was) Hyundai sonata lol. There were days where I definitely felt claustrophobic.
2. (Female issue) PERIODS while living in your car . Agh! No matter how hygienic I tried to be I still felt dirty.
3. Getting sick while in your car. I caught Covid once. Felt like absolute 💩 and had to quarantine in my car the whole time lol. Was horrible.
An everything else he mentioned.
Address issues, car problems (literally was my worst fear), hygiene.
Restroom wise, I scheduled when I’d eat everyday so I knew when I’d have to 💩 and made sure I was near my fav clean bathrooms during that time lol.
As someone that didn’t want to do car life forever, I did start feeling comfortable with the idea of living in my car for good at one point and that was scary to me. I could see myself just doing it forever which I didn’t want to do. I always wanted just do it for awhile to save money and move into a new space.
So I’d say if you plan on temporarily living in your car, KEEP YOUR GOAL IN MIND. Constantly.