It's not just young people getting into van living. I'm retiring next year and it will be so affordable. Also, I can think of nothing else. I have actually taped off van interior size in my bedroom and I'm seeing what really fits. My kids think I have gone bananas.
So wonderful to read this!😍 I too have done this and am getting down to essentials in prep of my next chapter with van life. My son will be finished school next spring. 🙏🏼 Thank you for sharing this 🌸
I went far beyond sketching layouts! I created a digital graph paper that represented each inch of my van. I then searched amazon for the various dimensions of water containers, fridges, beds, etc. until I found the right mix and balance. It's worked well so far. Before I left, I also starting using my local laundromat, put my clothes and cooking supplies in the same containers I'd use in the van (to make sure I knew everything would fit), used a single burner on the stove, and went without my oven. It made the transition so much easier. Call me crazy I know :)
@@MattyVanHalen Awesome Matty! And awesome guitar playing skills bud. I'm thinking about picking one up myself, perhaps an Orangewood acoustic. Let me know if you are anywhere in the southwest this winter and maybe we can meetup and compare youtube notes!
I'm wife kick me out of my own house and later divorce me and so I started my van life . At fist it was hard and cold. But once I got settled in. I love it now.
Rock on Matty...you are so on point. I have changed so much in my van in the past year plus. I keep discovering better ways to organize. The simpler the build, the simpler the reorganizing. You install a fully plumbed sink and it turns out it doesn't fit your living style, you are kinda screwed. if you design custom drawers and cabinets that are to shallow or plain don't work, you just invested a lot of money to be uncomfortable in a pretty van.
Great advice Matty; I just started living in my van, and I built my interior with items I already had in my duplex...love being in my van more than anywhere else! Dawn; if you read this love your channel also. Rock on girl! Thanks Matty for your insite
I'm in my early 30s also a chef and seriously thinking of building out a van. Traveling across the United states and cooking in different states, restaurants and gain more experience. I all ready live in my buddies basement working at his restuarant might as well just put it on wheels and do my own thing.
As with anything in life, it is always a trial and error exercise until you find the right fit for you. Thank you for such an interesting and informative video.
I don't think you are over thinking anything, i think you are giving some really good tips for those of us considering this life style, thanks for the great video 👍
Love the fact that you keep van life in such a simple, but cozy and flexible manner. Appears a lot less scary and safer to do a needed change in one's life this way. Easy to continue, easy to change and if desired even end the (fulltime) van life later if you want, where savings then can give you better options further down the road. So correct - easier to sell a normal vehicle, yet have a cozy enough time in the meanwhile. Your common sense is very reassuring on every matter. This is really likeable, indeed you do appear very honest and sincere in your urge not to mislead people. 💖👌
Wood burner... Tractor Supply has one for $130... with pipes... portable, foldable, stay warmer for cheap to free... it'll pay for itself in its first winter... No dangerous gas leaks, stay toasty!
Theres no right or wrong. It’s all good. Depends on the person. Having said that, I think a good compromise is getting a smaller van like the Nissan NV200 and then getting a pop top installed. Yeah, it’s an additional $6,000...but the gas mileage is a lot better than a big high roof cargo van. Plus it’s more stealthy if you’re gonna be in a city for a bit. I am 6’4” tall and have had no problem standing up in my friends NV200 with a pop top. There is even an all electric NV200, but only in Europe. Me personally? I plan to sell my house and do the vanlife thing in a few years. But i want to do it in an electric van. Electric cargo vans with a 400 to 500 mile range & quick charge are coming by 2022 to 2025. I think that’ll be the next big thing in vanlife.
I chose a e350 School Bus. Can stand, and park anywhere with a 1 mile per gallon penalty over equivalent standard van. A friend has a box truck that builds out like an actual home. Size is an important issue but everyone needs to consider the level of comfort that matters to you. When ones only experience is a standard they do not understand the benefits of being able to stand
Great van adventure. The creativity is within you. The sky is the limit. Reach for the sky, then spread your wings and fly to every horizon. Be blessed.
I’m thinking about starting my journey in my 2011 Silverado 2500hd 4x4. I’m even thinking about getting a truck bed tent. I already have the vehicle because I use it for my 30’ pull camper. But I’m not going to pull my camper for just me.
good talk. yep, went with an olds sil minivan recently. mine is actually about 8 feet in length. not living in yet at this time. just planning out ideas here and there. maybe a weekend test here and there or summer camper van or something. i don't know at this time. but i'm using sketchup to play around with different ideas. its so much easier and quicker to change something in the design using this software. good three dimensional and 360 panoramic viewing perspective. maybe i will post something up on some of these channels.
