Van Life Q&A | New Relationship?/Why I'm Broke/Future Travel Plans 

Maddie, here's an idea--at dusk, turn on all the lights in the van. Then get down on your back and stick your head under the van. Move around to different areas of the van. Hopefully you'll see some light, and find any entry points.

100% respect that you keep private what is important for you to keep private.

Lol all of your vanlifer friends would definitely visit-to plug in, get packages, a bath, a delicious meal and lots of love and laughter! I know I LOVE to visit my house friends❤🎉

You know what? Do the east coast. But the canadian one 😇 I loved it as a vanlifer. Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia... It was very safe and amazing.

Social media is a fine way to make friends with vanlifers. I started a valuable friendship with a vanlifer in 2021 over social media that I think about daily. Sadly the world lost her to murder in August 2021 while she was at the Grand Tetons. 3 years later my heart still cries for them and what happened. Reach out to van lifers, you might just be the balm they need for a lonely life.

Please be careful using peppermint oil, our dog licked up a little and got sooo sick! Love you much ❤

As a lifelong Mainer I totally agree about how beautiful it is in the fall.It's funny how until I retired I often didn't notice until the foliage was almost gone.Then I met a group of tourists who traveled from Colorado just to see what I took for granted.I now have slowed down enough to see what I've missed in the past.

One of your best videos yet. Thanks for sharing.

I love the set up, the apricot themed and the sea background added the ambiance to be so soothing. 🍊🧡

Yay!!! You saw my question! How fun. I’ve just started watercolor myself. You’ve inspired me to try it. Love it so far! Looking forward to the next video.

You have such a beautiful spirit and it shines through your channel. Well done! 🌹

Really enjoyed this video!! Thanks for your honesty. BTW, I think you’re a REALLY good artist.

GIRL YES!! See you in Baja! I went two years ago before I had my van and could only take off a couple of weeks with my stationary job. I'm going this year and literally cant wait. Thanks for sharing! manifesting all of the good financial things for us both ⭐⭐

Nice Q&A session. Love your content.

Rich content. Solid answers. Thanks for sharing.

I also love your art and I think you are amazing! I could never ever even approach your level of realism in your drawings and I wonder how anyone can do that. I think that you get good at doing whatever makes you happy. Thanks for this video and stay happy!

Probably one of the best vids of yours, no artifical poses and bs dyotirs/scenes. ❤

Very informative. I have enjoyed getting to know you and Liza, your very faithful companion, through this RU-vid channel. I’m not one who spends time watching TV unless there is a good women’s tennis tournament or women’s WNBA games worth watching. I enjoy visiting different lifestyles on RU-vid. You have always been special to me because of your creativity in sustaining van life. Take care. Be safe

Nice Q&A. Glad you keep your personal life private. Well done!

Love your art work and your channel!

I love your art and attention to detail. Have fun be safe 🙏

From the forums (no doubt you've seen this): Most of the time, rodents use front wheels to get in to the engine compartment and then they use one of multiple entry points into the body. I've sealed all visible openings but there are several inaccessible openings in front frame rails and firewall. Once they are inside the body they can travel the whole body of the van and pop out anywhere. Their favorite "doors" inside are under driver seat and bottom of passenger B pillar (this one is also a source of a draft. It is located above small compartment where bottom sliding door support arm rests when the door is closed. I strongly advice closing this one). Also mice like to hang/live above headliners. And yes, traps are the only way to get rid of those that are inside. But, if you want to minimize chances of another visitor you'll have to scrub the bottom of the vehicle (body, suspension, wheels etc) to remove the smell of the first "visitor". If you don't, other will keep coming. I am of an opinion that they perceive smell of other rodent as 5 star review of your accommodations. And obviously, do not keep or dispose of food particles anywhere near the van, that includes gray water. Good luck! I'd also suggest a different trap... yes, killing them. I'd put glue traps under your engine frame, where they'd be crawling up. Stop them before they get inside.

