Just came across this old video and didnt realize you were living in a van even 6 years ago! Keep continuing to do your thing man. Highly entertaining.
Hey bro this is just day to day stuff that people looking into living this lifestyle need to know about. Everyone does it different depending on how/where they live, so it's always good to keep new ideas flowing. Thanks for the great upload buddy.
I am older and not able to wait when nature calls. I see your point about not wanting a 5 gallon bucket or port-a-potty in a small living room but having a "chamber pot" with a lid for nights and using your methods by day would probably be very comfortable. Liked and subscribed. Thank you for the great video.
If you're organized and get things ready before bed you wouldn't or shouldn't have to run outside to use the restroom to take a dump. I have a portable Sears potty stool that i line with a black plastic garbage bag, drop some old news paper in it the bottom of it to soak up the waste and the TP covers that up and once your done doing your business you just tie it in a couple + knots so it doesn't smell you out during the rest of the night or sit it outside under the van / RV and back to bed. I also use the bottle but went from the gatorade bottle to the gallon OJ bottle, it has a handle on it which makes for a better hold on your pee. If it gets cold during the winter months aside from the quilts I use I get up turn the stove burners on and take a piss while it's warming up inside then shut it off and back to bed... it's NOT all that bad living in an RV or camper... mine was a 6-Pac so it's a lot smaller but I loved it because it was all paid for, I had no real big overhead and it was mine!! Some of these people that make videos about living off grid in RV's or campers act like it's the hardest thing to do but it's NOT by any means!! It helps a lot if you grew up as a kid camping during the weekends and holidays and we did so it wasn't much of change for me to adapt to that sort of living!! Maybe being humbled is what a lot of people NEED, the only bad thing about that is they have a tendency to bitch a lot about the situation they get into without really thinking about the humble part of it and making it work... those people deserve what they get and what put them in those kind of situations and so need to stop whining about how hard it is and what a culture shock. Use your head for what the good Lord gave you and shut up already!! Once you calm down about living like this you'll find it's pretty cool, fun and adventurous and who doesn't need adventure in they're life!! =0 )
Honest to God Chad. Some people are just so dumb or at least not very thoughtful. You answered the questions expertly. I find it amazing that people do not already know the answer.
Ha ha ha ha. Glad someone else feels the way I do. It's pretty common sense for people to figure out where to go to the bathroom. One would think..... I don't know if its just curious people being curious, or if people are really needing advice on where and how to go while they are living in their van.
dropping a twosie first thing in the morning, late at night or in case of emergencies I've learned is to go to a 99 Cent store pick up a medium to large sized plastic potted planter for .99. every time you go to the store to buy grocercies save the plastic bags. you can even take a few extras from Food4Less that require you to bag your own food. the bag fits perfectly snug inside so when you gotta go and just can wait you can now take the Browns to the Rose Bowl without worrying about tanning your shorts. no need to continue making Almond Roca with the kitty litter and the planter keeps clean and you can chuck your fudge in the nearest dumpster. the planter is about a 1/4 the size of a 5 gal bucket and easily storable or you can pick up a 2gal plastic bucket from any paint store and it serves the same purpose but with a handle and a lid if you can't chuck your Yule log right away. just make sure you air out the empty bucket before sealing it up.
These issues are important to me cause i have a home, but am attempting to live off grid. Money is little, and i'm amazed at how ya'll can keep urself warm during the winters. I'll have to try some of your van lifestyle in my home. Take Care.
Ha I've asked you these questions at least twice in your posts from 2017 and such. I found this video tonight 1 2020 that you posted back in 2 7 2013 this cleared a lot up. I hope Living the Van Life really takes off for you.
Chad keeping it REAL!!! Hope ppl can sit back relax and watch the videos and use common sense...I laughed because your right lol a lot off ppl dont watch the whole video with out skipping through parts of the video.
What about truck stops? Truck drivers the whole country over use truck stops as a temp home. The big ones are featured even way out in the middle of nowhere. Many times they have shower facilities. You have to pay to take a shower but what the hell. You'd be paying for water anyway. You can gas up, take a shower and get a half-way decent meal. Plus you can sleep there and nobody will bother you. That's how truck drivers live.
I saw someone on UA-cam using a 5 gallon size container with a swivel seat he uses for this toilet, doubles as an extra seating/ footstool, available at Walmart. The C-Head toilet concept should work, does not stink as long as you keep the solids dry, good to have something for emergency or when you are too sick to go find a toilet. He kept his pee bottle, toilet paper and wood shavings in it as well. For women use a really nice size silicone funnel seen in houseware dept. to pee into a bottle. Thank you, good ideas are always helpful. Blessings.
