Tour of a Nomad Living in a Car or SUV- 5 Tours | No-Build Van Life 

The no builds are my favorite. Nothing elaborate just good living.

Wonder Hussy!!

Love them all. They obviously suit each individual. Something I have noticed, and taken inspiration from, are that women's set ups appear to be so much simpler and cheaper.

Makes me feel like my four window shorty is huge. But hey when I was a teen I lived out of a back pack... Lol Home is where you find it.

We love Wonderhussy!

Wonderhussy is the best, (first rig interview). she travels mostly the arid Southwest making videos about interesting history. Wonderhussy Adventures. Check it out.

This will help, I will be taking my dodge SUV out on a three-day camping test next weekend to learn more about my needs. This video will help. Thank you.

Wonderhussy!

Wonderhussy!!!!!!

Wonderhussy! ❤

To be able to remove your gear in case you want to change your vehicle or something, nothing is permanently installed, thanks for showing us these rigs

The fold up bed with storage under it,is a good idea.

Favorite setup in the video: Sarah Jane's (the first). I arrived at something very similar, and hers is well done. The views from inside a 4Runner (among other vehicles) are excellent, much better than a tent in my experience, and high winds are no problem - again much better than a tent. The challenge is keeping your gear compact enough to still have a nice, uncluttered, uncrowded space for yourself. Sarah has done a good job with this.

Thanks for the idea’s! I have a small Hyundai Accent I just bought so I’d spend less money on fuel back and forth to work.(700 miles). I’ve been thinking of taking the seats out and installing a bed.

I personally liked the first one. No fuss , simple living and she didn't even took out the seats which itself is a good idea.

Another great 👍 video. I'm in the UK 🇬🇧 and can draw a company pension in 2 yrs at age 55. It's tax free 25% of the pot. I'm fortunate to have a pension scheme which no longer exists. Its based on your final salary when you left. How crazy is that? So I think I have enough for £25k ($30k) purchase of a motorhome. But would it make financial sense to stay in a low cost vehicle for a time and therefore allowing the pension pot to grow? It's from a blue chip global banking organisation so I consider myself very fortunate. Does anyone think doing a car, vehicle live in for a couple of years is worth it as the pension pot increases? Bye the way, I've never been rich or wealthy. I don't have any debt thankfully. Classic retirement pension nest egg.

VIDEO #1 ..WOW!!!!...SHE HAS GORGEOUS HAIR!!! LOL GREAT VIDEO THANKS FOR SHARING!!...p.s. I DRIVE A BOX TRUCK FOR WORK AND AT TIMES I DRIVE ABOUT 500 MILES....I DO NOT LIKE STOPPING FOR MUCH OTHER THAN GAS..I TOO USE A LAUNDRY BOTTLE FOR URINE BUT I'VE FOUND ADDING A HANDFUL OR TWO OF PINE PELLETS COMPLETELY ELIMINATES ANY URINE SMELL. JUST AN FYI.... ;)

Wonderhussy's 4 Runner setup was my favorite. The reliability of the Toyota beats out the extra space in a van in my opinion.

I like the laundry bottle. I have one but bought a Collapsible funnel to go with it from the dollar store. Learned that trick from Caravan Carolyn. I do like the no builds. Nothing fancy but includes everything you need to survive. Love this. Thanks Bob!

Thx for the compilation

I learned a lot from your videos especially this one. thanks

Thanks for the compilation, Bob! I have taken bits and pieces from many of your vehicle tours already and have implemented them in my SUV build, and truck camper build before settling on my Bel-Air shell on my 1/2 ton truck that you featured on your interview with Jim. I got to meet Jim at the last RTR and told him how much he inspired me. Thanks so much for showing me how to live my best life and find adventure!

I think that attachment on the back of the last suv was very interesting, and could be made in so many ways, out of a swing-out hitch-mount cargo carrier.

I don't like to criticise any set-up really, because people have different ideas about what they must have, what they can do without, and what they compromise over. Multi-purpose set-ups seems to be the best way to go for many folks. For a lot of people, a budget set-up is their only doable option, while others can afford all the "bells and whistles". Weight and safety are probably the most important constraints, apart from the available budget. Some people want a fanatic bed, which means that their kitchen or bathroom arrangements may be more Spartan, and that is OK. Others will want a nice shower and toilet, but maybe not care so much about a huge gourmet kitchen. Some make a living out of being an outdoor chef/blogger, or whatever, so obviously their rig will reflect that priority. People are ingenious in the ways that they can address their needs and wants. Experience, trial and error, planning and testing, or just jumping in and having an adventure. For others it can also be a matter of survival. It is inspiring the diverse ways that people solve problems, and not only survive, but thrive.

