Living on $800 a Month! Courageous Solo Woman Living in a Simple, Practical Promaster Van Build!
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- Опубліковано 11 сер 2023
- Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Phyllis is living in a 2014 Dodge Promaster van! She has found contentment by downsizing, selling her home, and embarking on her new van life journey. Phyllis is thriving on her $800 a month budget. Her Dodge Promaster is her cozy sanctuary where she lives without the burden of a mortgage.
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I stay in my own lane, 2 years now, full-timing by the rules. Currently dispersed camping on a nice piece of forested BLM in Oregon. Haven’t seen anyone, other except for a lone pickup driving by, over the past few days. Quiet and peaceful, no crackheads trashing the area. What I pack in will leave with me along with what I happen see around this campsite. Tomorrow I’ll head off to a new location and do it again. Life is Wonderful in this lane. Fair Winds.
Sad that you have to clean up after others that don't care. I always make sure my trash is disposed of properly. Even if I have a bag of dog 💩and there is no trash can nearby. I will triple bag it and put it in my trunk until I see a trash can. I don't want anyone to ever step in it!
@@lisa9867 - There was only about half a bag to take out. The ‘out of the way’ campsite looked like a high schoolers drinking spot, cardboard beers cases, burnt cans in the fire pit, fast food wrappers, chips bags, that sorta trash. It’s gone now, not more than a 15 minute delay bagging it all prior to leaving. Fair Winds.
Couldn't u bury dog doo?
I car camped for a year and a half starting in 2016 and after feeling nostalgic and envious of other’s stories, I’m embarking again this Friday in the used teardrop I just bought. I agree it’s truly a great life, and I don’t know that I’ll ever want to rejoin “normal” society again after I leave this time, despite being in my 30s. If I do leave nomad life, it’ll be after saving up to purchase a home in cash, since I’ll be able to save so much without a rent payment. Either way, I’m in charge of my life now and won’t have to accept sinking nearly $2k a month into a system that wants to keep me from retiring early.
I'm sending crack heads your way 😏😂
“I’d rather have space than stuff.” 💯😊
We have a cheap house in a bad area, living on social security. Videos like this make me seriously wonder if we might be happier selling it to get a nice van, and touring the national parks. We're comfortable enough, but man all of that nature, and so little stress, sure look nice compared to crime and urban blight ridden Ohio.
Why not rent a van for a week or month and live in it,remember the hot water,kitchen and electricity does not come with van living unless you do the expensive upgrade,then you need to find a place to park that van every day
@@jamesmcdonough2726 that's a great idea, maybe they could rent something to try it out. Or even try car camping in whatever vehicle they currently have.
“It may be bumpy along the way, but you can get there”. That’s an amazing quote and an amazing attitude!
Sold my home, did the road life 6 months. It was fun, but... It got old. Quick. I was sooo ready to buy another house. Travel did allow me to find a great area to live, so... Bonus. 🙂Never been happier. Luvvvv my home. ❤ Best of luck to everyone ... whatever you decide to do!🙃
I will never ever go back to live in a house. I'm so free right now
That's my dream to travel for about 6 months maybe longer in order to find some land. I dream of being self-sufficient living off the land, my own big garden, no traffic and crowds lol. Happy you found your dream home and ALSO got to travel. Just to experience being on the road for awhile. I've always loved road trips but I know it's different not having a home to go to if you get tired of being on the road 24/7/365.
@@angelabraggs7614that sounds so nice, the freedom part 🥰. Safe travels to you!
I want to travel a bit... I have not seen a lot of the country. I know it would not be permanent though. Where did you land??
She spoke of the maintenance a home requires,then speaks of a $2800 repair bill for the van,A 10 yr old van with 100,000+ miles what could possibly go wrong? So many videos of nomads with older vehicles going from 1 repair to another so you really need to have the aptitude for repair.So she sold her home which was going up in value for a vehicle that goes down in vehicle yet speaks of the "freedom" she now has. As the saying goes you can run but you can't hide from your problems
This is the reason I love this channel. IT shows ALL types, from fancy stuff, stuff I never would have thought of and super "basic" efficient builds. Some people just want or need a place to sleep that's one step from a tent. This is about survival for so many people, not how it looks on instagram.
