I found a 1990 class c online for free. I was the first to contact him and I got it! It's a 23 ft. It is a 1990 ford with the 460 V8. It needed 2 fuel pumps and I fixed it so now it's running great. I got to get 6 new tires so that's gonna cost a bit but I'm very excited to have it! I can't wait to get it completely remodeled and a tow dolly for my little car to pull behind it. I live on a fixed income due to having a disability. And I can't afford the rents anymore anywhere in Colorado. So hopefully I can make this work.
Stealth is my motto. An ordinary vehicle, solid mechanically, kept clean and quiet, no stickers or decals, and nearly 7 years in the same ride. I'm barely noticed, thank God, it seriously helps my daily mindset.
It’s so refreshing to listen to you both, no drama, no clickbait, just a good old fashioned informational vlog! Your honesty and integrity shine through every single time. I had a Minnie Winnie but upgraded to a fifth wheel. Now I cannot travel with it so I need something smaller and more manageable for an old, somewhat disabled, widow. I found this video to be particularly helpful! Then again, they all are! Thank you, gentlemen.❤
For years my wife and I traveled all through North America in a 1971 VW Camper with a pop top. . No frills, follow the weather. A lot of winters on Mexican beaches. I could wrench on it easily and buy a short block for $600 and switch out engines in a very short time. By myself. Back in the day. Now we tow a 5x10 TCTeardrop with our Subaru Forester Wilderness. We also have a 50 acre homestead, off grid, in Northern Minnesota since 1984. Self built from native materials. We’re both in our 70s. I’m 76 and she is 70. We do alright.
The most important thing is know your needs. After 5 years I’ve found I NEED a bed I don’t have to break down to give room for living. I need to be able to toilet inside, esp be able to pee inside easily at night. I need to be able to camp overnight comfortably without removing anything from the vehicle. I need to be able to do basic cooking like making coffee inside. For me this meant at least a minivan size. Now my goal is to get things whittled down and stored so that I don’t need to put things in the drivers seat at night. I gave up being able to get in the drivers seat from the back area inside. (Maybe in an emergency but it won’t be fun) like I could in my cargo van, but my gas mileage nearly doubled. My 2013 ford connect ( 6”higher top than the low version) the perfect sweet spot for me.
I have a 2018 Ram 3500 hightop, 21’long, built with rear bathroom but no shower. Microwave and sink, small refrigerator/ freezer, 32”by 68” bed and overhead cabinets and privacy glass, no solar yet, 2000 watt solar power generator. I need more ground clearance and better gas mileage. It’s fine for 1 person. I think a 19’ 4 by 4 van would be better for boon-docking and might get better gas mileage. Senior female and I feel safe in the van vs a small car. Travel with other senior women. I want to thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts on different rigs for full time living! Safe travels and perfect weather wherever you land. 🇺🇸
Well done boys! Your combined chemistry is so warm and congenial. You have gotten me thinking of doing more with my 1976 19ft Dodge RV with switched out tranny to overdrive (14mpg on the highway). Thanks for your joint perspectives.
My Element was totaled and I bought a Dodge Caravan because it’s 30 inches longer and 5 higher inside and 10 wider. My build is half way done which includes a farmhouse sink, 2 burner gas stove with black glass, nugget ice maker, Nespresso machine, Wave 3 heater and Thermomate hot water heater that’s on the passenger side sliding door on the back side of the “kitchen” cabinet that has the sink and cooktop so I can open the door and use the hot water, antique copper faucet and rev a shelf drawers. I wanted a larger van but since my car was totaled I had to get a van fast and the Caravan was a smoother ride and more comfy for a 54 year old woman. I’ve bought rechargeable blow dryer and curling iron so I can wash my hair and style inside the rig instead of going into the gym if it’s raining and uncomfortable. I work in healthcare so most of my clothing are scrubs and I just work mainly so as a female I don’t need much.
Toyota Rav4 hybrid or if you need a little more room, Toyota sienna hybrid. Hands down the best option. Great gas mileage and being able to run a/c or heat through the night is a game changer.
Suburbans are the real overlooked gem for van lifers. I’ve had 2, a 2002 and a 2003, and one had 315,000 miles and the other had 270,000 miles and both ran like a top when I sold them. Pull out the second and third row seats and you’ve got well over 10’ of flat space that swallows a twin size mattress. Not to mention 4wd, cruise, power windows and seats, lots of power for pulling a trailer or going up steep passes etc . The 5.3 and 6.0 engines are probably the easiest engine ever to work on and any mechanic worth his salt will know them inside out. Gas mileage is way better than a 4wd converted express van, I get 17mpg on the nose driving from Colorado to New Jersey with no trailer. Plus they are cheap, you can easily find one for less than $3500. Everyone wants a 4wd wan but I’m not spending 30k on one.
Suburban is what I’m thinking is The Sweet spot, too! Especially in SHTF scenarios. Saw one for sale, $3,000 but needs a new Tranny most likely. What do you think about offering them $2,000? I hate that there is a tear in driver seat. But it looks good. Hard part for me is my height 6’3” and I’m 50. If I was 5’9” I could fly through that suburban!!
I like Forresty Forest’s cargo van. Lots of space, pretty good gas mileage, but no doubt you are spending $$$ to modify it like he did. Financially, I’m not there though.
@@bdmenne you can do it a little at a time, like Simon did. Better yet, go no-build until you know what you want, then do it as you can afford, if you haven't decided to just stick with no-build. I love his rig though. @ForestyForest & Rocko! ❣
I've lived in three vehicles in the last ten years. My favorite was a Mercedes station wagon. It got great fuel economy, had plenty of room for sleeping with the seats folded down and I never got the knock parking in the city. I picked it up for $1800 used.
My favorite is my Prius V - I had it lifted with all terrain tires. Climate control can't be beat and I have everything in it that is needed. A toilet and can cook inside and the best is climate control so comfortable whether it's hot or cold outside. With running it 24/7 I still get 30mpg over all. I am in the process of selling my Roadtrek Class B. I have had Motor homes and Class B and Regular Vans etc. But all said and done it's the Prius V that hits all the notes for me.
We've been at this a long time, from a tent, pick-up and camper, travel trailer and pick-up, a class A Winnebago, and now a class C Jayco. IF I could I'd go back to a pick-up and Camper in a minute but after a knee replacement and a couple of surgeries on the other one, the camper bed is just a no go. And Bob you are right the more room you have you will fill it with junk, when we left the class A you just wouldn't believe how much stuff we toted around.
