Apologies for the driving audio and all the swearing.. This is typically a family friendly channel and this is not going to be a regular thing. As a public ambassador of vanlife, I guess you are going to get some weird energy coming out of the ether, just keep your cool and wait for them to edit all their comments 😆(best to not engage in the first place..) All of this is viewable on a public group and names are public domain. Since this video is getting up in views, I went back and edited out the Vanlife channel names that I mentioned in the first half. No one said anything, but I feel it is not right to drag them into a video that also includes off platform drama.. Watch until the very end to get the full story.. Happy Trails!
I'm looking for either an astro or a GMC savana to turn into a stealth camper, kind of recreationally. I know it might be tacky or whatever but my goal is to see more of the country with my fiancee and not spend money we don't have on hotels, and we're both adventurous sorts. One of the big things I'm wrestling with is my sleeping needs - I had spinal surgery last year and I can't sleep very easily unless I'm on my side or in a chair and I only sleep 3 to 4 hours at a time before pain wakes me up (not complaining, I'm not paralyzed and I am grateful for my health), but that's one of the big challenges. I'm gonna look into more of your videos to check out the Astro and your experience with it, etc. As well as bed installations and storage solutions. It would be 2 people and maybe our dog (198 pound mastiff, Momo - he's chubby). Going for a balance between stealth and comfort, maybe get a wrap for my consulting business (which is kind of legit, just nothing I'd ever need a van for). Any advice for someone about to take that plunge? Stay safe! Hope the road treats you well, mate!
Ah the good ole research phase😁Not tacky at all! A van is my favorite way to travel hands down, you see more, can stay anywhere, no schedule, can change plans at the drop of a hat, no check out time, full control, no tour groups or bus to the resort etc the lower cost is just the icing on the cake 😁 Glad you are recovering, that is definitely going to be challenging in a van, you may have heard of Matt over @ VanlifePlus, he went through a similar surgery while living full time in a chevy express, recovery and all. I have minor issues and can only sleep on my side as well and I can honestly say the van is extremely comfortable, not sure if it is the fresh air or what but I sleep like a baby and wake up at a more regular time and rarely have to set an alarm for an early rise. The Astros are a great size, slightly wider than a minivan and way more robust. Great for parking and navigating grown in trails (also available in AWD) but the savanna/express would be a lot more room. I bought my van for the exact same reasons you are thinking, the hotel costs around here are crazy 2-300 a night and the experience sub par. What I spent in a summer of hotels paid for my entire interior build 😅 If you watch enough astro vids you will find its a lot of single guys/ladies, there are some couples, but not any I have seen with a pooch that big though. I knew in the back of my head that even just my lady friend (5'4" ish) was going to be very tight and only for a weekend or so. when the futon is folded down it takes up the majority of the floor space which doesn.t leave much room for a dog or a tinkle in the middle of the night.. I'm a pretty slender 5 11" and there is no way I would fit width wise in the astro, even on an angle, a second person would be a stretch. Plenty of room to go lengthwise since its about 8' along the floor of cargo room. I have a video that shows what a medium size futon measures out to in the astro I would check that out to get a batter Idea. ruclips.net/video/873Nq_O9gGA/видео.htmlsi=QbHc6bPgVehXOVmb If I were to add a furry friend to my van I would probably need to change the layout... For advice I hate to sound like a broken record but everyone is right, you want to get out in the van as soon as you can with a very basic setup and you will quickly figure out if you like it, and what you truly need. I started with just a futon, window coverings and bins, now it feels like a fully functioning apartment on wheels haha I would say find the best shape van you can and get out in it with a simple setup, the wrap is definitely a good move once you are set on it. The consulting business is perfect because it wont attract thieves that think the van is loaded with tools or product. I thought about getting some magnetic sign made up for my doors but once I started bolting stuff to the roof stealth went out the window😅 Thanks for the awesome comment, gave me a lot to think about for video ideas! Happy trails and good luck in your research/van search!
You’re real. Nothing is better than that. Yeah transmission problems suck. I had it rebuilt on my two previous vehicles (Uplander and Grand Caravan). I was lucky and found a good guy with years of experience. He did a great job and it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. He’s retired now so hopefully my Kia Sportage treats me better. Anyways thanks for sharing. Take care and stay safe.