We've done this same thing on occasion. One suggestion is to avoid drinking coffee soda or whatever for hours before sleeping. Helps with that urgent matter come dawn.
Gym membership comes in handy for showers bro- I live in a van and use planet fitness, helps me stay healthy (theoretically, lol) and clean for $20ish a month
I like the skull and crossbones written in sharpie on your gatorade bottle. You don't want to get them mixed up! I've never lived in a van, but I have gotten off the train late at night, and needed a stealth solution before driving home. Gatorade bottle is the perfect size!
Nice video. As we (We, being me and the dogs) camp out mostly in the wild I just use a small shovel, dig small hole fill it in after. I alway keep a plastic milk bottle that gets used well in the night as I drink beer every night and go to bed late. but mostly if dry get out of van in nude and go in the hedges for number one's. and when away for long hauls I use old watering can with spray nozle, fill with water add half a kettle of hot water and thats my shower. Mind you when near lakes or ponds, I love to skiny dip when weather is right. Cheers pete
I am building a Dodge RV van. My job entails driving a 3/4 ton van for 12-16 hours a day. I have learned where I can go to use bathroom and even which places keep their bathrooms clean. Good tips on showering. I dont have lots of friends and family in town so shower options are limited. Also, most truck stops have showers and you can go in and buy a shower. My roommate was a trucker for many years and clued me into that.
I enjoyed your you tube video....to help with the shower situation. I will be one of you soon enough and my thoughts are this; I think that work and gym time takes a lot out of your day. I, myself would have a gym membership. So shower there and relax time back at the van. This might help with a answer question. In the summer you would want to camp at camp grounds.
You can use a dapper for an emergency in the event you can find an open place after midnight; one small bag doesn't take much space and you can dispose off it in the local trash can in a shopping bag. Just a thought!
I lived in a '77 Datsun B210 sedan for about 6 months. Going to the bathroom is super easy. Just go to any fast food restaurant. These are usually better than gas stations or Walmart. Showers are not as easy. Besides using a friend's shower, you can buy a cheap gym membership and use the shower; you can shower at a truck stop (costs about $10 here); in San Diego you can shower at the beach for free. It's a cold shower. But, it's free. There's a 12-volt shower on eBay for $20. It won't work well in town. In the country you can set up a temporary shower stall between a couple of trees using a tarp and some paracord. Always wear flip flops to avoid athlete's foot. If you go to church, ask to use their baptistry shower at off times. It all just takes a little more planning.
Another shower option (or not)... One could try "No Rinse" shampoo. Works very well and smells good. Dirt and excess oils come off on the towel. I use it on my boat. They also have a "No Rinse" Body wash that one mixes with a quart of water. Same concept, however, I mix it a little stronger with the water than the label says, for a better effect on BO.
Any home Depot sells a toilet seat especially designed to fit in a 5 gallon paint bucket and they have the disposal bags, chemicals and everthing, the same bucket also used for vacuum if u buy the vac top part, those are designed for construction people. for shower buy a plastic round drip tray used in home air conditioner for $10, buy or make round shower curtain pole, (like a circle) ,hook the curtain on it, make some sort of tripod to hold it, buy a shower head with a hose, find a house terminal that fits in a sink faucet. Go to a single public restroom hook it up and you have free shower with hot water, maybe you can do it at night at some mc Donalds LOL, seriously it works just fine!
Many urban vandwellers we know use the same system. Some carry a couple sani-wipes for the toilet seat. A gym membership is great for showers and get a little exercise too. There's a solution for everything....just gotta find what works for you.
HA! The ol' gatorade bottle. I think what I'd do for the shower in an urban environment is pop the top so there is room to stand and also for ventilation and use a small diameter shower ring (like the Daniel Laruso's costume in the halloween party in Karate Kid) with a curtain sealed all the way around and tucked inside a plastic tub at the bottom. When showering in the woods, I use a small plastic tub for mixing mortar. They're very durable, inexpensive and hold a lot of water.
KOA campgrounds used to be great. I lived this lifestyle back in the eighties. I would park in hospital parking lots, no one ever hassled you there. I liked to sneak into big college dorms during the day when everyone was in class, about ten or so.
I lived in my van for four years. The rent in Washington DC was too high and I only needed to sleep in the van four nights a week, Friday after work I went home to my mom's 100 miles away for the weekend, then returned Monday morning. I did pretty muck exactly what you said, used a gym to shower and used a screw top plastic bottle to pee in (emergency use only). I never needed to go number 2 in the van, just do that at work during the day.
