8 Years No Rent Experiment | Living In A Simple Minivan Camper
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- #vanlife #fulltimetravel
Eight years ago I started an experiment to improve my life. I stopped paying rent and moved into a Ram ProMaster City minivan. To make the van comfortable, I added a MaxxAir Roof Vent Fan, a sink with running water, a stove to cook and make coffee and a Solar power system for my electrical needs.
At first I wasn’t sure if I would be comfortable, but the van quickly became my home. And after a little over a year, I was able to quit my job in a hostile work environment. I left the hot Southern California desert for a cooler environment, and quickly found a much better paying job at a small well run family business.
Looking back over these last eight years, I can see that I was fortunate to be able to claw my way out of being in debt and living in an area that I didn’t want to be. Now I am able to move around a bit to find better weather. And these last several years have been the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever known.
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My name is Scott and in 2015, I bought a Ram ProMaster City to live in. Even though I didn’t know much about RV’s and campervans, I set about building the van out as a minivan camper. And in April of 2016, I moved into my minivan full time.
Over the years, I’ve learned you don’t need to have a big skill set to build your own campervan. And that living as a minimalist and utilizing solar power can be a less expensive way to live. I’ve also learned that a minivan can be a very comfortable home.
Please follow along as I document my journey.
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My second channel: / @staticasmr
Here’s a Playlist of videos for more information:
ruclips.net/p/PL9PWzpL1cZIHqSZqC7ho6jhfWSQaLisGF&si=bmMSijfPItamCOd9
Thank for the kind feedback on the water filter, as I will now attempted to make my own with the following information you have given in the demonstrated link. I've only seen one other homemade water filter, it wasn't as sturdy as yours. It's going to save me lots of $$ this way rather then continual water purchases I've made every couple of weeks. I remember you saying you use dirty water, do you have the advantage of collecting from running stream water coming down from mountains or both the cities water faucets? since you are mostly a city van lifer, just carious. I also would love to send some pictures perhaps once I'm finished because I've never done anything like this before, I don't own a drill, I will now in doing this project, and would want to show my appreciation like paying it forward, and be proud while drinking clean water I filtered myself, Thanks to you!
When I say “dirty” water it simply means any water that hasn’t already been filtered. I would only use river or stream water in an emergency situation since that type of water will clog up the filters quickly
@@StaticCamperVan Good to know, I'm glad I asked, I own a 2009 Chevy Tahoo xxL fully loaded only 11 miles when I bought new, currently 43,000 I've always considered converting into a secondary home on wheels, I was stricken with an health issue in the past, now more managed and feeling better. now asking myself whats up a head for me and my Chevy, watching your channel is helping me with these many questions. May you continue to have overflowing blessings upon and around you. Be healthy n Safe. Thanks again
Scott, I usually watch you on my TV but I went onto my computer to let you know that I admire you for living life the way you want. I love watching all the beautiful places you travel to on the west coast. Thank you for sharing your life with us all.
Thanks Madison
T.V., you ain’t missing much, I find myself watching more RUclips than actual tv, all the good tv shows were in the 80’s and 90’s to me.
RUclips is all we need
Absolutely, love my you tube. ❤️
Love you tube, maybe too much as there is so much to look at.🙂
Same here, lol! RUclips on an iPad is all I need. I have RUclips Premium so I don’t watch commercials. The one year plan is most economical.
Agred
Congrats on 8 rent free years.
From someone stuck in a death contract (mortgage)
I’m sorry to hear that. Having a mortgage years ago didn’t work out well for me. But there are some advantages to having your own home
So True!
I'll take the death contract. It'll be paid off at 55 years old & has doubled in value v v that & staying at my career for over 23 years & counting along with a large 401k balance will provide me a comfortable retirement. Good. Responsible lifelong decisions
There are some significant advantages to owning your own home. For my wife and I it means that once the kids leave home we can sell up, downsize, move out to a countryside/coastal location, and put a huge slice of our equity into the retirement pot.
