My father called me to his bedside as he was dying in 2003. Always a serious, successful hard working man that did all he could for his wife, widowed mother and his 3 sons. I knew,... his last words would be deep and philosophical. He looked into my eyes and said, " son, life is an institution, but ,....... who likes an institution ? " LOL That has brought me so much peace and laughter over the last two decades. Father had always followed the rules and expectations of the world and in the end I think he was giving me a gift in a joke. I think he was telling his spirited, rebellious sigma, son to go his own way and screw convention and in doing so put some wind in your hair. LESSON : Don't die regretting that you didn't ride that RV or motorcycle around the continents.
Joshua - this almost brought me to tears. Sorry for your loss. Me too. Thing is, I'm fighting Pancreatic Cancer (getting toward the end of treatment). BUT - the plan IS: beat this bugger, retire in 3 years, then on the ROAD full-time in a big trailer. If I get ONE YEAR of that, I'll be OK with it. Right? (After I take off, my channel will get REALLY crazy and fun!) So, thanks for your comment. It confirms my plan. Yeah, go your own way my friend. 👍
Thanks for the vid - what an absolute gem of a guy. Giving more than he is taking. Someone who is actually living rather than just surviving. Thank you Jay for showing us what life should be like 💚
I havent slept in a house in 10 months. Divorced my abusive ex and found peace and healing by building myself a tiny home on wheels and living on the road. Happier than ive ever been.
Love the vibe Jay has created in his home. The pallet wood looks brilliant and the separate bedroom is inspired. Jay is a genuinely good guy. Hey from Australia. 🦋
My dad lives on a narrow boat and has a mooring up near Skipton. It's not easy but he loves the freedom to move around. He's enjoying his retirement for sure.
Morning bro. I live in a van too. love life but we need to start keeping schtum about it. The amount of haters is building fast mainly due to youtube etc , all decent parkups are heaving or full of gimps with cameras. 'they' will ban it .....but I will not be giving up! We fought them 30 years ago and we'll do it again...old as we are.
I'm the same age as Jay. I have the greatest respect for him and I'm glad that his life post-divorce, has worked out well through this alternative, better lifestyle.
Aloha - Thank you for this feature. Jay seems to be a great guy with a great outlook on life. Mentioning his kids and grandkids shows that despite the divorce, he’s still a dad and a grandad. Great perspective on the life he’s living…love that he’s living on his own terms.
Bender the burner is a stroke of genius! Having a log burner is thee only thing I miss about living in my bungalow…I live in a vw T6.1 so space is limited…but my mission in life is to re-gig her guts and figure out how to get a burner in. All the best from one Jay in a van to another 👊
My life sounds like a mirror image of what happened to Jay. Wife left me, kids hate me, lost everything.... working for nothing and I'm also 48. I just need to make a plan as I don't have the money to start the Vanlife but I've been considering it for the past 2 years. I'm not into this lifestyle of society and I need to find myself and have freedom otherwise this depression is going to get the best of me.
Bud take a long look,it's not good that the kids hate you, they are your future, make that right first, after that work as hard as you can get the van, enjoy the kids
@@PaulB-b4f Hi my friend, not so good, with all that's been happening to me over the past 5 years with the divorce and my children, I had to face another disappointment, my brother passed away Wednesday the 18th very suddenly and I was supposed to spend Christmas day with him and his family tomorrow. I don't think I can take any more of this....I need to get away, far away and start a new life otherwise I'm not going to make it.
This interview can relate to me personally, kind of the same situation when it comes to losing everything but still in the meat grinder of 6 over 7 days onsite work, me son is nearly 3 and I'd love to one day be in a position like this would be the dream to show him a different life then what I'm currently living.
Not strictly true and as he said, it’s getting more and more difficult to find free legal parkups (and wild camping spots) especially in England. I’ve had ‘the knock’ on several occasions, by farmers, the forestry commission, land owners and the police, on places that I thought were free to park on. I’ve also heard from friends who have received negativity from people who lump vanlifers in with travellers, and fear the mess that would be left behind. IMHO the government doesn’t want to encourage this lifestyle, probably because they lose control and as we all know, especially since covid, controlling the population is the number one aim of governments all the world over.