Recommend you use 52 oz. laundry detergent bottle/containers. The opening is much larger than a Gatorade or Apple Juice bottle. This is important because you will need to empty the contents every once in a while. #1 in a planter does no harm. But, tell that to a cop or an angry neighbor.... You NEVER want to get caught emptying the container, NEVER. With the larger opening in the top allows you to dump the contents in literally two seconds, and then get the container out of sight.
Bro, I admire you, I live up north in Canada, had to live for almost 4 years with 4 roommates. At least you have privacy.... Take care and I wish you a happy new year.
People ask those common sense questions because they are too lazy to try by their own. I don't have a van. But, I have been backbag traveller once. I would hitchhike sometimes. So, I can share my experiences. #1 - Gas stations (Some gas stations have showers) #2 - Gyms (being members of any gym allow you to use shower or bathroom any time you want) #3- Hotel Inns (I don't like to do it. But, I did once. I went to a Hotel Inn in swimming pool area pretending I was a customer). They had restrooms in swimming pool areas too) #4- Go to beach areas #5-Use baby wipers if you don't find any shower areas. #6- Any fast food restaurant or wallmart have restrooms. #7- Friends' houses. If you befriend with any locals. They will allow you to shower at their homes for a cheap price in a month or any service you can offer them. #8- If you are in the woods, just do it as the nature does.
Local health club basic members ship might be a great idea. You can shower and use the bathroom everyday. Less them a dollar a day.Friend of mine did this for about a year. Worked out really well for him. You would never know he was living out of his pickup truck
LOL "I am a male in this situation". That sentence just struck me as funny. It made me think, what situation are you not a male? :) Thanks for your videos, I am learning a lot about living permanently on the road.
Ha ha ha ha!! Good one Gary! I've seen your videos. I know you've got enough sense to figure out where to do your business. Ha ha ha. Thanks for the comment, keep on truckin!
The meal looks great. I'm more interested in your journey, have watched all of your videos & assume as an intelligent adult, you 've solved basic issues. 1x a week just say see previous posts re: hygiene questions. These must be casual viewers who can't think well. When camping I like a big spray bottle of rubbing alcohol, refreshing with wipes. Keep posting, really enjoy.
Also, remember when urinating, it stimulates the bowels & vice versa. So while holding the trash can to your cheeks, you gotta get Gatorade bottle where it belongs.This was the first time it happened to me, so I made mistakes. Like getting the Gatorade bottle where it's suppose to be.You might want to fire drill it so you don't mess up like me. Also make sure your trash can has a plastic liner in it. Always an empty plastic bottle nrby. The top my thighs were burning when done,hope this helps
yep you so right , i got a membership at 24 hour fitness and most 24 hour fitness is by a whole foods you can basically live life all good , i do it so i know others can .
Baby wipes keep the nards clean. hehe I use them but usually hit the YMCA for a proper shower, workout and a swim. It's usually around 5 bones give or take.
the "female funnel" he spoke about can be found in the camping section of the major out fitters (like R E I, Bass pro and cabela's to name for a few ) they go for under $ 20
Meh, who needs to shower every damn day?!? I think it's probably not always a cake walk but it does look fun. I enjoy your channel and I'm not sure why but the thought of asking you where you go to the bathroom never crossed my mind lol.
Google for "Uribag" . Are just perfect for the night, The alpinist use those when escalate mountains in the winter. I m in wheelchair, and also use them in my campervan. In my case, those think, just "save my live" :)
Yea that works for you about using the bathroom and shower thing,,Me I would have the Bucket thing only cuz I am cheap and lazy..lol As far as showering I'd join 24hr Fitness for the $10 a month thing. You got a great set up there and yes things break down. Id have a emergency fund set a side just for that event. Peace
you put a plastic bag in the bucket, then when your done dispose of the bag. I see what your saying, i was a truck driver and thats what we used to do, take care and be safe
I've watched quite a few of your videos the last year or so & this just popped up in my feed. Had no clue you'd been doing this for over 8 years. Props to you. Was this full time lifestyle all by choice, or perhaps were you essentially forced into it initially? Ever thought of something significantly bigger & starting a family? Not to be too nosey, just curious is all. Maybe you've answered it before.
What I use for the bathroom: I have a big empty bottle that I keep around and use that. I spill it out right after so I dont have to pee outside. A bucket!? no way! that would smell.
