RETIRE CHEAP, Live Well: Van Life on SOCIAL SECURITY, Living in a COZY 1996 Conversion Van
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2024
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With dreams of living off her social security and a modest pension, Anita sees van life as her best bet for a fulfilling retirement. She travels in a 1996 Dodge B2500 Coachman conversion, with a cozy build out that looks like a quaint log cabin. Despite some repair and breakdown hurdles, Anita is still planning to retire on the road. Van life offers her an affordable and fulfilling lifestyle that she has come to love.
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I've retired to a shed behind a gas station that iused to work at. I bought the shed with my stimulus check. Before that i was living in my truck. Sometimes we just have to do what we have to do.
Hey, I think that’s awesome!
You can fix it up to suit yourself and sleep better knowing that you don't owe a payment on it.
creative people do creative things!
exciting
That’s great! You were fortunate to have that option
She will make it because she possesses the right attitude and a lot of common sense.
So true
I'm going to be doing on Social Security too. notice i didn't say 'trying'. Wish me luck at 76!
Me 2
@Angel-hd2rs I am sure you will be fine, it does take some adjusting, but with the right attitude you will do just fine.
💓🥹🕊👋😌GODBLESS YOU🕊💖👋😌🙏z!🕊💖🤗z!
Thank you, Bob and Company for doing the video with me. It was an amazing experience and I am just so excited for everything that you all do for the nomadic community.❤
Hello, You indicate you are the woman in the video. One common way that things like panels fold is like this: Visualize a circle, a wire edge covered in vinyl. Now, bend the centers in so they overlap. You now have a shape like the infinity symbol, (look it up, or just think of an 8), but instead of two circles, you have 3. Now, fold the two outer circles toward the middle, and it is folded.
I don't know what yours is like. This is a common physics application.
There's always reading the directions...
You certainly have done your homework.
How long is that cabinet area where your cooler and sink is? I have somewhat the same van and I’m curious if I could fit something like that in my van thanks thanks
I have the same year van and same hightop, its still stock stock and my side door doesn't open all the way like yours does? Was that aftermarket?
I like your necessities and your sign’s 😊
That's great 👍 I retired at 62 part time on the road . I haven't touched 401k or IRA funds living frugally😊.
Exactly what i did. I was living on a truck as an OTR driver saving almost everything I made. When I retired at 62, I drove for a few more months and during that time I broke my collarbone at work. I segued into SS retirement with a year of Workman's Comp. I moved back to Texas near family and lived in the following: garage apt 1 month, fiberglass slide in shell in my truck, 6x12 converted trailer at a campground and finally rented a room at a friend's house before I went to the Philippines. Haven't had to touch my savings either. I was able to buy a small motorcycle and diesel MPV in the Philippines while keeping my Tacoma and HD in the US.
Way to go! 😁👍🏼🔥
You got it down🎉! Unless you are quite wealthy, the key is to live simply.
If I’m ever alone in retirement I’ll do this for at least some period. Hubby not interested. Lol.
I retired at 62, without a 491k or pension. I have to live in Social Security , I am making it work.
Started in a 40’ toy hauler. Then 32’ Class A. Then 18’ Class C. Found my happiness in my Subaru Crosstrek 😄. Gas costs & trying to find places to park all got ridiculous. I absolutely love 26mpg. I’ve everything I need, nothing I don’t. Find what makes YOU happy. Outside is my life now. No tv, no neighbors. Happy Trails All🥰
Very true, gas prices are just ridiculous as you say. Here in South Africa it is getting very hard to keep our sticks and bricks, but in the meantime I am learning a whole lot from others on youtube. Be blessed
The American Dream is a wet dream. It is a musical chair game of survival avoiding losing everything
The way that passenger chair turns around is so awesome
Often we hear/see of "break downs" for many van life travelers.
Bob, have you an episode (idea?) about the most common trouble?
What mechanial event commonly strands folks?
Failed battery? Water pump? Hose? Specific ignition part? Brakes? Drive shaft? Belts? Alternator? Tire? Power steering pump/hose?
Stuck, in sand/mud/other? Transmission failure?
What moderate/major failure most required a vehicle tow to a repair shop?
This information could provide a best knowledge of what spare parts to carry. What to regularly inspect, and/or preventative replace?
More/best/specific tools for specific repair/diagnosis?
