Van Life YouTubers Are Full Of SH*T! (influencers exposed) 

What is Will & Rambo up to these days? Here is a cooking show we made to talk about all this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tktlWrMQROU.htmlsi=HkXGw7UNT_patURY

I'm a true nomad, and he is talking about the RU-vidrs, NOT us real nomads. The RU-vidrs, and I camped with most of them as they came and invaded our spots, are mainly scammers. 99% OF THEM! They're entitled, arrogant, and care not who is in the background of their videos. They would come and park right smack dab in the middle of the only spot with a view over the river, or mountain, or lake, and block it from everyone else who was camping there. Most have their own land that they go to for respite between "nomadic outings," and many stay in hotels. They make nomadic life look glamorous, fun, and adventurous, but it is VERY HARD WORK!! VERY!! And it is NOT CHEAP!! It's a perpetual dirty camping trip you NEVER GET TO COME HOME FROM! He is spot on. The expenses are oftentimes exhorbitant: vehicle repairs and upkeep are constant, propane & gasoline are expensive, food is also expensive because you are rarely near a Walmart or Costco, and even if you are, you can't stock up on the cheaper bulk priced items. Water is rarely free unless you drive long distances to a public pump, but then the cost of gas to get to that free pump costs more than paying to fill your water jugs in your current location. Dumping your porta potty or your tanks is the same issue as water. Solar power is expensive to start up, and the batteries must be replaced every couple years. Cleaning the panels is a frequent job, bc they must be maintained so they work properly. Also, if you've got solar panels attached to the roof of your vehicle your "stealth camping" abilities are NON EXISTANT. Every cop and ranger KNOWS who you are, as does every thief. Being a nomad is NOT cheap, and it isn't safe either. I've had MANY attempted break ins while I've been inside my vehicle, and the only thing that drove them away was hearing the cocking of my shotgun and a clear vocal warning to "LEAVE or else I'm blowing a hole right through that door you're touching!" If you have ANY type of chronic health problem, this life will make it worse, and finding a physician and a pharmacy on the road is nearly impossible, and you will pay cash, because insurance only pays for doctors in your residence area. There is no such thing as "nomad medical insurance," except Medicare, and you only get that if you're disabled and elderly, which in my opinion, those demographics should not be nomads. Anyway...he tells the truth. The RU-vidrs are full of it. Real nomads can't stand them.

Yes, it isn’t easy. I lived in my split window VW Bus in 1970. I really loved it and had wonderful experiences but when I finally got an apartment with my new wife in 1972 I was very happy to have a real kitchen and bath. I never looked back. BTW this will be our 50th wedding anniversary in November.

This is RU-vid. People love to spin a good yarn about almost anything. During the first 'wave', every van life RU-vidr was showboating about van life. Now the second wave has come where they all berate it.

I watched Bob Wells for years and thought I can do that! I lived in a camper about 2 months on my own property and decided that it was not for me. You don't know the reality of it until you do it yourself. The propane runs out in the middle of the freezing rain. You can hear everything outside, EVERYTHING. Cooking is a big mess. Nope, I cured myself of that. Only way I could do it again is if it were in one of those 250k motor homes with a driver/maintenance person on board.

I understand your perspective. I am an over the road trucker, i travel all 48 states. And I actually love my career. Professional Semi Truck Van life! I am an introvert like you say. If I vlogged, which is too much of an extroverted thing for me to do. It might appeal to people who are stuck in a circular lifestyle. To the office back home, to the same places in their city over and over. I think the key is balance. While I'm isolated for more than average people. It's peaceful for me...and when I enter into society again, it's an exciting joy to be in the hussle and bustle. However. It drains me and I re-enter my solitude like a refreshing shower. I don't think its everyone not being authentic on youtube. It's hard to tell who is and isn't. Oh, and take a tip from a trucker. You can always park at rest areas and truck stops to sleep over night, if you can't find something exotic.

I have a feeling some of these "van life" influencers don't live in their van as much as they claim. There were a few young couples with popular YT channels on van life and turns out they live with their parents most of the time. So the have a full time home, but basically pretend they live full time out in their van. One even raffled their van off to some "lucky" fan and it was almost completely in operable. The new couple took it out and only made it a short way into their trip before they were stranded with a broke down vehicle. So obnoxious of people like that. Thanks for being honest!

I think the biggest shock to van lifers is most come from renting, where a lot of the homeowner responsibilities are taken care of or just a phone call away. Van life moves you straight into a homeowner mentality, where you have to do it all yourself, which can come as a big shock to anyone who has lived in apartments their entire life (or their parents house)

I traveled around Australia with a Canadian girl in a van and never thought it was about living in a van. It was being close to someone I loved while we experienced the majesty of the country together.

I actually find that I'm out and about and around others more now in my van than I ever was off isolated in an apartment.

The cost of a van/rv really put me off, so I simply just decided to travel around with short term rentals (airbnb) in areas I wanted to explore. It has kept the costs down, no long term leases, and no expensive van purchases.