I live part-time in a mid-length mid-height Transit van. True - live in it before building too much. And yes - if the rig is so small that you despise hanging out in it - that would suck. Keep in mind bigger is always better - Until its too big!!! Do it your way son.
Not looking to full time , just travel. Thinking more of promaster due to width and low floors. Then they are a Fiat and I believe they have been number one van in Europe with more sales than the sprinter. Just wondering at 5'8" if the low roof ( think it's 5'5") would be fine. As for heat I'm either going with diesel heater with exterior exhaust and intake or a suburban propane rv heater that also vents out. Venting is for safety as well as not getting the moisture build up inside the van. Suburban heaters I have used for years in RVs and are real simple to work on , they never failed me . Chinese diesel heaters are very inexpensive and do seem to be pretty solid. Failure of them seams to be in cold weather but switch to kerosene would take care of that. Anyway see you on the road.
Good to hear your thoughts on this. Think so many just can't really know until they actually live in it. Many get a big RV but then after repairs start adding up decide to go smaller with a van. If I was going to be traveling a lot I'd want the smaller van, but if mostly staying in one place the extra room inside would be nice. The Buddy Heater is safe, just have to take precautions like with anything else.
I have a full size van with a high top and wish I’d bought an Astro and put a pop top. Light weight and much better considering I could have done a westie type build. Would have saved much space with a z bed. That’s the absolute best of everything because I get maybe 10 mpg vs 25 mpg I could be getting
Finally someone who says the buddy heater sucks. It is not that great to me, but oh well. As far as the guy who died... I kind of wonder if he killed himself. If he just started camping then maybe not, but windows were not open enough and doors were locked. Life is hard. I’ve been there. Sometimes you just want to sleep and stay sleep.
If you're looking for a heating solution, try to look into Chinese diesel heaters. I've heard great things about them. Diesel/kerosene seems a safer fuel than propane and plus these things have thermostats on them so for the most part you could set and forget. You also don't have an open flame going. Any exhaust is forced outside so no CO. You just get nice dry heat. Only downsides are slightly higher cost, a more difficult but manageable installation some noise from the heater and fuel pump and it uses some battery power.
I would build a van : 1) security - no windows and solid partition. a second lock inside for side/back doors. 2) a wet bath - don't mind go to rv park once a week.
Found you from Camo Dave. I’ve been thinking about what I would like. I think I want a medium roof Promaster, the mid size. I’m short enough to stand up fully in a medium roof. I won’t be full time but for extended camping trips.
A van with a high top would be better this way you can stand up because when you get older my friend your back you're going to pay with your back or your needs all the time my van never came with a high top I made my own and I love it cuz I can stand up in my van. Full height...
I am going to start small with a Toyota Sienna, I just want to sleep inside. Seen Siennas with 500kmiles still running and you can find some 2008 for about 5-6k with under 200k miles. 22mpg
I’ve held off on van life for a number of basic reasons. ( and yes, I have been one of those planner types and have built out my minivan). But what has stopped me has been: 1) Lack of stability. It seems that the constant stress of always wondering where to park and not getting hassled or robbed would really grind a person down over a very short time. I’m not talking about recreational van lifers with homes, parents, storage and a bunch of fallback options. I’m talking about being alone on the road, unsponsored, with all you own in the vehicle. 2) Mental health. Doesn’t it get lonely and isolated on the road, never having any community or familiarity? Ive traveled and moved extensively, and find that for me, meeting new acquaintances and passing conversation just feels empty really fast. 3) Leaving van life. Once you dont have a set address, isnt it hard to secure another rental if you want to get a place? Beyond that, I’m hoping to buy a home someday, and can only imagine the scrutiny that lenders would give you knowing you have no set address. Please understand that I am NOT condemning van lifers. I truly admire those that can do it, and i just wonder if there is true happiness possible in being a van lifer, or if it is actually just glorified homelessness. I used to have a sailboat, and after being simultaneously surrounded by millionaires and tweakers, I realized there is no middle class in the liveaboard community: Youre either rich enough to afford to live on a boat, or so poor that you cant afford to live anywhere else. Wondering if the van life experience is similar. You seem like the real deal, so any insight would be very appreciated.
