Living The Van Life - Desert Overlanding
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Check out the all new LTVL website www.livingthev...
After spending 38 weeks in a small shop building out the Mercedes Sprinter 4x4, the Living The Van Life Sprinter Van is finally out in its natural habitat as I search for the ultimate off-highway 4x4 route from San Diego, California, through the Anza-Borrego Desert, into Joshua Tree National Park and across the Mojave Desert and finishing in Las Vegas Nevada. Join along for the adventure.
Support The LTVL Channel:
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Paypal: www.paypal.me/...
Patreon: / livingthevanlife
Follow me:
Van Life Instagram: @LivingTheVanLife
/ livingthevanlife
Personal Instagram: @chad_derosa
/ chad_derosa
My Current Film Production - “Rockets and Titans”:
UA-cam: / @rocketsandtitansmovie...
Instagram: / rocketsandtitans
Facebook: / rocketsandtitans
The gear I use while Living The Van Life:
Battle Born Off-Grid Battery System:
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Battle Born GC2 LiFePo4 Batteries: bit.ly/3t24Gaj
Victron Inverter/Charger: bit.ly/3eTNuif
Victron Distributor: bit.ly/3vjPuqu
Victron Solar Controller: bit.ly/3t0YLCm
Secondary Alternator: bit.ly/32XIFPc
Wakespeed Alternator Regulator: bit.ly/3xGeUkf
Battle Born Batteries Affiliate Link: battlebornbatte...?afmc=Living+The+Van+Life
FlareSpace Flares:
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Full Flare/Bed Package: bit.ly/3nCAQYH
Van Compass Lift, Suspension, Skid Plates
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Stage 6.3 2” Lift and Shocks: bit.ly/3gNdEFW
Rear Diff Skid Plate: bit.ly/3nxtHcb
Engine Skid Plate: bit.ly/3vrVa1z
Wheels & Tires:
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Trailbuilt Off-Road: bit.ly/3xA2Vof
315/70r17 BFGoodrich KO2 All Terrain Tires: bit.ly/3xx91ph
ARB Air Compressor: amzn.to/3u4QOgB
Speedflate Inflate/Deflate System (preferred): bit.ly/3nwrhdL
Staun Tire Deflators: amzn.to/3aOhCu2
Off-Road Recovery Gear:
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Warn Winch: amzn.to/3dZ6rkc
Snatch Block: amzn.to/3dZcqFu
8’ Tree Saver: amzn.to/3u1clXu
MaxTrax Recovery Boards: amzn.to/2PvqcGw
Off-Road Lighting:
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Baja Designs LP9 Pro LED: amzn.to/3gRG5lV
Baja Designs XL Pro LED: amzn.to/3nwxcQ1
Rigid Industries Scene Lights: amzn.to/3nwxcQ1
Camp Fire & Cooking Equipment:
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Pop-up Fire Pit: amzn.to/3fKzwzt
NEW: Matthew Paul Ankou Knife: www.mpknives.com
Esee 5 Surival Knife: amzn.to/3fnQSkQ
Solo Stove Ranger - Portable Fire Pit: amzn.to/36JD28f
Lodge Dutch Oven Tripod: amzn.to/3gnqgjy
8" Dutch Oven: amzn.to/3ilGFH7
Cooking Gloves: amzn.to/2BXdIjU
Jetboil Cooking System: amzn.to/2TH3yrF
Bottle Top Propane Stove: amzn.to/2SS82P0
Solo Stove Titan - Twig Stove: amzn.to/3cbYAeZ
Solo Stove Pot 1800: amzn.to/3gxNioK
Forestry Tools:
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Trayvax Trek Field Knife - 10% Coupon Code: VANLIFE - bit.ly/2BpqaJh
Esee 5 Surival Knife: amzn.to/3fnQSkQ
Schrade SCHF9 Camp Knife: amzn.to/2Mwr7Ru
21" Folding Saw: amzn.to/2RQjFmO
Campcraft Canvas Sheath: amzn.to/2T4aJMr
Gransfors Bruk Hand Hatchet: amzn.to/2SFqLMg
Hults Bruk Akka Foresters Axe: amzn.to/2tQx6LD
BareBones Living - Japanese Nata Tool: bit.ly/2yHBXRL
My Cold Weather Clothing:
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Fjallraven Pants: amzn.to/3fnwDn4
Fjallraven Jacket: amzn.to/2L2BYm7
Fjallraven Hat: amzn.to/2SEj6xE
Marmot Down Coat: amzn.to/2Wuol4h
Base Layer Bottoms: amzn.to/3b8XvUL
Base Layer Top: amzn.to/2YC2xGB
WoolX Socks: amzn.to/2W5hf7i
Sorel Winter Boots: amzn.to/3fpVirp
OLight Flashlights: 10% off Coupon Code : VanLife
olight.idevaff...