There was a lady whose van got stuck in the sand for a couple days.....So i would think that the dig and traction boards that second guy had would be good insurance. They are rather large so space may be an issue but if one could find a way to stash it compact, would be nice in an emergency.

The Toyota would be my preference

I’m so glad to see two of my favorite RU-vidrs working together. Wonderhussy was one of the first builds I saw a few years ago that inspired me to try it in my Toyota Sienna. The rest has been enjoyable and history. I also love the Bluetti in the Jeep. Mega power, but slim.

I use an 2002 Envoy. It's mid sized +/-. Compartmentalize with bins. Everything must fit on one side .I can access clean clothes or light cooking coffee brewing inside if weather isn't nice. A tent and a couple sizes of tarps. Solar gor Engels fridge/freezer 45 qt , renogy dc-dc 50 amp controller and gel battery. Rear seats out. Cargo box on roof rack. I also rebuilt suspension so it hasn't bottomed out any where yet. We did extended camping trips for shakedown. Still in my first year I think. Departed bricks and sticks last Sept after my puppy checked out to next trail ahead of us. I enjoy having the mobility to be places so many can't access for privacy and seclusion. Most all repairs I can complete myself ss it's an easy drive train to work on, straight 6, rwd. 22 mpgs hwy. I enjoy Envoy, it's functions well bow with 237,000 miles on it. Do I Love it? Or any of the Stuff I haul around ans camp with? No, I don't love any of it. I don't love anything that can't Grieve over a loss. That's silly if not a great definition of materialistic. This I learned from my puppy, Miss Susie. She was so patient teaching me Stuff.

Wonderhussy!!!!!

The thing is, almost(?) every "build" (and/or it's owner) has had something important to share, whether it be the design & execution, or a personal trait or story. Maybe that's why I spend so much time watching these types of videos? 🤔 I love the simplicity of Erin's, Wonderhussy's, BMW guy. The DownToMob dude has a "ready for anything" setup - very cool indeed, albeit with more "complexity", out of necessity. Of there's one thing that stuck with me early on before I even knew I was going to hit the road, was to not invest to much into the build itself because you WILL want to change it, and make it easy to transition back to a normal SUV. I've drooled over so many of the cool builds I've seen, but the wisdom of "make do with what you have" is golden - was well as being more budget friendly for limited income folks. I think I'll enjoy this new series Bob, and know that I'll be watching. Thank you sir, for all you do.

What impressed me most was the minimalist approach to limit things to what is actually necessary and nothing else. I'm in the middle of my first van build and I am committed to a spartan living environment and the individuals featured in these videos are my new role models for making it possible! Thanks, Bob!

I like container modules. They are portable, movable, easily replaceable and easily reconfigured. They look neat and help organize items. Small size containers help an individual to not over buy unnecessary items. Also sturdy tubs can double as convenient tabletops. By the way the very best tip I have ever gotten from this channel is using a portable garden sprayer as a shower/dish sprayer. I tried this in my initial set up and it has worked so well that I never wanted to use anything else.

Bob I love that you show the different alternative living and that it isn't impossible.

Hope you do a lot more of these . They are just fun to watch Bob . Thanks for what you do for people .

After watching your video's I would like a all in one but a trailer is not out of the realm of wants. Thank you for your video's.

Great selection of videos again.....I liked the simplicity of the no build suvs....and that cooking station by the owner of the volvo was pro.

I saw a guy in Death Valley National Park who had an interesting setup - a small, fuel-efficient car plus a huge tent he carried with him.

Wunderhussy always makes for good content.

that's wonderhussy. jeep gladiator is a truck.

Shout out to Wonderhussy from a happy sub! 🙋

Thank you! I'm inspired to be able to get out there

That 2nd interviewer was like interviewing Charlie Day from Always Sunny. Quite entertaining.

