INTIMIDATED BY VAN LIFE? How to Start On ANY Budget in a Mobile Off Grid Tiny House!
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- A hard look at the image of camper van life (and skoolie life) living in a off-grid tiny house with wheels that are mobile... and ideas to help those new to it (especially those intimidated, unsure, or worried they don’t have the skills, tools, time, or money for a build - and even those who do). Unsure if van life is for you or if you have what it takes - make no mistake - van life is open to all! Introduction to the Minimum Viable Build (MVB) Method of van building.
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How to Start Van Life in a Healthier Way No Matter How Much You Have to Spend (MVB Method)
The internet is full of people showing off their very elaborate and expensive van builds, and they should be proud because it’s a lot of work. But the problem is people just starting out see these and think that this should be the goal for their van build. it’s so easy to get engrossed and seduced by these videos that show a van that looks like a mountain chalet, and that’s fine if you have unlimited time and money and a lot of people go this route and they build beautiful vans and go on to have a great time in them. And they may then go out and produce a video series on their van thus fueling the fire even more for this idea of excessive luxury builds such that they almost seem like a standard. And it leads people to use the same products whether they make sense or not. We can lose sight that there are pros and cons of doing a build like this that should be understood before we start.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this. I’ve met many others on the road who have created beautiful builds, and they’re all great people - and we share a common bond at heart: to everyone else we’re all the same bunch of crazy lunatics who are living and travelling in our van, no matter what it looks like, right? The problem is - what about people like me who don’t have the time money skills or even the desire to make a luxury build like this? Where does it leave us? If we’re not careful, it may make us feel bad and question ourselves and wonder if this van life thing is even something that we can be a part of. But you know what? It shouldn’t. I think back to the 1960s, when groups of friends used to pile into a car or van and hit the road for the weekend with not much more than a pile of blankets and a toothbrush. It wasn’t about what you had, it was about the experience. It was about the adventure. And I think this is a great perspective for us all to keep in mind.
I want to send a message that van life is open to all no matter what your version of it looks like. you don’t need tools, money, or skills. all you need is a little creativity, and creativity can take you a long ways, and it doesn’t cost a thing. you too can do this van life thing, and it will be an incredible adventure in your life. don’t let this often extravagant view of van life discourage you and make you give up your vision and your dream.
My approach is something that I call the MVB or Minimum Viable Build. rather than looking at these elaborate luxury van builds as something to aim for and achieve for yourself the MVB approach looks at the car or van as an empty shell, a blank slate, a blank canvas, and as a first question asks: “What do I NEED to add to this to make it work?” From this more grounded starting point, you’re beginning with the basics in a van that you can continually add to as you discover what you really NEED, without committing to a grand layout right at the start - that once you get out and use you find out that some of it is not built in the right way that works for you. With my Minimum Viable Build idea you’re less likely to make mistakes spend money on [ __ ] you don’t need or waste a lot of time building things that you find out don’t actually work for you. I’ve had my van that I’ve built using this approach for about six years now I truly don’t feel that I’ve made any mistakes or missing out on anything or wasted any time building anything that I don’t really need. but I do feel it has a few luxury items that I’ve allowed myself that don’t make me feel like I’m living in a dumpster.
More please! You are the voice of reason in the van build scene, and I appreciate your sense of humor. Great video!
Judy, thanks for your kind words and support. Would you like to help? Could I humbly ask that you share this video on your social networks to help me reach more people who may find it beneficial? And stay tuned - more videos about building using this philosophy are on the way! ❤️
I've yet to video but I'm close to finishing my simple van design on a tight budget. Which I can't wait to share
That is awesome!
I totally agree with your MVB approach. That's exactly what I did my build. While my needs were a bit more comprehensive than yours, it was still simple, removable, and cheap. I started with a passenger van, so the floor, walls, ceiling, and HVAC were OEM, and better than I could have accomplished DIY.
