How He ESCAPED the CRUSHING Cost of RENT with Van Life!

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  • Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
  • Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
    After serving 22 years in the military, Mike found that the cost of rent made life unsustainable. Six years ago, Mike discovered how to live rent-free by living in a vehicle and moved out of his condo. In this video, we tour his 1998 Dodge van, where he embraces the simplicity and financial freedom of life on the road.
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Комментарии • 280

  • @getlostmike
    @getlostmike 2 месяца назад +342

    Oh, wow! Thank you for having me on your channel! The video came out great! I am very grateful 😊

    • @cotter9751
      @cotter9751 2 месяца назад +10

      The video is great! Innovative build, and great advice. Thank you.

    • @Fab50VanLife
      @Fab50VanLife 2 месяца назад +7

      Fantastic build and your builds over the years. 🎉 Love the Clock 🕰️ too

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад +7

      Thank you!😊

    • @HR-zp6nv
      @HR-zp6nv 2 месяца назад +7

      Great job! Looks like you all had fun
      😊

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад

      @@HR-zp6nv we did

  • @paisano777
    @paisano777 2 месяца назад +224

    Thank you for your 22 years of service, brother 🇺🇲

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад +11

      You're welcome and thank you for your support.

    • @Oldnoitall
      @Oldnoitall 2 месяца назад +4

      Yes i wish I could say I served my country!

    • @HR-zp6nv
      @HR-zp6nv 2 месяца назад +7

      Yes, thank you for your support. Enjoy your van, it's great.

    • @HR-zp6nv
      @HR-zp6nv 2 месяца назад +8

      That was supposed to say thank you for your service! 😅

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад +6

      @HR-zp6nv thank you

  • @jollybbjolly5016
    @jollybbjolly5016 2 месяца назад +66

    Genuine Person ... Genuine Life Style ...

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад +2

      @@jollybbjolly5016 the real deal.

  • @sandyschneider6792
    @sandyschneider6792 Месяц назад +9

    Scrounging is ok! Many people set aside very nice things for people to pick up and re-use/re-cycle. Very wise. Thank you for your service!

  • @ktk2094
    @ktk2094 2 месяца назад +87

    Nice tour Mike.
    Thank you for your service to our country.

  • @kennethgardner3090
    @kennethgardner3090 2 месяца назад +57

    Looks good. I mostly want to say, thank you for your service. You and all who served.

  • @Sally-v6f
    @Sally-v6f 2 месяца назад +48

    So sweet how cody is at home anywhere❤

  • @Blackbutterfly9799
    @Blackbutterfly9799 2 месяца назад +13

    Hello Bob Wells... just want to say 💫What A Pleasure to see you doing these awesome Van Tours again! You find the best of them.... Simply Incredible! Keep up the great shows! We appreciate you very much 👏🏽~👍🏾~ 🚐🛻🚙🚛🏜️🏞️ Happy Travels... you and Cody! 🐕‍🦺🦋💟😊

  • @markwaits3864
    @markwaits3864 2 месяца назад +39

    Thank you Sir for your Service. Great van setup.

  • @melindaroth5796
    @melindaroth5796 2 месяца назад +45

    I Love your videos on helping other people learn how to make it in these hard times. 😊❤

  • @bonniekaye
    @bonniekaye 2 месяца назад +37

    *Thank you for your service!*
    🙂👍🇺🇲

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад +3

      Thank you for your support.

  • @maricotodiz4475
    @maricotodiz4475 2 месяца назад +25

    Mike I am so glad that you found your way! Is not an easy life but, is better than stay inside a apt in your case, also nature can heal our souls in a miraculous ways! Stay safe 💞 take care.

  • @veesimmons2464
    @veesimmons2464 Месяц назад +8

    We live in such a throw-away society, so I believe there's absolutely no shame at all in using other people's unwanted stuff to create a livable space. Good for you, Mike! Your home looks comfortable, and you even have some little luxuries. What else does a person need?

  • @ThisWontEndWell
    @ThisWontEndWell 2 месяца назад +26

    A minimal setup that would also work in any cargo van or minivan if you adapt it for size.

  • @lilykatmoon4508
    @lilykatmoon4508 2 месяца назад +4

    Mike did an awesome job giving new life to things he “scrounged” for his van. Instead of a trash heap, they get new use. I love that about his build. Seems to suit him perfectly!