TO: @J - LOL! Where are you living? It sounds to me like a lot of men in the same area are "unhappy husbands", LOL! Or the latest lifestyle getting steam in "LIVE & TRAVEL IN A VAN". Hmmm?! 🤔😄 👍 👌 Whatever makes you happy.🤗🇺🇲
I think governments and councils in many places should be supportive of vanlife, considering many people who have jobs are still struggling to pay the high rent prices for below average accommodation; at least living in a van (even if if isn't long-term) is a better option than homelessness
@@3000Bassman Maybe they want people to be living paycheck to paycheck, worrying about rent so they show up to work. Also you don't have to pay council tax and you know how much the government loves taxes. Regardless, the people in charge are out of touch, if Van Life becomes more and more popular, eventually the government will find ways to tax you to death for living in a van.
I admire people who let themselves be who they are and not worry about what others think. I am more conventional than this man but can admire him for following his dream and being happy with what he has.
Love his home:) He did a really good job making it happen. I'd love love love to do it but I have no idea about mechanics. I'll do the tiny house thing with a mechanic nearby.
JAY - I love everything about this. CONGRATS! Great story, amazing build, and the white GRAPHICS are super-cool. Wishing you the best of everything mate! I'm stuck in Minnesota for now (cancer / long story), but then full-time NOMAD in a big trailer. Do you have a TH-cam channel?? DO IT! 👍(love your accent, BTW...) Cheers! 😊
Thanks very much, but don’t let nothing stop you what you want. I am on TH-cam but I’m not very good at it further photography side of stuff from my Instagram and obviously my Facebook group stay strong dude
Been There, Done That and Never Again. You are living the dream! Living Well Is The Best Revenge. Sending you good thoughts, powerful energy and groovy vibes!
It's very important to focus on your health at the age over your 40's. Let's face it, if your British and been enjoying the last 4 decades, it will have taken its toil. Living in a van will humble then change you.
Looking like the Henge! Thanks for another great video guys too - you know it makes my Friday! Cool van and cool attitude from the owner - and he kept it real. Superb! Happy travels my friend. Have a great weekend everyone!
Brilliant video! Having just travelled through New Zealand for three weeks in a motorhome, i'm well aware of all the problems that could occur. Love his Aragorn head tattoo!
My father called me to his bedside as he was dying in 2003. Always a serious, successful hard working man that did all he could for his wife, widowed mother and his 3 sons. I knew,... his last words would be deep and philosophical. He looked into my eyes and said, " son, life is an institution, but ,....... who likes an institution ? " LOL That has brought me so much peace and laughter over the last two decades. Father had always followed the rules and expectations of the world and in the end I think he was giving me a gift in a joke. I think he was telling his spirited, rebellious sigma, son to go his own way and screw convention and in doing so put some wind in your hair.
LESSON : Don't die regretting that you didn't ride that RV or motorcycle around the continents.
Joshua - this almost brought me to tears. Sorry for your loss. Me too. Thing is, I'm fighting Pancreatic Cancer (getting toward the end of treatment). BUT - the plan IS: beat this bugger, retire in 3 years, then on the ROAD full-time in a big trailer. If I get ONE YEAR of that, I'll be OK with it. Right? (After I take off, my channel will get REALLY crazy and fun!) So, thanks for your comment. It confirms my plan. Yeah, go your own way my friend. 👍
Thanks for the great story
Helly Yeah brother
Thanks for the PSA.
My dad on his death bed told me “not to believe everything THEY tell you “ sound advice
I've lived in a van since August this year. I'm 68 n I've never been so effing stress free, and HAPPY 🎉
It’s great huh?!? Love it❤
wow that's awesome!!!!
Enjoy well done
What medicine are you on?
I want to know more
One of the nicest chaps, there for everyone whenever they need, always looking out for others. Proud to have parked next to Jay a couple of times.
Cheers guys
This guy's van is is nice. And I love his outlook on life. Great van. I would definitely travel with him.
@@tynitahaines4012cheers 👍
@@thewanderingwarrior1lovely van ,and good out look on life xx
You didn’t lose everything, you gained life and freedom!😊 great van!
The separate bedroom and the philosophy behind it is simple genius. Well done!
