Everyone who was inspired by this woman would like to know..... Rachel, are you still out there living in a van? We would love to see an update of what is happening in your life, even if you've moved on to something else. You were such an inspiration to so many who would dare to live the life they dreamed rather than having to settle for something less because of being female. I truly hope you are happy in whatever you're doing, perhaps even having found a friend with whom to travel, or a husband with whom to share the rest of your life. If you see this, or if anyone knows of Rachel's whereabouts, please update us, will you? Thanks!
Wow, this person has a fantastic van and she did it all herself. I was very impressed with her knowledge of her 110 volt system. You can tell she did her homework!
Cool you have it made. No taxes, mortgage, rent or HOA fees or lot rent. Next thing to do is invest in enough solar panels to generate all of your electricity.
I sure would love to see an update on Rachel. She sounds like a super woman, able to do so much on her own as far her van goes. I can just imagine that she did as fantastic job on her trailer as she did on her van. Pleeease ask her if she will share that with us. So many have wondered where she is and how she is doing!
Rachael, love your courage to live as you please, not as society dictates. The person that called you a "baddass bitch", I believe it was their way of complementing you. I am now one of life's dreamers unfortunately. I have taken many risks in my life. Now at 50, too many medical problems, three cats and two dogs. No way I am living in a van. Did think about trying a bus :) Not much energy, no money, equals no action. Not a "pity me" party, just reality. The biggest chance i ever took in life was moving from the UK to the US. I was 24, ha ha, thought I knew everything. I am always so proud of women that have the nerve and couage to do this. I wish you all the best in you travels.
So nice to see this video again. This was the very first van dwelling video I ever watched on UA-cam...it's probably been 4+ years ago that I first watched it. Rachel was an inspiration to me...and she still is! She inspired me to dream of a life with more adventure. I love the cozy feel of her van...so tidy. Most of all she seemed to be enjoying her life. I think of her from time to time and hope she's doing well :-)
I have been spending a lot of time watching videos of this nature... from a wide range of people... I have to admit, Rachel is the originator... the one who "got it right"... she will always be the Queen, in my humble opinion. All of these other folks deal in SO much drama about this lifestyle that they have chosen... it's getting to be comical. But, this lady is pure class.
I am doing this in 7 months! Buying a Van and hitting the road and exploring the USA! Live simply and be free to do what I want to do. There is so much to enjoy in life and I have always wanted to travel full time. I subbed!
Christine Lowery I saw this post, I am watching your utube videos!, Amazing..will be hitting thr road soon..y'all inspire us!, Does anyone know how Rachael is doing now in 2016..
Absolutely love it!!!!! Don't pay attention to the negative comments on here. You do what is best for you hun. Enjoy your adventure :) I am looking to get off the grid myself one day.
I think I have watched a ton of self built van videos, this was the first video I watched and it is still the very best of them all, Jennifer tell her we so want to know how and what she is up to.....she is an inspiration to us girls that want the courage to do what she has done. Thanks so much!
Very informative and interesting. I am onto my 4th van and have built the last 2. Each time I leave out the ''mistakes" or excesses of the last one. The gr8 thing about doing it urself is totally customizing 2 individual needs. All the very best best 2 u 4 ur travels.
Finally someone explained the whole DC versus 110 power, inverters etc where I could understand it. Guess it takes another woman! So glad I watched this. Van dwelling doesn't just have to be for camping in rural areas either. I've stealth camped in my car for up to two weeks a couple of times in New Orleans just outside the French Quarter. Lots of foot traffic, but if you have things set up right, no one even notices you.
WOW! It was wonderful to see another woman that does her own thing and did it all herself, it sounds like. Most men couldn't tackle putting all of that together! I hope Rachel and her wonderful abode are all doing fine.
What a fantastic person, I love her free spirit. It takes a special person to pull that off. Who knows maybe one day I might do the same. Thank you for this interview!