Ice chest creates water so bottle the water into black spray painted bottle,place that in the sun U will have hot water for shower and cleaning. Pee bottle I use to use a 2 liter if you are careful it works. Keep 2 liter in nylon zip bag go to the bathroom for a #2 dump your bottle use it 2x max. Some use detergent bottles already scented big enough to pee into. Emergency #2 you can keep a bucket with a trash can liner you can discard the liner when done or bury it.
LOL 1st thing I do is go to the shitter and do the 1 and 2, I would have to have the 5 gal. in the van. They do come with lids you know. I also found a toilet seat that fits on them perfect. I think you might find them in a place that sells handy cap stuff, I am not sure. Mine was given to me. Yes and use kitty litter and a cheap plastic bags to keep things nice and clean.
Further to comments below... And, a couple of laundry detergent containers don't look out of place in the cabinets. I have a small round upholstered ottoman in my living space that I can sit on. With a removable top. (Target or Walmart) Inside the ottoman are four heavy duty trashbags, there are so many public bathrooms around, thankfully, I've never had to use it... but it is there for any emergencies in the night. Showers? 24 Hour Fitness, YMCA, etc. There are support systems all around us.
I live in the back of my p/up...going #1, is simply a matter of using a 44oz. cup, which i drain into a funnel that is connected to a 2 foot hose, wedged in btwn. my truck bed & tailgate. #2, @ walmart. Showers, local hospital has lockable bathrooms w/ hi-rise faucets...easy to wash your hair, and just sponge down your body.
+Dweriv ........ur usin' one dish.......wipe it clean with a wet cloth......live alone.....been doin' that for yrs.....haven't gotten any 'dread diseases' yet........:)
lol having a shower,on the street !! hi chad from over the pond in england enjoyed ur vid blogs on van life march 2014 i will be permanently living im my vw t4 transporter travailing round the uk
I think that people wondering about van living or people just starting out havent read ALL your blogs or videos hence the repeated questions. As times & areas change so too will habits.
Yeah Gatorade bottles work well.. for a number 2 use a garbage bag for emergencies. takes a little practice but it works well. Throw it away in the nearest trash can or when finished.
and u dont need a 5 with that method a 3 gallon bucket works better and reg grocery bags better then a trash bag just double or triple they are ready avalible
Beee careful. Burts bees is now owned by a huge corporation- Clorox, so dont think you are really helping yourself or the environment by buying their overpriced products. +Livingthevanlife
Health Clubs work! Portable Potties do work, and desposible bags. The bucket woulb be for solids and jug for urine. Mixing them does send out an odor. You do need an emergency porta-potty. They are so much better now. It works for girls, if a funnel is used. lol.
ill tell you how to go to the bathroom. Save all your chinese food cardboard to-go buckets. Take a nice big, dump in the bucket, seal it shut and just leave it on the curb
Just came across this old video and didnt realize you were living in a van even 6 years ago! Keep continuing to do your thing man. Highly entertaining.
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Hey bro this is just day to day stuff that people looking into living this lifestyle need to know about. Everyone does it different depending on how/where they live, so it's always good to keep new ideas flowing. Thanks for the great upload buddy.
I will be living in a van for a time. That's why I'm checking out a lot of these videos.
I am older and not able to wait when nature calls. I see your point about not wanting a 5 gallon bucket or port-a-potty in a small living room but having a "chamber pot" with a lid for nights and using your methods by day would probably be very comfortable. Liked and subscribed. Thank you for the great video.
If you're organized and get things ready before bed you wouldn't or shouldn't have to run outside to use the restroom to take a dump. I have a portable Sears potty stool
that i line with a black plastic garbage bag, drop some old news paper in it the
bottom of it to soak up the waste and the TP covers that up and once your done doing your business you just tie it in a couple + knots so it doesn't smell you out
during the rest of the night or sit it outside under the van / RV and back to bed.
I also use the bottle but went from the gatorade bottle to the gallon OJ bottle, it has a handle on it which makes for a better hold on your pee. If it gets cold during the winter months aside from the quilts I use I get up turn the stove burners on and take a piss while it's warming up inside then shut it off and back to bed... it's NOT all that bad living in an RV or camper... mine was a 6-Pac so it's a lot smaller but I loved it
because it was all paid for, I had no real big overhead and it was mine!!
Some of these people that make videos about living off grid in RV's or campers
act like it's the hardest thing to do but it's NOT by any means!!
It helps a lot if you grew up as a kid camping during the weekends and holidays
and we did so it wasn't much of change for me to adapt to that sort of living!!
