WHY DID I GET SUCH A SMALL VAN?!

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Hey everyone! I’m Nate. I live the van life full time out of a Nissan NV200 self built camper conversion. In this video I explore Santa Cruz and discuss why I decided to get a compact cargo van for my camper setup. Please like, subscribe, and feel free to ask any questions below!
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Опубликовано:

16 май 2019

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Комментарии : 878

@Needle620 3 года назад

Toyota needs to get in the cargo van business! I’ll buy one in a heartbeat.

@dianeibsen5994 2 года назад

Hi. Thank you for your comment. what do you mean by cargo van? I thought cargo meant the front and the back are connected.. easy access to the front in the back? When you say Toyota isn't cargo I thought their vans are cargo?

@invictuscrown4026 2 года назад

Toyota ProAce nowadays

@kyungkim2446 2 года назад

Two words. Chicken tax

@Needle620 2 года назад

@@dianeibsen5994 To me a cargo van is build for hauling things. Seats are for passengers, obviously. Example: I had a cargo set up on my bicycle to carry more things on my commute to work. Or, I can have it build for a passenger as well.

@Hankxiong Год назад

They have them. Just not here in the states

@joegaragozzo1640 5 лет назад

The van looks great👍 . You got a nice little home and a massive front yard called the World . That's all u need ..

@tbz1551 5 лет назад

It’s the backyard...

@kittykatcongregation 4 года назад

❤️

@scgs25 4 года назад

Beautiful

@moniquechristiansen6202 4 года назад

I like that. 😊

@KatrinaQuisilVlogs 3 года назад

I prefer small vans too because of my job in the city during weekdays. Traffic here in the Philippines is bad. Btw, the pop top is amazing. I wanna have that too.

@RVingLiveTheDream 5 лет назад

Small van equals big adventures. That’s why we downsized from a class A to a Roadtrek. Happy travels. VanLife Rocks 🚐

@deborahmc8682 4 года назад

It’s always been about the smaller living for me.. there’s something so great about having a compact space and really appreciating the necessities we own.. great van 👍

@raraavis7782 5 лет назад

Couldn’t agree more. Living in Germany (where fuel is expensive), I‘ll certainly opt for a smaller vehicle and also pay close attention to the weight of what I put in there. No wood paneling and massiv wood furniture for me 😄 I‘ll use felt or fabric for the ceiling and plastic boxes for storage. And I‘ll definitely rather invest more in the vehicle itself and keep the inside simple at first. You can always upgrade that later...but you don’t want to put weeks worth of work into a van just to have it break down on you quickly.

@TheMcdrewb 4 года назад

EJSFilms2K how do you stealth camp in a trailer

@0xsergy 4 года назад

@@TheMcdrewb Can't in the city but there are definitely areas you can find. Also some walmarts are pretty lenient especially if you're not long time.

@taradead 4 года назад

@@0xsergy I'd imagine leaving a towable at walmart, without a vehicle, is not allowed.

@quietstorm8100 4 года назад

Oh wowww thanks guy....im about to enter the van life...i am soooo exxcited...my kids think i have lost my mind but they are happy for me...once they got out on their own...i realized that i did not need as much space n things tht i thought i needed...😻🚬

@okmmauh 4 года назад

Rara Avis . I am in VW Caddy Maxi. Camp on the floor. Curtain hooks in the holes at the top of the walls. Soft zip bags hang on those hooks. Storage under the front seats. So comfortable

@age_of_reason 3 года назад

The single most important thing in a van is the bed and you killed it. Looks very comfy (one piece), looks like it can be leveled, and it stows away very easy and fast. Just perfect!

@macymango 5 лет назад

For some reason I was against bringing my instant pot into my van build...your success has inspired me!

@cgretired6976 5 лет назад

Nate, This video FINALLY made up my mind…. for good! I soon want to start my own nomadic life and have contemplated just about every vehicle My 2003 Honda Element A minivan A small skoolie An older Dodge 15 passenger van A crossover SUV This video helped me realize key points on beginning and then sustaining this life style. One needs great gas mileage, great stealth capability, and a 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty - all while owning a vehicle you can afford to drive cross country or use as a daily driver. The ultimate utilitarian vehicle! Great choice and keep the videos coming!! Thank you so very much

@DT-ds7sc 5 лет назад

Scotty would recommend you get a 1994 celica and put a pop top on that🤣

@waltertalbot9472 5 лет назад

D T ..and do it !”before is too late “!! .. haha . I have to confess, I replace my 4 Volvo’s for Lexus and Toyota.

@eriktruchinskas3747 4 года назад

Rev up your celica!