Winter Van Equipment:
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5KW 12V Diesel Heater: amzn.to/2OSFrGC
Personal Wear:
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Oakley Sunglasses: amzn.to/2Y7URcu
Carhartt Pants: amzn.to/2CvdbTM
Fishing Gear
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Redington Fly Rod: amzn.to/33imvoR
Tackle Shoulder Bag: amzn.to/35R1XWT
My Camera Gear
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Canon EOS R5 Camera: amzn.to/3t8czLq
Canon EOS RCamera (Backup): amzn.to/3u1dUVm
Canon RF 24-105 f/4L Lens: amzn.to/3e30UJa
Rode VideoMic Pro Plus: amzn.to/2PfKTjC
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Drone: amzn.to/3nuaBnc
Living The Van Life UA-cam Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
FTC Disclosure Statement:
Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.
Dude, holy smokes!! If you make a series with 2hr long episodes I would binge watch the same way I do every single episode! Sound 10/10, Music 10/10, Image 10/10, editing 1000/10!!!!!!! You put lots of movie directors and entire companies to shame with every video you launch !!
And is good at it
Can't even think of a way to say it better than this!
@@TACTICALNOMAD now the ‘movie industry’ is more of a side job and this channel is my “real job”. Thank you all for the wonderful support.
@Joao Lima ~ His skills are just unbelievable right? Such a pleasure to watch.
Addicting. The content the music the drone the photography the gourmet cooking the van mechanics the genius. Your simply the best and deserve awards for all your hard work 👌👍🤳❣️
THIS IS HOW GOOD PEOPLE ACT IN THE SOCIETY
Chad, you remain one of the all time best videographers and editors on this platform. I absolutely LOVE your content and you never let us down. Best to you!!! Great, great work…
Agreed.
That's absolutely true
Yes the video takes you along for the ride….. I was holding on tight lol……great job👍🏿
I cannot believe the whole video production is created by just one man. you really open my eyes to what a man can do. Awesome. 🙂
Love you from india... U r my admiration.. after seeing I converted my car into small carvan .. venture out in the search of peace of the mind. Respect & love
Finally someone who builds a 4x4 sprinter and uses it for more than a wet lawn at a public campground 👌
Chads production level and quality on his videos is above everyone else’s.
I agree 👍 💯
True that!!!
Yessss
💯%
I agree he never puts out a bad video.
This is just high quality in every way. The videography, music score, narrating. I'm happy to see that the time and dedication you put into this van is giving you joy and happiness.
Well said
Give chads a Oscar ! It’s breathtaking to see the work of art he does in every way ! God bless
The dedication to keep stopping to get drive up and drive away shots and launching the drone deserves a like on it's own. Great video
Exactly 💯
How does he operate the drone and drive at the same time?
Are those drones able to slowly track the remote control or is there a second person flying it while he drives
Spoiler alert: he’s got a film crew with him.
There's a reason why you've got 560k subs to your channel. Watching this movie about a guy in a Sprinter van is totally engaging. 45 min video. Top quality production. All filmed by one guy. Mind blown!
Wow, why don't you already have 5 million subscribers !!!
My god, what an amazing video.
I remember when he had like, idk, it was like 25-30K? Lolol dude is killing it and he’ll hit his million within a year or so. Watch.
Holly smokes the amounts of takes and filming is beyond professional, this guy is a true Jack of All Trades, great videographers, top quality transitions, fantastic footage, great driver. Amazing!!!!! Great job.
THANK YOU for a beautifully edited and produced video! Greetings from an Englishman in Arabia! 🇬🇧 ☺
Oh the memories...the memories of growing up in San diego back in the 70's and spending numerous camping trips in Ocotilla Wells, my favorite place....I guess I am just a desert rat. Now I am spending my days here in Texas, but now I am able to fill the void of my desert trips through this video...Thank you so very much!
Seeing you get choked up shows all of us what this means to you. The dream is a reality now Chad. All the planning and hard work has lead to this. Awesome job on the build and I can’t wait to see more of this beast in action.
?
@@richyfletcher273 ???
Another Masterpiece. And the ONLY one I've seen use a 4x4 Sprinter as it was intended. Chapeau my friend. Well worth all the hard work.
So glad the man is back! Not that I don’t mind the other content creators on UA-cam doing the same thing, but LTVL started it all for me (and completely by accident). Been a follower/fan every since!