In my case I need something I can stand up straight in. Bad back and knees mean no stooping over or crawling through a car or low roof rig. Pricewise the fancy high roof vans are out of my league. I found a good deal on an ambo with low mileage. Now theres been some needed minor repairs but luckily nothing major. I didnt gut but made use of the cabinats inside and out. I can stand comfortably in it. Yes the gas mileage sucks and being low there are places I cant take it but it has been working well for me as a rookie only on the nomad road just about 6 mos. It took me about 4 yrs to build it out as I was caring for other relatives while working on it. I have portable solar power but hope to someday install solar so I can run my cooler more and have better food on hand. I have always felt safe and secure in it. Yes the insurance was a bear to do but Texan insuranse worked with me. At 69 now I dont know how long I'll be able to do this but I love my little home. I made it mine. I have urban stealh camped with the help of the ioverlander app and it sorta looks commercial which I think helps. Once Im done in this town (that will be in my home base) with the needed paperwork I can say goodbye to dreary parkinglot camping and get back out in more natural settings. I want to meet more nomads but have to be stuck where I am for a few more weeks so wont make the RTR sadly. And I want to reconnect with friends in AZ while the weather is good. Ive managed in a bit of heat and cold but will still need to follow the weather. Since my knees are bad I dont do much hiking and stick close to my rig. Its the scenery and nature I want to enjoy. It all has given me a whole new perspective on the homeless vs nomad situation and how we are treated. The rising costs and pickiness of rv parks as well as bad roads to many campgrounds make doing that hard to take advantage of. Nomads who just need a safe place to park and sleep safely for a night or two. We are more stealthy and less messy and self contained. We dont need to set up a full camp to be ok. $10-$20 a night very reasonable for that. I dont need a place with pools and entertainment and such. Just a place to safely rest in peace and a little bit of privacy. Its really an untapped market. And so many people getting thrown into this situation with this economy the way it is. I certainly dont want to set up camp on streets with tons of others for long periods of time. That breeds a feeling of hopelessness, depression, and an atmosphere where you settle and just give up while your home sinks into the ground because you've given up. Im traveling so as not to wear out my welcome anywhere. So yes the ambo can have its issues as far as bueracracy redtape and not fitting everywhere. But Ive tried to keep up with maintenance and this one was used for training only (no signage to scrape off) and for a diesel low mileage so its got some life left in it. And yes you can overfill with stuff and as the months go by I see where purging can happen and have done some. But I love my rig. I made it mine as far as daily living things, decor and working on that helped remind me who I was and what Im capable of and what a survivor I am after alot of loss at a late time in my life. Thanks for another great video!
Great conversation :) I loved the space in my Toyota Sienna minivan w/ the seats pulled out, but when it died got an old Honda Pilot and the space is less, but great. Built a bed in back, have high clearance, can fit a kayak rack and bike rack, and get 20 mph on the highway. LOVE IT!
I think a key difference is how much time you spend traveling vs how long you stay in one place. A travel trailer makes a lot of sense if you are staying for weeks at a time and exploring with the tow vehicle. I have a small class C (B plus) because I like to keep moving, don't want a lot of setup, and want the convenience of driving and parking a smaller vehicle. The downside is going off road (I don't!).
I think it depends more on the individual's financial situation and lifestyle, a younger person that has to continue working for a living will have a completely different situation than someone that's receiving a pension/ss or check-in-the-mail type income. So, an inconspicuous van/suv that can be parked at a job parking lot will be more suitable rather than a big RV that can't.
My wife and I lived out of a 2000 Ford expedition Eddie Bauer. We used tents when we could but always slept in the expedition. The best thing I can say from that model year it the glass is tough. Someone tried to break in one night but the glass held up. It's also nice to be able to jump in the front seat and go. They also are pretty solid steel construction and can get you to or out of some pretty difficult driving situations off-road.
If I was to do this Bob I would definitely want a high top van. The head room is a must and getting to the wheel quickly to drive away is also a must. You both gave us excellent information. Thank you for this video.
Hi Bob & Brian. Bob I've been watching your videos a long time. Learned so much already. I wish you could make a video (or link me to one) 'NAVIGATION SKILLS'. Paper map, Google maps, BLM, how to find your Coordinates, how to navigate weather, floods, fires etc...
I’m currently a school bus driver and I say DO NOT BUY A SCHOOLBUS unless it’s going to remain parked. They are very high maintenance and get the worst gas mileage. By the time you buy a used one it’s going to be so over used and abused.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Bob does with the car. I’m not sure how long he will last in that before he decides he needs a little more comfort. We’re all getting older.
@@SuperDaveyoutube Moving around in a car is not easy. As a person ages and knees get bad, back issues, Age absolutely plays a part. There is a reason many older people end up in nursing homes. A 20 year old can live in a car pretty easily for the most part in comparison to an 80 year old.
Aging and old dated models are a liability on the road. Parts and reliability and finding someone to work on older vehicles are all concerns. The generation of technicians all work on modern vehicles with OBD2 computer diagnostics.Living on the road comes with a huge amount of personal risk and you got to mind your risks.Old cars are a huge risk.
Bob always says you gotta go with what you have and figure along the way I wish you the best of luck I have a 2001 1500 Dodge ram, runs great. Just has paint issues at the moment.
Lived in a 65 VW bug for over a year. I pulled all the seats but the drivers, built an L shaped platform with storage, small kitchen and made a bed on the passenger side. I have a little Skoolie now but it's a van, a Ford E450 7.3 Powerstroke and I do my own mechanical and build-out. It can stay cheep but you have to do all your own work.
that is so true! Being able to do your own work makes a huge difference. I cannot imagine how expensive my van life would be if I had to pay somebody to any of the work I have done to my van. Between maintaining , repairing and doing my simple build out I have saved so much money doing it all myself.
my take on car camping in a VW Atlas is you are spending most of the time outside. The Atlas is my bedroom. Very comfortable, safe. easy to heat, easy to cool, and quiet. load up your gear and go. it gets good mileage on the highway and off road. it is all wheel drive and has some ground clearance. if i could afford 2 cars maybe i would have a different vehicle for camping. As a one vehicle owner, the Atlas serves as a comfortable, convenient, camping vehicle and a great grocery getter.
Very educational discussion. I think that the vehicle you choose you choose is very dependent on how much comfort you want to sacrifice! And for couples is going to be a compromise!
The timing of this video is perfect, thank you so much gentlemen! My step-daughter is contemplating van life and your combined experience and pros & cons will certainly give her a strong knowledge base to help her make her decision!
The best is the all white standing room van work vehicles. Stealth is the number one reason to open the whole world of country and city camping. Toilet, cooking, shower and room for stuff.
Concerning the overhead/slide in/pop-up Camper & Truck benefits that was not covered...you can drop these campers (something we did every time we would stay for more than three days or wanted to do some driving around) in place and lower them down closer to the ground. Just unplug the truck, take off the camper clamps pull out and drop it down. At this point it's as convenient as a trailer and no hassle of leveling you combined right after returning from even the simplest store runs. This having to relevel and set-up, to us, was one of the biggest pains for the truck camper combos. However, taking the extra 20- 30 minutes to drop the camper was a huge benefit allowing the freedom of an available vehicle to go anywhere we wanted by just getting in and going. It also was significantly cheaper on gas not having the camper on. I highly recommend getting used to doing this as we and all are truck and campers' friends did. Thanks for another great episode to the both of you!
I tried to wait for this video after you had mentioned that it would be coming up. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to get something, get it ready to at least travel, so I asked the Universe to help me decide if it was time for me to go, what should I get? The very next morning when I opened my phone, a shuttle bus (Ford e350 super duty Startrans) that I'd been watching had a price drop to what I could afford. I'm not going to have much of an emergency fund to start, but I'm finally going to get to the RTR. You'll see me coming, for now it's bright pink. Lol
I just bought a used truck. I m still looking for a camper shell. Safety will be a concern. I found extended cab seat extenders on Amazon that allow you to set up a widened bed in the cab. For me, knowing I'm going to have a bed in the cab is peace of mind. If I feel safe I can relax and go about my business. If not, I m in the cab, ready to leave at any point.