@pedex252 5 лет назад

My Chevy express van 2500 has been getting 18.x - 20mpg on the highway pretty consistently. They don't do as bad as many think. I have had full size vans that got like 10mpg but the modern engines and transmissions make a huge difference. Also the NV200 has a weight capacity of only 1500lbs........which much equipment boondocking for long periods you'd be overweight probably unless you go incredibly minimalist. The NV200 also has short legs, about 350 miles per tank, out west in the high prairies that will be an issue. It is a trade off no matter what you pick.

@taradead 5 лет назад

The tank is small, but high mpg helps make up for that.

@pedex252 5 лет назад

@@taradead Well, until you hit the Dakotas, Wyoming, or Montana then it would be wise to get a extra 5 gallon fuel can to carry with you. Out there 350 mile range is pretty small.

@justwannasay5454 5 лет назад

I recently bought a 2017 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van with added fiberglass (bubbletop) hightop and I love it. Came with a rollover warranty. 🤗

@tegmapat11 5 лет назад

Yeah, Nissan's have gone downhill, but.... have you seen the videos of some of the most popular RU-vid Nomads who have big fancy Sprinter's and Ram's, and yet have had major mechanical problems which have cost them thousands? Not everyone can afford what others say is the best, but are they really the best? Personally, I would never want a Mercedes engine myself, as I don't think they are any better than others yet cost far more in repairs. So, hang in there with your NV. Like you said, a lot has to do with how well you take care of your van and it sounds like you have good plans for the upkeep of yours. I think that is the secret to any vehicle, taking care of it properly and taking preventive measures BEFORE possible failures. Great video!

@dwaynejones1555 5 лет назад

Teg Tru Dat

@Kevincrow420 5 лет назад

Fo Sho.

@whackwhack9853 5 лет назад

Shiz niz

@Kevincrow420 5 лет назад

@@whackwhack9853 That's what's up!

@lecsu131 5 лет назад

You don't trust Mercedes engines as they are not better? What hole have you been living in? Sprinter Diesel engines easily go beyond 500.000 km without repair, just common sense care. The Sprinter is not famous because of the Camper-Van-Conversion world, it's famous because it's a cargo hauler with decades of history behind it and being a cargo-hauler you can imagine those guys are doing millions of miles - if there was a problem with a line of engines it would be a massive problem for Mercedes. And 90% of people doing Sprinter conversions start with a Second Hand Sprinter, which means it's got at least a few hundred thousand kilometers on it and some years and some thousands of tonnes of cargo that was hauled back and forth. YOU WILL have some mechanical issues, especially if the owner before you treated it badly.

@24hourtravellers 5 лет назад

Your cinematography has improved so much since you began. 💚

@HPeterJi 5 лет назад

24 Hour Travellers I totally agree. Man, I haven’t watched his videos for quite some time and just watched this one, and I am very impressed by both the cinematography and his new home.

@chrism7067 5 лет назад

the casey neistat special He has changed how a lot of vloggers do their vids

@Fab-wd4qq 5 лет назад

I love how you make great content and you seem like a nice straight forward honest guy. Safe travels buddy

@jasonpolski9966 5 лет назад

Him mentioning Scotty Kilmer just made my day lol

@sean8051 5 лет назад

Looooool. So great

@dwaynejones1555 5 лет назад

Jason Yep

@markconger8049 5 лет назад

Scotty is a riot. Just watched his video on the 1994 (?) Toyota Celica being the best car. I think he might be right!

@markconger8049 5 лет назад

@J G - this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Q-M0M69lIFY.html

@KatyInNH 5 лет назад

Hi Nate, If you have a glass or metal leftover container that will fit in the IP, you can do pot-in-pot cooking - you can use anything you can bake in. Fill the stainless liner with an inch of water, and place you leftover container on the rack (take any tight covers off (one doesn’t wan to have a closed container in a pressure cooker), and cover loosely with paper towel or foil, etc. to keep pressure lid from getting dirty. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Then Do a natural release. That way, the food will heat through, and the only dirty dish will be the leftover container (careful when getting it out-will be hot). The water can be used to wash the leftover dish. This method works well. It takes a little longer to heat up than directly in the liner, but is a nice alternative. FYI, I use my IP to heat water versus running my propane water heater sometimes. One question on the van - how high is it inside with the pop top down? Thanks for the great videos

@1101agaoj 5 лет назад

Quality of your productions is next level, really and truly. I can tell you that I look forward to every new video. Keep up the good work! You are living what so many folks can only dream. Thanks

@tmckmusic8584 4 месяца назад

Fun to click on a video while researching, and see my hometown of Santa Cruz!😉🌊

@WeatherPilot 5 лет назад

Make sure to keep that seal between the pop-top and the roof of the van clean and treat it with Sonax Gummipfleger, 303 rubber seal protectant or something similar to keep it from drying out and pliable so that it doesnt leak.

