How to Turn a Van into a Comfortable Home for $365 | No-Build Van Life 

I was in my early 60's. I couldn't find an affordable apartment to live in and ended up "homeless" for awhile. I was still working, but didn't have enough money to secure an affordable apt. I used many tips from Bob's Site to sleep in my 2016 Pacifica. I was as snug as a bug in a rug in the middle of NE Ohio winter. I slept in shopping centers and hospital parking lots. Thank you , Bob for survival skills.

My friend Bob You are truly a gift and I thank you for helping to save my Life almost 4 years ago. I was trapped in an abusive marriage and didn't know how to leave and get out of it, until I discovered your channel. You taught me how to convert my SUV into a micro home and start a new life... The past 4 years have been the best years of my life and it's all because of you. I really like these videos because it reminds me of how I got started and I pray that others are watching this video and finding their new Hope too! I Love my SUV Life and I love you, Brother. Your Kindness and Love for your fellow brothers and sisters is overwhelming and I wish there were more people like you... Again, thank you so much! Stay safe and be Blessed

RU-vid comments ... seems like a lot of people are struggling. Bless you all.

As a truck driver i use the 5 gallon bucket for both. Take your bucket and line it with biodegradable toilet bags and kitty litter. When you urinate in the bucket it will become solid and will not smell. This will be more sanitary and keep you from pouring 🫗 out liquid. Also get the lid for the bucket 🪣 just help with smell until you dump bag.

You did NOT mention laundry - easy - get a large water tight container - fill it with water add washing and washing powder - close it - and as you drive the washing gets done - next day rinse with water - and hang out to dry - I have done that a lot = works fine

Thank you SOOOOO MUCH. I’M about to become homeless and I’m terrified. I have a Nissan SUV and you have shown me that I can live with dignity in my car. If you can do it in Alaska I can do it in North Carolina.

I’m so saddened from all the comments about people losing their home! I wish you guys the best , and remember life is a ride sometimes your up and sometimes your down but remember when your down that it’s just temporary don’t stop believing in yourself because sooner then later you’ll be up again! Trust me , I know from drug problems to homelessness and surviving a suicide attempt, I know what I’m talking about.

Not even sure why I clicked on this video. Don't care about any of this stuff and don't plan on living out of a vehicle. But, I'm glad I watched it. I was briefly homeless several years ago and did live out of a van. If I had known these basics I could have been comfortable during that time. I also can't know that that situation will never happen again. Most people should probably watch this video at some point.

A bad experience I had was mold. Condensation formed on the inside of the van on the bare metal some of my things wet. Before I knew it mold had formed and I got very sick for a week. My solution was to use reflective styrofoam insulation as a moisture barrier. It actually helped to moderate the temperature swings inside the van too. Anyway, watch out for condensation. It's not an obvious problem but it can kill you if you have respiratory issues.

Van life doesn't have to be complex with solar and LEDs. It just needs to be a place you find comfortable and provide shelter from the elements

Its one thing to move into a van for the adventure, its another when you do for survival. Respects to you ❤🙏❤️

A few years back we lost our place and had to live in our car. Thank God we had a generator. Our back seat was our bedroom and the front seats were our living room. We kept most of our furniture in a storage unit. We kept our clothes in gym bags. We used our generator as our kitchen countertop and used a hot plate and buddy burner to cook with. Home is what you make it and it is definitely where the heart is.

One benefit of the tubs under the bed is blocking the cold air. If you have any bubble wrap left over, I'd put a layer under the blanket too.

I did this for 2 weeks before jumping into van life. It is a great test and I am glad you made this video and the last one. It is a great option

Great video. Im a retired expat living in Thailand six years. Everything great here- people nice, warm weather, low rents and gost of living, travel inexpensive, things to do... Love it here, would never go back to the US. An option for a low cost retirement. Stay safe!!

You can also purchase a power station (yes, expensive, but life changing) to power all you stuff: television, phone charger, refrigerator, cooking burners, heater, etcetera.