I reside in the Province of BC, Canada...the following is off the top of my head and not well researched. In order to be a resident in BC, you need an address... not a PO Box but a fixed address....without a fixed address, nothing gets done...no Medical Services, tax returns, tax credits, voting, banking, and most important, automobile insurance... The one way around it is to have a relative or a friend allow you to use their address... I could for example use my parents residence but here is the catch for me...they reside in the Lower Mainland/Metro Vancouver area where automobile insurance rates are almost double the cost than the rest of BC. While living the Van-Life would be cost effective, it seems there is always a catch in my area... But there are many Van-Lifers making it happen in BC so it can be done...
Once you put one of those rooftop carriers on a minivan, you’re getting down close to the gas mileage of a full sized van. Those things can drop your mileage by up to like 25%.
I’m currently a broke college student who is paying for books and tuition while simultaneously saving up for my first car. I’m so tempted to save up even more and buy a van and start living out of it. My dream is to move back to the coast and being able to have surfing as a constant in my life again :/
Went with Boat Life in the Pacific Northwest. On year numer 5. It was either a ghost van, full-on RV or a boat. Very similar challenges & benefits with boat life and van life. #1 advice is "Just do it!". From the thought to move in was 6 months. Zero experience with boats and fixing anything ever. Met the right people at the right time at every step of the way. Just had to be brave enough to take the first step. A good plan never hurt though. All the best to everyone feeling this urge. S/Y Guru's Grace 30 ft Cutter bluewaterboats.org/baba-30/
Greetings! Do you have an Instagram account? I would love to see pics of your boat life! If you don't mind me asking, what was the deciding factor between the ghost van, rv and boat? I am in an apt right now, I've been looking into van life for the past 6 months, and I absolutely love rv-ing so, I'm weighing which one to do, full time. If I could do all 3 I would! LOL!! Thank you and have a great day!
My advice is, practice living in the same size of your van your planning to live in full time. Then stay in there for a few days only coming out to use the bathroom because the reality is your going to be stuck in there in really bad weather for long periods of time. If you can put up with that, then you might be happy as a vanlifer. Good luck
Go and watch Chrome at VanCity VanLife and watch his storey over the last 4 years. Started like you, simple and manageable. Built on and up as time , experience and money came in. Enjoy your life as you see fit. Live your life. Be free and travel on
I did the drawing at night got the van and nothing fit where I plain I have a mini wish i had cargo van but prices where high buddy heater almost got my truck camper on fire flame went up past the grad in front past heater
Matty you still agree with your statement that the size of the van you have is perfect or do you now wish it was smaller or larger? I plan to start looking around the start of the year. Rumor has it used car prices are dropping and hopefully vans as well. They say 3 to 6 months from now will be the best time to shop.
Houses are so expensive most young people will take half their life to save enough to get an actual house so van life would speed that process up? Sound like a good option for people just starting out?
Living at your van compared to pay in searching 1400 a month rent for 1-bedroom to no-brainer with a van you paid know any of that which means you pay gas prices or maintain your vehicle that's nothing.. if you people are still worried about paying high bills doing van life.. then you doing it wrong you still not saving no money but you should be stable tons of money because you're not paying rent inform landlord apartments or building..
Not me I want to go to the car sleep and drive . Any other time I can spend it in gym , in a library , at a movie , comfortable sofa at a bar, book store , the money you save on fuel rent a hotel room every 2 weeks. Prius V is the way to go. Your car is your generator take the back seats out and your bed will be great. Rent a storage unit and you have all the space you need. You can get a good V $8K all day long. Saw one guy selling his V has 1.2G miles almost 1¼ MILLION MILES. The V got about the same mileage as my gen 2 Prius a hella lot more room. Go test drive it they are going to be used they quit selling new V cars in USA everyone wants SUV so now they're selling expensive RAV 4 hybrids.