Rach2befree I love your van and how you made all of this yourself. I would love to learn how you did this, the wiring, plumbing measurements etc. Did you take a class on wiring or how did you learn the skills to do all this conversion yourself? You are an Amazing and Brave Woman and you seem to be very Independent. This would be a wonderful adventure for myself some day also. I would love to be free from the everyday living costs such as property taxes, rent, electric bills etc. I would love to go off grid completely and I have always loved camping and never wanted to go back home after I was our camping. Keep going girl!!!
I knew Rachel was an amazing woman the moment I met her out in West Texas! We were both on a tour to see the McDonald Observatory. She didn't seem to have any awareness of how amazing she was, but I am so glad the rest of you see what I saw. I'm off the road now - I had a late life baby. Still planning to get back in van at some point, but want to wait until that works well with me and my little boy.
Hi Jennifer, it's Rachael. I am so glad to hear from you!! I remember the west Texas trip well and what a star party it was. Who would have ever guessed our little video would have made such a connection with so many people. It makes me think we were doing something right by following what our hearts were drawing us to do. Congrats on your baby! Now that is big news for sure. There are times while traveling with five cats that I would much rather have twin two year olds to deal with! I want to thank you for doing the video for without it, I would not have had the opportunity to interact with so many people looking to find what we found while being travelers on life's journey.
Rachael Darland It is so great to hear from you! I have to admit, I feel like your journey is closer to the one I am striving for... though I had radically simplified compared to my previous life, I still envied and admired the radically simplicity and affordability of what you had done. I could sense you'd been on a challenging, yet inspiring life journey - forced to find your own path on your spiritual wanderings across the southwest. I am so grateful that I was able to share, albeit briefly, some of who you are with everyone else. As you can see, you have a big impact on others!
JenniferBlogAccount actually, you BOTH are inspirations to a lot of people... when I get a little antsy, I watch Rachael's video and think about what is possible!
+Rachael Darland Hi Rachael, are you traveling with 5 cats currently, or in the past? How long and where in Texas were you? I also enjoyed listening to you in the video, admire your spunk! Do you ever think of changing to a small class C RV, or prefer the van life? Greg
Thank Jennifer & Rachel for still the most inspiring van video I have watched over the past couple years. I just visited again to refresh my memory on all the tips, as I have officially started van shopping.
For a fridge, you can buy an igloo or Coleman cooler with cig lighter plug and cut the wire and connect it to your 12V battery. It works just fine. Nice setup for putting it together in 4 months.
I have done this often in the past with very few amenities. Now that I am retired I wll be outfitting a similar van but with a cap so i can(almost) stand....this lady has done very well...nice job!
A beautiful video and Ratchael did a fantastic job thinking out and executing her van conversion. I am amazed at her knowledge, especially with the electrical wiring she did. Getting ready to hit the road - not a full timer, but hope to be out 3-6 months soon. Be safe out there and thanks for the videos.
I purchased a caravan about six months ago, I've been in the process of renovating since then, I am halfway to being completly off the grid I am currently setting up a wind/solar system to run the appliences. After living in a flat I find this way of life very liberating. Your van set up is great it looks very efficient!
I love how smart she is. I wouldn't even know how to take the seats out of a van and she transformed the whole thing into a home. Amazing. I want to be her travel buddy.
OMG! Just listening to her, has encouraged me to do more research on van-dweller...I am at this point in my life that I want to simplify and travel. Awesome interview, I would love to hear more of her tips and adventures.
Watching this in 2018 - love her van and her! Thanks for the update in the description box too. Good to know this lady is still doing what she does and enjoying it 👏🏾✌🏾
I admired her freedom. She has done a great job with the van. So neat, clean, and very well organized. Where there is a will there is a way. I would love to see more videos of u.
I must say I am impressed with your knowledge, your renovation , your attitude, and your neatness and cleanliness. I have been living in MH's since losing my Home and all possesions in Hurricane Katrina. You make it desireable to live this way. You have done the best job of showing and explaining this style of living than any of the others i have listened to. I came away inspiried after listening to you. Feel like a King in my Castle now, hehe!
