LaVonne Living in a Van
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- If you would like to help me grow the van build, please take a look at this Amazon wishlist and help out any way you are able. Myself and others will be eternally grateful as we build assets to continue to help so many people live better lives. amzn.to/2Rd3Qb2
LaVonne tells it like it is. See more of LaVonne at: completeflake.com
#Vanlife
My recommended budget friendly legit solar materials list (Your mileage may vary, this is my best estimation, every job is different)
Fridge $279.95 XtremepowerUS Portable Electric Fridge amzn.to/2shqx4a
House batteries: 2 Battleborn batteries: battlebornbatt...
OR
$558.00 VMAXTANKS (2) 6 Volt 225Ah AGM Battery. amzn.to/2NhrMYh
Solar panel $99 SunPower P17 330W Solar Panels www.santansola...
(Any 330 watt plus solar panel)
MPPT controller $226.00 SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 Charge Controller
amzn.to/2R6lwDW
Breakers 30 amp breakers $33.78 30 Amp Waterproof Car Circuit Breakers amzn.to/39YxU1c
Roof gland $a 12.29 Link Solar Weatherproof ABS Solar Double Cable Entry Gland amzn.to/2FD6gsH
2/0 Copper Wire Lugs $19.17 amzn.to/2R4c582
Pure sine wave inverter $189.00 ASIN B014QJTBAU amzn.to/2t9BFAi
fuse block $19.49 amzn.to/2sX4uAc
Master cut off switch $13.10 amzn.to/2NeTUeF
150 Amp Circuit Breaker $24.99 amzn.to/2Tnv93Z
12V Continuous Duty Solenoid $18.80 amzn.to/2t6q8Su
Dicor self-leveling roof sealant: amzn.to/3abgpuv
Butyl tape (For Z-brackets seal to rooftop): amzn.to/33CPm91
Wire and cable. Both 2/0 and #10 copper 15’ each
4 Z-Brackets: amzn.to/2wgpljz
MC4 cable: amzn.to/2J2BMSI
Maxxair Smoke Corp 00-04500K Maxxfan Plus Vent 14" 12V $201.00
amzn.to/2TdO8xM
Alternative inverter possibility: $33.99 POTEK 500W Power Inverter/Car Inverter DC 12V to AC 110V Dual AC Charging Port and 2A USB Ports for Laptop, Smart Phone
amzn.to/2R9ddY5 #vanbuildfest
#skoolie
I enjoyed getting to know her. What a sweet soul she is.
LaVonne appears to be a very inspiring woman.
Theres my buddy!! Lots of love to Scout, too :)
Hi LaVonne...I really enjoyed your video! I'm dreaming about buying a van and living in it...but you're right...$$$$ is important. I too am on social security...and the big break, I agree, is owning your van up front...well. I just continue to dream! Take care & stay strong~
What I love about this video is it shows how you can live simply and be happier and free without alot more than a van and nature. ive been a renter all my life and have the obvious fears of what it will really be like living on the road and about will police harass etc she helped clear that up. i have a income i work for myself and im disabled and im also a college student. the interviewer was awesome and non judgemental. i am planning on buying a used motorhome but also considering a van and looking forward to this lifestyle. the lady said she was a indoor person..well being out in nature will only make you healthier im a indoor person too and in some ways being forced outdoor more via van or rv living will be good for my health. i wish you all the best
The little plug on the water container is a vent. Air needs to enter the jug when pouring liquid out the spout or the container will start sucking in.
Thanks for the tip. Bob
LaVonne I am so impressed. My husband and I are retired and planning a trip cross country. We will be living in our van . I am doing my research now. I hope we can stay in touch.
what a lovely lady! and a real doggie lover x
Greetings LaVonne, I totally understand your position on this life not being cheaper. For someone like me, this life is so much cheaper. I'm ditching a huge house payment, $8'000 a year in property taxes plus monthly utilities over 1,000 a month. My monthly budget has decreased to 2 k a month for everything. That's huge and I have money to spare for beer and Pizza. I know it all depends on numerous factors but I can tell you, My income has gone from six figures to only 2 k a month and I can live extremely well on that.
I agree Doug, for most people it is a lot cheaper.
Bob
LaVonne... ❤️ your can do attitude!!! And the fact that you'd give up your bed for your pupper!! Safe & extraordinary travels to you & Scout!!
a thought ..... is cut 2 yogurt lids ...tops to the size of your water containers screw top and just screw back on...tadaaaa...I love little ways to fix things...hi great vid..thank you
Great interview. Unfortunately there are many talented people living on social security with just no way of making a few dollars to get by. Nice van, long and its going to be better much better when you get it built out. Happy trails!