@@RippSnortin if remembered correctly, the commentator already own a modest, small house that he live in/can return to. In that case Prius could be an option ;)
I have stayed in my car gen 2 prius for a couple weeks at a time, but the method I described is the life of a guy that lives out of his gen 3 prius. Bob Q prius is the guy he is on Facebook. He has stayed in his Prius gen3 for years, he uses planet fitness for shower , and McDonald's as his office Rents a storage unit visiting people and places around that unit when he parks you can't tell he sleeps in his car , he relies on stealth and can park nearly anyplace he cares to. I recommend you get a prius V. That car has way more space than any of the prius gen 1,2,3,or 4. Your saying prius is an error V is a totally different car. When I did live out my far I did so as a vacation. I was a teucker that vehicle the truck came in many forms . Some had huge condo others were cramped dog house cab overs , I stayed in the cab over 2 months solid . I have more space in a Prius V than a dog house cab over . I bought a prius V but never got to use it for living out of since the Judas whore took the car from me as soon as I bought it. Yes I live in my $12K home for $205 base bills a month. Not including food and medical. I have a $900 year transportation expense and no im not going to live out of my car when I own a bitchless house before the only reason I had to live out a car was I had a woman be sweet to get me and turn to vinegar once she got me. This will never happen again. If I go visit family they put me up. Not driving my current car outside the state of Louisiana but to trade it in for another car. I have driven my gen 2 Prius from 2007-2019 it never failed me except for the batteries. 12 volt battery has been replaced about every 5 years the hybrid battery was replaced 2X . I gave the car away because I don't drive enough to warrant owning a hybrid. So I bought a grand Marquis for less than what I paid for a hybrid battery. If you live out your hybrid you will keep the battery charged. You can pitch a tent when you live out of a prius V you can take a hammock out of your pocket and poof you have your recharge time , drive to an affordable zone rent a kitchen hotel room for the week $200 here in my town ? That's what I was paying back in the 90's for a hotel. Back then we
Didn't have CLIMATE CONTROLLED HYBRID CARS back then if they did and I would have had known (what I'm sharing) what I do now I would hav been much better off. Space is relative and can be added in many ways . Can't unring a bell or unspend a wad of cash. I have a 30fr rv in my yard im told if I'm caught sleeping in it I have to remove it from my home. $8.3K I should have spent on a Prius V.
@@GEAUXFRUGAL wow, too bad you did't get to try living out of the Prius V O.o Thanks for your long comment of information; hope I wasn't rude towards you. Wishing you nothing but the best, now and in the future 🚗🏕🏠🧡👍
@@rawsanna4700 All I care about is letting them who would do this know that you can get a van , enjoy the breakdowns . My prius never broke other than the battery and I could have avoided that by regular checkups they don't just go out one day.
If you leave now to your van full time you don't have to worry about gas because you're not paying high rent in high bills why do people who live simple worry about bills seriously you live in simple you don't need to worry about gas prices it's that cheap to you and me..
The little carbon monoxide detectors only detect over 30ppm, but lower exposures below that can be harmful over time. Therefore the little detectors are pointless! I don't know where to find a better detector, fire departments have them. maybe someone can inform us?
It's not just young people getting into van living. I'm retiring next year and it will be so affordable. Also, I can think of nothing else. I have actually taped off van interior size in my bedroom and I'm seeing what really fits. My kids think I have gone bananas.
Happy retiring!! Start a channel!!
there is a fine line between genious and insanity. you haven't gone bananas. you got smart!
I think people are deluding themselves when they say van life is affordable.
Thanks for sharing
So wonderful to read this!😍 I too have done this and am getting down to essentials in prep of my next chapter with van life. My son will be finished school next spring. 🙏🏼 Thank you for sharing this 🌸
I went far beyond sketching layouts! I created a digital graph paper that represented each inch of my van. I then searched amazon for the various dimensions of water containers, fridges, beds, etc. until I found the right mix and balance. It's worked well so far. Before I left, I also starting using my local laundromat, put my clothes and cooking supplies in the same containers I'd use in the van (to make sure I knew everything would fit), used a single burner on the stove, and went without my oven. It made the transition so much easier. Call me crazy I know :)
Hey. Iv been a sub to u for a while. Great channel 👍
@@MattyVanHalen Awesome Matty! And awesome guitar playing skills bud. I'm thinking about picking one up myself, perhaps an Orangewood acoustic. Let me know if you are anywhere in the southwest this winter and maybe we can meetup and compare youtube notes!
I'm wife kick me out of my own house and later divorce me and so I started my van life . At fist it was hard and cold. But once I got settled in. I love it now.
My van life starts in 15 days, got a Small high roof Promaster, did the inside just like you did yours, if you don't mind!
Rock on Matty...you are so on point. I have changed so much in my van in the past year plus. I keep discovering better ways to organize. The simpler the build, the simpler the reorganizing. You install a fully plumbed sink and it turns out it doesn't fit your living style, you are kinda screwed. if you design custom drawers and cabinets that are to shallow or plain don't work, you just invested a lot of money to be uncomfortable in a pretty van.
Hey Dawn, watching you from Nashville :))
Great Advice Matty! We are still experimenting with our build and how we wanted it Vs how it will be most functional and comfortable for us.
