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@@MissyQ12345 And if they can't do a little stove, if they can meal prep in their little refrigerator, I use my Hotlogic to heat separate things. It is often touted as you just pop in a TV dinner, but I purchased the mini loaf pans for a dollar and change and I line them vertically next to each other with three different meals. Sometimes I will take a 2 oz small bowl and do things like soup or oatmeal. To save space, I can even wrap things like a few chicken wings in foil and wrap it to the side then I can put a horizontal loaf pan with veggies, or dice a potato, and then in another I can have a protein or in a small bowl of soup. I've been doing this for 2 years I have a small hot logic with a plug adapter on it. But they make a larger one that plugs into a cigarette lighter. I got the idea from watching a flight attendant video and how when they stay in a hotel, sometimes they get in after the place has closed for food, or you don't know where in the town to go for food so they might bring their own microwavable meals. The difference is with the hot logic, the temperature of the food maintains whereas with a microwave you have to keep reheating it or it turns rubbery when you do. ~Just sharing something that's working for me😊 🚗☁️☁️
The most essential two things that I need in my van is an air conditioner and the heater. Last but not least surveillance cameras, that I can view outside of my van.
Yeah! I’m scared of Bigfoot banging on my vehicle. I do not say this in jest. It happens. In a case like that you would also be glad you didn’t have to get out of said vehicle to vamoose out of Dodge
I like that you're up front about not being a vanlifer with no place to call home but the Wheels under you. I have sadly realized there are people on the UTube pretending to have only the van or whatever but hide the fact they have a house too. Thanks for the honesty.
Yes, and some of them are young and have their parents' home/s that they use to store all of the things that truly matter to them (free of charge, no less lol), so if things go awry, mommy & daddy step in and provide them with the safety net of a stable living space while their van is being repaired or replaced. Also, I'm not knocking that, as that is what we HOPE all young people have until they become 100% self-sufficient and having significant savings to cushion themselves. I'm simply saying that is extremely different from being a full-blown adult who is entirely financially independent, and who doesn't live out of their family's home as their base between trips. I think the curtain was really pulled back when lockdown occurred during the pandemic, and we really saw who was on their own, who had a home/apartment/condo, and who was using their parent/s homes to store all their possessions. We all hope that one another has stable loved ones we can depend on for a social safety net should the worst happen, but there should also be transparency...instead of a false narrative. Some of these young people don't even recognize that having a room, and storage, at their parents' home is a home base because they take it so for granted. lol Ah, to be that young and clueless again... ; )
@@le_th_I agree! It's easy to be "minimal" when the remaining items are in storage, somewhere! I just wished I had started this earlier. Well, I have yet to go away for a weekend, but I am prepared! Now it's just deciding on what/how much to bring and design. Too many other things in the way right now to get started. YET!!! Not giving up!!
I see many thing's you mentioned as being essential, even for people not on the road. I'm in my early 70's and live on rural acreage, in sticks and bricks. I have 5 power stations (can run some, while charging others), that can run my freezer, fridge, charge electronics, run lights, etc. Where I live, when there is a power outage, we are the last to get power back, because of the low population density in my area. I have solar panels that can recharge the station's, however, I live in a cold climate and during the winter there's little sunlight, so I use a dual fuel generator, that I run on propane (I keep many 20/100 pound propane tanks in my pole barn), to charge them. Many items used in van life are great to have, as backup preparedness, when you live in a house. I can shower, cook, even wash clothes (I have a backup mini clothes washer, that any of my power station's can run), if needed, when the power is out (also have alternate heating/cooling sources). I watch van life video's, because it's a good way to find out about any of the latest off grid items available, and what does/doesn't work. So, when I do lose grid power I have no problems.
Exactly. Think of all the extremes coming and poorly built homes to handle it. Tons of shade cloth over the home and yard to keep cooler. Shrink wrapped bales of straw and line against the solid walls and up, used 2x4s stuck in the ground to hold them there. Major insulation at a cheaper price. You could even rubber coat in white to repel heat or use black to draw heat, depending on where you live. Reminder you could block the windows but or warmer areas you can have that section set away a bit so if you want to, you can open the windows. For many of us, the ugly cheap is better than dying in extremes.
