For years my wife and I traveled all through North America in a 1971 VW Camper with a pop top. . No frills, follow the weather. A lot of winters on Mexican beaches. I could wrench on it easily and buy a short block for $600 and switch out engines in a very short time. By myself. Back in the day. Now we tow a 5x10 TCTeardrop with our Subaru Forester Wilderness. We also have a 50 acre homestead, off grid, in Northern Minnesota since 1984. Self built from native materials. We’re both in our 70s. I’m 76 and she is 70. We do alright.
I’m currently a school bus driver and I say DO NOT BUY A SCHOOLBUS unless it’s going to remain parked. They are very high maintenance and get the worst gas mileage. By the time you buy a used one it’s going to be so over used and abused.
My favorite is my Prius V - I had it lifted with all terrain tires. Climate control can't be beat and I have everything in it that is needed. A toilet and can cook inside and the best is climate control so comfortable whether it's hot or cold outside. With running it 24/7 I still get 30mpg over all. I am in the process of selling my Roadtrek Class B. I have had Motor homes and Class B and Regular Vans etc. But all said and done it's the Prius V that hits all the notes for me.
I think a key difference is how much time you spend traveling vs how long you stay in one place. A travel trailer makes a lot of sense if you are staying for weeks at a time and exploring with the tow vehicle. I have a small class C (B plus) because I like to keep moving, don't want a lot of setup, and want the convenience of driving and parking a smaller vehicle. The downside is going off road (I don't!).
I think it depends more on the individual's financial situation and lifestyle, a younger person that has to continue working for a living will have a completely different situation than someone that's receiving a pension/ss or check-in-the-mail type income. So, an inconspicuous van/suv that can be parked at a job parking lot will be more suitable rather than a big RV that can't.
We've been at this a long time, from a tent, pick-up and camper, travel trailer and pick-up, a class A Winnebago, and now a class C Jayco. IF I could I'd go back to a pick-up and Camper in a minute but after a knee replacement and a couple of surgeries on the other one, the camper bed is just a no go. And Bob you are right the more room you have you will fill it with junk, when we left the class A you just wouldn't believe how much stuff we toted around.
Great conversation :) I loved the space in my Toyota Sienna minivan w/ the seats pulled out, but when it died got an old Honda Pilot and the space is less, but great. Built a bed in back, have high clearance, can fit a kayak rack and bike rack, and get 20 mph on the highway. LOVE IT!
Aging and old dated models are a liability on the road. Parts and reliability and finding someone to work on older vehicles are all concerns. The generation of technicians all work on modern vehicles with OBD2 computer diagnostics.Living on the road comes with a huge amount of personal risk and you got to mind your risks.Old cars are a huge risk.
Bob always says you gotta go with what you have and figure along the way I wish you the best of luck I have a 2001 1500 Dodge ram, runs great. Just has paint issues at the moment.
My Element was totaled and I bought a Dodge Caravan because it’s 30 inches longer and 5 higher inside and 10 wider. My build is half way done which includes a farmhouse sink, 2 burner gas stove with black glass, nugget ice maker, Nespresso machine, Wave 3 heater and Thermomate hot water heater that’s on the passenger side sliding door on the back side of the “kitchen” cabinet that has the sink and cooktop so I can open the door and use the hot water, antique copper faucet and rev a shelf drawers. I wanted a larger van but since my car was totaled I had to get a van fast and the Caravan was a smoother ride and more comfy for a 54 year old woman. I’ve bought rechargeable blow dryer and curling iron so I can wash my hair and style inside the rig instead of going into the gym if it’s raining and uncomfortable. I work in healthcare so most of my clothing are scrubs and I just work mainly so as a female I don’t need much.
Suburbans are the real overlooked gem for van lifers. I’ve had 2, a 2002 and a 2003, and one had 315,000 miles and the other had 270,000 miles and both ran like a top when I sold them. Pull out the second and third row seats and you’ve got well over 10’ of flat space that swallows a twin size mattress. Not to mention 4wd, cruise, power windows and seats, lots of power for pulling a trailer or going up steep passes etc . The 5.3 and 6.0 engines are probably the easiest engine ever to work on and any mechanic worth his salt will know them inside out. Gas mileage is way better than a 4wd converted express van, I get 17mpg on the nose driving from Colorado to New Jersey with no trailer. Plus they are cheap, you can easily find one for less than $3500. Everyone wants a 4wd wan but I’m not spending 30k on one.
Suburban is what I’m thinking is The Sweet spot, too! Especially in SHTF scenarios. Saw one for sale, $3,000 but needs a new Tranny most likely. What do you think about offering them $2,000? I hate that there is a tear in driver seat. But it looks good. Hard part for me is my height 6’3” and I’m 50. If I was 5’9” I could fly through that suburban!!
I like Forresty Forest’s cargo van. Lots of space, pretty good gas mileage, but no doubt you are spending $$$ to modify it like he did. Financially, I’m not there though.
@@bdmenne you can do it a little at a time, like Simon did. Better yet, go no-build until you know what you want, then do it as you can afford, if you haven't decided to just stick with no-build. I love his rig though. @ForestyForest & Rocko! ❣
Lived in a 65 VW bug for over a year. I pulled all the seats but the drivers, built an L shaped platform with storage, small kitchen and made a bed on the passenger side. I have a little Skoolie now but it's a van, a Ford E450 7.3 Powerstroke and I do my own mechanical and build-out. It can stay cheep but you have to do all your own work.
that is so true! Being able to do your own work makes a huge difference. I cannot imagine how expensive my van life would be if I had to pay somebody to any of the work I have done to my van. Between maintaining , repairing and doing my simple build out I have saved so much money doing it all myself.
The timing of this video is perfect, thank you so much gentlemen! My step-daughter is contemplating van life and your combined experience and pros & cons will certainly give her a strong knowledge base to help her make her decision!
My wife and I lived out of a 2000 Ford expedition Eddie Bauer. We used tents when we could but always slept in the expedition. The best thing I can say from that model year it the glass is tough. Someone tried to break in one night but the glass held up. It's also nice to be able to jump in the front seat and go. They also are pretty solid steel construction and can get you to or out of some pretty difficult driving situations off-road.
If I was to do this Bob I would definitely want a high top van. The head room is a must and getting to the wheel quickly to drive away is also a must. You both gave us excellent information. Thank you for this video.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Bob does with the car. I’m not sure how long he will last in that before he decides he needs a little more comfort. We’re all getting older.