Here's a tip for anyone who has a metal door in their cargo van, buy a nylon shoe organizer that is meant to hang on a closet door and cut the bottom row off and you'll have 16 decent size compartments to store stuff, 32 if you use both sides of the door.

A while back I flew out to Vegas and rented a mini-van for a week and drove over a 1000 miles hitting several national and state parks. PreVid this was about $170 for the week rental with unlimited miles. I had a max size duffle stuffed with a tent, sleeping bag, pocket stove, air mattress, bug screen, and toiletries. I picked up a 5 gal bucket, gas for the pocket stove, some food stuffs, and a couple 40 packs of costco water. It was an amazing time. How I miss cheap rentals.

One thing I never see people do is something I figured out a while back. Get a pump sprayer like the ones in gardening sections of Walmart and use that for having running water. You can even put hot water in it. Also, for cold nights get a hot water bladder. Fill it up with warmed water and you have a nice extra long lasting heat to get your sleeping bag warmed.

I actually lived in a U-Haul van identical to this one for about a month. Two years ago I was about to make a 1,200 mile move and had to be out of my old place a few weeks beforehand. Because it was so temporary I just lived out of my suitcase and got a twin air mattress and a five gallon potty bucket. I actually used kitty litter in it and scooped as I popped 😂 It worked! I stayed in a few local parking lots where overnights were OK. I was able to shower at a friend's house a few times a week. The $20 a day was a Hell of a lot cheaper than a 4 week hotel stay!

I've been watching your videos for years, Bob. This is one of my favorites. It was clear and concise. The way you broke it down by function/room really clicked for me. Thank you!

I have ran into some people lately who become homeless and are homeless, I gear them your way to learn how to live comfortably in a vehicle. I am grateful that you have the best platform to do teach this. I myself live in a 22' trailer off the grid and I've learned a lot from you. Thank you!

Renting a uhaul as an RV never would have occured to me. It's brilliant and this is one of very few videos I put in that category. Well played, sir.

When it comes to Thrift Stores I've learned it's best to go to the ones that are in the Richest communities you have access to. People of a higher income then me tend to donate better quality, lightly used items. Their Thrift Stores don't really price things higher then other Thrift Stores so well worth checking out. I like the simplicity of this temporary build. Made my Limo/Shuttle Bus conversion interior to be modular free standing items that can be locked into place using the floor and wall strut channels that once held the bus seats in place. This allows me to move items, redesign the interior, quickly and easily as my wants and needs change. Can also quickly pull the modular items out to use the bus as a big empty truck, for hauling whatever can fit through it's doors. And if, heaven forbid, I ever need to replace the bus. All my interior components can easily be moved to a new rig, getting me back on the road with minimal time and cash required.

Maybe a silly idea but - for someone in Anchorage (considering the distance from the lower 48 and such), maybe pick up a lot of this gear and offer to rent it out as a temporary vandweller kit to folks flying up and renting an empty van. Visitors wouldn't then be trying to figure out what to do with all the gear they got when it's time to go home.

A great suggestion for short term budget living, well done!! An awkward suggestion here to improve on your men's pee catch / holder. Every laundry mat has a trashcan full of empty downy type fabric softener containers. Find a large container and hold the open empty container under HOT water for a few seconds and the inside funnel thingy will pop right out! The screw on top will seal perfectly should the container fall or dump over and is very easy to rinse or clean with soap or disinfectant and looks innocently like a fabric container and there is no lingering odor! I have used these for years in tent camping and when a restroom is far removed, when in a public place. S. Carolina

I am a tent camper and this is one of the best camping videos I've seen all year

I could watch you talk about stuff like this all day. You are the Bob Ross of Outdoor Living. Every time you talk you paint a picture. 👍🏽

You can get a multi pack of magnets and a few $5 moving blankets and put them on the walls and ceiling and even floor to stay much warmer in the winter. A roll of painters masking tape is useful for so many things, and cheap. I highly recommend it.