There is a light weight truck topper by Lone Peak that has a pop up tent. You can build it out with solar. The nice thing is when the tent is up, you can stand up inside, which is nice for rainy weather. The starting price point is $6k.
This was such a timely video! I’m on my way out today to look at a vehicle and this comparison was so helpful. I’ve been pulling ideas and concepts from everywhere across TH-cam and the internet but to have all my options weighed out in this format was super helpful. Thank you!!
I hated having a truck trailer, even towing a 20 foot trailer with a F150 you are 31 feet going down the road. Hated it. Id do a van again w a high top!
100% agree with you on diesel’s Bob. My son has two 3/4 ton 4 x 4 diesels. He’s a mechanic who can strip down any motor and rebuild it. He customizes trucks and off-road vehicles. But diesels are another animal and good luck trying to find a good diesel mechanic. And when you do find a mechanic, it’s not going to be cheap. We have a tree service business and my husband has a RAM 5500 with the a Cummings. These engines are built to work and pull heavy but can be persnickety. I would never ever consider one of these trucks to live in. It’s a pleasure to see these young people you’ve brought in. Brian and Aubrey are real assets!❤
My first choice, given I had the money, would be the shortest wheelbase, medium roof (70in headroom) AWD Ford Transit. Small enough to easily drive in a big city but spacious enough to be comfortable. Second choice would be the shortest 118in wheelbase low roof (65in headroom) Ram Promaster. Taller and wider inside than a minivan but about the same length as a minivan and gets 24mpg on the highway. I currently own the longest wheelbase Chevy Express which is good until you start driving in a big city mostly because it is very hard to find parking that it will fit.
In the 1990 bought a 1980 Dodge Van high top camper van with stove, sink sleep 4, double bed folderable to bench seat at rear, sleep 2 for children on top over front overhead. Young family of 4 travel from Canada to Florida every year for 5 years paid $4,000 and no breakdown. Sold it $3,500 trade in for a use car.
I use a Class P-RV (Prius) as a daily driver & part time 28:26 traveling machine. I love the stealth with climate control & power generation. 57 + MPG is nice - less is more ;-)
Hi I have thought long and hard about the topic if the video, and I'm convinced it will be different for every person. Points that attract me is a good bathroom, enough room to spend a wet day, or few pandemic lock down days in without going mad... being able to park in an angle parking bay. That translates for me into a class C four berth.... with as much solar as I can fit on the roof as possible! But others will have different ideas.
One of my favorites was a reg. mid size ford cargo van i added two seats and a bed, a small scotsman trailer which was handy when the weather was nasty, and a 6 man tent which was handy to change clothes and wash up or just get out of the sun. It was like a small city, LOL!
Chrysler Town and Country van. Stow n go seats. 24 mpg. It’s really nice for mobility. Or Chevy Express high top 14 mpg but super nice to drive and comfortable. Bigger is more comfort, smaller for economy. Pickups are more rugged and better for off road. I drove a Chrysler 200 that was comfortable sleeping in the driver seat. 36 mpg. Everything is a trade off. Happy trails out there.
Interesting take on all of the options. I have converted an old truck with a high rise camper shell and I added 2x4s all the way around between the bed sides and cap to give extra height and it works well for me. I have it bolted down permanently, rather than clamps. I can sit up on my bed/couch with storage under which is what I wanted. 👍🏻
I am heavy duty mechanic and I will develop ford 7.3Lt schoolie no questions no doubt. Because lot of space and good fuel avg. And I know how to fix the engine as well. But for a ordinary guy out there I think you should follow the suggestion in this video.
Great discussion and information. As always money is the most important consideration. The high top vans are ridiculously priced. I think a used box van is the way to roll. It won't get the best gas mileage but you can start simple and add as you go with plenty of room. You can hit the road with a cot and a cooler and build from there.
Some slide-in campers do not create drag, I have a slide-in pop-up Four Wheel camper and I love it. It is on a Tacoma which is equipped with off-road capability. My rig is fantastic.
Thing about a small travel trailer is you can't drop it anywhere without taking a risk it won't be there when you come back. I have a 2012 dodge ram 1500 quad cab. Took the rear seats out and put in a mattress. I'm only 5'6" so it works fantastic for me. If I were any taller it wouldn't work unless you don't mind sleeping with your legs bent. I have a fiberglass shell or topper or whatever you call those things. But it's nowhere nearly as safe or convenient as living in the back seat. I would even go as far as to say the shell is not really necessary if your traveling light a tonneau cover would work better cause you can access anything you want out of the truck bed without climbing inside the truck bed and waddling around like a duck inside the camper shell. I always lusted over the Bel-air camper shells and the "four wheel campers" which is a titted out camper shell. Main advantage of them is you can walk inside of them, they are much lighter than a full blown truck camper, cost less and much easier to remove and store when you don't want to lug it around.
I like the 4 Wheel truck with a cap on the back and towing a utility trailer. I have a 14 foot with the two axles. I don’t build it out. I just keep it open where I can use it to haul stuff or I can sleep in it like a tent
I'm glad you made this video, I can recall when I was homeless and faced with many things in Life until $75,000 biweekly began rolling in and my Life went from A homeless nobody to a different person with good things to offer!!!!!❤
I picked an AWD minivan and got a lift. I wanted great reliability, great gas mileage, and the ability to urban camp without too much notice. Standing up comes behind that.
Thanks Bob,Brain great information I went with a high top van with a 7x7x16 enclosed trailer too much stuff but it makes me comfortable and Happy Peace
I thought I would mention I lived out of a fourth gen Pontiac Firebird Trans Am for a few years it was not that bad. I earned the nickname "Mad Max" because of it.
I think the best value for a used van is buying an Airstream B190, they can be had for $9k-20k depending on condition and it is in my opinion the best laid out Class B, especially since it is one of the only 19ft Class B's that can sleep 4 people comfortably. Plus you get everything you need, shower, oven, cooktop, generator, toilet, awning, a/c.
I admit I was greatly influenced by Bob and his full size GM van and that is what I bought and still have... I thought about having a high top installed but couldn't afford it and after seeing Bob's high top installation problems I am glad that I didn't... Later I bought a aluminum WeeRoll (lots of problems with the purchase, but not the quality)... And... almost on a whim I got a 13' Scamp Camper because I needed to have a official RV to be able to stay in a rv park for short periods of time to be able to stay near grandkids... Not many rv parks will accept a cargo trailer conversion... I know it is crazy, but I still have both trailers... 👀 ❤ I started watching Bobs YT videos a couple of years before retirement and knew that is what I wanted to do... Thanks Bob... ❤
You showed my SUV tent connected to the minivan! I like that tent. It doesn't have to be connected to the car, it can stand alone, but being able to attach it is nice. Reconnecting isn't as hard as I thought it might be. Just put down a couple of markers by the rear tires and pull back in to the same spot.
Bob, anyone who gets mad at you has a personal problem! 😊 Good prompting us to consider what's important. Former minivan, current Promaster, part-time, happy camper. Thanks for your wisdom.
Brian.... Look into ACE EFI systems for your van. You get rid of the carb that way and the van will self tune for elevation air density. It bolts right where the carb bolts on.