Agreed, change of scenery for bed time
Wonderful portrait of a man living on his own terms. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the vid - what an absolute gem of a guy. Giving more than he is taking. Someone who is actually living rather than just surviving. Thank you Jay for showing us what life should be like 💚
First time I've seen this fellow on the TH-cam and what a treat actually just talking normally and being honest
I havent slept in a house in 10 months. Divorced my abusive ex and found peace and healing by building myself a tiny home on wheels and living on the road. Happier than ive ever been.
Love the vibe Jay has created in his home. The pallet wood looks brilliant and the separate bedroom is inspired. Jay is a genuinely good guy. Hey from Australia. 🦋
Hey thanks 🙏
Good luck fella. Been off grid 20 years myself now. Struggled with van life tbh so on the canal system now continuous cruising. Keep smiling 🙏💪😊
My dad lives on a narrow boat and has a mooring up near Skipton. It's not easy but he loves the freedom to move around. He's enjoying his retirement for sure.
Morning bro.
I live in a van too. love life but we need to start keeping schtum about it. The amount of haters is building fast mainly due to youtube etc , all decent parkups are heaving or full of gimps with cameras.
'they' will ban it .....but I will not be giving up! We fought them 30 years ago and we'll do it again...old as we are.
All that gold,doesn't glitter. Not all those who wander are lost.! Amen!
I love this style far more than the plush van builds. The wood makes it feel cosy and warm.
I'm the same age as Jay. I have the greatest respect for him and I'm glad that his life post-divorce, has worked out well through this alternative, better lifestyle.
Probably the coolest paint job I’ve seen yet. Well done buddy!!
Aloha - Thank you for this feature. Jay seems to be a great guy with a great outlook on life. Mentioning his kids and grandkids shows that despite the divorce, he’s still a dad and a grandad. Great perspective on the life he’s living…love that he’s living on his own terms.
One man and his mobile castle! All the best, dude!👍😎
What a decent fella, i wish him well.
Another excellent video, keep up the good work.
Godspeed.....
It’s about attitude and respect well done my man good luck in your van life age is but a number
Love the art work on the van.
Thank you
I’m 66 and loving life …. Not knackered 😂💪 Enjoy your journey buddy … wish you well 👍🏻
🤦♂️🫶
You’re absolutely right to live the life you live. Stay safe, may Thor be with you. Greetz from Sweden
⚡️👌
⚡️ 🔨 ⚡️
How is Odin ?🎉
I’m 69 just got divorced and I’ve bought a van!
Me too Keith from NZ
Wish you the very best, you have given me the reassurance that at 46, I can do this too!!!!❤
There’s a lesson for everyone here.
Thank you, take care and good luck.
Yeah, don't get married. Just get a van and go travelling without the hassle.
@@rench1984 Coming up on 40years of marriage. It’s an honourable institution.
😂
What a lovely guy with a fantastic build and outlook on life❤
I totally commend you on this! Its the neatest thing I've ever seen! Enjoy the journey! 🎉
Home is where you park it ! Its great to get some positive vibes from others that choose the freedom of living an alternative lifestyle . 🌞
Bender the burner is a stroke of genius! Having a log burner is thee only thing I miss about living in my bungalow…I live in a vw T6.1 so space is limited…but my mission in life is to re-gig her guts and figure out how to get a burner in. All the best from one Jay in a van to another 👊
Im livin this lifestyle in New Zealand.. my ride is VW LT46.. big van... never looked back.
@Jay
Let go of the bitterness. This'll make you feel even better.
Nice van! 🫶🏼 the paint job!
Woooow great job Jay wish you many more adventures in your lovely home on wheels.
That bedroom at the back! Brilliant design
Well done , decent van ,freedom ❤🏴
Since a kid iv allways loved 5he idea of living as you do ..... good for you i ŵish you well mate 👍
Tiny houser. The freedom and peace of mind from not having to pay rent or mortgage is life changing
What a welcoming, comfortable space. I love it!
Well done Jay, terrific home you've made & great attitude to dive into life's wild waterfalls! Here's wishing you all the best & Keep on truckin'!🌏🛸
My life sounds like a mirror image of what happened to Jay. Wife left me, kids hate me, lost everything.... working for nothing and I'm also 48. I just need to make a plan as I don't have the money to start the Vanlife but I've been considering it for the past 2 years. I'm not into this lifestyle of society and I need to find myself and have freedom otherwise this depression is going to get the best of me.