Maybe being humbled is what a lot of people NEED, the only bad thing about that
is they have a tendency to bitch a lot about the situation they get into without
really thinking about the humble part of it and making it work... those people
deserve what they get and what put them in those kind of situations and so need
to stop whining about how hard it is and what a culture shock. Use your head
for what the good Lord gave you and shut up already!! Once you calm down
about living like this you'll find it's pretty cool, fun and adventurous and who doesn't need adventure in they're life!! =0 )
sthwestb Best comment on the whole page.
Showering outside along a busy road may make one a spectacle. You are correct, Chad.
Honest to God Chad. Some people are just so dumb or at least not very thoughtful. You answered the questions expertly. I find it amazing that people do not already know the answer.
Ha ha ha ha. Glad someone else feels the way I do. It's pretty common sense for people to figure out where to go to the bathroom. One would think..... I don't know if its just curious people being curious, or if people are really needing advice on where and how to go while they are living in their van.
dropping a twosie first thing in the morning, late at night or in case of emergencies I've learned is to go to a 99 Cent store pick up a medium to large sized plastic potted planter for .99. every time you go to the store to buy grocercies save the plastic bags. you can even take a few extras from Food4Less that require you to bag your own food. the bag fits perfectly snug inside so when you gotta go and just can wait you can now take the Browns to the Rose Bowl without worrying about tanning your shorts. no need to continue making Almond Roca with the kitty litter and the planter keeps clean and you can chuck your fudge in the nearest dumpster. the planter is about a 1/4 the size of a 5 gal bucket and easily storable or you can pick up a 2gal plastic bucket from any paint store and it serves the same purpose but with a handle and a lid if you can't chuck your Yule log right away. just make sure you air out the empty bucket before sealing it up.
I started my adventure last night, empty Gatorade bottles sure do come in handy! LOL Thank's for all your videos.
*Knock, Knock* "Hey bro, I gotta take a dump." Your friends must love you! lol!
These issues are important to me cause i have a home, but am attempting to live off grid. Money is little, and i'm amazed at how ya'll can keep urself warm during the winters. I'll have to try some of your van lifestyle in my home. Take Care.
Ha I've asked you these questions at least twice in your posts from 2017 and such. I found this video tonight 1 2020 that you posted back in 2 7 2013 this cleared a lot up. I hope Living the Van Life really takes off for you.
You are a very wise person & you're doing it right.Take care.
CycleCruza
Cool to see you here.
Glad I'm not the only one who likes sportbikes and Vandwelling--Rock on.
I like the comment.
Chad keeping it REAL!!! Hope ppl can sit back relax and watch the videos and use common sense...I laughed because your right lol a lot off ppl dont watch the whole video with out skipping through parts of the video.
don't know about going to the bathroom, but you are a great guy keep the free spirit going.
What about truck stops? Truck drivers the whole country over use truck stops as a temp home. The big ones are featured even way out in the middle of nowhere. Many times they have shower facilities. You have to pay to take a shower but what the hell. You'd be paying for water anyway. You can gas up, take a shower and get a half-way decent meal. Plus you can sleep there and nobody will bother you. That's how truck drivers live.
I saw someone on UA-cam using a 5 gallon size container with a swivel seat he uses for this toilet, doubles as an extra seating/ footstool, available at Walmart. The C-Head toilet concept should work, does not stink as long as you keep the solids dry, good to have something for emergency or when you are too sick to go find a toilet. He kept his pee bottle, toilet paper and wood shavings in it as well.
For women use a really nice size silicone funnel seen in houseware dept. to pee into a bottle.
Thank you, good ideas are always helpful. Blessings.
Thanks for addressing that topic. I did wonder about since watching your videos
We've done this same thing on occasion. One suggestion is to avoid drinking coffee soda or whatever for hours before sleeping. Helps with that urgent matter come dawn.
Gym membership comes in handy for showers bro- I live in a van and use planet fitness, helps me stay healthy (theoretically, lol) and clean for $20ish a month
I like the skull and crossbones written in sharpie on your gatorade bottle. You don't want to get them mixed up! I've never lived in a van, but I have gotten off the train late at night, and needed a stealth solution before driving home. Gatorade bottle is the perfect size!
Nice video. As we (We, being me and the dogs) camp out mostly in the wild I just use a small shovel, dig small hole fill it in after. I alway keep a plastic milk bottle that gets used well in the night as I drink beer every night and go to bed late. but mostly if dry get out of van in nude and go in the hedges for number one's. and when away for long hauls I use old watering can with spray nozle, fill with water add half a kettle of hot water and thats my shower. Mind you when near lakes or ponds, I love to skiny dip when weather is right. Cheers pete
I am building a Dodge RV van. My job entails driving a 3/4 ton van for 12-16 hours a day. I have learned where I can go to use bathroom and even which places keep their bathrooms clean. Good tips on showering. I dont have lots of friends and family in town so shower options are limited.