A deal breaker for me was getting my Kelty shelter side door tent. Having a large dog with me in my minivan eliminates spare space. When I stop I can put it up in 10min (67 yr old). It’s not huge maybe 6-7’ by 9’ but I get the privacy I need for my toilet, table, chair etc. I can work in my van daily to clean and straighten without my but hanging out or people looking inside. I would have stopped camping if not for the Kelty.
It can be done in a car...not quite as easily, but doable. There was an "independent" living facility not far from my county that about 150 to 200 seniors had been paying their accommodations for, but the property manager/owner had not been paying the mortgage. Within 30 days, all the residents have been given notices to vacate. Quite a few resorted to living in their vehicles. I don't remember where the article was, I think it was in one of the local newspapers but I did remember seeing a short blurb on the news. Sad times
SPOT-ON. ADDITIONALLY I WOULD RECOMMEND a portable Ice Maker. Buying ice can add up quickly each month and in the Summertime temps its a real pleasure to add ice to all your beverages. A good Thermos (wide mouth style) keeps your made ice really well and doesn't tax your refrigerator with constant opening/closing. This might sound silly to some people but for me it makes sense and worth its weight in gold.
One way to keep cooler longer, is to place Reflectix and blanket/towel on top of your food before closing. Also, since cold air is denser, place frozen items on the bottom - that, too, keeps food colder longer. With the covering, cut it in half or one third then tape both sides of the seam. Keep what you need more often in one side so, when you open the door of the cooler (1) with the coverings, cold does not escape, (2) with the Reflectix "door", less cold escapes. Hope this helps. Got this from Lulu on Lulu's Way.
Great suggestions. Something no one can give me, and it can't be bought, is organization. I wasn't in line when it was being passed out. That will be my main problem.
Excellent video; spot on essentials. Five add ons: 1) simple cooking system. 2) comfortable chair … place to sit. 3) Small table. 4) good book(s) including the Good Book. 5) fall, winter & spring: warm socks!!! Happy trails, be safe & God bless!!! Chuck Knight from Atascocita, Texas. ✝️👨🌾🎅🐩🙏
Everything you mentioned plus water in jugs that you can handle, a cooking system, solar lights and rechargeable fans. A chair for relaxing, inside and out. A small table is handy too. I lovey lawn chair that reclines. I need to assume the reclined position to rest my back.
You are spot on with those essentials! We traveled a few years in a truck camper. One of the drawbacks was that it did not have a comfortable sitting area. We are now shopping for a van. One of our must haves is a comfortable sitting area. Because of the limited space, swiveling front seats are a must.
People need to start planning early for these things. All that stuff would be good to keep as emergency essentials, anyway. Except for the portable fridge, I have all that, and more, and don't (yet) own a van. If things really go South, the people in vans will be far better off than the people living in high-rise apartments.
I absolutely agree. Most of these things will be needed if the grid goes down or should I say when things go south!! The one thing I forgot to add was my butane stove and butane cans. There is a two burner one that can use butane or propane that might be better as sometimes butane is hard to come by. I have had luck sometimes ordering butane online.
Carol, as a retired part-time van dweller I absolutely agree with your list. Great job! I would add some sort of method to cook, as well as some sort of fan system.
1. A comfortable bed with appropriate covers for the time of year you’re in it 2. A toilet 3. Coffee pot and ice chest 4. A large enough oscillating fan. (Mine sits on the icebox.) A way to block the windows and lock up well and have a means of protection. I carry a gun. Got training for the gun practiced and became very proficient with the gun. I prepared for 40 years and never needed it until one night at 9 o’clock when four people decided to turn over my vehicle I told them to stop. They laughed at me so I told him to stop one more time they laughed again and picked it up and got it 3 foot off the ground, so I took got my gun and I shot about 2 feet over their heads and chorus. I made a hole in the van but they went running and did not turn me over so sometimes you need an equalizer and if you need it you need it. I now stay in an RV park. I use an extension cord that has 3 plugs on a 20 amp cord. RV parks don’t charge much when you are only plugging in an extension cord. And it’s absolutely safer.