I'm one of those people. My 2001 Astro van is the only thing keeping me from sleeping on a bus stop bench.
I retired early and moved to the Philippines in 2019...i travel on my ebike and camp...next will be an escooter...life is more fulfilling here. Ill never go back to America.
Phyllis, I just love your set up in your van and how you take care of yourself. To me you seem very comfortable and you make it look so easy to travel, cook, eat, sleep, and wash yourself in such a nice van. Plus you look so young and ready to make changes to your van to make you feel comfortable. Have a great life and God bless you on your travels. Joe Pep
8 years watching Bob, so much useful information
She had everything simple and organized
She looks happy and content 😆.
Good morning from Godley Texas, Bob thanks for introducing us to Phyllis. She's another energetic lady with tons of positivity 😎
Hello Godley! I’m from Dallas
This was the most of inspiration I needed today… I’m weeks away from hurting the road long term- finally!- after 3 years of planning, saving, preparing… and just as I came to the end of my build budget, my car needed a costly repair…. It discouraged me, but Phyllis is living here dream on a budget of $800 a month!! I’m blessed to have a monthly budget somewhat bigger than that; so- I CAN DO THIS!! Thanks, Bob ( and Phyllis!! ) for helping me shake off the worry. 🥰
You can do this! I'm on limited income and felt discouraged with car repairs last year....power steering, rack n pinion. But cut my budget more this year and recovered. The sacrifices we make to live this lifestyle will be worth it! Hope to see you on the road someday. I will be traveling in a schoolie.😁
@@muzerhythm2242 oh wow a schoolie what is insurance on one of them? ball park figure : ) always wanted one of them my older class c is very low but wont last forever lol
😀
❤❤
Yes shake it off and live life
Wow, she has a great attitude, nothing is a big deal for her, just roll with life babe.
Right in the beginning she expressed my exact sentiments!
She voices escape from current rat race so well, my respect to her!
58 is young she looks healthy to have plenty of future adventures.
Thank you for sharing.
Heading over to her channel…
🙋🏼
Thank you!
Yes if you are fit & healthy & eat well you can live a better quality of life
@@phyllisfindsfreedom just subscribe to your channel. I can’t wait to see all of your adventures. Blessings to you and your adventures. Would love to do this like you.
4 years is a long time to live on a $800/mth budget. Hopefully there’s not to many 2k emergencies. How dependable are the motors and drivetrains in those dodges?
Thanks Phyllis for your intelligent discussion with Bob. I love to hear when people make significant positive changes to their lives with thought out intentions!
I meant Phyllis last October in Pahrump, nice lady. 😊
A very enjoyable video! I particularly liked the way she purchased a fine van, even with 100,000 miles on it, made some repairs, and made it all work!
34K already mostly built out was a great entry to the van life. Even with a few repairs she is good. She proves you don't have to spend a fortune. Having plenty left over as a cushion is way better than luxuries you don't need.
❤
She is the perfect person for Van Life. It looks like one step above "car camping". The shorter wheelbase with the tall roof lets you stand up and drive and park it like a car.
Exactly
If we all had an attitude like Phyllis our lives would be simpler and happier.
She is such a sweetheart. Thanks Bob. 😊 God bless.
What a great lady! So nice to see her out there living free and enjoying life!!
Phyllis, you are living well and looking young at 58y. And, your rolling abode is divine. I could be content with that same setup. Happy trails.
I love my house!
I did that. Lived on 800 or less when I was 62 until I collected the pension at 65. Couldn’t mentally cope with work anymore. What a relief to retire.
I sold my house too and would use that money for a Promaster hightop van if I can find one. The shorter wheel base is fine for a single bed. Love your van.
My advice would be not to try this for the winter if you are older and are living in Canada. Don’t do it seniors unless you are planning to go south every winter. Just advice. I have a small apartment through housing to winter in.
Phyllis appears particularly centered and healthy. It's a pleasure to hear her story and tour her home. Thanks for the interview.
Thank you!
@@phyllisfindsfreedomStephen failed to mention good looking. Great smile! Love the van BTW.