She's a great lady! best wish's for her. Hoping she's getting help you guys. Thanks.
Lovely. Great interview. Admirable lady.
Enjoyed your video, LaVonne! Can''t get over how quickly Scout is growing. Sweet companion
+Debbie Jenkins Thanks! Scout is almost 10 months old and I HOPE she is near the end of her growth! She weighs almost 60 lbs. and almost crowds me out of the backseat right now as she naps, lol.
Nice lady and interview..Thank you for the video..Have a Blessed day..
LaVonne your an inspiration! I'm a woman in my mid 40s and I've been wanting to do this for a while but I've had concerns that i am not young/strong enough for traveling alone. Then again with age comes a different kind of strength.
Right on.
I just subbed! Just got my van today! I will be out there soon! Loved this interview!
That's great news Christine!! I suggest you join my forum, you'll get lots of help i converting it from many men and women.
Bob
great interview... makes you wanna sit down and talk more with her.
I do carpentry and when you come by here i'll fix you up .
Hi LaVonne!! Great interview!
Nice lady hope she gets her extra panel and things well done to her and thank you for the video.
My long term plan is to buy a cheap crumbling apart house with one of those back yard alleyway access back fence and to section off enough space for a stand up van and a small vegetable patch. The idea is that the income from the rental and some seasonal work will be more than enough for me to travel in the van and always have a spot to park for winter.
That seems like a very good idea, but you have to be careful of zoning laws. Nearly everywhere it would be illegal and if a neighbor calls and complains you'll have to stop. Bpb
I have been watching a lot of nomad living video's and I can see its not cheap.
good luck to ya and Stay warm this winter and please start preparing for the cold sooner than later, I'm Worried for you Both !! maybe you can take a long drive now to start off the winter in a warmer state, IDK where you are now maybe your in Fla for all I know lol !!! but Please PREPARE NOW DON'T WAIT !!! PLEASE KEEP US ALL POSTED !!! 😊 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
Great interview and tour of the van :)
I follow her blog as well.
Tina
Great interview and thank you for being honest about cost.
I mounted my solar very similar on my Transit connect. Centering it like that makes stealth camping easier. I put mine closer to the roof of the van though so it is even harder to people walking or driving by to notice. You obviously could tell if you were looking for it. However, if you aren't looking for vans with solar panels on them you are a LOT less likely to notice it. Basically, it doesn't slap you in the face.
Tell her to get two wine bottle corks for those jugs and cut them to size. Works well.
Thanks Joseph. Bob
sad sign of the times - expect more people to be living in their vehicles in the years to come with the number of unemployed, and the lack of decent retirement plans, pensions, etc.
+Rick Martin I think it was her choice to live in her vehicle, so not sad in her case. For me, I've gotten to an age where I've realized I just don't have a lot of healthy years left and there is just so much of the United States I want to see and experience. Hoping by next summer, I can sell the house and get on the road for a year or two... and go where the winds and my whims take me. (but I do agree with you, in general... the future will be bleak for many.)
+Rick Martin Yes, more and more people are living in their vehicles, and not by choice. I chose this because I wanted to see the country and live in nature but I couldn't afford to travel and pay rent too. So I chose full-timing in the van. But now that I am out here, I see the evidence all around me of people who are not out here by choice. It's very sad.
-LaVonne
+LaVonne Ellis I think it's a great idea to choose to travel your very own way, Im very inspired by you. :) Keep us posted
I thought I heard you say you were an indoor person and didn't like being outside. . . .
Rick Martin whats a good retirement plan?why arent pensions avaible
Good to know about the batteries
God bless you and happy trails, may I suggest 12 one gallon jugs, it seems like a lot but they easy to pick up.
Terrific vid. LaVonne should inspire some to just go do it. Thanx.
I wish someone out there that's watching this can give this nice lady and her pup a hand with the building and atleast help her out with making a more comfortable bed of some sort, sleeping across 2 chairs can't be good for a woman a bit up in age & a Still growing pup !! that dogs gonna get alot bigger !!
sherry a n
Very cool lady ! Well to be honest "most" van dwellers are very cool, inspiring and free thinking people who think outside the box, marching to their own drum !
Thanks for the candid interview gals! I soak it all in every chance I get cuz I'm gonna get there, just don't know when. I don't know what it is, but I've been restless since my early 20's and I'm 49 now. I have a home and I'm very comfortable, but I long for freedom and simplicity. I don't mean to say it's going to be simple on the road, but maybe different priorities is what I mean? Thanks for the video! She who dies with the happiest memories wins!(Bob said that)
You all do great interviews! Very interesting folks. Thank You!