I LOVE this video. Less $ than 4 days in a motel! So practical and simple. Bob Wells is a treasure!

I've watched this video at least 3 times already because the information is so valuable! Hi by and I have been talking about vanlife for YEARS and I'm ready to GO. But he's not. So I told him I know what I want for my birthday this year: I want to rent a cargo van and outfit it similar to this and test it out for a few days. He's watched this video with me, and thought you presented great ideas, Bob. But when I told him I actually want to DO this, he looked at me askance. 🙄 Too bad! One way or another, by the end of this year, I am going to be realizing my dream of Vanlife. Even if I have to do it part-time and on my own!

They sat all it takes is money to get started. I have the ambition and desire to become a nomad. In fact, it was always my retirement dream but I was forced into an early retirement and havent been able to save more than a few thousand dollars. Every time I watch these videos, I get more and more discouraged. I like to wish all the nomads out there the very best of luck and please stay safe. Id also like to thank Bob for all the wonderful videos and would appreciate any advice Bob or anyone else can offer. God Bless, Mike

This may be one of the most important videos you've ever done in my opinion.

Very inspiring. A person in a bad situation can live reasonably comfortable and with dignity on a tight budget once they get a van or a pickup with a canopy. Very doable. Thank you, good sir.

Thanks Bob ! This makes it look really easy for even me , an 81year young woman recovering still from old injuries & lately more bruises cuz of falls ( tripped over a big tree root just few days ago !! It is hidden in the dirt & weeds growing !! I could be toasty with my big down comforter !! A small van is all i would want or need !

SNL... Chris Farley..." I live in a van down by the river"... literally can be done. This is so cool.

This is very good advice for someone who doesn't have the money, tools, or resources to actually do a van "build." I've actually did my own build-out, but I was staying at a friend's 40 acres farm who had an actual mechanic's "dream" garage with any tool for my use. He even helped me with welding a solar rooftop rack as well as mechanical work such as all new brake components of my older model van. Once I had a bed of some sort in the van, I actually began sleeping in the van while still building it out to get used to sleeping in it before hitting the road full-time in this van. It allowed me to see what I actually needed in the van and what I could do without since I had to downsize... again. I think it's a great idea to "live" in your van at a friend's or relative's home or property BEFORE going full-time time on the road... it helped prepare me for my adventures yet ahead of me.

One trick for organizing totes is to get cheap pillow cases from thrift stores. I started doing this as a way to sort bundles of audio cords for my sound equiment, and it makes it so much easier to get what you need faster. I found a bunch at a Goodwill for a dollor or less.

I had a house fire at 14. Had never moved and the town brought in a wrecker for what was left of the place. It taught me to not be attached to things. Camp life, van living, and bus living all speak to me. So my family camps and has go bags just in case. Every child has their own. These tips show how to be dignified while living differently.

I love your energy. I bought a 40ft bus a year ago but unfortunately it’s been kinda just sittin there because I don’t have the money to start doing the reno. This inspired me to start with the basics and get on the road ❤️

Hi Bob your video helped me get started with little to nothing. As a newbie to the van life I really appreciate knowing a cheaper way to live in a van. Everything is so expensive, but this is affordable for me. I'm smiling inside and out with relief. Keep safe always ❤ Thank You.

After at least 25 years of living in vans, the only advice I can really give is that the simpler the better. You just don't need a bunch of extra crap. Just something comfortable to lay on and a way to keep your important things out of your way. Some emergency supplies for day-to-day Unexpected things come in handy too. You can add things like stoves and coolers, mini potties, curtains, all sorts of stuff of course but its not necessary. Part of the beauty of the lifestyle is that it forces you to get out and about. If I'm going to live somewhere and spend a lot of time inside, why would I want to be in an 8x5x5 space? An unbreakable water jug and a wide mouth chamber pot jug are the first two things I would grab besides a mattress of some sort. Foam being preferable because of its light, weight and flexibility. You'll have enough free time to source whatever else you'll need as needs arise