@@SuperDaveyoutube Moving around in a car is not easy. As a person ages and knees get bad, back issues, Age absolutely plays a part. There is a reason many older people end up in nursing homes. A 20 year old can live in a car pretty easily for the most part in comparison to an 80 year old.
There is a light weight truck topper by Lone Peak that has a pop up tent. You can build it out with solar. The nice thing is when the tent is up, you can stand up inside, which is nice for rainy weather. The starting price point is $6k.
Hi Bob & Brian. Bob I've been watching your videos a long time. Learned so much already. I wish you could make a video (or link me to one) 'NAVIGATION SKILLS'. Paper map, Google maps, BLM, how to find your Coordinates, how to navigate weather, floods, fires etc...
One of my favorites was a reg. mid size ford cargo van i added two seats and a bed, a small scotsman trailer which was handy when the weather was nasty, and a 6 man tent which was handy to change clothes and wash up or just get out of the sun. It was like a small city, LOL!
The most important thing is know your needs. After 5 years I’ve found I NEED a bed I don’t have to break down to give room for living. I need to be able to toilet inside, esp be able to pee inside easily at night. I need to be able to camp overnight comfortably without removing anything from the vehicle. I need to be able to do basic cooking like making coffee inside. For me this meant at least a minivan size. Now my goal is to get things whittled down and stored so that I don’t need to put things in the drivers seat at night. I gave up being able to get in the drivers seat from the back area inside. (Maybe in an emergency but it won’t be fun) like I could in my cargo van, but my gas mileage nearly doubled. My 2013 ford connect ( 6”higher top than the low version) the perfect sweet spot for me.
Well done boys! Your combined chemistry is so warm and congenial. You have gotten me thinking of doing more with my 1976 19ft Dodge RV with switched out tranny to overdrive (14mpg on the highway). Thanks for your joint perspectives.
I just bought a used truck. I m still looking for a camper shell. Safety will be a concern. I found extended cab seat extenders on Amazon that allow you to set up a widened bed in the cab. For me, knowing I'm going to have a bed in the cab is peace of mind. If I feel safe I can relax and go about my business. If not, I m in the cab, ready to leave at any point.
I am heavy duty mechanic and I will develop ford 7.3Lt schoolie no questions no doubt. Because lot of space and good fuel avg. And I know how to fix the engine as well. But for a ordinary guy out there I think you should follow the suggestion in this video.
This was such a timely video! I’m on my way out today to look at a vehicle and this comparison was so helpful. I’ve been pulling ideas and concepts from everywhere across RUclips and the internet but to have all my options weighed out in this format was super helpful. Thank you!!
Bob, anyone who gets mad at you has a personal problem! 😊 Good prompting us to consider what's important. Former minivan, current Promaster, part-time, happy camper. Thanks for your wisdom.
Thanks Bob,Brain great information I went with a high top van with a 7x7x16 enclosed trailer too much stuff but it makes me comfortable and Happy Peace
Concerning the overhead/slide in/pop-up Camper & Truck benefits that was not covered...you can drop these campers (something we did every time we would stay for more than three days or wanted to do some driving around) in place and lower them down closer to the ground. Just unplug the truck, take off the camper clamps pull out and drop it down. At this point it's as convenient as a trailer and no hassle of leveling you combined right after returning from even the simplest store runs. This having to relevel and set-up, to us, was one of the biggest pains for the truck camper combos. However, taking the extra 20- 30 minutes to drop the camper was a huge benefit allowing the freedom of an available vehicle to go anywhere we wanted by just getting in and going. It also was significantly cheaper on gas not having the camper on. I highly recommend getting used to doing this as we and all are truck and campers' friends did. Thanks for another great episode to the both of you!
100% agree with you on diesel’s Bob. My son has two 3/4 ton 4 x 4 diesels. He’s a mechanic who can strip down any motor and rebuild it. He customizes trucks and off-road vehicles. But diesels are another animal and good luck trying to find a good diesel mechanic. And when you do find a mechanic, it’s not going to be cheap. We have a tree service business and my husband has a RAM 5500 with the a Cummings. These engines are built to work and pull heavy but can be persnickety. I would never ever consider one of these trucks to live in. It’s a pleasure to see these young people you’ve brought in. Brian and Aubrey are real assets!❤
I've lived in three vehicles in the last ten years. My favorite was a Mercedes station wagon. It got great fuel economy, had plenty of room for sleeping with the seats folded down and I never got the knock parking in the city. I picked it up for $1800 used.
What a great, considered presentation! I’ve been using a mini cargo, dreaming of more comfort, but not thinking the trade offs will be worth it. Your conversation really helps me understand the +&- of each style of vehicle
The best is the all white standing room van work vehicles. Stealth is the number one reason to open the whole world of country and city camping. Toilet, cooking, shower and room for stuff.
I like the 4 Wheel truck with a cap on the back and towing a utility trailer. I have a 14 foot with the two axles. I don’t build it out. I just keep it open where I can use it to haul stuff or I can sleep in it like a tent
I would hope that you could cover the insurance aspect of it. I would think that it would be very difficult to find insurance even just liability insurance if an insurance company knew you were living in the vehicle
Brian.... Look into ACE EFI systems for your van. You get rid of the carb that way and the van will self tune for elevation air density. It bolts right where the carb bolts on.
I'm getting a Ford Ranger and building a lightweight camper. I had some friends give me a used car and it ender up breaking down and the cost to repair it was to high to fix it. Make sure you check your vehicle before you commit to it!
I use a Class P-RV (Prius) as a daily driver & part time 28:26 traveling machine. I love the stealth with climate control & power generation. 57 + MPG is nice - less is more ;-)
Chrysler Town and Country van. Stow n go seats. 24 mpg. It’s really nice for mobility. Or Chevy Express high top 14 mpg but super nice to drive and comfortable. Bigger is more comfort, smaller for economy. Pickups are more rugged and better for off road. I drove a Chrysler 200 that was comfortable sleeping in the driver seat. 36 mpg. Everything is a trade off. Happy trails out there.
4:40 - I traded in my minivan for a 1995 Suburban 4x4. It actually gives me a little bit LESS room inside than the minivan. It gets half the gas mileage (11 mpg) of the minivan. But... It was what I could afford, within range of where I could go to get it, it will carry LOTS more weight, and it will get me out in the boonies where I want to go. I mean, I took that minivan to lots of places where no one would think it could go. But... There were still lots of places that I could only dream about going to. I was willing to sacrifice that gas mileage because I expect to be spending far less time traveling and more time just staying in place. Plus, I was lucky enough to find a 30 year old suburban with only 183k miles, and only 10k miles on the 10-year-old replacement engine.
