help me walk the Journey keep up with me here on youtube also friend me on facebook donate thru paypalwww.paypal.com... yu can find me thru these sites using my e-mail mygodsavedme2@comcast , james Daniel or www.patreon.co...
I really appreciate an “unretouched” image of VanLife. The masses of “influencers” (gag) posting Glam Vids of ‘the VanLife’ are disconcerting. Not everyone is a hot model or young stud with a man bun. And how the F are these (KIDS) affording these $100k rigs ?!? I started off watching the “glam vids”, but began to realize, after more purposeful Searching, that the “Real” vids would be actually useful. I’m entering VanLife by Necessity, not Choice. Still looking for a van that I can build out, but it MOST DEFINITELY won’t be some fancy Sprinter .... more like a 15yo van. I have a wealth of carpentry, etc skills, so not worried there. But finding a budget vehicle that is reliable (enough) is harder than I expected. Anyway, THANK YOU for the “unglamorous” side of VanLife ! Keep it Real, and preach an accurate ‘take’ on the experience. Without the shiny, tanned body under the waterfall or on a tree swing ...
James, hope you are well. Seen some really nasty messages on this thread. I admire what you are doing and hope you don't listen to the people with a small outlook at life.
Stephen Morgan .... I just watch a video that he had posted talking about how van life living sucked. He sounded like a bitter old man that was doing nothing short of having a pity party. True just my opinion, but if ur in the Ministry work then unfortunately you need to pick and choose your words carefully. Again just my opinion🤔
Ok normally I give good comments and listen to the down side of Van life but in this case I’m gonna give some criticism back...your right, Van life is not always easy and fun but little things make a big difference...like having a hightop Van so you can stand up straight and walk around in your van without always having to be crouched over! That right there makes A HUGE difference and is honestly the deal breaker for most people...don’t care how much I could save on rent I’m 6’1” and I’m not getting a van unless I can stand up straight! In addition...having a larger van such as a extended cargo van makes a huge difference...you can have a lifted fixed bed with plenty of storage underneath! And still have plenty of room for a full size stand up shower(if you’d like) as well as kitchen table top and bench a mini fridge stove top oven microwave mounted tv..maybe even have it fold down to create more space so you have storage when it’s up and it folds down in front of storage! Have a couple fans in there or an ac mounted to the roof...solar panels...throw a heater in there underneath the passenger seat! How bout a wardrobe closet to hang clothes up?! Insulate your van based off conditions you mostly live in to keep the interior temp just right! It also reduces outside noise ALOT! Your set up is as simple as it gets...seems like just a mattress in the back with a mounted tv! And you can’t stand up straight unless your really short! I’m not saying this to be an ass I’m just saying there are so many things that could be done to increase the quality of your vanlife! Yes it takes a lot of start up but if you don’t have the start up for a nice van you can stand up in and walk around in then maybe it’s not the right time for Van life! I used to have an old conversion van much like yours..I had to actually...a 1995 ford conversion and a 1998 Chevy conversion(at different times) and at one point I was homeless in my van in New Orleans in the summer and all I had was what originally came in the van...all the seats everything..the back seat folded into a bed....no ac or anything to keep cool did that for 2 months till I finally got my own apt...absolutely hated living in the van..depressed and wanting to kill my self...I was just a homeless person living in the back of my van...it wasn’t anywhere even close to ACTUAL vanlife!! Your situation would be 100 times easier and better with a better set up! Just being straight with you!
I am thankful for your videos. I am grateful for you fearlessly putting this info out there despite all the criticisms and negativity posted below. These millennials often grew up spoiled and well to do - “know it alls” who have no clue what it means to live without, making do, and living reasonably when there is no money. Many will find out as they grow older, their health fails, social security fails, and they have unexpected difficulties. Housing is not getting any cheaper, insurance becomes more challenging,and jobs do not offer the benefits, or hours they once did.
Wow you are awesome James! I’m so glad I found you! I have been thinking about getting a van and moving into it from my $1000 a month, 500 sq foot apartment in Santa Barbara but after hearing this it will cost me almost the same amount of money to live in a van! I think I will buy a used van down the road to travel in it on the days I work remote and on the weekends. Thank u for breaking it down! My dog would thank u if he could. 🐶 He loves his permanent yard 🌻 We need to get u a new van! 650,000 miles! Hollie Mollie! How much do u need? I will be the first one to donate towards the fund! ❤️ You and your wife deserve an upgrade. 🙏
Major respect to you for your comment and offer...but before you say no to vanlife check out other van lifers on RU-vid who have better van set ups! The set up makes ALL the difference!!
I already had my tiny van set up for weekend breaks so I only have the running cost.. then food and petrol phone and my two dogs costs .. quids in never been happier ✌️
Man, you inspire me and feed me with amazing knowledge. Id love to meet you one day, sit down and have a good talk. I could use the reality check I feel you'd dish out
179 dollors is triple A,s price for the gold membership. This includes 5 service calls.This can be used for tows,flat tires,etc. And they will tow up to 100 miles.👍💨
Live in a apartment complex,fall victim to scams,criminal activity,crooked maintenance people,being watched and ripped off,live in a rv,never have issues except with the police telling you to move on if your boondocking.