Looks way younger than 50 odd.
I am retiring in December, 2023. I am so drawn to van life. I would so love to explore this great country after a lifetime of working hard every day. What a courageous woman to have jumped in to this dream life. Wishing her the very best!
I am too. I think it seems so incredibly fun. I just have to get used to sleeping outside. That's what it will feel like ❤️
The diversity of vans, people and groups is inspirational. It’s so uplifting to watch your vlogs. Thank you. Cheers Mo
❤covered wagon like years ago
Great build. Phyllis is inspiring, and a good model in how to make vanlife possible!
Yes just do it, 2 years now in my minivan, I work, no rent payments for 2 years, never going back to sticks n bricks
Awesome!
Really like it when Bob drops a video. Great content as always.
Phyllis, what a great job you did on explaining all parts of your great van. From cooking, sitting down and eating, sleeping, washing your hair, washing yourself, and especially the swivel front passenger’s seat how it turns around so you have a table that comes up against it so you can eat, work your laptop, cell phone etc.. it is so convenient. You are doing a great job on showing us all. I see from the comments you are very popular. You look so young and happy. God bless and have a wonderful life. Take care, Joepep
Thank you for the comments about my tour.
I have to say I am very humbled by all the wonderful comments on this video. You all are so nice!
I love this! I am building my van right now. It's in good mechanical shape. The inside is ok. It's a 2010 Chrysler Touring minivan. The only problem is it's not a high top.
So many people are just simplifying and doing things like this. That's awesome.
That's a really nice van. Thanks Phyllis for showing us your home.
I'm very impressed with Phyllis's build. It's clean and efficient. Perfect. There's always the question of how to keep clean, etc., but rarely do I hear how they get internet and phone service. I would be interested in knowing all the different methods and what it costs. Thanks, and I love this channel, Bob!
I love these videos that show the amazing variety of ways to organize one’s home. I am so grateful to Bob for doing them…surely by now he must be bored by it! He’s seen EVERYTHING by now! But, he keeps doing it because he knows there are THOUSANDS of people others who need the education, desperately. Thank you so much!
“ I rather have space than a lot of stuff” truer words were never spoken. Great interview, Bob. Lovely lady In a very nice buildout.
Thank you!
Yes, the clean and clear car/van life 🙌🏾
Lovely video! You both are such positive people! Thank you.
I have same thing! 2014 136" Promaster HR. I Had similar expense, $2100 to replace Flexplate. Get about 18mpg V6 gas. I use Jackery 2000 to power interior. Don't have solar yet.
Wow! I never thought of cutting up a memory foam mattress for cushions. What a great idea!
I admire this woman. All the best to her.
Bless her 🤍
Phyllis addressed several of my concerns while I consider this lifestyle. I appreciated this alot! Thanks so much to the both of you!
I agree. Also, some things to think about.
Smart young lady living her dream 🎉
I love how uncluttered Phyliss's van is. I have been fulltime in my van for 5 years. It was overfill 5 years ago. I have decluttered and left behind alot of things mementos and treasures sharing with friends family and donating.
I have less stuff and more space. I think I need to find storage solutions for the everyday things under my bed and way better ways to store my outdoor gear at the back of the van under my bed.
Thank you for show and tell. I am inspired to change things up to have a more organized home on wheels.
Cody looks good in the Pro-Master makes a nice prop for the video.
He’s so cute 😍
Being tall makes things alittle difficult when on a budget because the cheap vehicles typically wont be tall enough inside for someone over 6ft tall. Though that would push me to get out and do something even with my disability. First thing is to save to get started.
I really like that she refers to her van as her house. Respect.
Exactly perfect campervan set-up !!😀
Great insight, Phyllis! Congratulations on your move! How fun and exciting to live on the road, be with people when you want, less "stuff", just enjoying life! It's amazing what we learn when we realize how much we do ~not~ need! Have fun!!