Also, most truck stops have showers and you can go in and buy a shower. My roommate was a trucker for many years and clued me into that.
I enjoyed your you tube video....to help with the shower situation. I will be one of you soon enough and my thoughts are this;
I think that work and gym time takes a lot out of your day. I, myself would have a gym membership. So shower there and relax time back at the van. This might help with a answer question. In the summer you would want to camp at camp grounds.
You can use a dapper for an emergency in the event you can find an open place after midnight; one small bag doesn't take much space and you can dispose off it in the local trash can in a shopping bag. Just a thought!
I lived in a '77 Datsun B210 sedan for about 6 months. Going to the bathroom is super easy. Just go to any fast food restaurant. These are usually better than gas stations or Walmart. Showers are not as easy. Besides using a friend's shower, you can buy a cheap gym membership and use the shower; you can shower at a truck stop (costs about $10 here); in San Diego you can shower at the beach for free. It's a cold shower. But, it's free. There's a 12-volt shower on eBay for $20. It won't work well in town. In the country you can set up a temporary shower stall between a couple of trees using a tarp and some paracord. Always wear flip flops to avoid athlete's foot. If you go to church, ask to use their baptistry shower at off times. It all just takes a little more planning.
Another shower option (or not)... One could try "No Rinse" shampoo. Works very well and smells good. Dirt and excess oils come off on the towel. I use it on my boat. They also have a "No Rinse" Body wash that one mixes with a quart of water. Same concept, however, I mix it a little stronger with the water than the label says, for a better effect on BO.
Any home Depot sells a toilet seat especially designed to fit in a 5 gallon paint bucket and they have the disposal bags, chemicals and everthing, the same bucket also used for vacuum if u buy the vac top part, those are designed for construction people.
for shower buy a plastic round drip tray used in home air conditioner for $10, buy or make round shower curtain pole, (like a circle) ,hook the curtain on it, make some sort of tripod to hold it, buy a shower head with a hose, find a house terminal that fits in a sink faucet. Go to a single public restroom hook it up and you have free shower with hot water, maybe you can do it at night at some mc Donalds LOL, seriously it works just fine!
keep an empty 5 gallon bucket incase of emergency then after u use it once dispose of it. just an idea. love the vids keep them comin
Many urban vandwellers we know use the same system. Some carry a couple sani-wipes for the toilet seat. A gym membership is great for showers and get a little exercise too.
There's a solution for everything....just gotta find what works for you.
HA! The ol' gatorade bottle.
I think what I'd do for the shower in an urban environment is pop the top so there is room to stand and also for ventilation and use a small diameter shower ring (like the Daniel Laruso's costume in the halloween party in Karate Kid) with a curtain sealed all the way around and tucked inside a plastic tub at the bottom. When showering in the woods, I use a small plastic tub for mixing mortar. They're very durable, inexpensive and hold a lot of water.
KOA campgrounds used to be great. I lived this lifestyle back in the eighties. I would park in hospital parking lots, no one ever hassled you there. I liked to sneak into big college dorms during the day when everyone was in class, about ten or so.
We were livng the van life in a Westy at Breckenridge, CO. The local YMCA had a hottub/pool and showers for $1.50.
Happy to see you!!! Stay safe.
Nice van, but where do you shower and go to the bathroom?
Did you watch the vid????🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
cattalkbmx too funny.😂
I lived in my van for four years. The rent in Washington DC was too high and I only needed to sleep in the van four nights a week, Friday after work I went home to my mom's 100 miles away for the weekend, then returned Monday morning. I did pretty muck exactly what you said, used a gym to shower and used a screw top plastic bottle to pee in (emergency use only). I never needed to go number 2 in the van, just do that at work during the day.
Recommend you use 52 oz. laundry detergent bottle/containers. The opening is much larger than a Gatorade or Apple Juice bottle. This is important because you will need to empty the contents every once in a while. #1 in a planter does no harm. But, tell that to a cop or an angry neighbor.... You NEVER want to get caught emptying the container, NEVER. With the larger opening in the top allows you to dump the contents in literally two seconds, and then get the container out of sight.
Bro, I admire you, I live up north in Canada, had to live for almost 4 years with 4 roommates. At least you have privacy.... Take care and I wish you a happy new year.
People ask those common sense questions because they are too lazy to try by their own. I don't have a van. But, I have been backbag traveller once. I would hitchhike sometimes. So, I can share my experiences.
