She converted this van for $200! || GMC Safari Camper Van Tour 

I once bought a minivan for $200 and lived in it for quite awhile! I moved on to a bus and honestly miss the van a lot. A little tip- In the winter if you flip your window covers around so shiny side is in, they will keep whatever heat you have going on inside. In the summer keep shiny side out to reflect it out. Try it out and see if it makes a difference for you 💜

The most amazing thing about your van is its simplicity and how it suits you just fine. Lots of people aspire to live the van life but get caught up watching videos of van builds that cost so much or require so much building skill that people become discouraged. The best advice I ever heard from a van lifer is "get a van, throw an air mattress, sleeping bag and some essentials in it and hit the road". You'll find out what to build and what you need on the journey basically. Thanks for the tour and for the inspiration!

I don't think I could live as minimally, but knowing I could convert a $1500 van for such a small expense is empowering. Having such a vehicle for weekend adventures would be a great thing. I really enjoyed your tour of that awesome van!

These kinds of builds are REAL. There's so many builds on here that are thousands of dollars. Like well over 20 - 30 grand. Huge respect to you. Some great tips. Subscribed! I will def refer to this when I do a van someday.

Alyssa, I love how you don't try to be like everyone else. You are truly YOU and admire that about you. A lot of ppl these days ( especially young) try/do what they see other ppl doing. I am my own person. I actually strive to be different than what everyone else is doing/wanting. You're so down to earth and humble! You looked so beautiful with the sun shining on you in this video!! Merry Christmas 🎄⛄

I love how she has the essentials and didnt spend money on filling every bit of space for something or making it all fancy, which isn't necessary. I've camped the way she lives, also lived a year in an RV, and I think she definitely has a good head on her shoulders. The great outdoors shld be your focus when living minimally. My only thing wld be I'd have to be somewhere not so hot. Southern Arizona is hot. Alyssa is young enough that a fan in the desert works for her. Lucky woman! 😊

I love your space! You keep it simple but functional! I love to watch your journey and thank you for letting myself and everyone else be a part of it. You genuinely seem like a wonderful soul. Merry Christmas and see ya next time!

Alyssa, I subscribed to you because you have kept things simple. I've vanlifed for 21 years now, and simple, is more! All these extravagant van builds makes the freedom of vanlife, less free and more complicated. The only thing I saw that could be much better for you, is with your desk permanently attached, and that shelf looking dangerous sticking out into your stretching area that is your busiest area of your set up. It'd be too easy to hit that corner of the desk that permanently sticks out into your open space. I'd set that up as detachable so you could stow it, then attach it when you want to use it.....thereby keeping your stretching area free of that dangerous wood edge of that shelf sticking out like that. Just think how nice it'd be with that "L shaped" thing sticking out and stowed, giving all that space to really stretch out without any danger. Other than that, super awesome🌸 and I also love your awesome looking cowgirl boots🌻 Except for the permanent desk set up, super excellent! Wishing you a glorious 2023 Alyssa👍✨️

I’m very impressed with how little you need to survive and be happy. I lived the RV life for almost 7 years. I could not find one woman that was willing to live that life with me. Therefore I was single for a very long time. To see that there is someone like you out there gives me hope that I may someday find someone who wants to live a simpler lifestyle. Good for you! I’m happy for you Alyssa.

Wow, it's so simple! I think you have mastered the art of having only what you need and what works for you. It prevents so many complications along the way.

I have watched hundreds if not thousands of van build and I must say this is the most unique , simple , functional and beautiful looking build 🔥. I mean from your beautiful ,unique and authentic personality to your gorgeous videos that I have ended up binge watching 😍😍. I'm looking to build mine soon and am definitely borrowing a lot from you. Watching all the way from Kenya 🇰🇪 in Africa with love.

I absolutely love your van. 💜 The decor so calm, cozy, and classy. Great use of space!

Wow! I can't believe it's been over a year since you got Stevie! I thought those built-in self-draining coolers were awesome. haha. But your fridge just fits right there. So cool. I used to love cassettes. I wore out my copy of Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits on the road. "IIIII"ve goooone to look for Ameeeerica...." My favorite part of Stevie is the panoramic windows so we can see the great scenery all around you in your videos. The "golden hour" lighting adds so much to this video especially. So Arizona! And you really "Pull off those red boots" :) (a tv show reference)

In 1995 I purchased a 92 gmc safari ext, it never gave me any problems. I went through 3 sets of Michelin tires. We had great weekend trips. I'm glad to see you using it for your home on wheels. Be safe and healthy. Enjoy your travels. Toledo 💙

Fantastic simple approach! We did a no build option in our Ford Transit 250 Cargo Van and are SOOOOO glad we went that route! Put that money in the adventure & the gas tank! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY

Here from the shotout World According to Briggs gave! First build I have seen that is truly simple and accessible!