She's sooooo awesome!!! I want to be just like her when I finally grow up! I've had a bad run - so I lost my home vehicle, etc. - not by choice (joblessness). But, I'm kind of relieved - oddly enough. I am craving freedom too. Good for her - I love her spirit!
I am so impressed with these ladies that have just done this. I find that all of them enjoy the independence they now have. Great job ladies I think your all fantastic!!!
Rachel was so easy to listen to and she did an amazing job, fixing her van up so it was just right for her. Take care yall and stay safe and have fun too!!
Smart lady.very organized,tidy.,attractive van and not a cookie cutter.i am surprised at the cost of conversion.it must've taken extensive planning and budget at that price.also blown away at the time factor to convert.very,very smart lady, I hope an avenue opens to you allowing an update/grade for head space.
So organized, seems women, in general, are better at keeping living areas orderly. Will save and learn from this lady on how to organize my van. Also, she travels a lot, it seems, the gas is by far the biggest expense. Some solar panels would be a nice finishing touch.
Very informative. I am in the beginning stages of living free. Im looking for a van to build and this video by far had the most valuable information to help me make better decisions. I can't thank you enough for it.
Hi Rachael, i started vandwelling 28 years ago, i love it, and i'll never go back to so called normalcy again. I used to do the work awhile / camp awhile thing, before i got stuck with a regular job, but still vandwelling. Hugs
love to see women do this, as I am a divorced, woman, whose children (8) are on their own, and am attempting to live off-grid in the city of Detroit. Thanks for the great work & great vids. Very inspiring.
Moon Dancer Hello, I just saw your video for the first time and I love what you did with the van. I’m hoping to get one soon but I have an F150 that I would like to try First as I want to attend the RTR in Quartsite AZ I January. Any suggestions?
I thought I recognized her voice in one of Ausia’s videos from last year. Glad to see her again. This video was the first of the van dwelling videos I ever ran across.
This gal is my hero. I think it is awesome how she just did it instead of wishing she had more to work with. I wish we knew more of her story-- why did she decide to take on this adventure, how does she support herself, and what does she do all day long? She describes what she does at night, but what is her purpose during the day?
i used to live in my 1978 chevy ''shorty'' van before i had kids.. Well, i just bought a 1972 VW Bus (westfalia pop top), & my wife loves it so much that we're planning on packing it up, & spending several months this summer traveling, and living out of it with the kids! ..:) we can't wait!
I totally love this lady she is amazing! Indeed is like some comments said,she doesn't know how great she is,so,smart,my respects and hugs to her,from Pennsylvania.
Pretty inspirational and I must say I am a bit envious. I long to be as free as this woman is, but like many of us stuff, debt and a mortgage has somewhat clipped my wings. One day I plan to live just like this and I am always glad to see that those who are already doing it are living well, are happy and feeling fine with their choice.
Steve, your comment reminds me of a quick-stop clerk I ran across in Silver City New Mexico. I stopped for gas and when I went in to pay, the young gal behind the counter inquired about all the "stuff" on the roof of my van. I told her that the 'van' is my home and it's name is Moonbeam. And all that 'stuff' on top is everything I need to live a very comfortable mobile lifestyle. She looked at me and exclaimed; "But your so clean!" I have not only one but TWO showers and I use them often.
Dear Jennifer , Thank you for the lovely video , I did like what you and Rachel have done to your RVs very cozy ,seeing your video and some of the homeless people that living in vans or RVs , made me feel so sad and sorry and appreciate what we have I pray to God that you and all the others to live in a better life style with family’s around you to love and care and not to be alone I feel for you dears , may God bless you all
I saw this video over 9 years ago when it was put out & was so inspired about what this woman did all on her own! I so wish we could have heard more from her.... She's a wonderful lady, I'm sure, and is genius in what she's done with this van. She has since built out a trailer, & how I would love to see that! Does anyone ever see her?
She looks about my age, and she is brave. I would love 2 follow in her footsteps. I hope she has some protection, just in case someone causes her problems. Good for her, and i hope to communicate with her regarding how 2 get started. Thanks for posting a woman living in a van. I'd like to see more women doing this.
