Living in my Work Van to save money without paying rent
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
- Hello, My name is Brad. Today i'll be showing you how I have been living in a van for over 6 years. This has allowed me to save a lot of money by not paying rent or utilities. Would you ever consider a lifestyle like this? leave a comment and let me know.
0:00 why i sold everything
1:21 A look inside
2:07 How I started
3:30 What it cost me
4:57 DIY conversion
6:14 Free Electricity
7:10 minimalism mindset
8:55 Interior details
15:14 Monthly Expenses
16:35 What about retirement?
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tip: if you're ever at a truck stop and need a shower. go to one of us truck drivers and offer to buy us a cheap drink or coffee in exchanged for a shower. beats playing 15-20 buck a shower. we have lots of showers on our cards to give out!
That’s a great tip! Thank you, I will try it out
@@nomadbrad503Be Safe "Stranger Danger" always beware! Pay the $20 bucks!
What a kind gesture
Hello Brad :)- Welcome to life of minimalism!! :)- I am a single guy who just turned 51 a few months ago. I am never married, no kids and never owned a home and I work 7 days a week and living from paycheck to paycheck and I don't buy anything. If I did not have such high rent in a trash neighborhood, I could survive on a minimal lifestyle. Kudos to you for what you do for the rest of us stuck in a rut.
minimalism is calling you!
Bro, another source of income could be you being a van conversion consultant. Your van was one of the nicest ones at the San Diego exhibition.
Thank you! I’m definitely open to that 😎
@@nomadbrad503 MrNB503 I have followed the continual upgrades to your van..
To increase your MPG
-SCT Tuner with a tube from 5 Star
-SPD Y-Pipe
-Shorty After-Market Exhaust Header
-Synthetic Fluids .. oil, transmission, rear diff, power steering
-75-80 psi front tires
-85-95 psi rear tires
At CCC Driving 61 mph on cruise control you can achieve 13-15 mpg convectively.. all with 85-87 octane gasoline
The mpg doesn't seam as impressive but the drivability of your rig will improve drastically.. the trans won't drop shift as much... Cruise control speed will hold on slight grades...
There are more improvements that can still be done to improve mpg and drivability
@@nomadbrad503 just like the rest, you wont last and go back to normal living in an apartment or something like that.
@@anamegoesherewhy so negative?
I've seen his first couple rigs and he has a natural gift. And, he is a talented designer and genuinely kind human.
BRO; YOU MAKE A WISE MOVE AND NOW YOU CAN EASILY SAID YOU LIVING THE GOOD LIFE TRAVELING WORKING AND ADVENTURE IN THE SAME TIME, GOD BLESS YOU AND GO WITH YOU EVERYWHERE YOU GO🙏
Thank you so much for the kind words 🙏🏻
Right on! My lease ends in a month ( rent is $1700 a month) and already looking at vans. Safe travels and great video!
Awesome! Hope to see you on the road
It aint the savings its the ability to create funds to retire early. not enough monies ? why? then get a better job. save invest then you are free..
Go for it!
Don't invest. That where u got robbed n in debt.
The Front/Back door configuration is essential from the standpoint of security in case of an emergency or a fire to exit from the cabin
i absolutely agree
Someone I remember, who died long ago, said, "Take your retirement as you go." He never made it to retirement age and he was not wrong. Plan for your exit, even if it's 40 years from now, and you will be a happy old man one day. You have a wonderful life now.
Good video!
great way to say it! Im definitely taking it as I go
We used to party at my friends parents retirement home on the lake.
Mom came down first and got it all ready. Cleaned and ready for retirement.
Dad came down months later ready for retirement.
He died the next day.
I was 30, now 59 and “retired” in my van in Fort Lauderdale. That story/experience FOREVER changed how I view life.
At 47 I said - THIS IS MY TIME.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed and we are only doing this thing called life once, make it count!
I am ! 🍺😃🎉🍺🎉😃😎😎😎👍🍺🍺🎉🎉😎😎😎👍👍👍👍
@@guybeingaguy thanks for sharing that story. I’m sorry to hear about your dad but this is exactly why I’m not waiting to retirement to enjoy myself.
I’m happy to hear that you are doing the same
Best I've ever seen being able to run the AC all summer is the ultimate game changer
thank you! I am loving the AC right now
Really getting clean does not have to be a shower. Caught in a van durring the pandemic I bathed every day using a Home Depo cement mixing tub and two basins. I used washcloth in a clean water basin to wet myself and rung the washcloth into a dirty water basin. I would soap down with three and one shampoo and rinse and dried two to three times. Only used about 1/2 gallon of water. No sink in my van but this worked for me.
