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Nathan Watson
United States
Приєднався 10 жов 2013
Tired of those awesome, custom engineered, high-end van builds? Well, here’s my average “Middle-Class” custom build anyway LOL. Filled with lessons learned the hard way... and someone to laugh at & hopefully help others.
I’ve been doing the Van Life minimalist lifestyle full-time since March 2019 and provide many helpful tips, hacks & humor for both novice and veteran nomads.
Text with me in the comments and ask anything at all. My hope is to encourage others and help them achieve this amazing “No Rent/Utilities & freedom lifestyle”
It’s not for everyone... but I love it.
My future videos will include:
Ummm (Suggestions please) haha
-Van-
Stealth.. 2018 Dodge Ram ProMaster 2500 High Roof. The mid-size with V6, tow package and 220a alternator.
I’ve been doing the Van Life minimalist lifestyle full-time since March 2019 and provide many helpful tips, hacks & humor for both novice and veteran nomads.
Text with me in the comments and ask anything at all. My hope is to encourage others and help them achieve this amazing “No Rent/Utilities & freedom lifestyle”
It’s not for everyone... but I love it.
My future videos will include:
Ummm (Suggestions please) haha
-Van-
Stealth.. 2018 Dodge Ram ProMaster 2500 High Roof. The mid-size with V6, tow package and 220a alternator.
(Scenic) Redwoods | Lieffer Trail
Some dated over 3,000 yrs old.
100’s of trails with perfect temperatures.
100’s of trails with perfect temperatures.
Переглядів: 514
Відео
Van Life - Big and Small Dogs
Переглядів 4223 роки тому
A repost due to copyright correction 😁👍 I love big dogs too. But..
Worst timing ever. Road Rants #2
Переглядів 4383 роки тому
With sooo many road trips and crazy experiences.. I thought I should share some of them. Even the embarrassing ones.
Odd Crazy Ideas? Road Rants #1
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“Road Rants” related to Nomadic Van Life. I make Educational & Entertainment Videos about being a 24/7/365.
My Tiny VanLife Companion
Переглядів 5613 роки тому
A dedication to my travel companion. My little baby boy. #vanlife#vanlifepets#vanlifepet
Van Life Solar Alternatives 😉
Переглядів 8013 роки тому
I love and use my solar regularly. But there are simple, inexpensive alternatives to solar. And there are actual reasons to NOT waste time with solar for some people. Educate yourself with the alternatives. -N8 Nomad- #vanlife#vanlifesolar#nomad
Hide Your Toilet in a Drawer? | Van Life
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Much needed toilet system upgrade. It’s amazing the little things you appreciate when you’ve gone without for so long. Toilet $123.65 Sanitation Equipment Visa Potty www.amazon.com/dp/B0007L9J40/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_SJBSFbHFYH52R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 I make NO money from this. But whoever does I’m sure they appreciate it. #vanlife#vanlifetoilet#nomad
4 Low Income budget examples | RV Van Life
Переглядів 5623 роки тому
Hopefully this helps out with some general starting points for aspiring minimalist VanLife nomads. And I know I’ll have to update it in about four or five years because inflation will make this irrelevant LOL.
Portable Cab Air Conditioner | RV Van Life
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*I said 800 on accident. It’s 8,000. 3 Options To Power It 1) Massive LithIon batteries and a powerful Inverter (COST: $4,000 ) 2) Small quiet generator tapped into the top half of the gas tank (COST: $450) 3) Shore power with extension cord (COST: $40 Misc. fees) (UPGRADE) - Now I use an Insulated exhaust tube! -Air Conditioner: (I don’t know this seller & I make NO profits) www.amazon.com/dp/...
Portable Camping Toilet for (Extended Stay)
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(When Camping 1 to 6 days for 1 person) It’s EASY cleanup and allows for the proper disposal of Human Waste. 👍 Other methods work well when (actively traveling) - like dust free cat litter, wood cips, etc. This setup is for STATIONARY use. I make No Money from this channel or Links. Reliance Products Luggable Loo www.amazon.com/dp/B000FIAPXO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FC4Z2VTFM54QX20A6GPN #van...
Mountain Top in Summer | VanLife
Переглядів 3294 роки тому
-Short Video- Breakfast, Walk, Toys, Hobbies, Dishes & Movie Night. What it’s like for me in the summer months. I like how SIMPLE my bed-to-couch conversion is (near end of video)
It’s about what Van Life ALLOWS
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Van Life is only a means. NOT an end. We all need the same thing. Whatever you drive. It’s about balancing our lives - not the rat race.