Thanks william!
Bob
Mama Van. I like it. Goodness
great vid, thanx for sharing. very inspirational. sending some love and light to you all.
You should be proud. Thanks for the inspiration.
I may be headed here and I am 65.My Ford Explorer has 78K miles on it.I have a lot of stuff.DANG!
Getting rid of the stuff is the hardest part moomman89! Good luck!
Bob
Nice van and hope that lady gets it fitted out in time.You just have to do a bit at a time and it will be the way you want it eventually.Fantastic and all the best from UK.
Nice van tour.
Liked your interview. I’m thinking of selling my home and trying this lifestyle for awhile. Good luck.
Hey thanks for sharing, awesome, just love it and inspiring!! :) Blessings Salo
Great interview. 😊
Great video. Thank you.
It's been 5 yrs since this video was posted. I wonder how LaVonne is doing these days?
Thank you for sharing
You are very brave. Thank you for all the tips & info. I'm in the process of making the transition to vandwelling. it's been a long time coming. Will be sure to join the forum.
Habitat for humanity has used cabinets I've heard from other vandwellers. Savage RVs for repurposed items as well.
as soon as my brakes are fixed on my truck I'm devoting the next 9 months to convert to this lifestyle.i am 56 years old and want to travel and see the USA now cause I may be dead when ss kicks in.im a nurse and figure I can work a few months and save and travel.im wondering if I should get a van or pull a small camper.im not sure.i think a van would be better to have everything with you all the time.im excited and my kids think it is a great idea too.thank you for all these encouraging videos.great job.
Granny, in many ways just a van is better, 1) better MPG, 2) less wear and tear on the vehicle 3) easier to drive 4) easier to move camp. BUT!!! The big question is can you be comfortable in a van? If you can, then just go with it, if not then get the trailer and tow it with the van. Maybe rent a van and give it a try?
I have to do it but I am looking forward to the challenge.
La Vonne i hope you make vids of you your dog an van.
+Frosty Thesnowman Hah! I don't think I could stand the sight of myself any more than this! But if it was all Scout, all the time, that I could do. Hmm...
Great Interview, God Bless you LaVonne !! :)
Happy Thanksgiving and Have and Merry Christmas
*Newly Updated Safety Suggestions: for Campers, Explorers, Travelers*
I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living.
Although, I just noticed your UA-cam channel, and other similar channels, displaying van living.
I just wanted to remind everyone to Aware Be of your surroundings and Alert, I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions
I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc...
People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living.
I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself.
Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this.
I feel that you , and others UA-camrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful.
I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors.
I shared this with several other travelers, as I watched their UA-cam channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others.
Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience.
Although, you may have knowledge of this already,
I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone.
*Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle.
You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage
Do your research for the best fit for you
Consider Carrying Several Extra portable cellphone phone chargers, and cables.
Consider theses items:
*Mini portable power charging station.
I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices.
*Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception.
Consider also the purchase of a WiFi signal booster to also boost your WiFi signal.
Research to see what you prefer.
*Very Inportant:
Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location.
There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating, or camping situations.
*Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders.
Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone.
There are some satellite SOS texting messaging, locator devices that will send messages with your phone even if there isn’t any cellular signal, or WiFi. With this device your can still text, and communicate with others in a emergency satellite transmission.
Check online, for various emergency SOS products, some are small to fit in the palm of your hand.
You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you.
*Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger
*vehicle battery jumper cables
*Vehicle Jumper cables
*PLEASE BE AWARE* that in the *WINTER*
*vehicle *Batteries fail* many times in very cold weather conditions.
Vehicle batteries drain more often in the winter months.
Please Keep a vehicle battery portable jumper pack, this is a device that can jumper or boost your vehicles battery yourself without another vehicle.
If you have a older battery in your vehicle, Please have it tested or replace it, and consider the purchase a new vehicle battery with higher Cold Cranking Amps rating.
Be Aware that Sometimes even a battery that is a few years old can fail in the Winter months, and extremely cold temperatures.
Some alternatives to Winter Camping, Travelers, Explorers, etc, if you can find a Warmer Climate Location to stay during Extreme Winter months, or stay with family for a few weeks.
Another alternative is renting somewhere, Hotel, Apartment, although it can probably get expensive.
What ever you decide, or choose to do or as a possible alternative,
Please Be Careful, Alert, Aware, Safe, and Informed...
