Expert MONEY Tips for VAN Life: What YOU Need to Know!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Join Bob Wells and Brian Gifford as they discuss financial considerations for hitting the road and how to prioritize expenses in van life. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining an emergency fund while striking the balance between comfort and freedom. Don’t miss this chance to gain key insights from their wealth of combined experience!
A heartfelt thank you to our roving reporter, Brian, for his exceptional work in bringing these meaningful conversations to life. His dedication and passion for the nomad community has made this series truly remarkable.
Check Out the CheapRVliving Video Content as Podcasts:
/ @cheaprvliving
Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
My Amazon Store
www.amazon.com...
AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
➡️Power Stations
amzn.to/3P4S3YV
➡️12V Batteries
amzn.to/3R16srM
➡️Portable Solar Panels
amzn.to/3PzhK5z
➡️Hard Solar Panels
amzn.to/45EVXPi
➡️Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
amzn.to/3L8Ix5W
➡️Air Conditioner Units
amzn.to/3P5wAip
➡️Pop Up Tents
amzn.to/3sNkFyc
Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn a small commision from qualifying purchases.
______________________________________
Website:
cheaprvliving.com
Looking for a Cool Hat, T-Shirt, Stickers and More..
cheaprvliving....
My Book- How to Live in a Car, Van or RV:
amzn.to/3LDxDWW
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Socials:
• Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
• Instagram: @CheapRVliving
______________________________________
Thanks for watching!
Remember folks: the best rig is the one you’ve got! If you can start off nomadic life in the vehicle you already have, you’ll give yourself the chance to try it out without investing anything, and you may even save up from reducing your bills from rent/water/electricity in the meantime. You can always do a trial run to see where you spend the majority of your budget for a couple weeks or a month, then come back and regroup and reevaluate your funds and where you’re spending goes.
This video is All such great advice!
Yes! Let me just comment to underline what you've already said. I've seen videos of people who put six figures into "the camper of their dreams," only to hit the road and quickly find out that it doesn't meet their needs - ouch!!!
OTOH, I've never, ever, ever seen anyone complain that they spent too much time "playing in the shallow end" and testing things out to find what they really want.
Only if you can fit laying down in your rig! My compact car is much too small for me to fully fit laying down. I've tried several different ways and it just doesn't work.
I liked Bob's idea of rent u-haul for a week..see if you dig it..
You can live in a car, but it's going to be cramped and most likely uncomfortable. Then there's a van. Better choice. Camper, not a realistic choice. People are going to know you're living in it. All you need is electricity a refrigerator, and a way to cook.
@@MarcillaSmithWhen I hear how much people spend on some of their mobile dwellings, I swear that they are crazy. I remember watching one video where an older couple bought a school bus. They put in a bathroom with a shower and a piece of bedroom furniture that they installed a kitchen sink in and the rest was furniture out of their house including a big rocking chair. They looked so happy. I believe having comfortable furniture from their home was a great deal of the reason they were so happy.
The bottom line of this video is to answer the question, what does money buy? The answer is not happiness, it is freedom. The emergency fund will help to secure your freedom. Without freedom, there is no happiness.
There is happiness in bondage, but we aren't those kind of people.
Freedom is a stance, an approach to life, not something that can be purchased. Money facilitates exchanges, that's it. Not having it does limit some choices, but a vast array of them still exists at all times that you are free to select from. Just because someone can't buy a vehicle and the gas\food for travel does not mean they are not free. They just can't do that one option. If physically capable they could chooae to hop on a bike and have an entirely different rich experience. Or simply take a nice walk somewhere pretty and enjoy it, or the feeling of breathing in and out, the sounds of birds singing. We always have some level of choice happening, we can shift our attention.
Freedom means Lucky
@@hobocraft0 I like this.
@@HoboGardenerBen I can see where you're coming from and for the most part agree. But if you want to travel with money you can. If you really wish to eat some expensive food it takes money. If you have to eat dog food? Well it's cheap but even it costs money. Freedom is the ability to do what you want to do. Not what other people even me tell you. My needs are are simple so they are also cheap, but not free.
Shout out to Brian. He has been a great addition to the show!
Totally agree! A great choice for Bob to pass the torch.❤
I love it that when you were starting to list “needs” the dog inserted himself into the conversation…..”Me! Me! You need me!”
It makes me happy when I see Cody in the background ❤
It's an important point that certain things for some people are needs that are wants for others. Being nomadic results in me needing to feel grounded in the local society, so I allow myself to spend money on eating out at local restaurants a few times a week. When I don't have access to a kitchen, I find that it's definitely worth the money for what it does for my mental health!!