All of my van life routines
Переглядів 5634 роки тому
Everyone’s Van Life is unique. *60% of my life is my daily routines. But 😁 the other 40% IS about Waterfalls, Oceans, Trails, Community, Travel… etc And It’s the ((40% THAT I LIVE FOR)) I hope someday It’l be 90%! #vanlife#vanlifereality#vanlifechores
Solar Air Conditioner | UPGRADED
Переглядів 4,2 тис.4 роки тому
NOTE: I DID put the tunnel back to direct the cool air under the sheets again.. like in the FIRST Video. It’s FAR more efficient that way. ((Expecting miracles from a Solar system is unrealistic.)) My system is weak. Better with... MORE solar MORE amps MORE anything.. #vanlife#solarairconditioner#offgrid
6 Common Free Places to Stay Overnight!
Переглядів 1 тис.4 роки тому
The 6 places I stay overnight for FREE every time I travel around the States. Perfect for RVs, Van Life, Nomads, Truckers.. etc. #vanlife#freeparking#n8nomad
Watch Out For “Parking Lot” Nomads | VanLife
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Watch Out For “Parking Lot” Nomads | VanLife
3 Ways to Hide in Plain Sight (Stealth Parking) VanLife & RV
Переглядів 1,5 тис.4 роки тому
3 Ways to Hide in Plain Sight (Stealth Parking) VanLife & RV
SOLAR Air Conditioning on a TINY budget | Van Life
Переглядів 55 тис.4 роки тому
SOLAR Air Conditioning on a TINY budget | Van Life
Just Some Van Life Tips, Hacks and Ideas (Part 2)
Переглядів 8894 роки тому
Just Some Van Life Tips, Hacks and Ideas (Part 2)
First use of outdoor shower in the City
Переглядів 4624 роки тому
First use of outdoor shower in the City
Bored? 1-Handed, High-Speed, 12v Upgrade?
Переглядів 1614 роки тому
Bored? 1-Handed, High-Speed, 12v Upgrade?
Just Some Van Life Tips, Hacks and Ideas (Part 1)
Переглядів 9224 роки тому
Just Some Van Life Tips, Hacks and Ideas (Part 1)
What are you plugging up to
Sorry for the delay. It plugs into shore power. But can be used with a small generator.
Thanks for all information
Fail
When do you change the plastic liner?
Nice job. 👍. You have tattoos ?
Nice job man! Im currently doing research to create a similar system of cooling in my Chevy Suburban. I need to have a solar powered AC system so I don’t have to have my vehicle running to stay cool while living in the High Deserts of Southern California near Los Angeles. On a 90 degree F day my vehicle interior reached 151 degrees! Thats a little bit warmer than what i believe is comfortable 😅
How many uses do you get out of each bag? Finally, someone who shows how this works (well, thankfully, not EVERYTHING, lol). I have a school bus I'm converting to an RV. I've thought about a composting toilet but you need venting for that. Then I thought I want the same experience I Have at home so I would need a black water tank and I've heard horror stories about them. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on my conversion until I'm sure I want to spend a lot of time on the road. This Luggable Loo look like it will help me temporarily so I can decide without a big investment.
Good information. I just had an emergency where I needed to use my bucket toilet for 3 days indoors with windows open. Your suggestions will help if there is a next time. ❤
The only reason I thought such a setup would not work is I thought that at least half of the air conditioner would need to be exposed to outside air, but it looks like only the very back needs to be.
The upgrade is much better. But the vents in the side and the back of the AC are designed to be the square-inch surface that they are. When you reduce the size to the little hole that makes the AC use more power just trying to move the air. It will run hotter. That will keep it from cooling the coolant. That will result in not cooling the room as well and consume double the power.
A single-hose portable AC sucks the air out of your room and blows it outside. Then that causes a vacuum which in turn draws heat from outside into the room through every little crack.
Good video. Thanks for sharing. I have a 5000-BTU window AC in my van. It is fully stealth. In fact, no vents are going through the wall anywhere. I have been using it that way since late 2015. It works great. It took me some time to figure out how to put a window AC in a van without any vents in the wall. LOL I have always plugged in at night But this week I'll see if it can run day and night just on solar and my batteries There are 1600 -watts of solar. and 920Ah of batteries. It runs all day without using the batteries. It will run all night on batteries and run all the next day. But I didn't have a battery monitor, just a volt meter. So I'm not sure how close to charged they were the next night. I just installed a battery monitor. I will try running it all night on the batteries this week and see if it can run the next day and fully recharge the batteries at the same time. There's a lot of other stuff running too. So we'll see. Wish me luck.
I line my bucket with two bags.
Hello my friend and thank u for the video, i just have a plans to buy the same aircondition for my pick up camper and work it with inverter which is takes electricity from the alternator, but i must be sure if i can work the aircondition while driving the car, anything u know can help me please 🙏
I have the same van as you. Can I bring my van to you and I pay you to put in this same system? I'll stay with you and work with you.
What is the name of the metal part you have taped to the back of the air conditioner?
I just bent and cut some sheet metal. A piece that already vaguely fit, from Lowes.
Genius!
Can you share the generator you used? Thank you so much I loved the video. It was very very helpful. Really appreciate it.
And how you install it 😊
I do not use a generator. Although one would be a good idea so I suggested it. But I have a long extension cord and use it only with shore power as I only need it when visiting family. Otherwise I am only located in perfect temperature environments (I drive and live wherever the weather is nice in my state).
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a comfortable living area
Bag of kitty litter and ditch the chemicals. When traveling store the bag of kitty litter in the 5 gallon bucket. Easy.
I’ve heard many suggestions that horse pellets (sold as bedding for horses) is lighter, far more absorbent, and handles odor better than kitty litter.
Your airconditioner set up will be pumping all that cold air you want inside your van outside! Unless you isolate the front evaporator section of the unit from the condenser or rear section the rear vents on the side of the unit will grab all that cold air and toss it outside. If you look at a typical house install you'll see that the rear half vents of the unit are outside the building!!
Not all. But you have a point. I would just use it to take a nap in the direct flow of air.
Getting ready to add a portable AC to my work van for the time being. These 100°F Florida days are killing me.
I can imagine. And with that humidity.. yikes.
It suck the cold air inside ?
The flexible exhaust hose is a big heat gain that is counterproductive. The difference between the cheap uninsulated vinyl hose and your uninsulate aluminum hose is ZERO. Both uninsulated-same heat radiated. Go out and buy 3" diameter fiberglass insulated flexible supply duct hose with 1" insulation and fix it right.
Do you think this would work keeping my dump truck cool I seen guys using inverters in semis
Cut out a window unit size area low on the side of the van.install a small window unit into the van with only about a 8th of an inch poking out. Put a vent cover where the ac unit is poking out. Only way to get good cold ac in van. Also you can get small mini split ac unit.
Great job and explanation, I saw people plugging these big units under trucks, but they have big trucks, I don't know if it's going to fit in a van, but it's nice to try, just plug in the vent that brings in cold air. inside the RV by forming a hole in the floor, the entire unit would be outside secured with metal brackets.
I thought about this, but are they still power hungry and inefficient?
My skoolie is definitely not stealth. I had tried the internal portable AC but too bulky for inside. I have considered changing my Window AC setup, currently I sort of hide it from sticking out only because I was able to place it inside the bus mounted in an internal box venting setup. And yes, when I tried it sticking out the window it was horrid to look at!
In all honestly.. the ONLY good A/C setup is (None!). The ability to stay and move to cooler climates is the only good temp control. It’s just not possible for everyone. But using A/C is always going to be unsightly or difficult or expensive. Every version I used was because I had no option to live and chase the cooler places to stay in each season.
@@n8nomad419 I totally agree. I have an AC in the bus but can only use it if I have shore power or get a generator.
Do you have any YT videos or pictures of your bus setup?
.
❤❤❤❤❤ for your little hommy
Thanks 😊😊👍💯💫 😊 excellent job .. I have had that idea in mind... I appreciate so much you showed me, it can be possible.. would you please tell me where did you got it.. and what kind of generator you use... Pleaseeee 😃 Thanks youuuu ❤❤❤
I plug into shore power for the a/c unit and I got it on Amazon. I don’t have a generator (although sometimes I wish I did. And it’s not too efficient by the way. But it’s a solution for when I have to stay in the heat. The best solution (if possible) is to move to higher elevations or near a lake or ocean during the hot summer weather. 😊
N8 I just found your channel and u just made my day!! I've been struggling with how I was gonna do a minisplit on my van and omg this is SO much simpler and affordable. Just watched your "don't let this be you" parking lot guy video. LOLOL. Thanks so much for your vids!