  • @Sally-v6f
    @Sally-v6f 2 месяца назад +31

    Love the minimalist van❤

  • @TERESAJAMISON-u3t
    @TERESAJAMISON-u3t 2 месяца назад +18

    I have beautiful furniture and lawn furniture. All hand me downs. Curbside and dumpster. 😊 thank you for your service ❤

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад +5

      Some of the best finds can be found out on the curbs. Thank you.

    • @Kat-I-am3333
      @Kat-I-am3333 2 месяца назад +1

      On first reading this I thought finds said friends 🤭

  • @stephaniesebring6118
    @stephaniesebring6118 2 месяца назад +7

    My husband & I have had a 2001 Chevy van for the last 15 months. It's a 19 footer & we love it! It's so comfy to travel in, too!

  • @Carol-b2r
    @Carol-b2r Месяц назад +5

    Love all the large windows that newer vans don’t have

  • @suethornton2055
    @suethornton2055 Месяц назад +4

    That's awesome!! Yes, you have to be selective, but there is no reason to give up all your loves that make you happy. His is vinyl and photography .

  • @nmartin5551
    @nmartin5551 Месяц назад +5

    This is the first van dweller ive heard say he collects stuff- cameras and vinyl!

  • @j.b.a.124
    @j.b.a.124 2 месяца назад +5

    Hi Mike, so glad to see you on Bob’s Channel. Thank you for your service. Greetings from Florida.

  • @kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853
    @kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853 Месяц назад +3

    My mom had one of these Dodge vans as a dealer build out of the day- those vehicles are great! Unfortunate we won’t see these again.

  • @homelessnomad101
    @homelessnomad101 2 месяца назад +8

    Yep, I''m 72 years old and sitting in a chair watching and wishing I'd gotten out and done what your doing Mike. Good luck to you, safe wishs for you and all your future adventures and most of all thank you for your service sir. Looking at your set up Mike you look like you would fare well in a box truck conversion like Brian of "Adventure Van Man" .

  • @allalone1461
    @allalone1461 2 месяца назад +6

    nice video THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

  • @jeremytorgersen
    @jeremytorgersen 2 месяца назад +5

    This is great!! I am always a fan of minimalist style builds and dual purpose!

  • @zeldasimpson8959
    @zeldasimpson8959 2 месяца назад +18

    Thanks for the video!! Gives me alot of ideas. I have a 94 Chevy G20. I’ve had mine for ages years and have camped alot but have not started removing anything…still has all original seats and upholstery!

  • @paisano777
    @paisano777 2 месяца назад +26

    Very cool setup!!!

  • @yelenakozorezov6587
    @yelenakozorezov6587 2 месяца назад +16

    Thanks Bob. Very interesting video 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @gringogg1780
    @gringogg1780 2 месяца назад +5

    What a awesome man who has found freedom .. Good for you sir! You are an example for many to follow including myself!! Love your ideas and how you have crafted your interior from scrap wood.. Thank you for your service to our great country!! Keep going to the gym and taking care of yourself sir!

  • @PookieK
    @PookieK Месяц назад +2

    Thank you Mike for your service. I love your retro van!

  • @possessedlampshade178
    @possessedlampshade178 2 месяца назад +3

    Thank you for your service brother! Really a big fan of that set up. Planning to get the bottle. Looks great

  • @karenbrown2135
    @karenbrown2135 2 месяца назад +3

    I absolutely love that van. I want one so bad to live in so I don’t have to pay someone rent anymore.

  • @slyborg1
    @slyborg1 2 месяца назад +9

    Good guy and smart buildout. Looks as though he's living the good life.

  • @BethVonStaats-mc1pl
    @BethVonStaats-mc1pl 2 месяца назад +9

    I really love this build. It shows what can be done on short money. Great video! Thank you for you service, Mike! (Guys, you are so lucky as far as "bathroom stuff" goes... LOL.

  • @gratefulgram
    @gratefulgram 2 месяца назад +9

    Another great tour Bob. Mike thank you for your service and for letting us see your set up. Much love and many blessings

  • @ramontoro
    @ramontoro 2 месяца назад +9

    Good interview, thanks Bob

  • @Wv8675
    @Wv8675 2 месяца назад +9

    Thank you for your service sir nice van

  • @frankzicari784
    @frankzicari784 Месяц назад +2

    Thank you for your service, very nice van build.

