Campervans come in many sizes with a wide variety of equipment, so this “advice” is the speakers’ opinion, there can be true to a large degree. THE best advice is to do a THOROUGH AND REALISTIC ANALYSIS OF YOUR DESIRED VEHICLE - NEEDS vs WANTS ALONGSIDE YOUR BUDGET, DEBTS and SAVINGS AND ACTUAL MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE COSTS. ASK YOURSELF, “ CAN I REALLY AFFORD TO GET A VEHICLE AND KEEP IT OPERATIONAL? HOW OFTEN AM I REALLY GOING TO BE USING THIS, OR WILL THIS BE SITTING IN MY YARD OR DRIVEWAY GATHERING RUST AND WHO-KNOWS-WHAT?”
Great points! It’s so true that choosing a campervan requires a realistic and detailed evaluation of your needs, budget, and usage. Asking yourself tough questions like 'Can I afford to maintain it?' and 'How often will I use it?' can save a lot of regret later. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful advice, it's invaluable for anyone considering the campervan lifestyle!
Remember, having a camp event is basically living in a small room. We know kitchen destiny a room for rent. Well, Avan is basically one room on wheels. That's basically what that is.
That's a great way to put it! A van is really just a small, mobile room with all the essentials packed in. It’s a simple setup, but for the right person, it offers so much freedom. How have you made the most of your space in the van? Any tips for keeping things organized?
@rollinwithrver Actually what you do not much of a tip really? It's just like having a room. Being messy and entirely, just keep things cleaned up. As you use it, put things back where you found them in your vehicle. Just like in your house, simple things like that and you'll keep your vehicle clean. Because in a small space like that, it's going to get dirty much pasta. In my case, I'm Nicole different. Because I do have a small base so I do not do Van life. A 100%. I live alternatively, which is a lot cheaper than living normal. So I have best of both worlds so I'm kind of lucky but the fact still remains you've slept Doctor keep the vehicle clean and maintained as well.
Depends on how y look at it & use it I guess. Living in yr van or living out of the van. If the whole point is to adventure, hike, ski, bike, go city to city& experience, the van is just a place to sleep & get to places. 🤷♂️
Period this is why the way I live alternatively I have a small base so I'm not in my Van all the time. Most of the summer times unless I'm traveling. I have a base but Wednesday time. An autumn is awesome. In fact, which time is the best time to live in your Van? Campbell or autumn but summer is problems. It's very, very hot and the air conditioner. Is not as good as the excellent shirt in your house despite what people say.
Or drink. This is why I always recommend people. Have your inverters or lights separate from your batteries? Because a lot of Ram dwellers tend to do this hook everything up to the battery and now the battery is using all that power for everything that varied battery dies, especially people who have vans with no windows who have to have the light on every day in the Van, your battery is gonna run down very fast. So I say, have your lights independent from your battery and your inverter is possible. I get a jackery or something separate from your battery. So if your battery dies, you still have your converter, you still have your. Independent lights would you add 2 AA batteries in at least like to last you for a good week, depending on how often you're in your Van.
Seriously, I'm one of the lucky ones because I don't do alternative living to go off-road. I don't care for off-road. I do it strictly for economic reasons to save on paying high rent and big bills and allow me to save money and live a more free life. That's why I do it not to travel over the whole world. I couldn't care less about traveling on some mountain or to lock some stupid tree in the desert in the middle of no way that's not my style.
That makes a lot of sense! Not everyone gets into alternative living for the adventure aspect. It’s a smart way to save on rent and bills while gaining more financial freedom. It’s great that you’ve found a setup that works for you without needing to chase the ‘travel everywhere’ lifestyle. How has it worked out for you so far in terms of savings and stability?
I know a family, who owned a used camper. The used it only for 8 weeks a year, but told me, that they used the same amount of time to maintain, clean and repair it.They were often unable to use it, as it needed repairs.
Absolutely, planning is everything when it comes to these big lifestyle changes! It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook the real costs and challenges. Did you have any specific strategies or tips that helped you plan effectively? I'd love to hear about your approach!
Purchased new Trovato 59K in 2017. Seven years full-time. mileage is 20,000 Maintenance.. Replace battery and three oil changes. Zero debt and only monthly bill is phone. Starting my third year, parked on a 20 acre horse ranch in the hills above Santa Barbara(with its own water well surrounded by national forest) I’m living my retirement dream!! Taking care of horses In the best location I can find. I’m not interested in being “ comfortable“. .. nothing evolves in a comfort zone. I choose to be mentally, physically and spiritually challenged every day. That’s why I never get sick and perfectly healthy. This lifestyle is healthier than any I have had in the past. RUclips van life is for suckers!!