Thanks Rachel for sharing your setup and experiences. From all your spices it appears that you like to cook. I'm looking at converting a Sprinter Van. I don't mind a small space but I know I will need a high top van. I will need to be able to stand up. Like you said, know your limitations.
I have an 84 Chevy hi-top camper van I can stay out in extensively, not counting money for gas, I can make it on $100.00/month. This is NOT staying in campgrounds, going shopping every day or to the movies once a week. But it is living free and to me that's what it is all about. God Bless You, Take Care & Be Good!!!
What a neat lady. She seems happy with the van dwelling lifestyle. I've seen other ladies who are RVers who travel in groups. They call themselves a "tribe". She might want to start her own tribe that way she will have people with her at all times, in case she gets lonely or scared.
Still love it! I got my used rv a few weeks ago, & its finally ready for me to be in full time. I've been living in my sister s house but now I can be on my own again. I still pay rent and my loan
I lived in a small space like this when I lived on my boat for 11 yrs. I miss the simplicity and cheap rent which was $200 a month. I am now starting to modify my aerostar cargo van so I can take a trip across the states. I loved the feeling of freedom on my boat and it should be even better in the van since it is even easier to pack up and move.
asoces, First I want to thank you for your kind words. My van Moonbeam is 20 years old and together we have traveled over 227,000 miles. Since the conversion 4 years ago, I have had minimal malfunctions with the systems. No water system issues at all and see no reason for any changes. I did have a mouse for a house guest for a spell and besides munching on some of my food, chewed on a water line and caused a leak. My electrical systems are functional but could be improved on.
Still inspiring almost ten years later! Thank you!
Everyone who was inspired by this woman would like to know..... Rachel, are you still out there living in a van? We would love to see an update of what is happening in your life, even if you've moved on to something else. You were such an inspiration to so many who would dare to live the life they dreamed rather than having to settle for something less because of being female. I truly hope you are happy in whatever you're doing, perhaps even having found a friend with whom to travel, or a husband with whom to share the rest of your life. If you see this, or if anyone knows of Rachel's whereabouts, please update us, will you? Thanks!
Still waiting
Wow, this person has a fantastic van and she did it all herself. I was very impressed with her knowledge of her 110 volt system. You can tell she did her homework!
Cool you have it made. No taxes, mortgage, rent or HOA fees or lot rent. Next thing to do is invest in enough solar panels to generate all of your electricity.
I sure would love to see an update on Rachel. She sounds like a super woman, able to do so much on her own as far her van goes. I can just imagine that she did as fantastic job on her trailer as she did on her van. Pleeease ask her if she will share that with us. So many have wondered where she is and how she is doing!
Rachael, love your courage to live as you please, not as society dictates. The person that called you a "baddass bitch", I believe it was their way of complementing you.
I am now one of life's dreamers unfortunately. I have taken many risks in my life. Now at 50, too many medical problems, three cats and two dogs. No way I am living in a van. Did think about trying a bus :) Not much energy, no money, equals no action. Not a "pity me" party, just reality. The biggest chance i ever took in life was moving from the UK to the US. I was 24, ha ha, thought I knew everything.
I am always so proud of women that have the nerve and couage to do this. I wish you all the best in you travels.
Can we see an update video and see how Rachael is doing and how the van is doing? Love her van
Yes, please!
Were is Rachel today is she okay ..?.
So nice to see this video again. This was the very first van dwelling video I ever watched on UA-cam...it's probably been 4+ years ago that I first watched it. Rachel was an inspiration to me...and she still is! She inspired me to dream of a life with more adventure. I love the cozy feel of her van...so tidy. Most of all she seemed to be enjoying her life. I think of her from time to time and hope she's doing well :-)
really love this woman,,,,shes really living the dream. WE ALL NEED TO LEARN FROM HER,
Rach is my hero. I aspire to doing the same thing in the future. Every word of this video is pure gold. Hats off to Jen for making the vid.