I'm in Texas where heat is an issue for sleeping. A friend of mine started with a full sized van and built two cots out of flat aluminum to cover the wheel wells. To cover the open windows at night he used plastic window screen, cut oversized, with magnets sewn in around the edges. For rain protection (when the windows were open) he used 7' long poles with a short spike on the top along with a tarp. He installed new grommets for the spikes to stick through and held the 4 corners tight with marine grade bungee cord staked to the ground up to the spikes. The tarp covered the top and dropped down the sides forming a personal car port. The places we camped always had facilities, so we didn't really need a kitchen, living room, or bathroom.

Bob, This has to be the coolest video ever! I watch all of yours,but this was so basic and shows anyone can do it! Thank you so much! You are brilliant and kind. I have just lost my husband of 46 years to a massive heart attack. Now I find myself alone and having to leave the Parsonage home. I will be living on the road. Thank you Bob! Blessings

For temporary arrangements like this you can put a run of the bubble wrap along the wall beside your bed to keep the cold from the metal radiating against you when you sleep. Also look in regular stores damage clearance sections for goodies, too. I recently picked up a $49 copper type frying pan for $5 because it had a dented rim. It would have worked just fine with the dent but I hit it with a piece of firewood and it came right out.

Super helpful for me. Getting ready to buy a van but tackling the conversion seems a bit overwhelming. This way I could start living in it and look for some help with the conversion. I am a 'little, old lady' and NOT very handy lol! Thanks for the inspiration :)

No glitz and glamour. Just straight necessities. Genius!

Thank you Bob. Another great & informative video. Showing us in this economy how we can survive and be ok. My current rent for a 2 bedroom apt is $1727 m and this is what I'm seriously considering after my lease ends. Doing my research and watching your videos and skills are helping me to prepare. Keep them coming and take care out there.

For a year I’ve been trying to figure out how to visit Alaskan National Parks, and I couldn’t figure it out the logistics until this video! Wow. Thank you Bob. 😊

Good video! If I may add: trash can with extra bags (could be another 5 gallon bucket with lid), a 5 gallon bucket with lid can also be used to wash clothes, and another 5 gallon bucket with lid for your toilet with a full trash bag of sawdust (or cat litter) to sprinkle on top of your bodily wastes as it keeps the smell down! Removable roof-top solar panels with solar battery for any electronics. Use large totes instead of plastic drawers which are not very mouse proof (voice of experience, unfortunately) and if you don't use anything that needs refrigeration you can store everything in these totes! A cot side organizer is very helpful for use like a bed-side table for glasses, flashlight, nighttime drink, pee bottle (don't mix them up), etc. A over-sized thick rug will make the interior much cozier. IHMO sleeping bags with removable liners are warmer and easily adjustable for temperature and an inflatable sleeping pad is lighter weight for the insulation value. Make sure you have lids for those pots and pans. I would use the bottom drawer of the metal file cabinet for the propane and/or butane stove because it's at the back of the van where a pan fire could just be thrown out, you can cook from the inside or outside, you'll get better ventilation for the fire and just shutting the drawer will have stove (and maybe pots and pans) out of the way. Don't forget a small fire extinguisher (the drawer will help contain a fire) and a good first aide kit! Also, especially if you're planning on being out in the sticks for an extended period I would add more water storage (a water filter)and a tent to allow you more camp site room! The biggest down side IMHO with van camping/living is the lack of security! I pick-up-truck camp in spring/summer/fall and always take along my red heeler dog; 50 pounds of muscle and fury, a great companion and pretty warm as well! If you can't (or won't) carry a firearm then bear spray works well on people too! And a spray can of cooking oil makes a short-lived flame thrower but can be very hazardous!