Not a how to repair a break down. Rather, how to prepare for, and/or carry necessary parts that are necessary to vehicle function. ESPECIALLY when on a remote destination.
That would be a very useful video!
I've got a large SUV. My issues have been transmission (set me back $2k,. Power windows (one is stuck up/one stuck down, radiator hose). Other than that, my tires seem good to go.. oh and it's a gas guzzler. Prob going smaller and do camp car or maybe a wagon. It's just sleep.
Bob is teaching people to be self reliant. And remember to follow overnight rules so that those places will not dissappear!. I watched the video on that subject.
What ruins it is the class of the young people, we call them the dirty kids,..living in vans, and such, just lazy,not wanting to work or anything flying cardboard signs at the gas stations and getting on tic toc begging people's for money everyday, they don't care if they trash the place they were camping/sleeping at and just move on to the next place, ive seen it many times...sad
@@travelinvanman706 it's unfortunate.
@@travelinvanman706those dirty kids still deserve compassion and mentoring... just saying.
That's Bob teaching people there is hope. Thank You Bob!
It was his interview with @Box Van Dee living in her car that I first got inspired to do this. I thought to myself if Dee can do this then there is hope for me. Blessings
Lovely person who seems to have it figured out. Best of luck to her.
That's awesome. I am in a 1998 Dodge former conversion van. I have been on the road just about a year now full time. One tip I can give her is to lose those running boards and fake fender flares. When I took mine off, I could not believe all the heavy steel in them. Each side weighed close to 100 pounds and, I gained so much ground clearance that some people ask what lift kit I used, and...it is at stock height, which is pretty high. Great van and I love it. Had 108,000 Mile's on it when I got it and I replaced a bunch of stuff to make it dependable. I wish her safe travels.
That is great advice. I have never thought of that. Thank you so much.
Great idea!
Plus gained gas milage toi!
I’m 42, work in tech, and appreciate how I can see myself in all of the guests you bring into this show!
I believe we have one life we need to live it doing what makes us happy. Blessings
Window film to keep smash and grabs. A camera and a battery outdoor motion light, wasp spray foam super shot, a whistle and other things for security.
I'm pretty sure she's happier than some people with alot of money. We have travel full time for 3 years and it's so refreshing to be out in nature
Love your BTS emblem! 💜 Happy travels!
Very true, I say the best things in life are free or almost free, just pay for the extra gas to find these epic places.
She has everything she needs! I love her colorful touches along with the wood finished paneling.
she has made her rig beautiful, I love her little kitchen area
It's great to see yet another senior lady making van life her lifestyle 👍! But again, I see a fire source surrounded by wood. Directly above her butane stove is wood paneling. Due to thermal expansion and the heat from cooking, over time, wood can ignite at just 200 degrees! I would suggest some kind of metal box enclosing stove from underneath, sides, above, and in back from any kind of heat. Shop around at thrift stores, and you'll find something that will work perfectly. I found mine wide enough and high enough to do all my cooking, that even has a metal door that I can open flat that also works as my prep space. I think of whatever materials not near a stove in a home, should not be near-by in a van either, or whatever else kind of home on wheels part time or full time. I realize fire extinguishers are nearby, but butane cannisters can explode, and that alone can disorientate a person at a time when quick action is needed most. If that should happen in something metal, possibly with a door, closing it up immediately to close off the oxygen to the fire can give you precious time to react, not panic, and do what you have to do next. Plus, should a fire damage inside that van, her insurance will investigate the claim and find it was caused by her cooking in it. Just trying to give a heads-up in every direction on all this✅️.
Personally I cook outside, I am very cautious of fire. If the weather is not nice, then I fix something that does not require cooking.
I DO ALL MY COOKING , cleaning out doors!
Very nice rig and that wood does give a homey feel but can see your weight concerns with it. P.S. missed hearing Bob say, "hit that thumbs up"! ...I hit it anyway! 😉👍
I agree! A lot of wood can add weight which defeats the purpose of saving gas.
I find his videos very helpful. Her rig truly is beautiful
Shower tent - Once you have it folded to one panel, put the bottom on the ground and roll (not fold) the top down. When you get far enough, the sides will collapse in. (This seems to work with most.)
good to know, thanks for the info
Yes the American dream. Retiring and living in a van.
😂lol
For some.