Fun fact. If your. Coffee make is supper clean or you wouldn’t mine a coffee flavor with your food. You can cook with a coffeemaker. Their is a chef challenge YT channel the shows a chef cooking shrimp Alfredo with asparagus from scratch using a coffee maker only. Independent taste tester tried the food. Gave it a very good 👍
I think Your 5 items are correct. Bed, power, ref, window coverings, and toilet are spot on. Beyond that, less is best and don’t get caught up in buying all the gadgets, that others may have. That said, never be closed minded about improving Your set up. Someone, may have an ideal that You never thought up. I’m always gleaning ideals from others, no matter what kind of rig they may have.
We spent years with a three man tent two single blow up air mattress,two folding stools and a couple of cans of baked beans before we wised up. Or got soft whatever the case may be,we are now in a travel trailer (caravan) with toilet and shower,large fridge and cooker and to us it’s next level luxury living. So you don’t need a lot of STUFF to get out and enjoy it,it’s just that the STUFF makes it easier and heaps more enjoyable.👁️👁️😎😇🐕🦺❤️🙏🦘🐨🇦🇺
Amen to all of those! Getting solar on my roof was a game changer. I also use a six inch gel-infused memory foam on my bed. I love it. Because it’s gel-infused it’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Thanks for the great info!
Refrig? The video you fdid with Lulu where she freezes 6 large blue ice bricks in a small 13 qt freezer and places them in a cooler compartment is genius.
I don't disagree with your essentials...but the power station of course was gifted to you...we all don't have that blessing...and they aren't cheap....but great video....good advice.
True, power stations aren't cheap but you don't have to have one that size. I do think a power station is extremely helpful for keeping phone and communication devices charged and of course needed if you have a fridge. Starting out the absolute musts for me would be a comfortable sleeping set up and a toilet. I forgot to include a butane stove or way to heat food. That is an essential for me.
You definitely chose the best items. I also like to keep paracord, firestarter, a hatchet, and a first aid kit. I keep them and other small essentials in small bag that hangs. I am planning the refrig on Black Friday. Your videos are fantastic. Thank you for sharing.
Just finished my self done van conversion and I love it! Mine is a Ford E150. I heartily agree with your list! Going to the RTR and 6 week road trip in January. I’m a 72 year old woman!
Greetings from Tasmania, Australia. .I have 100w of solar on my van roof but still need a power box to help along the way. I celebrate 1 full year of travel on the 22nd of November Yay. I guess I am still a newbie in some regards. Love your videos and look forward to watching each one.
I was at 7,150' in New Mexico last week and my Mr. Buddy did not work. I put a cast iron skillet on my single burner Coleman stove and it worked perfectly. Thanks for another excellent video.
Great list Carol. We bought an older model van that didn't have solar and decided it would be a much more flexible option to purchase a power station that we can use in the van or at home and we're loving it. We've got the little jumper cables with ours too and we also carry a small double chamber pump so we can easily air up our tires in the middle of nowhere if needed. Be safe out there. ❤
Not sure if this would be cheaper or not but for my toilet I have decided to use a commode, I line the bucket with a kitchen garbage bag, then fill it about half to 2/3rds full with scoop-able cat litter. Tidy Cats works great. Cat litter is designed to absorb moisture and odor. It clumps. Then just scoop your waste into a zip lock baggie and throw it out with the rest of your trash. Just add more litter as needed. If you have a messy situation, (I think you know what I mean.LOL). You can just pull the entire kitchen bag out of the bucket and take it to a dumpster, with very little fuss. Re-line the bucket with a kitchen garbage bag, add litter again and you are all set. Clean, sanitary, nothing to wash or scrub. I have been testing this out and it works really well. I'm not sure how much those bags of pellets are but I can get cat litter on sale at a reasonable price. Then I wash out the big plastic jugs the litter comes in and use them to store water. Blessings, ~Alice
I've used both, Tidy Cat kitty litter and the horse pellets she recommends here. The Tidy Cat has a nicer smell (depending on which scent you choose), but the horse pellets are waaay more cost efficient.