Im ready! Im blessed that i have lived with a really good friend for the last 4 years. I biy and prepare his dinner, keep his cats company and feed 2x a day and keep the house clean. He doesn't use the house at all. So i lnow how blessed i am. But im so bored! I miss my 11 grandbabies andy grown kids. I live in downtown Denver and ive never felt so alone! I've learned to live independent. I lived off the grid for 10 years between the 90's and early 2000's. Im ready! I can park at my different kids homes (welcomed) The problem is how do I get the van! I get ssi but its only $600 a month. Put good thoughts in the universe for me! ❤

The memory foam is a great idea , it helps one remember one's dreams in the morning .

I used to do this with an SUV and a Peterbilt mattress so I could work out of town without paying for a hotel. I used to camp out at planet fitness, I would walk on a treadmill and watch TV, use the showers, and it wasn't a bad lifestyle.

I'd add some water containers. Bottled water is quite expensive but maybe best to drink but for kitchen and bathroom use 5 or 6Litre or 1 galon containers are needed. I'm very impressed with the video best advice I have seen for simple van life. Obviously made by a gentleman who has been there and done it and is kind enough to share his good advice. I might take a hot water bottle too.

Back in the 80s party and camper vans were all the rage. They were also very expensive. I always wanted to live in a van or a small camper. I don't need much to be happy. I love being outdoors. Follow the seasons and stay comfortable. Elevation in the summer, valleys in the winter. This kind of freedom is heavenly.

I may be losing my home due to the land I live on being auctioned off very soon. no words can describe the pain I feel over this, but buying a van will solve some problems. So thank you for the advice!

The 5-gallon bucket method is GOLD. Terrific when camped out, but hands-down life saver when on the move - so good to have a quick, clean, reliable place to do your thing than try to hunt down a place to stop only to find the facilities in dreadful and unhealthy condition. Like Bob, I "double bag."

Bob is a trail blazer. He has turned hard times into victory based on his story he has mentioned. He is worth following if nothing else for that accomplishment. But in addition, he has mastered the art so to speak of RV living - a great alternative to living in cities these days - and you get adventure as well. He has given a lot to others going through difficult times or just looking for something different in life. I think the lord or god or whatever will smile on him in the end! Something I would add to this is watch what your pots and pans are made of because they say aluminum is bad in addition to other coatings. I would try for stainless steel. Also try to find a surface - maybe a yoga mat material or similar cut to size to put things on that might slide. Extra sleeping bags wouldn't hurt and lots of insect spray - which you can make out of essential oils and water and put in spray botttels - look it up! I really enjoy Bob's contributions with his videos!

Great video- I would also add a carbon monoxide detector to the essentials list if you are cooking in the van with closed doors😊

Bob: Similar to your experience: I once drove about 200 miles south to a family reunion in Central Florida. No motel reservations, was astonished to find nothing available under $100/night. Went to Walmart, purchased tent, sleeping bag, and inflable mattress for about $50. Slept fine (in local graveyard near my uncle’s house). Still have gear many years later. 😊

I've literally considered renting a u-haul van and shopping for the bare necessities and you've just shown everything I'll need!

Some other suggestions. Not all vans or vehicles will be this large. It helps to have things tightly compact in some areas to prevent things from flying around if you cant tie it down while you drive. There are multipurpose propane space heaters and stoves. Maybe have water storage in some capacity. Try to make sure you have a really good sleeping bag incase of cold winters. You can affix old carpet to van walls or extra blankets in order to insulate further, thats a technique used in small older russian cabins to keep warm. Make sure to have flashlights and maybe something to protect yourself with.

You need to explain how you deal with condensation inside the van. Also while driving how do you keep your stored materials from sliding about Interesting video It takes a special person to make this work as a lifestyle

Yes! Thrift stores! I would make my list with your suggestions and hit the thrift stores first. Then go on to the Walmarts and Home Depots for everything else. Well, the actual first thing is packing what I can bring from home. Such a practical, useful video! I would want to add lights and heat source to your list, but we would all likely add things that would take the list from just the basics.

The fact that you did all this for so cheap on Alaska prices is impressive.