I agree with you!
The richest person in the world is the one that needs the least to be happy.
WELL SAID
Yes, i love this!
That is so very true
I'm coach surfing but am able to shower at a local park with a aquatic center. I register for their swim classes. I usually shower there monday to Saturday and take classes for $25 bi-weekly
That’s a great idea!
When Im on the road community pools are the go to place.. Get a workout in , a hot tub , shower etc.... gold
“Couch”
I've been planning for 2 years. I'm 100 percent convinced. I have 1 year till full soc. Security of 2400 a month. Once i sell after cap tax ,etc. I'll have 600k. Ill be
starting my build this fall. I only wish i did it sooner. I'm jealous and encourged by you.
@@briansnow9942why on earth do you shell out ur personal money bio bro??? Stupid thing to do!!
Bravo Brother! keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you do.
Thanks! I appreciate you brian!
This guy is above most in thinking and living. Brilliant. A born business owner. Super van. The only thing I would do differently, being shorter, is I'd have a smaller vehicle with better mileage. But he certainly has his electrical needs down pat. To be able to run an a/c 24/7 in the summer is amazing. I truly admire this guy's abilities and thinking.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Such a good point about retirement. Awesome set up. I work 7 days a wk 2 shifts a day n can't wait to retire because if it! Your living the dream!!!❤
the dream is alive! you can live it too!
The same boat here 😂
Brad, you continue to show amazing growth in Off Grid Architecture. You have also, by example, continued to educate yourself as you enjoy the freedom of Nomad life. I can't wait to see what you do next!
thank you so much journey! im happy to see youre joining me for this ride 😊
When I heard "i shower once a week n I realise that I dont need to shower that often"😂😂😂 yall tripping
Good thing the dude lives alone and works outside. Showering once a week?
lol, im telling you...as long as your not running around getting all sweaty, you dont need a shower that often
i know its hard to believe...we dont need showers as often as society wants us to think we do
In europe scotland they dont shower as much, been ther done that.
@@peter-pg5yc Boarded a train in Paris at rush hour traffic on a Friday afternoon. Needless to say, my olfactory senses were pushed to the limits.
Great video Brad. I work in a converted warehouse (to office space) and there are no windows in the room where I work. It's soul crushing.
That is indeed soul crushing! You gotta get out of there John!
Humans aren’t meant to be locked up in windowless boxes wasting precious time making someone else money at their own expense. Run!
@@shaggyterrell8460 agreed!
Set up a 32" or larger LCD with a Chromecast or Fire TV stick. Then control it with an old phone and a hiking/camping, nature view, fish tank etc playlist.
It'll make a HUGE difference to your mental health.
@@edwardfletcher7790 -- Or just get out there in the real world and actually see and do those things! At least 100 times better!
You could definitely do what Chuck Cassidy does for schoolies but for box trucks. He has a pay by the hour kind of deal over the phone I think. Helping people get their layout or help them with troubleshooting solar systems
I would love to do that!
The retirement quote is so accurate. We only look forward to retirement when we don’t look forward to our everyday
absolutely! im glad you understand
One of the most well thought out and well executed van conversions I've seen. Bookmarked for future reference. Great job, thanks for the video!
thank you so much for the kind words !
Excellent video after over forty years as a mechanic I cannot wait to get out of that increasingly noisy smelly garage and see the sites in this continent
I can’t wait for you to get out!
By then youre body is not as able..i traveled in my 30s to 40s. expat 2 xs, million air miles. glad i did it then, young able and it was fun.
I worked in my 20's 30's 40's Now my knees are shot. Hard to stay healthy. Your point is taken. I think sometimes I did it backwards
What a fantastic video! ❤
Thank you Nichole! I hope you’re enjoying Washington 😊
This is a brilliant idea and it is like a little apartment if the neighbors bother you move away, very nice.
thats exactly the point 😎
Well said brother! As usual great informative video! Some day I'm gonna jump into box truck life for sure! And you are my go to for ideas on setting up my box platform! You are a true professional sir! Thanks very much Mr. Nomad! 👍
I appreciate that! I look forward to seeing you on the road 😁
I did a kitchen remodel last year & put in the same sink. I love it!
It’s been a great sink!
That van is one of the nicest I've ever seen, well done.