I did some research and yes they are food grade. They can be washed out thoroughly and used for water. I would still pour it through a water filtration system if I were going to use the water for drinking or cooking but I do that with all water anyway.@@donnaheinz199
Haha. I forgot to asd a butane stove. Unless it is an emergency I always suggest trying living on the road for a few weeks to a month to see how you cope. Now if you have a homebase to come back to that is entirely different. But if you are burning your bridges I suggest trying it out first.
Great list! The only thing I’d add to your list of essentials is a heater. One more thing: pine pellets are bulky, absorbent powders (like Lasyl) are a more effective and more compact way of dealing with urine.
I'll have to check out the Lasyl.powder. I am curious how it compares price wise to the pellets. A small heater is a great addition. The one thing I forgot.to add was.my butane stove. Can't do without that!!
I agree with those five essentials. Many other essentials rely on these first five. If I were to add a number six it would be circulating fresh air.... window screens and a battery-powered fan.
We just started full time living in our van. The first thing we bought were cot size mattresses (30” x 75”). We built fixed bed frames for them. The second was solar panels and a toilet. Your list is spot on, I would also suggest a MAXAIR FAN and USB fans. Air circulation is a must for comfort. Know your must haves, and understand that there are trade offs. You’ll be surprised at the the things you realize you can live without. We were adamant about having a built in shower. We quickly realize that involved a lot more than we bargained for. Planet Fitness is our friend. 😊 Be safe out there, God Bless.
Thank you for FYI. Your info was excellent! Always remember that YOU are inspiring and definitely have something wise to offer. Hope to meet you sometime on the road. Sincerely, Frannie D
I agree ! I am in California. I’ve been here for about six weeks and I’m getting ready to head home because that’s a long enough. I was gonna stay two more months but I’m getting bored anyway I love your stuff. It’s very informative and thank you so much.💁🏼♀️🐬🐬🐬🤸♀️🤸♀️🤸♀️💜
Just got 1st used minivan, drove home 900 miles yesterday! After some repairs/maintenance it will be ready for DIY buildout for weekend camping and later full time. I agree with all items in your video and more. Bed for me is #1. Love the series for seniors and newbies, thank you!
I meant to add my butane stove at the end but forgot. I love my little butane stove for cooking and heating up food without using up any power and it was so inexpensive!!
@@venetiakelleyThe van is still in progress so I haven't used the butane stove yet. It will be located at the sliding door for ventilation with optional table outside. Cannot comment yet on storage of butane in the van. Wind deflectors and fans will be installed to aid in ventilation and air circulation. Did see recent video of someone who cooks their food with a sterno type canister instead of propane/butane.
This video cracked me up,as.....I have No toilet...No refrigertor...No power station...and I,ve lived in van/bus...fulltime for almost Five years..AND,I,m a Senior ,Solo,female...I,m even older than Carole,lol
as she stated, whatever works for you ... While my choices/needs are different (as apparently yours are) this post does make a very good point. Find the most important items for each individual to be comfortable and safe so they can enjoy their adventures. I travel in a mid-sized SUV. Sometimes, if I am boondocking for an extended time or in a campground, I set up a tent as well. I have a USB rechargeable fan, rather than an AC. I tried a small fridge that was passed on to me from a relative, but I prefer my ice chest system. My ice is placed in sealable containers. As it melts within containers, I transfer to my water storage. I use fresh food items within the first few days after stocking ice, then transition to shelf-stable items. Repeat when ice is available. However, I carry a good stock of vegan food items that don't need refrigeration. I do carry a small power pack (deck of cards sized) to recharge my phone or fan. Additionally, I have an old palm sized solar charger with 1,000 mAh for emergencies. I upgraded from using my camping pad to sleeping on an old sofa cushion (chaise/lounger size) I got for free. I'm only 53, but I have MS. One of my current necessities includes a toilet system. In my youth (better health), I was fine without. I still sometimes dig a cathole while boondocking. However, climbing in/out of SUV multiple times a night is not always feasible. Doing so in bad weather exacerbates my health issues. I have a pee funnel & bottle I use only when I am standing. In my vehicle, I have a square plastic bin w/ sealable lid that I kneel over. I line it with biodegradable bags and add wood pellets. Everyone is different, due to age, health, inclination, finances, experience, etc. My personal necessities include comfortable bedding, toilet container, hiking stick, UV Steripen to treat water, rechargeable fan, cell phone, small power pack to recharge cell and fan. Beyond my necessities, and food/water/medications, I enjoy having my DSLR camera, small cooking system, and library card for free audiobook downloads. Bonus comfort is Amazon Prime membership: Free delivery to dropboxes almost anywhere, in case I need an item that cannot cannot be found locally. Free downloadable ebooks, and free downloadable video rentals for those extended bad weather days. *I did end up making my own insulated window coverings... Helpful for hot/cold weather and privacy.