#1 - Gas stations (Some gas stations have showers)
#2 - Gyms (being members of any gym allow you to use shower or bathroom any time you want)
#3- Hotel Inns (I don't like to do it. But, I did once. I went to a Hotel Inn in swimming pool area pretending I was a customer). They had restrooms in swimming pool areas too)
#4- Go to beach areas
#5-Use baby wipers if you don't find any shower areas.
#6- Any fast food restaurant or wallmart have restrooms.
#7- Friends' houses. If you befriend with any locals. They will allow you to shower at their homes for a cheap price in a month or any service you can offer them.
#8- If you are in the woods, just do it as the nature does.
Local health club basic members ship might be a great idea. You can shower and use the bathroom everyday. Less them a dollar a day.Friend of mine did this for about a year. Worked out really well for him. You would never know he was living out of his pickup truck
2 years! You've saved a lot of doe....awesome, good luck on the photo stuff.
oh the thought has crossed my mind!!!
LOL "I am a male in this situation". That sentence just struck me as funny. It made me think, what situation are you not a male? :) Thanks for your videos, I am learning a lot about living permanently on the road.
Ha ha ha ha!! Good one Gary! I've seen your videos. I know you've got enough sense to figure out where to do your business. Ha ha ha. Thanks for the comment, keep on truckin!
The meal looks great. I'm more interested in your journey, have watched all of your videos & assume as an intelligent adult, you 've solved basic issues. 1x a week just say see previous posts re: hygiene questions. These must be casual viewers who can't think well. When camping I like a big spray bottle of rubbing alcohol, refreshing with wipes. Keep posting, really enjoy.
Also, remember when urinating, it stimulates the bowels & vice versa. So while holding the trash can to your cheeks, you gotta get Gatorade bottle where it belongs.This was the first time it happened to me, so I made mistakes. Like getting the Gatorade bottle where it's suppose to be.You might want to fire drill it so you don't mess up like me.
Also make sure your trash can has a plastic liner in it.
Always an empty plastic bottle nrby.
The top my thighs were burning when done,hope this helps
yep you so right , i got a membership at 24 hour fitness and most 24 hour fitness is by a whole foods you can basically live life all good , i do it so i know others can .
if you have a 24 hour gym membership then what is stopping you from sleeping at the gym? lol
Baby wipes keep the nards clean. hehe I use them but usually hit the YMCA for a proper shower, workout and a swim. It's usually around 5 bones give or take.
the "female funnel" he spoke about can be found in the camping section of the major out fitters (like R E I, Bass pro and cabela's to name for a few ) they go for under $ 20
Meh, who needs to shower every damn day?!? I think it's probably not always a cake walk but it does look fun. I enjoy your channel and I'm not sure why but the thought of asking you where you go to the bathroom never crossed my mind lol.
Google for "Uribag" . Are just perfect for the night, The alpinist use those when escalate mountains in the winter. I m in wheelchair, and also use them in my campervan. In my case, those think, just "save my live" :)
Yea that works for you about using the bathroom and shower thing,,Me I would have the Bucket thing only cuz I am cheap and lazy..lol As far as showering I'd join 24hr Fitness for the $10 a month thing. You got a great set up there and yes things break down. Id have a emergency fund set a side just for that event. Peace
I can't believe you have to address these issues man that is funny
Casey' s are always clean bathrooms, and college dorms are nice showers.
you put a plastic bag in the bucket, then when your done dispose of the bag. I see what your saying, i was a truck driver and thats what we used to do, take care and be safe
good, very clean
awesome video. thanks.
I've watched quite a few of your videos the last year or so & this just popped up in my feed. Had no clue you'd been doing this for over 8 years. Props to you. Was this full time lifestyle all by choice, or perhaps were you essentially forced into it initially? Ever thought of something significantly bigger & starting a family? Not to be too nosey, just curious is all. Maybe you've answered it before.
What I use for the bathroom: I have a big empty bottle that I keep around and use that. I spill it out right after so I dont have to pee outside. A bucket!? no way! that would smell.
In most cities you can get a gym membership for $35 a month. you can usually shower and go to the bathroom there.
Enjoyed your video...continued well being~
Ice chest creates water so bottle the water into black spray painted bottle,place that in the sun U will have hot water for shower and cleaning. Pee bottle I use to use a 2 liter if you are careful it works. Keep 2 liter in nylon zip bag go to the bathroom for a #2 dump your bottle use it 2x max. Some use detergent bottles already scented big enough to pee into. Emergency #2 you can keep a bucket with a trash can liner you can discard the liner when done or bury it.