Wow, what an incredible setup! It sounds like you've created a truly fulfilling lifestyle that aligns with your values of health and personal growth. Living off the land, caring for horses, and staying active must be such a rewarding experience. And you're so right, real growth happens outside the comfort zone. Thanks for sharing your story; it's inspiring to see someone living their dream on their own terms!
Facts absolutely this is why I don't watch a lot of band channels. Especially the big channels. There's a lot of them exaggerate. How badly is awesome cause? I do it myself part-time and have a base I. Rather. Have a small base as well so I can get out of my camera event. Sometimes because if you follow these videosyou swear to God. Van life is awesome and it is awesome in a sense in a way. But it's not just good as it cracked out to be. That because most people exaggerate and most channels exaggerate. So you gotta look for the red flags and figure it out for yourself. I did.
Totally agree! Some big channels really do make van life look like a constant adventure, but there’s a lot that gets left out. It's great that you've found a balance by doing it part-time and keeping a base. That way, you get the best of both worlds without falling for the hype. Van life can be amazing, but it's important to stay realistic about the challenges too. Have you found any channels that keep it real and show both sides?
@rollinwithrver Do you live? Alternatively yourself my friend or what band do you have or do you have an RV? What do you do you live this life altar, you'll be one of the smart ones if you're doing it. God bless you if you are.
@rollinwithrver Facts absolutely. I don't even heard on the news. Where this guy killed his girlfriend and they went. It was in a astros, minivan white man and they went camping and they lived in that band for months and they keep knocking heads. Eventually he killed her and she called the police before this to warn the police. And then when the police stopped him, she said everything was okay that's when he killed her and then he killed himself. It was on the news because I see channels where you see a couple live in a Van and they say everything's great. We love it and everything, but it's it's a ploy. It's a connot true at all. The sad thing is about. That is a lot of people buy into it and believe what these people are saying? I don't. I call them out on it. But if you watch the videos. Of course you won't feel more now. They have to come down since they showed that they were very happy and having a good time when it was all alive behind the scenes. When the camera went off, they started to argue in and hit me each other until he killed her.
This is why if you're living alternatively to live cheap and simple. Buying a Van with a Van payment like a car payment. Don't make sense. It defeats the purpose of living in automatically and cheap cause not your payment all over again. You live in that to your Van to avoid paying rent just to pay more rent. But in a Van you're cause you decide to buy brand new Van when you can buy good use Van for quarter of the price and pay cash for it. Which means you have no debt. No rent to pay which means you have extra money to play with.
Thank you for replying back it is hard. I don't know why so many RV parks r closing considering what they charge. Why don't they open up ovals & park & use them instead. Do you have showgrounds in us, we have a few here, they use for camping, it is in country areas & limited time. Hope it gets better for all of us.
It really is tough, especially with the closures happening all over. You’d think with the high fees at many parks, they’d be able to stay open! In the U.S., we don’t have showgrounds quite like you do, but we have some county fairgrounds and similar venues that allow temporary RV camping. Unfortunately, it’s usually limited to specific events or times of year, especially in rural areas. Opening up more options like ovals or large fields would be amazing - it could really help RVers and make it more affordable for everyone. Fingers crossed things improve soon for all of us!
Ha, I get where you're coming from! Spending that much can seem crazy, but for some people, the adventure and convenience make it worth it. What do you think would make a camper van truly worth the price, if anything?
Have been considering either a small class Cor b van. Full time is not for us. Day trips , weekends maybe some travel. Not ready for the van life. As said , little room, where are your worldly possessions? Looks good but is a step above homelessness. Next thing is these vans are way overpriced, and workmanship, service have suffered since Covid . If you haven’t heard diesel versions are now on the endangered species list. Only thing that might be save camper vans will be the possible affordable Tesla. Will believe it when I see it
Great points! A small Class B van can be ideal for those shorter trips without the full-time commitment of van life. I totally get the challenge with storage space. It’s hard to pack in all the essentials, especially if you’re used to more room. And you're right; prices have skyrocketed, and quality has definitely taken a hit since COVID. As for diesel, it's unfortunate to see fewer options, especially with all the power they offer. An affordable electric camper van would be amazing! Imagine the possibilities with a Tesla or something similar. If it ever actually becomes affordable. Do you think an electric van would handle the range and needs of RV travelers?
Not a huge fan of pure electric vehicles, but Tesla is working on flat solar pods that will charge as you drive. Think even now a 20-22 foot Tesla could get 300-400 miles but infrastructure is not yet there to rival gas vehicles. Next logical step would be gas/hybrid option
That’s a solid point! Many RVs and camper vans are indeed built for shorter trips rather than full-time living. Always a good idea to check those warranty statements and know what your vehicle is truly designed for. Thanks for the tip!