Thank you so much! That means a lot. This was hard work 😅
I learned a few things on this video and I like how your outlook in life is. More power to you.
glad you learned something 😊
Brad, this video is the most informative one I've seen on van life and how to make things work successfully. I appreciate you sharing your experience. 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Hey Brad, just found your channel and enjoyed seeing your unit. Love the sleek minimalist look in side. We retired at 50 debt free and love that we can still venture out through the year (coming 70). I still have a couple online businesses so it doesn’t matter where we are. Life is too short to be stressed or in debt. Congratulations on choosing your lifestyle. Cheers
Thank you so much! Congratulations on landing some location independent income 😊
This video is personal confirmation for my Van Life Journey and Experience. Your video and presentation from start to finish is encouraging and the best I have seen yet. Thank you for posting truth and being evidence for “society” to see that Van Life the best way to live abundantly! I’ll see you on the road.
im so happy to hear this! I hope to se you on the road soon
Yeeeeesssssss I 100% agree with your thoughts on retirement. Beautiful home you have built, it is exactly what I am looking to buy and build, it will make remote work so much easier! Thank you for sharing! 😁
it's perfect for remote work!
Excellent video. It covered a lot and made van life make more sense. Good job.
Glad it was helpful!
Enjoyed this. Love your life attitude.
Thank you! I appreciate that
You’re my dream man!! So organized…..and cute! Love your home!!
Thanks so much!!
Awesome van setup! Thanks for sharing!
thank you for being here !
You’re doing it right my friend. Running your own business solo is the biggest key to your freedom. Van build is well thought out, clean and minimalistic as well. The mini split is a game changer. Much to be proud of here.
Thank you! I’m very proud of my accomplishments 😎
Great truck. Great job. Great life. Living the dream!
Thank you!
You've done good Brad, real good.
thanks! I appreciate you 😎
Thank Your Brad for sharing your incredible life with us. Great ideas and a great build.
Hey Walt! thank you for the kind words. I hope you're enjoying the international travel
Wow Brad, great channel! I have a feeling you're gonna light the fire (so to speak) beneath others living similar lifestyles ie "happy houses/fancy cars/major debt/stuck" to make the change(s) they've been fantasizing about for far too long! Safe travels, Pam
thank you! I sure hope I can
Best regards from Indonesia
Retirement isn't just about getting to the finish line. I can tell you, once you get older, you want a peaceful and comfortable place. You're a young man, but when you hit 60+, you may change your mind about living on the road. Believe me, physically, it gets harder and harder, just bending over and getting on your knees on the ground isn't easy.
I hear ya, my dad is 76, still travels in a 40' Class C RV. hoping to follow his path
You don't have to travel. Live in the van in the city.
I’m 66 my wife is 70 we’re in a Promaster in Colombia with our dog touring South America. We aren’t athletes either; trust me. We have union pensions and social security and are doing fine.
It's nice to hear your story. I do love how well you designed your truck. It's pretty. ❤
Thank you so much!😊
This video has real depth, and is quite insightful on so many levels. I am so glad I watched it.
Thank you so much for watching 😎
Looking forward to following Brad wherever he goes.
I appreciate that 😎
Best regards from Indonesia
I watch your videos because you are easy to understand and the build is awesome,I would love to build a 17’ x u haul!
thanks donald! I appreciate you bring here 😄
Just be sure to save for old age. Although some people can continue to work well into their 70s and 80s, a lot of people get to a point where they can no longer work. It could be for failing physical or mental health, or lower energy, or diminished memory, or diminished ability to keep up with new tech and developments. I just retired at the age of 68 because I was starting to struggle to do things that I had been able to do before. You will NEVER regret saving money for old age.
old age comes for all of us!
I beg to differ. I retired at 62 and took the 25% hit because I knew that still being young enough to hike and ride my mountain bike would mean f-a-r more to me longer term than that bit of extra money ever would. Here we are -- 8-1/2 years later -- with absolutely no regrets! The most common lament we hear out here in the real world is, "Why didn't we do this 5 or even 10 years ago?" You need *some* money for fuel and food and repairs but beyond that? Being FREE will sustain you f-a-r longer and in greater health than any amount of the lean green mean ever will.
@@user-pp2ze4yq3m my thoughts exactly!
G’day from Australia Brad, very admirable how you’ve combined your profession into your home, that is quite something. Keep on living a good life mate
Thank you so much! I’m loving the home/work setup
Your house was an investment that grows in value year after year, especially if you weren't there much
I hear ya!