There are a lot of nomads that absolutely love it. Not all are introverts, some are quite social. And travel in groups and caravans. The life isn't easy and totally care free, but neither is living in a stationary structure. I think it comes down to what is important to you personally. There are many nomad RU-vidrs who fell in love with the life style well before making videos. If they learn to hate anything it's the demand of making the videos that takes away from enjoyment of living nomadic. I'm sorry you didn't find you nitch in van life, it's not a one size fits all. Good luck.

I was thinking about vanlife but I need more space. I’m fine being alone. So I just went out and brought a 40 foot sailboat to live on. I know there are drawbacks just like with vanlife. Still this is the path I have chosen.

I live in my van therefore I have to make a few comments, I live in a 2015 Ford transit extended high roof the biggest van and engine that Ford makes. I don’t have any 50.000 dollars in it much less 100,000. It runs great. But I stay on top of the maintenance. I camp in forest woods deserts lakes, I like people and being around them and on the other half I don’t. So I have no problem doing van life both ways. After nine years of lots of van living and traveling I honestly have to say the only downfall I see about this lifestyle is, It can get extremely boring. I have a cassette toilet and sure it’s a hassle to dump, it generally takes me anywhere between five and 10 minutes. But going to work eight hours a day is much harder. Yes it takes time to move every two weeks, but much less time than working eight hours a day 40 hours a week, Yes I have to set up a shower tent outside and boil water, but much less time than going to work every day for eight hours 40 hours a week, yes it takes a little longer to cook and clean it all up, but much less time than going to work eight hours a day 40 days a week. Van life does come with its challenges, but just as many is working eight hours a day 40 days a week dealing with bosses neighbors and house maintenance. So anytime I get tired of dumping my toilet boiling my water or setting up my shower tent, or even look for new camping spot, I always remind myself of this one thing, twice a month I have to move do laundry grocery shop dump my toilet and fill my water tanks. On average that’s a five hour to a six hour day twice a month. So I exchanged a lifestyle of working five days a week to working two days a month. The rest of the time I do what I want. Again to me the worst part of Vanlife is boredom. I would suggest not doing this lifestyle in a vehicle older than 3 to 4 years. And make sure you take hobbies with you. Thank you for your video.

It's really not that bad. Better than being cooped up in an oversized box, paying a landlord overpriced rent, doing the same routine everyday, dealing with annoying neighbors, living with all the city crime and wasting my life getting fat on a couch staring at mindless TV dribble all day. Shall I continue with all the drawbacks of apartment dwelling? Freedom is the road.

Van life was created by necessity of not being homeless in a tent. Vans ,cars, whatever someone has to live in. Now people that have other options and are just playing around will have another attitude about doing it. It's like eating homeless camp food just to try it out compared to being hungry and have to eat it.

Thanks for the realistic version of things. I rocked out of a van out of necessity for a good 7-8 months. There's alot of work involved. I would clean the van out every 3 days because clutter gets out of control. I turned into a snowbird. You go north during summer, south during winter. Alot of work. Constant risk of breaking down. Your car is your life. When it goes down you're left treading water. It's hard to find bathrooms. Due to the goofs vandalizing public bathrooms it's actually a bit tricky. If I was setting up in a spot I would get a monthly sub to a YMCA or a gym. You have to play musical sleeping lots since people start to recognize you. Karen is your biggest enemy. It's a big hassle. Once you've been recognized expect to have the cops nocking on your windows in the AM to say hi. Truckers are your best friend for finding sleeping spots. They've been at this for quite a bit longer than you have. Just don't park right next to them to stay off their sus radar. You need to sleep with an eye half open. I've had goobers messing with the car while I slept inside. There are some bad actors in play so you need your bunny ears up.

I honestly can't think of anything worse than living in a vehicle other than being homeless on the streets

I'll agree that most don't show the real side of vanlife, but we love you show the uncomfortable parts. Guys like Foresty Forest do an amazing job of not hiding the reality of it all.

I've decided against a van for my retirement. Instead, I'll be looking for a used class c . The first thing I've been arranging is a list of support people and researching the products that will the most important and effective. I also have friends in different places in the West/Southwest that have undeveloped land that they've already given me permission to boondock on. I don't want to wander around not knowing if I'm unwelcome to park. Planning for this lifestyle will, hopefully, cut down on difficulty. Respecting the landowner and their land is of utmost importance at all times.

There is a middle ground between constantly moving and living in a park for very long terms. I travel full time and have for the last 12 1/2 years. My best investment was a Thousand Trails membership. Three weeks at a time free and park to park. The parks are not all over the country but you can spend years visiting all those that are available. From time to time I paid for my week out of a particular park. Usually did that twice in the same park. That way I could spend 11 weeks in a park for the price of two weeks. And as a member I got a discount on the weekly rate. I have never spent a night while not visiting relatives, where I camp in the driveway, in anything but an RV park. I am not in a van either. I have a Travel Trailer and pickup truck to pull it.

A lot of the van and RV and tent people I watch do show those real life daily struggles and they talk about them. That’s part of what makes them so interesting. It’s not all beautiful views that smells like roses.There are issues living in a house like HVAC, sewage systems, toilets, roofs, etc.... And I think your right about it being easier if your a loner. Absolutely. Cause if your not that could be rough.