Bud take a long look,it's not good that the kids hate you, they are your future, make that right first, after that work as hard as you can get the van, enjoy the kids
Buy an old work van. Start with just a mattress in the back. Go from there.
How are you today my friend how are you feeling.
@@stevenoke9390 I can't get near them
@@PaulB-b4f Hi my friend, not so good, with all that's been happening to me over the past 5 years with the divorce and my children, I had to face another disappointment, my brother passed away Wednesday the 18th very suddenly and I was supposed to spend Christmas day with him and his family tomorrow. I don't think I can take any more of this....I need to get away, far away and start a new life otherwise I'm not going to make it.
👍🏻 another great video guys... Jay, down to earth, nice guy😊
Thanks for creating & posting your very eye opening YT video.
Good on you dude, I like the homie feel and rustic look of the van inside. Very cozy and inviting to me. Cheers
love the paint work on the outside.
Another great video guys, interviewing and showing a great guy that we’re lucky enough to call a good friend, and yes AVG is the best🤘☯️
You guys are awesome and yes, bloody good friends ❤
I’ve been living in a van for 2 years plus now and Jay explained things so well ! Seems a nice bloke all the best on your travel adventures
Good on ya Jay, you've transformed adversity to benevolence for not just you but many others. All the best for many more years of safe adventuring.
GORGEOUS kitchen counter!
jay really really enjoyed that thank you so much
Great van. And to me comes across as a polite gentleman.
I have that exact same Tolkien quote tattooed on my arm! 🙌🏼
God bless brother. Keep doing whatever puts a smile on your face.
What an amazing 🤩 van .. great life ❤️🏴
I LOVE the interior. Rustic and cosey.
Love the vid, love to see more content like this. Great stuff keep going guys. Also what a free soul he is. Love to see it 🙌
Love the cartoon paint job😊,bread bin storage,great easy way to form a cupboard ,
Top guy
❤
Less is more
Wishing you all the very best ❤
Warm inviting beautiful build. Great size. I hope you have many wonderful days filled with memories.
This interview can relate to me personally, kind of the same situation when it comes to losing everything but still in the meat grinder of 6 over 7 days onsite work, me son is nearly 3 and I'd love to one day be in a position like this would be the dream to show him a different life then what I'm currently living.
Jay is an amazing bloke it’s a pleasure for me and my wife to know him and see him ❤
🫶 love ya guys
Wicked video guys as always!! Nice one Jay all the best, wicked van!! ….Smithy
I like the attitude of parking wherever you want. You're absolutely right, the vehicle can legally park where you want.
Not strictly true and as he said, it’s getting more and more difficult to find free legal parkups (and wild camping spots) especially in England.
I’ve had ‘the knock’ on several occasions, by farmers, the forestry commission, land owners and the police, on places that I thought were free to park on.
I’ve also heard from friends who have received negativity from people who lump vanlifers in with travellers, and fear the mess that would be left behind.
IMHO the government doesn’t want to encourage this lifestyle, probably because they lose control and as we all know, especially since covid, controlling the population is the number one aim of governments all the world over.
Park 'yes'
Sleep in unfortunately 'no'
If you don't know your rights then you don't have any rights.
@@keepitreal1547 Who's enforcing that rule?
@@austinbux
It's highly unlikely as most are indoors sat at a table, but those employed to enforce the law in the UK.
The paint job is fabulous, one of the best...great attitude...happy trails...!
This was an extraordinary video and done as well
Just perfect! We don't need much to be happy. But we also don’t need to deprive ourselves either. He is definitely not lacking anything. Just great!
Love this. My small t5 has panel wood and i love it. This is next level. great van and a great bloke
Thanks
Thank you 🙏🙌
Another top video! Awesome work guys 👍 Such a cool van!
Loved it as per. Another well sourced find. Brilliantly done 👍🏻💚💚
Thanks Alan! One step closer to yours haha 😎🙌🏼
@liveration Yeah I know 😁,....ooooh exciting 😀💚💚
Thank you so much for your honesty
Mate. You have inspired me. I have just ordered a new van and served the wife with divorce papers. Let the good times roll.
Good luck to you!