Thank you Bob, you're the father I never had. I appreciate all of your great knowledge.
Having an emergency fund and living below your means is great advice for any lifestyle. However it's extremely hard to do when your means doesn't cover your needs like food and shelter.
I actually have a very similar system with my van and bicycle. I parked the van for a week somewhere, but on the bicycle I'm constantly zipping around town.
Thats my plan from truck and trailer. Hauling a trailer sucks. Van and bike is what Im leaning into.
I like your mindset
Good stuff, that's my kind of lifestyle :)
Great choice, gonna get a bike too soon but i work camp in my van, lovin it.
A used electric bike is very functional & practical
This video will change lives and help many people build a safe and secure life. That is a need and security is also another kind of comfort. Blessings to all!
Yep, agree that you should start with what you already have. I started in my SUV in 6 years ago. Gave that 1 year, now slightly bigger in Nissan cargo van. No comforts, but lots of freedom. And my nest egg is still big. Less is more.
Hi yep. I'm started in Minivan a month ago. And now when I'm shopping I'm like will that even fit in my van realistically. I just one those big plastic dressers and it's way to big already looking for something takes up less space
Do you have the small Nissan or the regular sized? The small cargo van is alot more affordable, just wondering how reliable they are.
I think living in the motorhome is a great alternative to homelessness. Facing homelessness is a desperate place and fear based reality in Southern Nevada so many have been pushed out by sky high rent and property managers want a monthly income 3 times the rent, which is unrealistic for fixed income. Crime and violence against the homeless is off the charts. Your video gave clarity to the beginning steps to shelter in scary circumstances. Thank you
Move out of the city if you become homeless. HelpX is a good work exchange network for being able to stay somewhere long term for simple labor. Some cool projects on there. Buddhist retreat centers like Shambhala Mountain Center in CO have resident volunteer programs ansd take in homeless that are willing to work. Good vibe for a troubled mind and great food. Coolworks lists seasonal jobs with housing all over the country, I've gotten about 10 jobs there, great site. ATTRA has paid farming internships if you're serious about learning farming. Low pay but valuable career education on pretty much every type of farming available there somewhere. Wandering is a good adaptation strategy, learn skills, be of diverse value.
I'm homeless by choice, have years of experience. It's fun once you get into it, but never in a city
I been month in Minivan. Left 1500 apartment. Which ironically had homeless sleeping in the midst of it all. It's depressing some nights but I keep upgrading, hoping it get better n just loves the camping parts out n the country when I can.
I blew the head gasket on my old van (which was a money pit of deferred maintenance anyway). My older/new van is in good shape for now, but came with a small car payment and worse mileage. Disability has resulted in SS below the poverty line, so saving is very difficult, but I keep trying. Occasional food shelf visits and very slow travel help, avoiding stores, etc. are a way of life now, but I wouldn’t go back to sit and brix for anything!
So many new nomads. We started out with an SUV. Then upgraded to a travel trailer. Travel trailer gives us the option of parking the trailer, with the mobility of our SUV. I love this series of instructive videos! Thank you so much!
Where do you park the trailer? How much additional cost has this added to your lifestyle instead of just living in your SUV?
Nobel Prize for Bob.
Great video living below you means is the only way to do it.
👌
We need more than one part of this important topic.
Heros you are.
Live below your means and have emergency fund. Great advice no matter where you live😊
Great to see how you’re laying the proper foundation by considering the essentials, before going into everything else!
Looking forward to your next video on this subject!
Thank you!
Wants vs needs! thanks guys
Thank you Bob and Brian. It is always good to talk about money.
Good info. Comfort is Freedom.
Thanks, Bob. Great advice as always. We decided to buy an older motorhome after we retired like Brian did. It is a 1999 one owner model, with low mileage and it had extensive maintenance records on it, so we knew it was in good shape. This is important if you don't want it to be a money pit. It only gets 8 mpg, but we travel in it less than we anticipated. The poor gas mileage isn't that important because we have a 30-mpg car that we tow behind it to use for errands, grocery shopping, etc. This allows us to only move our camp every 2 weeks (the typical BLM and FS limit) to fill, dump and establish a new campsite. It helps that we already owned the car, but it isn't much of a car, as it has 450,000 miles on it. We took out the back seat and put a board down to make a large storage area for hauling heavy things like tools, oil and water. Still, it is cheaper to keep it running than to buy a newer one, as I do the repairs and maintenance myself. Besides, it's nice being debt free. I don't think I could go back to being saddled with debt as I was almost all my life. I think this is almost as important as an emergency fund because it facilitates us living within our means, so we can contribute to our savings monthly. We've been living this way, mostly boondocking for 6 years now and really enjoy the freedom this lifestyle brings.
what kind of car is that ???? amazing miles
Great video, thank you Bob and Brian for sharing your experiences and wisdom!! Looking forward to the continuation of this series!