*Keep a Fire extinguisher handy
*Smoke detectors, and Carbon monoxide detectors can be helpful
Consider installing;
*Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly.
*Exterior vehicle mounted camera for the front, rear, and both sides of your vehicle.
Some can be activated by motion, Including spotlights.
*Interior vehicle cameras
*Flashlights or pluggin spotlights
*Portable spotlights, and lanterns
Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console
*Keep a Sound horn, for hiking this can service, as a deterrent, and a emergency signal alert for others.
*A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies, you can keep with you when hiking.
Use your own discretion regarding the use carrying of any weapons.
Don’t forget to bring
Bear Spray
Pepper spray
Where is allowed
Purchase a couple canisters just in case and keep it with you
If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc.
However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings.
Stay Alert, and Be Safe even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops, and conducting your various tasks.
Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc.
Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions.
*VERY IMPORTANT*
I would suggest *NOT* to travel to locations without internet, cellular service in the Winter, the reason is that weather conditions can change very quickly, and you absolutely DO NOT want have a vehicle break down, or malfunction, or emergency, and not have the availability to communicate, and contact your family, and or, emergency road assistance, or emergency services.
*Safety is Paramount*
*Your Life is Important*
*You want to Live to Travel another Day*
*So Be Safe*
*Stay Alert*
*Keep your vehicle gas filled*
Don’t ride on fumes, or on Empty.
Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty.
Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on.
Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, antifreeze coolant,
Please carry extra (oil)(washer fluid), (brake fluid), (antifreeze).
You will need extra Winshield Washer fluid because of the ever changing Weather conditions, dustly roads, especially in slushy wet roads.
Furthermore, you will need extra Windshield Washer Fluid, Because you will Be driving more often in dusty, dirty, windy, and varying weather conditions.
Your windshield will gather dust and debris from long term driving.
Also, Remember Because you are on the road riding for sometimes very long distances, and long periods of time, I would suggest investing in 2 sets of tires, and a spare, the extra set to rotate.
Check the mileage ratings on your tires they all very.
Conduct visual inspections of your tires often, check for damage, wearing, air pressure, etc
Keep a pressure gauge to check your tires pressure and a tire pump. Electric, Portable tire pump.
Keep towing insurance to Be Safe if you ever need it.
It Doesn’t cost much try to get National coverage if available, or where you will be traveling.
Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors.
Keep Enjoying Yourself,
Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature
Just..Please continue to
Be Positive, Safe, and Alert..
Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All.
God Bless You, and everyone
Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc.
Please Be Safe.....
God Be With You.....
Author Advocate for Humanity,
Jason Sandifer,
Michigan,
11/15/2022, 11/18/2022
11/19/2022
nice, looking van. thank, you for you're video Random vanners of virginia.
Very helpful, thanks
Just thinking...
LaVonne Living In LaVanne???
Nice ring!!!
Oh that's just cute! : )
nice interview! You really can get started without carpentry skills, then upgrade later. But yeah, not a free ride out there, need something coming in even if its not a lot. Im going with savings for now, distributing a portion to myself each month like social security, but of course thats finite.
Great info.... Lots of info I need to know
love your story!
Great video!!
you can cut new covers from a plastic milk jug my husband does that
smart lady
Great info to know! Thanks!
Kendal~thanks for the interview. I felt like you covered all the basics & made her feel @ ease, also being a woman. :)
When u film u should not show the vans license plate!
Does anyone know if she got her van built? hope she's doing great!
La,Vonne, what do you do with Scout when you have to shop ? Have you ever left her in the van ? If so, has anyone ever said anything to you about leaving her ?
I hope La,Vonne can find someone with some building and plumbing skills to give her a hand. She's living free, but it could be freedom with a little more comfort.
I'll be working on her rig after Thanksgiving.
I'm glad, she sorely needs it.
Thank you! How do you keep Scout safe & cool when you aren't in the van?
Shes seems a little unprepared to do a video about her living situation but this was still entertaining none the less
just subbed
+Pople BackyardFarm Thanks!
thank you for sharing
I've been thinking about living this way along with my lil 8 pound dog but wasn't sure if it was a good ideal. gizmo (I didn't name him) is around 3 yrs old an takes up ⅓ the room of your growing puppy lol. any advice concerning hardships an how to handle them (concerning gizmo) would be a great help an greatly appreciated. thank you again
The two biggest problems I have had living with the dog in the van are 1) she barks too much for stealth camping in the city, and 2) she sheds a lot and tracks in a lot of dirt. Keeping the van clean is a big struggle when camping out, but I thought about this before I got a dog, changed my mind several times, and finally decided it was worth the extra hassle.