LOL 1st thing I do is go to the shitter and do the 1 and 2, I would have to have the 5 gal. in the van. They do come with lids you know. I also found a toilet seat that fits on them perfect. I think you might find them in a place that sells handy cap stuff, I am not sure. Mine was given to me. Yes and use kitty litter and a cheap plastic bags to keep things nice and clean.
Great video! Thanks!
So, where do you go to the bathroom? haha Great videos.
Further to comments below... And, a couple of laundry detergent containers don't look out of place in the cabinets. I have a small round upholstered ottoman in my living space that I can sit on. With a removable top. (Target or Walmart) Inside the ottoman are four heavy duty trashbags, there are so many public bathrooms around, thankfully, I've never had to use it... but it is there for any emergencies in the night. Showers? 24 Hour Fitness, YMCA, etc. There are support systems all around us.
I live in the back of my p/up...going #1, is simply a matter of using a 44oz. cup, which i drain into a funnel that is connected to a 2 foot hose, wedged in btwn. my truck bed & tailgate. #2, @ walmart. Showers, local hospital has lockable bathrooms w/ hi-rise faucets...easy to wash your hair, and just sponge down your body.
do you cook inside your van? how do you do dishes?
+Dweriv ........ur usin' one dish.......wipe it clean with a wet cloth......live alone.....been doin' that for yrs.....haven't gotten any 'dread diseases' yet........:)
awesome feed back some great idea's thx man
Love how that is always everyone's first question. "So... where do you shower?" O.o; Though I like the baby wipes idea!
lol having a shower,on the street !! hi chad from over the pond in england enjoyed ur vid blogs on van life march 2014 i will be permanently living im my vw t4 transporter travailing round the uk
Thanks man you rock
Could you repeat that one more time? I lost you after you said, "Hey guys, this is Chad in CA."
Have you tried ReadyBath washcloths? They're the waterless wipes, but much larger.
I think that people wondering about van living or people just starting out havent read ALL your blogs or videos hence the repeated questions. As times & areas change so too will habits.
Heating the water is a bit hard but a water proof floor and a shower curtain is doable.
Yeah Gatorade bottles work well.. for a number 2 use a garbage bag for emergencies. takes a little practice but it works well. Throw it away in the nearest trash can or when finished.
and u dont need a 5 with that method a 3 gallon bucket works better and reg grocery bags better then a trash bag just double or triple they are ready avalible
traveling nomad
tie em up good and dispose when u can no smell
Beee careful. Burts bees is now owned by a huge corporation- Clorox, so dont think you are really helping yourself or the environment by buying their overpriced products. +Livingthevanlife
Health Clubs work! Portable Potties do work, and desposible bags. The bucket woulb be for solids and jug for urine. Mixing them does send out an odor. You do need an emergency porta-potty. They are so much better now. It works for girls, if a funnel is used. lol.
I am not a fan of the bucket in the vehicle too.
Skee-Wee...I saw that. Clever.
What do u do when u got the runs all nite long?
10 gallon buckets with double liners.
your so
help full
Planet Fitness membership :) works out awesome !!!
Awesome. I know ur able to save money living the van life.
I don't blame you, I wouldn't piss or poop where I cook while there are places nearby with bathrooms! That was obvious to me....
yeah, i was in a truck stop a couple months ago and saw that they had showers for use.
Just curios and I'm new to your videos, it's costly everyday, you have a job? Live off part time jobs? Thanks have fun.
Sponge bath from a restroom sink works when you can find a restroom with a locking door.
do you have a physical address? Why I ask is many Credit Card Co's and banks ask for this
Showers are an option...
but as Jeff Goldblum (Michael") said in The Big Chill: "That's the great thing about the outdoors, it's one giant toilet."
Bathrooms are everywhere in a city so bathroom is easy, Even in city a shower can be simplified to just a pot of warm water and a wash cloth
Yes very tru!
ahaha the living room is hilarious!!
You could get a membership at the YMCA and use the shower.
ill tell you how to go to the bathroom. Save all your chinese food cardboard to-go buckets. Take a nice big, dump in the bucket, seal it shut and just leave it on the curb
Chad, when you are talking to the public, common sense is thrown out the window. lol.
What do you do if your van breaks down? Stay in a hotel? Go camp out?
thanks
if you need to go 2 take a store bag put a little dirt in it tie it up and dump in trash can. it works:)
It all makes sense.
So how do you go to the bathroom in your van? Just kidding. Your solutions are common sense solutions. Good luck and good health to you.