Kudos to Phyllis! We are still trying to get on the road full-time. Don't know if we will make it or not! Love watching your channel to see how others do it! Thanks for that!! 💙Terry and Terri
I think I’d need a 2-sided sign: “Please knock, I’m ready to socialize,✊🏼” and “I’m hybernating! 🐻 “
I still would like a home base even if it’s just a little piece of land
The seating area could double up as a bed and that would free up the whole back area for other uses such as a shower, a big closet, or a huge fridge.
A lot of that stuff adds a lot of weight which takes away from the gas mileage
I agree. That would be really nice.
Everyone has different ideas and needs she didn't put a priority on a shower. Everything has tradeoffs a big fridge would require more electricity and a shower would require more water and space.
She had a shower there before and said it made it feel too small for her.
I agree with you, but since the van was already built out I didn’t have all the options you would have starting from scratch.
Beautiful Lady with an amazing attitude and a nice van.
Super helpful to see all the different budgets and lifestyles.
Amazing can build ! I really love her outlook and her simple floor plan . Safe travels 🎉
Great build. It looks like it works great for her and that’s what matters. She lives in it. Also you have to budget even in sticks and bricks. Unexpected things happen no matter what you live in. Great job Phyllis😊😊
😎
Very interesting information of the new nomad , thanks Bob
Love this... Gives me hope for my tiny dwelling!
👍
This is a great very simple build! Welcome to the nomad life Phyllis!
Her comment in the beginning makes perfect sense. We are doing the same with the house. We moved it with out old furniture and slowly replacing things if we think we needed it like we replaced our old dining room table with a nicer and bigger wooden table that we found on the side of the road from a neighbor. I do the same for my car camping set up. I use what i have. After each roadtrip I reaccess and replace things to make it more comfy
😁😁WHAT A NICE LADY! home to see her on the road.
I love this build and I love her attitude. ❤
Can you do a video about discrimination against older models RVs? Parks rejecting 10-15 year old models.
I would like to also know
Many Thanks
Why? I was under the impression this channel was about boon docking (no daily cost for campsites, nothing to do with RV parks).
I've never heard about older RV discriminatory behaviour at parks . Or anywhere for that matter. Is that such a thing?
Oh sure! We stayed at a place in Texas where 10 year old was the max. Watched A video this week of someone being rejected in their million dollar rv.
I got my 2015 Promaster for $10,000.00 yes the price is correct👍🏽
I waited/looked for 2 years, my mechanic had a friend that just brought a Mercedes to build out and needed $10,000.00 for a down payment…the Promaster had a new engine (had 75,000 miles on the engine when I acquired it) put in by the dealership because of a recall…
The moral of the story like Phyllis said is patience and it will find you…
Call me crazy but I was stock piling the guts for 2 years…😂😂😂 solar, sink, stove, backup beeper, cabinets, flooring, metal bed frame, toilet, seat pillows,saved up money to have it gone over thoroughly oil change, new belts, wipers, CarShield, insurance … you name it I tried to be ready👍🏽
You all can make it happen like Phyllis said♥️👏🏽👏🏽♥️
Loved your van and video, enjoy and be safe😉
You got lucky for sure!
These are fun and interesting videos. I enjoy finding out how different people see things differently and what people want to do. I’m an old guy and have been retired for several years. Been married for years with kids and grandkids. My mom and dad were heavy duty into RVing. I never cared for it. I like my home and living close to the city. But I just love following what other people want to do and how they do it. This channel is always interesting. Keep doing your thing!
Phyllis is a real inspiration. She makes me to know I could do it too when I am ready.
Pro masters are the ultimate for building out. It's square shape makes interior space and straight up and down walls.
Hi. Enjoyed another of your videos. Phyllis is a real traveling spirit. A simple build out but nice. No doggie? She is young enough to enjoy her life as a nomad and sounds like she loves it. I wondered about her fridge. A great tip was to bag up and out your waste into a bucket with a gamma lid till I can dispose of it properly. Such a simple idea but I did not think of it just that way. Thanks. U guess her children are in college or? Great video. Thanks Bob
Everyone doesnt have children...I dont...4yr Nomad
Wonderful lady following her dream. The world would be a better place if we could all have the strength and courage to live our lives, in such a way. Thanks Phyllis
She is downright adorable!!!🥰
You go, Phyllis!! ❤
LOL--just a bottle and a bucket!! Love this lady's attitude!!
