How to Live Full-time in an SUV! (Toyota Highlander Camper Tour)
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- Опубликовано: 11 июн 2024
- In this video we meet Linda from the RUclips channel Serene and Simple Life. Linda lives full-time in her 2012 Toyota Highlander and even runs her online business from it. No matter what kind of vehicle you're interested in living on or traveling out of, I think you'll find some great tips from Linda as she walks us through her setup. (Also, this was filmed in January 2020, long before the coronavirus stuff in the US.)
I know people are going to ask about her toilet and shower setup, which we didn't cover in this video. If you'd like to learn more about that aspect of her travels, check out these two videos on her channel: • Hygiene.. no fuss.. no... and • Top 10 Essentials full... .
Here's a synopsis of Linda's channel in her own words:
"Serene and Simple Life.. - Knowledge and FUN.. GO SEE DO.. Living life LARGE.. my mantra is ‘New Beginnings.. Off the treadmill.. Into the great unknown.. I have over 250 videos with 30,000+ miles across the USA to 35 states, including 20 National parks, working at 2 seasonal jobs in Utah and Washington , working on the road as a digital nomad, daily life, cooking, my budget, personal story, My top 10 ‘Why’ I’m a nomad, how I sleep.. to name a few! All in the playlists!"
LINDA'S LINKS
** Linda's channel, Serene and Simple Life: / @sereneandsimplelife
** Linda's inspirational card company, Say It Display It: www.sayitdisplayit.com/
** Linda's Serena and Simple Life RedBubble merch store: www.redbubble.com/people/sayi...
** Linda's blog: sereneandsimplelife.com/
** Linda's Instagram: / sayit_displayit
** Say It Display It on Facebook: / sayitdisplayit
STUFF LINDA USES
** Folding adjustable lap table: amzn.to/35sLgRG
** Jackery Explorer 240: amzn.to/35vy7qV
** 6-drawer cubby for holding clothing: www.containerstore.com/s/offi...
** 12-volt coffee maker: amzn.to/2xBEA7i
** Steering wheel table/tray: amzn.to/2yqAqiZ
** Jackery Solar Panel: amzn.to/2ysmlkX
** Anker battery pack: amzn.to/35wsfOn
** Battery powered mouse deterrent (string lights): www.harborfreight.com/Solar-R...
** GasOne propane/butane stove: amzn.to/2W3x2Uj
** KingCamp chair: amzn.to/2W3xS3p
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
OTHER LINKS
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** The company I use for my web hosting: www.a2hosting.com?aid=5dd04ea50f139 (Affiliate link)
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other RUclips channel: / tenkaraaddict
#vanlife #vandwelling #camping
Thanks again to Linda for sharing her setup! Here's her channel: ruclips.net/channel/UCG_GabIBd_cIU6mKckySX0g. Check out the description of this video for links to her videos where she talks about her shower/toilet setup. And this was filmed in January, long before the coronavirus stuff in the US 😁
Such a nice video 👍
May 23rd Linda will be celebrating her Birthday🎂 and collecting Social Security! 💵 Yay!
She is so hot...wow jesus, this American mature women are really hot, most of them...beautiful legs and hips..flat belly..
Wow I watch these Faith Filled Ladies, and I am inspired. I get closer everyday to being brave enough to do this. Leaning on God instead of my husband. God is my ROCK.
Love Linda..she inspires me with every video I watch..shes kind n thoughtful..thanks for sharing her with everyone Tristan..
Lord be with this precious lady keep her safe angels
Barby lee you radiate love!
Barby Lee Amen to that my friend, You as well.
God Bless Barbie
Amen
@@roseb819 amen 🙏
“I’m not gonna be flippin’ and fryin’ and throwin’ grease around” - I just love her, her simplified procedures, and her channel is so inspirational.
I know that when I'll be cooking, it's just simple things, healthy and all, sometimes unhealthy but I like it that way.
