How much $ we WASTED on our first van trip. Cost breakdown!
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- Опубликовано: 20 июл 2021
- I DIY'ed the whole build. If I can do it, YOU can do it!
If you'd like to buy me a coffee, THANKS! Hit this link: ko-fi.com/lesliekalk
Here's some of the stuff I used to make the van a camper. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no cost to you:
Square perforated tubing for roof crossbars:
flex-craft.com/
Roof basket:
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Tarp poles:
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Sewing machine:
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Roof rails:
Get the OEM - Original Equipment Manufactured - roof rails:
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Roof cross bars:
flex-craft.com/
Motion activated light:
amzn.to/3iijFep
Collapsible crate:
amzn.to/3fXPLui
Telescoping table leg:
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Table Support Channel and Slide:
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Rechargeable fan:
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Igloo cooler:
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3-drawer unit in pantry:
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Collapsible bucket:
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Disposable "toilet" bags:
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Mattress:
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Mattress fabric (Looks like the design I ordered was discontinued. But I LOVE this one):
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Zippers for mattress covers:
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Lantern that's crushable, USB chargeable and SOLAR chargeable:
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Toiletry travel bag (Hubby loves this!):
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Quick Dry towel (Another of Hubby's faves):
amzn.to/3iqKGwb
Watch Next! >> FULL TOUR of my Minivan Camper: ruclips.net/video/FsCz8USgvJg/видео.html and What I ELIMINATED after living full time in the Minivan: ruclips.net/video/in8H_ilCQPw/видео.html
He is saying thank you as they screen traitor; I love it
Im not surprised at these costs. When I get my minivan to camp/travel i wont be travelling everyday and will boondock or do rest areas/truck stops.....do not want to pay for any camp spots.
Thanks for the informative video!
You seem to have interesting niche topics in this van-life area. Unique
Thanks! I just like to blab ;)
Putting stuff on the roof tends to lower fuel economy more than the weight at Hwy speeds. I have a 2013 Odyssey which averaged 24~25 mpg carrying a 300 lb motorcycle on a rear carrier. Nothing on the roof.
Thank You for sharing this. Happy for you two. Traveling is so much fun. I have a Prius and I’m planning a trip from MiamiDade to Washington Seattle in September. I really want to see Yellow Stone Park and GranTeton.
I enjoy your videos very much. Keep up the good work.
Hi Manie, that trip sounds like a BLAST!!! Thanks so much for checking in.
Those who camp off grid are always going to travel more cheaply than those who don't, but it all depends on what you are comfortable with and what your budget is! As a single mother with two kids (& their friends we always took with us) we always stayed in campgrounds when we traveled for safety sake, but in those days campgrounds were a lot cheaper and included many free amenities. We had a favorite vacation spot in VA on the Chesapeake Bay where the kids could crab, surf, fish, swim, and even play pool, table tennis, & free pinball machines in the club house on rainy days. My rule was that they were given an allowance and once they spent it no more was given to them, so that taught all the kids how to budget, too. However, at the end of our vacation, I always took them to the boardwalk for one last big bang before we headed home. We traveled many states around the country but always tried to do the things which were free..... biking, hiking, rock hunting, flying kites at the ocean, diving off our Coast Guard inflatable boat on the lakes, collection sea shells, fishing clamming, crabbing, etc., depending where we were. We often had to have garage sales before we left home to pay for the gas & tolls in our Class C which on a good day got only 9 or 10 mpg.! But we had just as much fun as anyone with all kinds of money as we sat around campfires in the evening singing and making s'mores, laughing & talking and just being together! It doesn't take a lot of money if you don't do all the touristy things, but if you have the money to do that, there's no reason to apologize for it! For those who don't, setting a budget and sticking to it is the way to figure out how you need to travel. Thanks for another very informative video, Leslie!
Hi Pat! What amazing memories you made at campgrounds. I hope that's still the case with kids today. We see soooo many families and groups of friends at campgrounds. It's such a wholesome way to spend time, don't you think? Riding bikes, fishing, climbing trees. So good for you.
Hmm. More expensive than I thought it would be. But then again, you were more on a vacation as opposed to a full time van lifer. If that makes sense. But that perspective for me is very enlightening.
HI Janis, Yep it makes sense. Now that we travel for months at a time, we decided to cut down on driving by hanging out in one spot for a while. Hubby has more recipes for camp cooking now. Basically we can make the budget stretch a lot better after going through our learning curve. Thanks for taking the time to check in!
