I was homeless. For a couple years. In Maine no less. A van would have been awesome. Would have seemed like a castle after sleeping on the sidewalk or on a bench or in the shelter.
Yeah sleeping in the streets or u see a vehicle for shelter sucks… I’d like house but I can’t afford a house. a home well …. A home, That would be the dream to go after. Home is where your comfortable, love and your heart is at a your home. I just don’t know where that is …
@@MrNightpwner having to find reliable and steady income is one main factor. Which is not easy in itself… than even becoming reliable for the job and income… some people have mental health issues, addictions, some got taken out by a divorce… many factors play in… some people die and we never hear of them…
@@OneAnarchyPixel Uber on foot, save. Buy a bicycle, lock, Uber bag, start bicycle ubering. Use food stamps to eat food and save your cash made from Uber to get yourself a good tent. Uber until you have a couple thousand saved up. Search for a van and purchase van when you have enough money. Also RUclips will teach you everything you ever need to known about fixing anything on any vehicle. If the van is in good enough shape you can make $150 or more doing Uber eats from sun up to sundown with the van. Plus a spot to store your bike in for backup transportation. It requires a lot of work but this is a guaranteed way. Ask me how I know 😁
@@classycarsautomotiveportra8514 but it's hard getting paid because banks ect need address, also employers want address as well, & even having a bike without a home is difficult with out being stolen
I lived in a van for 3 years. Joined a gym for my showers and stuff. Solar panel on roof, 2 leisure batteries. 25kg gas bottle onboard. Water i got from work. Registered at my brothers house for post and voting and Council tax. Owed nothing to anyone. Great life.
I guess it's good that I don't feel discouraged as my journey to van life is not about Instagram. In fact, social media barely crossed my mind. I just want to travel and learn a few life lessons.
Van life is NOT a young persons thing, that is a misconception, because of social media. Vanlife has been around since the 60s. I am 53, I live and travel in my van, fulltime. The #, is what has made it more acceptable to live this lifestyle. Great video.
have to agree. cant say for the US but here in Europe the average vehicle dweller is retired for sure. We rarely meet people our age unless we arrange a meet up over instagram.
It seems like most of these people do not get the concept. You do not live in a van. You live out of one. Other than sleeping you should be spending very little time in the van.
@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 you can go to the river/beach/mountains if you have a couple hours. You can spend time at a library, gym, rec center, sipping cheap coffee at an internet cafe.
And there it is...the other reason why #vanlife is held in such contempt...the clique police. Do this or you're not a real "van lifer". Don't do this or you 'don't get it'. Please, that smarmy elitism is just as phoney as girls in bikinis in glamorous places living OUT of a rented van. If you're living in a van - you're living the van life. Maybe not #vanlife but definitely the REAL one.
Brer Rabbit yeah, right after you find a place to park. It takes a considerable amount of money to live in a van or...out of a van. It requires nonstop driving, car repairs, shopping for 3 meals a day when storing food is impossible due to limited space and storage requirements. Van life SUCKS. It is expensive, exhausting, lonely, depressing and dangerous.
If you live in a van but do not travel/explore/have 'adventures' then what is the point? If your living in a van because you have to because you can't afford a house then that is just sad....
I have been retired close to 9 years now. At age 72, I admire these kids. They are not putting themselves through the rotten crotch hell that I went through in the job market. The American Dream has been unattainable for me and working for shit wages has been a hideous nightmare. Why have I not thought of that in my younger day?
Very well put John Acord I am 70 And I so Admire these People, I wish I had not wasted my whole working life it was Crap and I hated it, And these people had the courage not to fall in to the rat race
It's not too late, you know. You can still get out there and do it if you think you'd love it. 72 is the new 55 nowadays, we're all living longer. I say think positive and go for it. You've earned it.
I will be living the Van Life hopefully very soon, (2 months). Right now, I live in a Studio and the rent is ridiculous so I will be happy to leave that part which takes up most of my income..Oddly though, I've always wanted to do this. I already know nothing is perfect and am very aware of what can happen, danger wise. Overall, I will be happier. It's what I want to do and have the chance to do it. There is a sense of Freedom I feel I will have that I can't have here. I actually hate where I'm at so, I'm really looking forward to this adventure. I like to call it a sabbatical. ;) Can't wait!!!
18:11 thats why i want to do vanlife before its downright illegal. The freedoms that our elders enjoyed 50 years ago are getting slowly taken away by the cali-fornication of everything.
I've been living in my van for 4 years now and I have to tell you it is the most comfortable place I owned and I want to make this clear when I say this .I do not live in my van. I sleep in my van I work out of my van and "I LIVE"in the big wide world.. I have more space than the average person my front yard can be anywhere I truly believe you have to be cut out for this type of a lifestyle .I'm fortunate to be one of those people.. that's all I can say I love it with a passion.
You stole my thunder with this comment, I was going to say it's not for everyone but glad it's for me! I hate the idea of being tied down with a house and a bunch of stuff I collected to be trapped in the house with.
Edge shan I believe it can be done, and I’m pretty good at adapting, what worries me is how I could make money while out on the road? The way I see it I can just get a job like any other person and just get home to my vehicle tho I wish there was alternatives so I could travel and meet ppl
I am 72 and reclusive, I have tented all my life. 1 retired 12 years ago and spent 6 months in a van in New Zealand, Then 6 months in a tent and hire car Canadian Rockies and Yellowstone. The past 10 years I have lived in a 4 berth tent for 6 to 8 months a year, then go home. I am now selling my home sharing the proceeds with my two sons and will buy and live in a van. I am very excited to do this and very aware of those words go home!! and that I can not go home!!, so before I embark I watch all, you nice peoples videos that are on the negative, thanks
ya, fucking narcists, living out of their vans and shitting in the woods... THE WORLD DOESNT REVOLVE AROUND YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! dang shallow narcissist's
If people want to live in a van wtf is shallow and vein about that? I think the guy sitting here watching the video commenting negatively sounds more like an ass haha. Its their choices to do this so whats the issue? I'd love to know..
I love being homeless in my 17' travel trailer. Been one year now. I don't care what anyone thinks. It'll be a cold day in hell before I pay $1,300 a month apartment rent again. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love the documentary.
Note to future viewers: This is a film about #vanlife. Not actual van life pros and cons. If you're interested in taking pictures in front of a van, maybe you need to see this. If you actually want to live in a van, the first 15min is all this video is worth.
You could probably offer a fresh perspective and advice on van living. Seven years is a loong time, bet you have some great stories to share 🙂 ... also that was a looong time ago, why aren't you van living now? 🤔
@@kellybrown6988 she said 'people' have been doing it for a long long time. Meaning it's been happening for a lot longer than "#vanlife" has been going on.. That being said, 7 years is actually a fair long time.. so I'm unclear as to your point. I mean the OP never stated she had a nice time, or the reason she lived in a van, so again, your comment seems unjustified. ✌🏼
yeah tell those unintelligeable yolo hipster instagram idiots!!!! its like they think its something new course back in the day nobody had an instagram of it so clearly it has never been done, in teir eyes. i dislike the instagram culture anyways and most of vanlifers will eat dirt anyways course they did it influenced by instagram that will hype the trend now and then... like this foe here, wil post a video of how vanlife sucks... all for the klicks nothing for the actual feeling of liveing in a van. the only experience theyll get is beeing liked or hated by crowds and how to deal with it... the thing i wanna get away when i start REAL vanlife. anyways who am i to judge^^
Loretta Vendetta But a normal internet user who isnt into Instagram (like myself) would only think that Vanlife is about Vanlife not social media. I wasted 40 minutes without getting to know about anything related to actual VANLIFE
#feelthebern is about Bernie sanders. It's reasonable for people to assume #vanlife is about van life. Most people don't give two shits about instagram.
Halfway through the documentary and I've come to a conclusion. It's not about vanlife, it's about social media. Through SoMe, you can be selective of what others see and therefore paint a portrait that is far from reality. Every single "influencer" (who are the cancer of our current age) became "famous" this way. This is also how actors, athletes, and others portray themselves - Big houses, expensive cars, instagram filters and colorgrading - It's a flourishing business and people fall for it.
Idk. My friend is a professional photographer who lives in a van and hardly posts. I’ve been debating renting or selling my house and trying the van life because I am starting to feel trapped by my belongings and this materialist world. How lovely would it be to cozy up alone in peace with my guitar in front of a beautiful mountain? But if I do it you best believe I’ll start a RUclips channel and hope it can eventually help pay the bills so I’m free to roam and enjoy the simple pleasures!
@@LouveniaMusic The poster you replied to, Litterbox, nails it. This is using social media to make negative comments about social media grubbers using van life trying to make money. My GF and I both got laid off from our jobs out west at the same time way back in the early 80's. We had a VW camper and I had a job pending, so we could either sit around the apartment until I started the new job or take a long camping trip, as van life was known as back then. No cell phones or tablets, Planet Fitness for showers, no social media to compare ourselves to others. It was the greatest time of my life. We got our unemployment checks through a mail forwarding service, not much money, but enough for food, gas, ice and beer. We camped on BLM land near a lake, spent a lot of time fishing, always caught beautiful trout and had fish grilled over charcoal on a hibachi, salad, chicken or burgers. A few beers by our homemade campfire in the evening and we were so relaxed. Yeah, sometimes I missed watching ball games and stuff on tv, so we found a reasonable mom and pop motel in the closest town for a night a few times a month. We made friends with the owners. They asked if we could bring them fresh trout when we came to town and they let us shower in a checked out room for free. They were good people, some of the many nice people we met. I get that the van life situation in cities doesn't look so good these days. But if I was to try van life again I'd try to stay away from cities and clusters of old broken down RV's, kinda like homeless camps on wheels. If I was that bad off I'd clean up and get a job, McDonalds if that would be the best job available, save my money and get a basic vehicle and get back out to nature.
@@JohnConnor636 Instagram is a mudhole of narcissists. Almost nothing there is authentic. All they show is just there to push their egos and get more followers. Therefore, you will never find any negative stuff there, because negativity is connected to being a loser - and nobody wants to be a loser, so they simply remain siltent about what is negative. So if you want to get a real impression of a place or a situation or whatever with all positive and negative aspects (= honest impression), never ever consider using Instagram for this.
19 years old, considering the van life, the fact that this documentary exist to give me such a good insight is amazing. This really helps with thinking of the consequences of living this sort of nomad life.
It's not so easy, but the rewards that can be found are priceless. 6 days without a shower was the longest and as long as I kept to myself, I was just fine. It was hard at first, because I didn't really choose it, although I did... no other options and a credit card with some money. I bought a swag and a chair and did it tough for 4 months then I got myself a van. It is a bit to a surreal kind of life, especially when you realise you have no real connection to the world anymore. Its different, as with anything, if you can make yourself comfortable, inside and outside you can experience life on the fringe. You end up with special experiences that are only meant for you, and you know it. For once what you do matters. Try it if you feel inclined. Just realised my comment is a year too late.... what did you do?
No, it depends on the individual. Tho I love ppls predictions based on ones upbringing & experiences. That's always entertaining. If only we could put everything in a box. But I don't get to travel w/ my munchkins 😔
Pure comedy. Thanks so much for the laughs! I especially love the irony that Sabrina + Jimmy are now documenting their new "life", living in an apartment.
I am a 63 year old who watches and drinks the van life koolaid. While this film offers a different perspective, frankly one that I tried to ignore, am glad that I watched so I can better prepare my upcoming road trip in my 2012 Ford Explorer with my best friend, canine, Molly. 1.5 million views Forrest, that is great and hope you are still adventuring and making great content!
the one guy nailed it, van life isnt the american dream, it's just a young person's game. they're just farting around on that trust fund while calling it a life style. lies.
@@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965 And You know this because you lived in a Van? Sone people can't afford rent anymore and found another way and that's called reality. Yes, Very real.
The American Dream, or at least my dream, is not to work like a slave at some job you can't stand. This type of lifestyle "looks" appealing for that reason.
Hey beth these people have jobs they cant stand going to they just live in a small space that is.also their main mode of transportation which sucks if something happens to the vehicle . The only benefit they really habe is mobility and saving money . Thats it .
I love the idea of living free, going where I want whenever I want. I work like a slave at my job but it's fulfilling and I love my job and I go to my house that's far from anything and everyone. It's an expensive lifestyle that doesn't allow me to be mobile all the time, but I'd rather be there with my family than anywhere else. That's living a good life. Working like a slave in a job you hate just so you can afford a small apartment would suck.
Ahhh this brought back the good ole days when we would travel all year following music festivals and just traveling anywhere we wanted. Making friends along the way some who stayed on and traveled on with us and some never to be seen again. We survived on soup kitchens and churches and sold everything from beer to falafels at the shows. We volunteered to help anybody we could. It paid off well. The friends we made and adventures we had will always be with me. I can say those were the best and a few of the worst days of my life. And I'd do it all over in a second if I could relive those days over again!! God bless the traveler for he is truly free!
neil- While what you say is true about your past on the road travelling experiences, this video was about something altogether different, the selling of the image. Turning something called '#Van life' into a commodity. It was a parody. A tounge in cheek farce. Reality T.V. You got that right? See my post here in the comments on the subject.
It’s crazy a few years ago I was sleeping in my van homeless and pregnant. It wasn’t the typical vanlife van. I had to put my back seats down and lay over the seats into the trunk. I wanted nothing more but to get an apartment. Now about 5 years later, I’m looking into vanlife/rv life and planning to save up money to buy land and build a home. Possibly even a tiny home. Social media sure has a way of glamorizing everything tho. Back then I was way to embarrassed to document any of that part of my life.
A lot of van dwelling's glamorization is simply people finding a way to cope with the fact that housing costs 4x as much as it did 30-40 years ago. So many people simply (or don't want to) pay housing costs so they move into their van, start a #vanlife instagram and youtube channel, and COPE with this new paradigm where our country is being sold out from underneath it as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle sit back and enrich themselves.
Yup. Forrest (and others) are able to film so many van life people in and around Vancouver because of the massive local property bubble brought on by foreign buyers and politicians allowing mass immigration to push prices sky-high. It's so sad. Instead of holding politicians accountable to end immigration (which never benefits the average Canadian anyways), Canadians just move into vans and say "w-w-well at l-least I can t-travel now I guess..." What a completely demoralized and defeated people.
shane end immigration and foreign home buyers and INSTANTLY wages rise and housing costs go down (both due to basic laws of supply and demand). Tell your representative that your country isn't theirs to sell out from under you.
@@caseyalexander8504 is that really what immigration does? Sounds like an excuse to validate victimisation and not take ownership of your situation and go DO something...but you know easy for me looking for outside the country, but really? What are the 'immigrants' doing to survive etc? Maybe they can teach you something. Look at Europe, i just got back, there are millions of beggers - refugees. The rest of the world is trying to get buy and absorb the worlds stress, what are YOU doing?
Living minimalistic is the best way. Vanlife is the closest one. Unlikely, corporations and governments don't like because this type of life is the opposite of consuming. Vanlife is not easy but is not impossible. It's a challenge, it's problem-solving, it's being a manager/leader of your life, it's being open-minded.
That's interesting that you say that. It is true you do consume less, aka less sales tax and profits for corps, I think society has made it hard to live anything but a "Normal" life intentionally difficult for lots of reasons.
@no, as a matter of fact how is it abuse to raise a kid in a van? my parents were immigrants and we didn't have enough money for a large apartment so we got a single one and all our family of 7 lived there. It wasn't ever seen as abuse. Us kids just compromised by spending the bulk of the day outside the house - as realistically you're supposed to. You're supposed to live in the real world and have hobbies outside like hiking, playing football on the street and only return home for food or rest. These days kids don't treat the house as a place of shelter but where they spend the majority of the time, isolated on their phones as their primary hobby.
My wife and I bought a van, and it didn’t work out the first time. We haven’t done enough research and our build was incorrect. But our solution to this wasn’t a quick van life and criticize people who are enjoying not paying rent or being tied down with a mortgage. We bought our dream van and are trying again
People just need to stop comparing themselves to other people. It’s not about what you don’t have, it’s about being grateful and finding contentment in what you do have. If you’re not satisfied with your life or the things you have then you HAVE TO work harder. If you’re over weight, EXERCISE. That’s life. You have the power to change your own destiny. If you feel lesser than someone else, then that’s a YOU problem, not everyone else’s. People don’t have to stop what they enjoy doing just because you don’t like it. Also, people are so judgmental these days and so quick to speak their mind. Have you ever heard the phrase, “if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say it at all?” So quick to pick on someone else before stepping back and looking in the mirror at their own selves. No ones perfect. It seems like no one has any respect for themselves or other people any more. Respect other people’s choices and they will respect you.
good to see that sabrina and jimmy are still creating "lifestyle photography" or in other words, all-star stellar shots of sabrina's rack and bootay - "lifestyle"
I just think vans are cool, so that's where I want to be. Iv'e lived in a house for the past year and it's ok, but I am making plans to get back in a van. That's where I'm happiest. It's not about status like some of these people think, it's about what you want. Some of these people lack the courage to try something a little out of the ordinary. I don't judge them, I would encourage them to take a step that might make their lives a bit richer. ))
olive loaf: passerell never called these fools homeless P.O.S.!!! You did... dumbass. You wanna learn from hardships? Go to Africa and deal with the froggy native boys. These motherfuckers aren't living the dream! They're just existing. No contribution to society, burning fossil fuels and generally pissing people off. These losers can't fit into society. You really just don't get it. Go hug a tree! Go plug a cows butt, stop the methane. LMAO
I'm sure half the people in this video say "but that's not why I live in a van, I do it for the freedom" Such bullshit. The amount of homeless people out there due to the cost of living is insane. Personally I do it because 1. I'm alone. 2. I work at a place I can shower and park everyday. 3. I'm an introvert and hate people. Another point. Biggest reason people are homeless is because of mental health problems. That crosses over into vanlife. Weather people care to admit it or not it's something nobody talks about.
Glad to see the final product. I think most people understand that social media isn't an accurate representation of reality. There were some funny bits taking the piss out of vanlife. Vanlife is still in my opinion, one of the best ways to travel by land.
You’re still my favorite and biggest inspiration. Keep up the good work and I look forward to new videos on the sea and more alternative living films brother
Learn to meditate because it'll help so much. Understand the difference between what we absolutely need compared to what you want. Learn how most things are just objects. Once you can learn how to be content with the things you have then everything will fall into place. The people living the real van life you won't find because they don't need social media and electronics to be happy. My dream is to live free without any devices, news, government, stress, and a fake reality.
I built a live in camper van and wanted to see what would be required to live in it for 2 days. So, I parked it under a beautiful tree canopy and tried to survive for 2 days. 2 days turned into 8 months. I lived in the van and spent most of my time there. I made it work. It was hard, sometimes, and I had a home to go back to but I never did. One day I find myself belly laughing at something on the internet while drinking a beer, and suddenly I knew I would be okay, even if this was my only life until I die. I literally found myself in that dodge van. Mold forced me out, and I gutted it and am rebuilding it properly. I am doing it right this time. The idea of not paying a rent or mortgage is hugely appealing. The ability to park in the wilderness and just.... live there is wonderful.
Hi my name is Priyanka and I am from India. In India van life is practically impossible due to the society, government, safety and many such reasons. But thanks to RUclips I have recently started following this van life community. And these videos are my way to get away from the stress of my mundane job life. I have watched many videos and was thinking about the real down sides of this life. And being an influencer and full time social media manager for brands I know how hard it is to get real engaging followers. My point is I have never seen someone on social media to portray the real shit so beautifully. I am you new fan. Keel doing whatever you are doing. In this 40 minutes documentary I have seen total 6 ads and I didn't skip any one of them. I am not saying you need money, but it is my way of supporting you. 🤗🤗. All the best and take care. Love all the way from India.
Hi! Can you explain a bit more these words? " practically impossible due to the society, government, safety and many such reasons" I'm curious what are the problems in van traveling in your country.
@@inoxvision1825 To begin with , society : nothing new , being categorized with having no address or homeless in other words (there quiet alooot to it , being brief here), Government and safety : we got no insurance or permissions to modify vehicle , to begin with let's just say we need commercial vehical liscence to drive something that's huge enough to carry people more than what a suv can, road tax , insurance , persistent corrupt excise checking for alcohol while crossing sates within our country and worst of all safety threat , it's never safe in our country to travel neither are we allowed to have protection ,if we do have protection with arms be it a kitchen knife , charged with section 326 and 324 as per our law. Our fuel prices are so high that people eventually settle for a place! Plus side food , rentals can never be compared with. . . .
Everyone "renting" is homeless... Even in homes... 90% of the world is "homeless". They glamorize "renting", someone-else's home. I am nomadic, and I live in an apartment. Semantics... Love the "movie". People actually only need to "shelter" within a 6'x6'x6' space, they need to "live" in the world. Others build rooms just for furniture storage, which they occasionally use, and "crap" they collect, as hoarders/consumers.
Lmao van life is great but you're just wrong. If you have a home to rest your head at night then you're simply not homeless, even if you're renting. You calling that homelessness is offensive to those who've actually lived on the streets and wished they could have had somewhere to be safe at night. You've got to be pretty pretentious to actually say that lol. When you've got to say extremely dumb shit like that, it starts to make you wonder why you have to justify your life so much. If you were actually happy you wouldn't need to lie..
NPC #18650 I think what he is trying to relay is that if van life is considered “homeless,” then so is living in a house or apartment. There is only a degree of size or comfort involved, and it can be argued that there is less ownership with house dwelling (bank landlords with mortgage who can take it away if you miss a few payments). The government can’t take away a vehicle if you don’t pay some sort of tax for it.
@@Jerry__S you're not going to count all the people who owns their homes? If you're in a van, the bank could take your vehicle if it's leased. Cops could impound it, or if you leave it somewhere some person could call to have you towed. Not saying one is better than the other but at least if you own your home there's no chance of the cops impounding it or someone stealing your whole house when you walk away for a few moments. Overall, van life has far more risks and you "own" your home even less. Your property where your house sits is yours, the roads are not "yours".
@@Jerry__S no I actually think van life is an amazing option for someone fresh out of school, great way to get rid of student debt before doing something else. I plan on doing it myself one day too. I just think the original comment in this thread was retarded, calling renters homeless is idiotic. I love traveling, shit even with a home I'd love to have a van I could live in to either travel or rent out my house while using the van. I definitely want to own property though, mostly just so I can then rent it out.
Totally remember when Chrome started his journey. Him AND his van have come a long way! I can't help but wonder why I am just NOW seeing this short film! 🤦🏼 Nicely done.