I agree with everything you said! I am an older woman, and all of that is so important. I have health issues, so having a toilet is essential. I have a power station, and I must always get a good night's sleep and plug in the device I sleep with, which keeps me alive. I've seen all kinds of things people sleep on. I have to get at least 7 hours of good sleep. If it's 6 hours, I can get by, but 7 is best. Covers for the windows. Absolutely. Primarily for safety and also for insulation. Safety first. I love this video and agree with all of this. I have food allergies, and a good-sized refrigerator freezer is essential. I am surprised when people don't have one, or they have a tiny one. I cannot quickly eat out because of severe food allergies, plus I love to cook. Thank you for making this video. Everyone needs to see it, especially solo females and those with conditions. Even without conditions, all are important.
I get so much out of your videos. Also, I like your style--matter of fact and down to earth. Really don't like those hyped up ones. thank you for all the work you do in preparing the videos.
Definitely agree with the bed. I had a queen size double pillow top in my shuttle bus. After I switched to an ambulance, I spent a year and a half sleeping on the crew bench. I didn't realize how miserable it was, until I put an actual bed in. Electric is important, but, the first thing I had actually bought for the bus, was a complete victron system, and 400ah of cheap lithium batteries, and a generator for shady days. The bed though. A good nights sleep is most important.
@@WillChil466 they are built like crap. Meant to last 10 years, using them maybe 6 weeks per year. The worst part is the roof. I've seen new ones, with roof membranes that were meant to be hot air welded, but, they were glued together. Shuttle busses are no better. I'd not buy another. Ambulances are the way to go, if you can sort out the electrical.
Good video! I think your #1 should include a pillow! My next 3: magnetic usb closet lights that can also be motion, and portable. Really convenient for inside or outside. 3 gallon water jug with usb faucet. Light enough to lift when full, easy to use and not to expensive. Folding camp chair. Love my rocker camp chair!
I would do a composting toilet that separates the two. Horse stall pellets are great, if you dont mind the pine smell. I used for huge guinea pig cage with 4, 42x84 inches and you wouldn't have known walking in the door. We paid 5$ a 40lb bag. Every day stir the used pellets until they no longer absorb or get smelly.
Comfortable sleeping is essential but the other things you list depends on your camping style. I don't need electricity when backpacking but when I lived in my teardrop camper for a year it substantially added to my comfort. A way to cook and to keep yourself warm in winter are also important. A clean water supply very neccessary.,
You got it absolutely right, including that a comfortable bed is the most important thing. For a toilet, I'd modify it to say you need a plan for it, more than you specifically need a toilet, vs a bucket, a privacy tent for it or not, etc. It can depend upon how old you are (I know some young folks who can totally rely upon public/restaurant bathrooms, not even needing a pee bottle.... not something most older folks can say) and where you are, how often you go, what your vehicle has space for vs whether you're in places where a tent can be used, etc.
YEP... gotta have those items for sure. But I don't understand people who open up their ice bags and pour the ice into the cooler. You food will get wet that way when the ice melts. Just put the entire bag of ice into the cooler and when the ice melts, the water is contained. I use two bags, on under the food and one on top of the food... not that I have to; it's just a habit.