I would like to see the bumper swing out kitchen setup more indepth

LOL I have a bmw x 5 as well .. however Iv just built a platform which allows me to access the storage under the trunk section . I also will be traveling with my shepherd ( that’s interesting) 🤣 a vacuum is a must ! Iv had to cut up my mattress (foam )to accommodate my bed plus allow me to have a space for my sweet dog . I don’t really care for him on my bed . I also removed all the seats in the rear . This week I will install the flooring because I want a more finished look ( click together flooring ) . For added storage I purchased a rear hitch swing storage container, isn’t the biggest however so awesome! I didn’t want to put rooftop storage as it would cover my panoramic sunroof , which is a must not only so I can look at the stars but also have open for ventilation and that more spacial feel we all crave in our SUV’s . I do have some added storage to the rear of my vehicle as well I hope to get water and my daily necessities within reach . A couple of fans oh and I have an ecoflow for power with portable solar panels ! I can’t wait for my first trip next week to Virginia Beach then off to my land and 250 sq ft cabin in the ADK of upstate NY for the summer months . I want so badly to open my land for other nomads and long term road warriors and hope to do so by word of mouth . Stay safe y’all ! Happy travels ! 💜

I love the swing-away hitch box!

Where can I find those vehicle levelers that you have under your front tires?

Miss Sarah, Wonderhussy! One of my favorite RU-vidrs, along with Vancity Vanlife! Chrome and Cruzie!! Love them too..❤

Great ideas. Creative people. Thanks Bob! Happy Sunday!

Video request: Ideas from other types of travelers, nomads, alternative lifestyles that can be applied to cheap RV living. I have in mind a few, and there are probably others as well. Experienced world travelers are one group. People like Rick Steves have learned to travel for long periods, some of them for many years, with very few possessions. One can learn from them. Self-contained around-the-world bike travelers are another group. Long-distance backpackers, bikepackers, motorcycle campers, and car campers are others. Most RVers have trouble keeping their gear simple and compact.

Great idea Bob.

Some Walmart stores carry these 3-gallon clear water containers that are great, the best I've found. They are in or near the RV section. Made in USA by AmericanMaid. They're stackable, store neatly and use space efficiently. Easy to handle. Inexpensive.

I really like the car or mini can no builds x

I like Sarah Jane's simple setup! My best tip for camping on the road is to always keep 30 packs of Rice-a-Roni in storage. When you transfer each package to a ziplock sandwich bag, it takes no room at all to store a month's worth of emergency food. My favorite flavor is the spanish rice. I like to add sun dried tomatoes and Taco Bell sauce packs to the mix. The Broccoili Cheese Rice-A-Roni is great served with Starkist chicken foil packs. I'd also like to mention canned salmon and salmon foil packs. If you combine the fish with breadcrumbs, powdered eggs and water, you can make salmon patties fried in olive oil. Get a good stainless steel pot/pan nesting set instead of hauling a bunch of random cookware that takes over a whole storage bin. Even if you have a propane stove, bring a small folding stove or folding notebook grill that packs down to nothing. Such stoves can burn wood or charcoal when fuel isn't available. I keep a small cooler for salad foods, lunch meats, cottage cheese and fruit. If I'm starting from home, I fill the cooler with frozen water bottles to keep the food cold for five days. If I have to refill the cooler from a random grocery store on the road, I look for things like little frozen hamburger logs and frozen packs of cauliflower mashed potatoes. They take forever to thaw in the cooler!

Can't beat a van. Built or not built it's got room for long term use. Pulling a 5x8 trailer a 2nd option for me.

Thanks for workshop from Lolland Denmark xposth bjar🇩🇰🇺🇲🐕🎅

Lmao at the second video with the fly. Guy was smooth right back into the tour couldn't have scripted it better haha.

Some nice ideas 1st ones my favourite no build love it keep it simple

Another option is an SUV plus a tent that can be pitched nearby on the ground as circumstances allow. It can be nice to have the extra space sometimes. I used to use a compact two-person tent. Then I went to a three-person. Now I'm at a four-person tent (Alps Acropolis), and am really liking it. It's still very compact when packed up, like the two- and three-person tents, but is considerably more spacious and pleasant when set up. I haven't tried a five- or six-person tent yet, but might give one a try. I like having the option of sleeping in the SUV whenever and wherever appropriate, and also having the option of spreading out in a nice camp setting at times. I like having both options.

The simplicity of a minimalist SUV setup is very appealing.

Thanks Bob! Great to see Sarah Jane!! WH! And Eminence FX5👍

I can't imagine how much motion there must be with a tent on top of a car. I have enough of a hard time steadying my travel trailer, and that's with jacks on all the corners...