I'm so proud of her! She's doing what she loves, and loving life.
🥰🥰🥰🥰
“I mean who would’ve thunk, at my age I would be doing this kind of stuff, ya know, talkin’ about inverters...” 😂
I love her.
As long as I was warm safe and had food in my belly..... everything else can wait until tomorrow.
Lucille Behan Hear, hear! 👍🏻
Those are the things that matter, I've been homeless before and having somewhere to be protected from the elements and people is better than just the clothes on your back...
💯
My sentiments as well! 👌🏾
Lucille yes. I wanted her to talk more about feeling safe!
One thing ladies, Linda is FLEXIBLE! Needed for living in a small space. Love her practicality and organization.
She's a Yogi.
you can improve with just regularly giving it a go.. i moved into a two story house after being very ill had to haul myself up those damn stairs by the banister.. 2 years later, scooting up the stairs real easy.
“I’m not a crazy lady, well yeah I’m a crazy lady, but ya know” I love it.
Wow, 62 looking fab and healthy. Living the life. Love it.
Who's 62? She's not a day over 18...if this is the video I think it is
This lady must be about 5'5"' & has a great attitude but w/ my back problems I couldn't live that cramped up sleeping in a seat. Kudos to her for making it work.
She must have a good back. There is no way I could sit and twist like that.
Me either lol
@Dosam it is in the doing it that we can then do it.
We, at 62yo, converted an iMax into a campervan and my hips had a slight problem with the high step up so I got a folding step stool but I found it was a bother to retrieve it so I just took my time getting in and out. And now my muscles have the memory of doing it I don't have a problem anymore. So I would say my problem before was more mental than physical.
#trynewthings
Same! I have to be laying flat and, I'm sorry, that is NOT flat. My feet would be dead by morning.
@@jenniferwarhawk7301 yup... a depends on your body design. I had 2 broken backs and I NEED to lie down FLAT.
I know right!!!!
You are not “crazy lady” to me at all. Recently I started often dreaming about living in my car in national forest parks myself. Thank you for sharing, you are my inspiration.
keep watching you tube, there are lots of amazing, strong, intelligent women out there doing their thing.
you can get some great ideas from them for your set up and ease of lifestyle.
i still work but love getting ideas from them all. i part time travel for now. some of them with health and emotional problems have found themselves really improved after the change of lifestyle.
Linda is DOPE!! This is the way that ALL demos should go becasue Linda actually gets in her rig and physically demonstrated how she get around and about in her rig. You can also get a size-space feel when she demos physically.
Dope means good?
@@elizabethmchenry3102 Yes.
I actually second this; I have been in the dealership industry for passing 20 years!
Elizabeth McHenry sorry for the late response. YT doesn’t notify me of new reply’s. But yes DOPE means GOOD 😊👍🏽.
I agree. I was very doubtful until she actually got inside and was going about her typical day/night. Great job!
I love her energy she sounds cool. What she do is really keep her young and fit
I love seeing people make things work and enjoy their life!
I just love linda. thank you for interviewing her and sharing her on your channel. The both of you are awesome.
Thanks for watching, Ann!
It's funny how people think this is a new way of living, but my grandfather did the same thing way back. I'm in my sixties he did this when I was in my 20's. Retired sold everything purchased a motorhome ripped everything out and rebuilt it the way he wanted it to be and traveled. Everyone in the family thought he was nuts, but him.
Yeah it does feel like a new way of living even if your grandfather did this 40 years ago
Must I say, "she is a lovely young lady with beautiful skin." You can know the ones who took care of themselves in their younger days. Absolutely wonderful! And towards the ones who would say they can not live like this, maybe myself also, It is different to the person who has adjust to this way of living. Go Linda!
The wonders of a little sunlight & fresh outdoor air.
It’s mostly genes.
I’m imagining the massive amount of money 💰 that she is saving on rent and/ or mortgage payments!!!! 🤩🤩🤩 kudos to her 🙏❤️🙏
“Aren’t you fearful?”