Thank you for the nice words! that is very encouraging, youtube is my favorite platform because you get to see authentic people doing there thing. Getting to be less and less these days, but the real stuff is thankfully still out there! Oh man, sounds like you are due for some good luck on the Kia, that's too bad about your guy retiring, if you find a good one best to hold onto them 😅 I should have known it would happen to my van as they say it is just a matter of time, if it hasn't already been rebuilt it will need it in the near future.. especially if used to tow which my van unfortunately was.. Hard to know what to buy these days, the Kias/hyundais seem to be holding up better than the domestic stuff, the Japanese is just too expensive even well used! Thanks for the comment and take care!
New scriber.... Simple to the point with your content .. good stuff- appreciate it! Im in a pickup (longbed) older Toyota well maintained. Just keep it simple.. you do you! Much grace.. i am out in the deserts of CA,AZ,NV. It is wide open out here... My rig is 4×4 with small tires- for better road travel..
Welcome! and I thank you, I try to keep it interesting and to the point and don't typically make long videos of this nature, especially the back half 😅 Very nice choice of rig, love the older yotas they are bomb proof! Definitely last a longer in that area.. a dozen winters in around here and the rust has had its way usually. Small tires are the way! better mpg, acceleration, lower upfront cost, geared better for towing, don't think ill go bigger than 30" when i replace mine.
It’s all good , sometimes people just don’t think the same. I hope your transmission holds up . My wife always tells me , just pay someone and have it done ! You don’t have time for everything. I told her , so what, pay to have to re-do poor work..most people just want to get paid.. and will rush and cut corners.
You are very right. I should have known this, it was totally my mistake thinking he was replying to me directly, even though the vanlife hate is kinda suspicious.. his first reply before editing was a lot more entertaining.. but in the end I hope maybe we both can grow from it, he will be sure to check the core support on #23 I am sure 👍 Yeah that is so true and exactly what I was afraid of. Nobody cares about your vehicle as much as you do. I made it extremely easy for them, let them have it for 2 weeks, completely emptied the van so they weren't road testing it with and apartment in the back. They literally tossed my van together, wiring harness dangling on the front drive shaft rubbing, abs module heat shield MIA and just hanging out bouncing around connected by only the brake lines.. I shit you not... a bell housing bolt left in finger tight.. there's more and I have it all on video but what's done is done and I learned my lesson now. Id rather swap a junkyard trans on sidewalk then let a shop charge me large for work like that again.
@@alwaysgoodinthewoods Oh , I believe it.. bolts loose or missing . I know the feeling of wanting to take it back or call the person out on what isn’t right. I find , I just don’t have the time or energy to deal with it half the time anymore. I hate laying on the ground fixing my car , but I still take the pain over paying someone.. I want it perfect and done with our worry something isn’t done right. I don’t usually test drive my vehicles after major repairs.. I drive them as I would before .
Yep its the finer details that even the "professionals" often neglect that really make a job. Honestly, It's why I became a mechanic in the first place, had a few bad experiences when I was younger and then taught myself with books and the internet, eventually went to school for it and got a job and realized I wouldn't let damn near 80% of my coworkers work on my bicycle without supervision.. I try not take it too personally and assume the shop got busy or a guy called in sick and someone else put it back in etc. but there is no way you would look under the van and call it done. Didn't hound them or anything, just dropped the van off when they said, and handed them a fat wad of cash when I picked it up. Was still way under the 12 month warranty too... Only time I'll ever hand my keys over from here on out is tires, alignments and undercoatings.. if I cant fix it I guess its time for an e-bike 😁
Just so you are aware I own parchem sports and screen printing and I don't do back door deals all my reviews are above bord I can back that up. I can't speak for other business .keep doing what your doing good job.
That is very commendable of you, and I really shouldn't talk in absolutes. The big problem with google reviews is they were such a good resource in the beginning that people will usually just go with whoever has the highest and don't really dig into the reviews. This leads to shady business practices that devalues good folks like you who have genuine reviews and happy customers. I have since heard terrible things about this shop and that the owner is a big name in this city who attends all the fancy dinners if you know what I mean, owns many businesses and will have bad reviews removed. Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching!
Apologies for the driving audio and all the swearing..