Another invaluable video, Leslie! It's so helpful and generous of you to share this information to make things easier for those newbies, like me, doing a van build and hoping to hit the road by Sept. Boy, the gas added up! BTW, Bob Wells (Cheap RV living) has two videos containing tips for long distance travel ("10 Tips for Cross-Country Driving Trips: The Great American Road Trip" and
"Road Trip? Top 10 Long Distance Driving Tips: Part 2") if you and your followers are interested. I'm planning eventually to drive from NM to MI, NM to Northwest, etc. and your and others' videos mean so much to this newbie. Take care!
Hi Young! I just love Bob Wells. Thanks for sharing that info. How's your time frame looking? Sept will be here in no time😮
@@TheVanThatGotAway Well, Leslie, at age 64, I've learned projects such as a van build ALWAYS take longer than expected. LOL! Just between you and me - ha, ha - Oct.1 is the secret, realistic end date. My van is a 2003 GMC Savana that was originally a conversion van, then gutted by previous owner's son, with the intent to do a camper van build out. The son decided to go to graduate school and I bought the van from him. Side note: owner was a mechanic, so the van is in great mechanical condition for its age. So, my plan is to finish insulating the van by next weekend, followed by electrical wiring for solar system; flooring - vinyl sheet; laying out the "garage" area for solar system, water and tool storage, etc.; building platform for bed atop garage; installing cabinets for cooking stove and food prep and other storage areas. I try to work on the van - her name is "Sapphire" - in the mornings, before it gets too warm and an hour or two in the evenings. Like I said, I'm shooting for Oct. 1st to complete the build, or, at least the vast majority of work, just in time for cooler weather camping, travel. I hope the infrastructure work near your home gets done relatively quickly, so you and Michael can get back on the road soon!
Trying to get caught up on videos; we were away from computers for the past 12 days. We drive a 3/4 ton truck, to haul our truck camper, that guzzles gas which makes travel expensive. The past 12 days was our trial run with the camper; 3 nights in campgrounds and the rest boondocking/moochdocking. I consider eating out an added expense to rv living because we rarely do it normally but to me groceries are an everyday expense. What you spent seems like a lot to me to maintain as an RVing lifestyle but would be fine if it was just a short term vacation. As always, I like your details and how you clearly explain concepts. Thanks for sharing.
Hey MJ, That's the first I heard of "moochdocking!" Can I use that line sometime? I'm sure we'll be moochdocking on this trip coming up...LOL!
@@TheVanThatGotAway I'm not very original; I heard it on another video so it's out there! We moochdock all summer since our 5th wheel is parked on family property full time. We have water, electric and sewer and are able to store some things in a nearby building.
Thank you for the breakdown of expenses.
We are talking about selling our home on the Oregon coast and start traveling the country.
Your videos are a great way to convince the wife.
Thank you.
Lol, Tony! I'm just out here tryin' to help😁 Have you thought about renting the house instead?
@@TheVanThatGotAway we've talked about it. We are paranoid we'll get a nightmare tenant.
Thinking sell and buy an acre inland to homestead and have to come "home" to. We are on the Oregon coast. While its beautiful not great for her garden.
I totally get it. We own a duplex out of state and have dealt with nightmare tenants. But you get through it. We also rent out our home as a short term B&B and that's been great! Oregon is so beautiful... and the Pinot Noir is to die for!🍷🍷 Maybe that garden will grow some grapes...?😀
@@tonymontgomery5827 I think that’s a great idea Tony. There are several vamlifers I follow who are doing just that-good luck.🌿
@@Swimdeep thank you very much!
Thanks for the cost breakdown. I was a little surprised since that was nearly the figure we used to use when we took a trip with the kids and stayed exclusively in hotels. Gas and room rates have indeed gone up from 18-20 years ago. Would be interested to see numbers divided by self cooking amount separate from restaurant/eat out amount minus alcohol as possible and the same for campsite and hotel.
We will be in the same lucky position as I am 65. Some blessings do come with age. Yours is still my go to answer spot. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words, Jo. Yep, the senior passes are the bomb!!
That first trip shakedown cost was sobering; caused me to have second thoughts about my planned retirement odyssey. (Get it?)
But I'm proceeding with my conversion of my Honda, copying much from you and ericdoesearth.
Please keep sharing what you learn, it's valuable and helpful.
Hi sdn, "Retirement odyssey", LOL! How's the conversion going so far?
Hi Leslie!, Ya know, that total isn’t too bad for eighteen days of travel. Not bad at all. And I’m always up for learning something so thanks for the video! Check ya next time!
