@@MattyVanHalen That’s so wonderful! Answered prayers! You have a very kind heart! ♥️🙏🏻 P/S I’m 45 minutes north of Columbus. Good Southern kindness travels everywhere.
Four months in Crazysite? Woaaa. That would be more like, how do I not go insane before the 30 day mark. Unless you are a socialite, the only excitement you will get is going to Blythe for a change of scenery and more shopping options.
I have a 1977 Dodge Mallard class C that we affectionately named Lucy❤ as in I Love Lucy! My wife and I love our class C. It has all the comforts in cuda mints of home yes those are cuda mints❤ I love that we can go from the back to the front and drive off if we need to. It's easy to park and is completely solarized for off-grid living. They say you can't take it with you but we do. I graduated in 76 and this vehicle is one that I know. It has been completely gone through front to back mechanically upgraded with and Edelbrock high performance intake manifold and 4 barrel carburetor Lucy can confidently go anywhere.
You should talk to the cat lady van. She has fiberrene high top and hasn’t had nothing but problems with it. It leaks every time it rains and she’s had it repaired by fiber rain three times I believe and it still leaks. I would think twice about a high top
Why not a cargo trailer that you can build out anyway you want since you don’t want a black tank I think that’s the way to go. And you can get a single axle for lightweight. You can get a 5000 pound axles that’ll have brakes 3500 pound trailers don’t have brakes I have a 6 x 10 if you want to come look at it for sizes. But for a build out, I would go with the 7 x 12. Send me a pin I’d like to come see you
Hi Matty, I did it the opposite of you. I started pulling a small camper and then went with a van. All my friends had vans or truck campers and they seemed way easier to park and maneuver. If you pull a camper you always have to plan, can you park it, can you turn around on that mountain road, is there room for it!! If you were just going to be in open space like Q they are great, but take a trip to the unknown and it can turn sour!! I do not want to discourage you, but just telling you how I felt. I now have that Ford Transit 350 that’s parked near you and I’m happy! I’m not full time right now, but I was when I had the camper. I loved that little camper, it was like a little house…but not for traveling! Cheers Hike 🌵✌🏼
Towing your home is best. if you break down AAA takes your tow rig to shop and everything else to Nearest rv park. Wait for repairs. Otherwise your van goes to not to secure shop and you go to hotel....and hemridge monie. Been there.
I have a 4wd Tahoe and pull a 19ft TT. Didn't plan on more than a 16 footer, but the layout and high clearance was too pefect to pass-up. After van, truck and shell, and SUV travelling, the TT/SUV combo is perfect for me and dog. Can drop trailer and explore, and I get 14 mpg towing!
Marty I roll with a Chevy Exress AWD 2013 and I tow a 14RB Sportsman , yes you can stand in it . There are a lot of 14 footers and they weigh in at about 22-24 perfect . They are made by a number of manufacturers Jayco StarCraft and Sportsmen I think the 14 footer is the perfect Cinderfella size. Any thing bigger is too heavy and they don’t track as well . Mileage is about 10-12 but I do have AWD. Keep thinking 14 footers !
Yeah ! Could be you ... but you’d be like over 40 feet long on the road Lol. Nice to get a feel of quartzite. Don t worry too much about the content. It s always fun watching. For myself I might end up going to Texas in January then quatrzsite with my 29 foot fifthwheel and over 20 foot pickup truck. Lol. Can’t wait
ive got a 36s bounder 1999 with the washer/dryer and the big slide.wish i had more slides with a shorter wheelbase..i did upgrade to an on demand hot water heater..Have fun yall
Got Out has a trailer and pickup truck. He's having a livestream tonight (at 9pm my time... Eastern... but he's out West somewhere). He'll be talking about his recent Burning Man excursion but would probably be happy to take questions about nomad trailer life.
Hey Matty! We have a Ford E150 van we converted with a turtle top . Due to lower roof and lack of space we purchased a travel trailer which is 15feet , grand design transcend one 151rb , less than 20,000 $ new
I wish I could emulate Rusty and chop and change easily. I have had my rig for 12 years!. If you do get a trailer, maybe get a good one like an older Casita or Scamp which does hold its value, so that if you don’t like it you can sell it without a loss.
I have a Dodge Promaster 1500< 6 cylinder. I towed a Jayco Baja weighing in at about 3300 pounds. Although the tow capacity on my van is 5000 lbs, this was a little difficult to tow at times. I would suggest something under 2000lbs, Aliner, Bushwacker HD 10...check them out
Check out a Geo Pro 15TB. It is 15 feet long, kitchen, wet bath and twin or king bed in back. It also has solar, 12 volt refrigerator, 12 volt TB and Max Air fan
Not. Me, I don't want to pull anything behind me, pain to find parking, gas milage decreases significantly, no thanks, I'll stick with my high top van 👍.