Did a good job on questions and answers on life and van life too

You could try putting solar lights under your van at night (set them in the sun, on your dash etc. to charge during the day) helps to keep the critters away. And there are natural critter repellent sprays that you could spray around your tires and on the ground under and around your van

Thank you for picking my question! ❤

Wow, those were great questions! Thank you for sharing. I love your channel. I’m a 55 year old female and when I retire in 4.5 years I’ll buy and build out my Promaster but in the meantime I just love living vicariously thru all of you solo female van lifers on RU-vid.

I’m sort of type A. I live in the desert. The dirt bothers me. I have two large dogs that travel in my RV. They never get in without their feet being washed 😂. Even my 3 yr old grandson waits outside for his turn😊. We laugh about it a lot. When I lived on Siesta Key FL there was a hose everyone had to wash their feet before coming in. Omgosh. What a curse I was born with😆

Nice to see you Maddie

You've done well Maddie. Keep on truckin' 😀

Great video… So happy i ran across your channel

Ugh, that is kind of a difficulty, the dating pool of nomads in vans or buses or those that are interested seems fairly small. I suppose it's a good reason to go to meet-ups, can't wait until my bus is ready to be mobile so I can meet more people. Strange words coming from an introvert...but I am excited.

The weather is nice n comfortable here during the winter.

Whispering: check out North Carolina... Asheville... Boone... Chapel Hill/Carrboro.

AHHHH yes to winter in Baja!!! Buying my RV in December and can not WAIT to be in Baja this season! ❤

Really amazing place love this

It's the firewall between engine and dash lots of spots! For a mouse!

I went to UCSC too, but transferred to UCSB to finish my BS, so the reverse order of how you did it. I ended up getting a job and moving to Europe 35 years ago, never going back! .. . I watch your channel regularly! All the best from Switzerland.

That was great! Thanks for sharing. And as much as this nosey lady would love to know more about your personal life.. totally understand your desire for privacy! Plus you share so much already! ❤

Baja is definitely one of the places I can’t wait to go to!

I'm really glad that explained how you were able to do van life from then till now, I see so many video's of solo people explaining their life and builds, and make it seem like it's so easy to do. I would like to do either car or van life, but I just can't afford honestly, unless I move out and live in my car and save money that way, being a Veteran, I wouldn't have a problem with that all honestly.

Maddie could post a video of paint drying and I would be enthralled! ❤️

Enjoy your video this week hope everything is going good this weekend hope you are staying cool for me it's been hot I'm in the central coast and it's HOT here right now I went to Santa Cruz yesterday in the 90s here have a good week safe travels

I can tell your a kind soul, you remind me of my daughter, be careful and hope you find your dream, whatever that may be❤.

I highly recommend the ultrasonic PestChaser repellers, they seem to help. They may not drive them out because they can get used to them, but they seem to make them think twice before entering, I had lots of issues in my RV but not in the bus so far...but I've had one of these by my front door of my bus since I moved into it. I've also heard that lavender and lavender oil helps repel them and it worked out well for me? but I also love the smell so I think that helps. I can't guarantee these work but they seemed to for me and were inexpensive.

I appreciate what you do, and I know so many people are into short form right now, but I love love the long form. We do exist 😅

Come visit the Ozarks! The fall colors are just around the corner!

I am currently living in Maine & the fall colors are truly amazing! I'm not sure if it has passed peak foliage yet or not, but it's close though. I admire your true grit.

Hi Maddie, You mentioned that you had created a hole in your build near your propane tank to let the heavier gas escape for safety reasons in case of a leak. Is there a chance that the hole is large enough to allow a mouse to enter? Mice can use a much smaller hole than their head to enter as they will contort their bodies. if you think that could be the case, cover that hole with a scrap of 1/4" hardware cloth and staple it into place.

The corrugated roof in the elephant drawing ... that man-made element took some skill. Good job, Maddie.

I researched the mice problem and found several boon dockers add strobe lights to the underside of their vans or campers. Problem is you will need to add some form of extra power for the lights, but it could solve your rodent problem.