Bob showed a picture of the pickup with poptop slide-in camper but they failed to talk about it. I think that is the sweet spot of rv life. Pickup breaks down you still can take it off and you can sleep in it while its getting repaired or buy another one and put under it and leave within hours. Put the top up lots of room to stand and cook and some have a bathroom put it down to travel great gas mileage.
My first choice, given I had the money, would be the shortest wheelbase, medium roof (70in headroom) AWD Ford Transit. Small enough to easily drive in a big city but spacious enough to be comfortable. Second choice would be the shortest 118in wheelbase low roof (65in headroom) Ram Promaster. Taller and wider inside than a minivan but about the same length as a minivan and gets 24mpg on the highway. I currently own the longest wheelbase Chevy Express which is good until you start driving in a big city mostly because it is very hard to find parking that it will fit.
I thought I would mention I lived out of a fourth gen Pontiac Firebird Trans Am for a few years it was not that bad. I earned the nickname "Mad Max" because of it.
I think the best value for a used van is buying an Airstream B190, they can be had for $9k-20k depending on condition and it is in my opinion the best laid out Class B, especially since it is one of the only 19ft Class B's that can sleep 4 people comfortably. Plus you get everything you need, shower, oven, cooktop, generator, toilet, awning, a/c.
Agree on the tow+trailer option. As y’all have, we found the sweet spot, Sprinter van towing a 19’ Escape fiberglass trailer. We call these the pantry + apartment. We don’t loose the freedom, as we use the off-road apps before starting down the road. We have a living setup for the van too. Agree on the acculumation issue, but for long boondocking trips, the van’s capacity is what you want.
In my case I need something I can stand up straight in. Bad back and knees mean no stooping over or crawling through a car or low roof rig. Pricewise the fancy high roof vans are out of my league. I found a good deal on an ambo with low mileage. Now theres been some needed minor repairs but luckily nothing major. I didnt gut but made use of the cabinats inside and out. I can stand comfortably in it. Yes the gas mileage sucks and being low there are places I cant take it but it has been working well for me as a rookie only on the nomad road just about 6 mos. It took me about 4 yrs to build it out as I was caring for other relatives while working on it. I have portable solar power but hope to someday install solar so I can run my cooler more and have better food on hand. I have always felt safe and secure in it. Yes the insurance was a bear to do but Texan insuranse worked with me. At 69 now I dont know how long I'll be able to do this but I love my little home. I made it mine. I have urban stealh camped with the help of the ioverlander app and it sorta looks commercial which I think helps. Once Im done in this town (that will be in my home base) with the needed paperwork I can say goodbye to dreary parkinglot camping and get back out in more natural settings. I want to meet more nomads but have to be stuck where I am for a few more weeks so wont make the RTR sadly. And I want to reconnect with friends in AZ while the weather is good. Ive managed in a bit of heat and cold but will still need to follow the weather. Since my knees are bad I dont do much hiking and stick close to my rig. Its the scenery and nature I want to enjoy. It all has given me a whole new perspective on the homeless vs nomad situation and how we are treated. The rising costs and pickiness of rv parks as well as bad roads to many campgrounds make doing that hard to take advantage of. Nomads who just need a safe place to park and sleep safely for a night or two. We are more stealthy and less messy and self contained. We dont need to set up a full camp to be ok. $10-$20 a night very reasonable for that. I dont need a place with pools and entertainment and such. Just a place to safely rest in peace and a little bit of privacy. Its really an untapped market. And so many people getting thrown into this situation with this economy the way it is. I certainly dont want to set up camp on streets with tons of others for long periods of time. That breeds a feeling of hopelessness, depression, and an atmosphere where you settle and just give up while your home sinks into the ground because you've given up. Im traveling so as not to wear out my welcome anywhere. So yes the ambo can have its issues as far as bueracracy redtape and not fitting everywhere. But Ive tried to keep up with maintenance and this one was used for training only (no signage to scrape off) and for a diesel low mileage so its got some life left in it. And yes you can overfill with stuff and as the months go by I see where purging can happen and have done some. But I love my rig. I made it mine as far as daily living things, decor and working on that helped remind me who I was and what Im capable of and what a survivor I am after alot of loss at a late time in my life. Thanks for another great video!
I understand this video was not detailing specific models...but i would add a bit about the Volkswagon Vanagon (or Bus). First - we do not live in ours, but we are 3 - 15 day road trip types. High points: Cool factor - off the charts. We get positive comments everywhere we go! Charm: it feels old school (that's a plus in our book), but has more modern conveniences than you might expect. Expense: depends - some can be very expensive, some can be reasonably inexpensive, but they'll require a LOT of build out and repair work. Maintenance: relatively simple to work on, but finding a mechanic could be difficult when you need real expertise. We completely rebuilt the interior, including insulation, more storage, electrical upgrades and add-ons. Mileage: Not great, but not horrible either. Convenience: on the lower side as it's pretty, uh, cozy, shall we say. No bathroom but camper models often have running water, cooking facilities and with a pop up, ability to stand up. Don't undersell that - it makes the experience so much better. I would NEVER go back to the low roof models. Biggest drawback to me: most of the engines are so so so underpowered. If you can afford it, get the engine swap! Mine got a Subaru 2.2 liter upgrade - and what an improvement (caveat - it cost as much as the van!). Handles freeway speeds (well, you won't/can't be the fastest on the road, the body shape is engineered for 55 - 60 not 80 mph) and best of all, hills are no longer a problem. Summary: It's not our "best" vehicle, but it is by far our favorite. We LOVE ours, not looking at changing.
had 4 diff pop top Vws here, cool n convenient but low power n heat plus not as reliable as some imports...never again...once u get older the cool factor diminishes
Excellent conversation. Thank you both! I've been super lucky with having a stable parking spot for my RV travel trailer (toy hauler with loft). The last time I had to move it, I still had my 2500 Dodge/Cummins truck. It was awesome for towing & for travel with a slide in, but the diesel aspect got to be too expensive to maintain. I currently travel for work (including sleeping) in my RAV4. It's a bit tight because I carry lots of music gear for my job, but I have decent tetris skills. 😉 I've considered getting another truck or van that can tow my travel trailer which would also give me better room for gear & for setting up gear to practice between gigs. I was able to do a great music practice set up with the slide in. When the time comes, a 3/4+ ton gas truck may win out due to cost.