Absolutely
I recommend the Toyota Sienna minivan for anyone considering this. It’s a hybrid vehicle, so the gas mileage is much better. I get 36 miles per gallon. I can also use the AC while sleeping. The AC runs off of the hybrid battery. The engine comes on for a couple of minutes every ten or fifteen minutes to recharge the hybrid battery. It’s easy to be stealth in a minivan!
Great tip! Thank you 🙏🏼
Yes indeed. Another camper used his prius for heat during the winter.
Toyota Sienna is expensive. Plus you need window covering that will attract attention.
i would love to do this but i have 2 kids so I dont know how that would work lol
I have a Prius V now but I TOTALLY have hybrid van envy when ever I see one. It is the only vehicle I would trade my Prius V for🙂
I have moved away from commercialized van life channels like vancityvanlife. Yours is just basic life. Thank you so much! God bless!!
Chrome is a good friend of mine. He’s been incredibly helpful and supportive over the years. Chrome is a Great person.
Good. Some vanlifers are selling, not real.
You don't need to be fancy to be happy
@StaticCamperVan I agree, he comes across as quite genuine, his channel is quite big so I'm not surprised he can't answer all emails
@seanh4841 yes, Chrome has a lot going on. I’m always surprised when he responds to my text messages within a few minutes since he’s always busy
So proud of you! I too am not van life... CAR LIFE... I am 50, turning 51... Getting away from evil people. I am a Care Manager. I work hard and saving to buy a home. (God Bless!)
You are my favorite van life RUclipsr. Have a great week ❤️
Aww, thanks Darla
Awesome!!👍😎🇨🇦☕
Congratulations on 8 years Scott!! I think this lifestyle suits you beautifully. You say hiking is your hobby, and I'd say photography is your art. You are a fantastic, keen eyed photographer with an innate sense for composition. ... perseverance furthers ...
Aww thanks
How rare, someone actually telling the truth, both the negatives and positives on van life.
Key words-Happier and Healthy. You can’t put a price on that. I’m impressed. And great engineering.
I love your life Scott. Your analytic and so smart in the way your home looks. It's homey and so cozy. You made a good decision. 😊❤
Hi from Australia. Van life here is getting more popular. There is a housing crisis (as there is worldwide). I retired two years ago and decided to give up my rental and hit the road. I almost accidently found house and pet minding which I do as well. Van life is not cheap. I have had a few expenses, but even though I haven't managed to save much, my emergency fund has remained the same.
Good to hear that you’re doing well
Being a house/pet sitter is a great income plan - plus nice breaks from the road!
Great video. Those living in conventional homes will never be able to appreciate the freshness of outer air or how gorgeous the moon glides behind a sunset. That's what I miss most about living in my car. Many more years of happiness to you Scott. Thanks, for sharing.
My home isn’t “on wheels” yet I appreciate and enjoy crisp morning air, sunrise and the moon’s phases. They ain’t just for folks who live in vehicles to appreciate, ya know.✌🏼
@@DjD5 Hi. What I am saying is when I was homeless, I was forced to begin the day emptying trash and I'd roll down the window to an incredible breath of fresh air I don't get from looking out the window. At night I was often afraid. But the sunset rested my soul. Nothing being inside of a home or apartment can give you.
@@cdmbooks1493 houses and apartments have windows that open also…you don’t have to live in a vehicle to enjoy “fresh air!”✌🏼
A home isn't prison 😅
@@BIKESnSKILLETS No. But being homeless places you in nature and an environment you might not otherwise see. When I tell you waking up to that whiff of fresh air from my vehicle, no home window ever gave me that feeling. I am housed now, but I miss that direct contact daily with nature.
Scott, my wife and I have watched all your videos and we have enjoyed each one of them. I have a brother who lives in Santa Cruz and I am amazed at how expensive it is now to live anywhere on the coast of California. How awesome it is for you to be able to enjoy the places you have been able to be at over the last 8 years and not have to work three jobs 6 days a week to be able to do that. You could live cheaper by staying out in the desert all winter but being able to take a walk on the beach or a redwood forest every day is truly priceless. I tell my wife every time we watch your videos that the best part time job you could get for yourself is working at a coffee place LOL.