This is typically a family friendly channel and this is not going to be a regular thing.
As a public ambassador of vanlife, I guess you are going to get some weird energy coming out of the ether, just keep your cool and wait for them to edit all their comments 😆(best to not engage in the first place..)
All of this is viewable on a public group and names are public domain. Since this video is getting up in views, I went back and edited out the Vanlife channel names that I mentioned in the first half. No one said anything, but I feel it is not right to drag them into a video that also includes off platform drama..
Watch until the very end to get the full story..
Happy Trails!
I'm looking for either an astro or a GMC savana to turn into a stealth camper, kind of recreationally. I know it might be tacky or whatever but my goal is to see more of the country with my fiancee and not spend money we don't have on hotels, and we're both adventurous sorts. One of the big things I'm wrestling with is my sleeping needs - I had spinal surgery last year and I can't sleep very easily unless I'm on my side or in a chair and I only sleep 3 to 4 hours at a time before pain wakes me up (not complaining, I'm not paralyzed and I am grateful for my health), but that's one of the big challenges.
I'm gonna look into more of your videos to check out the Astro and your experience with it, etc. As well as bed installations and storage solutions.
It would be 2 people and maybe our dog (198 pound mastiff, Momo - he's chubby). Going for a balance between stealth and comfort, maybe get a wrap for my consulting business (which is kind of legit, just nothing I'd ever need a van for).
Any advice for someone about to take that plunge?
Stay safe! Hope the road treats you well, mate!
Ah the good ole research phase😁Not tacky at all! A van is my favorite way to travel hands down, you see more, can stay anywhere, no schedule, can change plans at the drop of a hat, no check out time, full control, no tour groups or bus to the resort etc the lower cost is just the icing on the cake 😁
Glad you are recovering, that is definitely going to be challenging in a van, you may have heard of Matt over @ VanlifePlus, he went through a similar surgery while living full time in a chevy express, recovery and all. I have minor issues and can only sleep on my side as well and I can honestly say the van is extremely comfortable, not sure if it is the fresh air or what but I sleep like a baby and wake up at a more regular time and rarely have to set an alarm for an early rise.
The Astros are a great size, slightly wider than a minivan and way more robust. Great for parking and navigating grown in trails (also available in AWD) but the savanna/express would be a lot more room. I bought my van for the exact same reasons you are thinking, the hotel costs around here are crazy 2-300 a night and the experience sub par. What I spent in a summer of hotels paid for my entire interior build 😅
If you watch enough astro vids you will find its a lot of single guys/ladies, there are some couples, but not any I have seen with a pooch that big though. I knew in the back of my head that even just my lady friend (5'4" ish) was going to be very tight and only for a weekend or so. when the futon is folded down it takes up the majority of the floor space which doesn.t leave much room for a dog or a tinkle in the middle of the night..
I'm a pretty slender 5 11" and there is no way I would fit width wise in the astro, even on an angle, a second person would be a stretch. Plenty of room to go lengthwise since its about 8' along the floor of cargo room. I have a video that shows what a medium size futon measures out to in the astro I would check that out to get a batter Idea.
ruclips.net/video/873Nq_O9gGA/видео.htmlsi=QbHc6bPgVehXOVmb
If I were to add a furry friend to my van I would probably need to change the layout...
For advice I hate to sound like a broken record but everyone is right, you want to get out in the van as soon as you can with a very basic setup and you will quickly figure out if you like it, and what you truly need. I started with just a futon, window coverings and bins, now it feels like a fully functioning apartment on wheels haha
I would say find the best shape van you can and get out in it with a simple setup, the wrap is definitely a good move once you are set on it. The consulting business is perfect because it wont attract thieves that think the van is loaded with tools or product. I thought about getting some magnetic sign made up for my doors but once I started bolting stuff to the roof stealth went out the window😅
Thanks for the awesome comment, gave me a lot to think about for video ideas!
Happy trails and good luck in your research/van search!
You’re real. Nothing is better than that. Yeah transmission problems suck. I had it rebuilt on my two previous vehicles (Uplander and Grand Caravan). I was lucky and found a good guy with years of experience. He did a great job and it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. He’s retired now so hopefully my Kia Sportage treats me better. Anyways thanks for sharing. Take care and stay safe.