I've spent many comfortable nights inside my vans while traveling but can honestly say I can't imagine living that lifestyle for more than a few days at a time. Spending those nights mostly at interstate rest stops have afforded me free access to bathrooms, which on short trips is probably the most important thing, but everything else can be a pain in the rear. Congrat's to those who figure out a way to enjoy the lifestyle.

I always took what "Van Lifer's" said with a grain of salt. It's a "Van", not a large RV or a house where you have a ton of space. Plus its hot, it's cold, you get "the knock", some creepy guy is looking in your windows...😄 It's Cray Cray.

"Van life is for introverts" - this statement of profound truth should be heeded by anyone contemplating this life style. For the intermittent introvert, rent-a-van might be more realistic. This would be me. After three months camping in a tent in the forest boy was I happy to open the door to my modest but sturdy, comfortable home-studio and all my beloved things. At seventy-six, I'm getting to know myself. This was my first experience camping, but maybe a bit too long. But way less maintenance and work than living in a van.

I love it. I work from my van. I take up a small footprint. My carbon footprint is my gas usage, and that's it. Smaller than most people wo think they're living 'green', and I get 9mpg. But I'm also an introvert. I do most of my living in a city.. parked wherever to sleep. But yeah.. If you believe the instagram 'van life', yeah no. You deserve whatever happens to you. Also, we all (should) know that van life youtubers are doing this for a living and many of them DO talk about how long it takes to make a video. If you're just cooking for yourself, it doesn't take long. I can cook a meal in the same time as I did in a house. It takes longer because you're cooking for the camera.

I did urban vandwelling for a year in Denver with no insulation and worked a full time job. It fitted me like a glove and I was never happier. I still hung out with my friends even though they thought I was crazy. I would still be doing it if it wasn't for COVID. My gyms closed as well as my eateries. I was living in a minivan.

The van lifers I watch DO talk about this stuff. Perhaps that's an indication that I watch TOO many!

Everyone will have a different experience. Some people are able to make it work others are not. Different strokes for different folks I guess. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I have been using my van to go camping and road travel...until I needed a transition space to make a move...I can tell you committed living in a van without other options is a little depressing. I feel like I get so little done. Grateful for so nany friends where I have been able to break up the van living. But also grateful for the van to give me personal space. Trick is to find gratitude wherever you are!

I agree with everything you said. My friend and I traveled for a year all over North America in a small brand new truck with new over the head camper. It was a lot of fun, this was many years ago before this van life craze started. I know right away that this phase is not going to last long. We spent every penny we had in our savings account and by the time we finished we were tired and ready to settle down in one place and start working again. We didn’t run into major problems, not even a car breakdown because our car was brand new. Mexico was inexpensive, we just pulled over wherever we wanted and spoke with the natives and the cops and they all let us stay sometimes for weeks. Then we moved on to the US, and money started to just pass by our hands quickly, things became expensive, then all over Canada which was even more expensive especially the gas prices. We gave ourselves a year to travel. Then this van life became a fad, and I knew it won’t last very long, unless you’re homeless and don’t have any choice but live in a car, which we know there are many in this country. Now I travel here and abroad, mainly abroad, and when I travel here I’m equipped with everything I needed to camp, I know my resources, I know where to camp free, and I know how to be safe whether I’m camping in the city or in remote areas. There are things to be learned from this vanlife phase and they can use them in the future when they go back to traveling…. Without giving up their permanent homes and jobs.

I want a van build like yours to use for surf trips, but living full time would be super challenging. Kudos to you for trying it out!

Cooking and clean up take way longer in a big kitchen too. Open windows in large house also causes dust. I go in and out of my home and my birds and dog cause mess in house too. If you never open your windows of your house it will smell too. Composting toilets can break down #2 very efficiently and only need to be changed every couple of months. I don't know which van lifers you are watching but I've watched many who are quite honest about it all.

I’ve watched several nomads on RU-vid who document their van life. Couple things I have observed, the nomad has to have a gym membership for bathroom access, they have to keep moving around to find places to sleep, and the risk of danger… I saw a van life RU-vid shorts, where the nomad actually filmed rodents in her van. 🤢 it’s fascinating to watch folks live the van life because I couldn’t do it. Great commentary!

Although I did not live in a van, I did live in a travel trailer for over a year. Planning is key, even if you stay at RV parks, getting there at night once the office is closed is very stressful. I can’t tell you how many times I would arrive in a town, locate an RV park, and find out the spots available are extremely difficult to maneuver by yourself in the dark. Fuel for my tow vehicle was ridiculous as you are lucky if you get eight MPG. This was also back before smartphones and Wi-Fi. There are some great benefits but as William says, a lot of challenges.

I live full-time in a Roadtrek camper van with solar panels and am a "Snowbird" where I never have to shovel snow or slip on ice. I'll compare my monthly expenses and a few small chores, to your never ending mortgage payments, high property taxes, heating and lighting all those rooms, and constant house repairs, dealing with bad neighbors and mowing of a lawn. I love gathering new memories as I travel and would not want to spend my life sitting in recliner watching other people's memories on TV.

You have to be adaptable, capable, cunning and a have a good head on your shoulders to be a Van Lifer. You never know what’s around the next corner.

Most of these inconveniences can be discovered with a few camping trips. It isn’t for everyone! I camp several times per year for a couple of weeks at a time. The cons don’t overwhelm me but most probably that’s because I know I have a cushy home to go back to!

I live in my Tesla with a cat and dog and you’re not wrong!! There are a LOT of things that come with this lifestyle that aren’t as ‘aesthetic’ to share! I found your point on introverts super interesting. I definitely am one- I spend a ton of time cross stitching, watching scenery and taking photos, and haven’t been bored on my travels yet! ❤️

Thank you for your honesty! Much appreciated.

I watch a lot of van lifers. All of them have a video on bathroom strategy. Either composting or taking cassette toilets. Many with larger systems show all the tubes needed to empty big tanks, how to put it in sewage depot areas. I watched immensely how a variety people travel, the cost of fuel, breakdowns, extreme weather problems. I approach it with a sober head as I do my research before getting my setup in the near future. Yes I am a sociable introvert so travelling in remote areas is like a dream come true. Thank you so much for this video...it's invaluable for those who get lost in the romance of vanlife without seeing the downside. Much love & energy to you 💜

Even RVrs have issues. Camp grounds aren't cheap. I could not do it full time. I might try van life back when I was in my 20s or 30s, but I was serving my country. Getting paid to live in the UK, Europe, and Korea. I wouldn't trade that for anything! 🙏♥️

8 mths is nothing... I've been doing it for 6 yrs... You have to learn to adapt and find ways to make it better I love it.

Sticks & Bricks life is full of problems, too. People choose what set of problems they would like to have.

Interesting points you make..Maybe I should be a RU-vidr. I’m a solo introvert/extrovert living in my tiny van all winter in florida at the Gulf and it’s so easy and chill and I love it. Love my Netflix and Hulu nights in my tiny van alone but also love my live music, socializing and Karaoke lol. I can see doing it full time by going up north in the summer and staying in one spot. Overthinking and over traveling is what makes people feel uncomfortable with van life. Keep it simple but be flexible and treat the van life the same as a regular house. I clean up my dishes after every meal there too! If it’s too hot to cook, I make a big salad with sardines or shrimp or steak leftovers or I eat out. I’m a Townie, I shower at Anytime, the beach or use my outdoor portable shower and I like working part time so parking is never a problem when you have a paradise for a home base and you stay long enough to get to know people with inside info instead of traveling around and you know where to park for privacy, shade (and nearby garbage cans for bucket bags) where you can keep your doors open and solar charged too. In my regular home life I ride a bicycle so I carry a foldable one on my passenger seat. I dated a van life RU-vidr and his videos depict van life accurately and realistically with even the bad stuff but still fun. I taught him how to ride a Harley and the videos were accurate and left the viewer feeling entertained with a dose of reality. He trailers his Harley around but I leave mine at home for the winter due to ease of parking. I think desire to live rent free in nice places is all it takes, despite some basic inconveniences. I have no desire to live in a hot desert or snow just for the scenery. Be realistic and live according to your actual lifestyle and you will love it! Blessings to all ❤

I think this video is very helpful for those who haven’t thought it out much past what they see on some and I say, some, #Vanlife RU-vid channels. I certainly follow vanlifers that do cover these aspects that you’ve mentioned though, and OMG, the number of times a day that the vacuum comes out. I’ve sadly watched one solo female vanlifer have to drive for hours because none of the Cracker Barrels in that state allowed overnight parking - something she’d come to rely on if she had to be in the city. I’m glad you’re doing something now that you are better suited to. Good on you for trying it out!

Something I notice in vanlife videos is all the STUFF people cram into their vans. I really don't believe they use every single thing they pack in. I wonder if they're just trying to show how much can fit into THEIR van. I don't imagine it's comfortable.

The number one thing I hate about all these van lifers is when they complain about not having much money. Yet they left their high paying jobs and then said I thought this van life would bring me more money, more fun, more people coming my way. All I ever hear from van lifers is MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As someone so interested in this subject, I can't believe that normal people haven't realised the possible problems of such a lifestyle, when watching these videos. You mean it doesn't occur to people that it's tougher than it looks? Being confined to a tiny space is surely not a lot of fun. I've noticed recently too, how those I admire need a break and are going through depression or burnout. You're right, as an experience great, as a lifestyle no way. I'm personally proud to own a home, and I'd not trade that to sleep in a car park at great risk.

Taking a dump/deuce/sh!t is a subject that is definitely neglected by van dwelling youtubers. All those hoses and tanks can be a nightmare. I've never lived in a van, but in my camping/overlanding experience, I've found that a detergent bottle with the pour spout cut out and a 2 gallon bucket are the most efficient solutions for all the toilet needs.

Thanks for your honesty! The bathroom situation alone would count me out!