I bought a promaster high roof for 24k put 15k into it and now live rent free.
I love it. Especially the size of her bed and half close in
I just subscribed to Phyllis's channel. I've watched a lot of van life and tiny house content and she's so refreshingly clear and frank.
Agree. A house is constant maintenance and expense.
And so is a vehicle,the difference is in many cases you can defer maintenance in a home but with a car or van you need to find a place to live when it's being fixed
The van is so well organized! Love the bucket, the fridge, furnace under the seat. And only lived in it for 6 months.
Love your style, ma'am
Thank you!
Phyllis is a rock star!
Awesome😊
I have often thought a twin bed would give you so much more room for a single person, it was great to see how this was handled that. Great video.
😎
I'd rather have space than stuff. She's doing it right 😍😊. With regards to the excess foam, having it wedged in there probably helps cut down on things rattling around in the garage 😁
Phyllis, you are amazing and inspiring! Love your little home on wheels.
What a wonderful person..such a positive light ❤
Thank you for sharing this video Bob. Phyllis is a perfect example of freedom & adventure BY CHOICE!
Nice simple setup...all a person needs in this life. Good traveling!
I will definitely subscribe to Phyllis ... It shows that, if we wish, can leave quite large in a small space with minimal belongings. What an incredible sense of freedom. May God continue to bless you. If things are going well ... if you wait just a tad longer than 62 ... your monthly income would be larger. Depending on your financial condition, it is worth waiting until full retirement. I love your van!
I’m glad to see some older people doing van life. I’m lots older, but would like to try.
Great video Bob👏👏👏. One recommendation for this lovely lady, take periodic work camping jobs. You'll earn extra money, see great places and also meet some wonderful people. Yes, I'm speaking from experience 😄. Best of luck in your new life.
👍👏👌 im very impressed thanks Phyllis
I also live in a 2017 Ram Promaster Cargo Van (just like hers, high top, 136 wheelbase) ) but not on $800 per month! My weekly food , gas ,toiletries etc is +-$220. I have to pinch those pennies to stay under $220. Then of course the other expenses like healthcare, internet, cellphone etc. Just some info for other people that are considering this lifestyle.
She doesn’t buy health insurance. Very precarious lifestyle.
You are so fortunate!! I had dreamed for most of my life to live this way. Finally found my van in March Of 2016. Never really got to use it. I think I got a couple of camping nights in. You enjoy for me!!
Interesting…thanks…keep safe and enjoy💁🏻♀️🙏
Very smart woman, she has planning and it looks like she is living a healthy and stress free life. Stay safe and I hope you meet many nice people on the road.
Thanks!
Phyllis has a great outlook on life. Love her simplistic, ideal, practical view. Great interview. She helps women when she says try it! Stay safe and I'll check out your social media venues Phyllis!
Thank you!
I enjoyed the build and hope that there is a reasonable vehicle available when my time arrives; neighbor just bought a $160K new Airstream Promaster. Beautiful but not all have a home to sell and buy outright on the profit. I'd rather have this vehicle and be more carefree of worry or a ding here and there if I go off paved road.
Any friend of Cody's is a friend worth having IMO. He has good judgement. I like your home, simple and functional. I wonder about the gas mileage. That's the biggest cost. Happy travels.
Im finding out that i may have to buy one already partially built out, and she reassued me that it can be normal to just get out there as opposed to having the chance to build a "dream home" in a couple years time. I like being realistic that it will always be a work in progress.
What about food, health insurance, car insurance, gasoline, clothing, and much , much more that everyone needs for daily living...mailbox rental, does $800 cover that?
I was thinking about all that, too.
Nope
It's not clear.
Videos and vans like this make me want to retire early,, buy a van and see the USA and Canada.. thank you.
Inspiring, thank you for sharing this interview and tour with us! I am so excited to start my nomadic journey soon...I'm so close, just deciding right now whether I will sell my house or rent it out.
This is the best interview I have seen so far because I really connected here. Thanks for showing us your product discoveries, that is super helpful. Because of your product vids I would do my van different than Phyllis but I like her simplified version.