  • @ramontoro
    @ramontoro 2 месяца назад +9

    Hello from Puerto Rico Bob and friends

  • @princearthur4946
    @princearthur4946 2 месяца назад +11

    Excellent presentation and great lifestyle!

  • @Ulbre
    @Ulbre 2 месяца назад +14

    This guy was born to do van life.....he doesn't need a heap of stuff cluttering his life....perfect.
    Oh yeah and I am hearing on feeling out of sync in civilian life.....I left the service in 93 and still today I feel that somethings missing.

  • @lynnbb
    @lynnbb 2 месяца назад +4

    Stay strong & genuine Mike ty🪷

  • @michaeltichonuk2176
    @michaeltichonuk2176 Месяц назад +3

    Definitely one of the better rigs! Realistic and minimalist!

  • @jimjustus2004
    @jimjustus2004 2 месяца назад +1

    Nice job , fellow minimalist , very nice and functional van . I miss my old Dodge Van ! An inspirational Bob wells interview too 😇

  • @leoblumhagen644
    @leoblumhagen644 2 месяца назад +10

    Old conversion vans can be picked up for less than a raw-bare bones cargo van, plus you already have the interior finished

    • @HoboGardenerBen
      @HoboGardenerBen 2 месяца назад

      Seems risky. If they are getting rid of them then something is likely wrong. Unless they decided they don't like the life, of course, always exceptions.

  • @yachtsteve
    @yachtsteve 2 месяца назад +2

    Wow, Mike, thanks for your service. Fellow veteran here!

  • @hazelroudebush9643
    @hazelroudebush9643 2 месяца назад +4

    Thanks!

  • @jimtalor9537
    @jimtalor9537 2 месяца назад +4

    Man this man is a real inspiration!!!! Got some great ideas from this video.

  • @cwpinti
    @cwpinti 2 месяца назад +8

    Great van build.

  • @alittlepieceofearth
    @alittlepieceofearth 2 месяца назад +2

    Yeah, my dad was in for 20 years. He had trouble adapting to civilian life, too. It's a thing.

  • @jasonmarmor4683
    @jasonmarmor4683 Месяц назад +2

    Awesome guy and awesome video! I like his upbeat attitude. I love the headroom in the old conversion vans

  • @margiemurray2147
    @margiemurray2147 2 месяца назад +3

    We had a Dodge van like that when I was growing up very cool setup thanks for the interview Happy Trails everyone

  • @glennd9527
    @glennd9527 2 месяца назад +3

    Came over from Mike's channel to watch this, was a great video and hope to see some people from here pop into some of his livestreams in the future. Be safe and stay warm everyone!

  • @DeborahLayman-nv7zn
    @DeborahLayman-nv7zn 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you for your service, Sir! Transformers…more than meet the eye! 😁

  • @jeffreyplumber1975
    @jeffreyplumber1975 Месяц назад +2

    hope the old owner sees this Im sure he will be happy to see the care and functional use!

  • @dazie1245
    @dazie1245 2 месяца назад +5

    Wow "Get Lost Mike" on The Bob Show already 😂 so cool seeing you Speedy Gonzalez' ing into a seasoned nomad 🙋 Thank You Mike it's fun getting to know you a little better each video

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад

      Most of what I've learned had been through Bob's channel... and I'm grateful.

  • @ramlinman2004
    @ramlinman2004 Месяц назад +6

    I did the vanlife for 18 months in almost the exact dodge. It sucked! That's alright for a 25 year old. And I tried to make it look glamours on my RUclips channel but I was miserable. So much happier with my 30 foot class A fully self-contained motorhome...just being honest.

    • @MX-CO
      @MX-CO Месяц назад +1

      Gas mileage and parking is harder with an RV but I'm sure it is more comfortable

    • @helloyall4355
      @helloyall4355 20 дней назад +1

      ​@MX-CO I have a 2025 Chevy Trak. It would be me and my dog. I'm sure I could buy 2 twin mattress toppers to lay on bc the back seats do lay down. How could I or what can I buy to use to plug my electric blanket up? I don't think it comes with a cigarette lighter at all. Plus, I do have a small fan I have to use for noise, it's electric as well. Join a gym for showers from town to town? Like planet fitness or use a truck stop? I'd love to try it for at least a month or maybe 2 weeks first. I've got my two yard chairs for sitting in for a camp site, maybe buy one of those tarps to sit under that somehow hooks to the vehicle? Any info would help. Thank you. And I'd love to start a RUclips channel as well. Thank you! I watched some of your videos too.