❤️💜💚
Funny, I'm completely opposite on the reservation point. There is a outline of where I'm going. Campsites located the night before. In the past I've lost $$ on advanced reservations. Weather at destination poor, let's stay here another day. Love this place let's stay longer. That serendipity moment, someone says oh you should go here.... Having said that I do know lots of people that like to stay at boondockers welcome and you do need a reservation in advance. My average monthly expense for any Year's period, some months are better than others, is approximately $1500. But I drive a gas hog ford explorer towing a small trailer.(Gas $800. Of that 1500) and there are always repairs mostly to trailer. Balance out pay camps with free camping to save $. Apps for boondockers welcome, free campsites, ioverlander. That 1500. does not include ins. Or tags.
Hey Kristie, I know what you mean. We've done the same thing: change plans and eat the reservations. But like you say, free sites balance it all out. Have you had a lot of luck using ioverlander?
@@TheVanThatGotAway yes I like both ioverlander & free campsites. I found out west that checking the individual state's rules on overnight helpful. Example: Texas allows overnight at all rest, picnic & scenic overlook areas & beaches (some beach require $10 permit) unless otherwise posted. Some have been quite glorious and no one checks to see how long you're actually there. I'm east in a month & have struggled before but others are praising boondockers welcome for east.
Hmm I was considering a mini van for more space but now considering converting my Prius for the fuel efficiency since it gets at least 50 mph. Good to know about pre-planning and hotel use. I had thought about 50/50 camping/air bnb but not if that's gonna be too costly yikes!
Bailey, I'm drooling at your 50 mpg here... 🤣🤣🤣
Boondock or stay at truckstops. No cost.
Good breakdown. $90. a day for two people vacationing is pretty cheap when it comes to travel and now you know how to save even more.
My living in my SUV with my cat is to facilitate building a tiny house for us.
Your determination to be on the hunt for adventures and your best life are a wonderful innovation to the standard American Dream. May it continue to be fun and work for you.
Thanks as always for your generosity in sharing the details.🌿
Hey Hope! When I first saw that number I was totally horrified, but I love your perspective.
@@TheVanThatGotAway I’m right about this and the sewing kit. ☺️
Lol! I know that's right 😉😀
There’s that sewing kit again!!!!😂😂😂 Love it!! I really think you need to get better scissors with that kit as well. Just sayin.’
@@janiswilliams2766 yeah life is better all around with a good scissors.
Hello Leslie, Question you ask about money I wonder all the time and Trying to Travel and Keeping my Apartment i live in a Summer Shore Down all year round 55 and over community with our State i love it So i am always wondering..Leslie i love the camp stop on the video first stop by the water beautiful...What and Eye Opener. But Learning alot from first time out I am learning frim your travels thank you. My self and my sister will be splitting our spending which will help Leslie Thanks because i need to know before i start traveling will be 2 years from now Well I am Watching and Learning. Take Care Be Safe and God Bless you and your Family and friends an Followers And All Of Us...Gloria The 62 year's young traveling nomad in WAITING..HAPPY Traveling...
Hi Gloria! I truly believe watching and learning are just as valuable as taking action. Success is in the prep work.
@@TheVanThatGotAway Thank you so much for your kind words. Take Care be safe God Bless us all. Gloria.
Hotel on the first night was hilarious! I’d probably do the same! Lol
Hi RDT! We kinda let ourselves down that night, LOL! But got over it pretty quickly when we didn't have to fumble around in a storm in the dark.
Great video, the number of people at the camp grounds, RV parks, even BLM land has grown exponentially this year. Thanks for the helpful content!
Well hey, Peetie! Good to see you. Yep, I heard RV sales were up a billion percent this year 😂
WOW! Y'all spent a lot of money! The price of gas is what concerns me these days.
Hey Erica! I know, right? I got dizzy after I went through all the cc statements when we got home 😜
Wow, that was not a cheap trip. We've made the similar mistake of not planning.
$90/day for two people, including two hotel stays doesn’t sound outrageous to me.
20 years ago I drove from Miami to North Georgia in my VW EuroVan and my costs worked out at $50/day and for just one person. Stayed exclusively in campgrounds - mostly State Parks.
Gas, frequent lunches (dinner leftovers), entrances to museums etc., and campground fees. Don’t think I factored groceries. I would have eaten the same at home.
This is the third video of yours I've tried to watch but I can't seem to finish them. The pace is so slow. This maybe just me but I wish you could speak a little faster and get to the point a little quicker. It looks like you've done some interesting things though.
Hi C, Well keep trying... 😀
How did you address liability ? ins. For your tenants
Hi Kristie, Thanks for asking! There's a certain amount built into AirBnB but we bulk that up for extra piece of mind. Not sure I trust the "built in" liability. Know what I mean?
@@TheVanThatGotAway thanks I really enjoyed your videos
Oh, thanks Kristie! It's great to have you here 😊