Keep n eye out for 17ft Cassita trailer all fibreglass construction and all but bombproof. Never heard of anyone having regretted that move. The other option is a cargo trailer u build having extra room for your E-bike etc.
Thats the way to go, and you dont need a tiny one, pay a lot more for less, cost is the same to tow. I have a 25 footer, perfect size and follows like a dream.
I enjoyed you showing the different rigs driving in to the campground. Even if you don’t have any content that you deem exciting, we love just chatting with you. Those of us who have listened to you for a long time, would enjoy knowing how your father is doing. Did his part of Georgia get any damage when Helene went through?
Just pick a subject and talk about it, we'll listen 👂❣️. I like the little camper, I think it would be cheaper and you don't have to worry about the van leaking! Emi from TheCatLady had a high roof installed and it leaked a couple times! Take care ❣️
@@MattyVanHalen saw the van but didn't see you unfortunately. I was parked next to your van with the Orange Kayak on the roof of a truck. But I gave you a shout out in my video today so that was pretty cool!!
I camp in my suv only i can always stop as i go through town and citys.see alot of war memorials or down town dallas the spot Kennedy was shot.hard to do towing somethng behind you. High top buddy.
That new Ford Transit likely has more horsepower than your van. It is front wheel drive. How long can you stay in one place? Do you want to hook/unhook every other day? Of course, unhooking is not required. If you simply need head height, install the bubble top, or a pop top. If you want to bring more stuff/need more elbow room, have a shower and toilet, get a trailer. Can you accept a used, needs a few things? Or do you need new? Do you accept the need to dump black tank, and the additional fee. Know this, most people don't get a trailer one time. They go through a series of trailers to find the "right one". Ask around, look at 25 to 50 before you purchase. Spend this winter in Q wandering around looking at trailers and asking owners about their experience. If you buy new, prepare for warranty disputes, things failing. Trailer = additional equipment to van. Transmission cooler, rear air bags/springs trailer brake wiring, tire pressure monitor, $$$ for excellent trailer tires, correct type hitch, anti theft hitch lock, tongue jack, additional wear/service on brakes and transmission. Check out Oliver trailers if you are serious. Not inexpensive, but will probably last your lifetime.
Good for you on no slide out. Check out 15 foot Epro or GeoPro if you are looking at TT. Used are 20k. Still think raising the roof seems to suit you because you can be more nimble and you will gain a lot of storage.
My plan is a used class A if and when I am reduced to that situation. And tow an extra small car behind it when needed. My question to you is, do you think they fall apart quicker ? Leak quicker ?
Lol “it’s a piece!” Too funny I really enjoy your honest approach content! Your laughter as you’re telling your stories reminds me of hanging out with friends! (Plus, Van Halen was MY BAND in HS & beyond. Van Halen NOT Van Hagar.” ) Lol if you know you know.. As far as upgrading.. what are you looking for? Just the ability to stand fully inside to ease the back flareups? Looking for more space?
Totally understand your feelings on the pop out but on a little trailer like that if something were to happen it’s very easy to manually put in. It’s amazing that pop out gives you space. Also love the videos. Keep it up.
I have an r-pod 202 and love it. The side out might be a bit much for a single guy. I suggest the 192 model. It's smaller, easily towed with a half ton, and the beds big and a Murphy set up. I think you would love it. The 2025 models all have heated underbelly. Personally, I would only give up my r-pod for a class A, but I'm that kinda guy 😂
Also, I was wondering what are the other camp areas or the low cost fee camp areas ? Also, what about jobs in and around the desert areas ? And are the towns people ok with campers or traveling people ?
Still double Reg, double insurance, no maneuverability in tight quarters. Cut your gas mileage in half,twice the maintenance. If you park it and leave it then you have to worry about it. Why not just buy a little spot of land somewheres in the area has a domicile address and a place to store some extras. For a fraction of the money.
when i think about all the places you stayed i am not sure if towing would be a good idea...i think hightop would be best for you Matty, but thats only my 2 cents lol
I have an R Pod with additional rear kitchen and total game changer!LOVE LOVE LOVE my little R Pod
Find Laurie from Lori’s Way she could use that power station and backpack. I know that she’s in Quartzsite somewhere.
You are not going to believe this but I just bumped into her and gave it to her!
