WHY DID I GET SUCH A SMALL VAN?!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- Support This Channel: / elementvanlife
Stickers: www.elementvanl...
Instagram: @elementvanlife
Hey everyone! I’m Nate. I live the van life full time out of a Nissan NV200 self built camper conversion. In this video I explore Santa Cruz and discuss why I decided to get a compact cargo van for my camper setup. Please like, subscribe, and feel free to ask any questions below!
Pop Top by GTRV
www.gtrv.com
============================================
Kodiak Link: glnk.io/p5q/el...
Use Promo Code "ELEMENT" for 20% Discount
============================================
Scotty Kilmer: / @scottykilmer
============================================
VIDEO GEAR
Camera - amzn.to/2MfTKEl
Main Lens - amzn.to/2uPMnMC
E-EF Adapter - amzn.to/2MmryQe
New Drone - amzn.to/2DlvJrE
Old Drone - amzn.to/2qm1VQJ
Microphone - amzn.to/2rBBrPM
Mini Tripod - amzn.to/2AZWgu9
Laptop - amzn.to/2T0xdf9
VAN BUILD GEAR
Solar Panel - amzn.to/2TlYGMD
Solar Generator: inergytek.com/...
Mattress - amzn.to/2Utni2k
Trunk Liner - amzn.to/2UmzuSh
Insulation - amzn.to/2UpSu2D (10' x 5' Roll)
500 lb Counter Hinges - amzn.to/2EIpdcH
12v Fridge - amzn.to/2rC2Wca
More Gear - www.elementvanl...
Using my Amazon link is a great way to support Element Van Life without costing you anything!
AMAZON LINK:
www.amazon.com...
============================================
The van looks great👍 . You got a nice little home and a massive front yard called the World . That's all u need ..
It’s the backyard...
❤️
Beautiful
I like that. 😊
I prefer small vans too because of my job in the city during weekdays. Traffic here in the Philippines is bad. Btw, the pop top is amazing. I wanna have that too.
Toyota needs to get in the cargo van business! I’ll buy one in a heartbeat.
Hi. Thank you for your comment. what do you mean by cargo van? I thought cargo meant the front and the back are connected.. easy access to the front in the back? When you say Toyota isn't cargo I thought their vans are cargo?
Toyota ProAce nowadays
Two words.
Chicken tax
@@dianeibsen5994 To me a cargo van is build for hauling things. Seats are for passengers, obviously. Example: I had a cargo set up on my bicycle to carry more things on my commute to work. Or, I can have it build for a passenger as well.
They have them. Just not here in the states
If you used a Prius V put a pop up roof you would have an on demand generator, and would enjoy 30 to 40 mpg not even trying. Plus you would have $10K more in your bank.
It’s always been about the smaller living for me.. there’s something so great about having a compact space and really appreciating the necessities we own.. great van 👍
The single most important thing in a van is the bed and you killed it. Looks very comfy (one piece), looks like it can be leveled, and it stows away very easy and fast. Just perfect!
For some reason I was against bringing my instant pot into my van build...your success has inspired me!
Nate,
This video FINALLY made up my mind…. for good!
I soon want to start my own nomadic life and have contemplated just about every vehicle
My 2003 Honda Element
A minivan
A small skoolie
An older Dodge 15 passenger van
A crossover SUV
This video helped me realize key points on beginning and then sustaining this life style. One needs great gas mileage, great stealth capability, and a 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty - all while owning a vehicle you can afford to drive cross country or use as a daily driver.
The ultimate utilitarian vehicle!
Great choice and keep the videos coming!!
Thank you so very much
Small van equals big adventures. That’s why we downsized from a class A to a Roadtrek. Happy travels. VanLife Rocks 🚐
I think he is so adorable!!! His personality shines thru and he seems so kind and humble❤️
Hi Nate,
If you have a glass or metal leftover container that will fit in the IP, you can do pot-in-pot cooking - you can use anything you can bake in.