Hey Thanks. Where I am now in Humboldt is a little less expensive for me to be. But yes, prices are high everywhere. Haha, a job in coffee would be great
True - Scott could do sometime at a local Starbucks; after having the training, (1) learn how to make a great latte and, (2) can work anywhere because any Starbucks anywhere would hire you on the spot. 😊
Your van looks like the interior of a space station and that's really cool
The most important thing about van life is to choose the most reliable vehicle available. I live in an old 1995 GMC van & it is simple & and bulletproof.
Oh my goodness .. Same !!
I don't have a TV and don't like watching TV ..
I do use my phone to watch RUclips for ideas for the stock market and vanlife ..
My future goals ❤❤❤
Ditto 😊
Yes another year, congratulations. Your set up is one of the best for a mini van. Everything you need and most stuff you don't . I'm glad you are honest about the costs involved. Just your coffee alone is more than I regularly spend on it. But you get premium beans from small roasters and I like that.
It is very important to me to support small family owned businesses
I did it for 5 years. Saved enough to buy a house for cash. No mortgage
that is awesome......
Every time I see a van like yours on the road, I envision myself living that lifestyle and saving a lot of money. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I always look forward to your videos! I agree with the love of walking! I walk about 5-8 miles five days a week and I feel so much better and it puts me on a walker’s high!
Thanks Blythe. I’ve been slowing down a bit. I walk then stop and take in the view for a while!
Your channel is “cozy”. I enjoyed your recent trip to Bainbridge Ft Ward. All the best to you!
Congrats Scott! Living with heaven on earth inside your life right now.. Rent Free and Travel everywhere! Staying humble and Safe out there Scott 💝
That looks like plenty of space especially when you can just step outside and be wherever you want.
How have I not seen your channel before?! Fascinating tour sir, 8 years is a very long time so you're quite the seasoned vanlifer!
You have a great voice. Super explanations. Power to you!
I got so excited when your video popped up Scott! Happy 8th Vanday to you!
Thanks Julie
Wishing you continued happiness and success in your chosen lifestyle.
Thank you
Great decision, you have done well. Love the video updates.
Thanks Chance
Scott, good to see you healthy. 8 years is a long time. you have stamina. a real endurance runner, so to speak. hopefully everything will continue to go well for you. 😎
✨️🌌🙋♀️☕️This has made for a delightful evening listening to you Static as the years you've recounted...
The little salt lamp with light on gives a warm glow and so home-like gives the feeling.
Blessings
☕️🙋♀️🌌✨️
Thank you. Have a wonderful evening
Static, Thank You...
Here it's just begun to rain and lite thundering.
Coffee seems to be just the treat to make.
Your Kindness appreciated
🌌⚡️🙋♀️☕️
Really enjoyed your presentation. You are smooth and kept it going. I live similarly but in a 4wd and yes walking is my favorite hobby.
You have my immense respect 🙏 Arthur from the 🇬🇧 UK
All positive comments. You are helping so many people
Well done on the 8 years, you have many great ideas, 3 years for me in July, I love your podcasts, they have a great chill and relax vibe
Thanks Sean
Congratulations Scott! You seem so much happier than working a job you don’t like to pay for things you don’t really want to
F70 … Always enjoy watching your van life videos!
I lost out with your van life for awhile
I sort of missed seeing your experiences. I hope to not loose your station now. Take care, stay well.
Thanks Margaret. Hope you’re doing well
Great video Scott.. Enjoy your messages and your travels.. Stay safe out there.. :)
Thanks Linda
Really interesting thank you and good luck for the future.... watching from Spain 👍
This is the best van video I've seen, and I've watched a lot. I've lived in a static (horse drawn) vehicle too for several years, albeit on my own block of land, and I love the small, cosy and simple way of life. When I retire in a few years godwilling, I'm going to have a vehicle like yours.
So yeah, I think you're more able to control what you eat when you make things yourself. For some folks that's no big deal but when we have health issues, controlling intake is critical. You've done a great job of fixing the van to suit yourself and it's the perfect setup for your life.