Minivan here and I wouldn’t change a thing. Cozy. Good gas. No build out. I love my minivan.
The buddy heaters are suppose to have a low oxygen shut off but you can never have too many CO alarms. I have 2 in the TT to be safe
I have a 2012 transit connect and it's ok but do wish it was a little bit bigger but I am comfortable.
Great advice Matty; I just started living in my van, and I built my interior with items I already had in my duplex...love being in my van more than anywhere else! Dawn; if you read this love your channel also. Rock on girl! Thanks Matty for your insite
I'm in my early 30s also a chef and seriously thinking of building out a van. Traveling across the United states and cooking in different states, restaurants and gain more experience. I all ready live in my buddies basement working at his restuarant might as well just put it on wheels and do my own thing.
As with anything in life, it is always a trial and error exercise until you find the right fit for you. Thank you for such an interesting and informative video.
I don't think you are over thinking anything, i think you are giving some really good tips for those of us considering this life style, thanks for the great video 👍
I'm always surprised more van lifers don't do a twin bed.
Love the fact that you keep van life in such a simple, but cozy and flexible manner. Appears a lot less scary and safer to do a needed change in one's life this way. Easy to continue, easy to change and if desired even end the (fulltime) van life later if you want, where savings then can give you better options further down the road.
So correct - easier to sell a normal vehicle, yet have a cozy enough time in the meanwhile. Your common sense is very reassuring on every matter. This is really likeable, indeed you do appear very honest and sincere in your urge not to mislead people. 💖👌
Good video, Matty! You really got some of us thinking! ...well, I guess I can only speak for myself.
Wood burner...
Tractor Supply has one for $130... with pipes... portable, foldable, stay warmer for cheap to free... it'll pay for itself in its first winter...
No dangerous gas leaks, stay toasty!
Theres no right or wrong. It’s all good. Depends on the person. Having said that, I think a good compromise is getting a smaller van like the Nissan NV200 and then getting a pop top installed. Yeah, it’s an additional $6,000...but the gas mileage is a lot better than a big high roof cargo van. Plus it’s more stealthy if you’re gonna be in a city for a bit. I am 6’4” tall and have had no problem standing up in my friends NV200 with a pop top. There is even an all electric NV200, but only in Europe. Me personally? I plan to sell my house and do the vanlife thing in a few years. But i want to do it in an electric van. Electric cargo vans with a 400 to 500 mile range & quick charge are coming by 2022 to 2025. I think that’ll be the next big thing in vanlife.
If I had 6000 dollars I wouldn't have to live in a van.
Shit.....I need a cheaper option !
@@ABosch-lg2pr kkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
I would scratch out my layouts and changed my mind several times!
My first night was loud and cold. Only slept a couple hours. I'm sure I'll adapt soon. Lol
I chose a e350 School Bus. Can stand, and park anywhere with a 1 mile per gallon penalty over equivalent standard van.
A friend has a box truck that builds out like an actual home.
Size is an important issue but everyone needs to consider the level of comfort that matters to you.
When ones only experience is a standard they do not understand the benefits of being able to stand
Hey Gus! I like your channel! 👍
Great van adventure. The creativity is within you. The sky is the limit. Reach for the sky, then spread your wings and fly to every horizon. Be blessed.
I’m thinking about starting my journey in my 2011 Silverado 2500hd 4x4. I’m even thinking about getting a truck bed tent. I already have the vehicle because I use it for my 30’ pull camper. But I’m not going to pull my camper for just me.
good talk. yep, went with an olds sil minivan recently. mine is actually about 8 feet in length. not living in yet at this time. just planning out ideas here and there. maybe a weekend test here and there or summer camper van or something. i don't know at this time. but i'm using sketchup to play around with different ideas. its so much easier and quicker to change something in the design using this software. good three dimensional and 360 panoramic viewing perspective. maybe i will post something up on some of these channels.
I live part-time in a mid-length mid-height Transit van. True - live in it before building too much. And yes - if the rig is so small that you despise hanging out in it - that would suck. Keep in mind bigger is always better - Until its too big!!! Do it your way son.
Love watching you and video's
Not looking to full time , just travel. Thinking more of promaster due to width and low floors. Then they are a Fiat and I believe they have been number one van in Europe with more sales than the sprinter. Just wondering at 5'8" if the low roof ( think it's 5'5") would be fine. As for heat I'm either going with diesel heater with exterior exhaust and intake or a suburban propane rv heater that also vents out. Venting is for safety as well as not getting the moisture build up inside the van. Suburban heaters I have used for years in RVs and are real simple to work on , they never failed me . Chinese diesel heaters are very inexpensive and do seem to be pretty solid. Failure of them seams to be in cold weather but switch to kerosene would take care of that. Anyway see you on the road.