I’m a professional crapper, been doing it my entire 73 years all over the USA . Here’s my method. Snap the seat on the empty bucket and don’t remove it. Get some small office size cheep plastic bags , make sure they reach to the bottom with 4” to 6” extra. Now peel off 6 or so bags and drop into the empty bucket with lid attached. Take one bag and slide into the bucket, let the extra overlap the seat and extend a way down the outside. Use a small bit if kitty litter if you want, or you can even drop in some lightly used paper towels to absorb. So now the plastic bag covers the inside, the seat, and extra outside. Do your business, use TP, or baby wipes, or a combination, baby wipes a a good touch as we often don’t shower as much while camping and the help keep some tush freshness. When finished just pull up the bag opening, remove as much air as you can, and tie a tight knot , bag can now be removed, disposed of or placed in another bucket with a screw on lid for future disposal. Try to limit the amount of liquid going into the bag, but you’ll work that out. Double bag if needed. The bag being placed over the seal acts like an ass gasket and keeps the seat clean, ready for next user and no clean up. Extra bags in the bottom are ready for next in line. When traveling, bags, TP, baby wipes, kitty litter can all just ride inside of the bucket, everything clean, handy, and ready to go when you’re ready to go. I just make it a single use bag and no liquid to slouch around, spill, overturn, or weigh down the bag. Added bonus you don’t have to use your precious water. Instead of kitty litter try some wood chips, pellets, or hamster bedding from Tractor Supply.. Side note - don’t try the free doggie pooper bags at the park, they are way too small. Have respect for others when you dispose of the used bags, no one wants to be in contact with your 💩.
Awesome! Love it.
Best method yet! Thank you Professional Crapper! 😊❤👍
“Ass gasket “,…absolute gold!
Bravo
Excellent
Génial
That amount of liquid requires a lot of confidence in the bag!!!
I don’t take the bag out until after I’ve emptied the bucket into an outhouse. It’s mostly there to lessen the need to clean the actual bucket. Unless I’m using dust-free cat litter. Since I only use this method when I am not planning to drive around (not a good idea to slosh it haha)
Is the plastic bag biodegradable? If so, when does the bad biodegrade from use?
There are bio ones. And that would be a much better idea. Also pine chips work great but a bit more expensive.
I'll save your video for reference of the chemicals used; thank you for that. I'm going to also point out that you wore gloves to clean to Luggable Loo, but then contaminated everything else you touched by handling them with those dirty gloves.
Just a demonstration. But good catch. Thank you for your observation.
Pine petals are great from tractor supply and there where the hose stuff is and they work great and I would recommend this to everyone
I find myself in hot Az for the summer and I like this set up. Is it still working for you have you done any upgrades or modifications I need to know about bf I get ready to install. Thank you!
It is still working just fine. Only petty minor cosmetic changes.. nothing real different. Just enjoying working only part time during the year with the best temperatures. I’m glad you like the setup 😊
hi how much power do you need to run that portable a/c for like 10 hours straight.. like how many watt’s or solar panels do you need? sorry for my ignorance thanks in advance great video and such a cute dog 🐶
Not at all. It’s a complex answer though. I use “shore power” when at a site or family members house. The only viable solution otherwise (that I see) is to tap into the top 3/4 of the gas tank using a 2500 watt generator that I would keep outside on one of those caged carriers on the rear hitch (for noise and vapors). I doubt solar would ever be a good idea for this kind of load.
But that’s would be a huge cost for very little return. So I only use extension cords.
the vent hose gets hot and warms the RV up, best to insulate the hose to keep the air cool. I wrapped mine in bubble wrap and aluminium tape .
Hello, thanks for the helpful video. So not all cool air made it thru the plastic tube right? since it's just sitting there in front of the output vent, some would escape around the tube to the front of the cab?
Correct. Not the greatest setup for sure. But hopefully people can take my suggestions and improve on them.
Nice! Thank you..! 💯👍
Would of looked cleaner if you pointed in towards the van floor instead of back door
Agreed 👍
Get a zero breeze.
I’ve actually thought of that too. It does make sense. I have pasted the torch to my daughter and her husband and they now adventure in the van. I now live in a 400 ft tiny house (which is why I haven’t made videos). But reminding me of that (thank you) I will pass that on to my daughter. Thank you.
luggable loo is $55 in 2022 ,,i will deal with the handle
No kidding! I remember bringing in 5 dollars into Taco Bell 18 months ago and eating a feast.
Thank you!
Hope you’re doing well with these crazy couple of years. Seems like the dramas never end.
Nice tour Redwood hopefully next year will visit it 🎄
I’ve travelled a lot.. all over, and it’s still my favorite place. Thousands of years of living history. So beautiful. You’ll love it!