This is one of the most honest videos out there on DIY van builds..! We have worked on ours for a year and a half (uhhhh) and let me tell you....... haha. Two perfectists and two leader types made this a challenge for our relationship, to say the less. But once you get threw this, we feel like there is nothing we can't do! I totally agree with you both, you really really need to plan not just the van build, but also how you as a couple will work during the process, that is the best way to avoid (kind of!?) the fights and frustrations.. Also, you don't even know how many times during our build we where doing something that was NOT going also planned (like every step!?!) and looked at eachother and said: imagine if we where filming this for RUclips.. and then laugh-cried. So I feel for you both! Kudos to both of you for getting threw your build in one piece! You both seem to be silly and funny enough to laugh things off ;) Maybe we'll see you on the road one day!!
Sarina! Thank you so much for your comment. It’s feels good to know that we are not alone in this. Reach out to us on Instagram if you want to connect and maybe we can arrange to meet when you’re on the road!!@meghanandmatt
I totally relate to this. My sister actually bailed on me early in our build because we hit a few bumps in realizing how big of an undertaking it was. I was really taken aback by how much stress it caused in general- how much our interpersonal communication skills failed us lol. I had to accept she was moving on from the project we planned to do together but loosing a build partner was a huge blow. Combine that with moving twice in the same year and I totally had to take a couple months break over winter to save my sanity. So like, filming while building, lol yea no. I try to capture moments and take pictures for a time lapse down the road but I gave up on the majority of that a while ago. Now almost year later and I’m back at it! My skills have really improved so thats a silver lining, the build quality is better for it. I’ve also never had to face how my own brain works, for better or worse, more acutely than I have during this experience. I’ve def learned to hone in on what my non-negotiables are vs when to move on with a part of the build to save time/money/sanity instead of getting stuck.The van build experience is basically a giant mirror of self-reflection. Its a marathon, it’s an emotional struggle! However (!) my passion has never faded and that feels like it hits at such a deep place of knowing that this is a representation of what is true to me. I absolutely love van life and I love exploring the U.S. I’m so excited for everything to come!! Hot tip: Weekly therapy isn’t a bad idea while building the tiny home of your dreams ;)
I feel like we lived the same life! The build was tough on us and trying to add on filming it was definitely not helpful. You’re definitely right about it being an emotional marathon. But it’s all worth it in the end we’re loving this life and all the challenges that come with it. Thanks so much for sharing your story!
Hi my name is Jeffery from Blackpool England and I live in a tent in the back of a van and struggling I did leas a camper that had the same expense one it cost 47 pounds a week in gas and that was only set at 21 degrees plus 20 in diesel to ceep the 12v charged that's why I'm in a teant please remember your wealth is your health not money in the bank please be healthy happy and lucky
Also,,, the decision maker should be the one footing the bill! Another hindsight- if I’m the one paying $40k, my cheating ex should never have had a say in how my money was spent on the design. Lesson learned way too late.
Most of our arguments are when we are working on building projects, yet we have flipped a house, partially built a van and now we are building another, what are we thinking😆😆😆😆
Filming for RUclips, yes! Hindsight, I would have filmed until completed then loaded the build. I filmed for 3 months then started uploading and wasn’t even at the halfway mark when I finally caught up to the videos during the build. It was a lot of added pressure, I could have done without. Also, zero experience with so much stress to get weekly videos out. Also, I filmed every mistake so people do learn what not to do! 😂
sorry the build doesn't hold fond memories (maybe a few?). Its a fact - two separate people are two separate people. its very rare that two separate people would agree on EVERYthing. I would say though, rather than letting one person be "in charge" of the decision (because, whoever gets the short straw and doesn't get to be in charge, will probably harbor some bit of bitterness - especially when neither are good followers)... communication is the key!! talk out why each feels this or that should be done.. If no resolution is made - wait - give yourselves TIME to come together. You're both going to be living in it!! I think too often we want to have it DONE - NOW.. and that causes a ton of stress. ... well.. off my soapbox now. (I only speak to this because of MANY fights/arguements/disagreements with my hubs over decades). Happy Travels!
Thanks Kathi! We are proud of ourselves for having overcome a huge obstacle and completing a difficult project, but when we think back to the process, it was stressful for sure. Wish we knew how to cope with indifference before the build but we had never done anything this big together! Definitely communication is key! Thanks!
Great video guys! Everything was on point 🤘
Thank you!! Hopefully it helps some folks out!
This is one of the most honest videos out there on DIY van builds..! We have worked on ours for a year and a half (uhhhh) and let me tell you....... haha. Two perfectists and two leader types made this a challenge for our relationship, to say the less. But once you get threw this, we feel like there is nothing we can't do! I totally agree with you both, you really really need to plan not just the van build, but also how you as a couple will work during the process, that is the best way to avoid (kind of!?) the fights and frustrations..
Also, you don't even know how many times during our build we where doing something that was NOT going also planned (like every step!?!) and looked at eachother and said: imagine if we where filming this for RUclips.. and then laugh-cried. So I feel for you both! Kudos to both of you for getting threw your build in one piece! You both seem to be silly and funny enough to laugh things off ;)
Maybe we'll see you on the road one day!!
Sarina! Thank you so much for your comment. It’s feels good to know that we are not alone in this. Reach out to us on Instagram if you want to connect and maybe we can arrange to meet when you’re on the road!!@meghanandmatt
Probably the best honest video i’ve seen of van related stuff, highlighting the turbulence that building a joint venture can be.
Thank you, it was definitely NOT easy!
I totally relate to this. My sister actually bailed on me early in our build because we hit a few bumps in realizing how big of an undertaking it was. I was really taken aback by how much stress it caused in general- how much our interpersonal communication skills failed us lol. I had to accept she was moving on from the project we planned to do together but loosing a build partner was a huge blow. Combine that with moving twice in the same year and I totally had to take a couple months break over winter to save my sanity. So like, filming while building, lol yea no. I try to capture moments and take pictures for a time lapse down the road but I gave up on the majority of that a while ago. Now almost year later and I’m back at it! My skills have really improved so thats a silver lining, the build quality is better for it. I’ve also never had to face how my own brain works, for better or worse, more acutely than I have during this experience. I’ve def learned to hone in on what my non-negotiables are vs when to move on with a part of the build to save time/money/sanity instead of getting stuck.The van build experience is basically a giant mirror of self-reflection. Its a marathon, it’s an emotional struggle! However (!) my passion has never faded and that feels like it hits at such a deep place of knowing that this is a representation of what is true to me. I absolutely love van life and I love exploring the U.S. I’m so excited for everything to come!! Hot tip: Weekly therapy isn’t a bad idea while building the tiny home of your dreams ;)
I feel like we lived the same life! The build was tough on us and trying to add on filming it was definitely not helpful. You’re definitely right about it being an emotional marathon. But it’s all worth it in the end we’re loving this life and all the challenges that come with it. Thanks so much for sharing your story!
Really glad you added the “couples” struggles of the build. And the whole video is great! Nice to see a more realistic perspective!!
Thanks, I️ think we saw a lot of videos about the build itself but the relationship balance was the hardest part
When you decide to explore Canada the heater will be bliss but the money exchage will be noticed
Oh yeah I’m sure!
Really love your honesty in this video. Points were well explained and make perfect sense! Good Luck to you both!! All the best!
Thanks Dawn! We might need to rewatch this one for our current airstream rebuild 😅
I can relate to tip 3. It's really too much to figure everything out and also film and edit.
It’s just too much!
Ya'll are being adorable. I hope ya'll are having fun and I miss you guys! Can't wait for you guys to come to Florida! (Orlando)
Aw thanks John! We will be there this winter!
Hi my name is Jeffery from Blackpool England and I live in a tent in the back of a van and struggling I did leas a camper that had the same expense one it cost 47 pounds a week in gas and that was only set at 21 degrees plus 20 in diesel to ceep the 12v charged that's why I'm in a teant please remember your wealth is your health not money in the bank please be healthy happy and lucky
Hey Jeffery, I definitely agree that your wealth is your health. I hope things turn around for you 🤙🏼
I applaud Meghan's approach to emptying the grey water: Delegate. 😉
I️ love delegating lol
Also,,, the decision maker should be the one footing the bill! Another hindsight- if I’m the one paying $40k, my cheating ex should never have had a say in how my money was spent on the design. Lesson learned way too late.
Most of our arguments are when we are working on building projects, yet we have flipped a house, partially built a van and now we are building another, what are we thinking😆😆😆😆
Hahaha yeah I (Matt) keep telling Meghan that I’m ready for another build and she is NOT having it 😂
@@Meghanandmatt 😆now that youve lived in it for a bit you know what works and what doesnt for vanlife
Yup exactly. And I know what I’d want to do differently
Filming for RUclips, yes! Hindsight, I would have filmed until completed then loaded the build. I filmed for 3 months then started uploading and wasn’t even at the halfway mark when I finally caught up to the videos during the build. It was a lot of added pressure, I could have done without. Also, zero experience with so much stress to get weekly videos out. Also, I filmed every mistake so people do learn what not to do! 😂
It’s just too stressful! There’s no way you can be a resource for people when you don’t know what you’re doing 😂
Me asking my wife: What do you think this or that for the van
Her: do it, however you want
Me: Perfect
great video
Thanks!
sorry the build doesn't hold fond memories (maybe a few?). Its a fact - two separate people are two separate people. its very rare that two separate people would agree on EVERYthing. I would say though, rather than letting one person be "in charge" of the decision (because, whoever gets the short straw and doesn't get to be in charge, will probably harbor some bit of bitterness - especially when neither are good followers)... communication is the key!! talk out why each feels this or that should be done.. If no resolution is made - wait - give yourselves TIME to come together. You're both going to be living in it!! I think too often we want to have it DONE - NOW.. and that causes a ton of stress. ... well.. off my soapbox now. (I only speak to this because of MANY fights/arguements/disagreements with my hubs over decades). Happy Travels!
Thanks Kathi! We are proud of ourselves for having overcome a huge obstacle and completing a difficult project, but when we think back to the process, it was stressful for sure. Wish we knew how to cope with indifference before the build but we had never done anything this big together! Definitely communication is key! Thanks!
Nice video. Your girl might be a bit of maintenance. Love you guys.
Get rid of this princess. My lord! Partner shaming, entitled, self righteous.
Sorry to break the news to you but years later we’re still together 😎