I think a helpful RU-vid short/Reel would be showing us or telling how you utilize community centers! 🥰 Very interested in that! Love you❣️

Absolutely LOVE your thumbnail Ssssoooop BEAUTIFUL😍

I lived in Baja Sur for many years and you are sooooooo right about it being a magical place! At the very end you said you’d possibly like to take some art lessons. I’ve used Skillshare for several years and the availability of various classes in unending! It’s more than worth it’s price!

Many thanks you are so inspirational 😎🍷🚍⚓️🇬🇧👍

The Web community can never thank you enough for your amazing work - based on real life experience. You deserve a top award - as a RU-vid content creator.

Very well said to protect your private life.

I just found your videos earlier this morning. A friend of mine came by and started watching with me. We both enjoy watching. Your such a cutie pie. We think Ellie thinks so to. Shes so sweet. And Isabelle is the best behaved baby ever. Please be weary and alert when dealing with mechanics because most will definitely take advantage of single women. Stay safe and keep on making videos for us.

Love U Maddie thanks for sharing this journey with me. Safe Travels Always. God Bless. Mucho Love From Your Friend In Michigan Tam 💜💕💕💜

i love you maddie

Wow! Your film quality is top shelf

Hi. Very interesting channel you seem to have a dream of a life. I love weekend's away with my dog. Can't wait till I retire so I can travel even more. Keep up with the good work. X

The bus has so much more room. So much more you can do with it. Even just a short bus

Lived in Nor Cal most of my life. I loved Santa Cruz. I was admitted to UCSC, but thought I would probably cut class and walk around the forested campus too much😂 so I went elsewhere. Ever been to Emily's Bakery in SC?.Santa Rosa was cool too visit. Just a possible FYI for future Van Lifers is, that according to veteran VLs, having a minimum of 1 year of work salary saved up is recommended before setting out on the road.

The answer to where you want to live on the Oregon Coast is South of New Port. All of the best beaches are South, and you won't get the amount of rain found up nearer to Astoria and Washington. Since you are a Banana Slug I would encourage you to try Bandon; which features unique architecture, including a lot from Santa Cruz.

Currently in Crested Butte! I agree….it’s so beautiful here. BUT, burrrrrr. this is my first night running my systems since last year. I hope we cross paths oneday.

We live in a wooded area and so mice can be a problem. I found that they were getting into the house through the garage - they chewed on the rubber weather stripping and created space to get in under the doors. So, I would check that around all of your doors. Also, they may crawl up your tires when you are parked and go through an area by the wheel well. Get underneath there and see if there are gaps, stuff it with steel wool because they cannot chew through that. It's a pain, I know!

Thank you for sharing your life with us love your honesty about your van 🚐 life love it and love your amazing channel prayers and blessings for you and your puppy 🐶 love your Aussie family friend and subscriber John ❤❤❤

i love your channel content very much.

Call mouse need to less than a half inch to get in. This leaves quite a few holes open in your van yet most likely it’s the doors when you leave them open when you’re outside or coming and going fast little creatures.

I love that school bus to do

❤❤I like your video maddie❤❤

I have a 2017 PRomaster-no mice except the one my 2 🐱🐱 brought IN 🤷‍♀️

Hi Maddie. Hope all is well. There are 2 or 3 places (under the engine hood) that mice can access the inside of cars, and there is very little that can be done to the car to prevent that from happening. Make sure to check the wires as mice chew wires. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy. Everything else is manageable. Pops

Maine and upstate New York isn’t so bad for vanlife. Finger Lakes area in upstate New York was beautiful! Had a free campground with clean new bathrooms. Maine is a little trickier, but we’ve stay at boat launches and free campsites.

Don't know if this has already been mentioned... truck stops have nice showers. They usually provide a towel and wash cloth. Very clean and safe.

awesome video

This video just made us miss you so much! Also, we’d obviously visit you no matter where you go! (D)

We have a Promaster, and we’ve never had mice in our van.

It is too bad Covid derailed your project to work in New Zealand (or maybe it is a good thing because you started van life and your YT channel instead). The country is absolutely amazing, particularly for nature lovers. I was lucky to live and work there for 4 years, and I think you would absolutely love it.

