What a brilliant video aha! Loved it and me in my lil berlingo, Cleo, makes us feel a lot better. My only flex is ive got a hob and sink as that came fitted. It came witb a bed build in but i hated it so ribbed it out, made a plywood floor and literally sleep on big pillows with a matress topper. I can barely fit but I couldn't be happier 😋
first-time viewer here: fantastic video and a pov that's rarely expressed in van-world. so many people seem to have fomo when seeing all these crazy builds on social media but you're so right at the end of the day simpler is often better. would love to see a video of you renting one of these 'luxury' vans for a weekend and comparing that with your own. keep it up!
Welcome!! I'm so glad you liked the video! Now that is a video idea I want to explore! I went to an RV show recently where I just stepped foot in some crazy vans and that blew my mind, would be so cool to use one for a weekend or something!
I feel like the more luxurious the van the less likely they are to actually explore. Since it’s harder to fit in certain places or go into certain areas. Idk seems like ppl with luxury vans quit sooner than ppl with a simple build.
I feel the same. Like having more luxuries would definitely help keep away burnout when you are living in it full time, but a lot of these "features" are just a lot to maintain for a camping trip here and there!
The knives hold very well with magnets. I don't have particularly strong magnets, so I put several together to make them stronger and no problem keeping knives up while driving through bumpy roads. That's the safety side. There's the practical side too. Hanging stuff makes the stuff, whether it's knives or anything else, very accessible, easy to reach and easy to put back in its place.
Fun video. When people live full time in a van I don't think having a luxury one is a sign of being super privileged or "extra" tough. They are after all still living in their car. Compared to my apartment, however humble, it's a very minimalistic lifestyle.
Hi Erin. 😊 The van that had the slide out extension was awesome, but I think a bit over the top. The extra space would be nice but since you usually travel on your own most the time would you need all that extra room? I'm afraid that I can't offer you any good advice on which van to get as I was saying to myself that like you, I grew up camping in tents and that was as luxurious as it got. Such fun times though. I say get something you feel the safest in. 🔑 Don't forget about a deck on the top so you can crank up the tunes and climb up on the deck and twerk it. 🔊 🎵🎶🤣
Yeah the slide out definitely seems like more trouble than it is worth! But still cool to see! I think that one is available for renting so might be cool for one camping trip lol. I definitely will need a deck, no matter what I upgrade to!!!
I am not sure about microwaves, but i know they sell single-meal crockpots that are quite small. I heard about them from truck driver's wives in my pressure canning group. 😂 They liked making "meal in a jar" style recipes. But the crockpot could be plugged in earlier in the day and it cooks things for dinner time. I was considering something like that. Not at all as instant as a microwave, though!
A microwave is a must in campervan it takes up little room and when you're on hook up you can heat a ready meal.less washing up and you use less water.
You are going to love the Amazon. It is a place that always fascinated me, from reading about the expedition of Alexander von Humboldt as a teenager, to watching the movies of Werner Herzog taking place in the Amazon (Aguirre, Fitzcarraldo). When I was in my twenties and single, I was a fan of extreme adventures. As I was living in South America at the time, there was plenty of opportunities. I organized an expedition to visit the Yanomami tribes living on the bank of the Orinoco river near the border of Brazil and Venezuela. If you look at your world map on the wall, you will see that it is very deep in the Amazon forest. It was one of my best adventures in uncharted territory. You will visit a more "civilized" version of the Amazon, with hotels and airport, but it is still a place of extreme beauty and a must see area of the world.
Oh yay!! I am super excited!! Sounds like you have experienced some really great things in South America. I can't wait to start in Ecuador and I might stick around for a couple more weeks and head over to Peru
Another great video Erin it’s definitely nice to see what different designs people come up with for their builds. Also if your Ecuador trip goes well will you do another group trip somewhere? 🙂
Yes there are so many incredible ideas out there!! Van lifers can be so creative, its awesome to see. Yes I would love to start doing maybe one group trip a year?? We will see how this one goes, but i think its going to be amazing!!