Love it! I’ve got a 1990 Chevy Astro (so the same thing as yours~ Astros and Safaris are identical practically) and I’ve built it out very similar to yours! Love it! Enjoy the sunshine in the desert!

I love your setup! The only thing I would add is a compost toilet. Or bucket. It's simple and to the point. And I would have to add a place for my cat.

Alyssa, these are great vans! I had one for years. 200,000 miles and didn't drip any oil or fluids. Best thing GM built in that era. Take good care of it , service it on schedule or before and go easy on it and you'll have a solid , reliable ride/ home :)

This van, including the color, reminds me of my grandmother‘s favorite band all through my childhood. She pick me up in the van the first time I remember meeting her when I was six or seven years old and I flew to stay a month with her in the summer. And when she moved back to live in the same town as me this was her daily runner. When she stopped driving it as much and I started living with her she let me drive it to meet the school bus because she lived on a dirt road. So she would let me drive it down to the highway and park it, then catch the bus. This is before I ever had my drivers license of course.

Love your van and your setup. Love the simplicity and non-cluttered look. Great job. I’ve been following your journey since you were in your car.

I had a 1987 Astro. That thing looks way cleaner! I had a decent sound system in it. I'm glad you like cassettes, but you can also use a Bluetooth to FM radio transmitter, or cassette adapter. Looks like a nice, basic build. If you want to make your own window covers, you can use cardboard to make a template and cut them out of Reflectix, or spray paint them, or use aluminum foil to reflect the light. If you cut Reflectix, you can just use super glue or hot glue to glue some ribbon over the edge. We'll be doing that for my friend's truck. The nice thing about cardboard is, you can do something on one side of it, then put it on the other side and have the other side pointing out. So if you want it pitch black from the outside but bright inside at night, have the reflective side pointing in. During the day in the desert or high heat, have the reflective side pointing out.

Hey Alyssa 🙂, I’ve been following your channel for quite some time now and to be honest, your simplicity is what gets the most. I love how you keep things simple in your life and the way you radiate happiness 😍. So, thank you Alyssa. Btw 😀, I’m a big fan of cassettes as well 🎵 , that’s so cool!

i love how simple this is whilst still being so gorgeous and useful, makes me feel like van life is much more achievable.

Honestly, this was one of the best van videos I’ve seen, and I’ve watched A LOT. What makes it good is the honesty. Other vloggers be 🧢’n

Thank you for showing is minimalist van lifers! We had a trailblazer we were traveling infor three years, but the engine blew up, unfortunately, so now we're converting a ford expedition. But tuank you for helping spread that it doesn't take half a million or a trust fund to convert your vehicle. Much love, queen!

It’s interesting how you’ve kept your build basic so it’s remains inconspicuous. What I find impressive is how you’ve maintained a simple existence. Granted going from a car to a van is an upgrade in space, but not in your creature comforts. But the only suggestion I would like to make is with your bed. If you had made it so you lift your bed allowing you have easier access into your storage area from the inside. It doesn’t alter anything in your over all appearance. I’m guessing you stay close to the populated areas. In the north is snows more so your not dealing with the cold, but just in case I recommend a windshield cover from the outside called Frost Guard. It goes along with your indoor window covers, also you don’t seem to have a curtain behind your front seats. Which will give you added privacy. You don’t have a gym membership to take a indulgent shower every so often? Why choose a solitary nomadic lifestyle has my curiosity, but that your decision. You do seem to be happy with how you’re living. What I find unique about your mobile existence is that you’re staying within one state. Everyone else has the urge to see as much as possible and travel throughout the country. Oh, just a thought. Let your viewers know what your preferred choice in music is. They might have cassettes they you’d be interested in, and expand your selection. They stretch out over time and will lose the audio integrity. Safe travels.

I'd probably add a small hot plate, especially with the juiced up power station, and foldable table and chair but this is still so cute!