Many hours watching this channel since I first find it a couple os years ago…today I can sorely say that…I own a 1993 VW T4 van, I enjoy my van freedom and I see, each time I’m in my van, the horizon just a small distance ahead… thank you Chad, you are a real inspiration for all van lovers!
Greetings from Beja/Portugal… keep on trucking!!
FINALLY!!! 😉 Well done and worth the wait 👍
Cheers guys!
9:10 i wish you would tell me the music you used in this part
Alaska is next 😉 👍🏼
Can't believe this content is free with this kind of quality..
Missed you, Thank you for letting us be a passenger along with you on a new Adventure.
WOW, just WOW! On the video, the production quality but also on the ‘Sprintervan’! I did not imagine that a quite smallish 4 cylinder diesel ist that capable!
Hard to imagine how you managed to get those drone shots at the beginning of the video. Man, the production quality has gotten even better. You’re and artist dude. Thx for the vid. Amazing! ✌🏼
It’s probably one of those drones that can follow you without you controlling it.
Dude!
I’m watching your films all out of order and it don’t matter!
Your story telling your film making just leave me speechless.!
But I want to comment because I know it helps the channel.
You sir are a epic legend
Wow! It's easy just to watch this and forget that you're the one setting up every shot. It's an incredible technical achievement. Welcome back, Chief.
Chad, you never cease to amaze me at your quality videography and you have made the last three years for me exciting! I know you get tons of email and might not get a chance to read this but I’m the shop teacher recently retired from PA that talk to you at one point on the phone about Watkins Glen and flagging there. You told me you had been there and had done sports videography and we discussed that for a short time. I know you’re friends with Talon Sei and I recently purchased a home in Fort Collins and I’m looking forward to moving there as soon as I sell my house in PA. I still want to build a van and travel in the future and you’re an inspiration to me! Enjoy your new van and keep making awesome videos and inspiring us all to get out and enjoy this great country we have! Thanks again!!!
This beginning is better than a movie! What an effort!!! Great!❤
As a military trained off road driver, a dirt bike rider and 4 wheel Truck owner driver you had it hung out there a few times. I know you had to think "what have I gotten myself into". Great trip and video!!!
Fine to see you again, Chad, and that you are doing well. The time without your films was very long.
There are many UA-cam with good videos, but you are one of the best. Including your music choice. Greetings from Germany, Saarbrücken
Andreas
The certain kind of solitude that I personally associate with your videos which is very relaxing, therapeutic at best. I might not sound sane but these videos take me away from the noise (even people speaking appears to be a noise) and puts me in a calm silent place. I have been watching your videos for more than a year now and I congratulate you on achieving your dream of owning an all sufficient Mercedes SprinterVan. I am eagerly waiting for those snow camping videos as winter is approaching.
Glad to have you back Chad! Hope your son has healed up well.
Chad great to have you back my wife n I have missed your wonderful photography , you have such a humble spirit, it would be a joy and privilege to meet you one , Gods blessings on youn
Its so good to see you chad after a long time, because I have been waiting soo long for this.
You are very close to the nature. I have seen your vanlife videos everyday before sleeping. Your videos gives us calm, peace and motivation.
That friends is what you call living the dream life.
The beauty of nature and the freedom that's what it's all about. Your living the dream bro.
DUDE it's been awhile since I've seen you but my goodness you finally finished up the van and it looks absolutely beautiful with all the lights..the bike mount the ladder the solar panels
It's a 4x4..very rare.for s van..I love the winch and triple tow hooks it took 9.5 months
But you took your time my boy..started off brand new and with a clean slate..and built it the way you wanted..all custom..
I'm just now noticing that you got the diesel engine
Cool..more power..you should be on the cover of van magazine
I love the fact that you had a vision and saw it through. Well worth the wait.
Sir, just as you think the adventure and cinematography could not get better, you raise the bar again, very well done long may your subscription numbers continue to increase.
I haven't been interested since you changed from the beloved VW T3 Bus. As a T3 driver myself I watched your videos almost with envy!
Today this is the first video in a long time and I realised it's not because of the little van - it's because of you, your storytelling and kind spirit why I always enjoyed the video!
Love from Germany! Keep up the great work!
Super Stoked you finally got to put the sprinter to the test Chad!! Epic scenery, and this trip is the 1st of many awesome trips to come ✊🏼🧐😎🤙🏼! Thanks for bringing us along Brotha, glad to have you back in action
Holy Moly, my stomach dropped so many times watching this video. Man, you must have nerves of steel. I am very impressed but please, stay safe. Peace, love, and smooches.
The van looks good I am sure it took a lot of work and it paid off. Good to see you back we missed the Van life! Now we just need some snow!