I lived in my Kia Sportage for 4 months. I had a cooler with ice. The trick I used was to put my cooler on my memory foam mattress during the day and then covered it with my blankets. The insulation of that kept my ice much longer. I put all of my food in water proof containers too.

Use a 20cm diameter small bucket within the wash basin to save water. Use a pencil case to store cutlery to save room. Use empty 2 litre juice bottles to store water. Heat up 1-2 litres of water in the morning or at night and store it in 1-2 thermoses so you always have hot water on hand. Care for the planet and others by making sure you never leave toilet paper, wipes, rubbish, dog poo or toilet waste lying around. Empty bread bags make good rubbish bags. Happy travels. May you live joyfully, frugally, free. 🦋

"You got to have a pot to piss in..." Truer words never spoken...😂

5 gallon buckets. A few things... 1. Use trash bags in the bucket.Ordinary 13 gallon kitchen trash nags fit perfectly. Use 2 or even 3, if you are extra queasy. Use only for solids and toidy paper. Use a bottle for the liquids. You'll have very little odor whatever, doing it this way. It's the combination of the liquid with the solids that cause the odors that will run you out of your home. After use, twist the top of the bag closed like you are closing a bread bag. Tuck that into the bucket, and put the lid on the bucket. Disposal: Tie the bags up tight. If you use 2 or 3 bags. Tie up the innermost. Then tie up the outer bag/s separately. Less chance of leakage. Toss in a dumpster. Do you know how many tons of dirty diapers, both infant and adult, get sent to the city dump every day? This is no different. 2. For the seat, don't go buying anything but the very cheapest toilet seat. The cheapest seat at lowes, last I checked was less than ten dollars. It is the perfect size for a 5 gallon bucket. Other seats are too big. Gets kinda kludgey tryin to use the more primo seats. Now take the 'lid' off of that seat. It doesn't seal up anyway. (If you want to leave the seat on the bucket, the ordinary lid for the bucket itself, just laid on top, makes a better seal. But taking the seat off, and just putting the lid on, gives you a better seal.) Now flip that seat over. You'll see two little nubs in the front, and the hinges at the back. Pry those nubs off of the front. Leave the hinges, but cut them off. Use a knife, or some end cutters or a saw. But cut the backs of the hinges off, leaving the nubs that are screwed down. Now, when it is time to use it.. Take the lid off the bucket, un-spin the bag and pull it up over the edges of the bucket. Set the seat in place, but set back pretty far. With the seat flat on top of the bucket, pull it forward until those two nubs left from the hinges, hit the back of the rim of the bucket. (They should come up against the outside of the rim. Do not set them ON the bucket. Just behind it and up against it.) Now the seat is perfectly set on the bucket both for weight distribution, and for 'aim'. This will easily hold over 300 pounds as long as you don't move around while sitting.

How do you stop everything moving around in the back when you're driving? I know you mentioned a bungee cord for the drawer unit but there's a lot of stuff that's not secure. I love how you've defined the spaces. I always have thought it was a bit silly for people to have a 'sitting' area in their campervan or caravan. To me, I'd just sit on the edge of the bed (provided it is a comfortable one at a decent height), then pull out a table and use that as my sitting/dining/internet watching area. You might need a bit more space if there's more than one person travelling. I love that you're able to rent a van and do this without alteration to the van itself. Great thinking.

I really like how you touched on the 4 main requirements of a living arrangement. These are things that most people either don't think to much on it or fail due to the lack of planning. Brilliant presentation.

Absolutely 💯. Bob doesn't just teach how to survive and thrive car living but he gives Peace of mind which is priceless ❤

While I don't plan to live in a van, it's great knowledge to know I COULD do it, if I had to! You just never know what life will throw at you. Many thanks to you Bob, for all the information you share in your videos.

This is exactly how I would have done it 😂 easy, quick, cheap, no time waisted on nails and hammer, buy it all and relax, 😂home is done, love it❤

Good content, thanks. I did basically the same thing to my 93 E-350. A beanbag chair is cheap and comphy. If you can find a source of electricity, a small ceramic heater is great for keeping the condensation away.