Exactly! So much of it comes down to having a realistic understanding of what van life or RV life really involves. A lot of people go into it with high expectations, but if the van or RV design doesn’t suit your needs or isn’t built for comfort and efficiency, it can quickly turn into a struggle. The right setup makes all the difference, and being honest about the reality, including the costs and lifestyle adjustments is key. It’s all about finding a balance between dream and practicality!
II tell people to poop people this all the time even on my own channel. Don't go buying brand new competence. People are jumping on the bandwagon on RUclips to make camper vans to sell. I recommend buy a regular Van yourself and build it yourself if possible. I know most people are not DIY people like myself. But DIY is the key I'm telling you guys. You'll say we'll ton of money and you'll thank me for it later d. I. Y is the way to go get a Van, build it at yourself. You're better off with a lock cheaper. And it defeats being in debt which is the purpose of living alternatively, in the first place?
Great advice! DIY can definitely save a lot of money and give you a setup that’s truly customized to your needs. Plus, avoiding debt is a huge part of the appeal of alternative living. Not everyone feels confident taking on a DIY project, but even doing a few basics yourself can make a big difference. Have you shared any tips on your channel for people looking to get started with their own van build?
If you look back on the videos and study this channel, you’ll find out it is a government channel. I don’t know why they’re trying to control your thoughts on RVs and places to go and things you cannot do in an RV or how they’ll fail but it’s degraded into a political channel. Your government dollars at work.
This channel has no affiliation with the government. It’s purely focused on sharing experiences, tips, and honest discussions about RV living. The goal is to provide helpful content for RV enthusiasts, not to push any political agenda or control anyone’s thoughts. Thanks for sharing your concerns!!!
Campervans come in many sizes with a wide variety of equipment, so this “advice” is the speakers’ opinion, there can be true to a large degree.
THE best advice is to do a THOROUGH AND REALISTIC ANALYSIS OF YOUR DESIRED VEHICLE - NEEDS vs WANTS ALONGSIDE YOUR BUDGET, DEBTS and SAVINGS AND ACTUAL MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE COSTS.
ASK YOURSELF, “ CAN I REALLY AFFORD TO GET A VEHICLE AND KEEP IT OPERATIONAL?
HOW OFTEN AM I REALLY GOING TO BE USING THIS, OR WILL THIS BE SITTING IN MY YARD OR DRIVEWAY GATHERING RUST AND WHO-KNOWS-WHAT?”
Great points! It’s so true that choosing a campervan requires a realistic and detailed evaluation of your needs, budget, and usage. Asking yourself tough questions like 'Can I afford to maintain it?' and 'How often will I use it?' can save a lot of regret later. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful advice, it's invaluable for anyone considering the campervan lifestyle!
Remember, having a camp event is basically living in a small room. We know kitchen destiny a room for rent. Well, Avan is basically one room on wheels. That's basically what that is.
That's a great way to put it! A van is really just a small, mobile room with all the essentials packed in. It’s a simple setup, but for the right person, it offers so much freedom. How have you made the most of your space in the van? Any tips for keeping things organized?
@rollinwithrver Actually what you do not much of a tip really? It's just like having a room. Being messy and entirely, just keep things cleaned up. As you use it, put things back where you found them in your vehicle. Just like in your house, simple things like that and you'll keep your vehicle clean. Because in a small space like that, it's going to get dirty much pasta.
In my case, I'm Nicole different. Because I do have a small base so I do not do Van life. A 100%. I live alternatively, which is a lot cheaper than living normal. So I have best of both worlds so I'm kind of lucky but the fact still remains you've slept Doctor keep the vehicle clean and maintained as well.
Depends on how y look at it & use it I guess. Living in yr van or living out of the van. If the whole point is to adventure, hike, ski, bike, go city to city& experience, the van is just a place to sleep & get to places. 🤷♂️
@JoshuaMartian-go3tm Facts
Period this is why the way I live alternatively I have a small base so I'm not in my Van all the time. Most of the summer times unless I'm traveling. I have a base but Wednesday time. An autumn is awesome. In fact, which time is the best time to live in your Van? Campbell or autumn but summer is problems. It's very, very hot and the air conditioner. Is not as good as the excellent shirt in your house despite what people say.