I have been spending a lot of time watching videos of this nature... from a wide range of people... I have to admit, Rachel is the originator... the one who "got it right"... she will always be the Queen, in my humble opinion. All of these other folks deal in SO much drama about this lifestyle that they have chosen... it's getting to be comical. But, this lady is pure class.
I am doing this in 7 months! Buying a Van and hitting the road and exploring the USA! Live simply and be free to do what I want to do. There is so much to enjoy in life and I have always wanted to travel full time. I subbed!
Christine Lowery I saw this post, I am watching your utube videos!, Amazing..will be hitting thr road soon..y'all inspire us!, Does anyone know how Rachael is doing now in 2016..
Christine Lowery -Beachcricket Yes you did Christine, I love your videos. Now I know you were inspired by Rachel.
Absolutely love it!!!!! Don't pay attention to the negative comments on here. You do what is best for you hun. Enjoy your adventure :) I am looking to get off the grid myself one day.
I think I just found myself a new hero...😊
ME TOO
Me too .
Me too
ME TOO! Inspirational gutsy lady!
I think I have watched a ton of self built van videos, this was the first video I watched and it is still the very best of them all, Jennifer tell her we so want to know how and what she is up to.....she is an inspiration to us girls that want the courage to do what she has done. Thanks so much!
Very informative and interesting. I am onto my 4th van and have built the last 2. Each time I leave out the ''mistakes" or excesses of the last one. The gr8 thing about doing it urself is totally customizing 2 individual needs. All the very best best 2 u 4 ur travels.
Finally someone explained the whole DC versus 110 power, inverters etc where I could understand it. Guess it takes another woman! So glad I watched this.
Van dwelling doesn't just have to be for camping in rural areas either. I've stealth camped in my car for up to two weeks a couple of times in New Orleans just outside the French Quarter. Lots of foot traffic, but if you have things set up right, no one even notices you.
WOW! It was wonderful to see another woman that does her own thing and did it all herself, it sounds like. Most men couldn't tackle putting all of that together! I hope Rachel and her wonderful abode are all doing fine.
What a fantastic person, I love her free spirit. It takes a special person to pull that off. Who knows maybe one day I might do the same. Thank you for this interview!
watched alot of van dwelling vids.. this was by far the most informative in one short vid. Fantastic. Makes me want to pack up right now!
Rach2befree I love your van and how you made all of this yourself. I would love to learn how you did this, the wiring, plumbing measurements etc. Did you take a class on wiring or how did you learn the skills to do all this conversion yourself? You are an Amazing and Brave Woman and you seem to be very Independent. This would be a wonderful adventure for myself some day also. I would love to be free from the everyday living costs such as property taxes, rent, electric bills etc. I would love to go off grid completely and I have always loved camping and never wanted to go back home after I was our camping. Keep going girl!!!
I knew Rachel was an amazing woman the moment I met her out in West Texas! We were both on a tour to see the McDonald Observatory. She didn't seem to have any awareness of how amazing she was, but I am so glad the rest of you see what I saw. I'm off the road now - I had a late life baby. Still planning to get back in van at some point, but want to wait until that works well with me and my little boy.
Hi Jennifer, it's Rachael. I am so glad to hear from you!! I remember the west Texas trip well and what a star party it was. Who would have ever guessed our little video would have made such a connection with so many people. It makes me think we were doing something right by following what our hearts were drawing us to do. Congrats on your baby! Now that is big news for sure. There are times while traveling with five cats that I would much rather have twin two year olds to deal with! I want to thank you for doing the video for without it, I would not have had the opportunity to interact with so many people looking to find what we found while being travelers on life's journey.
Rachael Darland It is so great to hear from you! I have to admit, I feel like your journey is closer to the one I am striving for... though I had radically simplified compared to my previous life, I still envied and admired the radically simplicity and affordability of what you had done. I could sense you'd been on a challenging, yet inspiring life journey - forced to find your own path on your spiritual wanderings across the southwest. I am so grateful that I was able to share, albeit briefly, some of who you are with everyone else. As you can see, you have a big impact on others!