Thank you for the nice words! that is very encouraging, youtube is my favorite platform because you get to see authentic people doing there thing. Getting to be less and less these days, but the real stuff is thankfully still out there!
Oh man, sounds like you are due for some good luck on the Kia, that's too bad about your guy retiring, if you find a good one best to hold onto them 😅 I should have known it would happen to my van as they say it is just a matter of time, if it hasn't already been rebuilt it will need it in the near future.. especially if used to tow which my van unfortunately was..
Hard to know what to buy these days, the Kias/hyundais seem to be holding up better than the domestic stuff, the Japanese is just too expensive even well used!
Thanks for the comment and take care!
New scriber.... Simple to the point with your content .. good stuff- appreciate it!
Im in a pickup (longbed) older Toyota well maintained. Just keep it simple.. you do you! Much grace.. i am out in the deserts of CA,AZ,NV. It is wide open out here... My rig is 4×4 with small tires- for better road travel..
Welcome! and I thank you, I try to keep it interesting and to the point and don't typically make long videos of this nature, especially the back half 😅
Very nice choice of rig, love the older yotas they are bomb proof! Definitely last a longer in that area.. a dozen winters in around here and the rust has had its way usually.
Small tires are the way! better mpg, acceleration, lower upfront cost, geared better for towing, don't think ill go bigger than 30" when i replace mine.
It’s all good , sometimes people just don’t think the same. I hope your transmission holds up . My wife always tells me , just pay someone and have it done ! You don’t have time for everything. I told her , so what, pay to have to re-do poor work..most people just want to get paid.. and will rush and cut corners.
You are very right. I should have known this, it was totally my mistake thinking he was replying to me directly, even though the vanlife hate is kinda suspicious.. his first reply before editing was a lot more entertaining.. but in the end I hope maybe we both can grow from it, he will be sure to check the core support on #23 I am sure 👍
Yeah that is so true and exactly what I was afraid of. Nobody cares about your vehicle as much as you do. I made it extremely easy for them, let them have it for 2 weeks, completely emptied the van so they weren't road testing it with and apartment in the back. They literally tossed my van together, wiring harness dangling on the front drive shaft rubbing, abs module heat shield MIA and just hanging out bouncing around connected by only the brake lines.. I shit you not... a bell housing bolt left in finger tight.. there's more and I have it all on video but what's done is done and I learned my lesson now. Id rather swap a junkyard trans on sidewalk then let a shop charge me large for work like that again.
@@alwaysgoodinthewoods Oh , I believe it.. bolts loose or missing . I know the feeling of wanting to take it back or call the person out on what isn’t right. I find , I just don’t have the time or energy to deal with it half the time anymore. I hate laying on the ground fixing my car , but I still take the pain over paying someone.. I want it perfect and done with our worry something isn’t done right. I don’t usually test drive my vehicles after major repairs.. I drive them as I would before .
Yep its the finer details that even the "professionals" often neglect that really make a job. Honestly, It's why I became a mechanic in the first place, had a few bad experiences when I was younger and then taught myself with books and the internet, eventually went to school for it and got a job and realized I wouldn't let damn near 80% of my coworkers work on my bicycle without supervision..
I try not take it too personally and assume the shop got busy or a guy called in sick and someone else put it back in etc. but there is no way you would look under the van and call it done. Didn't hound them or anything, just dropped the van off when they said, and handed them a fat wad of cash when I picked it up. Was still way under the 12 month warranty too...
Only time I'll ever hand my keys over from here on out is tires, alignments and undercoatings.. if I cant fix it I guess its time for an e-bike 😁
Do you have a video that shows how you placed the diesel heater and exhaust? Enjoying this as I dehydrate food.
Just so you are aware I own parchem sports and screen printing and I don't do back door deals all my reviews are above bord I can back that up. I can't speak for other business .keep doing what your doing good job.
That is very commendable of you, and I really shouldn't talk in absolutes. The big problem with google reviews is they were such a good resource in the beginning that people will usually just go with whoever has the highest and don't really dig into the reviews.
This leads to shady business practices that devalues good folks like you who have genuine reviews and happy customers.
I have since heard terrible things about this shop and that the owner is a big name in this city who attends all the fancy dinners if you know what I mean, owns many businesses and will have bad reviews removed.
Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching!