Did the Internet Ruin Van Life?

Van Life... what started as a cheap way to live a nomadic lifestyle, filled with beautiful views, and poor personal hygiene, has evolved (or devolved) into something much more elitist.
Is this incredible rebrand of remote homelessness ruined forever, or can it still be done cheaply and enjoyably? I'm not sure, so I hit the road for a 7 day 2500 mile roadtrip to find out for myself.