Saving this video to a playlist! Emergency fund and wants vs needs. Such good reminders. 🎉
Thank you ❤
You two are a pleasure to listen to.
An important discussion on the vital importance of a strong emergency fund.
TYSM 😊❤
Great video that everyone should listen to when thinking about the nomadic life
Mr. Wells you are a great person and your helper! Very smart and how God has led you to helping so manny. May God Bless you and your helpers. I plan on helping you and your cause!!!
ive been debating the same things. a travel trailer =small cabin/comfort, but your either in a park w full hook ups which cost money or boondocking down in the flats with the rest of the riffraff, atvs, noise, dust, trash, etc. you will also need more solar and batteries to stay off grid longer. a van is smaller somewhat easier if you can find a good used one, more mobile, but 4wd and clearance costs more money. interiors can be cheaper if dyi. a 4wd truck can be had easily if you have the money, has the most offroad ability and clearance, but campers can get expensive depending on what you buy for the bed. a trailer is the cheapest by far if you already have a tow vehicle and the most space for the money, but its also more work to tow, set up, and usually more gas, though offroad access is still limited.
Very good points, i got a 94 ford e150. parts arnt that much, has a high top already, dont have to exit ur vehicle to go to ur camper, just got to give it usual maintenance and slowly replace old parts as you can afford to do so. i love it and will eventually do some tow upgrades to maybe tow a little camper or cargo rack for more storage.
Words of wisdom. Get out there and start living. 😊
In my opinion the van reigns supreme at performing the best in the most categories.
Thank you, Brian and Bob.
Great job you two :) Thank You :)
#Grateful 🙏 love you guys, thank you, #mahalo
Having an idea of how you will spend your time helps you to identify your needs vrs wants. If your income is very restricted, you will probably need to stay in one place for periods of time to decrease your gas consumption vrs if your goal is to explore then gas will be a large part of your monthly expenses.
Excellent point!
Good advice. Test trips are a good way to learn what kind of flow you enjoy. I don't like driving, so I want to spend a long time in a place and bike\walk around, get my hands in some garden dirt. But driving is a meditation for others so they might want to keep it moving and chill out in parking lots. I did have some chill moments in surprisingly nice back lots of stroads with birds and trees.
People on a disability have a limit on assets, i think it’s 2000. I believe having a bike is counted as an asset so maybe it’s worth 200 (used?). I think that means you can only have 1800. Not really sure, but I think this video should be repeated with that in mind. Maybe a combination of savings and credit cards? Thanks you two! Love your content. How about staying safe in crazy climate change weather? Flash floods and what not again, always good information even though it’s been a topic previously addressed.
Uh..l I am on Disability. I’m thinking you are not coming up with the correct words for what you mean. You can own whatever you own. Nobody looks at that. What you are limited on is what level of income you can earn. If you can work and attain a salary that is considered substantial income, (the IRS and government do have specific words), you can lose your disablity. After all , the reason disability is granted is because your disability limits your ability to earn a survivable income.
@@nmartin5551What they may have meant is SSI (not social security, but supplemental security income). That is what my 73 year old mother is on, and they have that $2000 limit, which is ridiculous. They literally made her cash in her life insurance a couple years ago because it was worth a measly $10K. She had to cash it in and pre-pay for her own funeral with it or they were going to stop her SSI, and it was just barely enough. I’m actually not sure she’ll have a tombstone unless I can afford one once she’s gone.
This government is a joke no matter who’s in office.
A medical emergency can wipe it all out
That's because the USA has horrible medical coverage for its own citizens.
better the Emergency fund that you planned for get's wiped out than your Nomad Lifestyle or your life, if you did not plan for it. That's the whole reason for an Emergency fund. If/when it get's wiped out, you then need to build it up again by getting some part time or full time income or cutting your expenses back and putting that extra savings into the new emergency fund account.
this helps a lot. I'm moving into my Kona to preserve the bit of savings I have left while I try to figure out how to best build an income. Basically..just helps me feel like I'm going about this in a smart way ...since this is pretty scary for me
Good talk, guys.