Fill the stainless liner with an inch of water, and place you leftover container on the rack (take any tight covers off (one doesn’t wan to have a closed container in a pressure cooker), and cover loosely with paper towel or foil, etc. to keep pressure lid from getting dirty. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Then Do a natural release. That way, the food will heat through, and the only dirty dish will be the leftover container (careful when getting it out-will be hot). The water can be used to wash the leftover dish.
This method works well. It takes a little longer to heat up than directly in the liner, but is a nice alternative.
FYI, I use my IP to heat water versus running my propane
water heater sometimes.
One question on the van - how high is it inside with the pop top down?
Thanks for the great videos
Him mentioning Scotty Kilmer just made my day lol
Looooool. So great
Jason Yep
Scotty is a riot. Just watched his video on the 1994 (?) Toyota Celica being the best car. I think he might be right!
@J G - this one: ruclips.net/video/Q-M0M69lIFY/видео.html
Minimalist is what I love and would definitely be me if I was traveling by myself. Sometimes smaller is better and less stuff...you have the right idea for sure. Great video Nate.
Quality of your productions is next level, really and truly. I can tell you that I look forward to every new video. Keep up the good work! You are living what so many folks can only dream. Thanks
BRAVO!!!
Nate,
I worked in a major advertising company which I won't mention for many years, I had a top vehicle account, and YOU are the spokesman I always searched for and never found. There were castings in Hollywood and New York City, we never found a "NATE".!!!
"...it's pretty rare that I actually want to eat the food I cook for myself." 😆😆😆 Nate your decisions to get the NV200 make so much sense to me. You're a master level minimalist for certain, I always enjoy hearing you speak the good word. Take care man!
yor vids are so well edited! thanks again for doing RUclips
Hey bro it's miguel from Florida love your videos forget what people say about Nissan iv have had 2 frontier 1 basic model fully equipped and also 3rd Nissan versa note and the 4th Nissan titan fully loaded and what I have learned if it ain't broke don't fix and always maintain it when needed and i have never had any problems except for the titan which is a gas guzzler iv travel over sea and I have seen the beating the Nissan can take in the most harsh weather and trane I love Nissan so don't believe people that never travel to the middle east
Just give the van the basic maintenance that it needs only when it needs it and can greenty you you will be very happy you invested in the van P.s. I'm not employ by Nissan I'm very happy customer
Yeah, Nissan's have gone downhill, but.... have you seen the videos of some of the most popular RUclips Nomads who have big fancy Sprinter's and Ram's, and yet have had major mechanical problems which have cost them thousands? Not everyone can afford what others say is the best, but are they really the best? Personally, I would never want a Mercedes engine myself, as I don't think they are any better than others yet cost far more in repairs. So, hang in there with your NV. Like you said, a lot has to do with how well you take care of your van and it sounds like you have good plans for the upkeep of yours. I think that is the secret to any vehicle, taking care of it properly and taking preventive measures BEFORE possible failures. Great video!
Teg Tru Dat
Fo Sho.
Shiz niz
@@whackwhack9853
That's what's up!
You don't trust Mercedes engines as they are not better? What hole have you been living in? Sprinter Diesel engines easily go beyond 500.000 km without repair, just common sense care. The Sprinter is not famous because of the Camper-Van-Conversion world, it's famous because it's a cargo hauler with decades of history behind it and being a cargo-hauler you can imagine those guys are doing millions of miles - if there was a problem with a line of engines it would be a massive problem for Mercedes. And 90% of people doing Sprinter conversions start with a Second Hand Sprinter, which means it's got at least a few hundred thousand kilometers on it and some years and some thousands of tonnes of cargo that was hauled back and forth. YOU WILL have some mechanical issues, especially if the owner before you treated it badly.
Sold our NV200 and bought big Ram Promaster with extended warranty... love the room.. now we both can stretch out and love the inside potty...