CHAD, When you travel to very remote places, you are all alone and sometimes get lonely… remember, you are not actually alone because you bring with you thousands of souls who wish they could fly away as you do but could not because of circumstances. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your courage to explore uncharted places and share them with so many. Very spiritually uplifting! You have hundreds of silent traveling companions…you are never alone👍💕🥰
Just stunning camera work, sound, and music selection. It is truly an immersive experience that makes you feel you are right there with you! Awesome new rig, but it is your commitment to creating the visuals and immersive feelings that make it a destination each type we click on your new adventure.
So stoked you're back, we missed you! Refreshing to see a non sponsored video too. Here's to more of the same!
The driving skills along production skill was so underrated
This is perhaps the best video I've watched in months! After over a year of researching the best overlanding rig for my objectives I bought a Unimog ex-army ambulance that I'm converting to an expedition RV for journey's like this, in this exact area. Thank you for creating such a wonderful viewing experience for us all, newbies like me as well, that inspires us to get out there and enjoy this stunning landscape!
Welcome back, Chad. Not only has the van stepped up, and the adventure stepped up, but your overall level of editing and shooting has seen an explosive upgrade. This is by far the best total package video I've seen on this channel, and I hope this is merely a taste of things to come now that you're Living The Sprinter Life. Seriously well done mate, glad to see you back just in time for winter!
seeing a 4x4 Sprinter in quasi overland conditions is something pretty rare, and so this video is very rewarding - looking forward to more of this!
Listening and watching this with headphones on while lying in my bathtub, is the only way to go. Epic sound and music in this one Chad. ❤️
I sat, I watched, I was amazed; I had so much to say........ but, no..... I'll leave it all for another day....... so happy to have you back, thanks for the ride. t
solid driving, story telling, foley, music and the highest praise for the solo droning. Well beyond the norm. VC Suspension gets legit workout for sure.
Thank you for letting us join along in the adventure Chad. Damn good. 👍👍
This is an absolute cinematic MASTERPIECE!! It was a pleasure to finally meet you during your time in San Diego Chad! Thanks for dropping by. Love seeing you continue to push the limits of the Sprinter and more importantly living the life you designed for yourself. Looking forward to watching the next installment of your adventures!
Love your video's, would love a it of this life, keep up the good work, love from South Wales UK piece out..
Impressed with the Sprinter capabilities and the way you kitted it. No spin with the elect bike though, suppose some other time. The stars shines bright above you.
JUST FOR PANORAMIC VIEWS ALONE THIS VIDEO IS IN MY TOP 10 LIST ,
GREAT VIDEO,
2 OUT OF THE 3 WERE GREAT AS WELL
I can't believe I'm seeing it in action. This is so exciting
Unreal work my man. Drone shots unreal....you're extremely talented. I've been doing Sprinter Van Life in San Diego for almost 3 years and your videos are inspiring me to travel in it even more. Thank you!
Good luck to you, Thomas. Cheers!
When I’ll you do a tour of the new van? The outside looks nice. Can’t wait to see interior.
Agreed! Inside? I want to see it!
Welcome back. We've missed you. And all best wishes to future adventures in your new 4x4 Sprinter van.
This video is a masterpiece. Incredibly well made and so much fun to watch. Looks like a million dollar production. Thanks for sharing!
I just have to say again this may be the best video I’ve watched on UA-cam in the last six months there should be a double thumbs up button wonderful awesome I wish I could come up with more words thank you
So cool to see you pushing yourself and your new equipment. Can’t wait to see the places you will go. And as always your cinematography and production is awesome.
Superb adventure! Very inspirational! I find your videos to be very uplifting, during these tumultuous times we are living in! You are doing us a great service, by sharing your adventures with us! I cannot thank you enough! Regards!
You have out done yourself Chad! Effing amazing! Worth the wait! I found you when covid started.. got me through some rough times! Thank you for what you do..
Your welcome brother, I have been following you for a long time. Great content and what a van. Best I have seen take on the challenges of the desert... Keep putting them out and the Banks boys will keep watching... Peace!
This video is off the scale Chad and the reason I watch every single one of your uploads. Thank you so much for posting and keep up the awesome work. Great job on the sprinter as well.
At first, you are just a UA-camr with a van.
After several watches…. Feeling your audience respectful making videos.
I decided to be your fan….keep going!
Seeing you live your best life doing what you love to do is awesome! Love the adventures you take us on. ❤️
Angela u looks nice
I usually skip intros, but watched this twice. Love this!!!!!!