Pros and cons to all! We each need to figure out what works for us. I’m picking up a high top ram promaster high roof next month. It is the 136 wheelbase so a lot of flexibility. I’m hoping it is perfect for a part time solo female nomad. It is an older one that has a basic build out, so price is good. There is room for a few upgrades. Thanks for confirming my decision!
Very educational discussion. I think that the vehicle you choose you choose is very dependent on how much comfort you want to sacrifice! And for couples is going to be a compromise!
My first choice is a high top conversion van with a small motorcycle for daily transport. The conversion van already has a bed and removable captain chairs. A good balance between gas milage and comfort and it does not stick out in the city.
I picked an AWD minivan and got a lift. I wanted great reliability, great gas mileage, and the ability to urban camp without too much notice. Standing up comes behind that.
I think an alternative to a 4 wheel drive van is a 2 wheel drive van with some good all terrain tires, maybe a little bit of a suspension lift with a locking rear differential and a good 12K pound winch on the front. That is the direction I think I am heading with my 2019 Chevy Express 3500.
I have a wheelchair hightop chevy 350 5.7, my next upgrade will be Isuzu npr. Is the middle point of a bus and a van. Given the npr comes with Isuzu diesel but it also comes with chevy v8. So you have options.its compact for it sive and you have more space for your house. Plus it possible to 4x4 them.
I'd say the first thing to consider is how you will be using the vehicle- City, boodocking, back roads/country, driving a lot vrs staying in place longer, gas mileage etc. Once you know that, it will help narrow your choices on the tyoe if vehicle. Also, if you can borrow or rent the type of vehicle you're considering and take it out for a couple weeks.
Boy I love my van after hearing about all the other options. I would love it to have higher clearance and more torque like a truck for sure. Might as well throw in AWD too🎉
In the van world, one of the must haves for me is 4wd. I tend to steer away from the AWD. The other must have for me is has to be a GM vehicle. I would go with the LS based drivetrains or Cummins or a Duramax. I honestly would get a stepvan or a U-Haul van. Depending on the year, some of them have a 12 valve Cummins and either an Allison or a NV4500 transmission. You might not recommend diesel drivetrain, but they’ll last a lot longer than your typical gas engine despite the upfront cost and maintenance.
I want to do what Bob has done, pull the seats from my toyota highlander, build a plywood platform and go from there, I dont have the tools or knowledge to do it , but that's the goal.
I saw Bob's video on his new car but it hard to believe someone living full time in a vehicle would choose that. They both said in this video that they need to be able to stand up and a place to spend time when the weathers' bad. Does he still have the dog or did something happen to it?
I seen a semi and a matching trailer set up as a camper. It had a platform on the back of the trailer with bicycles and motorcycle and than a trailer with a car. The trailer had huge windows in it.
I used a pickup truck and a tent, which is great, but you’ll need a tent that can stand up to high winds in the desert, and has a stove jack at least for the winter, and those can be problematic if you have limited mobility.
I have a vintage Roadtrek. Unfortunately parts are getting more scarce but I can get through a drive through. It is crammed underneath as far as access. But no leaks like a class C (except for the three little windows) 23:20
I would completely rule out a sprinter van and even most transit vans as economical or entry-level. They start about $68,000 and just go up from there, the only exception would be something extremely high. It was some kind of a courier or delivery service.
I admit I was greatly influenced by Bob and his full size GM van and that is what I bought and still have... I thought about having a high top installed but couldn't afford it and after seeing Bob's high top installation problems I am glad that I didn't... Later I bought a aluminum WeeRoll (lots of problems with the purchase, but not the quality)... And... almost on a whim I got a 13' Scamp Camper because I needed to have a official RV to be able to stay in a rv park for short periods of time to be able to stay near grandkids... Not many rv parks will accept a cargo trailer conversion... I know it is crazy, but I still have both trailers... 👀 ❤ I started watching Bobs YT videos a couple of years before retirement and knew that is what I wanted to do... Thanks Bob... ❤
I have a 2020 RAM Promaster City SLT with the Cascade Camper RV package. It’s been perfect for one person: solar panels and battery storage, water/sink/counter, exhaust fans, wide bed, refrigerator, storage, and… 32mpg. Unfortunately, because the model has been discontinued, good used ones are hard to find and are now more expensive.
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For years my wife and I traveled all through North America in a 1971 VW Camper with a pop top. . No frills, follow the weather. A lot of winters on Mexican beaches. I could wrench on it easily and buy a short block for $600 and switch out engines in a very short time. By myself.
Back in the day.
Now we tow a 5x10 TCTeardrop with our Subaru Forester Wilderness.
We also have a 50 acre homestead, off grid, in Northern Minnesota since 1984. Self built from native materials. We’re both in our 70s. I’m 76 and she is 70. We do alright.
You guys rock!!!
Can’t imagine what I’d do without your hopefulness in these unstable times. Much gratitude Bob
I’m currently a school bus driver and I say DO NOT BUY A SCHOOLBUS unless it’s going to remain parked. They are very high maintenance and get the worst gas mileage. By the time you buy a used one it’s going to be so over used and abused.
My favorite is my Prius V - I had it lifted with all terrain tires. Climate control can't be beat and I have everything in it that is needed. A toilet and can cook inside
and the best is climate control so comfortable whether it's hot or cold outside. With running it 24/7 I still get 30mpg over all. I am in the process of selling
my Roadtrek Class B. I have had Motor homes and Class B and Regular Vans etc. But all said and done it's the Prius V that hits all the notes for me.
I think a key difference is how much time you spend traveling vs how long you stay in one place. A travel trailer makes a lot of sense if you are staying for weeks at a time and exploring with the tow vehicle. I have a small class C (B plus) because I like to keep moving, don't want a lot of setup, and want the convenience of driving and parking a smaller vehicle. The downside is going off road (I don't!).
I think it depends more on the individual's financial situation and lifestyle, a younger person that has to continue working for a living will have a completely different situation than someone that's receiving a pension/ss or check-in-the-mail type income. So, an inconspicuous van/suv that can be parked at a job parking lot will be more suitable rather than a big RV that can't.