Couldn’t agree more. Living in Germany (where fuel is expensive), I‘ll certainly opt for a smaller vehicle and also pay close attention to the weight of what I put in there. No wood paneling and massiv wood furniture for me 😄
I‘ll use felt or fabric for the ceiling and plastic boxes for storage.
And I‘ll definitely rather invest more in the vehicle itself and keep the inside simple at first. You can always upgrade that later...but you don’t want to put weeks worth of work into a van just to have it break down on you quickly.
EJSFilms2K how do you stealth camp in a trailer
@@TheMcdrewb Can't in the city but there are definitely areas you can find. Also some walmarts are pretty lenient especially if you're not long time.
@@0xsergy I'd imagine leaving a towable at walmart, without a vehicle, is not allowed.
Oh wowww thanks guy....im about to enter the van life...i am soooo exxcited...my kids think i have lost my mind but they are happy for me...once they got out on their own...i realized that i did not need as much space n things tht i thought i needed...😻🚬
Rara Avis . I am in VW Caddy Maxi. Camp on the floor. Curtain hooks in the holes at the top of the walls. Soft zip bags hang on those hooks. Storage under the front seats. So comfortable
I applaud your decision to go small. Less is more, the more we have, the more we want to fill it with more stuff.
The fact that you included a clip from Scotty Kilmer in this video tells me you produce and appreciate quality content.
People like you, who are few and far between, are so motivational.
Great video. Pop tops are so functional. Worth every penny.
not at that price lol that is half of what the van cost. No way that top is worth that imo.
@@Gamebit450 depends on how much you use it
Pop top is mostly useless in northern Canada 🇨🇦,, ud b lucky if u used it 2 months per year & u would freeze to death , because of it , in the winter, here ,
I don't see the point. If it's cold you're not going to want to open it, but if it's good weather you're going to want to be outside. Standing in your van is hardly a perk when you can only take 2 steps down its length, when you can literally just step outside?
@@Asator66 not all...but some people like to change clothes standing up. Sometimes standing feels good on the joints and bones too if you have older bones or previous injuries from your youth.
I love minimalist living. Love your van and amazing how you got such a big bed in there
People should go for what they want no matter the price rather than compromise. Good on you!
That Small Van is Very Practical. More Stealthy for Town & city Camping.
I like the Bed.
We have had excellent performance from two Nissan vehicles. We tow our Casita with aPathfinder. Traveled almost 70,000 miles with zero problems. Have 230,000 miles on and going strong ! Looking at the larger NV for our next....
You look healthy and happy SO i would say you made the right choice for your inner peace and that is all that matters...You have a lot invested in that so you have to love it...I love love love the murphy bed
thanks for sharing you are well spoken clear and very smart...ty again
I totally agree. Save gas, you have what you need, easy parking. I am now thinking about this van as a real possibility for me. Thanks for all the information. Great Video.
I chose the transit connect because of the cruise control, backup camera and over storage in the cab, but can't deny in jealous of that warranty.
Cruise control and backup camera can be added for less then $500
A full size transit or sprinter will always be better. More headroom and more options
@J G i have 4 cargo vans and one of them is a sprinter 2500 170" dually. Yes they are a expensive option but you get maximum space. My transit high roof and Express are cheaper to run but for maxinum cargo hauling nothing beats a sprinter other then a box truck like a NPR or a cut away.
And all my vans have Viper alarms with sensors. No one comes close to my babies.
I would still choose a Chevy Express/Savannah over this toy van. A small 1500 with a V6 doesnt waist much gas
@J G i have convenience stores around California. My vans are on the road 6 days out of the week. My first van (2005 chevy express 2500) is still runing strong with 450,000 miles.
I would never consider a NV or express city or connect. I dont see any practicality in those vans. Even a old Astro is better
@J G true that. Forgot this guy lived in a truck and a Element. Vandwellers always have to see the under belly of the US. Its a scary place. Stay safe.
@J G i was talking about the meth heads that wall all night screaming at trees.
Happiness is elevating our mind, by living and meeting good or bad souls. Materials are only tools for us to live this life.