What a great, considered presentation! I’ve been using a mini cargo, dreaming of more comfort, but not thinking the trade offs will be worth it. Your conversation really helps me understand the +&- of each style of vehicle
4:40 - I traded in my minivan for a 1995 Suburban 4x4. It actually gives me a little bit LESS room inside than the minivan. It gets half the gas mileage (11 mpg) of the minivan. But... It was what I could afford, within range of where I could go to get it, it will carry LOTS more weight, and it will get me out in the boonies where I want to go. I mean, I took that minivan to lots of places where no one would think it could go. But... There were still lots of places that I could only dream about going to. I was willing to sacrifice that gas mileage because I expect to be spending far less time traveling and more time just staying in place. Plus, I was lucky enough to find a 30 year old suburban with only 183k miles, and only 10k miles on the 10-year-old replacement engine.
I'm getting a Ford Ranger and building a lightweight camper. I had some friends give me a used car and it ender up breaking down and the cost to repair it was to high to fix it. Make sure you check your vehicle before you commit to it!
I have a 2020 RAM Promaster City SLT with the Cascade Camper RV package. It’s been perfect for one person: solar panels and battery storage, water/sink/counter, exhaust fans, wide bed, refrigerator, storage, and… 32mpg. Unfortunately, because the model has been discontinued, good used ones are hard to find and are now more expensive.
10:20 - The main reason for me to be able to just climb from the driver's seat to the rear area is BUGS! I don't want to have to let bugs in just to get in the back.
Agree on the tow+trailer option. As y’all have, we found the sweet spot, Sprinter van towing a 19’ Escape fiberglass trailer. We call these the pantry + apartment. We don’t loose the freedom, as we use the off-road apps before starting down the road. We have a living setup for the van too. Agree on the acculumation issue, but for long boondocking trips, the van’s capacity is what you want.
I'd say the first thing to consider is how you will be using the vehicle- City, boodocking, back roads/country, driving a lot vrs staying in place longer, gas mileage etc. Once you know that, it will help narrow your choices on the tyoe if vehicle. Also, if you can borrow or rent the type of vehicle you're considering and take it out for a couple weeks.
I understand this video was not detailing specific models...but i would add a bit about the Volkswagon Vanagon (or Bus). First - we do not live in ours, but we are 3 - 15 day road trip types. High points: Cool factor - off the charts. We get positive comments everywhere we go! Charm: it feels old school (that's a plus in our book), but has more modern conveniences than you might expect. Expense: depends - some can be very expensive, some can be reasonably inexpensive, but they'll require a LOT of build out and repair work. Maintenance: relatively simple to work on, but finding a mechanic could be difficult when you need real expertise. We completely rebuilt the interior, including insulation, more storage, electrical upgrades and add-ons. Mileage: Not great, but not horrible either. Convenience: on the lower side as it's pretty, uh, cozy, shall we say. No bathroom but camper models often have running water, cooking facilities and with a pop up, ability to stand up. Don't undersell that - it makes the experience so much better. I would NEVER go back to the low roof models. Biggest drawback to me: most of the engines are so so so underpowered. If you can afford it, get the engine swap! Mine got a Subaru 2.2 liter upgrade - and what an improvement (caveat - it cost as much as the van!). Handles freeway speeds (well, you won't/can't be the fastest on the road, the body shape is engineered for 55 - 60 not 80 mph) and best of all, hills are no longer a problem. Summary: It's not our "best" vehicle, but it is by far our favorite. We LOVE ours, not looking at changing.
had 4 diff pop top Vws here, cool n convenient but low power n heat plus not as reliable as some imports...never again...once u get older the cool factor diminishes
I love the idea of a smaller towable trailer. But I would like a bit of stealth. I can afford a decent rv park maybe six months at a time or three months in summer and fall and winter etc. I like this idea. Safe, room, mobility and I can get a decent ebike and a tent for when I want to enjoy a safe camp ground and leave the trailer safely behind locked up.
I would hope that you could cover the insurance aspect of it. I would think that it would be very difficult to find insurance even just liability insurance if an insurance company knew you were living in the vehicle
My first choice is a high top conversion van with a small motorcycle for daily transport. The conversion van already has a bed and removable captain chairs. A good balance between gas milage and comfort and it does not stick out in the city.
I would completely rule out a sprinter van and even most transit vans as economical or entry-level. They start about $68,000 and just go up from there, the only exception would be something extremely high. It was some kind of a courier or delivery service.
Bob showed a picture of the pickup with poptop slide-in camper but they failed to talk about it. I think that is the sweet spot of rv life. Pickup breaks down you still can take it off and you can sleep in it while its getting repaired or buy another one and put under it and leave within hours. Put the top up lots of room to stand and cook and some have a bathroom put it down to travel great gas mileage.
I love having a tiny towable. I am not trying to be stealth but it is so comfortable and I have one that you can stand up in. Plus hooked up to our Toyota Hybrid Highlander SUV we’re getting 25mpg even in the Rockies. We can cook inside. Downside is we do choose to make our bed each day so we can work at the dinette area.
My choice has always been a van. From my first being a 1960 Ford econoline cargo. To my promaster which was a hoot to build out. The only drawback is the lack of 4 wheel drive.
I would say the best vehicles out there are the small ford transit,Promaster City or Nissan nv 200. The best and most important thing to remember is you are living on the road, and your vehicle is the way to get where you want to go. It is not a home. It is a shelter and always keep in mind less is better. I think fuel economy as the priority especially on the West coast.Reliabilty is also the priority.
I found a 1990 class c online for free. I was the first to contact him and I got it! It's a 23 ft. It is a 1990 ford with the 460 V8. It needed 2 fuel pumps and I fixed it so now it's running great. I got to get 6 new tires so that's gonna cost a bit but I'm very excited to have it! I can't wait to get it completely remodeled and a tow dolly for my little car to pull behind it. I live on a fixed income due to having a disability. And I can't afford the rents anymore anywhere in Colorado. So hopefully I can make this work.
Stealth is my motto. An ordinary vehicle, solid mechanically, kept clean and quiet, no stickers or decals, and nearly 7 years in the same ride. I'm barely noticed, thank God, it seriously helps my daily mindset.
It’s so refreshing to listen to you both, no drama, no clickbait, just a good old fashioned informational vlog! Your honesty and integrity shine through every single time. I had a Minnie Winnie but upgraded to a fifth wheel. Now I cannot travel with it so I need something smaller and more manageable for an old, somewhat disabled, widow. I found this video to be particularly helpful! Then again, they all are! Thank you, gentlemen.❤
For years my wife and I traveled all through North America in a 1971 VW Camper with a pop top. . No frills, follow the weather. A lot of winters on Mexican beaches. I could wrench on it easily and buy a short block for $600 and switch out engines in a very short time. By myself.
Back in the day.
Now we tow a 5x10 TCTeardrop with our Subaru Forester Wilderness.
We also have a 50 acre homestead, off grid, in Northern Minnesota since 1984. Self built from native materials. We’re both in our 70s. I’m 76 and she is 70. We do alright.
You guys rock!!!