It takes a particular sort of person, and a particular situation to live full time in a van. You said it: great for a hobby, challenging as a lifestyle.

We travel with a family of 4 in our van have a cassette toilet. We have gone across the country several times and never had a problem. Took some planning, but thats ok and very willing to deal with gray and black water in exchange for the convenience. It sounds like vanlife wasnt for you, and thats ok.

Sounds like Piss Poor Planning on your part. The right setup you shouldn't have issues..

Seems lately a lot of folks that became roadies whether it be RV, van,schoolie, shuttle bus, etc full time are now building homes off grid. They still plan on getting away in their van when they want to but they are laying down roots now. I feel whatever makes someone happy, they should pursue their happiness live their dream. It’s their life their choice!! Kudos to the folks making a lot of money from having a huge you tube following. Their content is so good that we watching feel like we know this person or persons. We don’t. I enjoy those that I follow because I like their personality and their posts and I personally relate to them on a certain level. Some crack me up as well as make me cry. Some inspire me to be a better human being. They also inspire me to do or build ,create things myself. They give me confidence, if that chica can do it so can I . Also learning from them they are showing you on their channel how they built a deck or built out their van etc. some of these folks are so talented. They are artistic, creative, intelligent. If being on the road inspires their creativity then good for them. We are all just trying to live our best lives dealing with life’s challenges as they come. No one had it figured out!! It all takes work and it’s not EZ!! I do believe life is a present live it the way u want. Being in nature for me is my outlet I always feel better after being in nature. I work have a mortgage, ❤ my lil home , a van to get out into nature to camp. Also have a tent & hammock that I also enjoy sleeping in when I’m camping. Life is full of surprises some good some not so good but it all passes and a new day is around the corner. “Waking up is a blessing”, an elderly patient once told me. Be grateful, Be kind to all beings ✌️

Most introverts don’t dislike people (some do) but they have the opposite effect - they may like/enjoy socializing or being in crowds, but they have to expend energy while socializing, and can find it utterly exhausting, to the point that they are fine and happy with time alone. Introvert/extrovert each has its good and bad points, and 2020 lockdown was…no big deal (but sorry for those who struggled with it).

I lived in a van for 6 months. I moved my camping spot about 30 times. I got extremely hemmed in by various fires in CA. I lived in fear of my Van getting broken into every time I left it for more than an hour. Break In fear is real when everything you own is in your vehicle. It causes you to live cheap on everything including clothes, electronics, etc. for fear of it being stolen. At least I felt that way in CA. I finally had to quit. But I cannot deny I miss it from time to time. I felt a freedom I have never felt since. Yes-I’m an introvert.

I was born and raised in the inner city, Baltimore Maryland to be exact. I joined the military in 2006, with my first duty post being in Texas. I ended up falling in love with the country living, and neighbors not being close to my home. I retired from the military in 2014 due to injuries sustained from multiple combat deployments. I turned 29, Sept 15 and really considering trying out the van life. Not as a permanent thing, but for the experience. I respect your honesty, thank you for the videos. Much love from Texas 🤙

I've been living in, first a Buick Estate Wagon, and now a Dodge Promaster for more then six years. I love it. I thrive on the daily challenges and adventure, and I don't need to make videos seeking the approval of others. But it's not for the faint of heart. You have to applying common sense and planning. Improvise, adapt and overcome. Every time I start to question my decision, to press on in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties, I pull out my bank book and suddenly it's all worth it.

I did it for two years I truly loved the lifestyle

Thank you for the video. I have been more curious about, how safe is it living in a van? To be honest, I be so nervous seeing some of these solo van lifers out in secluded places.

I just think that we should live and let others do the same - their way.

Very realistic problems you've mentioned in this video William. I feel anyone thinking about starting van life should go part time first (if possible) and see if they like the life style.

It's all about the individual, and would amagine where your at. Sounds like van life isn't for you. In two days it will be 5 yrs full time van dweller... only regret is, wish I would have done it sooner. Great vid tho...

Living a nomadic life in an RV or van is no better or worse than living a brick and mortar stationary life. It is just different, and how well one likes it and adapts is dependent upon what is important to them. There are those who truly love it, others who hate it, and the rest who fall somewhere between. The bottom line is that this life simply isn't for everyone, but it works for many.

We apparently have watched different RU-vidrs. I follow several, and have watched a great many from a variety of people and perspectives. There are quite a few discussing things they hate (including most of those you mention!), problems, challenges, and how they’ve worked through various issues. Some join caravans for camaraderie community, and it works well for them. From your previous videos that I have seen and these descriptions, I think full-time van life would be a bad choice for you. Many enjoy seeing different parts of the country, and there are many ways of dealing with hygiene and toilet issues (e.g., my separating/composting toilet cost $30 to make, doesn’t smell, and the contents are easily disposed of. No tanks!) I think people who don’t require a lot of convenience or people around them, and experienced campers do best. Since my finances are very limited and I really want to take my time and explore the country, van life is an ideal choice for me as a disabled elder.