Agree and I'll add...We are what we see, not what we do.
No explanations necessary, Nate😊. Especially having added the pop-top, your choice appears to be the perfect little home for YOU!....and that's all that matters! JOY! 💚
I received my sticker today, I will be putting it on my vehicle tomorrow. Thank you Nate
Your cinematography has improved so much since you began. 💚
24 Hour Travellers I totally agree. Man, I haven’t watched his videos for quite some time and just watched this one, and I am very impressed by both the cinematography and his new home.
the casey neistat special
He has changed how a lot of vloggers do their vids
Glad you decided to head back to the coast. Take that all the way down south and check out the beauty that make up California's coast. And surf all the breaks, which was why I got interested in vanlife to begin with all those years ago. Don't miss Big Sur, Morro Bay and Rincon.
You made the right decision with your new home. My 05 Element is a gas hog but I wish sometime to convert it into my home. I love your beautiful videos a lot! I want to be a minimalist but don't know how to accomplish that yet. I look forward to each video you make!
No such thing as "too small" if you works for you! I've gone coast to coast in a minivan before on long trips. Plus, it's still more space than you've been used to....safe travels!
"I very rarely want to eat what I make" Dude, me too! I thought I was the only one. Thanks for the nice edits. 👌
I only want to eat what I cook. The problem is, I hate to cook.
My Chevy express van 2500 has been getting 18.x - 20mpg on the highway pretty consistently. They don't do as bad as many think. I have had full size vans that got like 10mpg but the modern engines and transmissions make a huge difference. Also the NV200 has a weight capacity of only 1500lbs........which much equipment boondocking for long periods you'd be overweight probably unless you go incredibly minimalist. The NV200 also has short legs, about 350 miles per tank, out west in the high prairies that will be an issue. It is a trade off no matter what you pick.
The tank is small, but high mpg helps make up for that.
@@taradead Well, until you hit the Dakotas, Wyoming, or Montana then it would be wise to get a extra 5 gallon fuel can to carry with you. Out there 350 mile range is pretty small.
I recently bought a 2017 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van with added fiberglass (bubbletop) hightop and I love it. Came with a rollover warranty. 🤗
Fun to click on a video while researching, and see my hometown of Santa Cruz!😉🌊
Your parents must be proud of you! Very informative and helpful thks for sharing
I personally think you're doing it the best way. You seem to travel and move around a little more than most, so the convenience to get around, maneuver through smaller areas, and park where little parking is available, simply comes in handy.
Compared to the Element, your new van is huge. I agree with all your reasons for the size van you got. You do a great job with your space. I like the new configuration that you did. Very cool.
At the end that was so honest! It was refreshing and nice to see. About the possible lack of quality of your rig. I think I want an express in 9 years when I retire. But been thinking a lot about getting a Honda or Toyota mini van a few years old to do some weekend and week long camping in. And possibly as a daily driver too.
Thank you so much for this video! So helpful!! Great information. I love that you're a minimalist. And I love the idea of low gas mileage, low emissions, easy to repair💗👍🤗
Nice! I am buying a small van.I just started travel nursing. And this is so perfect.
VERY well done video. You did a great job. You're also a very nice, resourceful guy. You thought through want you wanted to do with the van, and you DID it. And a job well done.
I love how you make great content and you seem like a nice straight forward honest guy. Safe travels buddy
Nate, you have "nailed it" ;
- that Van is awesome, so well thought out and practical ;
- I'm not sure if this is universal, but I hear that with bigger RVs you can only park on concrete slabs on campsites (while stealth camping is out). That would ruin the experience for me 😱
- the pressure cooker is fantastic and radiation free while your electrical supply is totally on point
- 26 us miles per gallon = 11,054 kilometres per litre is what my Mercedes Vito does, which I purchased because of its fuel efficiency.
- your videos are well composed and edited
All in all 85% 😂, leaving a bit open for more slick content. Time to travel and explore!!