Or drink. This is why I always recommend people. Have your inverters or lights separate from your batteries? Because a lot of Ram dwellers tend to do this hook everything up to the battery and now the battery is using all that power for everything that varied battery dies, especially people who have vans with no windows who have to have the light on every day in the Van, your battery is gonna run down very fast. So I say, have your lights independent from your battery and your inverter is possible. I get a jackery or something separate from your battery. So if your battery dies, you still have your converter, you still have your. Independent lights would you add 2 AA batteries in at least like to last you for a good week, depending on how often you're in your Van.
Seriously, I'm one of the lucky ones because I don't do alternative living to go off-road. I don't care for off-road. I do it strictly for economic reasons to save on paying high rent and big bills and allow me to save money and live a more free life. That's why I do it not to travel over the whole world. I couldn't care less about traveling on some mountain or to lock some stupid tree in the desert in the middle of no way that's not my style.
That makes a lot of sense! Not everyone gets into alternative living for the adventure aspect. It’s a smart way to save on rent and bills while gaining more financial freedom. It’s great that you’ve found a setup that works for you without needing to chase the ‘travel everywhere’ lifestyle. How has it worked out for you so far in terms of savings and stability?
I know a family, who owned a used camper.
The used it only for 8 weeks a year, but told me, that they used the same amount of time to maintain, clean and repair it.They were often unable to use it, as it needed repairs.
Thanks for saying things no one wants to hear. This is an expensive undertaking. Plan it out thoroughly.
Absolutely, planning is everything when it comes to these big lifestyle changes! It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook the real costs and challenges. Did you have any specific strategies or tips that helped you plan effectively? I'd love to hear about your approach!
Excellent video
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words and support! :)
Purchased new Trovato 59K in 2017.
Seven years full-time.
mileage is 20,000
Maintenance.. Replace battery and three oil changes.
Zero debt and only monthly bill is phone.
Starting my third year, parked on a 20 acre horse ranch in the hills above Santa Barbara(with its own water well surrounded by national forest)
I’m living my retirement dream!!
Taking care of horses In the best location I can find.
I’m not interested in being “ comfortable“. .. nothing evolves in a comfort zone.
I choose to be mentally, physically and spiritually challenged every day.
That’s why I never get sick and perfectly healthy.
This lifestyle is healthier than any I have had in the past.
RUclips van life is for suckers!!
Wow, what an incredible setup! It sounds like you've created a truly fulfilling lifestyle that aligns with your values of health and personal growth. Living off the land, caring for horses, and staying active must be such a rewarding experience. And you're so right, real growth happens outside the comfort zone. Thanks for sharing your story; it's inspiring to see someone living their dream on their own terms!
Facts absolutely this is why I don't watch a lot of band channels. Especially the big channels. There's a lot of them exaggerate. How badly is awesome cause? I do it myself part-time and have a base I. Rather. Have a small base as well so I can get out of my camera event. Sometimes because if you follow these videosyou swear to God. Van life is awesome and it is awesome in a sense in a way. But it's not just good as it cracked out to be. That because most people exaggerate and most channels exaggerate. So you gotta look for the red flags and figure it out for yourself. I did.
Totally agree! Some big channels really do make van life look like a constant adventure, but there’s a lot that gets left out. It's great that you've found a balance by doing it part-time and keeping a base. That way, you get the best of both worlds without falling for the hype. Van life can be amazing, but it's important to stay realistic about the challenges too. Have you found any channels that keep it real and show both sides?
@rollinwithrver Do you live? Alternatively yourself my friend or what band do you have or do you have an RV? What do you do you live this life altar, you'll be one of the smart ones if you're doing it. God bless you if you are.
@rollinwithrver Facts absolutely. I don't even heard on the news. Where this guy killed his girlfriend and they went. It was in a astros, minivan white man and they went camping and they lived in that band for months and they keep knocking heads. Eventually he killed her and she called the police before this to warn the police. And then when the police stopped him, she said everything was okay that's when he killed her and then he killed himself. It was on the news because I see channels where you see a couple live in a Van and they say everything's great. We love it and everything, but it's it's a ploy. It's a connot true at all. The sad thing is about. That is a lot of people buy into it and believe what these people are saying? I don't.
I call them out on it. But if you watch the videos. Of course you won't feel more now. They have to come down since they showed that they were very happy and having a good time when it was all alive behind the scenes. When the camera went off, they started to argue in and hit me each other until he killed her.
This is why if you're living alternatively to live cheap and simple. Buying a Van with a Van payment like a car payment. Don't make sense. It defeats the purpose of living in automatically and cheap cause not your payment all over again. You live in that to your Van to avoid paying rent just to pay more rent. But in a Van you're cause you decide to buy brand new Van when you can buy good use Van for quarter of the price and pay cash for it. Which means you have no debt. No rent to pay which means you have extra money to play with.