I mean, it sounds like you never should have done it in the first place. Personally, I love rough primitive camping. A van would be luxurious. I also hate people, lol.

I'm glad you made this video & appreciate the pros/cons honesty in all of your van life videos. It's vital to get a realistic perspective of the day to day challenges of the lifestyle. I've thought about things seldom mentioned like how can your clothes not get smelly from cooking inside the van, constant accumulation & cleaning of dirt, dust & pet hair, battling claustrophobia especially in bad weather, water tank challenges, cost of gas & the irony of needing public places for privacy (showers, toilets, workspace, water refill, parking lots, etc). BIG difference between weekend warrior van camper & full time van dweller. Thank you! 😊

I have the same van and built-out you had. I love it but it’s used for camping and traveling with our two dogs. We don’t always sleep in it while on the road but it opens up opportunities and adventures when traveling with dogs. It’s a fun little vehicle and I love it. But I’m always happy to be home at the end of a trip.

Some very valid comments but I would only agree with half of them.Like anyway of life it does not suit everyone and hardly anyone would want to do it for the rest of their life.Anyone who lives in a van needs to learn to adapt to its limitations but as many have shown it can be done and still provide a reasonable degree of comfort. Everyone should have a simple compost toilet in their van.When used by one person it only needs emptying once a month and is completely odour freel.You dont need to shower everyday You can keep yourself perfectly clean with a daily sponge bath.Getting rid of grey water is not a problem - having to find clean water to drink and bathe with is probably more of a chore. You need to enjoy travelling and is definitely not for the person who wants to stay around a town or city for work or recreation.

Hi, I think the only videos I saw of yours was your guiting video and this one. All nine of ur points were pretty valid but on the flip side I think u were a pretty bad choice for full-time van life. I started doing van life, use to be called "out on the bum" from '76 to '81 in a vw camper because of the economics of life. Retired in 2018 and bought a 2008 commercial looking step van. Been full-time since July 2021 and am mostly in cities on the west coast. My built out is very minimal so city life affords me with the best value and convenience. Just turned 70, my major concern is how much longer can I keep this up. 🙏

Isn't a part time vanner the same as just camping? When I was a kid, we travelled as a family across the US every summer in an what would be a small today RV (this was 1960's - 1970's) for 4 weeks or so. With a dog. So van life? I had a friend who lived in her van with her dog. Her van didn't smell. She kept it clean.

"I like to socialize and when I'm not around people my energy goes down" I felt this 100%

Minimal Living isn't for everyone. Humans too used to creature comforts.

I want to say thank you so much for your honesty. It's videos like this that help me to re-evaluate this life before I jump into it. I've been testing the waters for quite a while now. I sleep 5 days a week in the van and 2 at home. I am the kind of guy who has to have every possible scenario thought of before I take a big step. First is really planning the build. I had two previous van builds as practice...lol. I realized last year that for this to work, being able to stand up is a must for me. So I bought a midsized ram promaster high top. I put solid walls between the front cab and living area, and between the back doors and living area. I only have one window and I double pained it, then insulated the crap out of it all. I installed a buddy heater hooked up to a 5gal propane and also carry a spare. Cuz I hate to be cold. In summer, I'm fine with a box fan up to about 95 Fahrenheit. After that, for peak heat, I can run the vehicle AC and pipe it into the living area. What I'm saying is I have bad weather covered. As for moving around all the time, I drive an hour back and forth to work every day. What's the difference if I'm driving to a house or a location to sleep? Grey water? I use an infinite grey water tank. Meaning when I wash my hands or a dish, only about a 32 oz cup of water goes on the ground. Shower? I only use at most two gallons at a time. That tub of bath water, waters some grass or flowers somewhere. Same with my urine jug. Number 2 waste goes into a bucket lined with trash bag and then immediately gets tied and dumped where millions of baby diapers get dumped. The nearest trash can. I don't have to find the nearest public bathroom ever. Just the nearest trash. Cuz I don't drive anywhere with waste in my van. Breakdowns? Here's my well oiled machine in motion. Van goes down on the side of the road. First I call my insurance who starts a tow truck in my direction. I find the nearest service dealership for my van make. I also locate a car rental who delivers to that dealership. Upon arrival to the dealer via tow truck, I find out if they will need it in their shop overnight and or for approximately how long. If yes a few days, I call the car rental. Then I pack a bag like I'm going on a trip, including taking my trifold mattress, sleeping bag, and buddy heater (if cold weather) which detaches and runs off small cans of propane. I spend one night in the rental car and find the nearest UHall the next day. They will rent you a van for $20 a day. I move into that for the remainder of the time my van is in the shop. When ready, I drop off the UHall and Uber back to the dealership. And pick up my van. How do I pay for all of this you ask? No I'm not rich. But I did make sure I had an emergency credit card before I ever started. This allows me to simply make payments monthly to the credit card to pay for all of this. Loneliness? Well I do agree that this would probably be harder for someone not an introvert like myself. However even introverts need some people fixes. I have a little different situation. I'm a born again Christian and have hundreds of Christian family in every city in the world. All just waiting for me to meet them. I don't plan on staying in the exact same spot all the time, but I do plan on staying in certain cities for long periods of time. In each city I will find a local church of my denomination and get plugged in right away. I don't have trouble finding friends who love God like I do, so I figure I will never really be alone alone. I am also a night person so I will always seek night employment wherever I am. This is also unique because almost no van dwellers have trouble finding a place to sleep in the day time. I'll never get a knock in the night because I will be at work. Anyway. Sorry this was so long. I loved the video. Very thought provoking. God's blessings to you.