My Kia Sorento is too small even for a few weeks of off grid and the smaller width makes everything uncomfortable. I admire people who can make it work with anything smaller than a van.

Very cool idea to do all these side by side, thanks!

More SUV videos please! Already got one, always looking for ideas.

The first one with all seats still in and the folding mattress was my favourite 😃

Oh wow Errin's in this one! It's like bumping into an old friend!! Thanks Bob...

For my needs I like the setup in the Volvo. I use something similar all the time.

I'm considering downsizing from 27' motor home to a Ford expidecian the tent on the roof appeals to me ( I already have the hooked ladder ) ha, ha, Thanks 😊

Hi Bob, Really enjoyed this video and all the different options people choose to live in their vehicles. Tfs and have a nice Sunday evening.

All my vehicles throught the decades have been no builds. My first truck was a 79 F150 with a free top I got. Bed was a couple sheets of cardboard. Lived in like that for about a year.

Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

Look amazing Bob

Hey Bob, This is a good format, Showing 5 different builds. Several good ideas, low cost, especially for beginner travelers.

Cheers and thanks

I liked the 1st set-up. Everything in it's place, neat & tidy while leaving the bed space open. The no-builds appeal to me most of all.

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Hot weather! I'm in Central FL. Never know when the "weather" may change & we may have a real winter... May be that there's many many having to live that way before too long. I'm 69 yo, okay health, widow. If I could take the heat, I'd be gone!! Still may happen, praying about it. God bless everyone.🙏❤️🙏

Bob, I've been looking for a van. But I'm just gonna take my volvo xc90 and go. Hopefully I can get my rooftop tent up and be at Quartzsite for the RTR this January. Hope to meet you and others I've been following for a couple years now.

@wunderhussy,I'm heading that way, looking to live between vegas and Reno, love you guys, good combination

Just learned that campgrounds don’t allow camping in any vehicle that isn’t RVIA certified. This means nothing smaller than a van! SUVs not considered ok!

The female builds seen to be much more practical and comfortable. Guys tend to look like they're building a demo for a show. All kinds of "cool" stuff like the giant fridge. Ironically,. The guy probably stops and gets fast food.

oh wow. This is a new one. Love watching Sarah explore the desert. She can make an abandoned dryer in the middle of the desert seem interesting.

I liked the guy with the Mercedes setup best - ultra organised and simple. Not how I would do it but still good. Then the first chic's setup. I'm also a big fan of being able to just drive off if things don't feel right so those 2 appeal to me. AND I believe in minimalism

I had a suv and worked two jobs stayed out there six months gym, for showers bed and a cook stove and a portabke toliet, flash lights and curtains. Only thing i came home with was a cold ( from a coworker with kids).

Wow, quite the tour.

Wonder Hussy! I'd know her flag shades anywhere! She also has a fun channel. I'm putting my rig together similar to hers.

My number 1 question to everyone that lives like this is how the hell do you make money so you can survive. Seems like everyone just talks about builds and living in the desert or mountains and that’s cool. But ya need cash to make all of this happen. So what’s the secret? Thanks

The last guy with a hitch which moves his box to side!! That’s what I needed to take pictures of because I didn’t know how to explain it. I wish we could have seen the hitch when in drive mode too. Also would have been informative to get more info on the hitch and how it was built especially with the great stuff he had on it !

Glad your still at it Bob. They were all nice, but I would love to see how that ambulance looks inside. That more my speed ;-)

No-builds can help get someone on the road super quick. It would probably mean you’ll have a storage facility for your things if you’re selling your home, but lots of people do that at least initially.

Love seeing all the creative ways ppl are exploring, living and thriving. Have you met anyone living in a pop up tent full-time and traveling?

Wonderhussy - always my favorite!!!

❤TFS!

Omg i loved seeing DowntoMob on ylur channel!! What a cool cross over he is a cool guy ❤

I liked the first one in the 4 Runner for the minimalism and the comment “anybody can do this!” 😊

👍👍👍👍👍

I am always interested in how the different nomads kep food, cook, stay clean and what they use for a toilet. I really enjoy your channel.

The couch cushions,with are made to be comfy is a good idea.I like the suv set up

🎉You'll even be showing Chevy Cargo Vans😊

All had good organization ! I have a truck van and inspired to finally take small steps toward nomadic life