NO BATHROOM!!!
NEVER!
Love your sharing bro, subscribed immediately. Looking forward to your next video.
thank you, I really appreciate that 💪🏼
This is a beautiful built. You are mechanically inclined and a natural as an internet personality. If ever I realize my dream of van life, I know who to call for my solar!!
Thank you very much! I hope to see you on the road 😊
I love how organized you are .. well done
Thank you! 😊
Fantastic video. Super zen. Love and agree with your philosophy on life.
Thank you kindly!
It’s a great layout and design it allows you to travel your career allows you to work anywhere your knowledge of solar technology compliments your lifestyle well done friend
Very true!
Those Mini-split heat pumps are a must. Cool video.
Thanks! I agree, I love the mini split. It’s so quiet compared to the other options
You have an excellent perspective of your van life, and your mindset on retirement. Kudos enjoying life.
Thank you Mo!
Amazing space and extraordinary philosophy! Thank you for sharing, very inspirational.
Thank you so much!
Thanks Brad, you have helped me to get closer to RV life ! I have been studying thr RV life since this winter. I retired ( accident 2007) and been living on SSD. It works good for me. I have been doing auto paint and body work for 47 yrs now. With my experience and alot of TH-cam episodes, it is going to make it real.Hope to see you on the trail some day !!
im happy to hear that youre figuring it out 😎
I love watching your videos. I'm really happy for you that you found your niche😊
Thank You!! i appreciate having you here 😊
This video is so inspirational! I love it! Thank you.
Im so happy to hear that :)
Brad, great informative video. As a guy in his 70s who prepares 150 tax returns a year, my suggestion is to buy a rental house in a locale you enjoy. Rent will mostly cover mortgage payments and you will own it outright in 30 years. In the meantime, it offers flexibility for marriage, family, handicapping injury, etc.
thats great advice and something i am planning on doing
Your concept of retirement is awesome! Very cool
Thank You!! i appreciate having you here 😊
Great video. Love the build. Thanks for sharing😊
Thanks for watching!
Best regards from Indonesia
I really enjoyed your video. With heating/cooling/electrical skills, you are set for success!
I believe so too!
I've done it for over 25 years. Wouldn't have it any other way. Even when I was working at Judge Judy and MADtv I lived in my 4Runner, working nights and surfing every day.
wow, you have been at it for a long time! im happy to hear you loved it so much
Great video and chat. Stay safe and TFS.
Thank you so much 😎
Best regards from Indonesia
Finally, someone shows a pass thru. I am 64 and taking care of my 95 year old Mom. When her time is up I would like to hit the road for awhile. My main concern as a woman is safety and having a pass thru is number one for me. Let be your idea on retirement also.
I look forward to seeing you on the road!
Brad, good luck to you. I think you are spot on. I have always lived below my needs. My wife & I have a modest home, watch our utility bills, house paid for, drive older vehicles which are paid for, and are happy enjoying our home and beautiful garden. We don’t need the BMW and save money going out to breakfast rather than a dinner house. I don’t need to impress people with fancy formal wear, the jeans, and wall mart or Costco clothing is fine with me. The wife is finally staying out of the shopping malls. I only buy things as needed. We are starting to unclutter the house and amazes me how many shirts or shoes I never use. We donate our older shoes and the unused clothing is donated to veterans. You get a tax deduction and feel good helping our veterans. We are saving our money and try to get a good return which is insured by FTIC. We are empty nesters and the son is on his own. If our grand daughter turns out to be a good student, we hope we can assist in her education. If she turns out to be a poor student, we are not wasting the money. We will see. We dislike the freebies and like to take care of ourselves. I like people who take charge, and earn their keep as opposed to entitlement and welfare care. Yes, it’s needed for some but wasn’t meant for long term for most people. So, my best and wish you much happiness. I was on a treadmill for many years. I remember going to work 9-5pm, college classes from 7-9pm , with both of us working. It was hard but I loved my work but the social life was void. Semi retired commercial realtor here, wife retired from Pacific Bell. Early to bed, church on Sundays , and very few vacations. With 50 years together so far. High school sweet hearts. LOL.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m happy to hear that you have figured out the secret to a fulfilling life 😎
Great video! Very knowledgeable.
Glad it was helpful!
Great summary at the end. Also love your 2 points: only going home to your house in the evenings to sleep; and not buying "stuff" as part of your daily life experience.
absolutely! it's a totally different state of mind
The inside design is perfect……good taste,bravo!