If people lived the way you suggested, I'm guessing many people would not have to resort to a vehicle for shelter.
Live within your means.
Differentiate wants from needs.
Always maintain a good-sized emergency fund. 5 to 10 grand.
It's pretty simple. Of course, health issues and other things can create havoc and lay the best made plans to waste.
This is excellent advice and a goal worth striving for.
Possibly this is mentioned elsewhere, I think safety is an important objective for some.
Always informative . May the good Lord watch over you and your family and friends. Peace and Love 😊.
Good point about maneuverability, I was wondering about getting a towed rig behind my full SUV. What stops me is the gas mileage, and where to park
You two have done an interesting thing by being entertainers. It's more than just being a creator.
If you get ss check and you are able to for extra insurance (endurance wish covers alot of problems for you car, vans etc. cellphone, and charging station, find spots to park that are cheap, they always cheap food when go to any store.
Great video! Spot on!
Yes, emergency fund, wants v needs, and creature comforts..got it.
Thanks so much. Very helpful advice
Great video. And the comment section is just as useful! Thanks for making these interview format vids, with information we all can use.
Great video as always. Everyone has choices. Depending on circumstances, needs, priorities, income, etc., we just need to decide what's best for us. Bob and others give information based on experiences to help make those choices. Thank you, Bob and Brian.
Well said. Everyone's situation will be different re: the Resources vs Comforts equation. Having more comforts than resources is not sustainable. Be realistic and live below your means (more resources than comforts) so you can always contribute each month to the Emergency Account.
Excellent advice! I wanted stealth and a toilet and a shower, and then decided I wanted to be able to do FS roads and take a bike and kayak more. Don't regret my decision at all.
Me too! Had a wish list. Went out for a few months. Wish list completely changed! No need for toilet. Do have a portable shower.
What did you decide on?
Another great video! Thanks for sharing the gifts you’ve been given for the greater good!
Hello from Puerto Rico
Hi!
I really loved the candid discussion. Thanks!
Great Video!! Thank You Again Bob for the sound practical Advice. Stay Safe, keep posting and I'll keep watching 🙏👍🐕🦺
Great job you guys !
Thank you for all the info
Great clip! Looking forward to the next
What an excellent guide: want vs need, comfort vs freedom ... and no perfect scenario.
Great starting point and I am sharing this with some folks who have questioned me about my choices. This summer I sold a 33 foot Class A motorhome and Jeep Wrangler tow vehicle ... both I've owned and traveled for 19 years ... mostly part time but several 6 month plus trips. I bought a 2011 GMC Yukon XL and am setting it up for short term camping: 1-2 nights to get to a spot where I plan to AirBnb. This is first step trial and quite a change in comfort-freedom! I've not bought a lot for the Yukon. My thought is to try it with what I have and then decide to add or to buy an older trailer or ???
Great vid! Thanks guys,🐾
What an inspiring and informative video! Loved the blooper. 😄 Much 🫶🏾 from 🇨🇦 to you both.
Great advice! Thank you!
Great info! Thank you for sharing this! ❤
Thanks.
Thanks for the good and realistic advice in this video. Yes, there are many facets of living on the road that must be explored before doing it. One thing I'd do is some research on the most expensive repair costs on an RV. That would be the major part of the emergency fund. Insurance, gas, maintenance costs, and tires would come next. While saving up to reach these monetary goals, be preparing the RV, van, or whatever, for safety, warmth, ventilation, some type of refrigeration, and a fireproof cooking area inside it. Like Bob said, a proper toilet and a shower are not as priority. There are ways these things can be had without the money and skills involved for install. The costs of living anywhere are just going to keep going up, and more people will be looking for more options to keep a roof over their heads, be it sticks and bricks or on wheels.
Great video!
I like how the videos have a summary.
Thank you!
Thank you Bob and Brian for this video. I have been wanting to ask you, how familiar are you with end of life, situations you may have come across. In regards to nomads that pass without plans setup.
Hey man! New VANLIFE youtuber here SUNFLOWER'S BIG ADVENTURES ❤ real good to hear you talk about these different topics that often don't come up. peace and love ❤
Great video
Great advice
Absolutely agree with living below your means…what ever they are.