We had a small air line company in San Diego

Use steel wool and stuff it in any plumbing holes or cracks

Yes, I miss the yoga space!

I am on my 3rd year been both Colorado and the PNW probably have seen you??? Who knows this year went to Vermont from Florence Oregon and it was amazing especially foliage in Vermont. I almost drowned as my kayak got a whole lol in Lake Placid and enjoyed the love of upstate NY

Maddie, it was good to hear your thoughts on the importance of having a family home base to lean on sometimes. A good point to consider for those thinking about van life, who don’t. The dynamic between online creatives and their audience is strange when you think about it. But when both parts share a common joy of the world, as your followers do with your videos, it just makes life more fun. Thanks!✌🏼♥️🙂

A few words about Colorado as a over 40 yr long resident. You better have a BIG wad of cash if planning to move here for any length of time. Places like CB, Frisco, Carbondale / Basalt, are expensive i.e. EXPENSIVE ! Many long time residents are getting priced out of mountains where they live or when they want to move anywhere else within the state. The secret of Crested Butte has been out for years now and housing is always in short supply . If you know someone or have a good friend in any of the above towns it helps but be prepared $ wise. That said you could travel your whole life within Colorado and be content. Add in the surrounding states and you are set for any adventure for any duration weekend, a couple of weeks, a month or season.

The PromMastter has holes in the rear right under the pumper and under the taillight compartment, etc. I had the same issue with mise, but as soon as I covered the rear pumper holes, the mise issue had been resolved.

❤❤So beautiful and amazing place ❤❤

It sounds like you and I have some of the same kind of habits while on the road lol. I don't like driving on crowded streets either so I try to avoid driving in cities as much as possible, the bigger the city the more I tend to try to avoid it. I also tend to fill up the gas tank whenever it gets down to about half a tank. I've spent a lot of time in the eastern half of our country and, as you know, the further east you go the more populated and everything the country gets so yes it is a lot harder van life would be. I'm not sure how easy/hard it would be to do van life in Tennessee but if you want to look into it, Tennessee is a beautiful State to visit. I follow you on Instagram and I would love to interact with you more but I don't want to come across as a creepy guy or anything. I like meeting new people and making new friends so the last thing I want it to come across as a creepy old man or something.

I like how you have ideas of where you drive. Being out in the country is a lot better then being in a public city. If you feel concern about something in the van, it may be best to check for any conditions. There's another channel "Ame in a van" that's gone through things a little similar with van life in Europe.

Good times 🎉 I have had mice get into every one of my vehicles. I thought that it was because I have older vehicles. That would be a good sales point for a vehicle. Mouse proof. But have never seen that🎉

Baja this year 🎉

If you release a mouse, you have to move to another area far away, or it will definitely get right back in. They can squeeze in through the tightest spaces, they're almost like a liquid!

RU-vid this guy. Type: All about RV's: How to keep mice and pests out of RVs, Might be helpful. For areas of the van flooring that are spongy, you can drill a hole and inject expanding foam to make them more stable. Make sure you put something heavy on the area you are treating when waiting to set; otherwise, you will get a bulge. Then plug the hole with wooden pellet or plug.

If you ever visit east coast, visit us in Quebec! We are very welcoming! Cheers!

Is there an app that y’all plan your routes? I’ve been using google maps but it’s not always the best. Also I LOVE crested butte. Trail 403 during wildflower season is unreal. My grandparents have lived there since the 70s.

I had the same problem with my Ford Ranger truck---I found they were coming in from the engine compartment and wiggling thru the plastic sealing rings in various things that were in my truck--like my steering wheel shaft and clutch rods---i.e. anything coming into my truck via the firewall. The solution? I left the hood open whenever it was parked----why did this work?---mice are deathly afraid of hawks and eagles for good reason so they must be undercover always, never exposed to open sky.. I hope this helps.

Huh. I'm a Santa Rosa boy. Long before your time -- the '70s. I went to Montgomery High School.

They are coming in through your ac vents

OMG I am going through this exact same mouse situation. It’s maddening 😅

Wow so many new insights in the saturated genre of van life..hope you leap frog over the more well known channels…