Poor American
The freedom to do it is unique. Freedom more than anything else is American🇺🇸
For some it is! To each their own!!!
Cody must have a union contract,: Minimum of one walk-on appearance per video!
Lol
😊
Cody just walks right in and makes himself comfortable. He is absolutely the best dog.
😂🐾😂
A nice set up and she is very pleasant to visit with. I wonder how tall she actually is?? Thanks Bob . And you are looking and sounding like you are feeling well after your hospital stay. We are all glad for that. See ya
Yes..I wondered about her height as well. 5ft 11 here
I love her set up.
SHOWER TENT - make certain the flat wires aren’t twisted in the “up” position. This was the key for me. The wires were twisted, and I just couldn’t get the d&$n thing to fold properly. I spent 15 minutes wrangling out the twist on 2 of the 4 wires, then suddenly it worked just like the videos. I still have to practice a few times after the off season before I’m ready for camping!
Great advice I’m going to have to do some practicing at home
Thanks for the info. blessings
Bob, the biggest first step when deciding whether to live in a vehicle is cost. It would be enormously helpful if those you interview could identify the purchase price of their vehicle w/ mileage at time of purchase & how long ago they purchased the vehicle... & vehicle insurance costs. Also for those living full time as nomads cost of maintenance & what maintenance costs they do on a monthly basis.
I would have to agree with you on that. I paid a little too much for my van and just to get it going. I slapped another $2500 on top of that and I think I’ve put at least another couple of thousand into keeping it running when I purchased it. It had I believe 163,000 on it lucky for me. I have found a couple of great mechanics in the area who keep me going.. It is definitely not a cheap adventure.
I have been a full-time van lifer for the last five years and is working on my sixth. My goal was to travel to all 48 lower states in that time and I checked that box end 2023. I bought a Ram Promaster Cargo Van (high top) with 33,000 miles on it for $24K and then spent another +-$6k on making it into a liveable space. Nothing fancy. The bed is 4 ft wide and 6.1 ft long, two solar panels (350 Watts) on the roof, a Lithium battery (100 amp/h) , an inverter, a Conway 12V fridge, 12 V and 110V throughout the van, etc. I do keep a record of every penny I spend. My monthly expenses are about $2500. That includes a cheap health insurance plan and taxes. I use about $100 per week in gas. If you spend most of your time staying in one place that will obviously be less and most important, stay out of the stores!. Do grocery shopping with a laser-like focus...stick to your list.
Excellent story Anita ... wish you had a You tube channel ... would follow you. Positive personality! Good luck!
I am sure she will start one sooner or later. a positive attitude makes the difference being happy or miserable. I am sure she will get many followers. blessings
Such a cozy lovely van
She has made it beautiful
I appreciate seeing people who are building up to the transition while working!!
The single burner mobile stove is the way to go!
Great little home. Love the cozy cabin feel 👍
I also love the cabin vibe. blessings
Amen. I love this channel.
Bob has helped thousands of people out there through his videos. Blessings
I love the cabin feel too! and I love that she has a supportive job that promotes health and well-being! we all need jobs like that, too!
yes, its nice to know that some employers like to make sure their employees are healthy and happy. it makes the work environment so much better. Blessings
Nice build-out. I knew there was an advantage to being 5 feet tall! My short high-top is perfect for me.
It certainly helps being short. Safe Travels
Great idea, easing into the van life to learn the ups and downs and in-betweens.
I think easing into vanlife slowly does help, then it teaches us what we need to adjust etc etc. while we are part time. blessings
Hello everyone from Puerto Rico
Hello from Australia ❤
Hello from South Africa
Cool video! Sounds like Anita's got things planned really well ie giving herself enough part-time van living lifestyle time before jumping in full-time. When she's ready full-time she will already haved lived thru/learned various nuances that a new full-timer has yet to learn! Best wishes as you continue your amazing journey Anita, Pam
starting off part time is always a good idea, as you say, one will learn what is necessary and what is not. Many folk make the mistake of taking too much, just in case. In my case I forgot to take the salt and pepper, lol.
I'm just starting van life love this build
This is one of the most comfy..country..space tto be in....i love it. !!!¡ thank you love it
I love the comfy cabin vibe
I just❤Bob he’s my hero…😅
Great video and wish me LUCK after renting for the past 30 plus years, I am tired of playing for a place that I am never at and that I only use to sleep, shower and change in so I can do those things living in a van full time and joining Planet Fitness!