The most important thing is know your needs. After 5 years I’ve found I NEED a bed I don’t have to break down to give room for living. I need to be able to toilet inside, esp be able to pee inside easily at night. I need to be able to camp overnight comfortably without removing anything from the vehicle. I need to be able to do basic cooking like making coffee inside. For me this meant at least a minivan size. Now my goal is to get things whittled down and stored so that I don’t need to put things in the drivers seat at night. I gave up being able to get in the drivers seat from the back area inside. (Maybe in an emergency but it won’t be fun) like I could in my cargo van, but my gas mileage nearly doubled. My 2013 ford connect ( 6”higher top than the low version) the perfect sweet spot for me.
I had an rv and gave it away and got a small van. Its the best
I have a 2018 Ram 3500 hightop, 21’long, built with rear bathroom but no shower. Microwave and sink, small refrigerator/ freezer, 32”by 68” bed and overhead cabinets and privacy glass, no solar yet, 2000 watt solar power generator. I need more ground clearance and better gas mileage. It’s fine for 1 person. I think a 19’ 4 by 4 van would be better for boon-docking and might get better gas mileage. Senior female and I feel safe in the van vs a small car. Travel with other senior women. I want to thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts on different rigs for full time living! Safe travels and perfect weather wherever you land. 🇺🇸
Can’t imagine what I’d do without your hopefulness in these unstable times. Much gratitude Bob
My husband and I are new empty nesters and about to take off on our 95 Jeep and a tent. Excited for the adventures and hopefully upgrading soon.
What I love about this channel - caters to all budgets and needs. Flexible options. Excellent information. Thank you
Well done boys! Your combined chemistry is so warm and congenial. You have gotten me thinking of doing more with my 1976 19ft Dodge RV with switched out tranny to overdrive (14mpg on the highway). Thanks for your joint perspectives.
My Element was totaled and I bought a Dodge Caravan because it’s 30 inches longer and 5 higher inside and 10 wider. My build is half way done which includes a farmhouse sink, 2 burner gas stove with black glass, nugget ice maker, Nespresso machine, Wave 3 heater and Thermomate hot water heater that’s on the passenger side sliding door on the back side of the “kitchen” cabinet that has the sink and cooktop so I can open the door and use the hot water, antique copper faucet and rev a shelf drawers. I wanted a larger van but since my car was totaled I had to get a van fast and the Caravan was a smoother ride and more comfy for a 54 year old woman. I’ve bought rechargeable blow dryer and curling iron so I can wash my hair and style inside the rig instead of going into the gym if it’s raining and uncomfortable. I work in healthcare so most of my clothing are scrubs and I just work mainly so as a female I don’t need much.
Toyota Rav4 hybrid or if you need a little more room, Toyota sienna hybrid. Hands down the best option. Great gas mileage and being able to run a/c or heat through the night is a game changer.
Suburbans are the real overlooked gem for van lifers. I’ve had 2, a 2002 and a 2003, and one had 315,000 miles and the other had 270,000 miles and both ran like a top when I sold them. Pull out the second and third row seats and you’ve got well over 10’ of flat space that swallows a twin size mattress. Not to mention 4wd, cruise, power windows and seats, lots of power for pulling a trailer or going up steep passes etc . The 5.3 and 6.0 engines are probably the easiest engine ever to work on and any mechanic worth his salt will know them inside out. Gas mileage is way better than a 4wd converted express van, I get 17mpg on the nose driving from Colorado to New Jersey with no trailer. Plus they are cheap, you can easily find one for less than $3500.
Everyone wants a 4wd wan but I’m not spending 30k on one.
Suburban is what I’m thinking is The Sweet spot, too! Especially in SHTF scenarios.
Saw one for sale, $3,000 but needs a new Tranny most likely.
What do you think about offering them $2,000?
I hate that there is a tear in driver seat. But it looks good.
Hard part for me is my height 6’3” and I’m 50.
If I was 5’9” I could fly through that suburban!!
Thanks , I’d never considered a surburan 😎
I like Forresty Forest’s cargo van. Lots of space, pretty good gas mileage, but no doubt you are spending $$$ to modify it like he did.
Financially, I’m not there though.
@@bdmenne you can do it a little at a time, like Simon did. Better yet, go no-build until you know what you want, then do it as you can afford, if you haven't decided to just stick with no-build. I love his rig though. @ForestyForest & Rocko! ❣
yeah, even room to sit in the back in a low camp chair, chill out and cook. I have a Yukon xl and love it for this stuff.
I've lived in three vehicles in the last ten years. My favorite was a Mercedes station wagon. It got great fuel economy, had plenty of room for sleeping with the seats folded down and I never got the knock parking in the city. I picked it up for $1800 used.
My favorite is my Prius V - I had it lifted with all terrain tires. Climate control can't be beat and I have everything in it that is needed. A toilet and can cook inside
and the best is climate control so comfortable whether it's hot or cold outside. With running it 24/7 I still get 30mpg over all. I am in the process of selling
my Roadtrek Class B. I have had Motor homes and Class B and Regular Vans etc. But all said and done it's the Prius V that hits all the notes for me.
We've been at this a long time, from a tent, pick-up and camper, travel trailer and pick-up, a class A Winnebago, and now a class C Jayco. IF I could I'd go back to a pick-up and Camper in a minute but after a knee replacement and a couple of surgeries on the other one, the camper bed is just a no go. And Bob you are right the more room you have you will fill it with junk, when we left the class A you just wouldn't believe how much stuff we toted around.
In my case I need something I can stand up straight in. Bad back and knees mean no stooping over or crawling through a car or low roof rig. Pricewise the fancy high roof vans are out of my league. I found a good deal on an ambo with low mileage. Now theres been some needed minor repairs but luckily nothing major. I didnt gut but made use of the cabinats inside and out. I can stand comfortably in it. Yes the gas mileage sucks and being low there are places I cant take it but it has been working well for me as a rookie only on the nomad road just about 6 mos. It took me about 4 yrs to build it out as I was caring for other relatives while working on it. I have portable solar power but hope to someday install solar so I can run my cooler more and have better food on hand. I have always felt safe and secure in it. Yes the insurance was a bear to do but Texan insuranse worked with me. At 69 now I dont know how long I'll be able to do this but I love my little home. I made it mine. I have urban stealh camped with the help of the ioverlander app and it sorta looks commercial which I think helps. Once Im done in this town (that will be in my home base) with the needed paperwork I can say goodbye to dreary parkinglot camping and get back out in more natural settings. I want to meet more nomads but have to be stuck where I am for a few more weeks so wont make the RTR sadly. And I want to reconnect with friends in AZ while the weather is good. Ive managed in a bit of heat and cold but will still need to follow the weather. Since my knees are bad I dont do much hiking and stick close to my rig. Its the scenery and nature I want to enjoy. It all has given me a whole new perspective on the homeless vs nomad situation and how we are treated. The rising costs and pickiness of rv parks as well as bad roads to many campgrounds make doing that hard to take advantage of. Nomads who just need a safe place to park and sleep safely for a night or two. We are more stealthy and less messy and self contained. We dont need to set up a full camp to be ok. $10-$20 a night very reasonable for that. I dont need a place with pools and entertainment and such. Just a place to safely rest in peace and a little bit of privacy. Its really an untapped market. And so many people getting thrown into this situation with this economy the way it is. I certainly dont want to set up camp on streets with tons of others for long periods of time. That breeds a feeling of hopelessness, depression, and an atmosphere where you settle and just give up while your home sinks into the ground because you've given up. Im traveling so as not to wear out my welcome anywhere. So yes the ambo can have its issues as far as bueracracy redtape and not fitting everywhere. But Ive tried to keep up with maintenance and this one was used for training only (no signage to scrape off) and for a diesel low mileage so its got some life left in it. And yes you can overfill with stuff and as the months go by I see where purging can happen and have done some. But I love my rig. I made it mine as far as daily living things, decor and working on that helped remind me who I was and what Im capable of and what a survivor I am after alot of loss at a late time in my life. Thanks for another great video!