@@MattyVanHalen
That’s so wonderful! Answered prayers! You have a very kind heart! ♥️🙏🏻
P/S I’m 45 minutes north of Columbus. Good Southern kindness travels everywhere.
Four months in Crazysite? Woaaa. That would be more like, how do I not go insane before the 30 day mark. Unless you are a socialite, the only excitement you will get is going to Blythe for a change of scenery and more shopping options.
I have a 1977 Dodge Mallard class C that we affectionately named Lucy❤ as in I Love Lucy! My wife and I love our class C. It has all the comforts in cuda mints of home yes those are cuda mints❤ I love that we can go from the back to the front and drive off if we need to. It's easy to park and is completely solarized for off-grid living. They say you can't take it with you but we do. I graduated in 76 and this vehicle is one that I know. It has been completely gone through front to back mechanically upgraded with and Edelbrock high performance intake manifold and 4 barrel carburetor Lucy can confidently go anywhere.
Stick with the hightop! The trailer would be costly to buy and keep up
That portable BLUETTI power station is sweet!!
You would love an off road teardrop trailer. Brand new 9 to ten grand.
You should talk to the cat lady van. She has fiberrene high top and hasn’t had nothing but problems with it. It leaks every time it rains and she’s had it repaired by fiber rain three times I believe and it still leaks. I would think twice about a high top
ditto
@@kathyallstun4771 yes Iv heard this about after market high tops.
We love you Matty! ❤️
Thanks for your kindness 🙏
Why not a cargo trailer that you can build out anyway you want since you don’t want a black tank I think that’s the way to go.
And you can get a single axle for lightweight. You can get a 5000 pound axles that’ll have brakes 3500 pound trailers don’t have brakes
I have a 6 x 10 if you want to come look at it for sizes. But for a build out, I would go with the 7 x 12.
Send me a pin I’d like to come see you
I’m still a fan of you getting a high quality cargo or toy hauler trailer and building it out. 😀
If you can afford it, a fiberglass egg, Scamp, Casita, Oliver...
Hi Matty, I did it the opposite of you. I started pulling a small camper and then went with a van. All my friends had vans or truck campers and they seemed way easier to park and maneuver. If you pull a camper you always have to plan, can you park it, can you turn around on that mountain road, is there room for it!! If you were just going to be in open space like Q they are great, but take a trip to the unknown and it can turn sour!! I do not want to discourage you, but just telling you how I felt. I now have that Ford Transit 350 that’s parked near you and I’m happy! I’m not full time right now, but I was when I had the camper. I loved that little camper, it was like a little house…but not for traveling!
Cheers
Hike 🌵✌🏼
Look for an RPod 171. Love our RPod 172. No slide outs.
Towing your home is best. if you break down AAA takes your tow rig to shop and everything else to Nearest rv park. Wait for repairs. Otherwise your van goes to not to secure shop and you go to hotel....and hemridge monie. Been there.
I like my hightop van and enclosed 16x7x7 cargo trailer great combo for me!!!!!!!!
I have a 4wd Tahoe and pull a 19ft TT. Didn't plan on more than a 16 footer, but the layout and high clearance was too pefect to pass-up. After van, truck and shell, and SUV travelling, the TT/SUV combo is perfect for me and dog. Can drop trailer and explore, and I get 14 mpg towing!
Matt if you get a trailer .....set a side funds for a transmission .your van is get up there on the mileage
i thought he had low mileage 🤔
Scamp, Casita and Oliver trailers probably best bet, all fiberglass shell.
NuCamp Boondock 320. My friends love theirs.
Those seem cool and there a big community, but they’re also pretty heavy and a little boring looking. 😂
Marty
I roll with a Chevy Exress AWD 2013 and I tow a 14RB Sportsman , yes you can stand in it . There are a lot of 14 footers and they weigh in at about 22-24 perfect . They are made by a number of manufacturers Jayco StarCraft and Sportsmen I think the 14 footer is the perfect Cinderfella size.
Any thing bigger is too heavy and they don’t track as well . Mileage is about 10-12 but I do have AWD.
Keep thinking 14 footers !
You could keep your solar with the Rpod. They are nice.
Yeah ! Could be you ... but you’d be like over 40 feet long on the road Lol. Nice to get a feel of quartzite. Don t worry too much about the content. It s always fun watching. For myself I might end up going to Texas in January then quatrzsite with my 29 foot fifthwheel and over 20 foot pickup truck. Lol. Can’t wait
I would GLADLY pay shipping 😊
Be nice to have a rear entry , easier to haul more toys e bike etc.
Tab 320s are nice.