We've been at this a long time, from a tent, pick-up and camper, travel trailer and pick-up, a class A Winnebago, and now a class C Jayco. IF I could I'd go back to a pick-up and Camper in a minute but after a knee replacement and a couple of surgeries on the other one, the camper bed is just a no go. And Bob you are right the more room you have you will fill it with junk, when we left the class A you just wouldn't believe how much stuff we toted around.
Great conversation :) I loved the space in my Toyota Sienna minivan w/ the seats pulled out, but when it died got an old Honda Pilot and the space is less, but great. Built a bed in back, have high clearance, can fit a kayak rack and bike rack, and get 20 mph on the highway. LOVE IT!
1991 Chevy Caprice Station Wagon here I come!
Aging and old dated models are a liability on the road. Parts and reliability and finding someone to work on older vehicles are all concerns. The generation of technicians all work on modern vehicles with OBD2 computer diagnostics.Living on the road comes with a huge amount of personal risk and you got to mind your risks.Old cars are a huge risk.
I'll take an old hoopty car over these new nothing but aluminum and fiberglass death traps anyday. @@williamryan9195
Bob always says you gotta go with what you have and figure along the way I wish you the best of luck I have a 2001 1500 Dodge ram, runs great. Just has paint issues at the moment.
My Element was totaled and I bought a Dodge Caravan because it’s 30 inches longer and 5 higher inside and 10 wider. My build is half way done which includes a farmhouse sink, 2 burner gas stove with black glass, nugget ice maker, Nespresso machine, Wave 3 heater and Thermomate hot water heater that’s on the passenger side sliding door on the back side of the “kitchen” cabinet that has the sink and cooktop so I can open the door and use the hot water, antique copper faucet and rev a shelf drawers. I wanted a larger van but since my car was totaled I had to get a van fast and the Caravan was a smoother ride and more comfy for a 54 year old woman. I’ve bought rechargeable blow dryer and curling iron so I can wash my hair and style inside the rig instead of going into the gym if it’s raining and uncomfortable. I work in healthcare so most of my clothing are scrubs and I just work mainly so as a female I don’t need much.
Suburbans are the real overlooked gem for van lifers. I’ve had 2, a 2002 and a 2003, and one had 315,000 miles and the other had 270,000 miles and both ran like a top when I sold them. Pull out the second and third row seats and you’ve got well over 10’ of flat space that swallows a twin size mattress. Not to mention 4wd, cruise, power windows and seats, lots of power for pulling a trailer or going up steep passes etc . The 5.3 and 6.0 engines are probably the easiest engine ever to work on and any mechanic worth his salt will know them inside out. Gas mileage is way better than a 4wd converted express van, I get 17mpg on the nose driving from Colorado to New Jersey with no trailer. Plus they are cheap, you can easily find one for less than $3500.
Everyone wants a 4wd wan but I’m not spending 30k on one.
Suburban is what I’m thinking is The Sweet spot, too! Especially in SHTF scenarios.
Saw one for sale, $3,000 but needs a new Tranny most likely.
What do you think about offering them $2,000?
I hate that there is a tear in driver seat. But it looks good.
Hard part for me is my height 6’3” and I’m 50.
If I was 5’9” I could fly through that suburban!!
Thanks , I’d never considered a surburan 😎
I like Forresty Forest’s cargo van. Lots of space, pretty good gas mileage, but no doubt you are spending $$$ to modify it like he did.
Financially, I’m not there though.
@@bdmenne you can do it a little at a time, like Simon did. Better yet, go no-build until you know what you want, then do it as you can afford, if you haven't decided to just stick with no-build. I love his rig though. @ForestyForest & Rocko! ❣
yeah, even room to sit in the back in a low camp chair, chill out and cook. I have a Yukon xl and love it for this stuff.
Lived in a 65 VW bug for over a year. I pulled all the seats but the drivers, built an L shaped platform with storage, small kitchen and made a bed on the passenger side.
I have a little Skoolie now but it's a van, a Ford E450 7.3 Powerstroke and I do my own mechanical and build-out. It can stay cheep but you have to do all your own work.
that is so true! Being able to do your own work makes a huge difference. I cannot imagine how expensive my van life would be if I had to pay somebody to any of the work I have done to my van. Between maintaining , repairing and doing my simple build out I have saved so much money doing it all myself.
Wow that bug build sounds so cool! Any pictures online?
The timing of this video is perfect, thank you so much gentlemen! My step-daughter is contemplating van life and your combined experience and pros & cons will certainly give her a strong knowledge base to help her make her decision!
@piersstronge1441 there's some GREAT mini van conversions on RUclips
What I love about this channel - caters to all budgets and needs. Flexible options. Excellent information. Thank you
My wife and I lived out of a 2000 Ford expedition Eddie Bauer. We used tents when we could but always slept in the expedition. The best thing I can say from that model year it the glass is tough. Someone tried to break in one night but the glass held up. It's also nice to be able to jump in the front seat and go. They also are pretty solid steel construction and can get you to or out of some pretty difficult driving situations off-road.
If I was to do this Bob I would definitely want a high top van. The head room is a must and getting to the wheel quickly to drive away is also a must. You both gave us excellent information. Thank you for this video.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Bob does with the car. I’m not sure how long he will last in that before he decides he needs a little more comfort. We’re all getting older.
He's only carcamping 3 to 4 months a year. He's Got a home base! Big difference.
Yup, exactly what I thought after watching his video about it.
He pulls a small trailer that he sleeps in. It's the size a Teardrop. Not sure if its actually a Teardrop trailer
It is nothing to do with his "age".
Life is a compromise, pretty sure with his experience he will have made the correct decision,for him.
@@SuperDaveyoutube Moving around in a car is not easy. As a person ages and knees get bad, back issues, Age absolutely plays a part. There is a reason many older people end up in nursing homes. A 20 year old can live in a car pretty easily for the most part in comparison to an 80 year old.
There is a light weight truck topper by Lone Peak that has a pop up tent. You can build it out with solar. The nice thing is when the tent is up, you can stand up inside, which is nice for rainy weather. The starting price point is $6k.
Hi Bob & Brian. Bob I've been watching your videos a long time. Learned so much already. I wish you could make a video (or link me to one) 'NAVIGATION SKILLS'. Paper map, Google maps, BLM, how to find your Coordinates, how to navigate weather, floods, fires etc...
One of my favorites was a reg. mid size ford cargo van i added two seats and a bed, a small scotsman trailer which was handy when the weather was nasty, and a 6 man tent which was handy to change clothes and wash up or just get out of the sun. It was like a small city, LOL!