Some people are honest. Some people lie. Some people love vanlife. Some do not. I personally have been living vanlife for a little over two years. It can be hard yes, like anything in life. I think it's more a matter of whether you are cut out for it or not. To each his own. ✌🏼💕

You just described 9 engineering challenges that need to be solved. Thank you!

Thank you SOOO much for exposing these things!! You are so correct - NO one of the YT van life YTbers ever ever talk about these things. I have never heard of "grey water tank". I never knew until you just explained it here!! Just the aspect of no real toilet plumbing flushing capability alone makes me NEVER want to do the van life. I dont do RV travel, camping in the woods, or overnight hiking in woods. I NEED a real flushing toilet. I dont want to compost it, bury it, carry it, or dispose of it. YUCK. And when I take a shower, brush my teeth, clean my food and cook my food, I do NOT want to have to dispose of the "grey water"!! NO NO. I love my home! I love travel and staying in resorts. I dont think I can do the off grid thing unless there is a huge septic tank. I appreciate it. Also, I need a comfy bed and space. Space space. I agree with you that YTbers do it for the income!! Selfish You rock!!

Wow. It’s about time. Someone put a video out as to the negative side of van life. I was right on the edge of jumping in to van life. I have a home in San Diego, California, a very nice home in fact. Selling the home and hit the road. Put the brakes on!! Thank you for the truth. At my age of 62, I just don’t need any hiccups in life. The good thing is, I can watch everybody else out there, living their lives as I sit by my fireplace in the warmth of my home as they enjoy their selves. Anyhow, great video. No negativity here. Enjoy your life to the fullest. Been there done that.

Living on wheels of one kind or another since 1975, those glory without reality videos often make me laugh and tune out. You detailed the mobile Life challenges well. Currently in a 37' park model plus a couple of 5th wheels in the sticks, and Love it.

As a vanlife RU-vidr, you nailed everything on the head. I researched these things very thoroughly before building out my van by searching “10 things I hate about vanlife.” Every single video talked about how they don’t use their shower or toilets for #2. I purposely didn’t build a shower and only use an airtight cereal container for #1. People are shocked, but in reality, this is normal for ‘real’ vanlifers.

ADDITIONALLY, van dweller, "Where is Tiffany RU-vid ", said a few months ago she is getting tired of driving across country, and she will not be going back to the east coast. Tiffany said her base is Oregon, California, Arizona for now. She told her follers, driving solo, long distances is challenging and tiring. She has a cat now, and her new goals are to camp more, take additional breaks. She too, has faced problems of heat, being cold in the winter, van repairs, unexpected expenses on the road, buying fresh foods to prepare, etc. PLUS, SHE has had some disappointments by folks, she said! Trusting the wrong people, Tiffany said she has learned her lessons. Boom and boom

People hate it cause it's all about entertaining the world and not because they just want to do it for themselves. I'm in the process of going back to living in a car because I miss the peace I had living alone and the minimum money spent everyday. I was renting a house with strangers and it just never failed that there would be that one crazy roommate that made my living there become impossible and frustrating. Now I'm looking to work remotely and buying a van. I want the freedom to travel more. For now I'll just be in my car. ❤❤

Although I agree with most of what you said, van life is full of it's challenges, but I think you were being disingenuous about two things. First, you lumped all van lifers into the category of being introverts and they don't like being around people. That simply is not true. It may be true about some people in the lifestyle, but many of us do love people and at times we may even find a group of people to camp with in a van life community. You will find that more so out west. I am from the east coast and there doesn't seem to be as much community there, at least from my experience. Second, you said that no one ever talks about the bad stuff and the challenges. Again, you probably aren't watching enough van lifers, or even car lifers. There are plenty of people (other than the ones who make it seen all cozy all the time) that do talk about the bad as well as the good. You definitely are correct about a lot of the things you said, though. Personally, I travelled last year in the same vehicle you were in, a Promaster City and yes, it was cramped, to the detriment to my health (heart patient). After working on my health for the past year (in a friend's home), I now have a full sized Promaster 2500 high top on order and will have it professionally kitted out and should be back on the road come April 2023. This lifestyle isn't for everyone and people should be informed to the realities of living in a van before making that kind of commitment. It is best for people to rent a vehicle and do a local test run to see if it is even something they could do. Best wishes in all your future plans.

Thank you for making a honest video about the things you personally struggled with. It's nice to see and have insight from all different types of people who tried and see what worked for them and what didn't. Personally most of your reasons don't resonate with me due to different personalities and some of them seemed silly as if you didn't expect to be doing those things going into it. But as other people have noted there is a difference between vanlife RU-vidrs and nomads. Thank you for having a clear well spoken video about the negative things you experienced, somehow it only reassured me on what I'm doing.