We’ve got a Bounder! 1997. Been great to us.
ive got a 36s bounder 1999 with the washer/dryer and the big slide.wish i had more slides with a shorter wheelbase..i did upgrade to an on demand hot water heater..Have fun yall
Got Out has a trailer and pickup truck. He's having a livestream tonight (at 9pm my time... Eastern... but he's out West somewhere). He'll be talking about his recent Burning Man excursion but would probably be happy to take questions about nomad trailer life.
Hey Matty! We have a Ford E150 van we converted with a turtle top . Due to lower roof and lack of space we purchased a travel trailer which is 15feet , grand design transcend one 151rb , less than 20,000 $ new
You should get one of those one piece fiberglass I think they are casita or scamp. All one piece. No leaks.
Maybe if you get a small secondhand cheap trailer tow it around for a while and see how you like it and test the waters.
👍
Matty, the La Posa South guard shack is only open 9am-noon. Tyson Wash across 95 is open all day and you can get your permit there.
You have a big heart.
Wish I had the time and money to fix up one them old Chevy hippie van
I wish I could emulate Rusty and chop and change easily. I have had my rig for 12 years!. If you do get a trailer, maybe get a good one like an older Casita or Scamp which does hold its value, so that if you don’t like it you can sell it without a loss.
Enjoyed again Wrong way Matty, going down highway 70 mph pulling a trailer, can't wait to see that😊
I have a Dodge Promaster 1500< 6 cylinder. I towed a Jayco Baja weighing in at about 3300 pounds.
Although the tow capacity on my van is 5000 lbs, this was a little difficult to tow at times. I would suggest something under 2000lbs, Aliner, Bushwacker HD 10...check them out
I miss the desert 🌵 😭❤️
Check out a Geo Pro 15TB. It is 15 feet long, kitchen, wet bath and twin or king bed in back. It also has solar, 12 volt refrigerator, 12 volt TB and Max Air fan
Not. Me, I don't want to pull anything behind me, pain to find parking, gas milage decreases significantly, no thanks, I'll stick with my high top van 👍.
That is my Girl DJ !
Keep n eye out for 17ft Cassita trailer all fibreglass construction and all but bombproof. Never heard of anyone having regretted that move. The other option is a cargo trailer u build having extra room for your E-bike etc.
Take a look at Travels with Dottie for his rig. Also he is coming to Quartzite soon, seems like a nice guy
Just go knock on their Pod And report back!!😂😂😂❤
🤣
I say , if your going to drive to abbig open desert and parking for a few months ,get the biggest RV you can afford
Matt, you need some kind of homebase like plot of land ...
great vid on travels thanks lee
Matty in Da 'Q'...Stalking Mini Trailers😂🎉❤
May the good Lord watch over you and your family and friends. Peace and Love😊.
A bike ride is always a good video.
Stay curious. It works for content 😊
Interview some folks Matty! Maybe a trailer is for you!
Thats the way to go, and you dont need a tiny one, pay a lot more for less, cost is the same to tow. I have a 25 footer, perfect size and follows like a dream.
Used Nucamp teardrop 🐎
I enjoyed you showing the different rigs driving in to the campground. Even if you don’t have any content that you deem exciting, we love just chatting with you. Those of us who have listened to you for a long time, would enjoy knowing how your father is doing. Did his part of Georgia get any damage when Helene went through?
Pop top….don’t over think it!
Just pick a subject and talk about it, we'll listen 👂❣️. I like the little camper, I think it would be cheaper and you don't have to worry about the van leaking! Emi from TheCatLady had a high roof installed and it leaked a couple times! Take care ❣️
I'm still vote high top. You know what you, you love what you have, improve what you have. ❤
Reading this shows me I should not comment late at night! 🤣 Still vote hi-top, you love what you have, improve what you have 🥰
Some of the r pods have high ground clearance.
Teardrop trailer maybe 🤔
I saw your van at the Tents in town and it was like seeing a celebrity 😂😂😂
Yep I was there. You should have said hey!
@@MattyVanHalen saw the van but didn't see you unfortunately. I was parked next to your van with the Orange Kayak on the roof of a truck. But I gave you a shout out in my video today so that was pretty cool!!
I camp in my suv only i can always stop as i go through town and citys.see alot of war memorials or down town dallas the spot Kennedy was shot.hard to do towing somethng behind you. High top buddy.
If you get one make sure it has two axels. Also foes your van have a trailering package? Radiator, trans cooler, oil cooler. Hitch setup
That new Ford Transit likely has more horsepower than your van. It is front wheel drive.
How long can you stay in one place? Do you want to hook/unhook every other day? Of course, unhooking is not required.
If you simply need head height, install the bubble top, or a pop top.