I too travel in a class C and often find it difficult getting around with out a toad. (I have towed a car in the past) There are pros and cons to everything. I feel very reluctant to go down some unknown roads (especially forest service roads) with a toad. If I find my self on a road that is so bad I need to turn around…more likely back up a long distance…I’m in trouble. Without a toad and having my back up camera I can back up miles if needed. I can make a u turn or park in difficult spots. So for now, still no toad. But I do have an electric tricycle!
Excellent info 👍🏻
HOWA's virtual caravans had this as a topic just last week awesome.... Bob and Brian thanks so much. Keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you do.
Great video -- thanks for the tips and insight from you both. Look forward to the next video on this topic.
good practical advice .
Stay safe out there. Great information
Thank ya
New subscriber
Very helpful. Thanks guys!
Thank you for this video. This is what I needed to know. I look forward to you other video.
This is about choices. I was looking for some information of resources. Or where to get the cheapest camping, what are the 5 best ideas on that.
Excellent video gentlemen. I have been on the road for 1.5 years now, (Thanks Bob) and I am very confortable in my van, but I have a lot of things I "wanted" and did not "need". I am now working on building my emergency fund back up and, I needed to hear this so, thank you.
Safe travels.
I’m with Brian on this one. A truck and small travel or cargo trailer that is built to the individuals comfort level. My number one choice would be a remote property and a cabin. I don’t like traveling or driving around a lot and I’m not a people person 😊
I am converting a bus. I agree with almost everything your guest said but like him I already have the ideal towed . A jeep gladiator. Besides a vehicle to drive to town it is also a good vehicle for driving further into the wilderness with 4WD and positraction rear end than an RV could go for viewing nature and returning to the RV. BUT it does cause higher insurance rates as a second vehicle. I think it is worth it.
The video works as a great “general” primer, however, what people really need, are specific examples of things that will give them the best prices, ie/eg, fuel saving apps, cheapest vehicle insurance options, best money savings grocery shopping apps, best-buys on park passes & blm camping permits, etc, etc, etc…
Yes #1 the emergency fund, and THINK every time you purchase anything.
Is this necessary? (chips vs apples)
Is it an investment?(tool kit)
Can it improve my ability to make money?(work boots)
Vehicle choice is vital.
Use what you already have if it is generally reliable.
Most passenger cars can be modified, reconfigured, to provide decent sleep comfort.
Depending upon the vehicle, a small inexpensive trailer can hold your stuff, the car becomes your apartment.
Station wagon, small van, are best. ONLY ONLY if reliable.
Large passenger car, remove the entire back seat, through to the trunk, lots of space to reconfigure for sleeping.
Passenger car, small van, regular big van,
tint all the side/rear windows, only use reflectix during daytime,
black blanket behind front seats at night,
And you can usually sleep in many neighborhoods without being bothered.(no TV, music, etc) Park at 10pm or later.
Get an annual county park pass, where you have toilet/water/bbq/cook at a table, can snooze without interruption, enjoy exercise, open 7am to 6pm.
And go to a different park every day.
If necessary, and able, get a night job. Sleep in the county park during the day.
TIP: learn what days they mow the lawns! HAHAHA!
This is excellent information! Saved it. Thanks so much.
Thanks guys!
Great video, and it really is all about comfort vs freedom. I've been thinking about a trailer for a while, but with my current living situation a van might be better as a short-term, part-time solution. I started car camping in an SUV a few years ago, and either would be an upgrade from that.
Very good video and looking forward to more of them.
Doug in New Mexico
I want vanlife but really afraid safety wise. I need vanlife bc it’s a form of mental therapy for me, I did it around town when I became homeless and loved it. I immediately became depressed again and hen I found a place. 😔
It's funny how you all talk about "Leave No Trace" however your dogs are always walking around in the background unintended. Guarantee they have crapped out there and you never noticed only to have the next camper's kids step in it!
Many dogs poop predictably, walk em in the morning, clean up their poop, do your video, chores…then, Feed them, walk them again a bit later, they poop and pick it up again. It’s not rocket science. Don’t guarantee something you don’t know about. Try being nice, it feels good.
Good review .great introspection for myself .
I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling with the loss of your dear friend, but In my heart and soul I believe Felix is in a better place where he is no longer suffering. THANK YOU for sharing this notice on him and I pray you are healthy and I look forward to the time you will be back sharing your days in your journey.
So my emergency fund has actually fluctuated over the years, but I now now am rebuilding that fund again, but I have had a lot of maintenance issues this year that I had to do, but I never ran out of my emergency fund