Best Minivan Camper I’ve Seen for Full-Time Van Life 

A fellow Louisvillian?!?! Sounds like an incredible trip! Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, but I bet he would be so, so glad to know you’re doing amazing things! Best of luck on your next trip! 🍻

Thats awesome and what a victory for you and not accepting to sit around and watch tv and wait to pass away...go girl go woooo

I want to go across Canada but am afraid to travel alone. I’m a young senior.

@@Dustandfuzz put it out there on all the van lifers. I'm sure you can get at least one, is all you need, really. go for it.

Laura, I'm 73 and haven't started yet so you are such an inspiration. WOW!

So true! Thank you for your kind words!

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Boy howdy. Perspective is Everything.

I started vanlife 4 years ago out of necessity, but it wasn't long before I knew I'd never go back to "conventional" life. It's not for everyone, but I love it. Being able to have my kitties and my necessities with me much of the time is calming in this big world.

Yes getting ready to go: First thing I'm saving for is if I don't like it I can get an apartment & breakdowns

What works for you is great. Don't bunch everyone into your thinking.everyone that is a lot of people!!!

Sending you good vibes for a wonderful adventure Darlene. A key, is to take your time and never rush. The slower one goes, the more they get done👍 You're awesome🙏

Oh that's so cool! Nice to virtually meet you! Best of luck on your journey!

The most Loving Answer, is Always the Best Choice🌸 Love, and thankfulness, promotes the Blessings and Miracles to Flow🌻 For the Flow to be Steady, Focus on Love and thankfulness💥

Was trying to go to RTR but can't make it this time. Hoping to find a female friend to travel with

Look up the Alyssa Vanilla channel. She's been staying in Quartzsite.

Thank god for angels..mine is over worked and under paid....

@@mustangandfrankenstein Lol. But I think you're angel is very happy to watch over you! It's a scary world we live in now however. If there had been a cop there and I told him that man had come into the ladies' restroom, the cop would just shrug his shoulders, as it's LEGAL nowadays! The world has gone MAD!

VERY TRUE it was a angel. PRAISE JESUS.

Sounded like Michael, the warrior and protector.

Was definitely an Angel 😇 🙏💛

Agreed .But it's hard not to gather things in your travels ..i just did a purge yesterday and am going to do another one tomorrow .and ultimately rebuild my bed so i can have under the bed storage for my clothes which im not minimal at all about love clirhes but ill hide them under ny bed .vanlife for life wooooo

I think we can do whatever. I don't think there is a way. Do u!

@@RiaSwiftHealing hell ya yeah.we can do anything..im putting a bath tub and a shower in the back of my 06 caravan where the stow and go seats went . gonna be badass and plenty of room .its going to look amazing and nothing else like it .. aka VANKENSTEIN..thats one of a 100 beautiful things iv got locked away in my cold storage..? My brain ..stay tuned lol.wooooooo its alive lol

There's no right and wrong way to do van life.

Yep, I agree with everyone. Van life is ever evolving.

She’s definitely an inspiration. Her plan for the AT this year is a big one. It’ll be nice to see.

Thank YOU, Marshall! If I hadn’t met you, the build would have turned out completely different!

Sorry but this is NOT SAFE for ANYONE in the world that we live in NOW. Even for a MAN it's not the best idea but for a WOMAN ALONE...NOOOO....👎

​@@jenleigh342You are welcome to live in fear and stay inside all day.

That's awesome! Sounds like you found a great fit for you!

It would be so nice to see how you built it

That's so nice of you to say! That really made my evening! 💚

She is a gem !

I had plenty of help with the build! I designed it, but couldn't have done it without those that helped me, their tools, and their knowledge!

Thanks so much! 🥰

like the cubby hole storage.. great idea!

Awesome! She offered me a beer after filming, but we both decided not to drink because we both had to head out. Honestly, I wish we had more time together. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

😄

Thank you!

Hi! Thanks for stopping in, and please don’t forget to check out Maddie’s channel.

Thanks! ☺️

I'm very bad with electricity, but I'll keep in mind DC = good! I've looked up "electricity for dummies" so many times but it never seems to stick!