“Nope. Not at all”
Love that haha great vid btw!
Are you broke? Yes
No rent or house payment. No motel expense.
Great episode, Lord i ask by faith,that you watch over these 2 and all those living this lifestyle chosen or not,may their needs be met when needed and those watching, ... thanks for sharing take care be safe....
“Go. See. Do.” I love this mantra! And this lady’s spirit! Thank you for the tour, the ideas and inspiration!
Such an inspiration. I've got to keep working for 8 more years, but at 62, I'm heading out too. Wonderful and encouraging to see others out there living life on their terms. Good stuff!
I've followed Linda's channel for several years now..So organized,neat, clean and well dressed. Would never guess she lives in a vehicle that she also has a business out of..Interesting lady. Doing it her way..Thank you for the video..Have a blessed day..
This is crazy very cheap individual what a shame you didn't mention about having a kid or daughter or something with your think your granddaughter your grandkids like about this definitely don't look like a cool way of living don't you wise enough to act your age go find a place to live actually like normal human beings
@@charleskirkpatrick9098 I really don't mean any disrespect here, but why do you watch videos like this when you don't have a clue what you're talking about. She's very close to her children and grandchildren. They all have their own lives, so why doesn't she deserve to do what makes her happy? She's a good mom and grandma. Statements like these hurt people and they're respectful enough of others that they don't reply to these comments that are meant to put them down. I hope you're just having a bad day and this is not the kind of person you really are.
I agree with you 100%! 🌺👍🥰
Hi Triston I love how Linda has every thing she's got it all in a practical way
Linda is 62 and she's very fit!
You are awesome girl!
What a fantastic setup that works very well for her!!! I'm amazed at what we can really do when we are challenged to go outside the box in life! Thanks so much for sharing Linda's story!!!
Let’s all give TRISTAN a MASSIVE MASSIVE MASSIVE SHOUTOUT for allowing this video on his channel.
Wow, what an inspiration. I think people give up on this lifestyle bc they can’t afford the ridiculous expense of van builds. Most people don’t have the skills or workshop or money to spend $100,000.00 or more on a Sprinter or Ford chassis. Although I couldn’t sleep in the seat (you are amazing for that by the way), you’ve shown there to be options much more affordable than what’s usually posted. I’m really inspired by these stories of people getting back to the true meaning of the wandering lifestyle. It’s not about fitting your gaming system or expensive coffee machine into a van, it’s about being out enjoying the journey. She is so positive and uplifting but strong and practical as well. Thank you for sharing these stories and not just the super fancy van builds most of us can’t afford to ever buy. It’s also nice to see people over the age 30. Just because you are older, doesn’t mean you can’t take on this adventure.AND, it’s super empowering to see women going it on their own. Through problem solving and planning, she was able to get Lowe’s (Kudos to them, by the way, for supporting her) to put together the platform at no extra cost. What a great way to support this movement. Knowing this, I will choose Lowe’s next time I need building/lawn/etc supplies. Thanks again for sharing.
Absolutely love this!! She is a prime example of Nike "just do it"!!
We need to get out of the mindset that there is only one way to live.
Live creatively and most of all live FREELY!!
I commend her on her decision to live as she decides without giving a darn of what people think!!
Beautiful May she continue to be blessed and prosperous!!😘😘😘😘
Says “live creatively”, but thinks Nike slogans are words to live by. Incongruous.
she isnt living prosperously. she is living in a car. and everyone here is celebrating that like it is a great thing. its called being cheap, letting money control you. its pathetic
The first time I sat in a Highlander I was impressed how wide and comfortable the space is. Fantastic Linda! Delighted to see your adventure and how innovative you are to enjoy your tour in comfort. As my golf instructor father use to say, “swing with ease and you will be pleased “. Keep on trecking Linda!
God Bless you! Its so sad that our rent is so high that we have to live like this to make life tolerable. They are millions of people homeless all over the country and its good to see that they can have a choice to at least have a roof over their head o sleep in and not the street.
Supply and demand.
I don’t think she if forced to live like that I think she chooses to.. big difference
Plenty of jobs. More than ever. They choose not to work and have a roof or their addictions have been chosen instead. Its not so much a home problem. Its an addiction problem exacerbated by city handouts of free everything. Why work when you can be fed while using your misery creating substance of choice until OD claims you.
I’ve been following her for awhile now. I love her organization and go get em attitude. She’s living her best life!
She's so much fun. I love how organized she is.
Kudos to Linda, her organizational skills show through and through in her Life Style and her business! Keep on inspiring others!!!
The more I watched the more I wanted to watch! Love her energy and the pride she has.
I love her energy! She's motivating me right now.
Linda is amazing! I have been following her for several months
I’ve been following her for a long time. She makes excellent use of her resources.
She's very positive and sweet. Support her art!
I like that she keeps everything neat and well organized.
Love that you don’t complicate and go overboard. When I start traveling I’m keeping everything simple and minimal.
Awesome tour and video, she really has done a great job with downsizing and organization in the SUV. What an inspiration!! :)
Amazed how she also fits a business into such a small space. I am thinking of using a banana hammock to sleep in but I want a comfy place to sit in back. Love the steering wheel table! Wish I had one years ago. Hope I can find one local. Game changer.
I love your van set up, you're the only American vanlifers that live a very simple set up van, most of the vanlifers wants every luxury in their van like they cannot live without gadget and luxury. That's why they end up paying a fortune for buying rv or converting the van.
"Faith Over Fear" Love her t-shirt! Thank you for showing me I can live in my RAV4!
Colleen Daniels check out Pam on the Lam - she traveled the States in a RAV4 and has lots of good info for that size of space!
@@MomCat6000 Thank you!
@@MomCat6000 FYI I heard another RUclipsr say that she pulled the channel for personal reasons. I guess her dear doggy friend was not doing well health-wise so she's staying home for now.
"I'm not gonna be flipping and frying and throwing grease around."🤣
Right?
@@EvieVermont I had a good laugh too! 👏🏾😂 great lady living her life!
"i ditched the sticks and bricks"
reminds me of those 50's movies
Go Linda, you get it girl! I too was a traveler for many, many years, one of which I lived out of my van traveling through the State’s wonderful National Parks. I also often got asked that question, “Aren’t you afraid?” I never understood that. Afraid of what? Fear is such a psychological trap that keeps people from living their best life. I don’t know your back story, maybe you’ve always been a nomad, but just wanna say kudos to you for grabbing life by the horns and making of it what you want, no matter at what stage of life you are in. Very inspiring! I’ve been much more grounded the past four years and enjoying this phase of my life (having chickens and a veggie garden on the road isn’t easy) but I have no doubt I’ll return to a more nomadic lifestyle one day and only hope I have as much gumption as you in my wiser years.
I admire people who choose to live out their car. I have a Nissan Sentra and after loosing my job and apartment gritty sold, my only option was living Out of my car for 10 months until I got back on my feet and omgg, trying to sleep in a car was theee worst. Not comfortable at all
Two of my favorites RUclipsrs in one video!
I saw her car setup . She is very organized. She upgraded
One has to be very organized and be a minimalist. She is amazing
Me too. She's already moved up and had plans for a tiny home. She is saving her coins well. . I commend her for the discipline she has and of course the way she is able to maneuver around in her vehicle. I thought for sure she would have had a bed in her SUV. I guess she's used the chair of i mean
Hello from Australia, loved the tour , your positive attitude and confidence 🌟
I’m pretty excited to find this since I have been watching your videos and just searched for Highlander camper and you have this great video! I have a Highlander and I think it’s perfect for suv camping. I truly think it’s a super comfortable suv to rest and travel in. I typically fold the two rows of seats and that gives a TON of space. Go Linda!!! And thanks for this!
Linda was one of the people that inspired me to live in my Altima. I went to Quartzsite from Alabama for two weeks to meet Bob and Sueann from HOWA. I knew that was the life I wanted so I came back to lol for a van because I will have my two doggies and the Altima is a little small for us all. The only thing in my way is finances buying a van.
Kudos to you both on a clear comprehensive video. You were absolutely right Linda. The two of you did a great job. I’ve been following you both for close to a year. This was just what I needed a clear video of the interior of your Hylander with you, Linda moving around inside (show and tell). I was seriously considering a Hylander even before you got yours. When you got it, I was thrilled to see how you would organize it and I’ve been waiting until today to have a clear up close view of the interior. Thank you so very much! The only problem is that you didn’t show us where your everyday clothes are, and you didn’t mention how you use your collapsing toilet.
Yes!! Ms. Linda YOU ROCK!!!
This lady has her own channel remember her in other other car. God bless you you ate a beautiful soul!
Linda, it is Sunday 6-28-20 & I've just watched you 2x demonstrate your 2012 van life. I am 76yo. I appreciate your attitude and feeling safe attitude. My Q is this -- you mentioned that you like to hike. How do you make your office equipment safe? Do you worry about break-ins? How do insurance companies deal with these things? E.g., contents of a van 'home'? Particularly office & business equipment? How does a single woman leave her van/home and e.g. go run errands? Groc shop? Hike? In general, be absent from her home w/o worries of break-ins? I am in awe of your attitude and transformation into this lifestyle. Please let me know how you handle your absences? Do you pay to stay in a campground & the forest rangers make regular checkups of the grounds? And if you park in an outlying area, how do you handle being seen e.g. leaving to go off hiking? Is there a special alarm system rv-ers can purchase? Special insurance? Special break-in proof doors and windows? How does this work? I too work online & often get riveted by these videos, especially of single, older rv-ing women traveling the U.S. & also into other countries. On a private note, I cannot seem to settle down since my partner of nearly 30 yrs passed on & I can't imagine a retirement community or trailer park or an empty lovely home without her. I just can't. When she was alive, I wanted very much to live as you do -- we were extraordinarily compatible traveling companions & we did consider moving around like you do. But concerns about income arose & I did not have the business that I've developed since her death ... and then cancer made a decision for us .. and now this. I am very eager to hear your answers & will gladly pay your hourly rate for consultation. Thanks, Kathy Elliott email me: kathy@kathy-elliott.com I'm in N CA
Those are really good questions that I have too. Her SUV probably has an alarm but is that enough? There are campgrounds all over that have personnel some probably better then others. I stayed in Yosemite where you are surrounded by so many people. Lots of bears, too.
I’m impressed with your organization Linda
I'm planning to do this when I'm 63. Thought I needed to get a van. Been looking. My SUV will do. I have 3 yrs to go. Will start weekend trips now. Thank you Linda for showing me it's possible in my car. I will move up to a van later. Let me know what your diet is because my extremities get numb in restricted spaces. I know it diet and exercise. I've been watching these type of videos for years. You will be my 1st subbie.
It's so weird how times change. It use to be that people were reluctant to say they lived out of their car like "yes I was living out of my car 😔...but just for a little while" and now it's like "👋🏽 hey I'm living out of my car! Ain't it fun. I livin free and simple 💃🏽"
Yay Tristan for interviewing Linda of Serene and Simple Life. She has such a positive outlook.....a classy lady. You were in the desert, I am used to seeing you in the mountains.....🤗
Followed her journey often, amazing lady and so inspiring 💐
I loved Linda's set up organized & she's happy in SUV life. Sometimes we can feel sorry for ourselves living in vehicles & forget about the fun😁even when we don't want a stationary home thank you both💜🚙
I love the the simplicity of this life style. Thank you for sharing.
I’m a first timer here, found you from Linda’s channel. Now I’m a subscriber !
Love the minimalist set up and organization!
Goal zero and Jackery have made this definitely more possible then ever before! Right now converting my rav4 into a camper!
I love Linda's channel, she is so kind & upbeat. 💐
This lady looks like a really nice person ❤️
I'm going to do this with my highlander. I'm tired of paying rent lol
I know right ☺️
Kudos to this woman for living her life her way.
What a clever, comfortable for her, and functional build
Boy do I love this lady and her setup.
I don't like colors "screaming at me" either.
Thank you so much for so freely sharing such great info.
Enjoy it !
Thanks Linda for allowing me to find Tristin. Great interview & looking forward to see how you live in your vehicle. Safe travels 🙏💞
Respect to you, you are breaking the norm and that takes alot of courage to do, good job girl xxx
Thank you for sharing your Toyota Camper Tour and we love it !❤❤❤
This is one of the most organized full time living in your vehicle. Good job!
“I’m having the time of my life, right now!” A lesson for us all. 5⭐️
I love it! I would live like this when my kids grow up. ❤️
Love Linda’s energy!
I love her setup and how it's not a build. It's just a very well organized setup. I was looking at the Highlander but ended up falling in love with the 4runner so that may be my next vehicle next year and I'm thinking of getting into solo camping and road trips and hoping to sleep in the vehicle.
Lots of good tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing.
Living like this is a great way to save for my tiny home from Incredible Tiny Homes in Newport, TN when I am ready.
Amazing, just how much can be achieved, with careful thought and planning. Everything you need is right there. Excellent.
Linda is amazing! This is so inspiring! I need to live more!! I wrote down notes!! Love the mantra, thank you.
God bless you!
I’m a retired woman using my 2003 Highlander for 2 week camping trips! I’ve set my SUV a bit differently but I’m not a gourmet cook either. I do need my coffee. Makes camping easier
I invested in a Jackery but also an SUV tent, a real game changer
I had to pause this video to say: Linda is a freaking badass and I love her!!!!
Great and fun video. Well done on keepin everything simple. Thank you for sharing
Not trying to rain on your parade but sleeping in a car eating soup is not my idea of cozy !!!! Glad to see you so happy. 😀
She is such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
I have watched linda in her car and see now she is in bigger car I am amazed at her organized way and feminine yet strong willed wow one can not imagine so much fits
I’ve been following Linda for quite some time, I’d dearly love to have her strength to cut loose and just go. “One of these days, Alice, one of these days!” 😁👍🏻💖
You can do it!
I am in southwest florida & thinking the same thing! 🙏💞
But tour name is Wendy?
@@3generations393 There is an online website called Meetup.com, they have virtual meetings where you can find out a lot about full timing.
“One of these days, Alice, one of these days!” - He said that meaning he was going to punch her and send her to the moon. Interesting phrase to choose for yourself.
What a super inspirational woman. Really enjoyed this. Thank you Linda
I am so impressed! I may join your mindset and move into my Subaru Crosstrek. 62 years old and retiring from teaching.., your lifestyle sounds awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you from Australia. The Hylander is known as the Kluger here. I have one. They have an amazing amount of storage without doing what you have done. Mine is about to become my camper. Thank you for showing me what can be done.
Really cool, I am so into the van life and currently building my chevy express! I love driving and sleeping but one thing i couldn't imagine is sleeping in the same seat I spend all day driving in! Haha im not hating at all, just saying :)
Linda your attitude is great!
You are loved and appreciated! You are a whole vibe!
Kudos to you, Linda. Only when I try this, me and my SUV look like a frog in a blender. Haven't quite got the knack yet.
Love Linda. I've been following her almost as long as she has been on the too. Now I follow you too😎
I sure do admire Linda's energy. Thanks for the upload ❣️👍👍😎
She is lovely! I adore her and Andy 🧡♥️ prayers God keeps them both safe on their travels.