IM SURE THE ROAD HAS ITS UPS AND DOWNS ,STRUGGLES AS WELL ,BUT WHAT DOESNT IN LIFE ,AS LONG AS U ARE OK HEALTHY AND HAPPY FOR THE BIGGEST PART THATS WAT SHOULD MATTER THIS IS FOR ALL WHOM SEE LIVING THIS WAY AS A BAD ORDEAL ,I SEE IT AS OPENING THE WORLD UP TO YOURSELF ADDING MANY NEW AND WONDERFUL PEOPLE PLACES AND THINGS AS YOU GO
Life is tough on the roadways & I know it because I lived the life from 1978 - 2001. I tell people I went fishing cuz that's what I went across 2/3rds of the Eastern United States doing. From Texas to Canada across to Maine & all the way down to Key West I lived/fished everywhere. I would stop and work as needed & sometimes stay a year if things were great. Now I've been in the house for 18 years & it's getting time to roll on down the road again. Thanks for a little heads up & my next Fishing Trip will be w/ the Lord as my Guide. He was my guide before but I didn't know he was the one delivering me to every place I made it to? Your going out there is tough & it's even tougher explaining the Lord is with you...... I like it & there might be some run off at the mention but for some reason I stumbled into your site here..... I'll pray over it tonight & perhaps I'll get a clue? lol, or not but thanks for sharing all of this...... peace
Think your food is low. I live in Canada and you not only have food there’s paper towels, toilet paper wipes whatever you are putting out a lot more than that. Thanks for sharing
I'd like to know what your eating for 80. Month. I am one person and I'm speeding 80.an on food. I'm NOT eating steak or lobster! More like tuna and peanut butter and jelly! My best wishes for you. Many blessings!
@@nostringsprepper Phew... I thought maybe you had a secret shopping spot that I didn't know of!! Lol... Thank you for your content. It's nice to know we are not alone in our journey. Many of us experience similar situations and circumstances. Many blessings!
If u have a Mexican store ( I go to Northgate) they have party pack meat 4 lbs for 14.99 it has 3 meats chicken , steak, pork an it season but not salty I don’t think it has salt lol I had to add some
james daniel prayer van I certainly will let you know. I'm a AA, single, with two out of the house young adult children, and I'm finally unafraid to think about what I want for MY future. I am a licensed nurse, and I'm figuring out how I can do this even if it's part time for starters. I can be a nurse anywhere, but I'm working/saving now. I'm subscribed. Thanks for your offer. I would love to visit!
Thank you for sharing, I am grateful for the information. In regards to the negative comments in this thread, there is more than one way to live, and live happily. To the naysayers, I say open your mind.
People should not complain about how expensive generators out to replace think about it you're not paying the mortgage or rent anymore so why not spend the extra money in your new house with wheels and a steering wheel in the front room that's how I see it I say Joy. By the way guys subscribe to my channel
I like your budgeting. My car is paid off and I budget both for repairs/maintenance but also toward the next (used under $10k) car I'll buy years down the road.
james daniel prayer van In FB groups we're always hearing how difficult stealth is in Florida. Boondocking even harder. Much of my family is there including my PoA so I'll be down that way eventually.
I'm sorry but the quality of life in a apartment or house is so so much better than a van or RV. I've done both and there is nothing like curling up on your coach at 8pm spreading out watching a big flat screen tv, cooking dinner without constraints, and sleeping in a bed at nights.
This guy looks to be a baby boomer. If he was smart with his money in the last 30 years he should be sitting on a $500k property by now in a nice part of Florida. I think he was foolish with his money. The baby boomers had it easy, with the industrial revolution, and cheap housing back in the 60s and 70s. This guy is a joke.
THEIRS MANY MANY REASON PEOPLE CHOOSE THIS LIFE ,IM 52 NO ONE BUT ME AT HOME LIVING IN A NICE CONDO ,AND MY DAUGHTER ACROSS THE STREET WITH MY NEW GRANDCHILD ,AND IM HAPPY BUT IM ALONE SHE IS MARRIED AND HAPPY ,LOST MY SON A FEW YRS AGO IN THE MARINES IVE GOT FREINDS AND FAMILY CLOSE BY ,BUT IM NOT DOING THINGS THAT A PERSON MY AGE WANTS TO DO WICH IS TRAVEL AND ENJOY THE WORLD ,I DO PLAN ON IT AT SOME POINT BUT AS I SAID I JUST GOT MY FIRSTY GRAND CHILD I WANTED TO BE HERE FOR HER AND HER MOMMY ,WHEN I SEE THEY ARE OK AND I PUT MY RIGG TOGETHER IM GONE LIKE I SAID MANY REASON THIS IS JUST MINE ,I ALSO HAVE FAMILY ALL OVER AMERICA I HAVENT SEEN IN YEARS I INTEND TO VISIT THEM ALL IF POSSIBLE AND ENJOY THE SITES ALONG THE WAY IF I GET TIRED OF IT ITS NOT LIKE ALL THE HOUSES AND SO ON WILL BE GONE OR RENTERS WILL STOP RENTING,AND FOR HIS MONEY SITUATION ,I KNO OF A PERSON THAT WAS WELL OFF AND WAS HIT WITH MEDICAL BILLS THAT HAS LITERALY DESTROYED HIS LIFE AND FINNANCAIL SITUATION,SO NOT EVERYONE JUST LIVED IT UP AND IS NOW PAYING THE PIPER ,THAT ENDS UP ON THE STREETS,TRY NOT TO BE SO NEGATIVE IN LIFE IT ONLY BRINGS MORE NEGATIVITY
Wish you would give advice on prescriptions needs and doctor visits, You really can't wander too far from the reservation of your home town doctors and medical network limits.