With the first van, it's pointless to have a rain shower to cover the entire back of the van. The sink in #2 is a no-go, #3 is still too small and compact, I was thinking about the knife board ngl. That much glass is a bad idea for van life, the last one really isn't luxury. It's just a normal van build in my opinion. The two I like was the slide out and one the where he slid the side to reveal the toilet.
I have to say that if you are going to spend long periods of time on the road, having some basic amenities - running water, a shower, a toilet, electricity, a basic cooking set-up - would certainly make life easier. It seems to me that it would enhance the experience and add to the freedom, as there would be less time spent searching out facilities and expending time and energy and worry on basic activities of daily living. It doesn't need to be anything fancy - just basic and dependable. The luxury van thing does seem a bit counter to the spirit of travel and adventure and economy, but it is so very American. I admire you, Erin, for making a simple set-up work for you. After all, someone needs to use those McDonald's toilets. Ha-ha.
I couldn't agree more!! I have definitely been talking about making an upgrade so that I can be more "fulltime" on the road, and running water, toilet, etc. are going to be must haves for me! I think it's all about balance, and knowing your priorities! I can't wait till the day I upgrade from mcdonalds toliets lollll
I look at the fancy expensive vans and think of all the stuff that can break and how expensive and troublesome it is to fix. I do not even want a car from the last ten years but that is me. The microwave is a power hog. I have this portable oven that pulls very little power. Something like 60 watts. I have used it to make real rice,manicotti,pork ribs, frozen burritos and beef and pork roast and more. It looks like a soft cooler but it has a heating element in it. I think it was 30 bucks on amazon and the brand name was Atto or some thing like that.
Yeah so much of this seems like so much more trouble than it is worth. Yeah microwaves are crazy power suckers! I doubt I will ever have one. That sounds super cool!! I will have to check it out. I was thinking something similar like an air fryer or something
That’s a definite with the knife situation. I have seen this before I still can’t grasp the concept? 😮 How about we donate a special drawer designated for the Tupperware and knife collection for these van lifers.
Yes I think I will be doing another one! I will keep you all updated. I'm thinking somewhere a little more accessible and not over the holidays so it might be a better fit for people!
Vessel sinks are difficult to maintain even in a traditional house, much less in a van. They get dirty on all sides, there’s buildup in the spot where the vessel meets the counter… I also feel like it takes up a lot of the counter space visually and practically 🤷🏻
I didn't even know I had opinions on sinks until making this video lol but yeah, that one didn't seem very practical. Beautiful in my opinion, but not very useful
OK……I’m triggered by these deep sinks in vans. A deep sink holds a lot of water….which you generally don’t have in a van. And lots of water takes lots of propane or power to heat….which is generally limited in a van. And a deep sink takes up lots of storage space under the counter…..which is generally tight in a small van. I’ll take a sink on the smaller side.
Okay now THIS is another good point!! I feel like a happy medium is totally necessary, because you're right you likely wont have a lot of water to work with anyway. I still feel like you need something at least deep enough to wash dishes, maybe wash your hair, and hand wash a few clothes here an there.
Hmmm, critcal thinking skills... I feel like, based on the election, these skills are severely lacking in a depressingly large amount of people. Honestly, none of those influencer luxury vans are appealing to me. Such a waste of money and space. So impractical. Views and likes are meaningless in the greater scheme of things. I prefer having a small vehicle with basic functions than a large vehicle with all the mod cons amd bells and whistles that will just break, get dirty and dusty or can't even be taken anywhere off the beaten path because of how fragile and how expensive it is to run. Thanks for another fun video, Erin 😊
As usual I'm right there with you!! I have been thinking about what I want in my next build to make my life easier, but so many of these features sound like they would make my life harder! and yes apparently over half of the US has zero critical thinking skills
That might be a fun video for you? What are you must haves for your next build? A simpler bed setup? Running water? An indoor cooking setup? More space? Etc. What would you choose on a budget, or alternatively if money was no object and you could have anything? I can appreciate why people would go for expensive, lux, flashy, high tech, etc. I just don't feel like most of it is very practical and has a low ROI + quality of life improvement. I'd personally much rather have practical, low tech and budget that can be easily replaced or fixed if need be. Put the money saved towards experiences, fuel to travel more, be frugal so I could stay on the road for longer, etc Weak, misogynistic men who don't think women should have rights. SMH. It's absurd that it's happened again.