Came across your channel. Excellent vlog enjoyed watching your vlog. You must have great experience and lovely memories of the great places you visit. Absolutely blown away that you managed 8 years in a small van. Will keep watching from now on.
I always find it fascinating how people's living spaces live and grow with them; in your case, b/c the space is small, it's going to be more noticeable, of course. Thanks for giving us insights into your interesting life. You're definitely a survivor. Good bless.
very nice set up
Well done Scott you have the van looking good everything you need do you miss having some company wishing you safe and happy travelling and keep well Linda in Scotland ❤ ❤
Hi there scott thanks for the tour of your van glad to hear your still happy with the lifestyle. I hope you're van keeps being reliable for you
- and THANK YOU so much for this video. It is so honest and straight forward: what's not to like 😊
Safe travels and enjoy your walks & coffey.
Greetings from Denmark
This is an excellent and honest review of what we encounter in van life. Thank you for covering all the pertinent things without making it such a long video. You have a great setup. I especially like the work station and the cooktop you have!
Have you thought about rent. One of my grandson's pays over 1450 dollars a month in rent, my other grandson pays a lot more, so living in my van is a whole lit less. I've been in van now for 10 year's.
Not paying rent was the experiment I started 8 years ago
We appreciate you too Scott., Take care
Good presentation hon.
Thank you for another informative and entertaining video. I totally get loving the minivan platform. After my husband passed away I found I am more comfortable traveling in our minivan than our class b, RV. I also don't watch much television and spend most of my waking hours outdoors even from cooking. I do enjoy a movie occasionally, but I have a DVD/Blue Ray player for that and can check out Movies from the library or even pick them up at thrift stores or garage sales.. I am not full time and only get to travel and explore part time, because of obligations that keep me tied to a City. My time away has to be planned and arrangements have to be made, but that just makes my time traveling and living out of my vehicle that much more special. I do agree living mobile can really contribute to a happy healthy life. Thank you for taking us along on your journey. Safe travels.
Love your van and lifestyle. It's perfect. You look younger now than you did when you started too!
I'm am very happy for you to be having a good experience in your van. I am sorry about whatever health issues you are having. We are moving to a new house in July to better OUR health. Our current house is so damp and it has been smelling quite mildewy and musty. No amount of scrubbing or moisture absorption has helped, so time to go. Maybe someday I will live in a van! 😊
Congrats on the new house! Please forgive me for not offering to help you move
@StaticCamperVan Thanks! Ha ha! Moving is no fun! We've been in our current place for 17 years! It's hard to imagine being elsewhere. We get the key in July (we are just renters - much easier to leave if we need to... or move into a van!)
Hi, Scott. Enjoyed your down-to-earth vibe and practical view of 'real' van life. Liked and sub'd.
Your voice is so very soothing to listen to.
Thanks Sonya
I'm over 9 years debt/rent free because I downsized from a luxury apartment to a one bedroom house. Best thing i did.
I like the setup inside your van , well organized and you have everything you need for your daily life 😊
I have followed your channel for along time now, based here in the uk .. Hats off to young man…I’m a part time van lifer .. because of working away from home… keep going your an inspiration 🥳🥳🥳🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧be lucky, health and happiness… that’s all you need and all the rest falls into place 🎊🎊🫡
Best of luck to you . Stay happy and healthy !
Just make good decisions everyday. Do like your videos
Thanks again Scott. Great video. I'm a lot like you, and you're a lot like me. Woody Guthrie said he wanted to be known as, 'The man who told you something you already knew'.
Keep on keeping on. I'll be tuning in.
I will definetly try your lifestyle as soon as my daugther has left home. Thx for all the information.
Thanks very much. I admire your dedication to improve your life. I really likeyour calm presentation and efficiency. Subbed.