Thank you for replying back it is hard. I don't know why so many RV parks r closing considering what they charge. Why don't they open up ovals & park & use them instead. Do you have showgrounds in us, we have a few here, they use for camping, it is in country areas & limited time. Hope it gets better for all of us.
It really is tough, especially with the closures happening all over. You’d think with the high fees at many parks, they’d be able to stay open! In the U.S., we don’t have showgrounds quite like you do, but we have some county fairgrounds and similar venues that allow temporary RV camping. Unfortunately, it’s usually limited to specific events or times of year, especially in rural areas. Opening up more options like ovals or large fields would be amazing - it could really help RVers and make it more affordable for everyone. Fingers crossed things improve soon for all of us!
PT Barnum was right.
Anyone that spends that much money on one of these is absolutely a sucker
Ha, I get where you're coming from! Spending that much can seem crazy, but for some people, the adventure and convenience make it worth it. What do you think would make a camper van truly worth the price, if anything?
@rollinwithrver
Absolutely nothing.
Not even a great dog and a stunningly beautiful 16 year old girl.
Hmm, wait a minute.
Have been considering either a small class Cor b van. Full time is not for us. Day trips , weekends maybe some travel. Not ready for the van life. As said , little room, where are your worldly possessions? Looks good but is a step above homelessness. Next thing is these vans are way overpriced, and workmanship, service have suffered since Covid . If you haven’t heard diesel versions are now on the endangered species list. Only thing that might be save camper vans will be the possible affordable Tesla. Will believe it when I see it
Great points! A small Class B van can be ideal for those shorter trips without the full-time commitment of van life. I totally get the challenge with storage space. It’s hard to pack in all the essentials, especially if you’re used to more room. And you're right; prices have skyrocketed, and quality has definitely taken a hit since COVID. As for diesel, it's unfortunate to see fewer options, especially with all the power they offer. An affordable electric camper van would be amazing! Imagine the possibilities with a Tesla or something similar. If it ever actually becomes affordable. Do you think an electric van would handle the range and needs of RV travelers?
Not a huge fan of pure electric vehicles, but Tesla is working on flat solar pods that will charge as you drive. Think even now a 20-22 foot Tesla could get 300-400 miles but infrastructure is not yet there to rival gas vehicles. Next logical step would be gas/hybrid option
Use a camper van for a short getaway of three or four days. Most RVs are designed for 20-30 days per year max! Read the brochures warranty statement.
That’s a solid point! Many RVs and camper vans are indeed built for shorter trips rather than full-time living. Always a good idea to check those warranty statements and know what your vehicle is truly designed for. Thanks for the tip!
You missed the insulation issue!
Thanks for pointing that out! Insulation is definitely an important topic to cover. I'll make sure to address it in future videos!
rent before you buy!
I agree
Everything stated here comes down to bad van design and expectations that don't match reality.
Exactly! So much of it comes down to having a realistic understanding of what van life or RV life really involves. A lot of people go into it with high expectations, but if the van or RV design doesn’t suit your needs or isn’t built for comfort and efficiency, it can quickly turn into a struggle. The right setup makes all the difference, and being honest about the reality, including the costs and lifestyle adjustments is key. It’s all about finding a balance between dream and practicality!
II tell people to poop people this all the time even on my own channel. Don't go buying brand new competence. People are jumping on the bandwagon on RUclips to make camper vans to sell. I recommend buy a regular Van yourself and build it yourself if possible. I know most people are not DIY people like myself. But DIY is the key I'm telling you guys. You'll say we'll ton of money and you'll thank me for it later d. I. Y is the way to go get a Van, build it at yourself. You're better off with a lock cheaper. And it defeats being in debt which is the purpose of living alternatively, in the first place?
Great advice! DIY can definitely save a lot of money and give you a setup that’s truly customized to your needs. Plus, avoiding debt is a huge part of the appeal of alternative living. Not everyone feels confident taking on a DIY project, but even doing a few basics yourself can make a big difference. Have you shared any tips on your channel for people looking to get started with their own van build?
I noticed you are using video clips from other RUclips channels. Are you required to have permission from the content creator to use their videos?
If you look back on the videos and study this channel, you’ll find out it is a government channel. I don’t know why they’re trying to control your thoughts on RVs and places to go and things you cannot do in an RV or how they’ll fail but it’s degraded into a political channel. Your government dollars at work.
This channel has no affiliation with the government. It’s purely focused on sharing experiences, tips, and honest discussions about RV living. The goal is to provide helpful content for RV enthusiasts, not to push any political agenda or control anyone’s thoughts. Thanks for sharing your concerns!!!