The most important thing is know your needs. After 5 years I’ve found I NEED a bed I don’t have to break down to give room for living. I need to be able to toilet inside, esp be able to pee inside easily at night. I need to be able to camp overnight comfortably without removing anything from the vehicle. I need to be able to do basic cooking like making coffee inside. For me this meant at least a minivan size. Now my goal is to get things whittled down and stored so that I don’t need to put things in the drivers seat at night. I gave up being able to get in the drivers seat from the back area inside. (Maybe in an emergency but it won’t be fun) like I could in my cargo van, but my gas mileage nearly doubled. My 2013 ford connect ( 6”higher top than the low version) the perfect sweet spot for me.
Well done boys! Your combined chemistry is so warm and congenial. You have gotten me thinking of doing more with my 1976 19ft Dodge RV with switched out tranny to overdrive (14mpg on the highway). Thanks for your joint perspectives.
I just bought a used truck. I m still looking for a camper shell. Safety will be a concern. I found extended cab seat extenders on Amazon that allow you to set up a widened bed in the cab. For me, knowing I'm going to have a bed in the cab is peace of mind. If I feel safe I can relax and go about my business. If not, I m in the cab, ready to leave at any point.
I am heavy duty mechanic and I will develop ford 7.3Lt schoolie no questions no doubt. Because lot of space and good fuel avg. And I know how to fix the engine as well. But for a ordinary guy out there I think you should follow the suggestion in this video.
This was such a timely video! I’m on my way out today to look at a vehicle and this comparison was so helpful. I’ve been pulling ideas and concepts from everywhere across RUclips and the internet but to have all my options weighed out in this format was super helpful. Thank you!!
Thank you both for sharing your valuable opinions and experiences.
Bob, anyone who gets mad at you has a personal problem! 😊 Good prompting us to consider what's important. Former minivan, current Promaster, part-time, happy camper. Thanks for your wisdom.
Thanks Bob,Brain great information I went with a high top van with a 7x7x16 enclosed trailer too much stuff but it makes me comfortable and Happy
Peace
Concerning the overhead/slide in/pop-up Camper & Truck benefits that was not covered...you can drop these campers (something we did every time we would stay for more than three days or wanted to do some driving around) in place and lower them down closer to the ground. Just unplug the truck, take off the camper clamps pull out and drop it down. At this point it's as convenient as a trailer and no hassle of leveling you combined right after returning from even the simplest store runs. This having to relevel and set-up, to us, was one of the biggest pains for the truck camper combos. However, taking the extra 20- 30 minutes to drop the camper was a huge benefit allowing the freedom of an available vehicle to go anywhere we wanted by just getting in and going. It also was significantly cheaper on gas not having the camper on. I highly recommend getting used to doing this as we and all are truck and campers' friends did. Thanks for another great episode to the both of you!
My husband and I are new empty nesters and about to take off on our 95 Jeep and a tent. Excited for the adventures and hopefully upgrading soon.
I enjoy a 4w drive pickup and a 17ft Casita. Being able to park it and explore is what I want.
100% agree with you on diesel’s Bob. My son has two 3/4 ton 4 x 4 diesels. He’s a mechanic who can strip down any motor and rebuild it. He customizes trucks and off-road vehicles. But diesels are another animal and good luck trying to find a good diesel mechanic. And when you do find a mechanic, it’s not going to be cheap. We have a tree service business and my husband has a RAM 5500 with the a Cummings. These engines are built to work and pull heavy but can be persnickety. I would never ever consider one of these trucks to live in. It’s a pleasure to see these young people you’ve brought in. Brian and Aubrey are real assets!❤
I've lived in three vehicles in the last ten years. My favorite was a Mercedes station wagon. It got great fuel economy, had plenty of room for sleeping with the seats folded down and I never got the knock parking in the city. I picked it up for $1800 used.
Thank you for the rundown on different types of Nomad options.
Such a great video! So much information all packed into a short video. You are such an awesome team!
Great video. Ty for explaining to be financially responsible 1st.
What a great, considered presentation! I’ve been using a mini cargo, dreaming of more comfort, but not thinking the trade offs will be worth it. Your conversation really helps me understand the +&- of each style of vehicle
The best is the all white standing room van work vehicles. Stealth is the number one reason to open the whole world of country and city camping. Toilet, cooking, shower and room for stuff.
Great to hear all of the pluses and minuses; well done.
I currently own a trailer and tow vehicle-- for when I hit the road for a semi-nomadic life. My dream vehicle is an older model Chinook.
The Chinook is very cool, I own an Airstream B190 which works for me as it is a bit narrower which fits in my garage better.
@@MitchellCamps I've got a 13' Scamp. Love, love, love it.
I like the 4 Wheel truck with a cap on the back and towing a utility trailer. I have a 14 foot with the two axles. I don’t build it out. I just keep it open where I can use it to haul stuff or I can sleep in it like a tent
I would hope that you could cover the insurance aspect of it. I would think that it would be very difficult to find insurance even just liability insurance if an insurance company knew you were living in the vehicle
Hit 240k today. Appreciate you for all the knowledge and nuggets you had thrown my way over the last months. Started with 24k in September 2024
Brian.... Look into ACE EFI systems for your van. You get rid of the carb that way and the van will self tune for elevation air density. It bolts right where the carb bolts on.
Cool!
I'm getting a Ford Ranger and building a lightweight camper. I had some friends give me a used car and it ender up breaking down and the cost to repair it was to high to fix it. Make sure you check your vehicle before you commit to it!
I use a Class P-RV (Prius) as a daily driver & part time 28:26 traveling machine. I love the stealth with climate control & power generation. 57 + MPG is nice - less is more ;-)
Chrysler Town and Country van. Stow n go seats. 24 mpg. It’s really nice for mobility. Or Chevy Express high top 14 mpg but super nice to drive and comfortable. Bigger is more comfort, smaller for economy. Pickups are more rugged and better for off road. I drove a Chrysler 200 that was comfortable sleeping in the driver seat. 36 mpg. Everything is a trade off. Happy trails out there.
4:40 - I traded in my minivan for a 1995 Suburban 4x4. It actually gives me a little bit LESS room inside than the minivan. It gets half the gas mileage (11 mpg) of the minivan. But... It was what I could afford, within range of where I could go to get it, it will carry LOTS more weight, and it will get me out in the boonies where I want to go. I mean, I took that minivan to lots of places where no one would think it could go. But... There were still lots of places that I could only dream about going to.