I had a 1961 school bus converted and lived the nomadic lifestyle in the early 1970's.I eventually ended up on the small Cree island called Fort George in James Bay,Quebec teaching there for a few years.My need for adventure became overwhelming and so I moved on buying 300 acre farmland in Abitibi,Quebec (Rouyn/Noranda area).Now a senior living on Vancouver Island watching others venture out.This is what I would suggest,just have the experience of living and travelling on the road while being cautious as you will experience pleasant/unpleasant situations.Best memories in many cases are the difficulties as all problems have their solutions.Twenty five years later and I'm still on Vancouver Island to end my days here,it's been a great life folks.I enjoyed viewing this video,thank you.
I had nothing against vanlife in Vancouver, until I went down a street with raw sewage in the middle of the street. My theory is that someone living the vanlife (for economic/not by choice) lazily dumped their sewage. The reason I thought this is because there were a few RVs near by illegally being lived in. (Richmond BC) Anyhow, cities needs to provide free sewage and waste disposal if this is a common issue. It's definitely a sanitary issue on many levels.
They don't provide it because they don't want it. Government still attempting to force people to live in homes and paying taxes so they can live the good life off of citizens backs.
I am collecting and building interior for a van that I'll be living in. I built a mulch toilet and I will be depositing this in nature without paper towels being mixed into it. This is one way of safely and environmentally friendly depositing your waste. I plan on making my own soaps and toothpaste as to not use too many chemicals in nature, for when I'm showering or brushing teeth. Also, there are plenty of waste deposit stations in my country, so should the need be there to find another safe place to get rid of my waste, I could do it there, free of charge.
I don't really comment much on RUclips but so glad I came across this - love it! Love the realistic, idealistic and sarcasm of it all and some great philosophical reminders from all walks of life including those who don't have an option to choose this lifestyle.
I lived in a van for most of my childhood and it was pure unrelenting hell. I'll never forget the gut-wrenching sobs of my Mom on Christmas Eve in a Walmart parking lot. That was the 9th or so Xmas in a van and pretty much the night that finally broke her.
So sad Charity Ava. I'm really sorry that your family went through all that. I only know how "I" felt about just finding money for Christmas gifts. All the stress on your Mom... My Mama told me you NEVER know how someone else feels even in same circumstances, bc you're not them!!! God bless you & yours.🙏❤️🙏
Wow! Does this bring back memories! I basically spent most of my adult life as a rubbertramp. As a "wandering minstrel", I could almost always scare up some money playing music no matter where I stopped. This was back in the 1970's through the '90's, finally ending that way of life in 2002. I never wanted to settle down anywhere and certainly saw a lot of the USA and met a lot of interesting people. I always kept up a YMCA or other gym membership, so I was able to shower regularly, plus keep in pretty good shape. The worst part of that life was being hassled by the cops. It took some doing to find a safe place to park for the night. I became a very light sleeper. Whatta life! I wouldn't take a million dollars for my memories, but you couldn't pay me a million to go back and live it again!
@easy all the face tuning and obnoxious selfie poses the celebs do on Instagram doesn't help either lol. makes the kids think they too can get fame by posting similar face tune obnoxious selfies
Please ignore the media when they tell you to spell stuff wrong. It's "happiness." No "y." They made a movie misspelled on purpose. I think either turn you into a friggin moron, from what I've seen.
for me, van life is a means to reach those goals, like traveling and being rich from birth. I mean I never have had to worry about money or anything so we all have that in common right?
Real journalism! I take long trips living in my car. I wanted to be a "digital nomad" long before I heard the term or of vanlife. I wanted to work online and travel. I don't think overromantizing is bad. For me living in my car is very stressful, but I still feel happier and more alive than usual. Even when my nerves are shot I often still have a huge smile on my face. Living on the road makes some people really happy. Happy people make happy looking posts. I don't think this is vain or fake at all. Anyone considering doing it, I compare it to camping. People enjoy backpacking which can be very strenuous and without creature comforts. People love it though.
Because it’s about #vanlife which is on Instagram. This isn’t about the goods and the bad about living in a van. It’s about the fake image Instagram is painting #vanlife to be.
I really appreciate the work you’ve done with this film. It may seem negative to a #vanlife true believer, but there’s a need to address the glamorization of what is a tough way of life that’s just not for everyone. And I really appreciate you’re inclusion of homelessness in this conversation.
Shitting in the forest? Are they... Actively avoiding RV parks? Or having a compost toilet? To each their own, but I just can't see the point of being 100% off the grid. In all the videos I've watched, RV hookups are so seldom discussed that I'm not sure everyone *knows* that having a "regular tap" and having water off-the-grid in the middle of nowhere... They're functions you can include simultaneously. With one vehicle. The hard way may be the popular way, but it's not the only way.
Put a toilet seat on a bucket lined with a garbage bag, put some cat litter in it ( locally sourced and sustainable), shit, and throw the contents in a dumpster or garbage can. No need to shit in a forest.
Van Life allows you to be this kind of entrepreneur when everything exists in the digital age, and we no longer need material things to sustain us. Things like food, shelter, or manufactured goods.
Whether this film was a mockery of the glamorization of #Vanlife or a documentary used to educate us about the different views on vanlife, I don’t really care. My true concern is that one day I may HAVE to move into a van or Skoolie and municipalities will eventually make it next to impossible to live this way. Watching the older gentlemen explain difficulties in finding a place to park was heart wrenching - this could be me in a couple of years! This could be anyone of us who only rely on Social Security, a small pension or a few dollars sitting idle in a bank. You folks living this way right now… Please, don’t mess it up for the rest of us future vandwellers…. Thanks
CG Retired I’ve been trying to save money for a reliable vehicle to live in. But now I wonder if I should buy a piece of land- fully paid for, low property taxes. And I could offer space for vehicle dwellers- and still be able to travel a bit by car camping.
The United States does not take care of people like CG Retired....remember folks...your parents are living longer and longer....and eventually you will too!
Lily OnTheLam, I applaud your idea of a land purchase and allowing van dwellers on it. As for a cheap (reliable??) vehicle, with the upmost patience it seems that used school buses can be purchase at auctions really cheap. With lots of patience, hard research and good luck - people have purchased various sized school buses for a couple thousand. Enigmatic Nomadic purchase a real nice one for $1500.00. Not that I have seriously looked into it but this is a huge country where there STILL HAS TO BE cheap land available. I have looked into buying a home in Lebanon Kansas, very low population and the town actually boasts a negative (-4) annual population growth. I am also interested in land around Millington Tennessee. This small town boasted a huge Naval Aviation Training Center which I think has been reduced significantly since I studied there back in 1986. Land around the old base must be cheap now!
CG Retired thanks. I will look into these options. There are 160 acre parcels for 15k in Wyoming but the difficulty is getting access across other properties-- and zoning, too.
I have been living in a van for four years. I survived extreme heat and extreme cold. I survived ghettos and hippy cultures. Unlike many van converters out there, I did not waste my time and money converting my van and I am happy about it. I only have the necessity to live and thrive. A futon, tatami mat, a duffel with my clothes and toiletries, my survival and bug out bag, and self defense tool. That's it.
@@Mark_Chandler yeah because he was living in something chunky and conspicuous. Not that I don't feel for the guy, but he was in a situation where trouble would find him
Van life allows us to do really awesome, nebulous vague things like "meet our goals" and "chase our passions" , I mean we hate each other now, so we're at least really passionate about that.
Seems like this “documentary” was made out of bitterness that he wanted social media success about living in a van that others received and he didn’t. Not because they were lying about life in a van, just that they were capable of doing what he wasn’t by having a more engaging presence and were more interesting as people. The number of Instagram followers has nothing to do with your ability to live in a van, but if that’s a product of other people’s interests in your life, then why not take advantage of that?
I see some defensiveness in your comment. The guy is trying to open the eyes of the people who fantasize about the nomadic/freedom life style, and shows them the reality of it. To some people with homelessness experience, this seems obvious.. but to the majority of idiots out there, their expectations are often unrealistic and end up making stupid decisions that they regret later down the road. I think this video is going to save many of people from troubles.
Thanks for taking the time to interview us, we're glad to be part of your film. It's cool how you went out there and got footage from people who do it by choice and others by necessity. It shows the other side of the spectrum. Great job!!
Happy to share our thoughts. It was great skype-meeting you, maybe someday we'll meet in person. Until then, good luck with your next project, we're curious to see what comes out of it. Happy travels!
I think as a society we should investigate "van life" as an initial/partial solution to our nations homelessness problem. In addition to helping those in transition and stay off the street it could be a great industry for van conversions, parking lots and retrofitting / rehabbing old vehicles.
Great Film. i started my job at 11 dollars an hour. i was going into debt paying all my damn bills. never again. i do get nervous about break downs.... but the places and freedom i have seen and been makes up for it 100 percent.
Bunch of hipsters complaining about Instagram, while being on Instagram and simultaneously feeling bitter that the real world won't bend to their will. Society this, and society that...
Isn't it ironic? They're also comparing people living in poverty with no options with people who do the van shit purely for the fun and freedom aspect of it, with enough money in their bank accounts to stay in hotels or whatever if they actually wanted to. That doesn't make any sense. The 'van life' hype is all about visiting different places, and it's basically a budget long road trip. I don't even know what the purpose of this video is. I loved the ending though. I like van life videos and the van life does seem like something I would want to do, but the van life vloggers on RUclips make such scripted and pretentious videos that I have a hard time to appreciate them.
When we can all do jobs on our computers but society for some weird reason society doesnt want to shame us for leeching six figures while not providing any material good or service to anyone.
What happened to the man at 18:16 in the end? Thought it was quite mean how the police didn't allow him to park his vehicle just because he lived in it :'( Hope he finds good spots to park!
"I'm here to show you my micro-dwelling. Extra small, extra stealth. People DO NOT know that I'm camping in here." LOL! That was awesome! And you are a really good poet. Good luck to you man! You are gonna be famous. No worries.
the part about the young man stressing about parking is very accurate! I live in my Rav 4 for 1 month after my bf kicked me out during the pandemic and I stayed in a truck stop for 3 to 4 day and the manager called the police and escorted me out...they thought I was some weirdo or criminal! van life and homeless is really sad some time especially from normal society
What you seem to miss is that you have to be hugely charismatic and/or very handsome to be very popular on social media. Also, you'll need to develop an eye for what looks good and what not - your videographer has. If that isn't your game, do something else, what you kinda have done with this documentary, but it still feels I swallowed lemons served by someone that is bitter because he couldn't do what other do.
the joys of face tuning can make anyone look handsome on social media these days, its crazy how much face tuning people do to their selfies when the reality is totally different lol
Great film, Forrest. I've been researching vanlife for a while now, with plans to spend a couple of months traveling by summer 2021 and it's important to keep the realities and hardships in front of one's visions. A lot of people totally set themselves up for disappointment in their dreams. Just gotta be real about it and do your research! Thanks for sharing!
@@eupel1 hey! I did reach my financial goal actually!! However, I got engaged recently and we are allocating some of the funds towards a little wedding in June 2022. Life is full of happy surprises :) But we are still planning to visit the van life goal again in 2023 or 4 to see where we are at by then! Thanks for your question!
We see people beeing happy while they are doing SOMETHING and assume that if we'd do the same SOMETHING we'd get the same happyness Wearing the same jacket that makes YOU look fantastic might make me look like an idiot ...
This wasn't what I was expecting - but it turned out better than my expectations and brought several smiles and more than a few chuckles. Thank you. Good luck with all of your endeavors.
24:48 LOL your micro-dwelling tour...I lost it. "I keep it really minimal". "I like to keep a little bit of reading material. This is the backroads maps of...where I'm at."