I love that seat cover! Everything looks so comfy!
she has a lovely cabin vibe going on. beautiful indeed
Very impressive! And, it looks as if The CodeMan gave his furry stamp of approval!
Indeed LoL
I really like that build. Seems perfect to me. Still dreaming.
She has a beautiful set up. Maybe one day your dream will be a reality, try one night in what you have at the moment, who knows you may just love it. Blessings
I'm right there with you! Love your attitude my friend!!! From Omaha Nebraska
a good attitude makes life so much nicer
I have the same van! She’s been good to me for six years full time. 🙂
I would love to see yours. It would be fun to meet someone with van like mine.
Nice van, It gives me hope that I can get my 1995 class b, into better working order. It seems like I am always replacing some small plastic parts. Thank you for another great tour video.
They’re definitely is a lot of repairs if you have an older van I feel like it’s always something but it really is fun to drive
It really helps that you’re still working full time.
Bob has a great channel
Nice Van. Dodge vans are comfy. We traveled many miles in an 85 model and then a 1990. Thanks for the tour.
I think I must have her same pop up shower tent. It was a Xmas present several years back and I have never been able to refold it. Just gave up this year (after a storm ripped out all its loops) and bought a 2 room Core pop up shower tent.
Great van build, so cozy!
a beautiful build, I love her kitchen area
What a great van - love it!
I imagine all that wood does add quite a bit of weight but I wouldn't have it any other way
I love the cabin vibe
3:26 Aww Cody! How sweet. ♥️♥️
Wha a wonderful soul! Please share your screen shelter BRAND since it's easy! Thanks.
Great video, Bob!
The (heavy) wood can be replaced with something lighter but still has “character”. I used utility ply (very lightweight), burned lines (so it looked like planks) & grains then topcoated it.
That is a great idea
Love her van - inside is awesome!!
It sounds like she is on her way to a wonderful retirement when the time comes.
An idea, to help with weight, is an airbag system for the rear axle. I helped put one in my father's pickup, and it works wonders for when he has his camper loaded in the bed, and towing a boat.
Nice video.
Bob has a wonderful informative channel. Blessings
This Lady is amazing.
She is
First comment !!!!! Thank you everybody! Means the world to me !!!!!😊😊😊😊
I can tell you are from Arizona by the way you pronounce Prescott 🤣
My dad bought one those dodge factory conversions, an extended version. He then started putting Great Stuff in doors and panels. It expanded so much some panels creased or dimpled and the doors locked up. We spent hours digging foam from the mechanisms. Finally sold it , I wish he hadn't. I took it on a couple cross country runs after college. I wish I had it now to do a proper build like this. Although this one does look pretty heavy. I like flipping the passenger seat though.
yes, by turning the seat around made a lot of extra space. blessings
love the people who do this lifestyle
awesome keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you do.
I love Bobs channel so helpful
I really enjoy these videos and how open these individuals are. Allowing us to see their lives on the road and inside of their homes. Thanks for the awesome content.
I love seeing how people put themselves into their build, each one so unique and different
Cool setup. Thanks for details. She is high energy -- great to listen to.
shes nice, thanks bob..
We lived in an 5th wheel RV for a yr. Pulled w/dually truck. It gets a lil harder as you get older. Harder for husband to hitch, conduct maintenance, etc. due to vision loss. Especially if you have to close it all up repeatedly and move on. It was enjoyable but I became claustrophobic too. And the cost to park in RV parks /Campgrounds was getting expensive. RV & truck maintenance is ongoing: $$$$ tires, batteries, roof, appliances etc. Only way we afford to live currently by renting a hse now with other family members. Be Safe. Good luck to you. ❤
Pretty sweet. Safe travels!
love the cabin vibe
I love the RV/Van lifestyle and I will eventually go this route myself 👍🏻
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you..
I love Bob's videos, always helpful
Nice Remodel Dodge VAN PRETTY COOL even back to the 72 or 3 year s. ,like the Everything’s gonna be all right Sign. 😊😊
I think these vans a cool, just big enough, not too big and not too small.
I wish people would explain the toilet more. That is a big holdup for me in thinking more about exploring this lifestyle.
What's the issue or questions you have?