I enjoy life at home not that i wouldn't, live in a van. I didi from 15 to 18. But right now I pet sitter for a living so i would not be able to do it again
In 73 i bought a New Ford Custom surfer van from the show room floor ,turn key , i had it for 4 years, then I traded it for a new 24 ft mini dodge housecar in February 77 , because my room mate moved out on me and I needed a place of my own to live because I was single, no regrets on purchase , i still own it 42 years later, &yes I've lived in houses in between but to live in a van that is something else, kind of like living in your car or something ,well maybe the next step up but if you want to be comfortable then don't play games & just get a housecar with a toilet & a shower that way these rude people won't be calling you a bucket pooper & u have a place to shower sooo forget about the jim or witch ever public shower or restroom that u don't have to use,unless u don't care about your self, and you can't even compare the 2 it's like night &day, find a old dodge like mine 24 ft, no bigger & super easy to work on & i see them for sale really cheap like ,& u can tow a bug like i do to park it &get around, just try to keep it clean that way you r not an eyesore &u will keep the complaints to a minimum, take it from an old retired trucker like me . Thank you very much and have a nice day .
I live in elderly housing I have a living room kitchen bedroom bathroom heat electricity and water included they charge you on your income So living in a van is not for me. But it could be for you
You can get depressed so easily from getting dirty and unable to wash. You can do it though for a year or so. But you use the van to find a great place to live as a base camp to work and save up. You only go from better to better. Living in a van to save, wise move. To find a base camp to do that even better, even wiser. Live out of the van by choice not by necessity. But find a place to dwell on land first. You need a physical address anyway. Be a servant to some old rich guy. Life of Reiley.
Not everything is for everybody on Earth, but the cost of living in a house is ridiculous and the loan to the bank is BINGOOO for them, they got them by the balls : )) : )) : )) There is no freedom in a mortgage ... and that is for 30 years. Again, not everything is for everybody. Great video, thanks for sharing and good luck ; )
How are you spending $80 a month on food? I spend $400 at least but then again I eat healthy. My overall expenses come out to about 1400 a month. Most of it goes on gas.
He's probably not a big eater and he's single it don't cost that much if there single person every month maybe I know it's $150 would do for food bill for somebody to single
wuuuuuuuuauuuuuuu !!!!! It is expensive to live in the United States. In Sweden, I pay for my family, my wife, my son, and I, 22 thousand Swedish kr, in dollars will be 2500 us
We buy everything that is in good prices, buy nothing that we do not need, we go to the cinema once a month, we eat at the restaurant once a month, we do not eat junk food, and do not buy junk food, I do not smoke and drink not.
After watching 2 videos i subscribed. you seem like a good guy. Yes i totally plan on doing the nomad life...although I've been soooo poor I think I could live on less then what you are or that's what i'm planning on anyways
I was wondering how do you get away with the noise of the generator running all the time if you're trying to park somewhere and not being noticed running would kind of annoyed people? And James you're talking about the air conditioner not drippingAnd James you're talking about the air conditioner not dripping is that because it's the original air conditioner? But that would actually be the cheapest way of going I like that idea .
@@nostringsprepper thank you James for your quick response. I'm in new subscriber and have watched three of your videos so far. A nice gentleman A nice gentleman . Your easy-going and very interesting. Anyway I appreciate you responding fast to my questions, take care God bless Carrie
A couple of questions, if you wish: A driving license requires a mailing address, so how does that work? Also, do you feel that you get adequate comfortable rest?
You dont live fulltime in your apartment, you go to work and you store your shit in your apartment. In a van he has his things in the van and its not a storage unit and doesnt pay to store his thing like you do, he can travel around with his things and if he needs to work he will take his stuff with him, he is free to travel whete ever
If you seriously think that $9.00 for a small soda & small box of popcorn is "not too bad"...you're frickin' nuts!! $9.00 for a small soda & small popcorn is frickin' highway robbery!!
You must have a good income to have lived in a home paying over 3Grand a month. 3 Grand would last me three months in my home. Home paid for so taxes. Insurance. Food. Had and utilities would be under a 1000 per month. Do you have a ministry that supports you or how do you come up with so much money? Work full time? Do you have gospel tracks.. What is your ministry?