Great conversation :) I loved the space in my Toyota Sienna minivan w/ the seats pulled out, but when it died got an old Honda Pilot and the space is less, but great. Built a bed in back, have high clearance, can fit a kayak rack and bike rack, and get 20 mph on the highway. LOVE IT!
I think a key difference is how much time you spend traveling vs how long you stay in one place. A travel trailer makes a lot of sense if you are staying for weeks at a time and exploring with the tow vehicle. I have a small class C (B plus) because I like to keep moving, don't want a lot of setup, and want the convenience of driving and parking a smaller vehicle. The downside is going off road (I don't!).
I think it depends more on the individual's financial situation and lifestyle, a younger person that has to continue working for a living will have a completely different situation than someone that's receiving a pension/ss or check-in-the-mail type income. So, an inconspicuous van/suv that can be parked at a job parking lot will be more suitable rather than a big RV that can't.
My wife and I lived out of a 2000 Ford expedition Eddie Bauer. We used tents when we could but always slept in the expedition. The best thing I can say from that model year it the glass is tough. Someone tried to break in one night but the glass held up. It's also nice to be able to jump in the front seat and go. They also are pretty solid steel construction and can get you to or out of some pretty difficult driving situations off-road.
If I was to do this Bob I would definitely want a high top van. The head room is a must and getting to the wheel quickly to drive away is also a must. You both gave us excellent information. Thank you for this video.
Hi Bob & Brian. Bob I've been watching your videos a long time. Learned so much already. I wish you could make a video (or link me to one) 'NAVIGATION SKILLS'. Paper map, Google maps, BLM, how to find your Coordinates, how to navigate weather, floods, fires etc...
I’m currently a school bus driver and I say DO NOT BUY A SCHOOLBUS unless it’s going to remain parked. They are very high maintenance and get the worst gas mileage. By the time you buy a used one it’s going to be so over used and abused.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Bob does with the car. I’m not sure how long he will last in that before he decides he needs a little more comfort. We’re all getting older.
He's only carcamping 3 to 4 months a year. He's Got a home base! Big difference.
Yup, exactly what I thought after watching his video about it.
He pulls a small trailer that he sleeps in. It's the size a Teardrop. Not sure if its actually a Teardrop trailer
It is nothing to do with his "age".
Life is a compromise, pretty sure with his experience he will have made the correct decision,for him.
@@SuperDaveyoutube Moving around in a car is not easy. As a person ages and knees get bad, back issues, Age absolutely plays a part. There is a reason many older people end up in nursing homes. A 20 year old can live in a car pretty easily for the most part in comparison to an 80 year old.
1991 Chevy Caprice Station Wagon here I come!
Aging and old dated models are a liability on the road. Parts and reliability and finding someone to work on older vehicles are all concerns. The generation of technicians all work on modern vehicles with OBD2 computer diagnostics.Living on the road comes with a huge amount of personal risk and you got to mind your risks.Old cars are a huge risk.
I'll take an old hoopty car over these new nothing but aluminum and fiberglass death traps anyday. @@williamryan9195
Bob always says you gotta go with what you have and figure along the way I wish you the best of luck I have a 2001 1500 Dodge ram, runs great. Just has paint issues at the moment.
Lived in a 65 VW bug for over a year. I pulled all the seats but the drivers, built an L shaped platform with storage, small kitchen and made a bed on the passenger side.
I have a little Skoolie now but it's a van, a Ford E450 7.3 Powerstroke and I do my own mechanical and build-out. It can stay cheep but you have to do all your own work.
that is so true! Being able to do your own work makes a huge difference. I cannot imagine how expensive my van life would be if I had to pay somebody to any of the work I have done to my van. Between maintaining , repairing and doing my simple build out I have saved so much money doing it all myself.
Wow that bug build sounds so cool! Any pictures online?
my take on car camping in a VW Atlas is you are spending most of the time outside. The Atlas is my bedroom. Very comfortable, safe. easy to heat, easy to cool, and quiet. load up your gear and go. it gets good mileage on the highway and off road. it is all wheel drive and has some ground clearance. if i could afford 2 cars maybe i would have a different vehicle for camping. As a one vehicle owner, the Atlas serves as a comfortable, convenient, camping vehicle and a great grocery getter.
Very educational discussion. I think that the vehicle you choose you choose is very dependent on how much comfort you want to sacrifice! And for couples is going to be a compromise!
The timing of this video is perfect, thank you so much gentlemen! My step-daughter is contemplating van life and your combined experience and pros & cons will certainly give her a strong knowledge base to help her make her decision!
@piersstronge1441 there's some GREAT mini van conversions on TH-cam
The best is the all white standing room van work vehicles. Stealth is the number one reason to open the whole world of country and city camping. Toilet, cooking, shower and room for stuff.
Concerning the overhead/slide in/pop-up Camper & Truck benefits that was not covered...you can drop these campers (something we did every time we would stay for more than three days or wanted to do some driving around) in place and lower them down closer to the ground. Just unplug the truck, take off the camper clamps pull out and drop it down. At this point it's as convenient as a trailer and no hassle of leveling you combined right after returning from even the simplest store runs. This having to relevel and set-up, to us, was one of the biggest pains for the truck camper combos. However, taking the extra 20- 30 minutes to drop the camper was a huge benefit allowing the freedom of an available vehicle to go anywhere we wanted by just getting in and going. It also was significantly cheaper on gas not having the camper on. I highly recommend getting used to doing this as we and all are truck and campers' friends did. Thanks for another great episode to the both of you!
I really enjoyed this chat guys. As for me, after 4 years living in my chinook baja I still wouldn’t trade it for anything else out there. Van on!
I tried to wait for this video after you had mentioned that it would be coming up. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to get something, get it ready to at least travel, so I asked the Universe to help me decide if it was time for me to go, what should I get? The very next morning when I opened my phone, a shuttle bus (Ford e350 super duty Startrans) that I'd been watching had a price drop to what I could afford. I'm not going to have much of an emergency fund to start, but I'm finally going to get to the RTR. You'll see me coming, for now it's bright pink. Lol
I just bought a used truck. I m still looking for a camper shell. Safety will be a concern. I found extended cab seat extenders on Amazon that allow you to set up a widened bed in the cab. For me, knowing I'm going to have a bed in the cab is peace of mind. If I feel safe I can relax and go about my business. If not, I m in the cab, ready to leave at any point.
There is a light weight truck topper by Lone Peak that has a pop up tent. You can build it out with solar. The nice thing is when the tent is up, you can stand up inside, which is nice for rainy weather. The starting price point is $6k.
Great to hear all of the pluses and minuses; well done.