Thank you very much! I put a lot of time into it 😎
Love your van! The door between the cab and living space is an awesome idea. I think a shower would be a good idea as I shower daily. Beautiful setup otherwise!!!
thank you!
you seem to have it figured out. Good job!
haha I sure hope so
i love your working space. awesome!!
thank you! I love it too!
Impressive! I’ve been car camping since November 5, 2020 almost 4 years now. I rent my old house out and am completely retired with a military pension and free medical and dental care in every state as a veteran. I do this as my bucket list while I’m still young enough to do this. Your story is amazing and I hope it inspires others to live out on the road and really enjoy their lives more fully. 👍🇺🇸
thank you so much! im happy to hear that you are on a similar path 🙏🏻
Love your videos and what you represent - intentional living
thank you! I appreciate that
Excellent explanation of why someone should get into Van - Life and maybe also why not! Very down to earth & realistic about retirement! Thank you! I never use the term "inspiration" ... but now I am "inspired" to think about Van-Life/Boat-Life in the immediate future! Thank you for the "inspiration"! All the best! Oliver
Yes! Whatever way you want to find your freedom. Just get out there!
I'm really enjoyed learning about your "why" and your setup. As I prepare for grad school, I'm contemplating the idea of living out of my SUV. I already have a few essentials from my previous camping trips, but I still need to iron out some logistics.
Thanks for following along !
Very good video, I appreciate you!
thank you!
I think you have it worked out pretty good , good luck.
I appreciate that. It’s been great so far 😊
New sub, great van, and content. I’ll be following along!
Thank you Shannon! I’m glad you’re here
Due to family responsibilities, van life was not an option for me but I came of age in a time when buying a home didn't cost an arm and a leg. Kudos to you for living your dream.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Beautifully done. I like your lifestyle.
Thank you! 😊
Bravo! Excellent video that covered so many bases of van life. Thanks for sharing your philosophy! Fantastic rig you built. I only seem to hear complaints about reliability from vehicles purchased from a dealer. All the self-builds seem to hold up OK.
Glad you liked it!
NIce work on the van, looks great. 👍
thank you !
One of the best vanlife vids i ever watched.
thank you, I really appreciate that 😎
Beautiful and well spoken video
Thanks, I appreciate that 😊
Best regards from Indonesia
🙋🏽♀️Brad this was a great informative video 🔥🫶🏽✌🏽
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it
You should be very proud of yourself. Amazing job. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
thank you so much! i am very proud if how far i have come 😎
Very inspiring. I hope to hire you when I finally get that RV I've been dreaming about for years.
I would love to help!
Brad, Nice video! thanks for sharing. This is my dream to follow! and many of the viewers as well. cant wait to see you build the new truck in the future :D *Wink Wink*
haha it might happen
Just bought an 82' E350 getting ready to convert it, your build is the best I have seen for my needs! I plan to replicate you and appreciate your content greatly.
I’m so happy to hear this! I’m sending you good vibes for the build 😎
Good vibes received!
Is there a more budget friendly inverter you recommend for a 1200w max system? Not planning on using shore power.
Wow Brad, great video, love are nomad freedom, hopefully you can make it to northwest nomads this sept,Oct in lapine oregon area
I hope so too!
I also live in a van, I got rid of the kitchen sinks, gray water and black water tanks.
Now I use unscented baby wipes to clean all my dishes or you can use scented baby wipes for more flavor. lol.
No water tanks to fill up or empty.
Throwing out the kitchen sinks gave me so much more room for other things.
And less weight because I am not carrying around a hundred gallons of water.
What a difference, saves so much time.
I have been doing it this way for eight years and I love the van life.
Sounds like a good plan
This is an eye opener for me honestly❤
Im happy to hear that !
Really nice build!
Thank You!!
Nice one bro! I envy you 😅 keep it up and RS! from the Phils. 🇵🇭🙏🤙
Thank you! How are you liking phi?
I need the same van, this will help my life a lot!
yes you do!
so that month in austin you probably drove less than 1000 miles total based on reg unl @ 3.50/gal.
great strategy you came up with to make vanlife work.
this video kept popping up so i finally watched it... subbed.
great thing about texas is their cheap gas. it was actually under $2/ gal for a while. I didnt need to drive much in austin the river, stores, park, gym were all fairly close
Good for you. It's the best.
Thank you!