That's great stuff... yeah, a passenger van with interior finishing gives you a good head start in some areas.
No comment, just a BIG THANK YOU for all the easy to understand tips on this channel, spiced by your wonderful sense of humor. Be blessed furthermore ❤
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this. It's support like this that keeps me going!
Exactly. Just live in your vehical and let it evolve. You don't know what you need until you live it. I'm in year 2 living in a 02 toyota highlander. Its amazing.
Great to hear your enjoying the Toyota!
My van basically replaces a tent, I try hard to not lose sight of this.
Thanks 👍
Lovely take...I just got to my MVP and it's amazing being able to use it even if it's not 100% ready.
Nice! The time is now! Get out and enjoy.
J'adore ta façon de voir les choses! Je suis tellement d'accord! Love the way you see things. Makes complete sense!
Thanks for your kind words of support!
On the skoolie forum, I suggest folks avoid duplicating a stand-still house in a vehicle.
I suggest an empty box...
...toss in some car-camping gear, go have fun.
Allow the conversion to evolve organically.
Great attitude and approach!
I am designing my minimal van build in my head constantly. You’ve a couple of things in your bed build with the rubber backed shims that I really like. I am in my 50s and don’t want to wait until I can afford my ultimate van build or even buying a van! One big thing for me is that I would use for lone trips and trips with my child who wants their own bed. I also like to sew when I’m by myself and that needs a different configuration. So, staying flexible is really important for me. And I will be hiring my vehicle initially while I figure out what configuration and what van will work for me. Hiring an already converted van is possible but they are rarely configured for our needs and I tend to take everything out and put my own stuff in because that’s what I’m comfortable with so it’s heaps cheaper just to hire a cargo van, load it and go. Thanks for sharing your minimal build. Inspiring and practical and down to earth.
That's great. Sounds like you have a good plan! I'm sure you will have some good times - I wish you the best!
Thank you, Sweller! I usually bypass the " I spent $80,000 on my van (before I had it converted)." videos, because I don't think I would do well panhandling for gas & food funds. I've met most of my needs &a couple luxuries on my social security checks. I can live in my van and not pay rent. I found a metal lounge chair, cleaned up the rust and painted it, added 4" memory foam. I had a camp stove and sleeping bag, lots of blankets and pillows, a bedside toilet. I saved for a 400 watt solar kit. (I have to find an electrician to wire it up & save for that expense.) I have a 1500 watt solar 'generator' that cost me $600. I had blackout curtains from Walmart and realized that both ends could be used on a rod. I had them cut in 1/2 and doubled my curtains. Magnets are my friends. I found some 'juvenile' lockers made of plastic at the Habitat for Humanity restore 13"x13"x4' with pegboard back and movable shelves. I use 1 with 1 shelf at the bottom for hanging clothes and laundry bag and shoes. The rest I use for my kitchen spices dishes pots pans, silverware, etc. They cost $25 each & I have 3 extras as I thought I might donate to someone that needs storage like this. I had originally looked for skinny cabinets to turn sideways and install at the top of my extended roof. Too expensive ($200 & 300 each), & weighed a lot more than this plastic.
I must stop. Thank you for your sensible build for the people without unlimited funds.
@@marilyncampbell3139I love it
Authentic inspiration - thank you for keeping it real!
Thanks for your support!
OMG you are now my favorite RUclipsr. Thank you for sharing your real wisdom in such a hilarious way.
Wow, thanks! I'm humbled... that means a lot. Lots more on the way!
I have been working on a budget build for the last year or so and it's good to see like minded individuals. I'll be sharing my progress at a certain point thanks for inspiring!
I agree that it's nice to know others think as you do. I'm sure you'll have some great ideas to share as well 🙂
Great method. People start this way and I have seen it in the past but get over anxious. So MVB and patience is the actual route to take. Keep up the videos.
Thanks for your support! Move videos coming soon!
You inspire me, Sir. Keep on vanning!