With a POWER STATION, it has a tool called a POWER INVERTER, which converts DIRECT CURRENTS (called DC) which comes directly from sources like the sun, like your cars alternator, and like your cars battery, or any battery, these are DIRECT CURRENTS of electricity. Houses, hooked up to city electric, have already been CONVERTED at the electric plant with whats called a POWER INVERTER. Your battery, is DC...or also called DIRECT CURRENT. If you use a DC appliance, such as a fan, or a heating pad, that is set up for DC, you can just plug it in to your power station, and the power station does not have to CONVERT the batteries type of electric current as both are DC... DIRECT CURRENT. When you have an appliance that is AC (ALTERED CURRENT), the batteries current of electricity, needs to be changed. An INVERTER is used. However, this INVERTER, takes the batteries electricity, in order to change that current. Therefore, your battery will not last as long due to this tool called an INVERTER being used to change that DC, to AC. That INVERTER, is using your batteries electricity to convert DC, to your AC appliance. So..... if you simply use a DC appliance (fan, heating pad, etc.) that is the same electric set up as ypur battery, DC, then, your battery will last way longer because no INVERTER needs to be used. INVERTERS change the style of electricity from DIRECT CURRENT, DC, to ALTERED CURRENT, AC, which is the style of electricity in your home, that the ELECTRICITY COMPANY does for you, with their own INVERTERS...so you can use AC plugs. Vanlifers, and solar sources, either use DC appliances, or, they buy POWER INVERTERS to alter the cutrent because AC appliances are much much more common for houses use. Vanlifers, like DC appliancrs, yet they are not as common, and they can be mote expensive because they are not as mass produced. Re-read this a couple times if you want. You might connect about AC, DC, and why vanlife'rs like DC. Simple answer: because to convert from DC, to AC, the battery uses up it's battery charge, to use a POWER INVERTER...to convert DC, to AC... therefore their precious battery power is less due to using an INVERTER to be able to use an AC appliance. DC to DC, no INVERTER! Longer battery use.

@forestsky9649 Thank you so much for this explanation.

I would not use a heating blanket for heat too much radiation from the electricity. There was a warning out years ago with water bed heaters also the electric blanket uses the same heating element. Good blankets or feather tic blankets can keep you warm with just body heat. Run the vans heater for a few minutes then shut it down and repeat. I don't recommend using a buddy heater because of oxygen depletion. 73

@ronb6182 I definitely agree about electric blankets. I use layers of blankets and body heat as well. And I don't use a Buddy Heater either. When I drive to where I'm staying, the van is toasty, and I get under the blankets and do what I call "tunnel breathing" with the blankets near my head rolled in a way that creates a tunnel effect for breathing. Though, for several years now, my vanlife has been more "urban vanlife style" as I'm not way up high in the Rockies for the winters any more. Yet... I have to say... I miss being in the real nature. I LOVED being deep in nature in the winter. I just don't want to deal with that frigid cold any more though. Your reply was intelligent👍

Aww thank you! Glad you're coming hiking with us too! I was worried some of viewers that are more interested in van life may leave us, so that's nice to hear!

Thanks so much!

First, condolences your your loss. I can’t imagine how difficult this loss must be for you. As far as fitness goes, you can exert yourself as much or as little as you prefer. If climate is an issue, search for places with milder weather and avoid the extremes. Prioritize comfort as you start, and take small trips to acclimate. Start in your driveway as a safe place to test out your setup. Less is more.

@@OffGridAdventure Thanks! I forgot to mention that I live in Florida (ugh) and the one thing I’m not sure how to do is stay cool in my car when I have to close it up at night. Is there such a thing as a portable AC that can be used without running the car? I don’t have anyone with tools or electrical knowledge to help me. Do you have a good resource for add-ons that will work with my car systems? Thanks for your reply and any help.

@@peggytoussantjumpstartstri2 hi, I’ve tried every portable AC out there, and they all have limited capabilities, particularly if you don’t have shore power. Resting in your vehicle during the daytime will be unbearable, and it can still feel hot at night. I use a little USB fan that keeps me comfortable below 80F at night. The portable AC units also have a lot of hoses and drain water. Check out my recent video about EcoFlow Wave2: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lFGfh2a0uuY.html

I'm 65 and in Florida. It's NOT easy. It's expensive. It's HOT. Battery operated fans help at night. Finding shade during the day isn't easy. I don't do this by choice. I'm on disability and just can't afford housing anymore. It sucks! I'd rather travel by plane with a hotel room and a HOT Shower!!! I'm not trying to kill your dream. I'm telling you the reality. There's more to worry about than the guy at the rest area. Bear spray is fine. Pack a gun! ~ M

Thank you for being along with me for so long! 💚

Yay! Thank you 🎉

Haha thank you!

Thanks!!

Thank you so much!! 😀

Thank you!

Yeah, definitely! It was really cool because when I started, I wasn't expecting any help, but luckily help came along!

Thanks so much!! 🎉

Sounds like an awesome plan! Best of luck!

Thank you! 😊😊😊

Definitely! I think it was just folks that like to think their way of doing things is the only right way that were saying that!

Her build is one of the most innovative I’ve seen.

Thanks, John!

Thanks!!

Thank you! You stay safe, too!