I was willing to sacrifice that gas mileage because I expect to be spending far less time traveling and more time just staying in place. Plus, I was lucky enough to find a 30 year old suburban with only 183k miles, and only 10k miles on the 10-year-old replacement engine.
Bob showed a picture of the pickup with poptop slide-in camper but they failed to talk about it. I think that is the sweet spot of rv life. Pickup breaks down you still can take it off and you can sleep in it while its getting repaired or buy another one and put under it and leave within hours. Put the top up lots of room to stand and cook and some have a bathroom put it down to travel great gas mileage.
The perfect size Class C, my perfect nomad vehicle.
Thanks for the video , I bought Toyota cargo van liteAce,I’m very happy with it
Excellent video. So informative from folks that have walked the walk! Thank you both for sharing!
Very pertinent info here for those contemplating Van Life. Another excellent video!
My first choice, given I had the money, would be the shortest wheelbase, medium roof (70in headroom) AWD Ford Transit. Small enough to easily drive in a big city but spacious enough to be comfortable. Second choice would be the shortest 118in wheelbase low roof (65in headroom) Ram Promaster. Taller and wider inside than a minivan but about the same length as a minivan and gets 24mpg on the highway. I currently own the longest wheelbase Chevy Express which is good until you start driving in a big city mostly because it is very hard to find parking that it will fit.
Great video, so many options, I've had my transit 8 years and love it
I thought I would mention I lived out of a fourth gen Pontiac Firebird Trans Am for a few years it was not that bad. I earned the nickname "Mad Max" because of it.
Where did you sleep?
I already own a Grand Caravan. Took the back seats out and put a bed back there. Very cozy!
I think the best value for a used van is buying an Airstream B190, they can be had for $9k-20k depending on condition and it is in my opinion the best laid out Class B, especially since it is one of the only 19ft Class B's that can sleep 4 people comfortably. Plus you get everything you need, shower, oven, cooktop, generator, toilet, awning, a/c.
Agree on the tow+trailer option. As y’all have, we found the sweet spot, Sprinter van towing a 19’ Escape fiberglass trailer. We call these the pantry + apartment. We don’t loose the freedom, as we use the off-road apps before starting down the road. We have a living setup for the van too. Agree on the acculumation issue, but for long boondocking trips, the van’s capacity is what you want.
In my case I need something I can stand up straight in. Bad back and knees mean no stooping over or crawling through a car or low roof rig. Pricewise the fancy high roof vans are out of my league. I found a good deal on an ambo with low mileage. Now theres been some needed minor repairs but luckily nothing major. I didnt gut but made use of the cabinats inside and out. I can stand comfortably in it. Yes the gas mileage sucks and being low there are places I cant take it but it has been working well for me as a rookie only on the nomad road just about 6 mos. It took me about 4 yrs to build it out as I was caring for other relatives while working on it. I have portable solar power but hope to someday install solar so I can run my cooler more and have better food on hand. I have always felt safe and secure in it. Yes the insurance was a bear to do but Texan insuranse worked with me. At 69 now I dont know how long I'll be able to do this but I love my little home. I made it mine. I have urban stealh camped with the help of the ioverlander app and it sorta looks commercial which I think helps. Once Im done in this town (that will be in my home base) with the needed paperwork I can say goodbye to dreary parkinglot camping and get back out in more natural settings. I want to meet more nomads but have to be stuck where I am for a few more weeks so wont make the RTR sadly. And I want to reconnect with friends in AZ while the weather is good. Ive managed in a bit of heat and cold but will still need to follow the weather. Since my knees are bad I dont do much hiking and stick close to my rig. Its the scenery and nature I want to enjoy. It all has given me a whole new perspective on the homeless vs nomad situation and how we are treated. The rising costs and pickiness of rv parks as well as bad roads to many campgrounds make doing that hard to take advantage of. Nomads who just need a safe place to park and sleep safely for a night or two. We are more stealthy and less messy and self contained. We dont need to set up a full camp to be ok. $10-$20 a night very reasonable for that. I dont need a place with pools and entertainment and such. Just a place to safely rest in peace and a little bit of privacy. Its really an untapped market. And so many people getting thrown into this situation with this economy the way it is. I certainly dont want to set up camp on streets with tons of others for long periods of time. That breeds a feeling of hopelessness, depression, and an atmosphere where you settle and just give up while your home sinks into the ground because you've given up. Im traveling so as not to wear out my welcome anywhere. So yes the ambo can have its issues as far as bueracracy redtape and not fitting everywhere. But Ive tried to keep up with maintenance and this one was used for training only (no signage to scrape off) and for a diesel low mileage so its got some life left in it. And yes you can overfill with stuff and as the months go by I see where purging can happen and have done some. But I love my rig. I made it mine as far as daily living things, decor and working on that helped remind me who I was and what Im capable of and what a survivor I am after alot of loss at a late time in my life. Thanks for another great video!
Love the topic!
Me too.
I understand this video was not detailing specific models...but i would add a bit about the Volkswagon Vanagon (or Bus). First - we do not live in ours, but we are 3 - 15 day road trip types. High points: Cool factor - off the charts. We get positive comments everywhere we go! Charm: it feels old school (that's a plus in our book), but has more modern conveniences than you might expect. Expense: depends - some can be very expensive, some can be reasonably inexpensive, but they'll require a LOT of build out and repair work. Maintenance: relatively simple to work on, but finding a mechanic could be difficult when you need real expertise. We completely rebuilt the interior, including insulation, more storage, electrical upgrades and add-ons. Mileage: Not great, but not horrible either. Convenience: on the lower side as it's pretty, uh, cozy, shall we say. No bathroom but camper models often have running water, cooking facilities and with a pop up, ability to stand up. Don't undersell that - it makes the experience so much better. I would NEVER go back to the low roof models. Biggest drawback to me: most of the engines are so so so underpowered. If you can afford it, get the engine swap! Mine got a Subaru 2.2 liter upgrade - and what an improvement (caveat - it cost as much as the van!). Handles freeway speeds (well, you won't/can't be the fastest on the road, the body shape is engineered for 55 - 60 not 80 mph) and best of all, hills are no longer a problem. Summary: It's not our "best" vehicle, but it is by far our favorite. We LOVE ours, not looking at changing.
had 4 diff pop top Vws here, cool n convenient but low power n heat plus not as reliable as some imports...never again...once u get older the cool factor diminishes
Excellent conversation. Thank you both!