Thank you
Thanks for sharing, very interesting. Im glad you carry extra food and water…
Im spending this summer; downsizing, even more. I’ve been at it for over a decade. Went into a 750 sf old home thst I’ve worked on. Im planning (as much as we can plan these things) on listing my home for sale in the fall. I thought id prepare and do final purge BEFORE , because houses are still selling fairly quickly here. My thought process, is to sell while the market here is still good, im debt free, and live in a van or travel trailer for a year (or more). Then, look into finding a better area (call town somewhere) thst isn’t such a tourist/retirement destination. Then, buy something small, or a tiny home. I don’t know… but, I feel I should do it before I get too much older. One thing I’ve found, it’s becoming more difficult and expensive to rent an rv space long term, or even when traveling at national parks etc. yes I’d do some boondocking, but I’m alone and then I find it’s kind of going away here, compared to the past. We will see…
I’ve learned a lot from your channel.
Excellent video friend! 👍 Can't believe it's been 5 years since I stumbled upon your channel. I really enjoy your content 👍
Hey Thanks Matty!
A van that seats drop in is great in case you want to sell it, i prefer using middle of van for sleeping, relaxing, eating without anyone seeing me. Only 2 blankets or a 4 inch foam os great to sleep on.
I set up 3 brown 5:45 plastic dressers from walmart each had 3 drawers each drawer had designated items, clothes, shoes, bathroom stuff, cooking stuff, easy reach
Thank you for your synopsis of Van Life. Very interesting! Take care of yourself and keep drinking your Coffee!
I think it’s a good idea to carry extra things in a van or car especially things like food. Great video!
I can see this guy being comfy in a small truck camper as well. 😊
Absolutely Fantastic. Glad we came along to watch you go through it. It's been fun and interesting
You are very interesting and I like your calm demeanor. I also like the information you have given about where you go and your experiences. Also you are very entertaining and humorous to me.
I just started rv full time living life and I feel that while renting it’s the best thing to do. I’ll get to travel and once I’m ready to buy a house I’ll be ready to settle in one spot
Hi Scott, tank you for sharing with us the intimacy of your home, I’m sorry you have health problems 😢, I love the support that you use for your cell! Is it made of galvanized tubes?😮. Doesn’t the burner move out of place when you drive? Have a great day and Good Bless you 😊
Thanks. Yes, you are correct, those are galvanized plumbing pipes. The cooktop is held in place. I have a video that shows the modifications to the stove to make it work better in the van
If you enjoy being outside, walking or working out in a gym, being active - then van living is a good choice. I found it really isolating. I lived in a Ford van for a little over a year. I found my daily life just dropped down to the bottom of Maslow's Hierarchy. Every day I searched for bathrooms, running water, getting a shower, doing laundry, a place to park at night, and buying water. It was depressing to me. When I moved into a house, I was so excited to have my own bathroom, washer and dryer, kitchen and large fridge. LOL. There's a lot of things I took for granted until I moved into a van.
Makes perfect sense!❤
Glad your doing well Scott but one thing I don't hear from young to mid age vanlifers is how much money their able to put aside for retirement. It seems easy to just get by when were all younger and healthy but we all get old one day and may no longer be able or want to work. Even people working regular job are at risk if their not putting money away. There is a retirement crisis in America for far too many people. Good luck!
Wow, congratulations on 8 years!!! YT recommended your channel today, I have watched several other vanlifers and like many others here have grown tired of most of them. You and your channel seem very genuine.
New subscriber.
Also haven’t heard much good about that Promaster; hope you have a backup plan for that, LOL
Congratulations Scott, I just started watching you not too long ago😂 and as a full-timer going on 14 years oh my gosh how time flies. Edie Brickell " Good times" Enjoy
looks great sir, maybe add a dc-dc alternator charger if you need more power.
I have all the power that I need. Also a DC to DC charger would not be good for my situation. I have a few videos explaining why.
Thanks for the insight into your van and lifestyle Scott always a pleasure to watch your videos and adventures 😊👍
Thanks Anthony
Love your videos. You are a very charming young man your videos are instructive and just perfect thank you.🙏
Not commented much recently Scott due to my own health issues but I love you , you are so real love you sweetheart much love from south wales uk x
No, we don't ALL have health issues. I have not been ill a day in my life (I'm 74) since I had a cold when I was 14 years old. Early on I adopted a super good health diet and have not had a single drop of ANY food that is processed or contains sugar or sweeteners of ANY kind (even so-called healthier ones) and I exercise every day. I can turn several cartwheels in a row with my grown grandchildren on the back lawn and then race them to the pool and swim across to the other end. I beat them every time. They say they are going to beat me this year... We'll see. I'm in Minnesota so it's not quite warm enough to swim yet.