I think it’s a great choice! Murphy bed + pop-top = versatility
Make sure to keep that seal between the pop-top and the roof of the van clean and treat it with Sonax Gummipfleger, 303 rubber seal protectant or something similar to keep it from drying out and pliable so that it doesnt leak.
Leaks are definitely in the future, simply a matter of time
Was surprised to hear Nissan has lost the quality it once had??!! I owned a Nissan truck 1993 it lasted until 2018 I sold it for 1,700. I wanted small van never thought Nissan would dive, but the warranty sounds good & the warranty I had in 93 truck was good. I like your videos thank you good 👍jod! I want a pop top also & something small to drive you did a great job on converting your van for camping!
Yeh. I'm convinced... a pop top is great! They ought to market the NV with the pop top. I think it's so smart for stealth! Excellent. Tell those guys at the pop top company to market hard. They offer a great solution for urban campers, especially.
I think you made an awesome choice. Easy City parking is the best and truly gives you the most freedom to go anywhere. I want a poptop on my next van and like you, if I make that investment I want it on the newest van possible.
The NV200 is a popular choice in the UK for a micro camper. There are plenty of YT vids of conversions. If well laid out with a pop-top roof with bed shelf you can make it a 4 berth with full kitchenette.
As long as is works for you. It doesn't matter what's your choice. That includes price too👍
You literally addressed every concerns I would have voiced if I had voiced one.
Very fine video. Really interesting to hear your philosophy and reasoning on the smaller vehicle. Thanks much.
I was going to get the transit connect, then decided on the Transit. Upgrading never creates a problem down the line. Accepting less usually does.
The NV is one of the best options out there. No doubt. Im personally considering the FJ Cruiser and that's slightly smaller than the element. Fully customizable interior in a commercial van is very enticing.
I really like what you've done. The small van is economical and the pop top gives you good flexibility. Also the murphy bed allows more space inside. I think it's great.
It's a small world. I just randomly clicked on this video that was in the sidebar and to my surprise the spot where you are walking with the surfboard at the beginning of the video is about 4 blocks from my house.
Great drone shots and editing. You're so cute and humble, thanks for the insight on the pros. I'm leaning towards a smaller van when I make the leap. Just discovered the pros of pop tops so thanks again.
Your filming and editing skills are top-notch.
Makes so much sense, from a very experienced camper.
Your energy is so genuine. Keep doing what you're doing
NV200 has been a great van for me! Only complaint I have, is the stock rims and tires. Expect to throw away the stock tires in 25,000 miles or less. I bumped up tire size a notch and it not only improved the look of my van, I'm getting much more mileage out of them!
I could relate a lot to your points. I have a Transit Connect 2012 camper. It's great for urban camping.
Beautiful cinematography.
So happy I came across your channel - can life has been calling my name
The intro looked very familiar! Yep....sure enough...Reno, Nevada! I like the smaller size and gas mileage is a priority. I would think the fact that it looks like a professional vehicle makes stealth camping easier. Thanks for sharing!
Looks great. I love the pop top. So nice to hear Scotty's voice.
Beautiful videography. And I love Scotty Kilmer, watch him everyday 👍🏼😄
That’s an amazingly great van and conversion. I work for a large car auction. We do lots of business with Car Max. If you maintain your Nissan it will be fine. Many Nissans on my lot with super high mileage so don’t worry. What a great life you have. Enjoy!!!
Good to hear.
I feel the same way about the convenience of a smaller vehicle. Really like this conversion.
Hi, a beautiful, good made video! You are lucky to be near the ocean and coast to perform your sports! Also the national parks. agree to all your arguments and choice living in a little camper. My microcamper is a VW Caddy without pop top. It is economic, agile, stealthy and minimalistic. The camper conversion of the NV200 is very popular in the region I live. Greetings from southeast of Germany Rosenheim in Bavaria. Wishing you the best and a lot of fun.