I moved into my van almost five years ago. I just couldn’t justify paying the home owner what they owed for their mortgage just so I could have a roof over my head. I was paying $1500 a month for a 500 square foot garage. I eventually realized how crazy that was. I am a single person so I moved into my van. Don’t regret it at all. That said, van life is not easy like this guy is saying. It’s taken me more than four years to get a heater and insulation. No bathroom and only a butane stove. However, I make it work. Not so bad. In the end I will own my van and not have to pay anyone to anything just for a roof over my head.

Parking is the biggest nightmare by far. Rent a van for a week and try it out before you commit to anything.

Quite interesting. After watching your video (haven't watched your other videos yet) my thoughts: 1) Most youtube-vanlifers are victims of the so called self-justification bias: people have a hard time admitting that they made the wrong decision, so instead they make it look like everything is fine and/or they did the right choice. 2) Your looks, the way you dress and the place you're living now: it all screams "city boy". I can hardly picture you taking a sh*t in the woods or in a bucket. It's plain to see that you're not the profile required for van life. 3) You seem to have a comfortable life. I bet you can afford renting and probably have a full-time job. Most vanlifers are quite the contrary, they couldn't afford renting a house or even an appartment so they didn't have a choice but moving into a van. The youtube thing is just a way for them to cope with isolation and/ or bonding with people in the same situation.

Excellent video! TY! Being raised in the military, traveling gets tiresome. Saying goodbye to people you like is hard. The breakdowns can be quite expensive. You're right about cooking, etc inside the van!

Thank you for the chat. You touched on things that I was interested in knowing about Van life. You did a thorough job explaining what van life is truly like. Thanks again!

Also, Dawn the Vanlife, another RU-vid channel creator, years ago, SOLD her van for a box truck to get more space. She said she needed more space for herself and her cats. The box truck took a long time and $$ money for conversion, but she is happier. Recently, due to employment in California, she has accepted an apartment as 'employee housing', temporarily, she said in one of her videos. She spent the last months of summer in a tiny home due TO THE HEAT! Someone donated a tiny house (temporarily) to help her and the animals.

Thanks for your honesty, a lot of what you mentioned resonates with me, I don't live in a van but a boat. Whilst I enjoy the freedom it can afford when things are going well, it's like a prison sentence when it doesn't. Also when people realise I live on a boat, I certainly feel looked down upon and many of the Marinas that I visit, I have to hide the fact that I'm a full time liveaboard.

Thank you for your honesty. I appreciate the time and effort you and other van lifers put into videos on camping. I would like to do it someday but squatting on a bucket to do the number 2 is a BIG 0!!.

Seems to me it would be better to drive a semi over the road would be better. Free heat, free electric and make at least $1200 a week.

Vanlife can be doable if you know how to counter the cons. Get a partner so you don't get bored, sound proof your van, get a incinirating toilet, have a dual or even triple purpose everything including lay outs, get an app for night parking, etc.

00:00 🚐 Being a van life RU-vidr often portrays the lifestyle as easy and carefree, but there's a lot more to it than what is shown in videos. 02:00 🧘‍♂ Introverted personalities may find van life more suitable, as it requires solitude and isolation at times. 04:52 🧼 Maintaining cleanliness in a van is a constant challenge due to limited space and frequent use. 07:24 🌞 Extreme weather conditions, both hot summers and cold winters, present significant challenges in van life, impacting comfort and daily routines. 09:40 🚰 Managing water and waste is essential and can be cumbersome, especially without proper systems in place. 10:38 🚽 Bathroom facilities are often lacking in vans, leading to inconvenience and discomfort, particularly with regards to waste disposal. 11:54 🚫 Finding suitable parking spots can be challenging, with not all areas being van life-friendly, leading to potential fines and towing. 12:21 🛠 Breakdowns and maintenance issues are common with older vans, potentially leading to unexpected expenses and disruptions. 14:36 😴 Constantly moving around can be exhausting, especially for those who prefer stability and urban amenities.

Never be embarrassed to tell about challenges and factual information. Hopefully people who watch this are adults. If they haven't come to grips with the fact that they produce waste, and that waste has to disposed of somehow, it's high time to do so. Pretending problems don't exist doesn't help anyone. It's when people admit the problems and share their solutions that things can improve. I am certainly not a van-life person, but one thing I've always wondered about are storms. Here in Texas we have tornadoes and pretty bad hail at times. I've always wondered if people just try to keep abreast of the weather and clear out before anything serious hits.

Most of your negatives are avoidable. But if you believe everything you see on the Internet, you need a reality check.

As you said you were not in it for the long term and that makes all the difference. Yes there is good and bad in every lifestyle.

So much of this is true. Trying to build my own fully stealth camper to live in. Working around limitations is pretty difficult. My panels have to be invisible, my camo has to be perfect. No loud vent fans, front exposed areas need to look stock. Super hard to do, but I've had success.