One way to keep cooler longer, is to place Reflectix and blanket/towel on top of your food before closing. Also, since cold air is denser, place frozen items on the bottom - that, too, keeps food colder longer. With the covering, cut it in half or one third then tape both sides of the seam. Keep what you need more often in one side so, when you open the door of the cooler (1) with the coverings, cold does not escape, (2) with the Reflectix "door", less cold escapes. Hope this helps. Got this from Lulu on Lulu's Way.
I disagree about full window coverings the more you hide the more they look window covering to keep heat in or out sure I've had folks stick the face on the window to see who in there I leave my front area open and close my sleeping area up
Thank you for sharing yes those are essential I personally use a cassette toilet that I purchase on Amazon for like $130 and it's good for probably one person for 2 weeks you put a little happy camper in it and the odor is not an issue it's portable you can push it under something take it out when you need it empty it into a public toilet along the way somewhere. Thank you for sharing it's wonderful this glorious living.
Icant use the toilt inside my minivan,so in middle of the night I pee outside my van at the back. During the day ,I drive 0.4 miles to one if three fast food joints. I also use the bathrooms in the Bk or McD to change and do a French bath .
If you want to cook you will need a way to do so. Inlive my butane stove and my stove top Omnia oven. I also really like my mini rice cooker and my small air fryer. Good luck ajd safe travels 😊
Thanks for the list. I would add one more though... 1. COMFORTABLE BED. NICE BLANKET. 2. POWER STATION. VITOMAN GENERATOR. 3. PORTABLE TOILET. DEODORIZER PELLETS. THICK PLASTIC BAG. 4. INSULATED REFLECTIVE CURTAINS. 5. REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER. (6. PERSONAL PROTECTION.)
My options are : 1. A portable gas mate cooker with implements. 2. A dedicated camper bed and bedding. 3. A torch. 4. A decent first aide kit. 5. A well stocked portable camp fridge/freezer combo. That's for van. On person . 1. A fully charged mobile. 2. A waterproof genuine "japarit" with hood/pockets lined warm coat. 3. A lighter or box of matches. 4. A compact form of sustenance food like live savers or mixed fruit and nuts. 5. Bottled water/drink. But as Carol pointed out, it depends upon the situation and circumstances and preferences according to opinions. But that is mine.
Life Savers can save your life? Sugar cubes r the same,rite? My mice invader would enjoy trail mix. Lil dickens. I even put my cats in garage but they still sneak in to bunk . Whyy do they so like vehicles?!
I agree with your list but I would add a water system. If I'm going to cook I want to wash my dishes. I see a few people have just a foot pump running clean water from a seven gallon tank up to a basin which drains into a another small tank under the sink. That would be a good enough starting place for me. No water, no go.
You absolutely do need water. I have an electric pump with a simple 6 gallon grey and fresh water tanks under my sink. But that is not a necessity. I know so many people who just use water jugs and a collapsible sink.
Love those foam mattresses! Good back support and lasts for years! I sure do agree with all the other items, too: don't leave home without them, ladies!
I am so happy to hear this video was helpful. The one thing I left out that I use all the time is my butane stove. I am going to do another video and include my stove.😊
I use a portable stand up a/c the kind you vent out if a window and I run the hose out the front window. I do need to fabricate a metal frame to fit snugly in the window to make the van more secure when using the a/c. I will share it when I do.
I love the way your hat sparkles. I sent my mom one but I have never seen it on her. She wears it to the casino and says she gets lots of compliments on it. I would love to know what kind of refrigerator you have. Love this video 👍🏼
Thanks for a great video. Your comment section has been hijacked by trollers peddling sketchy investments. Maybe take those comments down and block those commenters before someone vulnerable and gullible makes a huge mistake and falls for a scam?
I have been trying to catch them as I can as I am the only doing.my videos, interviews,editing, answering comments, etc. As I see them I block them and report them to YT.
My essential is protection. I walk with a cane and although I'm considered elderly, weak I'm not. My cane is a tazer. I saw that on Bob Wells video. I also carry a weapon as well. And when my wife goes hiking she has a walking stick that is a tazer too. Your list is right on. In the 1970's we would camp with sleeping bags. We recently got a wilderness mattress and we've never slept better.