JenniferBlogAccount actually, you BOTH are inspirations to a lot of people... when I get a little antsy, I watch Rachael's video and think about what is possible!
Rachael Darland what kind of van is yours? love the video!!
+Rachael Darland Hi Rachael, are you traveling with 5 cats currently, or in the past? How long and where in Texas were you? I also enjoyed listening to you in the video, admire your spunk! Do you ever think of changing to a small class C RV, or prefer the van life? Greg
Thank Jennifer & Rachel for still the most inspiring van video I have watched over the past couple years. I just visited again to refresh my memory on all the tips, as I have officially started van shopping.
For a fridge, you can buy an igloo or Coleman cooler with cig lighter plug and cut the wire and connect it to your 12V battery. It works just fine. Nice setup for putting it together in 4 months.
+CrushAssad good advice.
Excellent interviewer and excellent interviewee! Thank you to both!
I have done this often in the past with very few amenities. Now that I am retired I wll be outfitting a similar van but with a cap so i can(almost) stand....this lady has done very well...nice job!
What a great woman. She has my admiration from the UK :)
This woman has helped me more with information on converting my coming up van then all the other videos I've watched. Thank you Jennifer :-)
A beautiful video and Ratchael did a fantastic job thinking out and executing her van conversion. I am amazed at her knowledge, especially with the electrical wiring she did. Getting ready to hit the road - not a full timer, but hope to be out 3-6 months soon. Be safe out there and thanks for the videos.
Loved the way she explained her electrical system. What a super lady.
I purchased a caravan about six months ago, I've been in the process of renovating since then, I am halfway to being completly off the grid I am currently setting up a wind/solar system to run the appliences. After living in a flat I find this way of life very liberating. Your van set up is great it looks very efficient!
I have learned so much just from watching this gal 6 1/2 years later!
I love how smart she is. I wouldn't even know how to take the seats out of a van and she transformed the whole thing into a home. Amazing. I want to be her travel buddy.
Very inspirational ! My wife has agreed that we should convert a van and give it a go. Thanks for convincing her! I am excited!!!
OMG! Just listening to her, has encouraged me to do more research on van-dweller...I am at this point in my life that I want to simplify and travel. Awesome interview, I would love to hear more of her tips and adventures.
Loved the comment on what am I going to do after dark .... A night owl dreaming of going on the road.
this lady is frekin awesome! So humble and genuinely a true person.
This is one of the most quaint and homy van setup i have seen!
Watching this in 2018 - love her van and her! Thanks for the update in the description box too. Good to know this lady is still doing what she does and enjoying it 👏🏾✌🏾
I admired her freedom. She has done a great job with the van. So neat, clean, and very well organized. Where there is a will there is a way. I would love to see more videos of u.
Reviewing this video 10 year later! Love her and the van. Any chance of an updated video?
Excellent! Love how positive and free she is! Great advice!
I must say I am impressed with your knowledge, your renovation , your attitude, and your neatness and cleanliness. I have been living in MH's since losing my Home and all possesions in Hurricane Katrina. You make it desireable to live this way. You have done the best job of showing and explaining this style of living than any of the others i have listened to. I came away inspiried after listening to you. Feel like a King in my Castle now, hehe!
What a great van! So inspiring to see a woman doing this- Ia m now doing research to out fit my own van, thanks Rachel and Jennifer.
Great Video, I am also a female Van Deweller in a 2004 Nissan Quest! I like it!
She's sooooo awesome!!! I want to be just like her when I finally grow up! I've had a bad run - so I lost my home vehicle, etc. - not by choice (joblessness). But, I'm kind of relieved - oddly enough. I am craving freedom too. Good for her - I love her spirit!
I love her confidence and I admire her honesty .
I am so impressed with these ladies that have just done this. I find that all of them enjoy the independence they now have.
Great job ladies I think your all fantastic!!!
Awesome...good job.. the only thing i couldn't live with is stooping. I would want & need, a raised roof. But i love your layout! So homey and cozy!
Rachel was so easy to listen to and she did an amazing job, fixing her van up so it was just right for her. Take care yall and stay safe and have fun too!!
