A Long, Cold, Trying Day of City Vanlife
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- ABOUT ME
I sold all my belongings to move into a van in the summer of 2022. Vanlife in New England is not easy but I figure it out. I also showcase the heck out of this beautiful part of the USA.
HELP SUPPORT ME
Hit JOIN button button below, or
/ undertheradarvan
$4/month
VEENIIX DRONE
Amazon: amzn.to/3BATaMY
Official Store: www.ruko.net/p...
Tag: #Veeniix #V11PRO #Drone #DroneView #AerialCreativity
CONTACT
undertheradarvan@gmail.com
CREDITS
Music: Epidemic Sound
Photos & Video: All taken by me unless noted
I love the fact you walked 2 miles to get on a treadmill to walk 11 miles, and then 2 miles home 😆
Diabolical behavior lol it had me rolling though.
You have no body fat to keep you warm!!! All that exercise might help your mood but extra body fat will keep you alive.
Great video brother ! Us New Englanders are tough you got this
You're the epitome of grit & determination 💪
Such resilience.
Bless you...😢sorry about the down feeling but i believe it is the cold weather. Try staying positive find your favorite music n play so your heart n mind can feel. Keep faith
Your videos are so original and interesting 😮!. Take care 😊
Matt, they make gloves and toques for just the cold weather that you’re going through plus, you also need a scarf around your neck. Keep warm my little friend.🤗🔥☄️💥🔥
Matt, you are doing good! Don't toss in the towel, you got this! It is darn cold right now in New England. Just remember, spring is around the corner, just a few months.
It’s kinda neat how you weave this story of your life onto ‘film’. I have tried to do this and found it’s not as easy as it looks. I find I miss all sorts of details I should have filmed. So I can appreciate what an art piece you have made here. Congratulations on a well done job that you make look natural and easy. Although it’s not easy. At least for me it’s not.
“Upend my life and move into a van” 😂
You are so remarkably grounded and “in the flow” with all the hurdles you have
to overcome!
Peace out
Thank you Matt for the pep talk, I think it helped both of us out!!
Wear layers, thermal underwear, wool socks, flannel shirts, gloves, etc. work great, also electric blanket under a quilt, lay on that on low setting with a warm comforter on top of you works too. Also a zero degree sleeping bag alone will keep you warm, that's what I do then start the car when you get up to warm up. I think Summer is the hardest, to stay cool, staying warm is easy if you wear layers, etc. just my pov. Also, I leave a fan running towards my front windows and I never have condensation issues or frost, even a small usb fan would work.
That quote “I need heat more than I need water” should be on a tee shirt!👏
Hang in there, Matt. I'm sure at some point you'll give up van life, and we'll all understand. You have to do what's best for you, and we'll all support you no matter what you decide to do.
Never give up! Never surrender! CAPT Taggart.
That day may come but not on the horizon right now
Another person mentioned this with an electric blanket but really anything works. When I camp in really cold weather, I make a tent inside the tent basically--it captures all of my body heat and that works at 5F I know for sure. Go back to your childhood, and make a tent inside. :)
That goes for inside an apartment or house, too. If the heat goes out, pitch a tent. The popup tents are easy and anyone can pop them up, as they are spring loaded. Online prices show a four man tent at around $84. But pup tents and other sizes vary in price. Tents aren't just for sleeping and camping any more!
Thanks for making these videos. I enjoy them so much. You're a very brilliant polar bear lol! Stay warm wishes from Florida, where it's been very cold for us the last 2 weeks.
Hang in there. Hope things get better
Bro, you’re in Boston in winter without good heating! Get better heating!!!
I’m local to you, plan to van life in a few years, and have seen lots of better easy heating setups than you have. You should even be able to crack ur windows and stay warm.
Get a propane pilot and put a ceramic pot over it (to catch and project heat). Don’t forget the flame needs oxygen. A co2 detector or whatnot for added safety.
U can also get an electric blanket if u have power. That van roof can catch solar when you’re at work so long as the suns out… charging batteries.
LOVE this music.
thanks, its from epidemic sound
I always felt that the first week of February was always the coldest here in Mass. So you may have another few weeks of getting down below freezing. Honestly dont know how you manage to walk all that way in the cold, and then sleep in the cold, just wow. You are a trooper for sure. Hope u dont have problems with the possible snow today and tomorrow. Hoping you figure out a way to keep warm. Heated blanket, jacket, vest, wool hat, below zero sleeping bag, and maybe more carpet on floor.
Pretty much all of Feb is tough too but I do notice the increased daylight so it helps me get through
I heard that a good heat source is boiling rocks in water. Once the rocks are hot, drain the water from the rocks and wrap them in a towel. Put them under your covers for additional heat.
You are doing an awesome job and have come so far, you got this! Keep warm and be safe out there 😊
The cold is brutal. You are tough. Thanks for reminding us we are too.
I know that on the diesel air heater you need to run it on high periodically for a while to prevent it from sooting up . Stay warm...Only 4 months till April....youuuucandoooooittt !
Eye on the prize! The shots from the interior reminds of that time I lived inside a pinball machine.
Great video. I really enjoy your shots in the city. You got this! You will conquer the cold 💯
Hey Matt really enjoy your videos. I part time live in my van, and when I am in my van I am in Ohio so I understand the cold. What I use is a heavy duty below freezing sleeping bag, it does a great job keeping me warm that I can turn my heat off for the night. Just a recommendation that could help on those cold nights.
For a few nights it's doable but having heat is essential to a good night sleep.
I love winter in my van😊...I’ve got a wood stove, artic sleeping bag and jolly good van insulation ...all good , nothing bad ...stay frostie! 😂❤
Wood stove in the van would be so awesome
Hi, Thanks for the video. You may want to buy a zero degree sleeping bag and a fleece hat. These will allow you to sleep on your comfortable mattress instead of on the floor. Also worth considering is a hot water bottle. I use one every night in winter and it works wonders and stays warm all night if under the covers. Best to use almost boiling water with a bottle with fleece or wool cover, only about 10 dollars. You can re-use the water and use a jetboil to heat it up. Cheers
Matt I've heard that you can put kitty litter in a sock and leave on your dash to help with condensation. Or get some damp rid from the dollar store. Heaters make dampness that can lead to mold so I would try either to make your living space safe.
Great to see this video. Seems like the Buddy heater is very popular and yes get some Damp Rid from the dollar store. Don’t be too cheap though as your life is way more important. When temperatures are that extreme I think you should get a cheap room or an AirB&B. Frostbite is definitely not worth it! Stay safe and stay warm 😊
Thanks, the buddy is great because it doesn’t rely on any electronics. It’s a great backup.
Good pep talk - well done
You are an inspiration !
I just keep repeating "true satisfaction depends on struggle" when I am freezing in my van lol
It just makes the warmth of spring all the more pleasurable when it comes
Very inspiring Matt! You just keep going and work out these issues as they pop up. You have so many balls in the air and your intelligence is doing you proud. 2 weeks will go by quickly! Stay safe and take care! Hope you have a great 2025!
KEEP ON ROCKING IN THE FREE WORLD SIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the great content.
Omg..l am not into cold either...keep warm and safe..you are a hard working man and l so enjoy your company...take care
Great cityscape shots of Bean Town! Add beer to your winter diet. Does some good! ;)
Good pep-talk for us all🙌
❤❤ I have to be out of the house in 2 days and we have an Arctic blast do next weekend😂😂😂 the wave 6 heater will be put to the test❤ I'll be boondocking around town to start with but I'll probably end up hanging out at a friend's or a local business that they own and plug in😮😮 the reality is right around the corner😂😂😂
Good luck! 🤞
I’m a full time van dweller living in Pa. The lowest it’s been this season is 2F. As long as I keep my feet and hands warm I’m good.
I have Smartwool slipper socks and down booties tucked into my 20 degree and 40 degree Enlightened Equipment quilts (40 degree synthetic and 20 degree Down).
For my hands I use OCOOPA USB hand warmers. I keep the disposable hand-warmers as a backup.
Yes, love the showers too! Just keep moving. Just three more months until it is consistently warm enough.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
Also maybe park next to abandoned store? to reduce wind and cold. Sams club Worcester.?
Enjoy your videos Matt - Spring is just around the corner :)
I can’t wait!
Glad you got the heater working its hard too see you suffering with the extreme cold 😢. 11 miles on the treadmill is amazing i do 8 daily and thought i was doing good lol😅. Take care out there!!
Yeah now I have to do like 20 miles on my bike tonight thanks to you guys....
Learned I may have diluted my antifreeze too much! Hopefully I will get this resolved asap
@@undertheradarvan See what I mean?
@@undertheradarvan Easy fix. Was it a leak or condensation?
Yeah Matt you have much more perseverance than I. The bank account thing is the big deal. I’m planning cross country and more coming soon and if I can do 3 nites truck camping in the Lightning and then 1 nite hotel I will be reaching my goal. You are an inspiration. Keep up the good work.
Again, January 18th, my birthday!🎉Love the channel!Thank you for the encouragement.
You must have been one cold baby!
Have you ever calculated your monthly depreciation for the replacement cost of the van and (most?) everything inside for when that day comes?
No, but selling it is so far off my mind right now
Keep it up Matt.
Watching this just made me want to grab you up and heat you up… I don’t live near you or I would offer my extra room… I did watch another Van life video where this lady uses one of those reptile heaters… she said she can run it all night because it doesn’t use much energy and sleeps with it on her all night… just a thought of something to look into … also a heating pad may not use that much energy either… just some thoughts… I love your videos… warm wishes to you 💖✨
Been living in my truck with lows in the low 20s and highs in the high 30s. It's tough. Every time you step outside with a windchill in the teens your hands start to lose feeling, your face is hit by numbing 🥶.
And I've only been at it for 4 days.
February can be pretty cold too bro lol you got it tho.
Dont forget the anti-fog window spray from auto parts stores or Walmart.
I’ll give that a try
Matt I am in Nova Scotia and get the same weather. I just said to someone the other day I don’t recall having so many cold days in a row this early on. December is usually mild, but it was a cold one. It must be frustrating when it has been constant.
Yes Nov and Dec were also unusually cold, making this winter extra long
If you're ever looking for off 128 Burlington MA relief. I work locally and stayed many nights due to storms. No hotels lots ever ask for plate # except maybe the old Candlewood by Wegmans. Marriott nope Residence Inn nope. Same with Woburn Crowne Plaza.
When it gets that cold I doubt anyone bugs you.
Good to know thanks!
Hospital staff. Think I've stayed in all the Burlington hotels at one point.
Yep, all true. I'm 67, lifetime outdoorsman, engineer, mechanic, etc. At times this life gets very tough, and it comes down to willpower. It's impossible to describe the feeling in your gut when you get into your camper, turn on the heater and see it fail to light! Heaters always fail when it is the coldest! It has happened to me many times. It's the psychology of that moment though that can take you down. Having some back up, as you do, is a must. I have a heat backup, and enough blankets to survive a complete failure.
I hope you can eventually escape being tied to a job, and do just RUclips. Having that freedom will allow you to avoid so many bad situations! You could spend your winters in the Southwest as I do, but you will have to leave by May or roast to death. Vanlife never lets you live unconsciously! Maybe that is what makes it so appealing
The heater failing is definitely a sinking feeling in your stomach but as you say, have a plan b, a plan c, and maybe a plan d as well
If it were a 24hr gym, it would be perfect to sleep in that parking lot.
Did it a few nights ago. Was alright but a bit noisy.
Hi Matt, Nice video, I'm sorry you're suffering in the cold. It was very cold in Western Mass yesterday, today not so bad. I'm glad you ended on a happy note. Did you get your tire chains yet?
No chains but got the refund
Matt, I KNEW you were/are not a shirker! Remember, this is the worst of the winter, you will be smiling by end of January and so will your bank account! You've done it before. See you soon on the next adventures of Matt and his Disco Van Life!
I can't imagine living in a van in Mass. I live in Louisiana and we got down to 29 recently and that's way to cold for me, can't imagine a week full of 12 degrees.
It's tough. I'm doing it right now with lows at 20-22. As soon as the sun goes down I turn the diesel heater on.
There was a young woman not really living in her car but sleeping in it. In winter she spent more time at the office, at the fitness center, at coffee shops. You could do office work everyday when it’s bitter cold out. You’re probably sending eye death daggers now. 😊
That’s pretty much exactly how I deal with it
Great video! By the way, have you heard anything about the job you interviewed for?
A remote start could heat up the van before you get there and in the morning 🥶
Overly complicated heating systems are a negative drain on your life. Keep it simple. Keep it safe.
I always buy things in 3’s. Three is a lucky number.
I suggest you address that coolant leak as soon as possible Matthew to avoid a number of future problems. Just sayin..
Plus, it would probably make for good content.
Addressed it in today’s video!
I've never seen a heater like that in a van. Look into a webasto. I have one and I don't run it on high very often.
I just couldn't see paying for a gym where I'd have to work out on a nasty, hard, dirty carpet. Even Planet Fitness has better accommodations. I also second the electric blanket idea. Projects for next year; maybe abandon the heated floor as unfruitful, and focus instead on a heated bed pad, like a mattress topper. They make low wattage versions for pets! If you slept on an electrically heated pad, that would be the cat's meow!
In texas it's going to be 22 tonight. Sounds warm after seeing temps in the northern states.
Yeah that’s 30 degrees warmer than the night in this video!
Update: camper not going through. Camper was sold before I even had seen it..... The search continues....
I love your channel keep going and so I know you working and you make some money. My suggestion to you is to look into a Chinese diesel heater. They’re only from $98 to 140 or 50. Maybe just do the research and I promise you, you will never be cold again.
I have a Eberspacher diesel heater.
Hey Matt why don't you give yourself a break, see if you can take a day off from being physically present in the office, and drive south for a couple days and spend 10 days in a warmer climate? Charleston SC is about 800 miles south and temps there are in the 50's-60's even with this cold snap, and it almost never gets below freezing. BTW, what happened with that job interview? Keep up the good work, bud.
I need a break big time, a multi week one
20 electric blanket walmart..hang in!! Make soups and drink hot stuff..good luck!
😎
Don't you have an eletric gilet? Why don't you use it inside? Even if the battery isn't big you could use it while charging I assume
You do a 11 miles on treadmill? 5 is kind of my limit.
Plus the 3 miles roundtrip to the gym. Plus whatever mileage he did for work. What an animal 😂
Meanwhile I park right at the store in winter instead of doing the 3 minute walk from the park I do in the spring.
@@JoeAstuccio "When I get cold, I just re-run the Boston marathon" will be next episode.
Comes out to exactly 2 hrs at a jogging pace
Dude I don't understand why you're so cold the Canadian van lifers like Chrome they don't talk about being frozen unless their heater breaks down. I'm about to find out how long a 20 lb tank of propane will last running the wave 6 heater😮
I find 1 lb lasts exactly 3 hrs on low
How do you do 11 miles on a treadmill without getting bored?
Music, RUclips…
I don't do eleven miles but I listen to an audiobook. I can finish about one book per week by listening in the gym or taking walks. I consider it adult continuing education.
Would you rather have summer heat or winter cold?
If ity wasn't for August i'ld say summer is nice here..winter are harsh n long.
Summer, absolutely. I slept in 128 degree heat with only my fan blowing on me in Tampa last summer and I didn’t find it that bad!!
I knew you were going to say you check your cash on hand and investments balance. You had another video about your 3 year break even point. Now, what’s it cost you (all expenses) to live in your Apt/Van monthly? That other video, Someone commented you were cheating system, no You’re beating system. It’s a grind now, but in a few years you can get yourself a modest place (NH), have no debt and maybe semi-retire. (BTW, I’m local, Belmont, 60yo female.)
You should consider a Propane Refill Adapter and larger propane tank stored at your facility-- then refill the bottles. It pains me to see you spend all that money on those propane bottles.
I’d be scared carrying around a 20 lb propane tank in the van
@@undertheradarvan No, put the tank in your storage shed and refill bottles there.
I wanna do vanlife.
I'm tired of paying rent
Just do it but start in spring or summer, so when winter comes you have some experience under your belt. Go for it!
Are you satisfied with your expensive gas heater? Stay warm.
Very
Too bad you can't work remote through the internet, because I would invite you to stay at my place in western mass for a little bit. It's a situation where you could stay 14 days at a time, but then have to leave for a day, because that keeps you from being a tenant and needing to be on the lease. I would just ask for a little bit of help cleaning up and picking up and stuff..... but, you're far away
I am looking for someone to make content with here in Springfield, mainly first amendment public filming stuff, but I want to expand into podcast stuff also
Can get you through the winter over here, and you could still commute to boston if needed. Many do the commute from here. I'm not sure that I would drive the 90 minutes each way, but I am offering warmth.
I just can't afford it that's why I live in my van it's the only way
Maybe get a diesel heater? 🤷
I think that's what he has.
That’s what I have
“ near work”? Did you get a job?
I’ve always had a job
I don't understand why you don't drive your van to work. The bus takes too long.
And the van is warm lol.
Driving to downtown Boston in a car would take way longer in rush hour than public transportation… like 2-3 times as long. And there is nowhere to park
Give it up. No sense in suffering.
Lift weights !!!!!!!!!
Why don’t you drive your van to work?
Driving into downtown Boston would be a nightmare, and there is no parking for a high clearance van. Surface lots run $80 a day
U take a bus to work. U don’t drive. ??
driving into the core of Boston is a hard pass
Why not get a good woman? She'll keep you warm at night, and you will rise to the occasion. Just sayin'.
Are you gonna hose her ?
You're not in a car you're in a van and you didn't sleep on the street..so ..enjoy what u have..
Intro was not cool..
Ur so lucky what u have
Please 🙏🏻 I know your pain. Your not alone ❤
I don't understand commuting when you live in a van, what is the point of sacrificing yourself when you can rent a cheap apartment at the edge of the city?
There are plenty of dudes that do vanlife and they actually park in the parking lot of the company, even taking electricity.
I don't think you realize how cramped and difficult it is to drive into downtown Boston. Doing that would take longer than taking public transportation, and there is no where to park. My van cannot fit in any public garage, I would have to rent at surface lot for $65 a day. Totally impractical.