My best wishes to you, especially on your health issues. Wishing you a better diet, physical routine, and keeping up the walking that you do every day. I'm impressed that you're on your 8th year of van life. Keep up the great work!!!
Mr.Scott,congratulations,for me too you are doing the best and I got my decision,I will live in such c micro camper ❤
Hello Scott, I usually just watch your channel silently in the background, but I felt the need to say thanks for keeping it real. In my opinion van life has just become a way for people to make money by getting other people to pick up the tags for their lifestyle like Primal Outdoors, Vancity van life, living the van life and many other channels I truly appreciate your Channel and will continue to watch silently in the background.
Thanks for watching Gerald
I don’t have a comment for this video…so I’ll just say that I hope you’re doing well and having a great day! Enjoy that ocean for me, too! 🌊🩵🌊
Will do!
Hello Scott. Just discovered your chanel. Impressed by the genuine content. Content very useful for those buying, building their own campervan as you clearly hi. lighted the must haves.
I've lived van life about the same number of years and you describe it quite well. The reason your van is more cluttered now is you now value functionality over appearance
I stopped paying rent in 2012.. when I finally paid off my mortgage 😁
Hooray!
My husband and I always called you “the coffee guy” 😂 so I couldn’t remember the actual name of your channel and lost you for a little bit. I had to go through my list twice to find you. I wanted to tell you, I got some Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha and it is awesome. Walmart has these little 2 oz bottles of lots of different hot sauces. I’m going to need to buy a big one of this Blue Agave hot sauce! Glad you’re doing well.
Haha, that’s me, mr coffee. Good to hear that you like the Yellowbird
Hi Scott I’m so proud of you much love from the uk ❤❤❤
I’m a new viewer. I live in a house that I own so the concept of not having a home is very different for me. I don’t understand how you can take a daily bath in a small sink. Where do you do your laundry? (Weekly sheets, towels, clothes) You have simplified your life to the basics, that’s for sure. Very interesting.
This video is a simple overview. My weekly vlogs every Monday go more in-depth with how I handle all the different aspects. Here’s is a playlist that is a good place to start: ruclips.net/p/PL9PWzpL1cZIHqSZqC7ho6jhfWSQaLisGF&si=RQ41aOc9qAuDp3th
I appreciate you giving us a window into vanlife and your particular experiences ! Your voice reminds me of a person who gives a quiet narration at a golf tournament ?!
Congrats on acquiring flexibility. It helps us avoid some anxiety.
Scott, how time flies. Its been 8 years already! I remember watching your first video, was in the same time frame that Dreamsideout started making videos. Kudos to you for being well grounded in your vanlife venture. A lot of sticks and bricks folks say vandwellers are missing out on building equity in a home however in the last couple years this has turned into a double edged sword for them. Yes, their home is worth double what it was but if one sells where does one live? Insurance and property tax has skyrocketed on real estate for personal example, from 3800.00 to 20,000 in three years with no claims or changes. The middle class is being tapped and there is a breaking point coming where the numbers living in the street or a van is going to really explode. Here's to your next eight years! 😀
Thanks for hanging around all these years.
Totally enjoyed this video, Scott. Thanks for sharing it.
Scott, I haven't had a real tv since 1999 ! Sometimes when I see tv at a friends or the gym I'm shocked by the commercials. It seems as though they can say anything or claim anything they like without recourse? I do watch RUclips constantly. It's how I learned to cook many things. I very much admire your very interesting journey. I'm early 70's and in very good health as I don't take any daily medications :):):):) My best wishes to you for good health too and keep walking. (it's my secret sauce!) D in PHX
Excellent story, well told. Thanks!