Thank you both for sharing your valuable opinions and experiences.
This was such a timely video! I’m on my way out today to look at a vehicle and this comparison was so helpful. I’ve been pulling ideas and concepts from everywhere across TH-cam and the internet but to have all my options weighed out in this format was super helpful. Thank you!!
I hated having a truck trailer, even towing a 20 foot trailer with a F150 you are 31 feet going down the road. Hated it. Id do a van again w a high top!
Minivan has the big plus of being incognito. Nobody can tell I'm living in it.
100% agree with you on diesel’s Bob. My son has two 3/4 ton 4 x 4 diesels. He’s a mechanic who can strip down any motor and rebuild it. He customizes trucks and off-road vehicles. But diesels are another animal and good luck trying to find a good diesel mechanic. And when you do find a mechanic, it’s not going to be cheap. We have a tree service business and my husband has a RAM 5500 with the a Cummings. These engines are built to work and pull heavy but can be persnickety. I would never ever consider one of these trucks to live in. It’s a pleasure to see these young people you’ve brought in. Brian and Aubrey are real assets!❤
I enjoy a 4w drive pickup and a 17ft Casita. Being able to park it and explore is what I want.
My first choice, given I had the money, would be the shortest wheelbase, medium roof (70in headroom) AWD Ford Transit. Small enough to easily drive in a big city but spacious enough to be comfortable. Second choice would be the shortest 118in wheelbase low roof (65in headroom) Ram Promaster. Taller and wider inside than a minivan but about the same length as a minivan and gets 24mpg on the highway. I currently own the longest wheelbase Chevy Express which is good until you start driving in a big city mostly because it is very hard to find parking that it will fit.
In the 1990 bought a 1980 Dodge Van high top camper van with stove, sink sleep 4, double bed folderable to bench seat at rear, sleep 2 for children on top over front overhead. Young family of 4 travel from Canada to Florida every year for 5 years paid $4,000 and no breakdown. Sold it $3,500 trade in for a use car.
I use a Class P-RV (Prius) as a daily driver & part time 28:26 traveling machine. I love the stealth with climate control & power generation. 57 + MPG is nice - less is more ;-)
Hi I have thought long and hard about the topic if the video, and I'm convinced it will be different for every person.
Points that attract me is a good bathroom, enough room to spend a wet day, or few pandemic lock down days in without going mad... being able to park in an angle parking bay. That translates for me into a class C four berth.... with as much solar as I can fit on the roof as possible!
But others will have different ideas.
One of my favorites was a reg. mid size ford cargo van i added two seats and a bed, a small scotsman trailer which was handy when the weather was nasty, and a 6 man tent which was handy to change clothes and wash up or just get out of the sun. It was like a small city, LOL!
Chrysler Town and Country van. Stow n go seats. 24 mpg. It’s really nice for mobility. Or Chevy Express high top 14 mpg but super nice to drive and comfortable. Bigger is more comfort, smaller for economy. Pickups are more rugged and better for off road. I drove a Chrysler 200 that was comfortable sleeping in the driver seat. 36 mpg. Everything is a trade off. Happy trails out there.
Interesting take on all of the options. I have converted an old truck with a high rise camper shell and I added 2x4s all the way around between the bed sides and cap to give extra height and it works well for me. I have it bolted down permanently, rather than clamps. I can sit up on my bed/couch with storage under which is what I wanted. 👍🏻
I am heavy duty mechanic and I will develop ford 7.3Lt schoolie no questions no doubt. Because lot of space and good fuel avg. And I know how to fix the engine as well. But for a ordinary guy out there I think you should follow the suggestion in this video.
Great discussion and information. As always money is the most important consideration. The high top vans are ridiculously priced. I think a used box van is the way to roll. It won't get the best gas mileage but you can start simple and add as you go with plenty of room. You can hit the road with a cot and a cooler and build from there.
Some slide-in campers do not create drag, I have a slide-in pop-up Four Wheel camper and I love it. It is on a Tacoma which is equipped with off-road capability. My rig is fantastic.
Thing about a small travel trailer is you can't drop it anywhere without taking a risk it won't be there when you come back. I have a 2012 dodge ram 1500 quad cab. Took the rear seats out and put in a mattress. I'm only 5'6" so it works fantastic for me. If I were any taller it wouldn't work unless you don't mind sleeping with your legs bent. I have a fiberglass shell or topper or whatever you call those things. But it's nowhere nearly as safe or convenient as living in the back seat. I would even go as far as to say the shell is not really necessary if your traveling light a tonneau cover would work better cause you can access anything you want out of the truck bed without climbing inside the truck bed and waddling around like a duck inside the camper shell. I always lusted over the Bel-air camper shells and the "four wheel campers" which is a titted out camper shell. Main advantage of them is you can walk inside of them, they are much lighter than a full blown truck camper, cost less and much easier to remove and store when you don't want to lug it around.
Thank you for the rundown on different types of Nomad options.
I like the 4 Wheel truck with a cap on the back and towing a utility trailer. I have a 14 foot with the two axles. I don’t build it out. I just keep it open where I can use it to haul stuff or I can sleep in it like a tent
I'm glad you made this video, I can recall when I was homeless and faced with many things in Life until $75,000 biweekly began rolling in and my Life went from A homeless nobody to a different person with good things to offer!!!!!❤
Great video, so many options, I've had my transit 8 years and love it
I picked an AWD minivan and got a lift. I wanted great reliability, great gas mileage, and the ability to urban camp without too much notice. Standing up comes behind that.
Thanks Bob,Brain great information I went with a high top van with a 7x7x16 enclosed trailer too much stuff but it makes me comfortable and Happy
Peace
I thought I would mention I lived out of a fourth gen Pontiac Firebird Trans Am for a few years it was not that bad. I earned the nickname "Mad Max" because of it.
Where did you sleep?
I think the best value for a used van is buying an Airstream B190, they can be had for $9k-20k depending on condition and it is in my opinion the best laid out Class B, especially since it is one of the only 19ft Class B's that can sleep 4 people comfortably. Plus you get everything you need, shower, oven, cooktop, generator, toilet, awning, a/c.
I admit I was greatly influenced by Bob and his full size GM van and that is what I bought and still have... I thought about having a high top installed but couldn't afford it and after seeing Bob's high top installation problems I am glad that I didn't... Later I bought a aluminum WeeRoll (lots of problems with the purchase, but not the quality)... And... almost on a whim I got a 13' Scamp Camper because I needed to have a official RV to be able to stay in a rv park for short periods of time to be able to stay near grandkids... Not many rv parks will accept a cargo trailer conversion... I know it is crazy, but I still have both trailers... 👀 ❤
I started watching Bobs YT videos a couple of years before retirement and knew that is what I wanted to do... Thanks Bob... ❤
You showed my SUV tent connected to the minivan! I like that tent. It doesn't have to be connected to the car, it can stand alone, but being able to attach it is nice. Reconnecting isn't as hard as I thought it might be. Just put down a couple of markers by the rear tires and pull back in to the same spot.
Bob, anyone who gets mad at you has a personal problem! 😊 Good prompting us to consider what's important. Former minivan, current Promaster, part-time, happy camper. Thanks for your wisdom.
I already own a Grand Caravan. Took the back seats out and put a bed back there. Very cozy!