08:56 all that space, money, technology and "luxury" and you end up with a tiny, uncomfortable looking bed that needs to be put together and packed away every single morning and night? But at least you got the likes and views and "influenced" people, right?!?
American's seem to say "I don't know" about things they hate. Just say what you mean. Like all these home flipper shows... I don't know about that fireplace.... So, you hate it. Just say that. get me started on "'I'm not going to lie"....
All your comments are gold... "You can just go outside, and look at the stars." 😂
Hahaha I was trying so hard to not be a jerk but some of these are just so over the top I had to hold back lolll
What a brilliant video aha! Loved it and me in my lil berlingo, Cleo, makes us feel a lot better. My only flex is ive got a hob and sink as that came fitted. It came witb a bed build in but i hated it so ribbed it out, made a plywood floor and literally sleep on big pillows with a matress topper. I can barely fit but I couldn't be happier 😋
Ooo a sink!!! Living large lol!! That's awesome though, its all about works for you and makes you happy!
first-time viewer here: fantastic video and a pov that's rarely expressed in van-world. so many people seem to have fomo when seeing all these crazy builds on social media but you're so right at the end of the day simpler is often better. would love to see a video of you renting one of these 'luxury' vans for a weekend and comparing that with your own. keep it up!
Welcome!! I'm so glad you liked the video! Now that is a video idea I want to explore! I went to an RV show recently where I just stepped foot in some crazy vans and that blew my mind, would be so cool to use one for a weekend or something!
I feel like the more luxurious the van the less likely they are to actually explore. Since it’s harder to fit in certain places or go into certain areas. Idk seems like ppl with luxury vans quit sooner than ppl with a simple build.
I feel the same. Like having more luxuries would definitely help keep away burnout when you are living in it full time, but a lot of these "features" are just a lot to maintain for a camping trip here and there!
The knives hold very well with magnets. I don't have particularly strong magnets, so I put several together to make them stronger and no problem keeping knives up while driving through bumpy roads. That's the safety side.
There's the practical side too. Hanging stuff makes the stuff, whether it's knives or anything else, very accessible, easy to reach and easy to put back in its place.
I just worry about getting in an accident or something!!
Just more stuff to break. Trust me, I'm an RV Tech. Better to keep it simple.
I agree lol!!!
OMG yes! More stuff - more problems
Fun video. When people live full time in a van I don't think having a luxury one is a sign of being super privileged or "extra" tough. They are after all still living in their car. Compared to my apartment, however humble, it's a very minimalistic lifestyle.
Agreed! Living in a van is going to humble you regularly, no matter how nice is it!
Loving all your alternate recommendations!! 😆
Please deinfluence some more stuff for us!!
Haha yay! I'm so glad you liked the video. I definitely have more ideas so this might turn into a sort of series!
Spend New Year's with me! Get the details here: trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/ecuador/ecuador-with-erin-elyse-dec-2024
Hi Erin. 😊 The van that had the slide out extension was awesome, but I think a bit over the top. The extra space would be nice but since you usually travel on your own most the time would you need all that extra room? I'm afraid that I can't offer you any good advice on which van to get as I was saying to myself that like you, I grew up camping in tents and that was as luxurious as it got. Such fun times though. I say get something you feel the safest in. 🔑 Don't forget about a deck on the top so you can crank up the tunes and climb up on the deck and twerk it. 🔊 🎵🎶🤣
Yeah the slide out definitely seems like more trouble than it is worth! But still cool to see! I think that one is available for renting so might be cool for one camping trip lol. I definitely will need a deck, no matter what I upgrade to!!!
Thank you so much for this information + video
Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Excellent points
Thanks!!