Good to hear your thoughts on this. Think so many just can't really know until they actually live in it. Many get a big RV but then after repairs start adding up decide to go smaller with a van. If I was going to be traveling a lot I'd want the smaller van, but if mostly staying in one place the extra room inside would be nice. The Buddy Heater is safe, just have to take precautions like with anything else.
I have a full size van with a high top and wish I’d bought an Astro and put a pop top. Light weight and much better considering I could have done a westie type build. Would have saved much space with a z bed. That’s the absolute best of everything because I get maybe 10 mpg vs 25 mpg I could be getting
Finally someone who says the buddy heater sucks. It is not that great to me, but oh well.
As far as the guy who died... I kind of wonder if he killed himself. If he just started camping then maybe not, but windows were not open enough and doors were locked. Life is hard. I’ve been there. Sometimes you just want to sleep and stay sleep.
I think his dog did it. Lassie could lock a door.
Thanks for the information ☺️
Great information! I just started my journey into the idea of van life and this was very helpful.
Great tips.... i cant wait until i can afford a van.
If you're looking for a heating solution, try to look into Chinese diesel heaters. I've heard great things about them. Diesel/kerosene seems a safer fuel than propane and plus these things have thermostats on them so for the most part you could set and forget. You also don't have an open flame going. Any exhaust is forced outside so no CO. You just get nice dry heat.
Only downsides are slightly higher cost, a more difficult but manageable installation some noise from the heater and fuel pump and it uses some battery power.
I would build a van : 1) security - no windows and solid partition. a second lock inside for side/back doors. 2) a wet bath - don't mind go to rv park once a week.
Sorry standing is a game changer! Why does everyone overlook older RV vans? you can get a pro built van for a fraction.
Found you from Camo Dave. I’ve been thinking about what I would like. I think I want a medium roof Promaster, the mid size. I’m short enough to stand up fully in a medium roof. I won’t be full time but for extended camping trips.
A van with a high top would be better this way you can stand up because when you get older my friend your back you're going to pay with your back or your needs all the time my van never came with a high top I made my own and I love it cuz I can stand up in my van. Full height...
Good advice dude !
Ty4Sharing
Wolf🐺 👍
I am going to start small with a Toyota Sienna, I just want to sleep inside. Seen Siennas with 500kmiles still running and you can find some 2008 for about 5-6k with under 200k miles. 22mpg
Those Toyotas are great!
I paid $7200 for a 2004 XLE with 107,000 miles , pre 2009 , they had a tow prep package as standard equipment
I’ve held off on van life for a number of basic reasons. ( and yes, I have been one of those planner types and have built out my minivan). But what has stopped me has been:
1) Lack of stability. It seems that the constant stress of always wondering where to park and not getting hassled or robbed would really grind a person down over a very short time. I’m not talking about recreational van lifers with homes, parents, storage and a bunch of fallback options. I’m talking about being alone on the road, unsponsored, with all you own in the vehicle.
2) Mental health. Doesn’t it get lonely and isolated on the road, never having any community or familiarity? Ive traveled and moved extensively, and find that for me, meeting new acquaintances and passing conversation just feels empty really fast.
3) Leaving van life. Once you dont have a set address, isnt it hard to secure another rental if you want to get a place? Beyond that, I’m hoping to buy a home someday, and can only imagine the scrutiny that lenders would give you knowing you have no set address.
Please understand that I am NOT condemning van lifers. I truly admire those that can do it, and i just wonder if there is true happiness possible in being a van lifer, or if it is actually just glorified homelessness. I used to have a sailboat, and after being simultaneously surrounded by millionaires and tweakers, I realized there is no middle class in the liveaboard community: Youre either rich enough to afford to live on a boat, or so poor that you cant afford to live anywhere else. Wondering if the van life experience is similar. You seem like the real deal, so any insight would be very appreciated.
Excellent points! I will try to make a video this evening to address this. 👍 I think doing it this way will be the best explanatory way
I reside in the Province of BC, Canada...the following is off the top of my head and not well researched.
In order to be a resident in BC, you need an address... not a PO Box but a fixed address....without a fixed address, nothing gets done...no Medical Services, tax returns, tax credits, voting, banking, and most important, automobile insurance...
The one way around it is to have a relative or a friend allow you to use their address...