Very simple layout, love it!!! My family used to have an Astro van, when I'm finished my Truck Camper Build, I'm gonna search for a used van and start a new project! Great video! Cheers!

This is the definition of: content ❤

Alyssa, You can get spray adhesive and put your headliner up like it was when the van was and also you can get new weather stripping for your doors and most likely stop the rain from coming in. Just some advice, and you did a fantastic job on your van build.

This van and it’s windows are amazing. The 360 views from bed is awesome. I love your minimalist lifestyle. It’s definitely the way to live and enjoy life ❤

Honestly, this is pretty cool. I wouldn't mind testing a setup like this for a vacation. My ideal would be a design that had room for an easy chair. A little less space than a bed, but utility and comfort at the same time. At my size though, I might have to replace it every few years, especially if it became my sleeping space. I'm pushing 300lbs, so furniture that sees extensive use wears out much faster. Also, while not living in it full time, I've spent extended periods in my car due to unreal work schedules. I could only go home once or twice a week, and I had a Chevy Aveo. Talk about a challenge, good thing I curl up when I sleep! I found my gym membership to be the ultimate life saver. A place to shower and keep properly groomed (shaved) is an amazing lifeline to normalcy. I told the gym manager my situation, and he was amazingly open and accepting of my situation. I was able to shower every day without judgement and feel comfortable. If you hover around a central area, a gym membership is vital to your connection to our basic creature comforts. Of course, there's never a downside to having a connection to the fitness community. It's a great social and emotional anchor. It will do wonders for your sanity. Talking to gym staff may give you perks that you never imagined. Hopefully this tip helps, as I can imagine some folk viewing this are not doing van life of completely free will.

Love to see more people breaking away and living freely. I just hope you are also in safe areas and being mindful of protection. Best wishes to you all. I lived in/out my vehicle for several years. Can be beautiful and liberating but also dangerous. Stay safe and live free queen

I love the van life!!! I started because I love the open road! I love the way you have your set up! Try getting some solar power stuff that will help a lot

I drive a 1993 GMC Safari AWD for a lil while a few years back and it has been by far the best vehicle I’ve ever driver.

I love her! And I love seeing a super simple minimalist build! That’s realisticly what I am going to do so it’s nice to see it.

i don’t know if i lived this video for how beautifully simple your van is or for how soothing your voice is or for your beauty 😫💕🧚‍♂️

Wow, it's so nice to see a young beautiful woman learn to live like this. If ever you decide to live in a house, and for whatever reason you lose that house, you already know how to live in the simplest ways.

Anger Soundcore Motion Boom Plus - phenomenal Bluetooth speaker and would be great for your sized van. Portable and won’t be stuck in your car like a regular stereo. Sometimes they have a good sale. Around $150 on sale.

I had a Safari many years ago. Watching all these van life stories I have been wishing we had never let it go when it died on us. It had already been partially converted. The back seat was the one that you could lay flat and the windows slid open with screens in them. It had shades that slid down and lights that went all around the ceiling ridge. The kids and I did quite a few trips to Florida, N. & S. Carolina in it. I so wish I had it now. I would’ve taken out the middle seats and put storage/kitchen area where your desk is. I sooo loved that van.

That red interior is beautiful, I love 90s vehicles they have this simple yet unique look to them.

I loved this ♥️ my popps use to have an Astro van back in the day. After watching this, I want to buy an Astro van and fix it up for out of town trips. Love the build, wish you big blessings 🥰

Thanks for sharing you home. So simple and neat. I hate to see clutter in a van. I hope our #4 van build will not look cluttered since we will have 2 cats this time. So keep in my mind no clutter simple only. Love your videos. Proud of you sweetie keep up the good work. Be safe.

I love how simple your build is! I'm currently in the middle of having to figure out what I want done in my van and what I can afford.

I've really enjoyed following you. I live in Raleigh, NC and haven't gone on a vacation in years. LOL So, through your videos and wonderful commentary, I get to "get out" and take a little mental break with your videos. Your van is great, and you keep it so clean! Thank you for sharing. Thumbs up, as usual.

It’s the most basic, yet comfortable looking van on RU-vid.

I have a 1991 Astro, same interior as your van. When I travel I just put a cot inside and pack my gear. Couple small fans and a battery pack, good to go.

Love your home very nice clean and organized love it

I applaud her ingenuity. I really hope that she stays safe.