@oscarmike4596 5 лет назад

Leaks are definitely in the future, simply a matter of time

@DeerheartStudioArts 5 лет назад

yor vids are so well edited! thanks again for doing RU-vid

@potatopotatoeOG 4 года назад

Your energy is so genuine. Keep doing what you're doing

@loiswilson7474 5 лет назад

That was very very helpful I am considering exactly those questions. Keep the joy

@fernwehforevertearofjoy409 5 лет назад

No explanations necessary, Nate😊. Especially having added the pop-top, your choice appears to be the perfect little home for YOU!....and that's all that matters! JOY! 💚

@georgek1954 5 лет назад

really nice vid, great editing, I appreciate your honesty and realism.

@24ZEN 5 лет назад

Beautiful cinematography.

@michaelfedrizzi2544 5 лет назад

I received my sticker today, I will be putting it on my vehicle tomorrow. Thank you Nate

@robertbidochon7949 5 лет назад

Happiness is elevating our mind, by living and meeting good or bad souls. Materials are only tools for us to live this life.

@itsantiagois 5 лет назад

Agree and I'll add...We are what we see, not what we do.

@RonInAVan 5 лет назад

Minimalist is what I love and would definitely be me if I was traveling by myself. Sometimes smaller is better and less stuff...you have the right idea for sure. Great video Nate.

@charleswayne7221 5 лет назад

I like your outlook and why you chose your van! and the build is so well done! keep living the dream! your vids are well worth watching.

@GiggleFishy 5 лет назад

Your filming and editing skills are top-notch.

@A1DJPaul 5 лет назад

That Small Van is Very Practical. More Stealthy for Town & city Camping. I like the Bed.

@shawneeb3771 5 лет назад

I totally agree. Save gas, you have what you need, easy parking. I am now thinking about this van as a real possibility for me. Thanks for all the information. Great Video.

@tildibu9087 3 года назад

I love minimalist living. Love your van and amazing how you got such a big bed in there

@christysittig1200 5 лет назад

Sold our NV200 and bought big Ram Promaster with extended warranty... love the room.. now we both can stretch out and love the inside potty...

@tracycampbell7868 5 лет назад

Great video. The way you put together your shots is amazing!

@quirkyclarke6423 5 лет назад

I always love your videos! Your B roll is always amazing and your editing is💣💣 Thanks for the informative and entertaining videos.

@kodeywhitewolf4056 5 лет назад

Loved this video Awesome footage of surfing scenes Good reasons for your choice of van Thanks for sharing Keep enjoying

@kaylalevesque186 2 года назад

I think he is so adorable!!! His personality shines thru and he seems so kind and humble❤️

@cogwun 4 года назад

Nice! Thanks for the video, looks like an awesome little setup. I've got a small van that I'm about to start converting. It's fun figuring out ways to maximise the space. I never really intended to have a small van, it was just a good deal, haha. But I'm actually glad that it's small. Whatever size vehicle you have you can find ways to make it work for you. I spent 5 months travelling with everything I needed on a bicycle and loved it.

@motogirlz101 5 лет назад

I love the cinematography at about 10:00, such beautiful shots.

@MrMinimalst 5 лет назад

"...it's pretty rare that I actually want to eat the food I cook for myself." 😆😆😆 Nate your decisions to get the NV200 make so much sense to me. You're a master level minimalist for certain, I always enjoy hearing you speak the good word. Take care man!

@105cathy 5 лет назад

We have had excellent performance from two Nissan vehicles. We tow our Casita with aPathfinder. Traveled almost 70,000 miles with zero problems. Have 230,000 miles on and going strong ! Looking at the larger NV for our next....

@djpuplex 5 лет назад

I chose the transit connect because of the cruise control, backup camera and over storage in the cab, but can't deny in jealous of that warranty.