  • @thevanman4498
    @thevanman4498 2 месяца назад +6

    I just noticed that it looks like Bob has lost some weight, good for you! Great cheap life this guy is living.

  • @Lois-o1f
    @Lois-o1f 2 месяца назад +5

    Thanks, we need you Bob! Good example for us.😊

  • @bonniestillwater56
    @bonniestillwater56 2 месяца назад +1

    Thanks for this video, Bob :) I really like Mike's rig and the many creative, useful things he has in it, while keeping the total cost of his build very low. I think what I like the most, and is an amazing find, is the Water Pump and Spray Bottle he as for showering ♥

  • @speedybna5746
    @speedybna5746 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you for your service and showing your home to us! 🇺🇸 ❤🎉

  • @snowbird4788
    @snowbird4788 2 месяца назад +1

    What an awesome setup! Have fun and always do what makes you happy!😊 And thank you for your service to our country!❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @winniebt600
    @winniebt600 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you for your service Mike. Van looks homey & comfy. Like your use of used & repurposed material.

  • @ramonapuckett3059
    @ramonapuckett3059 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you for your service and Bob, great interview 🩷

  • @camerongawd01
    @camerongawd01 Месяц назад +1

    My husband used to call "Scrounging", yard shopping.lol No shame in recycling. Have you ever been to a landfill. Better you use it than it going into the ground.

  • @257milo
    @257milo 2 месяца назад +3

    Love your van! Good luck with your set-up! Amazon is amazing! 🤩💯🤩

  • @drivinfool9902
    @drivinfool9902 2 месяца назад +1

    Looks great 👍. Hope you have a wonderful life 💗. Thanks for your service. ❤❤❤❤❤😊

  • @DaughterOfOaks
    @DaughterOfOaks 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you, super inspiring! The way things are going economically, this is becoming a reality for so many of us. It's good to see others living this lifestyle and thriving. And thank you Mike for your service to our country, we appreciate you.

  • @susanrobertson2922
    @susanrobertson2922 Месяц назад +1

    Don’t be ashamed of your gift of “scrounging,” for things others wasted their money on.

  • @amycook5009
    @amycook5009 Месяц назад +1

    Great video ❤

  • @racebanning6390
    @racebanning6390 2 месяца назад +1

    Yes Sir🇺🇸Thank you for your service🙏🙏Be blessed, happy travels. Kool functional Van. thenks Bob

  • @bossprime369
    @bossprime369 Месяц назад +1

    Hello Bob, I heard on one of your last videos where you were talking about your ambulance that you said something like no more diesel or that you made a mistake by getting a vehicle that runs on diesel. Can you please explain and make a short video about why not diesel? Thanks for your time.

  • @awesomeniecy9242
    @awesomeniecy9242 2 месяца назад +6

    Very functional 👍

  • @fredericktrhgrundman9969
    @fredericktrhgrundman9969 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you for your service to R country

  • @jesusguzman5435
    @jesusguzman5435 2 месяца назад +6

    Great build

  • @marylawwill9846
    @marylawwill9846 2 месяца назад +9

    I love u Mike ❤

  • @RickHealy-r9c
    @RickHealy-r9c 2 месяца назад +4

    looks good.....simple is the better way to go...

  • @shannonagain3
    @shannonagain3 2 месяца назад +1

    I like Mike's setup. Comfortable, functional, minimal.

  • @patsybanistegvhkr4659
    @patsybanistegvhkr4659 Месяц назад +1

    Thank you for your service. My deceased husband served 22 years also. It is great to see you are getting to travel in your van.

  • @IntegraDIY
    @IntegraDIY 2 месяца назад +2

    only thing i’d change is the transmission.. 3 speed on the highway, the rpm’s are screaming. needs a 4 speed overdrive or possibly something better, with highway gears in the rear end

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад

      Agreed. I was looking into that.