I'm humbled... thanks. You can do it!
Your are my hero of vans!
Thanks! I'm humbled.
more! more! more! please! yay! good man yourself!
I cannot begin to tell you how sensational this video was to me. It's not often I find myself listening to every word. It made such a wonderful impact on me as I inch closer to this lifestyle. This video is beyond inspirational and I am confident it will indeed be helpful to so many people. I was overjoyed to stumble on your channel. I sincerely hope you continue with these videos. Your experience is so valuable and obviously you have a gift of communication. I cannot wait to share this video with others I know that are considering vanlife. Well done and thank you so much!
Thank you for your kind words and support - this is what keeps me going! I appreciate your sharing with others since being able to reach those who will benefit is key! Stay tuned - more on the nitty gritty of actual build components is up next!
Well done. Thanks.
My pleasure!
Finally a robust logic in the van upload for camping - THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Btw: if you even carpet the ceiling in a cargo van, you will end up in a rain forest when closing the doors 😉- it's in the design of any original car/van/bus/truck manufacturer. So: basic camper gear and just a floor upgrade is enough. Anything else will ruin the air ventilation, the mechanical interior design and of course - the aerodynamics (it's essential if you spend more or less on fuel and maintenance). Yeah - moving our stationary houses to a tin can is possible, but is it logical? So here how it works (from an original car manufacturer 🙃):
*Passengers type vehicle: max load as per passengers max weight per car and obligatory: weight distribution on the chassis: left /right board. No interior ceiling or vertical load! or you'll twist the shell of the vehicle by providing uneven and not calculated vibrations to the beams and chassis (dynamic vibration load on XYZ - there is no logic to upload vertical vibrations on a vibrating horizontal platform= chassis).
*Cargo type: no ceiling /wall modifications which will create humidity, by sealing the originally calculated interior air flow (don't get it wrong cuz anything and everything in the automotive business is calculated to microns for profit and impacts the shell life/functionality of any vehicle 😎).
For both types to fight the humidity is silica gel "containers/bags" or cat litter pellets and ... the rest is just a basic camping gear + safety first if you use it inside the "tin can" 😉
nJoy the adventure. Blessings and thank you once again for the greatest and most logical ever philosophy in the van camping.
Thanks, so much! And don't worry, many more videos coming. I'm just getting started talking... 😎
Nadia,
re -- "... don't get me wrong cuz.."
I love people calling me 'cuz'... it seems so intimate!
Hi 🙋♀️ Watching again 11 months later 😊 saw your short vid... I love it just as much this time
Thank you so much 😀
Yes we need more!!
Much more on the way!
New sub here 😊 Love your personality, humor and great thoughts n ideas😊 Also your approach to starting out is exactly what I'm needing. I now know how I'm going to begin, Keeping it simple but also knowing my needs. Thank you and I look forward to more
Great to hear!
I’m at peace now. Start small and build on it 👍
Yeah... no pressure!
A small 1-burner stove will work....a small 2-burner is fantastic... VS. A huge built in solid heavy cannot move ... "STOVE".
Our primary cookers are induction hot-plates.
Advantages:
* use one on the porch, use all three at the picnic-table
* two/three cooks can fuss simultaneously
* redundancy
* placement only limited by extension cord.
Use, a quick wipe, then back into their cubby.
.
We also use an ancient Coleman propane two-burner.
.
We also use 'sous vide' circulation heaters, partly for cooking, partly to heat water for worshing and showers.
And 'yes', we are the Weirdos Of Redundancy.
Love it!
Thanks!!
MVB (Registered trademark symbol). The MVB movement will become all the rage with franchises all over the world. People will be vying for the most minimal viable build. Some going so far as to remove the doors and hood to out do one another. Others going clothing optional in a misguided attempt at minimalism. And you started it all
Working on my MVB right now. Love your perspective.
You got this! Have fun!
Thanks for the important information , good points of view 👍
Glad it was helpful!