I could for example use my parents residence but here is the catch for me...they reside in the Lower Mainland/Metro Vancouver area where automobile insurance rates are almost double the cost than the rest of BC.
While living the Van-Life would be cost effective, it seems there is always a catch in my area...
But there are many Van-Lifers making it happen in BC so it can be done...
Good advice!👍Safe travels!😊
9 Months and running with the van life.
Sketching it out... been there too, lol.
I’ve been sketching the inside of a tiny house (&van) for years. I enjoy it. I still have a while before I can hit the road. 😎👍
...don’t over build and keep the money in the bank.... I like that! 😎👍
Who cares if you get "flack"?
My advice is to make it YOURS and make it work for YOU.
Once you put one of those rooftop carriers on a minivan, you’re getting down close to the gas mileage of a full sized van. Those things can drop your mileage by up to like 25%.
Love this vid.
I’m currently a broke college student who is paying for books and tuition while simultaneously saving up for my first car. I’m so tempted to save up even more and buy a van and start living out of it. My dream is to move back to the coast and being able to have surfing as a constant in my life again :/
I’m with you on keeping the build simple.
Happy Thursday! 😀
Went with Boat Life in the Pacific Northwest. On year numer 5. It was either a ghost van, full-on RV or a boat. Very similar challenges & benefits with boat life and van life. #1 advice is "Just do it!". From the thought to move in was 6 months. Zero experience with boats and fixing anything ever. Met the right people at the right time at every step of the way. Just had to be brave enough to take the first step. A good plan never hurt though. All the best to everyone feeling this urge.
S/Y Guru's Grace
30 ft Cutter
bluewaterboats.org/baba-30/
Greetings! Do you have an Instagram account? I would love to see pics of your boat life! If you don't mind me asking, what was the deciding factor between the ghost van, rv and boat? I am in an apt right now, I've been looking into van life for the past 6 months, and I absolutely love rv-ing so, I'm weighing which one to do, full time. If I could do all 3 I would! LOL!! Thank you and have a great day!
A boat is next on my list
My advice is, practice living in the same size of your van your planning to live in full time. Then stay in there for a few days only coming out to use the bathroom because the reality is your going to be stuck in there in really bad weather for long periods of time. If you can put up with that, then you might be happy as a vanlifer. Good luck
That's a clever way to test you carbon monoxide alarm. Those things are notorious for flat out not working.
Go and watch Chrome at VanCity VanLife and watch his storey over the last 4 years.
Started like you, simple and manageable. Built on and up as time , experience and money came in.
Enjoy your life as you see fit. Live your life. Be free and travel on
Wouldn’t it be safer to sleep in the driver seat? If someone comes up you can start it and leave.
I did the drawing at night got the van and nothing fit where I plain I have a mini wish i had cargo van but prices where high buddy heater almost got my truck camper on fire flame went up past the grad in front past heater
Same city. Same van, almost. Chevy Express
Matty you still agree with your statement that the size of the van you have is perfect or do you now wish it was smaller or larger? I plan to start looking around the start of the year. Rumor has it used car prices are dropping and hopefully vans as well. They say 3 to 6 months from now will be the best time to shop.
Yes I am still content with what I have. Even after 4 years of living in this van.
Have a great night Matty 👍🤟✌️
Houses are so expensive most young people will take half their life to save enough to get an actual house so van life would speed that process up? Sound like a good option for people just starting out?
Living at your van compared to pay in searching 1400 a month rent for 1-bedroom to no-brainer with a van you paid know any of that which means you pay gas prices or maintain your vehicle that's nothing.. if you people are still worried about paying high bills doing van life.. then you doing it wrong you still not saving no money but you should be stable tons of money because you're not paying rent inform landlord apartments or building..
I just started putting it on paper lol
“Build a kingdom”
Do the battery and wiring correct first time you can leave it alone
Ok
Not me I want to go to the car sleep and drive . Any other time I can spend it in gym , in a library , at a movie , comfortable sofa at a bar, book store , the money you save on fuel rent a hotel room every 2 weeks. Prius V is the way to go. Your car is your generator take the back seats out and your bed will be great. Rent a storage unit and you have all the space you need. You can get a good V $8K all day long. Saw one guy selling his V has 1.2G miles almost 1¼ MILLION MILES.
The V got about the same mileage as my gen 2 Prius a hella lot more room. Go test drive it they are going to be used they quit selling new V cars in USA everyone wants SUV so now they're selling expensive RAV 4 hybrids.