I am not sure about microwaves, but i know they sell single-meal crockpots that are quite small. I heard about them from truck driver's wives in my pressure canning group. 😂 They liked making "meal in a jar" style recipes. But the crockpot could be plugged in earlier in the day and it cooks things for dinner time. I was considering something like that. Not at all as instant as a microwave, though!
Oooo now that's an idea!! Thanks for sharing!
A microwave is a must in campervan it takes up little room and when you're on hook up you can heat a ready meal.less washing up and you use less water.
Inside niceness is great on rainy days.
agreed
Aloha that was a good video on luxury vans
Thank you!!
You are going to love the Amazon. It is a place that always fascinated me, from reading about the expedition of Alexander von Humboldt as a teenager, to watching the movies of Werner Herzog taking place in the Amazon (Aguirre, Fitzcarraldo). When I was in my twenties and single, I was a fan of extreme adventures. As I was living in South America at the time, there was plenty of opportunities. I organized an expedition to visit the Yanomami tribes living on the bank of the Orinoco river near the border of Brazil and Venezuela. If you look at your world map on the wall, you will see that it is very deep in the Amazon forest. It was one of my best adventures in uncharted territory. You will visit a more "civilized" version of the Amazon, with hotels and airport, but it is still a place of extreme beauty and a must see area of the world.
Oh yay!! I am super excited!! Sounds like you have experienced some really great things in South America. I can't wait to start in Ecuador and I might stick around for a couple more weeks and head over to Peru
@@erin_elyse You should. You will be so close and already accustomed to altitude if you go to Cuzco, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Another great video Erin it’s definitely nice to see what different designs people come up with for their builds. Also if your Ecuador trip goes well will you do another group trip somewhere? 🙂
Yes there are so many incredible ideas out there!! Van lifers can be so creative, its awesome to see. Yes I would love to start doing maybe one group trip a year?? We will see how this one goes, but i think its going to be amazing!!
With the first van, it's pointless to have a rain shower to cover the entire back of the van. The sink in #2 is a no-go, #3 is still too small and compact, I was thinking about the knife board ngl. That much glass is a bad idea for van life, the last one really isn't luxury. It's just a normal van build in my opinion. The two I like was the slide out and one the where he slid the side to reveal the toilet.
Hahah so we pretty much agree!! Yeah these were fun to look at but some of them are just straight up not practical!!
I have to say that if you are going to spend long periods of time on the road, having some basic amenities - running water, a shower, a toilet, electricity, a basic cooking set-up - would certainly make life easier. It seems to me that it would enhance the experience and add to the freedom, as there would be less time spent searching out facilities and expending time and energy and worry on basic activities of daily living. It doesn't need to be anything fancy - just basic and dependable. The luxury van thing does seem a bit counter to the spirit of travel and adventure and economy, but it is so very American. I admire you, Erin, for making a simple set-up work for you. After all, someone needs to use those McDonald's toilets. Ha-ha.
I couldn't agree more!! I have definitely been talking about making an upgrade so that I can be more "fulltime" on the road, and running water, toilet, etc. are going to be must haves for me! I think it's all about balance, and knowing your priorities! I can't wait till the day I upgrade from mcdonalds toliets lollll
okay that pull out van is so extra 😂😂 I agree get yourself an RV man
Hahaha right!!? Like I'm not sure it's really that helpful of a feature😂😂 plus you couldn't park in a parking spot or anything like that!
I look at the fancy expensive vans and think of all the stuff that can break and how expensive and troublesome it is to fix. I do not even want a car from the last ten years but that is me. The microwave is a power hog. I have this portable oven that pulls very little power. Something like 60 watts. I have used it to make real rice,manicotti,pork ribs, frozen burritos and beef and pork roast and more. It looks like a soft cooler but it has a heating element in it. I think it was 30 bucks on amazon and the brand name was Atto or some thing like that.
Yeah so much of this seems like so much more trouble than it is worth. Yeah microwaves are crazy power suckers! I doubt I will ever have one. That sounds super cool!! I will have to check it out. I was thinking something similar like an air fryer or something
Your van looks great especially for the size 😂.