Bob has an entire video dedicated to the subject. Search for "Van Life 101: Living and Pooping in a Car, Van, or RV".
Bob has several videos about different items, including different types of toilets that he tries out & gives his reviews on.
Do a TH-cam search. There are literally hundreds of videos on this subject. My personal favorite is the 5-gallon bucket with the toilet seat attachment that you can buy at Walmart or sporting goods stores. The bucket is then lined with a tall kitchen bag and if you separate your waste it will be odorless.
I have a flower pot toilet (10 liter bucket inside a flower pot that's just a little bigger) I put in a plastic bag in it with an adult nappy inside and then I have a wooden top and a loose toilet seat. It works well, and you don't have the urine smell.
Love the paint color.
Aw love this video! The Blueberry is soooo cute. You'll get there Anita - you're fun to camp with and a great hiker. 🎉😊
Well, thanks to you. I have learned a lot.
I would rather live in a tiny house and still be saving money on utilities and property taxes ECT, and be comfortable and able to move around.
Safe and happy journey!
I hit my head so many times on the front storage thing. I finally hung a stuffed alien doll on it, bright colored and hard to miss. I had it up for about a month to train myself
Great advice I’ve been tempted to put a pool noodle up there
we gotta do what we gotta do, lol, you made my day. Thank you for this info, Blessings
I lust for a van. I have been living in my Toyota Prius for two years, to which I have adapted. The only not-so-good aspect is life on rainy days--those days I have to stay in the car, which is tight, though it does have a driver seat.
Prius is better vs a van, in everything but slightly less space ( with seats removed). Unless it's the hybrid Toyota sienna.
I pray you find just the right van for you. blessings
Thanks again for another good video
If you are in AZ, check out San Tan Solar near Phoenix. They have used commercial grade panels for sale. I got 250 W panel for under $70. Check your max current on your system, and is it a 24V with a converter down to 12V? Not sure if any of this matters, but I am sure someone can help you find what you need.
I love the 'camp' feel of your van!
She has a great set up
Fabulous build & so comfy looking! Very impressive & thanks for sharing
I love her kitchen area
Thank you for sharing ✌️💞🤟
Love the set up! Nice!
love the cabin vibe
Thank you for sharing this! ❤
these videos of Bob are always interesting and informative
Great build!!!!
I absolutely love her kitchen area
This is all I want in life. saving is hard on government money, but these vids give me hope. Many thanks
No such thing. It's taxpayers money
@lindacalderon6417 How is social security taxpayer money? It’s their money they were forced to pay for retirement.
Water and the ability to stand up is important.🕊
Can you put a sky light in a van so at least on nice days someone could stand up? I am going to look into that.
Several years ago, I saw a van build on YTUBE, that had done that very thing of putting in sky window that was hinged. On another a man had pop top in stalled on his mini van.
Cool, I like you van life! That would be great down here in Australia as we don't have those vans.
Pete
she has a great build
love the van!
stunning
Fabulous woman, thank you both for this video!
Excellent very nice that's a great starter van🙋😃👍
she has made it beautiful. Blessings
Well done!
I think people living in a fixed location will become more and more a thing of the past.
She almost did the whole interview herself with very little prompting direction from Bob.
Those of us who follow Bob have probably already rehearsed our interviews in our heads. When our time comes we will be ready!! ❤🎉😂
I love the idea of turning the passenger seat facing the rear to have a comfortable spot to sit and chill, but, i think the back of the seat might pose a distaction as it would hinder my visibility etc.
...so...i think a good solution would be to go to a salvage yard and pluck a passenger seat out of a newer vehicle that has the ability to fold down flat, which would provide a good spot to sit, and because it folds down, it wont block my visabilty any.
...i used to own a chevy HHR, and one of the coolest features of the HHR, is the interior as all the seats fold down flat, thus creating a massive amount of cargo space in the vehicle, so an HHR passenger seat would be perfect for a nomad to put in there rig to use for a seating area to just relax etc.
It works turned around for me because I just fold the seat over and then I have no problems with visibility when I’m driving
Always inspiring!
Thanks for all the links to great items!
Thanks!
Why didn’t I think about turning the passenger seat around 😀 I really like that idea.
By Sept 1st, I'll be back on the road... Full-time.
I pray happy trails, Safe journeys and Be blessed. Love your handle (I had to look it up).