Smart lady.very organized,tidy.,attractive van and not a cookie cutter.i am surprised at the cost of conversion.it must've taken extensive planning and budget at that price.also blown away at the time factor to convert.very,very smart lady, I hope an avenue opens to you allowing an update/grade for head space.
this lady is awesome! I love her positive message. "Just go do it!"
I admire her and love the way she has her van,am going to do the same.God bless her.
So organized, seems women, in general, are better at keeping living areas orderly. Will save and learn from this lady on how to organize my van. Also, she travels a lot, it seems, the gas is by far the biggest expense. Some solar panels would be a nice finishing touch.
Rachel, you rock. Beautiful home, wonderful attitude, and an inspiration to other women who aspire to the lifestyle.
Wish you many happy miles.
Very informative. I am in the beginning stages of living free. Im looking for a van to build and this video by far had the most valuable information to help me make better decisions. I can't thank you enough for it.
Wow! What a amazing Lady!! Thank you so much for all your wisdom.... completely Love your Home and your Spirit 💖😃
Hi Rachael, i started vandwelling 28 years ago, i love it, and i'll never go back to so called normalcy again. I used to do the work awhile / camp awhile thing, before i got stuck with a regular job, but still vandwelling. Hugs
love to see women do this, as I am a divorced, woman, whose children (8) are on their own, and am attempting to live off-grid in the city of Detroit. Thanks for the great work & great vids. Very inspiring.
I saw a video once of her showing us preparing her van in Texas. She did all the work herself. Anyone have a link to that video? Thanks.
Teresa S How do I get to the photo album book you mention?
ua-cam.com/video/SJ79AWaLF6g/v-deo.html
cocacolafiesta thanks!
Moon Dancer Hello, I just saw your video for the first time and I love what you did with the van. I’m hoping to get one soon but I have an F150 that I would like to try First as I want to attend the RTR in Quartsite AZ I January. Any suggestions?
." . .Face those fears and learn to conquer them." Brilliant!
Yes! An update! This woman is so inspiring. I would have liked to see more details of her setup. Where does she put her food, her clothes etc.
I thought I recognized her voice in one of Ausia’s videos from last year. Glad to see her again. This video was the first of the van dwelling videos I ever ran across.
This gal is my hero. I think it is awesome how she just did it instead of wishing she had more to work with.
I wish we knew more of her story-- why did she decide to take on this adventure, how does she support herself, and what does she do all day long? She describes what she does at night, but what is her purpose during the day?
Love Rachel's attitude - glad she found the mountains.
i used to live in my 1978 chevy ''shorty'' van before i had kids.. Well, i just bought a 1972 VW Bus (westfalia pop top), & my wife loves it so much that we're planning on packing it up, & spending several months this summer traveling, and living out of it with the kids! ..:) we can't wait!
I totally love this lady she is amazing!
Indeed is like some comments said,she doesn't know how great she is,so,smart,my respects and hugs to her,from Pennsylvania.
This is amazing! i admire all the hard working and ingenuity!
Wow! You have done a fabulous job! I am currently converting our family van so my son and I can travel more. You are an inspiration! K🎪
Wow this lady has got it together,, what an incredible inspiration..Michael
This woman is just as impressive in life as on video..she roars!
I want to see more RAchel videos!!! How is she doing now? Where is she? She's such an inspiration.
I agree!
I have watched the "Rachel" video numerous times. I like how she explained her solar.
Pretty inspirational and I must say I am a bit envious. I long to be as free as this woman is, but like many of us stuff, debt and a mortgage has somewhat clipped my wings. One day I plan to live just like this and I am always glad to see that those who are already doing it are living well, are happy and feeling fine with their choice.
Good for you...it has got to be hard to deal with living in a van day-to-day. She is a SMART lady. BE SAFE!!
It’s now 2018. She was an early pioneer.
are there any sort of updates on how Rachel is doing on her journey? she continues to inspire...