@Bob-hi2xh 5 лет назад

Cruise control and backup camera can be added for less then $500 A full size transit or sprinter will always be better. More headroom and more options

@Bob-hi2xh 5 лет назад

@J G i have 4 cargo vans and one of them is a sprinter 2500 170" dually. Yes they are a expensive option but you get maximum space. My transit high roof and Express are cheaper to run but for maxinum cargo hauling nothing beats a sprinter other then a box truck like a NPR or a cut away. And all my vans have Viper alarms with sensors. No one comes close to my babies. I would still choose a Chevy Express/Savannah over this toy van. A small 1500 with a V6 doesnt waist much gas

@Bob-hi2xh 5 лет назад

@J G i have convenience stores around California. My vans are on the road 6 days out of the week. My first van (2005 chevy express 2500) is still runing strong with 450,000 miles. I would never consider a NV or express city or connect. I dont see any practicality in those vans. Even a old Astro is better

@Bob-hi2xh 5 лет назад

@J G yeah but ive hit my head plenty of times that i bet this guy will regret a super low roof line after his back starts hurting and his head hits the roof. Makes for fun entertainment though

@Bob-hi2xh 5 лет назад

@J G true that. Forgot this guy lived in a truck and a Element. Vandwellers always have to see the under belly of the US. Its a scary place. Stay safe.

@debbiejansen1178 4 года назад

I appreciate your enthusiasm!

@TheDanVan 5 лет назад

Great reasons! Thanks for the explanations.

@Detroitblue 5 лет назад

You literally addressed every concerns I would have voiced if I had voiced one.

@dianeibsen5994 2 года назад

Thank you so much for this video! So helpful!! Great information. I love that you're a minimalist. And I love the idea of low gas mileage, low emissions, easy to repair💗👍🤗

@eganfo 5 лет назад

Looks great. I love the pop top. So nice to hear Scotty's voice.

@merson812 5 лет назад

People like you, who are few and far between, are so motivational.

@Yodaismycopilot 4 года назад

Very fine video. Really interesting to hear your philosophy and reasoning on the smaller vehicle. Thanks much.

@Luvrbug 5 лет назад

So happy I came across your channel - can life has been calling my name

@mt.bikeher270 3 года назад

Great drone shots and editing. You're so cute and humble, thanks for the insight on the pros. I'm leaning towards a smaller van when I make the leap. Just discovered the pros of pop tops so thanks again.

@combatmedic91-b76 2 года назад

Was surprised to hear Nissan has lost the quality it once had??!! I owned a Nissan truck 1993 it lasted until 2018 I sold it for 1,700. I wanted small van never thought Nissan would dive, but the warranty sounds good & the warranty I had in 93 truck was good. I like your videos thank you good 👍jod! I want a pop top also & something small to drive you did a great job on converting your van for camping!

@predator6707 5 лет назад

Awesome cinematic beginning love your videos are getting better and better every day not to say they weren’t any better or worse before I like them just as much have a great week see you in the next one

@JackieL7474 5 лет назад

You made the right decision with your new home. My 05 Element is a gas hog but I wish sometime to convert it into my home. I love your beautiful videos a lot! I want to be a minimalist but don't know how to accomplish that yet. I look forward to each video you make!

@JonathanPanet 5 лет назад

I driver a nv200 It’s great van. .. my van has just hit 50000mils Only Problem I had was the wiper blades stop .working. And nissa fix for free!!!

@taradead 5 лет назад

Have you had the transmission fluid changed? I heard nissan recommends it at 60k miles, but some have it done every 30k miles...although it is expensive (like $200).

@lukkassuhn6761 5 лет назад

@@taradead I'm sure you can cut that in half or better if you do it yourself. I'm not super mechanically inclined but it's a skill I've started cultivating since I developed an interest in this field.

@dee5331 Год назад

Your parents must be proud of you! Very informative and helpful thks for sharing

@mr.145 4 года назад

Makes so much sense, from a very experienced camper.

@pennyblea2705 5 лет назад

You have made some great video's and enjoyed your taking us to many great places...thanks

@zanesutherland406 5 лет назад

Beautiful videography. And I love Scotty Kilmer, watch him everyday 👍🏼😄

@lostman65 5 лет назад

thanks for the info... i was looking at nissan a while ago, then my wants escalated me to looking at big vans... but now watching your videos ... i think i want a nv200.

@ricks.1318 5 лет назад

Hey there Nate ... Glad to see that things are going well for ya .... SAFE travels ... (Rick from Massachusetts)

@elizabethbrundagemediajour150 5 лет назад

I think you made a great choice in the Nissan NV 200 with the gas mileage. You did a great interior setup and the pop top is great. Love your cinematography!

@andrewconway7730 5 лет назад

Could you do a video detailing the cost of your van with everything included?

@andraslibal 5 лет назад

Cool little van, makes sense the way you explain it.

@jillk2316 5 лет назад

Another great video!!

@CarrieJo5916 5 лет назад

Beautiful Photography! Good info on your van choice too.

@iamallmy1 5 лет назад

its mahh-jik

@Randylj1 4 года назад

I love the Nissan vans even though I get more recommendations towards the other mini vans. Thank you for the excellent information.