Lots of storage if you hang things from those horizontal boards on the side walls. Get one or two mesh nets. Or some of those cheap mesh market bags at a dollar store.

Thanks for sharing your ideas. As a 72 yr young camper I always have the urge to head out on the road and explore this great country. Shopping at a Goodwill, Habitat Store or tag sales saves you a lot of money. Also the blankets that Harbor Freight sells are ideal for using on a bed for warmth. Get the larger one. Also the wool blankets sold at Army Surplus are ideal for bedding. Thanks again

Hey Bob! I love that you are still out there helping folks like me, out! A million thank you's! You're the BEST!

Cool job man. Really a cool idea if you're making a long but temporary trip/living condition. Makes me want to roam. My only comment - those Styrofoam coolers meant for shipping frozen food with dry ice are not water tight. Learned that the hard way. if you fill one with water, it will weep out the sides. You could line it with a plastic liner bag for sure. Just wanted to point that out.

You have put out a lot of good videos since I started watching your channel but this one in my opinion is one of your best. Thank you!!!

I am transitioning in the next 5 years from institutionalized living to living freely, and I am happy to find this channel to help me. I now know what van I would like (gmc econoline) and that I don't need a ton of money to covert it to my needs.

Can you start on more ideas for a no build cheap van life for couples with a dog? If you have a few already, couldn't find yet. Thanks. Love all you do for everybody. You are wonderful.

This is a handy video just to be able to focus on the bare essentials for any sort of living situation, be it a van or a single room that wasn't designed to be an actual apartment. It can be really overwhelming to try to think clearly when life has thrown its wrench into your works.

What did you do with the equipment when you left Alaska?

I did it, and now live comfortably, rent free with a lot of incredible views. I also told my girlfriend there were two people I wanted to meet and ran into both of them on my journeys. It can get lonely but overall I would recommend it.

I'm not even planning on living in a vehicle and I watched this from start to finish. You remind me of a cool uncle.

For the kitchen kit, along with your fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, you will need: a cooking spoon, a cooking spatula, a sturdy plate, a sturdy bowl, a heat-resistant mug (ideally all three should be heat resistant), a small cutting board, a medium-ish knife (like 4-5 inch blade), and if you can, lids for the pot and the pan. Some sort of scrubber for cleaning up, too, and of course mild dish soap, which can also be used as a body soap if diluted well. (A little goes a long way!)

When I was living in my van for a few months while going to school last fall I grabbed a set of those double door bug screens with the magnets that hold them together and the Velcro strips that you can use to install them. I slapped that up in my rear door frame so I could prop my door open a crack at night or during the days and have air movement without being eaten alive. Worked good.

Absolutely blown away by this video! 😱💪 Turning a van into a comfortable home for just $365 is not only incredible but also insanely motivating. The creativity and resourcefulness showcased here are off the charts! 🚐💡 Every DIY solution and budget-friendly hack shared in this video is a game-changer for anyone dreaming of van life on a budget. Major kudos to the creator for making this transformation accessible and inspiring. It goes to show that with a bit of ingenuity, dedication, and a tight budget, you can turn a simple van into a cozy home on wheels. 🌟💼 Loving the practical tips and the can-do attitude of this channel. Keep up the fantastic work - you've got a fan for life! 👏👏

Great Video! I think you forgot something important: screening to cover the big door openings. It's super cheap, and easy to keep in place with magnets. :) Good job!

Thank you for taking the time to educate us new #vanlifers!

i am taking a Thanksgiving trip from TX to IL in my F=150. I do not have a camper shell so I will be sleeping in the back seat. I have found that three 72" x 80" shipping blankets from Harbor Freight on the backseat adds insulation and comfort. I also bought a butane stove and heater for limited use inside. I also bought window covers from Weather Tech to insulate and block out light. With blankets and a pillow, I should be okay.