+LaVonne Ellis, What do you do with your furbaby when you shop/go out to eat...? Any place dogs are not welcome?
I always park in the shade when I get groceries or go out to eat. Pet stores and places like Home Depot allow dogs on leash. The van is her home so it's the place she is most comfortable and she feels safe there. She whimpers a little when I leave her but then she goes to sleep.
+LaVonne Ellis I'm 53 and am so inspired by your lifestyle. Thanks for sharing.
LaVonne Ellis how can I follow you?
be careful with that bag sitting on the inverter
+cool70200 Thanks, I rarely use that inverter and when I do, I remove the stuff on top of it.
+LaVonne Ellis You poor soul .I'll pray for you .
No No, she is an amazing person, not a "poor soul".
she is an amazing woman
Very inspiring! Question for Lavonne - I found 2 of her podcasts on iTunes, but it says they are unavailable. Any updates on them?
Christine, she is in camp now and I'll try to remember to ask her. Will you write in again tomorrow and ask me again?
Bob
I think I emailed her on her website also - can't get her videos to download anywhere. I know you have your hands full right now with RTR having to disband... hoping you still get together with a smaller group somewhere...
But, she had to buy AGM batteries n pay someone to install it!
has anyone heard from lavonne since this was filmed i cant find her on her blog or anything
Want to do this.I can't stand this so called average life style.......Love your videos
Great interview! Is La Vonne's pod cast up an running?? If so, what is the link?? Thanks!
she never said the tittle of her book..... just that it's on Amazon.
+KathyKeitt Miller books name is "getting shit done"
What happened to the other video's of the ladies who are full time Van or RV dwellers?
Yes, Cecelia. Bob and I have split and I'm afraid he has insisted
anything with him in them needed to be removed. I am sorry about this and
will rebuild the channel as close as it was before, without that concern,
moving forward. ~Jamie
OK.. well I'm sure that I speak for everyone when I say, I look forward to new video's.
It would suck to retire and end homeless and hopeless like this lady. Best wishes!
David, that only show how little you know her! I know very few people as happy as she is.
Bob
Enigmatic Nomadics Honestly, she only acts this way and tries to convince herself of that she is happy. The poor lady hardly has any money, which is a significant restraining factor in our world today.
David, you seem to have it all figured out for her, nothing more I can add.
Bob
Enigmatic Nomadics Sorry if i came off too negative... I actually felt very bad for the lady. It is just something i could not image myself being happy doing when i am older. I guess not everyone is me. But as you said, she is happy and thats all that matter.
David, that voice in your head is a life-time of commercial and political indoctrination telling you to "Work hard and buy more stuff. It doesn't matter if you are happy or not, today is not important, live for your old age." Every moment, of every day of your life, you've been told that by everyone and everything in your life.
This channel is here to tell you there is another way to live, the way of less stuff and more freedom, right here, right now.
I totally understand your brainwashing rebels at that message, but if you are here watching out videos, some part of you longs for it. Give in to it!!
Bob
What is stealth camping ? Sorry, I'm a newby. Thanks xoxox
Alison, some of us have to live in towns and cities for whatever reason, and in many places living in a van is either illegal or very frowned on. In that situation we use stealth to NOT attract attention to us. If no one knows we are sleeping/living in our van, they won't hassle us. Bob
hi lavonne, my name is luis, I been thinking on doing this, can I ask you how you do on getting your mail, or what about doctor's appointment, like people like me that I have to take three different types of medication, I'm planning on doing this soon, can't effort an apartment payment, thank you so much and keep safe your self and god bless you.
Hi Luis, you can learn about getting mail here:
www.cheaprvliving.com/stay-touch/
Bob
can any ladies tell me how do you cope with the monthly periods ???? living in van
Same way as any other set of circumstances. This was covered in a women's safely series a few weeks back.
Disposable wipes to keep fresh through the day. Check out ideas for backpacking women as well as Enigmatic Nomadic interview of 3 young ladies
"It's a GREAT HOME?" Yes it's a.nice van and it's a blessing compared to sleeping outside on the ground or in a shelter. BUT NO VEHICLE IS A "NICE HOME," FOR A HUMAN BEING ! NO IT'S NOT !!! This woman like other law abiding people, DESERVE adequate (with a full kitchen, bathroom, heating, and space) housing, just like most people in the West already have. Sad that simple housing is OUT OF REACH FOR AMERICAN POOR! A COMPLETE DISGRACE TO THIS GOVT!
Nasty! Throw poop away after each poop! Gross!!!