Glad to see you back out there, and hope things are well with the family. Congratulations on finishing the van, and more congratulations on the the creation of a truly stunning video. The combination of different video viewpoints, the drone footage, the narration, even the music - just spot on. The quality of your edit is just amazing. And I really like the longer format. Keep up the good work, young brother.
Hes back! Thank god Chad. The Sprinter looks like a beast.
Chad, incredible video my friend. Your production is seriously next level and I'm so happy for you, and what you've accomplished.
I have got say how do you do this because the amount of effort it takes, all the dedication to keep stopping to get drive up and drive away shots. Let alone the editing of the footage and then to produce the program at the end of this it must hard work fitting it all in to your day. Your mental strength must be incredible WELL DONE for all your efforts with the van and the site.
Congrats!!! Haven’t watched u in a bit. PERFECT TIMING! Safe travels. Can’t wait to see some winter stuff!
Mercedes and every company should be calling you for collaborations and sponsorship!
So glad we could be on this journey with you Chad! Such an inspiration!❤
🤟p 🤟🤟
Welcome back, this video doesn't to the views justice. I appreciate the view through your eyes. Again, thank you for sharing LTVL. Safe travels!
Chad none of your many talents Surpass your talents as a cinematographer. Congrats and happy trails.
Best Channel Across whole UA-cam , I bet !!
When everyone questioned when he would return, Chad said, "good things come to those who wait". True that! This is more than a video, it's film making at its finest, with one of the best storytellers out there. We are lucky to be along for this wild ride. Bravo. 👏🏼
Chad, your best ever. You are head and shoulders over anyone on UA-cam. Your skills are amazing! Grey Goose Adventures. David and Juanita
As someone who has recently started up a channel, I gotta say the amount of time it takes to do those drive by shots has me respecting your dedication to filming. They are so time consuming and laborious! Not to mention the drone work. I just got one and, wow...those shots take forever, too! It must take you 8 hours to get 2 miles. Props, good sir. I've been following your channel for some time and you're an amazing artist.
Dude that's what I was thinking! I had difficulty enjoying this because all I could think about was how exhausting it must have been. Dang props to him!
In the last few weeks I have been looking for an answer to my question of "what do I want to do, where do I want to be in the short and long term. Thanks for the quick and easy answer of "You gotta do what's in HERE". In addition, I have complimented the heart strings with doing whatever without "fear of missing out". do things with urgency, when required, but without anxiety.
Cheers !
It’s always exciting when a new vlog appears, even more so when it’s nearly an hour long! Simply awesome stuff! All your hard work with the Sprinter has well & truly paid off! 😍
Watching your stuff never gets old
great to see you back Chad !
stunning cinematography and music. nice to see the van all finished and kitted out , looks so spacious compared to the VW
Now that was some EXTREME Van Life Off Roading I have seen on Any Channel. Thanks for Sharing this Desert Adventure. Be SAFE‼️
💪💪☘️🚙☘️💪🔥🔥‼️😎👍👍⬆️
Your pronunciation of Salton Sea made me laugh. As a native Californian refugee in Texas, I found that regional pronunciations are key. Think of how you would say Dalton.😘 Love the channel.
finally the legend Chad and his new sprinter van are back once again on the road. we missed you chad. it's nice to watch you again. keep on trucking sir😊
While your new rig is FAB, I Miss the old VW. Guess It's something I will have to get used to with your vids. Happy for you & your upgrade though, Very where No man has gone before lol Opps Pc Corrected 'Where No Face Beard Has gone B4 Pmsl' cool vid mate.
You are one special person to do that trip, my heart was in my mouth just watching. I’m living through you xxxx
Glad to have you along for the adventure, Mel- Cheers!
Long time no see brother! good to see you back in good health (and a van in a better shape). Damn your videos are so much fun to watch.
FINALLY!! IM SO HAPPY SEEING IT ON MY FEED! CHEERS CHAD ✊🏼❤️
Excelente video, buenas tomas y muy equipada quedó las Van, para vivir la vida en ella, buena música y agradable charla, saludos desde Cd. Obregón, Sonora, Mexico
Oh my God Chad you are back. I'm so glad to see you. Your video makes me happy. I'm glad you're back you really have been missing. 🎈🎊🎉🔴
It would be cool to see some in cabin shots while off road, but cant wait to see more to come with the new build.
slo mo footage of stuff flying out of the cabinets would be cool
Really missed a lot for so many months but waiting was a worthwhile. Thanks for lovely treet and you were almost in the verge of crying I understand and do respect your feelings from the bottom of my heart because I was feeling the same. And I also felt drops. Thank you. God bless you CHAD. Waiting for a lot to come.