@nv200camper4 4 года назад

Nice job and well filmed, thanks for sharing

@robertsegura6451 5 лет назад

I applaud your decision to go small. Less is more, the more we have, the more we want to fill it with more stuff.

@theresapurnell5126 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing. I'm inspired. 👍🏽

@BudgetTravelGuy 5 лет назад

No such thing as "too small" if you works for you! I've gone coast to coast in a minivan before on long trips. Plus, it's still more space than you've been used to....safe travels!

@EE-fl5dz 5 лет назад

Great honest info. And really like the vehicle. 👍🏼

@stevewoods7299 4 года назад

At the end that was so honest! It was refreshing and nice to see. About the possible lack of quality of your rig. I think I want an express in 9 years when I retire. But been thinking a lot about getting a Honda or Toyota mini van a few years old to do some weekend and week long camping in. And possibly as a daily driver too.

@happyhappyjoyjoy55 3 года назад

VERY well done video. You did a great job. You're also a very nice, resourceful guy. You thought through want you wanted to do with the van, and you DID it. And a job well done.

@rhondalyn100 5 лет назад

Great vid! Lots of great info and variety of daily life. Surf shots were fun to watch...:-)

@adavell 3 года назад

Looove the murphy bed, really clever!!! Thank you!

@kimberlydavis5034 4 года назад

I like how you set up the inside of your van.

@oldmanonroad.7843 3 года назад

This is great I have a small van and you have a great plan good job

@mixflip 5 лет назад

Great video. Pop tops are so functional. Worth every penny.

@Gamebit450 3 года назад

not at that price lol that is half of what the van cost. No way that top is worth that imo.

@Fitforacting 3 года назад

@@Gamebit450 depends on how much you use it

@donkeyballs3307 3 года назад

Pop top is mostly useless in northern Canada 🇨🇦,, ud b lucky if u used it 2 months per year & u would freeze to death , because of it , in the winter, here ,

@Asator66 3 года назад

I don't see the point. If it's cold you're not going to want to open it, but if it's good weather you're going to want to be outside. Standing in your van is hardly a perk when you can only take 2 steps down its length, when you can literally just step outside?

@mixflip 3 года назад

@@Asator66 not all...but some people like to change clothes standing up. Sometimes standing feels good on the joints and bones too if you have older bones or previous injuries from your youth.

@RachelSchell 4 года назад

I feel the same way about the convenience of a smaller vehicle. Really like this conversion.

@baygrl518 5 лет назад

Very enjoyable. Thanks for the content

@wefixwebsitesfast8227 3 года назад

Bro great video . Happy Holidays

@GABRIEL_CRAFT 5 лет назад

Great work man!

@Erikjoelalexander 4 года назад

People should go for what they want no matter the price rather than compromise. Good on you!

@MrQbenDanny 5 лет назад

BRAVO!!! Nate, I worked in a major advertising company which I won't mention for many years, I had a top vehicle account, and YOU are the spokesman I always searched for and never found. There were castings in Hollywood and New York City, we never found a "NATE".!!!

@simplyrise5217 4 года назад

As long as is works for you. It doesn't matter what's your choice. That includes price too👍

@levicollie1466 5 лет назад

Dude I’ve spent years searching for this build. Thank you.

@levicollie1466 5 лет назад

So in depth too great points I’ve never thought of

@mattthewanderer5029 5 лет назад

That's mental, I've got a 313 lwb sprinter that done 252,000 miles and it a heavy build out and I still get between 32 and 36 mpg on a long run and 28 around town.

@gregoryclarke328 5 лет назад

With all due respect, the only way your Sprinter is getting even close to 30mpg is if you’re filling the tank with bullshit.

@dbeskan 5 лет назад

You're good. Thanks for vlogging!

@trump9028 4 года назад

NV200 has been a great van for me! Only complaint I have, is the stock rims and tires. Expect to throw away the stock tires in 25,000 miles or less. I bumped up tire size a notch and it not only improved the look of my van, I'm getting much more mileage out of them!

@nomadicexperience9742 5 лет назад

The NV is one of the best options out there. No doubt. Im personally considering the FJ Cruiser and that's slightly smaller than the element. Fully customizable interior in a commercial van is very enticing.

@ChrisFactor Год назад

Completely agree. You Sir, are my spirit human! Minimal Life!

@sylviajones4907 5 лет назад

You chose rightly. Good video. Beautiful surfing footage. Music spot- on!

@niluferwajeeh4352 Год назад

Thanks for your nice vlog.

@Declare57 4 года назад

Really enjoyed your video and lifestyle. Good conversion! (I have a 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab that I bought new. Never had a lick of trouble, so far)