Home Depot and Amazon have a 3" memory foam 24" x 72" for $35 thats worth it IMO. A person couldnt keep their phone or laptop charged without a battery pack and solar. That's another $400. That's essential for finding boondocking or thrift stores. An issue with 2nd hand bedding is BED BUGS. I found out the hard way.

Would you consider doing a video on 1. How to get hot water (a hot water heater set up) in my van 2. How to set up solar and why it would help, 3. Heating and cooling, and 4. Insulation. Thank you.

3:20 Some observations I had while looking at the 4 essentials list: - I feel like for a lot of people (or at least Millenials and younger), #4 *is* #1 (that is - leisure is simply being on their phone, usually in bed, so having a separate dedicated space isn't necessary even in an actual home); this makes it even easier for people like this to adjust to a smaller space. - I personally would swap #3 (Hygiene [Bathroom]) with #2 (Eat/Cook [Kitchen]) in terms of priority. Especially if you're living in something portable, you're likely eating out more frequently anyway. To give my own personal experience, I've been eating out for about 90% of my meals for a little over a year due to health and work circumstances, prior to this year I would make my own meals 95%+ of the time and didn't know eating out this frequently was even possible lol -- now that I've been doing it, I realize how easy it is [after some adjustment]. Despite living in a house, I also eat maybe 80% of my meals either in the driver's seat of my car (so I can put a video on my phone to watch, with the surround sound of my car... it's so nice 😌), or in my bed (yes, I am that gross person that eats in bed, but I've never had a problem come from it - I use a tray and make sure no food actually gets in bed). The remaining 20% of my meals are at an office desk, but even then I'd rather be at one of the other two spots and only do it to "shake things up" or work on something occasionally. Basically what I'm trying to say is that the "Eat/Cook (Kitchen)" category could actually be omitted from the list entirely if you absolutely have to since it technically gets covered by the other items and doesn't need its own space/consideration (in case that de-stresses it any more for someone). So, putting both of these together, really it could just be two essential items. 1. Sleep and leisure (Bedroom) 2. Hygiene (Bathroom) And this isn't reducing it to make it like a "survival" list instead of a practical list; I legitimately believe that the way most people live their lives now that they would be comfortable like this anyway. Just think about what you do all day... sleep, shower/hygiene, work/school, chores/errands, eat meals, leisure on your phone. A bed and place to go to the bathroom are all you need for survival, and simply add internet access to that for all you need to be comfortable. It's just really reassuring to know that if everything really went south, you truly can make it quite comfortably in such an environment.

This video is just awesome! The first thing I thought of was people in vans that need repair work done, or have broken down, and they will have to be in the shop for any length of time. We could just rent a U-Haul and live in it temporarily! Cheaper than a motel! And definitely more peace of mind, because the repair work on our van is stressful enough.

That van looked very comfortable when completed! Thank you Bob!

Hi Bob, I'm reading the book Nomadland now and got to know your name from it. The book itself is very profound and revelatory. I do appreciate your share and teach of how to live a vanlife. What you are doing is meaningful and helpful.

What a great idea Bob. I recently rented a new UHaul Ram Van ( like a Sprinter) to pick up pallets of liquidation garden items to resell. I was so surprised how affordable it was at the same price as your panel van. I may do this to get out of the too hot for me Tucson summer I am house-sitting now in Hawaii to be out of the Tucson winter, just too cold for me. I am going to see if I can do this here in Hawaii until I can manifest a low income senior apartment here on west Oahu. Thank you for pointing out lots of options for so many of us. I only need to buy a little butane stove as I have been gathering road van worthy items since starting to watch you 8 years ago. Thank you for all you do to educate many of us about fulfilling optional lifestyle choices. You are a man of much Aloha.

Bob, an important part of choosing a pad is the R-value. This is the rating assigned to how the pad is insulated to keep the body warm and to add warmth along with a sleeping bag. R-value of 4.9 to 7 or 8 will keep one warm in 30 to 15 degrees. Just som added info. Great setup, by the way.