  • @georgewagner7787
    @georgewagner7787 2 месяца назад +31

    If someone serves 20 plus years the military should give them free IT training before discharge so they have a marketable skill

    • @racekrasser7869
      @racekrasser7869 2 месяца назад +7

      IT is going downhill fast...very saturated and you're competing with the globe

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад

      💯 agree.

    • @Gcanno
      @Gcanno 2 месяца назад +3

      He gets the GI bill , and if he had kids they get benifits too. I believe he should get housing too for 20 years od service .

    • @Thadude701
      @Thadude701 2 месяца назад +2

      He probably trained on micro fiche lol.

    • @grlnexdoorable
      @grlnexdoorable Месяц назад

      😂​@@Thadude701

  • @Hemlockqueen
    @Hemlockqueen 24 дня назад

    Mike thank you for your service sir .. my late brother was a gunner in the 7th rha.i think the van looks homely with out being cramped.and mike seems a nice guy .. all the best from scotland x

  • @Morningdovecamp
    @Morningdovecamp 2 месяца назад +2

    Great set up!! 💪🏻👍 Enjoy! 🌞🚐🏜️

  • @keddy5627
    @keddy5627 2 месяца назад +8

    Thank you, Patriot!!!! You make the USA proud! 🙏🏽🇺🇸🙏🏽🇺🇸🙏🏽

  • @roundstone2020
    @roundstone2020 2 месяца назад +1

    This guy is very likable.

  • @elisesterling9634
    @elisesterling9634 2 месяца назад +3

    Hello Bob, I’m interested to learn about people’s health and how they stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight, while living in a car or van. It looks like most eat a lot of canned or premade food. Do people keep up with preventative medical and dental care?…and if not, what are the barriers to that? What changes need to happen to make staying healthy possible for people on a fixed or limited income who live in vehicles? It seems like most could qualify for their home state’s health plan for low income people. If people are neglecting their dental and medical care, then the lifestyle doesn’t seem sustainable. Does RTO include someone offering mobile low cost dental cleanings? There are some people who donate their time to help people. Or is it a non issue? Just curious, because I don’t think this is normally discussed.

  • @blueskies386
    @blueskies386 Месяц назад

    Love your home Mike! Way to go! Unfortunately, its the ONLY way to go nowdays for many! Here in New Zealand our rents are way too high (like in USA,) and its amazing how many people livr in RVs or converted vehicles, to not only not be a slave to a landlords high rents, but to move around and see the country; coz many of them are retirees. Not all move around because some have to go to work.
    God bless you dear and happy travelling!

  • @mamalovesthebeach437
    @mamalovesthebeach437 2 месяца назад

    Love that Dan stays minimal and seems to be happy!❤

  • @lawrencedavidson6195
    @lawrencedavidson6195 Месяц назад

    Nice van build, greetings from Jamaica.

  • @FidoHouse
    @FidoHouse 2 месяца назад

    Thank you, Bob and Mike!

  • @ametheieushamlet5774
    @ametheieushamlet5774 Месяц назад

    Great job Mike.
    This was an Awesome topic..

  • @CeebeeCat
    @CeebeeCat 2 месяца назад +4

    Awesome I want/need one just like that!

    • @getlostmike
      @getlostmike 2 месяца назад

      Take what you have and try to make it work, first.

  • @Rlaplante73
    @Rlaplante73 2 месяца назад

    Nice rig ... thanks for sharing your home and journey with us.

  • @freedawatermelon
    @freedawatermelon 2 месяца назад

    omg. I've been wishing for a way to bring my vinyl with me. And that van is VERY similar to mine, so It's nice seeing how well things can fit while still leaving space.

  • @andrewminjiras5745
    @andrewminjiras5745 2 месяца назад +3

    Impressive life style.

  • @kimprocarione5473
    @kimprocarione5473 Месяц назад

    Thank you! Great job!

  • @dross24MA
    @dross24MA Месяц назад +1

    Mike - Would you like an Argus C-44 in working condition? I would love for it to go to a loving home. It has a soft spot in my heart as it was my Dad's, and I used it for decades, but I no longer used film.

  • @suec2117
    @suec2117 2 месяца назад

    Great interview Bob!

  • @rubiconoutdoors3492
    @rubiconoutdoors3492 Месяц назад +1

    Bob , what state would you say the MOST nomads are?