Thanks!!
@erin_elyse small and cute like you ha ha .
Hi Erin, I Wanted To Say That Your RUclips PILLOW In The Background Of Your Video Looks very very very Cool 😎👍
Aww thank you! My mom got it for me years ago when i was just starting out and it pops in and out of a lot of my older videos too!
That’s a definite with the knife situation. I have seen this before I still can’t grasp the concept? 😮 How about we donate a special drawer designated for the Tupperware and knife collection for these van lifers.
Hey, are you thinking about organizing another trip some other time? I cannot attend this one and I would really love too :/
Yes I think I will be doing another one! I will keep you all updated. I'm thinking somewhere a little more accessible and not over the holidays so it might be a better fit for people!
9:41 snap out of Erin😅
hahha I just wish i could cook in my van so bad lolllll
Vessel sinks are difficult to maintain even in a traditional house, much less in a van. They get dirty on all sides, there’s buildup in the spot where the vessel meets the counter… I also feel like it takes up a lot of the counter space visually and practically 🤷🏻
I didn't even know I had opinions on sinks until making this video lol but yeah, that one didn't seem very practical. Beautiful in my opinion, but not very useful
I want to know the prices of all those vans 😁
Me too😂😂😂
OK……I’m triggered by these deep sinks in vans. A deep sink holds a lot of water….which you generally don’t have in a van. And lots of water takes lots of propane or power to heat….which is generally limited in a van. And a deep sink takes up lots of storage space under the counter…..which is generally tight in a small van. I’ll take a sink on the smaller side.
Okay now THIS is another good point!! I feel like a happy medium is totally necessary, because you're right you likely wont have a lot of water to work with anyway. I still feel like you need something at least deep enough to wash dishes, maybe wash your hair, and hand wash a few clothes here an there.
De-influencing kinda failed. We now want a luxury van :))
lollll rightttt?? I tried haha but what can i say, they are beautiful!
Knives are balanced from tip to handle purposefully, so yeah, attaching them magnetically at their midpoint is absolutely fine.
yeah but what about driving down a bumpy road or getting in a car accident?? I'm not talking about in a regular kitchen in a house
Hmmm, critcal thinking skills... I feel like, based on the election, these skills are severely lacking in a depressingly large amount of people.
Honestly, none of those influencer luxury vans are appealing to me. Such a waste of money and space. So impractical. Views and likes are meaningless in the greater scheme of things. I prefer having a small vehicle with basic functions than a large vehicle with all the mod cons amd bells and whistles that will just break, get dirty and dusty or can't even be taken anywhere off the beaten path because of how fragile and how expensive it is to run.
Thanks for another fun video, Erin 😊
As usual I'm right there with you!! I have been thinking about what I want in my next build to make my life easier, but so many of these features sound like they would make my life harder! and yes apparently over half of the US has zero critical thinking skills
That might be a fun video for you?
What are you must haves for your next build? A simpler bed setup? Running water? An indoor cooking setup? More space? Etc.
What would you choose on a budget, or alternatively if money was no object and you could have anything?
I can appreciate why people would go for expensive, lux, flashy, high tech, etc. I just don't feel like most of it is very practical and has a low ROI + quality of life improvement. I'd personally much rather have practical, low tech and budget that can be easily replaced or fixed if need be.
Put the money saved towards experiences, fuel to travel more, be frugal so I could stay on the road for longer, etc
Weak, misogynistic men who don't think women should have rights. SMH. It's absurd that it's happened again.
08:56 all that space, money, technology and "luxury" and you end up with a tiny, uncomfortable looking bed that needs to be put together and packed away every single morning and night? But at least you got the likes and views and "influenced" people, right?!?
Dami mong sinasabi pangit kc ng van mong hayup ka
American's seem to say "I don't know" about things they hate. Just say what you mean. Like all these home flipper shows... I don't know about that fireplace....
So, you hate it. Just say that. get me started on "'I'm not going to lie"....
Hate is a very strong word lollll. I don't hate anything about any of these vans, especially because they're not even my own haha