Brian.... Look into ACE EFI systems for your van. You get rid of the carb that way and the van will self tune for elevation air density. It bolts right where the carb bolts on.
Cool!
What a great, considered presentation! I’ve been using a mini cargo, dreaming of more comfort, but not thinking the trade offs will be worth it. Your conversation really helps me understand the +&- of each style of vehicle
4:40 - I traded in my minivan for a 1995 Suburban 4x4. It actually gives me a little bit LESS room inside than the minivan. It gets half the gas mileage (11 mpg) of the minivan. But... It was what I could afford, within range of where I could go to get it, it will carry LOTS more weight, and it will get me out in the boonies where I want to go. I mean, I took that minivan to lots of places where no one would think it could go. But... There were still lots of places that I could only dream about going to.
I was willing to sacrifice that gas mileage because I expect to be spending far less time traveling and more time just staying in place. Plus, I was lucky enough to find a 30 year old suburban with only 183k miles, and only 10k miles on the 10-year-old replacement engine.
I'm getting a Ford Ranger and building a lightweight camper. I had some friends give me a used car and it ender up breaking down and the cost to repair it was to high to fix it. Make sure you check your vehicle before you commit to it!
I currently own a trailer and tow vehicle-- for when I hit the road for a semi-nomadic life. My dream vehicle is an older model Chinook.
The Chinook is very cool, I own an Airstream B190 which works for me as it is a bit narrower which fits in my garage better.
@@MitchellCamps I've got a 13' Scamp. Love, love, love it.
I have a 2020 RAM Promaster City SLT with the Cascade Camper RV package. It’s been perfect for one person: solar panels and battery storage, water/sink/counter, exhaust fans, wide bed, refrigerator, storage, and… 32mpg. Unfortunately, because the model has been discontinued, good used ones are hard to find and are now more expensive.
The perfect size Class C, my perfect nomad vehicle.
Such a great video! So much information all packed into a short video. You are such an awesome team!
10:20 - The main reason for me to be able to just climb from the driver's seat to the rear area is BUGS! I don't want to have to let bugs in just to get in the back.
I love you guys. You're smart, and you have common sense ,you guys are kind. And you're funny. Keep up the good work I really enjoy the videos
Great video. Ty for explaining to be financially responsible 1st.
Agree on the tow+trailer option. As y’all have, we found the sweet spot, Sprinter van towing a 19’ Escape fiberglass trailer. We call these the pantry + apartment. We don’t loose the freedom, as we use the off-road apps before starting down the road. We have a living setup for the van too. Agree on the acculumation issue, but for long boondocking trips, the van’s capacity is what you want.
I'd say the first thing to consider is how you will be using the vehicle-
City, boodocking, back roads/country, driving a lot vrs staying in place longer, gas mileage etc. Once you know that, it will help narrow your choices on the tyoe if vehicle.
Also, if you can borrow or rent the type of vehicle you're considering and take it out for a couple weeks.
I understand this video was not detailing specific models...but i would add a bit about the Volkswagon Vanagon (or Bus). First - we do not live in ours, but we are 3 - 15 day road trip types. High points: Cool factor - off the charts. We get positive comments everywhere we go! Charm: it feels old school (that's a plus in our book), but has more modern conveniences than you might expect. Expense: depends - some can be very expensive, some can be reasonably inexpensive, but they'll require a LOT of build out and repair work. Maintenance: relatively simple to work on, but finding a mechanic could be difficult when you need real expertise. We completely rebuilt the interior, including insulation, more storage, electrical upgrades and add-ons. Mileage: Not great, but not horrible either. Convenience: on the lower side as it's pretty, uh, cozy, shall we say. No bathroom but camper models often have running water, cooking facilities and with a pop up, ability to stand up. Don't undersell that - it makes the experience so much better. I would NEVER go back to the low roof models. Biggest drawback to me: most of the engines are so so so underpowered. If you can afford it, get the engine swap! Mine got a Subaru 2.2 liter upgrade - and what an improvement (caveat - it cost as much as the van!). Handles freeway speeds (well, you won't/can't be the fastest on the road, the body shape is engineered for 55 - 60 not 80 mph) and best of all, hills are no longer a problem. Summary: It's not our "best" vehicle, but it is by far our favorite. We LOVE ours, not looking at changing.
had 4 diff pop top Vws here, cool n convenient but low power n heat plus not as reliable as some imports...never again...once u get older the cool factor diminishes
I would advise anybody to get the newest one they can with the lowest miles because that’ll keep you away from major repairs longer
Love the breakdown! Its just interesting to me how neither chooses to live in their optimal vehicle..... 🤷♂️
I love the idea of a smaller towable trailer. But I would like a bit of stealth. I can afford a decent rv park maybe six months at a time or three months in summer and fall and winter etc. I like this idea. Safe, room, mobility and I can get a decent ebike and a tent for when I want to enjoy a safe camp ground and leave the trailer safely behind locked up.
I would hope that you could cover the insurance aspect of it. I would think that it would be very difficult to find insurance even just liability insurance if an insurance company knew you were living in the vehicle
Hit 240k today. Appreciate you for all the knowledge and nuggets you had thrown my way over the last months. Started with 24k in September 2024
My first choice is a high top conversion van with a small motorcycle for daily transport. The conversion van already has a bed and removable captain chairs. A good balance between gas milage and comfort and it does not stick out in the city.
This talk was very informative. Thanks for that.
I would completely rule out a sprinter van and even most transit vans as economical or entry-level. They start about $68,000 and just go up from there, the only exception would be something extremely high. It was some kind of a courier or delivery service.
Bob showed a picture of the pickup with poptop slide-in camper but they failed to talk about it. I think that is the sweet spot of rv life. Pickup breaks down you still can take it off and you can sleep in it while its getting repaired or buy another one and put under it and leave within hours. Put the top up lots of room to stand and cook and some have a bathroom put it down to travel great gas mileage.
I love having a tiny towable. I am not trying to be stealth but it is so comfortable and I have one that you can stand up in. Plus hooked up to our Toyota Hybrid Highlander SUV we’re getting 25mpg even in the Rockies. We can cook inside. Downside is we do choose to make our bed each day so we can work at the dinette area.
Very pertinent info here for those contemplating Van Life. Another excellent video!
My choice has always been a van. From my first being a 1960 Ford econoline cargo. To my promaster which was a hoot to build out. The only drawback is the lack of 4 wheel drive.
I would say the best vehicles out there are the small ford transit,Promaster City or Nissan nv 200. The best and most important thing to remember is you are living on the road, and your vehicle is the way to get where you want to go. It is not a home. It is a shelter and always keep in mind less is better. I think fuel economy as the priority especially on the West coast.Reliabilty is also the priority.
Hi Brian ,followed you to your turn off .yesterday from Parker station. I was so glad to meet you.& merry Xmas to you & Bob
Two experts for the price ( free!) of one!
I would think a big consideration to have, would be your lifestyle.
Start with the vehicle you have. Then as you save money you will have more options for something that suits your needs better.
I built out a 2013 Ford Transit Connect. Small, but cozy. So far so good. Oh, and I have a 6x6 Clamshell popup room.
Pleasure way all the way!!! Love my class B PW Traverse 👍
Excellent video. So informative from folks that have walked the walk! Thank you both for sharing!