Nice! Thanks for the video, looks like an awesome little setup. I've got a small van that I'm about to start converting. It's fun figuring out ways to maximise the space. I never really intended to have a small van, it was just a good deal, haha. But I'm actually glad that it's small. Whatever size vehicle you have you can find ways to make it work for you. I spent 5 months travelling with everything I needed on a bicycle and loved it.
That's mental, I've got a 313 lwb sprinter that done 252,000 miles and it a heavy build out and I still get between 32 and 36 mpg on a long run and 28 around town.
With all due respect, the only way your Sprinter is getting even close to 30mpg is if you’re filling the tank with bullshit.
I like how you set up the inside of your van.
You’re awesome. I’m
A travel therapist and I’ve decided to pursue Van life in 2020. Thanks for your great content
Nv200.. very nice choice. Its small. Its also used over here by the postman. Reliable little van
I driver a nv200 It’s great van. .. my van has just hit 50000mils Only Problem I had was the wiper blades stop .working. And nissa fix for free!!!
Have you had the transmission fluid changed? I heard nissan recommends it at 60k miles, but some have it done every 30k miles...although it is expensive (like $200).
@@taradead I'm sure you can cut that in half or better if you do it yourself. I'm not super mechanically inclined but it's a skill I've started cultivating since I developed an interest in this field.
I love the Nissan vans even though I get more recommendations towards the other mini vans. Thank you for the excellent information.
This is great I have a small van and you have a great plan good job
Oh wowww thanks guy....im about to enter the van life...i am soooo exxcited...my kids think i have lost my mind but they are happy for me...once they got out on their own...i realized that i did not need as much space n things tht i thought i needed...
😻🚬
Really enjoyed your video and lifestyle. Good conversion! (I have a 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab that I bought new. Never had a lick of trouble, so far)
Downsizing from an e150 hitop to a minivan..mainly bc my van died, but also gas mileage n stealthness factor. I looked at the small older transits n I like them..if I found one for the right price, I'd consider it seriously..nice choice Nate👍✌❤😊
I had a frontier crew cab 2000 for 14 years and almost 200k miles until it was totaled and it still ran. it was an awesome truck. I vampires in it all year round. ...used it to go skiing in the winter etc.....only got stick once in snow at work and only beet of the allure it was parked in. I have driven in wet clay sliding while only doing idle driving and never got stuck. ..even thought at one point I would but got out. oh ya it was only a 4 x 2 and I've taken it up tin cup pass over huge rocks. Nissan rocks!!!!!
NV200 is our company's work horse. I drive one every day as a technician I drive at least 80- 100 miles a day sometimes more. I love mine. Wish the fuel capacity was larger. Great van. It won me over.
Beautiful Photography! Good info on your van choice too.
its mahh-jik
I love your van! Great video! Just use the sautee function on the Instant Pot; it’s even faster and you don’t have to put the lid on so can control how hot it gets.
I am old enough to remember when _” ... it’s not a Toyota ...”_ had a totally different meaning. Very nice video. Thanks.
Heck, I thought it was cool you were living in a Honda Element for awhile. My husband and I are converting our 2003 Honda CRV into a sort of "micro-camper" van. I bought it new and it has almost 250K miles on it...but I have always sought out the best mechanics whenever we had to move to a new area. It is in great shape. Someday we hope to purchase something a bit bigger and we will consider the Nissan NV plus pop top, thanks to your video.
I like the smaller Van's,I still cant understand not having bunk beds,such space SAVERS.but yours in great.
Awesome cinematic beginning love your videos are getting better and better every day not to say they weren’t any better or worse before I like them just as much have a great week see you in the next one
Could you do a video detailing the cost of your van with everything included?
thanks for the info... i was looking at nissan a while ago, then my wants escalated me to looking at big vans... but now watching your videos ... i think i want a nv200.
I always get better gas mileage in my NV-200 with Chevron gas - and every once in a while I will half fill the tank with high octane...that also helps to increase mileage a little. I will be starting my own build later this year...
So cool. In this video you were really close to me.