You are so correct
Thanks!
Yeah, they're kinda' like the 4x8 micro trailers and enclosed cargo trailer aficionados, they tend to go , "Tool Time Tim" on them ! From there its a battle to out do the guy before yours.
You are ahmazing!!!
Thanks so much!
More videos, please!
Stay tuned! If you have any specific requests on topics, let me know 😉
I have to do what I can afford. I have a 98 like yours. Extended with a viking top. I'll be building a bed platform. I'm not a carpenter or electrician. I've tent camped all my life. My 12 ft kayak will slide inside!
That sounds fantastic! You're going to do just fine! 🙂
I think your ace 👍 I like your down to earth look at stuff …. And the odd saying “ shit “ makes me laugh 😂 keep at it dude and push those “ instagram “ beauty’s “ into real life x
I've never been referred to as "ace," but I like it 😎 Thanks for tuning in!
Lisa,
You can call me 'cuz'... Nadia does, and I like it.
New subscriber. Now ready for more of your expertise.
Welcome aboard! New video coming next week with some actionable ideas
Can you talk about why no insulation?
Insulation is VERY difficult, especially for a first time diy'er, to install so that it blocks water vapour, and when water gets in there you get mold and mold can cause permanent health problems. Plus in hot weather, it won't stop your van from eventually heating up, just delay it, and then when you want to sleep, the insulation slows the cooling at night. Just get good ventilation. In cold weather, it's going to be of some value, but with all the non insulated areas, like the entire front cab windows, it's like not insulating one entire wall of a house - no one would dream of doing that. Unless you're in very cold weather for extended periods, I'd just opt for a diesel heater and some warm clothing... I think the fuel used to heat the tiny van is only marginally more without insulation. Just my thoughts and why I don't have any.
Hi,
Your clips are very inspiring. Thanks.
My family and myself are planning a road trip in the US.
We have no experience with van life and we need some guidance to get us in the right direction regarding car purchase.
Will it be OK to connect you directly via email?
Thanks!
Nothing is permanent in my van,I can change things quick or empty it out,depends on what I'm doing.
It's so handy to keep it as flexible as you can!
Randy,
Modular!
We built our ExpeditionVehicle this way... everything can move, anything can be eliminated.
Nearly two decades full-time live-aboard, our rig is constantly evolving.
subbed. we share the same vision. thanks.
Awesome, thank you! Welcome aboard.
❤
Thanks for your support!
Lol!! I want a van!!
Mine was one of the best purchases of my life! Sounds like you could be on that path as well 🙂
@@SwellerVanDweller yes, am working on it
@@SwellerVanDweller
2003, my Very Significant Other got sick.
We immediately scribbled our RequirementsStatement on a brown paper grocery-bag.
Part-way through, we realized the perfect rig for us -- some type of walk-in box-truck.
.
That afternoon, we located a likely candidate, paid, got it home.
Within a week of diagnosis, we hit the road from Oregon with the vague goal of 'south'.
Twenty-four months twenty-four thousand miles around South America.
Alaska, Panama, all over North and Central America.
Summers up rough logger tracks to remote mountain lakes.
Winters on isolated Baja beaches.
.
Nearly two decades full-time live-aboard, our rig is constantly evolving.
On skoolie and other DIY home-made forums, I suggest avoiding believing 'this rig is my forever rig'.
.
We suggest starting with a bare interior, toss in some car-camping gear, go have fun.
Avoid the years-long conversion, followed by trying to force the adventure to fit the rig.
Allow the adventure to guide the conversion.
A Van is NOT a house ! Don't clutter it up like one !! < bumper sticker ?
Agreed!
We get a blank slate, no need to duplicate a stand-still house inside a vehicle.
'Familiar is not necessarily functional'... cabinets? doors? a bathroom sink two paces from the kitchen sink?
Like your practical, down to earth approach 🙂🚐
Thank you kindly.