I've been super lucky with having a stable parking spot for my RV travel trailer (toy hauler with loft). The last time I had to move it, I still had my 2500 Dodge/Cummins truck. It was awesome for towing & for travel with a slide in, but the diesel aspect got to be too expensive to maintain. I currently travel for work (including sleeping) in my RAV4. It's a bit tight because I carry lots of music gear for my job, but I have decent tetris skills. 😉 I've considered getting another truck or van that can tow my travel trailer which would also give me better room for gear & for setting up gear to practice between gigs. I was able to do a great music practice set up with the slide in. When the time comes, a 3/4+ ton gas truck may win out due to cost.
Pros and cons to all! We each need to figure out what works for us. I’m picking up a high top ram promaster high roof next month. It is the 136 wheelbase so a lot of flexibility. I’m hoping it is perfect for a part time solo female nomad. It is an older one that has a basic build out, so price is good. There is room for a few upgrades. Thanks for confirming my decision!
Minivan has the big plus of being incognito. Nobody can tell I'm living in it.
Fantastic comparisons! Lots of great, understandable infoThanks
Love this, thank you, totally thinking about what to buy next so this really helps!
Very educational discussion. I think that the vehicle you choose you choose is very dependent on how much comfort you want to sacrifice! And for couples is going to be a compromise!
Thanks for the great info Bob you're the best
My first choice is a high top conversion van with a small motorcycle for daily transport. The conversion van already has a bed and removable captain chairs. A good balance between gas milage and comfort and it does not stick out in the city.
I picked an AWD minivan and got a lift. I wanted great reliability, great gas mileage, and the ability to urban camp without too much notice. Standing up comes behind that.
I think an alternative to a 4 wheel drive van is a 2 wheel drive van with some good all terrain tires, maybe a little bit of a suspension lift with a locking rear differential and a good 12K pound winch on the front. That is the direction I think I am heading with my 2019 Chevy Express 3500.
I have a wheelchair hightop chevy 350 5.7, my next upgrade will be Isuzu npr. Is the middle point of a bus and a van. Given the npr comes with Isuzu diesel but it also comes with chevy v8. So you have options.its compact for it sive and you have more space for your house. Plus it possible to 4x4 them.
I'd say the first thing to consider is how you will be using the vehicle-
City, boodocking, back roads/country, driving a lot vrs staying in place longer, gas mileage etc. Once you know that, it will help narrow your choices on the tyoe if vehicle.
Also, if you can borrow or rent the type of vehicle you're considering and take it out for a couple weeks.
Loved my VW Vanagon camper van but it was always breaking down. Always! Can't believe how much they're going for now.
Boy I love my van after hearing about all the other options. I would love it to have higher clearance and more torque like a truck for sure. Might as well throw in AWD too🎉
Two experts for the price ( free!) of one!
I built out a 2013 Ford Transit Connect. Small, but cozy. So far so good. Oh, and I have a 6x6 Clamshell popup room.
Variety is the spice of life
Thank You Bob and Brian. Great Video 👍🙏🐕🦺🇺🇲
The best information ever for people!!😊
Great video thank you for sharing ❤😊
In the van world, one of the must haves for me is 4wd. I tend to steer away from the AWD. The other must have for me is has to be a GM vehicle. I would go with the LS based drivetrains or Cummins or a Duramax.
I honestly would get a stepvan or a U-Haul van. Depending on the year, some of them have a 12 valve Cummins and either an Allison or a NV4500 transmission. You might not recommend diesel drivetrain, but they’ll last a lot longer than your typical gas engine despite the upfront cost and maintenance.
I want to do what Bob has done, pull the seats from my toyota highlander, build a plywood platform and go from there, I dont have the tools or knowledge to do it , but that's the goal.
I love my E450 Ambulance. Room for storage and I can stand up in it.
Thanks guys, this conversation was helpful.
Brilliant video guys, thank you.
I saw Bob's video on his new car but it hard to believe someone living full time in a vehicle would choose that. They both said in this video that they need to be able to stand up and a place to spend time when the weathers' bad. Does he still have the dog or did something happen to it?
Really good info here! One consideration for me is stand up room...I'm just shy of 6'5". I'm fairly limited as far as that goes.
I just purchased a 2013 odyssey...so far so good for 1 person. But, Transit awd is in the future.
I seen a semi and a matching trailer set up as a camper. It had a platform on the back of the trailer with bicycles and motorcycle and than a trailer with a car. The trailer had huge windows in it.
This is a great video!
I used a pickup truck and a tent, which is great, but you’ll need a tent that can stand up to high winds in the desert, and has a stove jack at least for the winter, and those can be problematic if you have limited mobility.
Another great video! Lot's to consider!
I have a vintage Roadtrek. Unfortunately parts are getting more scarce but I can get through a drive through. It is crammed underneath as far as access. But no leaks like a class C (except for the three little windows) 23:20
I would completely rule out a sprinter van and even most transit vans as economical or entry-level. They start about $68,000 and just go up from there, the only exception would be something extremely high. It was some kind of a courier or delivery service.
I used to have a Telescope slide in camper. Just loved it. Very hard to find .
I admit I was greatly influenced by Bob and his full size GM van and that is what I bought and still have... I thought about having a high top installed but couldn't afford it and after seeing Bob's high top installation problems I am glad that I didn't... Later I bought a aluminum WeeRoll (lots of problems with the purchase, but not the quality)... And... almost on a whim I got a 13' Scamp Camper because I needed to have a official RV to be able to stay in a rv park for short periods of time to be able to stay near grandkids... Not many rv parks will accept a cargo trailer conversion... I know it is crazy, but I still have both trailers... 👀 ❤
I started watching Bobs YT videos a couple of years before retirement and knew that is what I wanted to do... Thanks Bob... ❤
Very interesting. Thank you for this video, I’ve learned a lot, and it gave me a lot to think about.
That Land Cruiser at 4:14 is SUV RVing, I love that rig👍11:25 Adventure Van Man, love that rig as well!!
I have a 2020 RAM Promaster City SLT with the Cascade Camper RV package. It’s been perfect for one person: solar panels and battery storage, water/sink/counter, exhaust fans, wide bed, refrigerator, storage, and… 32mpg. Unfortunately, because the model has been discontinued, good used ones are hard to find and are now more expensive.