Dude! This is an outstanding documentary. I have looked into the #vanlife multiple times. We have an almost 2 year old and a big dog. After months of researching, I decided it just didn't make sense for my wife and i's career's and for our family. This documentary helped me verify that. So, I have looked into finding a way to have a #vanlife vehicle as a travel/RV instead. Love this though dude!
I certainly appreciate this video, this story. I think it is important to note that this is not everyone's reality. This is the filmmaker's reality. Many, great moments here and much information that will go a long way in making sure one thinks through this decision before one makes the leap. Well done.
I've said it before and I'll say it again "VAN LIFE" has been a thing a lot longer than the last few years or "trend". Deadheads and the Grateful Dead generation had been living in vans and buses for decades before now. Come on Forrest, the one dimensional short-sightedness and 'hipster' shade is uninformed and uber uninclusive of the original pioneers of the lifestyle. I'll make it a personal responsibility to create a video telling the real story of this subculture of an amazing and groundbreaking subculture, Deadheads in a van-
Once in a while ,you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right. I'll be watching for your video, because I agree with your opening remarks, Im 50, and we we're doing this stuff in the 70s. It began in the 60s as far as I can tell, but my earliest recollection was being on a family vacation in the early 70s and having the national vanner's convention descend on a campground we were in at the time. Then as a young adult in the 80s myself, I toured and met many full time van, box truck and bus dwellers. The rainbow tribe probably deserves an honorable (or dishonorable?) mention as well, depending on how you look at being all inclusive of nomadic, non-conventional lifestyle choices. Cheers.
Van life are for retired people like me. I don't have to work, never paid RENT which is truly great, don't have to worry about noisy, nosy neighbors if I don't like them I just pack up and leave, with regards to bathroom issues I have improvised myself a shower inside my van and a portable toilet. I am never lonely because Jesus my Lord is my companion and I always pray to Him for support and love.
This documentary is really good. Loved how you treated each one perspective as essential to develop a different sense of what's seem on social media. It's important to differs what's really real life and how the things genuinely are. Congratulations, man!
Most people think life is about beeing comfortable. Life is a challenge. Thats what life is about. Perfect comfort is like beeing cast in a concrete block. The 'american dream' is my worst nightmare. Abandoning comfort means embracing life.
I had the wagon, the fishbowl design definitely lets alot of light in so I'd invest in a nice curtain/shades design so you can sleep at night . You also have to keep cool so window tint , air vents , and solar fans might be a good idea to add comfort .
Man I only lasted a month staying in the truck it sucked so bad esp the having to shower in public bathrooms sinks. And not being able to cook sucked. And having to go to the bathroom outside all the time :/
sometimes when you inherit $100,000 from your parents, and you still dont want to have a job or pay rent, van life can make for a much more [financially] comfortable life for at least 6 months
Always had a home to go to but as a kid we sometimes lived in a small pop up trailer in gravel pits as my father worked road construction. I loved it we were camping 🙂. As a young adult I worked construction and lived in tiny RVs, motor homes, in gravel pits and towns. Coldest day -35c. Sometimes washing in a tiny sink with no running water or electricity. Others hooked up to town water and sewar next to a hotel using a buddies shower. It’s possible to live this way all year long but the latest I did it was December 15 in Canada. Back again in spring for work. It’s not glamorous or life altering or spiritual as an adult. As a kid parked by the river it was amazing. It costs more to live in a RV park then it does to live in my first house. Unless your stealth camping, have free use of land, it can be pricy. A new rv, van, or camper is very expensive and will loose half its value in a couple years and almost all of its value in 10 years. We bought older campers cheap, lived in them, often sold them at a break even a few later. One became a storage shed. A cheap old camper or rv that you can set up some where free can make a great short term home.
Bro u supposed to add insulation and this that keep humidity and moisture out and dont pain the van a dark color dark holds in heat and it doesnt have to have a shower and bathroom thats wat a buckets for and u always have a gas statio jn or truckstop on stand by so u choose man and for cooking u dont need anytjjng but like 2 pans and a propane burner and a couple cabinets and for the water get 3 container put a bowl in the counter and use the containers as a spicket its not that hard bro u gotta chill quit being so uptight and grumph and complaining about the bad sides and embrace the small moments of grace and joy in your life and make the world your oyster
Many college graduates whether undergraduates or graduate students have to live, work a job and look at the cost of living to live an apartment or house. Look at the current rates in certain areas of the country. How does one afford $2000 a month rent. The economy is really bad so you have to do to survive.
I lived in my van for nearly eight years, before social media, and I’m sad to see that it’s become so commercialized. I just bought an old Ford Econoline, and I’m going back into my van. No solar, just a propane heater, a lantern, and a cook stove. Like so many others, I seek the simplicity of the lifestyle. Good for the people who seek recognition, I hope they find their fulfillment. I’m more into seeking nature, adventure, and God, and I’m happy to see so many young people pursuing this wonderful lifestyle, but do it for the right reasons.
I was homeless. For a couple years. In Maine no less. A van would have been awesome. Would have seemed like a castle after sleeping on the sidewalk or on a bench or in the shelter.
How'd you get out of that situation? Seems impossible from the outside
Yeah sleeping in the streets or u see a vehicle for shelter sucks… I’d like house but I can’t afford a house.
a home well …. A home, That would be the dream to go after. Home is where your comfortable, love and your heart is at a your home. I just don’t know where that is …
@@MrNightpwner having to find reliable and steady income is one main factor. Which is not easy in itself… than even becoming reliable for the job and income… some people have mental health issues, addictions, some got taken out by a divorce… many factors play in… some people die and we never hear of them…
@@OneAnarchyPixel Uber on foot, save. Buy a bicycle, lock, Uber bag, start bicycle ubering. Use food stamps to eat food and save your cash made from Uber to get yourself a good tent. Uber until you have a couple thousand saved up. Search for a van and purchase van when you have enough money. Also RUclips will teach you everything you ever need to known about fixing anything on any vehicle. If the van is in good enough shape you can make $150 or more doing Uber eats from sun up to sundown with the van. Plus a spot to store your bike in for backup transportation. It requires a lot of work but this is a guaranteed way. Ask me how I know 😁
@@classycarsautomotiveportra8514 but it's hard getting paid because banks ect need address, also employers want address as well, & even having a bike without a home is difficult with out being stolen
I lived in a van for 3 years. Joined a gym for my showers and stuff. Solar panel on roof, 2 leisure batteries. 25kg gas bottle onboard. Water i got from work. Registered at my brothers house for post and voting and Council tax. Owed nothing to anyone. Great life.
Roy Evans why did you stop?
@@crystalduncan7746 He doesn't have to pay alimony and child support anymore.
Roy Evans you said council tax, are you from the uk? I didn’t think van life was that big over here
I know we’ve got a lot of “boat life” though (in the uk)
So do I since 3 years, exept I m a freelance craftsmen.
I guess it's good that I don't feel discouraged as my journey to van life is not about Instagram. In fact, social media barely crossed my mind. I just want to travel and learn a few life lessons.
What have you learned so far? Hope you found everything you were looking for ❤️
I have so much respect for you and what you just said. Keep on keeping on! ✌️👍🤙❤️🙏
Exactly!
Ya I’m not even going to watch this
And save money cause sheesh the cost of renting now is ridiculous
Van life is NOT a young persons thing, that is a misconception, because of social media. Vanlife has been around since the 60s. I am 53, I live and travel in my van, fulltime.
The #, is what has made it more acceptable to live this lifestyle. Great video.
have to agree. cant say for the US but here in Europe the average vehicle dweller is retired for sure. We rarely meet people our age unless we arrange a meet up over instagram.
You don't live and travel, you beg for food and sell ass on the road cause youre homeless.
@@076657 GRRRRR TROLL MAD AT VANLIFERS!! TROLL MAKE MEAN COMMENT
It was intended more as a humor thing, like reframing the words to say what actually happens. I actually want to live like that.
passerell weird sense of humor, if that's what was intended. If not, you have no idea what vanlife is. 😊
It seems like most of these people do not get the concept. You do not live in a van. You live out of one. Other than sleeping you should be spending very little time in the van.
Where do you go, then?
@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 you can go to the river/beach/mountains if you have a couple hours. You can spend time at a library, gym, rec center, sipping cheap coffee at an internet cafe.
And there it is...the other reason why #vanlife is held in such contempt...the clique police. Do this or you're not a real "van lifer". Don't do this or you 'don't get it'. Please, that smarmy elitism is just as phoney as girls in bikinis in glamorous places living OUT of a rented van. If you're living in a van - you're living the van life. Maybe not #vanlife but definitely the REAL one.
Brer Rabbit yeah, right after you find a place to park. It takes a considerable amount of money to live in a van or...out of a van. It requires nonstop driving, car repairs, shopping for 3 meals a day when storing food is impossible due to limited space and storage requirements. Van life SUCKS. It is expensive, exhausting, lonely, depressing and dangerous.
If you live in a van but do not travel/explore/have 'adventures' then what is the point? If your living in a van because you have to because you can't afford a house then that is just sad....
As the saying goes with those that are nomads at heart- “it’s not that I’m antisocial, it’s that I enjoy my own company more than I enjoy yours”. 🤘🏼
Odins Lock Respect ✊🏾
Love it. Well said.
YESSSSSS ❤❤❤❤❤
I have been retired close to 9 years now. At age 72, I admire these kids. They are not putting themselves through the rotten crotch hell that I went through in the job market. The American Dream has been unattainable for me and working for shit wages has been a hideous nightmare. Why have I not thought of that in my younger day?
Very well put John Acord I am 70 And I so Admire these People, I wish I had not wasted my whole working life it was Crap and I hated it, And these people had the courage not to fall in to the rat race
Not everybody experiences a hideous nightmare in the work place.
godbless
because there was not internet, instagram, twitter, facebook,. etc? maybe!
It's not too late, you know. You can still get out there and do it if you think you'd love it. 72 is the new 55 nowadays, we're all living longer. I say think positive and go for it. You've earned it.
I think the point of vanlife is to not have to pay rent and thus not have to be on the 9-5 grind all the time.
barbara Corcoran what do you do for work
@@TheWorldNeverSleeps catamarans are actually REALLY stable. That's one of their biggest appeals as boats (besides the copious amounts of space)
I am working on it
No its not
I will be living the Van Life hopefully very soon, (2 months). Right now, I live in a Studio and the rent is ridiculous so I will be happy to leave that part which takes up most of my income..Oddly though, I've always wanted to do this. I already know nothing is perfect and am very aware of what can happen, danger wise. Overall, I will be happier. It's what I want to do and have the chance to do it. There is a sense of Freedom I feel I will have that I can't have here. I actually hate where I'm at so, I'm really looking forward to this adventure. I like to call it a sabbatical. ;) Can't wait!!!
18:11 thats why i want to do vanlife before its downright illegal. The freedoms that our elders enjoyed 50 years ago are getting slowly taken away by the cali-fornication of everything.
I've been living in my van for 4 years now and I have to tell you it is the most comfortable place I owned and I want to make this clear when I say this .I do not live in my van. I sleep in my van I work out of my van and "I LIVE"in the big wide world.. I have more space than the average person my front yard can be anywhere I truly believe you have to be cut out for this type of a lifestyle .I'm fortunate to be one of those people.. that's all I can say I love it with a passion.
You stole my thunder with this comment, I was going to say it's not for everyone but glad it's for me! I hate the idea of being tied down with a house and a bunch of stuff I collected to be trapped in the house with.
Edge shan I believe it can be done, and I’m pretty good at adapting, what worries me is how I could make money while out on the road? The way I see it I can just get a job like any other person and just get home to my vehicle tho I wish there was alternatives so I could travel and meet ppl
Damn right. Go for it. You have big balls. Good for you
God bless
@@deathuponusalll maybe food delivery...doordash, uber eats etc
Texas Outdoor Fanatic true, those could be very good alternatives. I imagine being a mobile welder could work too, I’m already a handyman 🤔
I am 72 and reclusive, I have tented all my life.
1 retired 12 years ago and spent 6 months in a van in New Zealand, Then 6 months in a tent and hire car Canadian Rockies and Yellowstone.
The past 10 years I have lived in a 4 berth tent for 6 to 8 months a year, then go home.
I am now selling my home sharing the proceeds with my two sons and will buy and live in a van.
I am very excited to do this and very aware of those words go home!! and that I can not go home!!, so before I embark I watch all, you nice peoples
videos that are on the negative, thanks
That's awesome!!
Home is where your heart is. Have Fun!
i know its been a year, but i hope you post on social media as well. Get that internet money dawg
@@getthegoods420 No, I am very anti all sorts politically and believe silence is a good policy lol
Can you elaborate on your van experience in New Zealand ? I assume you bought a van, and sold it before your visa expired
This is actually a documentary on the shallow ,vain ,and narsistic of the world today
ya, fucking narcists, living out of their vans and shitting in the woods...
THE WORLD DOESNT REVOLVE AROUND YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! dang shallow narcissist's
If people want to live in a van wtf is shallow and vein about that? I think the guy sitting here watching the video commenting negatively sounds more like an ass haha. Its their choices to do this so whats the issue? I'd love to know..
I paid a guy to piss in mouth.
"today" - another moron with a crap education on history.
I love being homeless in my 17' travel trailer. Been one year now. I don't care what anyone thinks. It'll be a cold day in hell before I pay $1,300 a month apartment rent again. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love the documentary.
$1300? Luxury! Not in L.A. I'd happily pay $1300. But I get your point :-)
@@Dr.Nagyonfaj A job what a Luxary! I'd be happy to be earning 1300 a year right now. XD
Good for you bro. Seriously. Way to stick to your guns.
Loading up in my van and leaving south Florida in a few weeks. 1500$ a month for rent here and good luck making much over 15$hr.
Headed up north.
@@thomasbarlow4223 living that life now, sfl sucks, tell me how it goes.
Note to future viewers:
This is a film about #vanlife. Not actual van life pros and cons.
If you're interested in taking pictures in front of a van, maybe you need to see this. If you actually want to live in a van, the first 15min is all this video is worth.
fucken thank you
lmfao no shit its only about #vanlife. its literally the title of the documentary.
Danke
you're right Lloyd... first 15 is real content,after that it's poking fun... Except for the need for a man bun!!! That shit is reeeeal!....not
@Lord Thunder what do you use hashtags for ? Instragram... therefore the title is indicating that's it's about instragram
“Comfortable being uncomfortable”. So true!
Yes
People today act as if vanlife is like something new. People have been doing it for a long long time. I lived in my van from 1980 to 1987.
Just this way of life in general has been the norm for most of human history. People living simple lives, not having much stuff.
That's only 7 years, not long long long time , we no have no nice time.
You could probably offer a fresh perspective and advice on van living. Seven years is a loong time, bet you have some great stories to share 🙂 ... also that was a looong time ago, why aren't you van living now? 🤔
@@kellybrown6988 she said 'people' have been doing it for a long long time. Meaning it's been happening for a lot longer than "#vanlife" has been going on..
That being said, 7 years is actually a fair long time.. so I'm unclear as to your point. I mean the OP never stated she had a nice time, or the reason she lived in a van, so again, your comment seems unjustified. ✌🏼
yeah tell those unintelligeable yolo hipster instagram idiots!!!! its like they think its something new course back in the day nobody had an instagram of it so clearly it has never been done, in teir eyes. i dislike the instagram culture anyways and most of vanlifers will eat dirt anyways course they did it influenced by instagram that will hype the trend now and then... like this foe here, wil post a video of how vanlife sucks... all for the klicks nothing for the actual feeling of liveing in a van. the only experience theyll get is beeing liked or hated by crowds and how to deal with it... the thing i wanna get away when i start REAL vanlife. anyways who am i to judge^^
This isn’t a film about van life. This is a film about Instagram.
Maybe because its about #vanlife which is directly connected to Instagram.
Loretta Vendetta
But a normal internet user who isnt into Instagram (like myself) would only think that Vanlife is about Vanlife not social media. I wasted 40 minutes without getting to know about anything related to actual VANLIFE
Dude, this is about the falseness of Instagram. It's pretty obvious with the title. Social media falseness is literally plaguing society.
@@chandrapandey822Yep the # makes it pretty clear. Someone not Internet savvy might not know but they probably aren't on RUclips either 😂
#feelthebern is about Bernie sanders. It's reasonable for people to assume #vanlife is about van life. Most people don't give two shits about instagram.
Halfway through the documentary and I've come to a conclusion. It's not about vanlife, it's about social media. Through SoMe, you can be selective of what others see and therefore paint a portrait that is far from reality. Every single "influencer" (who are the cancer of our current age) became "famous" this way. This is also how actors, athletes, and others portray themselves - Big houses, expensive cars, instagram filters and colorgrading - It's a flourishing business and people fall for it.
Idk. My friend is a professional photographer who lives in a van and hardly posts. I’ve been debating renting or selling my house and trying the van life because I am starting to feel trapped by my belongings and this materialist world. How lovely would it be to cozy up alone in peace with my guitar in front of a beautiful mountain? But if I do it you best believe I’ll start a RUclips channel and hope it can eventually help pay the bills so I’m free to roam and enjoy the simple pleasures!
@@LouveniaMusic The poster you replied to, Litterbox, nails it. This is using social media to make negative comments about social media grubbers using van life trying to make money. My GF and I both got laid off from our jobs out west at the same time way back in the early 80's. We had a VW camper and I had a job pending, so we could either sit around the apartment until I started the new job or take a long camping trip, as van life was known as back then. No cell phones or tablets, Planet Fitness for showers, no social media to compare ourselves to others. It was the greatest time of my life. We got our unemployment checks through a mail forwarding service, not much money, but enough for food, gas, ice and beer. We camped on BLM land near a lake, spent a lot of time fishing, always caught beautiful trout and had fish grilled over charcoal on a hibachi, salad, chicken or burgers. A few beers by our homemade campfire in the evening and we were so relaxed. Yeah, sometimes I missed watching ball games and stuff on tv, so we found a reasonable mom and pop motel in the closest town for a night a few times a month. We made friends with the owners. They asked if we could bring them fresh trout when we came to town and they let us shower in a checked out room for free. They were good people, some of the many nice people we met. I get that the van life situation in cities doesn't look so good these days. But if I was to try van life again I'd try to stay away from cities and clusters of old broken down RV's, kinda like homeless camps on wheels. If I was that bad off I'd clean up and get a job, McDonalds if that would be the best job available, save my money and get a basic vehicle and get back out to nature.
what are they talking about, shitting in the forest _is_ the best part of vanlife, no?
Nothing quite like a good ol bush poop!
ben is ben. always brings up the truth of van life. ill take a bush poop over a home toilet anyday, except rainy day LOL
... animals pee & poop on the ground, why cant humans? As long as we dont leave anything unnatural behind like toilet paper.
Until you have the fucking shits or get the flu. Being sick in a van sucks ass.
Our shit is toxic we are nasty just the way it is. Bag your shit and dump it in a toilet, or get a cassette and/or composting toilet.
I love the Instagram follower numbers displayed with each person. It's like some Black Mirror societal credit score.
I felt the same way
Instagram has become so toxic and fake. I don't believe anything I see on there anymore
@@JohnConnor636 Instagram is a mudhole of narcissists. Almost nothing there is authentic. All they show is just there to push their egos and get more followers. Therefore, you will never find any negative stuff there, because negativity is connected to being a loser - and nobody wants to be a loser, so they simply remain siltent about what is negative.
So if you want to get a real impression of a place or a situation or whatever with all positive and negative aspects (= honest impression), never ever consider using Instagram for this.
go u
You to be a handyman or buy new van with shower and be clean. You rent Airbnb every now and then.😏
19 years old, considering the van life, the fact that this documentary exist to give me such a good insight is amazing. This really helps with thinking of the consequences of living this sort of nomad life.
It's not so easy, but the rewards that can be found are priceless. 6 days without a shower was the longest and as long as I kept to myself, I was just fine. It was hard at first, because I didn't really choose it, although I did... no other options and a credit card with some money. I bought a swag and a chair and did it tough for 4 months then I got myself a van. It is a bit to a surreal kind of life, especially when you realise you have no real connection to the world anymore. Its different, as with anything, if you can make yourself comfortable, inside and outside you can experience life on the fringe. You end up with special experiences that are only meant for you, and you know it. For once what you do matters. Try it if you feel inclined. Just realised my comment is a year too late.... what did you do?
@@xenatron9056 I really like your comment.
Maybe its because I grew up in poverty/homelessness... But a comfy home, work, good health and all the boring grown up stuff... Seem like the dream.
No, it depends on the individual. Tho I love ppls predictions based on ones upbringing & experiences. That's always entertaining. If only we could put everything in a box.
But I don't get to travel w/ my munchkins 😔
@@ahhwe-any7434 So, do you believe there's no such thing as culture? Seems to me if experiences don't matter, you might as well just stay home.
Working day in and day out and always worried about the next dollar is not a dream, but a nightmare.
Pure comedy. Thanks so much for the laughs! I especially love the irony that Sabrina + Jimmy are now documenting their new "life", living in an apartment.
I am a 63 year old who watches and drinks the van life koolaid. While this film offers a different perspective, frankly one that I tried to ignore, am glad that I watched so I can better prepare my upcoming road trip in my 2012 Ford Explorer with my best friend, canine, Molly. 1.5 million views Forrest, that is great and hope you are still adventuring and making great content!
The freedom of van life while chaining yourself to social media - Bolloxology!
Did you just made that up
Snarky Slanders BOLLOXOLOGY! Love it!
the one guy nailed it, van life isnt the american dream, it's just a young person's game. they're just farting around on that trust fund while calling it a life style. lies.
Where to park so I can do my hair & post the freshest picture?
Shit in the woods & sleeping in minus 5. What's IG & social media done to everyone?
@@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965 And You know this because you lived in a Van? Sone people can't afford rent anymore and found another way and that's called reality. Yes, Very real.
The American Dream, or at least my dream, is not to work like a slave at some job you can't stand. This type of lifestyle "looks" appealing for that reason.
Beth R how are you going to pay for gas without a job ?
@@clayton5936 Instagram bikini vanlife shots lol 😂
Hey beth these people have jobs they cant stand going to they just live in a small space that is.also their main mode of transportation which sucks if something happens to the vehicle . The only benefit they really habe is mobility and saving money . Thats it .
I love the idea of living free, going where I want whenever I want. I work like a slave at my job but it's fulfilling and I love my job and I go to my house that's far from anything and everyone. It's an expensive lifestyle that doesn't allow me to be mobile all the time, but I'd rather be there with my family than anywhere else. That's living a good life. Working like a slave in a job you hate just so you can afford a small apartment would suck.
same
a man bun with mustache! Lol!! You just need mandles, a dream catcher and announce you're a vegan and you're set! :)
Stationary vs nomadic, dude!
I usually don’t have a problem knowing if something is sarcastic but are you for real?
Ahhh this brought back the good ole days when we would travel all year following music festivals and just traveling anywhere we wanted. Making friends along the way some who stayed on and traveled on with us and some never to be seen again. We survived on soup kitchens and churches and sold everything from beer to falafels at the shows. We volunteered to help anybody we could. It paid off well. The friends we made and adventures we had will always be with me. I can say those were the best and a few of the worst days of my life. And I'd do it all over in a second if I could relive those days over again!! God bless the traveler for he is truly free!
neil- While what you say is true about your past on the road travelling experiences, this video was about something altogether different, the selling of the image. Turning something called '#Van life' into a commodity. It was a parody. A tounge in cheek farce. Reality T.V. You got that right? See my post here in the comments on the subject.
Succinct: some of the best days and worst times of my life.
I've done motorcycles but only for a few weeks. Tent slept or hotel.
If you allow yourself to be influenced by influencers on social media, you get what you deserve.
Influenza being one of it
👍
influencers? you mean misleaders, right?
There's some young people who are more easily influenced tho
#workingasintended
It’s crazy a few years ago I was sleeping in my van homeless and pregnant. It wasn’t the typical vanlife van. I had to put my back seats down and lay over the seats into the trunk. I wanted nothing more but to get an apartment. Now about 5 years later, I’m looking into vanlife/rv life and planning to save up money to buy land and build a home. Possibly even a tiny home. Social media sure has a way of glamorizing everything tho. Back then I was way to embarrassed to document any of that part of my life.
A lot of van dwelling's glamorization is simply people finding a way to cope with the fact that housing costs 4x as much as it did 30-40 years ago. So many people simply (or don't want to) pay housing costs so they move into their van, start a #vanlife instagram and youtube channel, and COPE with this new paradigm where our country is being sold out from underneath it as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle sit back and enrich themselves.
Yup. Forrest (and others) are able to film so many van life people in and around Vancouver because of the massive local property bubble brought on by foreign buyers and politicians allowing mass immigration to push prices sky-high. It's so sad. Instead of holding politicians accountable to end immigration (which never benefits the average Canadian anyways), Canadians just move into vans and say "w-w-well at l-least I can t-travel now I guess..." What a completely demoralized and defeated people.
shane end immigration and foreign home buyers and INSTANTLY wages rise and housing costs go down (both due to basic laws of supply and demand). Tell your representative that your country isn't theirs to sell out from under you.
That doesn't make RV living glamorous in any way.
@@caseyalexander8504 is that really what immigration does? Sounds like an excuse to validate victimisation and not take ownership of your situation and go DO something...but you know easy for me looking for outside the country, but really? What are the 'immigrants' doing to survive etc? Maybe they can teach you something. Look at Europe, i just got back, there are millions of beggers - refugees. The rest of the world is trying to get buy and absorb the worlds stress, what are YOU doing?
craig me
>"is that really what immigration does?"
YES, you 85 IQ doofus. Never vote or reproduce.
Living minimalistic is the best way. Vanlife is the closest one. Unlikely, corporations and governments don't like because this type of life is the opposite of consuming. Vanlife is not easy but is not impossible. It's a challenge, it's problem-solving, it's being a manager/leader of your life, it's being open-minded.
That's interesting that you say that. It is true you do consume less, aka less sales tax and profits for corps, I think society has made it hard to live anything but a "Normal" life intentionally difficult for lots of reasons.
@Gray Au The van is the home
@no, as a matter of fact how is it abuse to raise a kid in a van? my parents were immigrants and we didn't have enough money for a large apartment so we got a single one and all our family of 7 lived there. It wasn't ever seen as abuse. Us kids just compromised by spending the bulk of the day outside the house - as realistically you're supposed to. You're supposed to live in the real world and have hobbies outside like hiking, playing football on the street and only return home for food or rest. These days kids don't treat the house as a place of shelter but where they spend the majority of the time, isolated on their phones as their primary hobby.
My wife and I bought a van, and it didn’t work out the first time. We haven’t done enough research and our build was incorrect. But our solution to this wasn’t a quick van life and criticize people who are enjoying not paying rent or being tied down with a mortgage. We bought our dream van and are trying again
People just need to stop comparing themselves to other people. It’s not about what you don’t have, it’s about being grateful and finding contentment in what you do have. If you’re not satisfied with your life or the things you have then you HAVE TO work harder. If you’re over weight, EXERCISE. That’s life. You have the power to change your own destiny. If you feel lesser than someone else, then that’s a YOU problem, not everyone else’s. People don’t have to stop what they enjoy doing just because you don’t like it.
Also, people are so judgmental these days and so quick to speak their mind. Have you ever heard the phrase, “if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say it at all?” So quick to pick on someone else before stepping back and looking in the mirror at their own selves. No ones perfect. It seems like no one has any respect for themselves or other people any more. Respect other people’s choices and they will respect you.
what are you talking about?
Exactly... I don't exactly get your point...re: judging people/comparing? What are you saying... It's confusing..fyi
good to see that sabrina and jimmy are still creating "lifestyle photography" or in other words, all-star stellar shots of sabrina's rack and bootay - "lifestyle"
I just think vans are cool, so that's where I want to be. Iv'e lived in a house for the past year and it's ok, but I am making plans to get back in a van. That's where I'm happiest. It's not about status like some of these people think, it's about what you want. Some of these people lack the courage to try something a little out of the ordinary. I don't judge them, I would encourage them to take a step that might make their lives a bit richer. ))
Ppl just think it's more interesting to talk about others bc if they talked about themselves,no one would care. That's all.
Five years of health, happiness and freedom on the road with my wife in a 20 foot camper-van. VanLife Rocks!
In other words, you're homeless and wish you wouldn't have to go shit behind a bush like a fucking dog for the 4th time this week.
olive loaf: passerell never called these fools homeless P.O.S.!!! You did... dumbass. You wanna learn from hardships? Go to Africa and deal with the froggy native boys. These motherfuckers aren't living the dream! They're just existing. No contribution to society, burning fossil fuels and generally pissing people off. These losers can't fit into society. You really just don't get it. Go hug a tree! Go plug a cows butt, stop the methane. LMAO
he did too call them homeless, re-read
Wait, there such thing as a 20 foot camper van that's not simply an RV??? Seriously asking!
@@ericvondumb2838 y
They live in a van, so they are not contributing to society? Or just not contributing to your society?
I'm sure half the people in this video say "but that's not why I live in a van, I do it for the freedom" Such bullshit. The amount of homeless people out there due to the cost of living is insane. Personally I do it because 1. I'm alone. 2. I work at a place I can shower and park everyday. 3. I'm an introvert and hate people.
Another point. Biggest reason people are homeless is because of mental health problems. That crosses over into vanlife. Weather people care to admit it or not it's something nobody talks about.
I hate people too. Which makes me like you. Interesting.
A lot of people do it for the freedom
Glad to see the final product. I think most people understand that social media isn't an accurate representation of reality. There were some funny bits taking the piss out of vanlife. Vanlife is still in my opinion, one of the best ways to travel by land.
Absolutely man, stoked having had you involved in the film!
You’re still my favorite and biggest inspiration. Keep up the good work and I look forward to new videos on the sea and more alternative living films brother
agreed
I thought you were really good in this my dude. Given you a follow
Yo dylan, what sandals were those ?
Learn to meditate because it'll help so much. Understand the difference between what we absolutely need compared to what you want. Learn how most things are just objects. Once you can learn how to be content with the things you have then everything will fall into place. The people living the real van life you won't find because they don't need social media and electronics to be happy. My dream is to live free without any devices, news, government, stress, and a fake reality.
So you want to be a hermit in a van?
I built a live in camper van and wanted to see what would be required to live in it for 2 days. So, I parked it under a beautiful tree canopy and tried to survive for 2 days.
2 days turned into 8 months. I lived in the van and spent most of my time there. I made it work. It was hard, sometimes, and I had a home to go back to but I never did.
One day I find myself belly laughing at something on the internet while drinking a beer, and suddenly I knew I would be okay, even if this was my only life until I die.
I literally found myself in that dodge van. Mold forced me out, and I gutted it and am rebuilding it properly. I am doing it right this time. The idea of not paying a rent or mortgage is hugely appealing. The ability to park in the wilderness and just.... live there is wonderful.
Hi my name is Priyanka and I am from India. In India van life is practically impossible due to the society, government, safety and many such reasons. But thanks to RUclips I have recently started following this van life community. And these videos are my way to get away from the stress of my mundane job life. I have watched many videos and was thinking about the real down sides of this life. And being an influencer and full time social media manager for brands I know how hard it is to get real engaging followers. My point is I have never seen someone on social media to portray the real shit so beautifully. I am you new fan. Keel doing whatever you are doing. In this 40 minutes documentary I have seen total 6 ads and I didn't skip any one of them. I am not saying you need money, but it is my way of supporting you. 🤗🤗. All the best and take care. Love all the way from India.
Best comment ever. So heart felt and interesting. Thank you so much for the support, and for telling us your story.
Hey phla indian comment ek din mein lunga van duniya ki chinta Ni or tumhara comment pdh kr mja aagya
Hi! Can you explain a bit more these words? " practically impossible due to the society, government, safety and many such reasons"
I'm curious what are the problems in van traveling in your country.
You aren't alone , there are quiet alooot of people like u n me. . .
@@inoxvision1825
To begin with , society : nothing new , being categorized with having no address or homeless in other words (there quiet alooot to it , being brief here),
Government and safety : we got no insurance or permissions to modify vehicle , to begin with let's just say we need commercial vehical liscence to drive something that's huge enough to carry people more than what a suv can, road tax , insurance , persistent corrupt excise checking for alcohol while crossing sates within our country and worst of all safety threat , it's never safe in our country to travel neither are we allowed to have protection ,if we do have protection with arms be it a kitchen knife , charged with section 326 and 324 as per our law. Our fuel prices are so high that people eventually settle for a place! Plus side food , rentals can never be compared with. . . .
Everyone "renting" is homeless... Even in homes... 90% of the world is "homeless". They glamorize "renting", someone-else's home. I am nomadic, and I live in an apartment. Semantics... Love the "movie".
People actually only need to "shelter" within a 6'x6'x6' space, they need to "live" in the world. Others build rooms just for furniture storage, which they occasionally use, and "crap" they collect, as hoarders/consumers.
Really interesting perspective, thanks for sharing.
Lmao van life is great but you're just wrong. If you have a home to rest your head at night then you're simply not homeless, even if you're renting. You calling that homelessness is offensive to those who've actually lived on the streets and wished they could have had somewhere to be safe at night. You've got to be pretty pretentious to actually say that lol. When you've got to say extremely dumb shit like that, it starts to make you wonder why you have to justify your life so much. If you were actually happy you wouldn't need to lie..
NPC #18650 I think what he is trying to relay is that if van life is considered “homeless,” then so is living in a house or apartment. There is only a degree of size or comfort involved, and it can be argued that there is less ownership with house dwelling (bank landlords with mortgage who can take it away if you miss a few payments). The government can’t take away a vehicle if you don’t pay some sort of tax for it.
@@Jerry__S you're not going to count all the people who owns their homes? If you're in a van, the bank could take your vehicle if it's leased. Cops could impound it, or if you leave it somewhere some person could call to have you towed. Not saying one is better than the other but at least if you own your home there's no chance of the cops impounding it or someone stealing your whole house when you walk away for a few moments. Overall, van life has far more risks and you "own" your home even less. Your property where your house sits is yours, the roads are not "yours".
@@Jerry__S no I actually think van life is an amazing option for someone fresh out of school, great way to get rid of student debt before doing something else. I plan on doing it myself one day too. I just think the original comment in this thread was retarded, calling renters homeless is idiotic. I love traveling, shit even with a home I'd love to have a van I could live in to either travel or rent out my house while using the van. I definitely want to own property though, mostly just so I can then rent it out.
Totally remember when Chrome started his journey. Him AND his van have come a long way! I can't help but wonder why I am just NOW seeing this short film! 🤦🏼 Nicely done.
I had a 1961 school bus converted and lived the nomadic lifestyle in the early 1970's.I eventually ended up on the small Cree island called Fort George in James Bay,Quebec teaching there for a few years.My need for adventure became overwhelming and so I moved on buying 300 acre farmland in Abitibi,Quebec (Rouyn/Noranda area).Now a senior living on Vancouver Island watching others venture out.This is what I would suggest,just have the experience of living and travelling on the road while being cautious as you will experience pleasant/unpleasant situations.Best memories in many cases are the difficulties as all problems have their solutions.Twenty five years later and I'm still on Vancouver Island to end my days here,it's been a great life folks.I enjoyed viewing this video,thank you.
Skully Anderthal part of me want to grab a beer and just listen to your amazing stories and wisdom with your experience. 🖤
It’s the older people that I want to listen to, got the best stories. Pity most of our media is of people with little life experience.
I had nothing against vanlife in Vancouver, until I went down a street with raw sewage in the middle of the street.
My theory is that someone living the vanlife (for economic/not by choice) lazily dumped their sewage. The reason I thought this is because there were a few RVs near by illegally being lived in. (Richmond BC)
Anyhow, cities needs to provide free sewage and waste disposal if this is a common issue. It's definitely a sanitary issue on many levels.
They don't provide it because they don't want it. Government still attempting to force people to live in homes and paying taxes so they can live the good life off of citizens backs.
I am collecting and building interior for a van that I'll be living in. I built a mulch toilet and I will be depositing this in nature without paper towels being mixed into it. This is one way of safely and environmentally friendly depositing your waste. I plan on making my own soaps and toothpaste as to not use too many chemicals in nature, for when I'm showering or brushing teeth. Also, there are plenty of waste deposit stations in my country, so should the need be there to find another safe place to get rid of my waste, I could do it there, free of charge.
Yes! They have "composting toilets" now
I don't really comment much on RUclips but so glad I came across this - love it! Love the realistic, idealistic and sarcasm of it all and some great philosophical reminders from all walks of life including those who don't have an option to choose this lifestyle.
OMG this is hilarious... the shot taking the surfboard off the van roof.. in a forest... lmao
Steve Lucero, maybe he likes to paddle upstream on a creek? Lol
Jay Lintz it’s the pacific coastal rainforest of British Columbia.
@@LilyGazou beautiful!!
I lived in a van for most of my childhood and it was pure unrelenting hell. I'll never forget the gut-wrenching sobs of my Mom on Christmas Eve in a Walmart parking lot. That was the 9th or so Xmas in a van and pretty much the night that finally broke her.
Sorry that happened to ye how did life turn out afterwords and why did your Mom chose that type of life or did ye have no choice is your Mom ok now
jim carrey live in a van with his masdive family. dont let it get to u
So sad Charity Ava. I'm really sorry that your family went through all that. I only know how "I" felt about just finding money for Christmas gifts. All the stress on your Mom... My Mama told me you NEVER know how someone else feels even in same circumstances, bc you're not them!!! God bless you & yours.🙏❤️🙏
the problem wasn´t precisely the van life style.
I'm so sorry hun. Hugs to you. I couldn't imagine going through that. I hope you see this and I pray you now have a nice warm home.
I don't know how those couples survive in that crammed space together without driving each other mad
Wow! Does this bring back memories! I basically spent most of my adult life as a rubbertramp.
As a "wandering minstrel", I could almost always scare up some money playing music no matter where I stopped. This was back in the 1970's through the '90's, finally ending that way of life in 2002. I never wanted to settle down anywhere and certainly saw a lot of the USA and met a lot of interesting people. I always kept up a YMCA or other gym membership, so I was able to shower regularly, plus keep in pretty good shape.
The worst part of that life was being hassled by the cops. It took some doing to find a safe place to park for the night. I became a very light sleeper.
Whatta life! I wouldn't take a million dollars for my memories, but you couldn't pay me a million to go back and live it again!
I.M. Brute , please let me know when you write your book! Seriously.
Instagram and Facebook our way to UNHAPPYNESS
@easy all the face tuning and obnoxious selfie poses the celebs do on Instagram doesn't help either lol. makes the kids think they too can get fame by posting similar face tune obnoxious selfies
Please ignore the media when they tell you to spell stuff wrong. It's "happiness." No "y." They made a movie misspelled on purpose.
I think either turn you into a friggin moron, from what I've seen.
for me, van life is a means to reach those goals, like traveling and being rich from birth. I mean I never have had to worry about money or anything so we all have that in common right?
Real journalism! I take long trips living in my car. I wanted to be a "digital nomad" long before I heard the term or of vanlife. I wanted to work online and travel.
I don't think overromantizing is bad. For me living in my car is very stressful, but I still feel happier and more alive than usual. Even when my nerves are shot I often still have a huge smile on my face. Living on the road makes some people really happy. Happy people make happy looking posts. I don't think this is vain or fake at all.
Anyone considering doing it, I compare it to camping. People enjoy backpacking which can be very strenuous and without creature comforts. People love it though.
What's the point to give so much importance to instagram, man?
That's a post-ironic satire (bloody hell, never expected meself to say shite like this)
Even van dwellers need an income.
To make money
Because it’s about #vanlife which is on Instagram. This isn’t about the goods and the bad about living in a van. It’s about the fake image Instagram is painting #vanlife to be.
Yeah I don't really get why it's such a bad thing that instagram glamorizes it. Instagram was made to glamorize everything about your life. Who cares?
I really appreciate the work you’ve done with this film. It may seem negative to a #vanlife true believer, but there’s a need to address the glamorization of what is a tough way of life that’s just not for everyone.
And I really appreciate you’re inclusion of homelessness in this conversation.
I’m sure more then half of the people making money from Instagram living in a van Stay at the Ritz and there Van is just a PROP now
Shitting in the forest? Are they... Actively avoiding RV parks? Or having a compost toilet?
To each their own, but I just can't see the point of being 100% off the grid. In all the videos I've watched, RV hookups are so seldom discussed that I'm not sure everyone *knows* that having a "regular tap" and having water off-the-grid in the middle of nowhere... They're functions you can include simultaneously. With one vehicle.
The hard way may be the popular way, but it's not the only way.
Yeah please get a composting toilet or lugableloo, nobody wants to hike where people are crapping
Put a toilet seat on a bucket lined with a garbage bag, put some cat litter in it ( locally sourced and sustainable), shit, and throw the contents in a dumpster or garbage can. No need to shit in a forest.
these fools arent living off the grid, half of them have six-figure trust funds.
This went from a cool documentary type deal to a super corny spoof reallll quick lol
actually, the opposite happened, it went from corny vanlife bs to real life
Yeh I stopped watching after he tried to get Instagram famous... Just turned a decent little documentary into abut of a joke...
Van Life allows you to be this kind of entrepreneur when everything exists in the digital age, and we no longer need material things to sustain us. Things like food, shelter, or manufactured goods.
Yeah, kinda shit vid tbh
@@John...44... he didn't succeed though.
2023 now and you have gone viral and many watch this video/ Movie. 1.5 million views . I enjoyed. Thank you!
Love the guy in the camper who’s Instagram is: none and zero followers.
When you aren’t doing it ‘for the gram’.
He’s actually a very interesting person. Used to live on the same property
What’s his address? Does he have a RUclips?
Whether this film was a mockery of the glamorization of #Vanlife or a documentary used to educate us about the different views on vanlife, I don’t really care. My true concern is that one day I may HAVE to move into a van or Skoolie and municipalities will eventually make it next to impossible to live this way. Watching the older gentlemen explain difficulties in finding a place to park was heart wrenching - this could be me in a couple of years! This could be anyone of us who only rely on Social Security, a small pension or a few dollars sitting idle in a bank. You folks living this way right now… Please, don’t mess it up for the rest of us future vandwellers…. Thanks
CG Retired I’ve been trying to save money for a reliable vehicle to live in. But now I wonder if I should buy a piece of land- fully paid for, low property taxes. And I could offer space for vehicle dwellers- and still be able to travel a bit by car camping.
The United States does not take care of people like CG Retired....remember folks...your parents are living longer and longer....and eventually you will too!
Lily OnTheLam,
I applaud your idea of a land purchase and allowing van dwellers on it. As for a cheap (reliable??) vehicle, with the upmost patience it seems that used school buses can be purchase at auctions really cheap. With lots of patience, hard research and good luck - people have purchased various sized school buses for a couple thousand. Enigmatic Nomadic purchase a real nice one for $1500.00.
Not that I have seriously looked into it but this is a huge country where there STILL HAS TO BE cheap land available. I have looked into buying a home in Lebanon Kansas, very low population and the town actually boasts a negative (-4) annual population growth. I am also interested in land around Millington Tennessee. This small town boasted a huge Naval Aviation Training Center which I think has been reduced significantly since I studied there back in 1986. Land around the old base must be cheap now!
CG Retired thanks. I will look into these options. There are 160 acre parcels for 15k in Wyoming but the difficulty is getting access across other properties-- and zoning, too.
make sure you check zoning restriction. Not all lands allow you to park rvs and campers. Most cities prohibit living in a van in your own driveway.
I have been living in a van for four years. I survived extreme heat and extreme cold. I survived ghettos and hippy cultures. Unlike many van converters out there, I did not waste my time and money converting my van and I am happy about it. I only have the necessity to live and thrive. A futon, tatami mat, a duffel with my clothes and toiletries, my survival and bug out bag, and self defense tool. That's it.
I don’t know if this was intended as education or satire or both, but I freaking loved it.
You never updated us at the end of the older gentleman that lived in his motorhome bruh. The real one.
yep, didnt envy that dude, sounds like he gets hassled a lot.....
@@Mark_Chandler yeah because he was living in something chunky and conspicuous. Not that I don't feel for the guy, but he was in a situation where trouble would find him
this documentary is awesome. The way the conversations have been chopped and spliced together is great editing.
this is a forty minute troll. i respect it.
Van life allows us to do really awesome, nebulous vague things like "meet our goals" and "chase our passions" , I mean we hate each other now, so we're at least really passionate about that.
He put alot of work into it too, that makes it even funnier.
I love tongue fucking hot chicks.
@@lovedaddy1582 Oh, you like fucking? I suggest you shut the fuck up.
@@blu-rae864 I love guy pissing in my mouth too.
I’m deeply impressed by the quality of this documentary. Millennials do impress. Good work.
Seems like this “documentary” was made out of bitterness that he wanted social media success about living in a van that others received and he didn’t. Not because they were lying about life in a van, just that they were capable of doing what he wasn’t by having a more engaging presence and were more interesting as people. The number of Instagram followers has nothing to do with your ability to live in a van, but if that’s a product of other people’s interests in your life, then why not take advantage of that?
I see some defensiveness in your comment. The guy is trying to open the eyes of the people who fantasize about the nomadic/freedom life style, and shows them the reality of it. To some people with homelessness experience, this seems obvious.. but to the majority of idiots out there, their expectations are often unrealistic and end up making stupid decisions that they regret later down the road. I think this video is going to save many of people from troubles.
Thanks for taking the time to interview us, we're glad to be part of your film. It's cool how you went out there and got footage from people who do it by choice and others by necessity. It shows the other side of the spectrum. Great job!!
It was great talking with both of you, and having your opinions weighed in on the subject!
Happy to share our thoughts. It was great skype-meeting you, maybe someday we'll meet in person. Until then, good luck with your next project, we're curious to see what comes out of it. Happy travels!
Wandxr Bus, love your content and I thought you did an excellent job explaining your perspective. Keep doing your thang!
Thanks!
I’d smash her like button all night long.
I think as a society we should investigate "van life" as an initial/partial solution to our nations homelessness problem. In addition to helping those in transition and stay off the street it could be a great industry for van conversions, parking lots and retrofitting / rehabbing old vehicles.
Great Film. i started my job at 11 dollars an hour. i was going into debt paying all my damn bills. never again. i do get nervous about break downs.... but the places and freedom i have seen and been makes up for it 100 percent.
Bunch of hipsters complaining about Instagram, while being on Instagram and simultaneously feeling bitter that the real world won't bend to their will. Society this, and society that...
Isn't it ironic? They're also comparing people living in poverty with no options with people who do the van shit purely for the fun and freedom aspect of it, with enough money in their bank accounts to stay in hotels or whatever if they actually wanted to. That doesn't make any sense. The 'van life' hype is all about visiting different places, and it's basically a budget long road trip. I don't even know what the purpose of this video is.
I loved the ending though. I like van life videos and the van life does seem like something I would want to do, but the van life vloggers on RUclips make such scripted and pretentious videos that I have a hard time to appreciate them.
I can't describe it better... There is one guy Dave or something on RUclips that makes fun of them and points out inconsistencies in their stories..
We live in a society
Ironically...... There is nothing at all hip about a "hipster"
When we can all do jobs on our computers but society for some weird reason society doesnt want to shame us for leeching six figures while not providing any material good or service to anyone.
Why does everyone call it homeless?! You simply chose to live in a home on wheels. You're "houseless", that's all!
home free
What happened to the man at 18:16 in the end? Thought it was quite mean how the police didn't allow him to park his vehicle just because he lived in it :'( Hope he finds good spots to park!
"I'm here to show you my micro-dwelling. Extra small, extra stealth. People DO NOT know that I'm camping in here." LOL! That was awesome! And you are a really good poet. Good luck to you man! You are gonna be famous. No worries.
Van Man, 300 followers: "I pee in a bottle."
The guy right after him, in a whole bus, 32k followers: "It's not so bad :)"
You can guess who has more money. It’s sad.
Is making fun of other's fun to you? Ah
the part about the young man stressing about parking is very accurate! I live in my Rav 4 for 1 month after my bf kicked me out during the pandemic and I stayed in a truck stop for 3 to 4 day and the manager called the police and escorted me out...they thought I was some weirdo or criminal! van life and homeless is really sad some time especially from normal society
What you seem to miss is that you have to be hugely charismatic and/or very handsome to be very popular on social media. Also, you'll need to develop an eye for what looks good and what not - your videographer has.
If that isn't your game, do something else, what you kinda have done with this documentary, but it still feels I swallowed lemons served by someone that is bitter because he couldn't do what other do.
the joys of face tuning can make anyone look handsome on social media these days, its crazy how much face tuning people do to their selfies when the reality is totally different lol
Great film, Forrest. I've been researching vanlife for a while now, with plans to spend a couple of months traveling by summer 2021 and it's important to keep the realities and hardships in front of one's visions. A lot of people totally set themselves up for disappointment in their dreams. Just gotta be real about it and do your research! Thanks for sharing!
I see this comment is a year old now. Are you close achieving your plan seeing as summer 2021 is round the corner?
@@eupel1 hey! I did reach my financial goal actually!! However, I got engaged recently and we are allocating some of the funds towards a little wedding in June 2022. Life is full of happy surprises :) But we are still planning to visit the van life goal again in 2023 or 4 to see where we are at by then! Thanks for your question!
We see people beeing happy while they are doing SOMETHING
and assume that if we'd do the same SOMETHING we'd get the same happyness
Wearing the same jacket that makes YOU look fantastic
might make me look like an idiot ...
Honda civic tour was golden! keeping it minimal and still rolling strong with old Betty White.... lol
xD
Lived in a van with my mum ( mom for the seppo's) and sister for nine months in 76. Travelled through Europe . That is all .
This wasn't what I was expecting - but it turned out better than my expectations and brought several smiles and more than a few chuckles. Thank you. Good luck with all of your endeavors.
24:48 LOL your micro-dwelling tour...I lost it. "I keep it really minimal". "I like to keep a little bit of reading material. This is the backroads maps of...where I'm at."
Dude! This is an outstanding documentary. I have looked into the #vanlife multiple times.
We have an almost 2 year old and a big dog.
After months of researching, I decided it just didn't make sense for my wife and i's career's and for our family.
This documentary helped me verify that.
So, I have looked into finding a way to have a #vanlife vehicle as a travel/RV instead.
Love this though dude!
I certainly appreciate this video, this story. I think it is important to note that this is not everyone's reality. This is the filmmaker's reality. Many, great moments here and much information that will go a long way in making sure one thinks through this decision before one makes the leap. Well done.
Mobile freedom, yes. Still a slave to the oil/fuel industry? Yes.
We are all a slave to something..What are you a slave to?
@@wafflegrimes2430 RUclips
$LAVE$
what’s your point
@@TheWorldNeverSleeps truth...
I've said it before and I'll say it again "VAN LIFE" has been a thing a lot longer than the last few years or "trend". Deadheads and the Grateful Dead generation had been living in vans and buses for decades before now. Come on Forrest, the one dimensional short-sightedness and 'hipster' shade is uninformed and uber uninclusive of the original pioneers of the lifestyle. I'll make it a personal responsibility to create a video telling the real story of this subculture of an amazing and groundbreaking subculture, Deadheads in a van-
That's about what they are.
@@lindalai9092 what? deadheads??
lmao... NOT even close Linda!! 🤣🤣
Sometimes we live no particular way but our own
Once in a while ,you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right. I'll be watching for your video, because I agree with your opening remarks, Im 50, and we we're doing this stuff in the 70s. It began in the 60s as far as I can tell, but my earliest recollection was being on a family vacation in the early 70s and having the national vanner's convention descend on a campground we were in at the time. Then as a young adult in the 80s myself, I toured and met many full time van, box truck and bus dwellers. The rainbow tribe probably deserves an honorable (or dishonorable?) mention as well, depending on how you look at being all inclusive of nomadic, non-conventional lifestyle choices. Cheers.
It's a parody, a farce. That's the point. The 'man-bun', the borrowed van. Get it?
Van life are for retired people like me. I don't have to work, never paid RENT which is truly great, don't have to worry about noisy, nosy neighbors if I don't like them I just pack up and leave, with regards to bathroom issues I have improvised myself a shower inside my van and a portable toilet. I am never lonely because Jesus my Lord is my companion and I always pray to Him for support and love.
This documentary is really good. Loved how you treated each one perspective as essential to develop a different sense of what's seem on social media. It's important to differs what's really real life and how the things genuinely are. Congratulations, man!
Thanks Gabriel!
this is so hilarious. i died when the manbun came in
Most people think life is about beeing comfortable.
Life is a challenge. Thats what life is about.
Perfect comfort is like beeing cast in a concrete block.
The 'american dream' is my worst nightmare.
Abandoning comfort means embracing life.
I totally slept in a 89 civic hatch for 6 months while working 2 jobs. It sucked a$$
I had the wagon, the fishbowl design definitely lets alot of light in so I'd invest in a nice curtain/shades design so you can sleep at night . You also have to keep cool so window tint , air vents , and solar fans might be a good idea to add comfort .
Man I only lasted a month staying in the truck it sucked so bad esp the having to shower in public bathrooms sinks. And not being able to cook sucked. And having to go to the bathroom outside all the time :/
I wonder how you got out of that situation
Irrapture x he worked two jobs
That promo video you made was just going so hard on the random new age bullshittery... lol
sometimes when you inherit $100,000 from your parents, and you still dont want to have a job or pay rent, van life can make for a much more [financially] comfortable life for at least 6 months
I'm afraid of getting fucked in the ass.
Always had a home to go to but as a kid we sometimes lived in a small pop up trailer in gravel pits as my father worked road construction. I loved it we were camping 🙂. As a young adult I worked construction and lived in tiny RVs, motor homes, in gravel pits and towns. Coldest day -35c.
Sometimes washing in a tiny sink with no running water or electricity. Others hooked up to town water and sewar next to a hotel using a buddies shower.
It’s possible to live this way all year long but the latest I did it was December 15 in Canada. Back again in spring for work.
It’s not glamorous or life altering or spiritual as an adult. As a kid parked by the river it was amazing.
It costs more to live in a RV park then it does to live in my first house. Unless your stealth camping, have free use of land, it can be pricy.
A new rv, van, or camper is very expensive and will loose half its value in a couple years and almost all of its value in 10 years. We bought older campers cheap, lived in them, often sold them at a break even a few later. One became a storage shed.
A cheap old camper or rv that you can set up some where free can make a great short term home.
Bro u supposed to add insulation and this that keep humidity and moisture out and dont pain the van a dark color dark holds in heat and it doesnt have to have a shower and bathroom thats wat a buckets for and u always have a gas statio jn or truckstop on stand by so u choose man and for cooking u dont need anytjjng but like 2 pans and a propane burner and a couple cabinets and for the water get 3 container put a bowl in the counter and use the containers as a spicket its not that hard bro u gotta chill quit being so uptight and grumph and complaining about the bad sides and embrace the small moments of grace and joy in your life and make the world your oyster
very well said
Longest sentence ever lmao
@Nolo Kobo besides, you can pee while surfing. All vanlifers surf
Many college graduates whether undergraduates or graduate students have to live, work a job and look at the cost of living to live an apartment or house. Look at the current rates in certain areas of the country. How does one afford $2000 a month rent. The economy is really bad so you have to do to survive.
Their first mistake is racking up a bunch of debt getting a useless degree.
It's ironic people think this is about the young. When in our 60's we can't get mortgages, despite being on 6 figure salaries, because we're too old!
why would you want a mortgage?? IMHO rent and spend on experiences and memories!
I miss my old bus! Thanks for including me in the video 🚌💨
Thankful you were a part of it! You had some great insights into van life, and what it can help people with.
Man your production is awesome bro! Also it’s nice to hear others agree with the fake ness of social media. Keep it up man!
Thanks!
I lived in my van for nearly eight years, before social media, and I’m sad to see that it’s become so commercialized. I just bought an old Ford Econoline, and I’m going back into my van. No solar, just a propane heater, a lantern, and a cook stove. Like so many others, I seek the simplicity of the lifestyle. Good for the people who seek recognition, I hope they find their fulfillment. I’m more into seeking nature, adventure, and God, and I’m happy to see so many young people pursuing this wonderful lifestyle, but do it for the right reasons.
Not quite what I expected, but interesting on several levels. You do have a knack for story telling. I gave it a like!