@@RippSnortin if remembered correctly, the commentator already own a modest, small house that he live in/can return to. In that case Prius could be an option ;)
I have stayed in my car gen 2 prius for a couple weeks at a time, but the method I described is the life of a guy that lives out of his gen 3 prius. Bob Q prius is the guy he is on Facebook. He has stayed in his Prius gen3 for years, he uses planet fitness for shower , and McDonald's as his office
Rents a storage unit visiting people and places around that unit when he parks you can't tell he sleeps in his car , he relies on stealth and can park nearly anyplace he cares to.
I recommend you get a prius V. That car has way more space than any of the prius gen 1,2,3,or 4. Your saying prius is an error V is a totally different car.
When I did live out my far I did so as a vacation. I was a teucker that vehicle the truck came in many forms . Some had huge condo others were cramped dog house cab overs , I stayed in the cab over 2 months solid . I have more space in a Prius V than a dog house cab over .
I bought a prius V but never got to use it for living out of since the Judas whore took the car from me as soon as I bought it.
Yes I live in my $12K home for $205 base bills a month. Not including food and medical. I have a $900 year transportation expense and no im not going to live out of my car when I own a bitchless house before the only reason I had to live out a car was I had a woman be sweet to get me and turn to vinegar once she got me. This will never happen again.
If I go visit family they put me up. Not driving my current car outside the state of Louisiana but to trade it in for another car.
I have driven my gen 2 Prius from 2007-2019 it never failed me except for the batteries. 12 volt battery has been replaced about every 5 years the hybrid battery was replaced 2X .
I gave the car away because I don't drive enough to warrant owning a hybrid. So I bought a grand Marquis for less than what I paid for a hybrid battery. If you live out your hybrid you will keep the battery charged. You can pitch a tent when you live out of a prius V you can take a hammock out of your pocket and poof you have your recharge time , drive to an affordable zone rent a kitchen hotel room for the week $200 here in my town ? That's what I was paying back in the 90's for a hotel. Back then we
Didn't have CLIMATE CONTROLLED HYBRID CARS back then if they did and I would have had known (what I'm sharing) what I do now I would hav been much better off. Space is relative and can be added in many ways . Can't unring a bell or unspend a wad of cash. I have a 30fr rv in my yard im told if I'm caught sleeping in it I have to remove it from my home. $8.3K I should have spent on a Prius V.
@@GEAUXFRUGAL wow, too bad you did't get to try living out of the Prius V O.o
Thanks for your long comment of information; hope I wasn't rude towards you.
Wishing you nothing but the best, now and in the future 🚗🏕🏠🧡👍
@@rawsanna4700 All I care about is letting them who would do this know that you can get a van , enjoy the breakdowns . My prius never broke other than the battery and I could have avoided that by regular checkups they don't just go out one day.
If you leave now to your van full time you don't have to worry about gas because you're not paying high rent in high bills why do people who live simple worry about bills seriously you live in simple you don't need to worry about gas prices it's that cheap to you and me..
Sooooo many afe, is this on the HULU channel?
Is a truck and camper a realistic option ?
Hi, I'm a first time viewer. How much did u spend for the van and mileage? Is it new? Good video. From Sacramento
It's a 2017 GMC Savana. I bought it used 14 months ago. It had 13k miles on it. Paid 20k. I financed it but ended up paying it off soon after.
Proven medical fact-living in any type of vehicle shortens your lifespan.
What do you do about license, address mail etc
👍
The little carbon monoxide detectors only detect over 30ppm, but lower exposures below that can be harmful over time. Therefore the little detectors are pointless! I don't know where to find a better detector, fire departments have them. maybe someone can inform us?
Ambulance RV conversions best
where will your christmas tree go?
I think I'll buy a Christmas tree air freshener and hang it on the rear view mirror lol
Where do you get water? It must be a pain having to constantly looking for water.
I mostly get it at work. Public parks too. It's actually one of the easy parts of van life
Don’t forget the more people you get doing this will end up ruining it for everyone.
Van dwellers Google Andrew Yang. His universal basic income will be a great help too you and everyone else.
Yes I've heard about UBI for years. Actually the first person I've ever heard talk about it was Elon musk. It sure would come in handy!
@@MattyVanHalen If enough of us vote for Andrew Yang in the primary it would liberate many of us. I might even get that van I want!
I've been thinking this too! haha. I guess he has a better chance in 2024 or later.
@@MattyVanHalen😊
That’s horrible about that dog. It did sound fishy
Where do u shower and sh!t?