If you want to bring more stuff/need more elbow room, have a shower and toilet, get a trailer. Can you accept a used, needs a few things? Or do you need new? Do you accept the need to dump black tank, and the additional fee.
Know this, most people don't get a trailer one time. They go through a series of trailers to find the "right one".
Ask around, look at 25 to 50 before you purchase.
Spend this winter in Q wandering around looking at trailers and asking owners about their experience.
If you buy new, prepare for warranty disputes, things failing.
Trailer = additional equipment to van. Transmission cooler, rear air bags/springs trailer brake wiring, tire pressure monitor, $$$ for excellent trailer tires, correct type hitch, anti theft hitch lock, tongue jack, additional wear/service on brakes and transmission.
Check out Oliver trailers if you are serious. Not inexpensive, but will probably last your lifetime.
Of course Matty will move. He can’t stay in one place for long.
You need to make an outside cafe...live entertainment by Matty...just sell coffee and a pastry. Everyone will come for miles to listen to your music .
Matty, a utility trailer would be perfect for ya. Much cheaper and you build it out the way you choose 😊😁👍🏻💎.
i put in a renegy dc/dc charger, tested it once and haven't used it in 2 years. i don't like putting the added load on my alternator!
Get ahold of me if you’re interested..Mark, Kari and I are going to a van meetup on the 1st with a group campout in the desert.
Matty check out the Tear drop campers and Geopros
Nomadic fanatic rubberized his Ckass C Roof
Good for you on no slide out. Check out 15 foot Epro or GeoPro if you are looking at TT. Used are 20k. Still think raising the roof seems to suit you because you can be more nimble and you will gain a lot of storage.
I wanna experience this in my van life
Go and interview that trailer guy...😅
How about converting an ambulance you can stand it? Just a thought
Just do life at camp, I like just watching y’all do your camp stuff. You don’t even need to talk much.
When you are in Q, the weather is dry and the YT content is dried too, ehhhh!!!? 😆
My plan is a used class A if and when I am reduced to that situation. And tow an extra small car behind it when needed. My question to you is, do you think they fall apart quicker ? Leak quicker ?
Scamp is all glass
Get you a small scamp, Matty.
Maybe look into the T@B trailer.
You should streak around quartzite then go interview people about it later. There's some content..😅
Get a Tab 360 or 400 or one like Poodle Professor has, they look good.
Come east!!!
18ft. or bigger, you get all the amenities...
Go to Mt Lemon in Tucson
Just get a class C and be done with it. Towing sucks.
I'm not sure I would be good enough at towing. Driving a minivan has been a change for me. ❤😊
Towing really does suck.
Seems like a long day.
your gas bill will double be thankful AS BOB WELLS SAYS-LIVEWITHIN YOUR MEANS- VAN IS ALWAYS BET
That has to be the best solution yet IMO. I think this combo would be very comfortable....😁😁
Ken Keasy drive around in a bus..
Lol “it’s a piece!”
Too funny
I really enjoy your honest approach content!
Your laughter as you’re telling your stories reminds me of hanging out with friends!
(Plus, Van Halen was MY BAND in HS & beyond. Van Halen NOT Van Hagar.” )
Lol if you know you know..
As far as upgrading.. what are you looking for? Just the ability to stand fully inside to ease the back flareups?
Looking for more space?
Totally understand your feelings on the pop out but on a little trailer like that if something were to happen it’s very easy to manually put in. It’s amazing that pop out gives you space. Also love the videos. Keep it up.
Get you a trailer.😊
Pan for gold
I have an r-pod 202 and love it. The side out might be a bit much for a single guy. I suggest the 192 model. It's smaller, easily towed with a half ton, and the beds big and a Murphy set up. I think you would love it. The 2025 models all have heated underbelly. Personally, I would only give up my r-pod for a class A, but I'm that kinda guy 😂
Start playing that “Axe” and you will gain a crowd and content!👍👍👍👍
I’ve had horses for over 20 years hun , don’t tow it’s a nightmare ❤
Also, I was wondering what are the other camp areas or the low cost fee camp areas ?
Also, what about jobs in and around the desert areas ?
And are the towns people ok with campers or traveling people ?
Still double Reg, double insurance, no maneuverability in tight quarters. Cut your gas mileage in half,twice the maintenance. If you park it and leave it then you have to worry about it. Why not just buy a little spot of land somewheres in the area has a domicile address and a place to store some extras. For a fraction of the money.
when i think about all the places you stayed i am not sure if towing would be a good idea...i think hightop would be best for you Matty, but thats only my 2 cents lol