Steve, your comment reminds me of a quick-stop clerk I ran across in Silver City New Mexico. I stopped for gas and when I went in to pay, the young gal behind the counter inquired about all the "stuff" on the roof of my van. I told her that the 'van' is my home and it's name is Moonbeam. And all that 'stuff' on top is everything I need to live a very comfortable mobile lifestyle. She looked at me and exclaimed; "But your so clean!" I have not only one but TWO showers and I use them often.
Dear Jennifer , Thank you for the lovely video , I did like what you and Rachel have done to your RVs very cozy ,seeing your video and some of the homeless people that living in vans or RVs , made me feel so sad and sorry and appreciate what we have I pray to God that you and all the others to live in a better life style with family’s around you to love and care and not to be alone I feel for you dears , may God bless you all
I saw this video over 9 years ago when it was put out & was so inspired about what this woman did all on her own! I so wish we could have heard more from her.... She's a wonderful lady, I'm sure, and is genius in what she's done with this van. She has since built out a trailer, & how I would love to see that! Does anyone ever see her?
She looks about my age, and she is brave. I would love 2 follow in her footsteps. I hope she has some protection, just in case someone causes her problems. Good for her, and i hope to communicate with her regarding how 2 get started. Thanks for posting a woman living in a van. I'd like to see more women doing this.
Thanks Rachel for sharing your setup and experiences. From all your spices it appears that you like to cook. I'm looking at converting a Sprinter Van. I don't mind a small space but I know I will need a high top van. I will need to be able to stand up. Like you said, know your limitations.
What van would you be able to stand up in? You may want to consider a school bus conversion.
I have an 84 Chevy hi-top camper van I can stay out in extensively, not counting money for gas, I can make it on $100.00/month. This is NOT staying in campgrounds, going shopping every day or to the movies once a week. But it is living free and to me that's what it is all about. God Bless You, Take Care & Be Good!!!
What a neat lady. She seems happy with the van dwelling lifestyle. I've seen other ladies who are RVers who travel in groups. They call themselves a "tribe". She might want to start her own tribe that way she will have people with her at all times, in case she gets lonely or scared.
This is totally impressive! Live life to the fullest, you've done a great job with the van.
Pandemonium did an update of her living in Arizona in a remodeled cargo trailer.
Thanks I'll check it out
You wouldn’t happen to have a link would you as I’m unable to find it, thanks.
I lived in a van for two months by choice, but her set up is NICE! I may have to do that again!
I'm leaving next year. Goin to take the leap. Watching these videos is so encouraging.
Thank you for explaining what size inverter to get! Valuable, practical information.
You just cannot put a price on pure freedom! Love what she has done!
Still love it! I got my used rv a few weeks ago, & its finally ready for me to be in full time. I've been living in my sister s house but now I can be on my own again. I still pay rent and my loan
I like her setup. I'm getting a late 70,s Ford Custom Conversion van from my dad that I would like to something like this to. Good job.
I lived in a small space like this when I lived on my boat for 11 yrs. I miss the simplicity and cheap rent which was $200 a month. I am now starting to modify my aerostar cargo van so I can take a trip across the states. I loved the feeling of freedom on my boat and it should be even better in the van since it is even easier to pack up and move.
Rachel is amazing!! I would love to see what she's up to.
asoces, First I want to thank you for your kind words. My van Moonbeam is 20 years old and together we have traveled over 227,000 miles. Since the conversion 4 years ago, I have had minimal malfunctions with the systems. No water system issues at all and see no reason for any changes. I did have a mouse for a house guest for a spell and besides munching on some of my food, chewed on a water line and caused a leak. My electrical systems are functional but could be improved on.
Wow, awesome Rver! She's a good inspiration to those who want to live this life...Cheers!
wow, so organized .. it's amazing what you can do when you have to / want to be off grid .. in a van sorta way ..
Love this!!! My daughter (11) wants us to convert a van for us to travel in during breaks.
Thanks, Jennifer. What a fascinating interview. Great questions and love Rachel's responses.
Cool lady...inspired, independent, freedom oriented.........smart......keep going!
she's the sweetest! God bless you lady!