She loves this , and thanks for bringing us along Alyssa and have a great and safe Christmas 🎄 ❤️.

The 1st generation Safari/ Astro vans are better than the newer ones. The engine cover is way more flush to the dash, allowing for far more interior space, Also there is no rear a/c which also takes up a lot of room. I love your van. It's just like mine except the color.

This is so awesome! Thank you for sharing. I'm getting ready to pare down my possessions in my tiny RV home, and you've inspired me. Happy New Year! 🎉

Ive decided to do a van build in 2-3 years to use as a mobile photography office, the Safari has always been an favourite of mine, great Minimalist build!

Thank you so much I’ve been looking for custom window coverings!! This was so helpful and inspiring ❤️

You make life seem so easy ...ty for showing me how to not stress out on all the little things in life

Loved ❤️ Thanks for the info on window coverings. I have a 2006 SUV and they have mine also. WeatherTech didn’t all of the window sizes for it.

Nice efficient build. I have been thinking of doing the same thing with a conversion van.

You're always so well put together even on loungy days. I wondered where you kept everything. I want an 80s model van. I bought an old 5th wheel to live in last year for $500. I've learned a lot, but I don't have the love for it that I should and I'll never own anything big enough to pull it. I want to go smaller.

This exact van was my first car! Handed down from my mom to me and I loved it. To this day it is my most favorite car and Id love to own one again. Fantastic conversation love what you have done! Also the fact that you are still using cassettes is freaking EPIC!! ❤

Nice set up. I am a firm believer in minimalism on builds. Once you build out an "RV"...you're basically a slave to it unless you have endless supplies of $$ to keep making changes. I'd rather have the least amount of build inside so I can have more space to move around and if I don't like a table in it's location, I can move it to another location. I can change 90% of my home around to meet whatever need I have at any given site. Can't wait to get out to QZ and meet everyone. This will be my first year with a rig. I've gone in the past just to visit friends for a day and see the tent shows and gem shows. But this time I'll be bringing Salvage 1 for it's test voyage.

You have a very nice setup young lady. I'm turning my Ford Excursion into a camper for weekends get away or when traveling and don't want to stay in a hotel. I've learned a lot from watching videos like yours. Great job.😊

Thanks for the vantour! So fun to see! Love your van!!! 😍 Love that it simple ❤️ You are awesome Alyssa!

It just seems like there’s more room in it than it is, nice space. Have a happy, safe and a fine Christmas, thank you for sharing your journey.

Like and subscribed. I appreciate your practical approach to your van build. No need to complicate things just because you can. Looking forward to more of your content 👍🏽

You are a Gem !!!! You take life one day at a time and are so humble ....i truely believe if you had a million dollars youd just do a few upgrades to your van and still be happy

Jeremiah 17 7-8 KJV Bible !!! God's Word is the best travel map you'll ever see !!!

you're living my dream lmao... i wanted this so bad since i 2018 BUT it never happened. i tried to convince my husband to buy us a tiny house but he ended up buying a regular size house oh well... im so proud of you living mobile saves so much money and theres more pros than cons!!! ima subscribe lol

Interesting lifestyle to view thank you. I have a house in which to live, but I've gone backpacking and climbing with what I could carry on my back. I went cruising in my 17 foot powerboat, and currently have a Chevy Astro van, not unlike yours, in which I'll camp out. I keep it simple, with a mattress that can be tossed out on the floor of the van and turned on edge, out of the way, for days. A camp stove and ice chest with some cooking gear meet my cooking needs. And I like to pull in and use picnicking facilities to make a home for myself as needed, so I'm not confined to my van. That's really a key for me. I liked your battery pack, although I do fine with just some battery lights for my limited needs. I also liked your window blinds. My outfit is simpler still than what you have, but of course it's for occasional use, not living. And removing and packing my gear away allows me to use my van for transport needed when I'm home.

I love the simplicity… my builds non build is very similar.. comfy bed and under storage.. I use a little hallway table with drawers pre made and cut the legs shorter ..

She looks like a model 😍😍😍. Her skin looks so pretty

I love your van. Your personality really shines through it. You're very relatable - something a lot of van-lifers are lacking these days.