These videos are going to make men file for divorces whether their marriages are happy or not!😅😅
Have a blast and enjoy the life!👍
TO: @J - LOL! Where are you living? It sounds to me like a lot of men in the same area are "unhappy husbands", LOL! Or the latest lifestyle getting steam in "LIVE & TRAVEL IN A VAN". Hmmm?! 🤔😄 👍 👌 Whatever makes you happy.🤗🇺🇲
I’ve just ordered a van for the wife ! 👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼
Van looking great mate, inside and out! Well done!!
Good luck to you Jay......love the van....inspiring....hope you get to Morocco soon.
Love the wood vibe inside. Also, the bed and living area separation is what makes it feel like home, in my opinion.
The government could never stop van life IMO.
There is always somewhere to park, even if it's in a residential area
I think governments and councils in many places should be supportive of vanlife, considering many people who have jobs are still struggling to pay the high rent prices for below average accommodation; at least living in a van (even if if isn't long-term) is a better option than homelessness
@@3000Bassman
Maybe they want people to be living paycheck to paycheck, worrying about rent so they show up to work. Also you don't have to pay council tax and you know how much the government loves taxes. Regardless, the people in charge are out of touch, if Van Life becomes more and more popular, eventually the government will find ways to tax you to death for living in a van.
@3000Bassman bold.of.you to assume the governments think of their people as more than cattle
Wonderful. Love the paint work. You NEED some decent Rogue Alloys and BF Goodrich tyres.
Bf Goodrich tyres aren't that good
To much road noise
There are better
I admire people who let themselves be who they are and not worry about what others think. I am more conventional than this man but can admire him for following his dream and being happy with what he has.
Oh dear I didn't mean to sound so stuffy
This guy has is spot on
He's living my dream life... I'll get there soon enough ❤
Well done Jay , you've found your perfect work to life balance...
Love the paint job on that thing!
Awesome lovely bloke bless him❤❤
Love the look. Waterfalls, yeees! What a life. Though I'll say, if you're married to the right person, it can be good.❤
Love his home:) He did a really good job making it happen. I'd love love love to do it but I have no idea about mechanics. I'll do the tiny house thing with a mechanic nearby.
JAY - I love everything about this. CONGRATS! Great story, amazing build, and the white GRAPHICS are super-cool. Wishing you the best of everything mate! I'm stuck in Minnesota for now (cancer / long story), but then full-time NOMAD in a big trailer. Do you have a TH-cam channel?? DO IT! 👍(love your accent, BTW...) Cheers! 😊
Dontcha know
@@leeinwis 😅 Ohh... you becha! Good one, Lee. 👍
Thanks very much, but don’t let nothing stop you what you want. I am on TH-cam but I’m not very good at it further photography side of stuff from my Instagram and obviously my Facebook group stay strong dude
Enjoyed the video down to earth intelligent switched on normal guy ie Jay. Thanks
Fabulous video and great Chap. AVG group is Awesome, Best one Going 👌
You know it bro 👊
Good on u mate I’m so angry still after divorce!
Been There, Done That and Never Again. You are living the dream! Living Well Is The Best Revenge. Sending you good thoughts, powerful energy and groovy vibes!
Fair play to you!! enjoy your van life and be safe....
It's very important to focus on your health at the age over your 40's. Let's face it, if your British and been enjoying the last 4 decades, it will have taken its toil. Living in a van will humble then change you.
So true. Health is wealth!😊
After living in a damp terraced in the Midlands I am now travelling the USA in a Surburban 8.1 4x4 currently in Phoenix Az 😊
best build i have ever seen
Im 67 and not knackered .
Its a state of mind ❤️
If you do truck driving it can be tiring so I get what he means
Great guy and I wish him all the best.
Very inspiring!, looks like excellent therapy for mental and physical well being after a huge kick in the bollocks to your original life. 😉
Looking like the Henge! Thanks for another great video guys too - you know it makes my Friday! Cool van and cool attitude from the owner - and he kept it real. Superb! Happy travels my friend. Have a great weekend everyone!
Thanks for the great comment! Glad your enjoying our videos 😎🙌🏼
Yes, Jay is a cool guy and definitely a cool van!
Have a great weekend too 🙌🏼
Class mate. Cracking van 🎉
Ace video 🙌 and what a van ! Just subscribed ✌️
Brilliant video! Having just travelled through New Zealand for three weeks in a motorhome, i'm well aware of all the problems that could occur. Love his Aragorn head tattoo!
Lucky chap do it for has long as you can loved your video take care look forward to more thank you for sharing ❤