For $200 ??? That's insane! Especially in the United States. I purchased a Used Van in 2020 for $36k. Registration in California was $11,000 for the first year because it was a used diesel Van. That Van project is now a $100k+ Build. Insane how some other builds cost less than what it cost for me to fill up my Fuel Tank lmao. It cost $220 to fill up my Diesel Tank. 30 Gallons. at 2x a week = $500/week or $24,000/year

I see so many high end developed vans. I build my own similar like yours. Minimalistic and easy, thats it. Like 👍

My folks had a blue Astro van looked almost just like your video.. brings back so many memories. We would drive down I-40 to the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff on our way to family in California.. He tented the back windows as dark as legally possible bc there wasn’t rear ac like the kids have now. It helped a lot going thru Mojave heat in the summer and it was super private.

Watching your video made me think of that Cindy Lauper song: 'Girls, just wanna have fun'.

That's dope you do cassetts. I still do cds. I love cd records, that's just how I do it. Keep doing what you do. I love your stories...

I watched a few no mad vehicle videos Just Basic is yours fridgerator , solar panel generator, and a propane burner , Bed and a few storage bins hidden under the bed those thermal insulation window coverings are a good choice especially Arizona Desert chilly days My hats off to you never experienced living in a van 2/24/23 i am writing this in honolulu hawaii my dinner was family size Bush baked beans with sausage and a round onion and bread 😋 along one Banana which i grow in the garden really sweet I grow a variety of vegetables and fruits bell peppers,mustard cabbage, chilli peppers (sweet) Papaya, Avocados , egg plant , and Guava which is finally starting to fruit not sure of size of it (birds brought it ) Avocados are creamy and delicious last season over 500 fruits hoping same for this time around Egg plant i cook them fry or fire roasted

Nice van, really like the simplicity of the build. Safe travels!

I like how its so professionally filmed like those van life tour channels :)

Love the simplicity of your van. And yes, I totally agree with the red. Great video production. Enjoy the journey!

I am a gypsy. I had a quest mini van one time and traveled down to the keys and then ended up getting this sweet old sail boat. I used to live on the road, Ive been in the mountains now for a bit. I need a trip. I like you. I just subbed. 😁

I love those kind of vans! I wanted to get one last yr but couldn't find one. I like how u keep in simple, minimalism is hard to do but u found a way! 👍 Stay safe out there🏜️✌️

Wow!! I love the van. So simple and has everything that you need. Exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for the tour.

You are you are a breath of fresh air. I just am in the process of converting my 10 foot box truck. I’m gonna do some van laughing and your energy and perspective is really inspiring. I’m enjoying the journey.

Nice and simple.👍 Think about saving for a swivel for your passenger seat.

Nice jus gave me a few ideas I been living in my car for 3 yrs seeing u do it make me feel better I would never tell a Gorgeous woman like u I stay in my car not to many ppl understand but keep that Beautiful smile glowing god bless n and i wish u gud luck n happiness....til next time....

I just bought a 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan. My interior is also red, im currently looking for a multitude of inspiration and ideas! This is awesome

You should get a long drawer slide from Rockler, to install under your bed, you can just pull it out and take whatever you need behind the crate

I just got tell ya I was just watching your videos for the first time and you have a beautiful 💙 mind body and soul and a beautiful personality may God continue to bless you

I love the simplicity of it all 😌🙏🏾✨✨✨

Looking beautiful as always 😍

This is an awesome van well put together to suit your needs! You make want to do a road trip with my family!

I agree cassettes are the best. The best analog HIFI recording device before 1984

Solid looking van. Nice minimalist build. Wishing you a happy and safe journey.

I am going to order the water bottles and the spiget for them & the lights...thanks...been looking for something thinner for my car life adventure! Oh and I FINALLY ordered the window coverings...forgot all about those...been making my own but would prefer those!

I had a 1997 Chevy Astro and i really miss it after watching this video. Lol. I’ve since upgraded to a 2005 Ford Expedition, pulling my Jayco 154BH travel trailer.

I can tell you that the red carpet and interior is a the best one i've seen. plus those wide open windows, there is something to be said for older van designs.. today their just all so fake.. so happy you are happy, that is all that matters..

Cool! I have a 2000 GMC Safari and use it as my work van. But they are the coolest. Definitely better than an truck. I am also in Arizona so I can't imagine how you stay cool when it's so blasting hot! But good job!

My bed only has a foot of hight space underneath. It still fits a lot of storage. It needed to be low, because heat gathers at the ceiling of the van in the summer and i be in Florida a lot so, a high bed was a no no. Plus i can sit on my bed and my head won't hit the ceiling.