VAN BOOM: Why Are Vans Trending & Is Van Life The New American Dream?
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- Опубліковано 28 гру 2018
- 405,000 new vans hit US roads every year. Sprinter vans, Ford Transit vans, and Dodge Promasters are literally everywhere with some media outlets speculating that van life is the new American Dream. I wanted to get to the bottom of why vans are booming so I interviewed 80+ people and made a documentary film about it.
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Dear Viewers, first and foremost, thank you for watching my film and giving me input. I will consider your feedback in the future when making new films. As a content creator I make a concentrated effort to convey information as impartially as I can. While being 100% unbiased is not humanly possible, I think overall, I do a pretty good job. Secondly, I’m a bit confused by the bulk of the negative comments... It appears that my critics make judgements based on the first few minutes of the film and don’t take the time to watch Van Boom in its entirety. I’m confident that should these folks watch the movie at length, they’ll see that most of their critiques are addressed adequately throughout the film.
Finally, in order to have an honest/productive discussion about the cost of a van build, we must first agree on the definition of what a van build is... Some folks drag an old couch into their vehicles, get a five-gallon water tank, purchase a propane stove, and consider this an adequate setup. If this is your definition of a build, then I can see why $60,000 seems offensive. On the other hand, if you build your van out so that you can comfortably live in it (i.e. install a proper shower, sink, bathroom, bed, drawers, etc.) than your costs increase significantly. $5,000 for a full build out seems highly unlikely to me. Unless you have the carpentry skills to DIY, own the necessary tools for every job, have a free place to park for 3-6 months while you build out your rig, and can take enough time off of work to build everything yourself, your expenses will be much, much higher than $5,000. It has been my experience that those who choose to live the van life full time and are successful at it, have spent some serious coin outfitting their vehicles. Ironically, a few years back, when I published a video about my own minimalist build, I got criticized in the opposite direction. It turns out that you can’t win on the Internet. ☺ If you want to see my van build video, you can find it here: ua-cam.com/video/awwZ7N07w4w/v-deo.html.
@BoutenkoFilms Don't worry about it man, the comments section of most YT vids is a sesspool of vitriol from a bunch of miserable people, who go online to vent their frustration with their lives. Don't take it too seriously ;-)
As a guy in the film business myself I would only suggest getting some dynamics and pacing into your longer works. Your narration delivery is fast paced and constant.....broken by the sequences of tours. Take your time and use your editing to match quiet comfortable information to quite comfortable imaging etc. ......use the fast pacing a cuts for action or transitions ! Very well presented otherwise ! Well done !
I AGREE COMPLETELY
Thanks coach! @@skidfrog
@@kimjongryan9043 Thanks for the reminder! :-)
I bought my modest 1996 Dodge 1500 ram van with a 5.2 motor with 80,000 miles on it in 2010 for $3000. It has been the best vehicle I have ever owned.
It's a falacy to think that you have to buy $40k brand new van and put $60k into it to actually live in it. PS if I had $100k to throw around I'd buy a rental unit for income production and still be on the road with my old econoline. There is a great vid of Bob Wells talking about comforts & conveniences versus freedom and how these can often be opposing forces.
LOL we can build our vans for soooo much cheaper and with a lot of free items that we will repurpose too. I am going to be very creative.
I bought a guitar at a pawn shop for $200. Sold it to another pawn shop for $800. Scrapped up another $400. Found a van for sale. The guy was asking $1800. Talked him down to $1200. Since then Ive scavenged vans at junk yards for odds and ends for my van. Multiple people have given me things I was looking for, to put in my van. The best was a webasto 2000st diesel heater I pulled out of a nearly new semi that was wrecked. The heater had never even been used. $2000+ heater = free !!!!! =awsome. I was given a couple boxs of dyna mat for free. J picked up a used 1000 watt sine wave inverter on a trade for something I didnt need. And Ive acquired several other things. I think the only thing I paid a substantial amount of money on was my 30watt 120volt to 12volt converter. I also picked up 2 group 31 agm batteries from the truck I got the heater out of. I didnt really purposely try to spend very little money on my van. There was just alot of stuff that I day dreamed about all the time. Amd when an opportunity would come along I would jump on it, asap. I think I enjoy what I have alot more than I would if I'd have spent piles of money on this thing. Yeah, Id love to have a sportsmobile with a Quigley drive train. Or a decked out sprinter van but, its not in my budget. Not even close. Never will be. If I run across an opportunity to own one of those vans without being buried in debt Ill jump all over it. Until then, my 1983 dodge b250 conversion will do just fine.
Very true
Bravo
True. Just threw down $100K yet have no interest in the van life trend. It's all for show. Just go explore, meet people, and live your life. #vanlife is for posers. If you do #vanlife right, there's no need to mention it, like anything else in life you do right.
"IS Van Life here to stay?" You already answered that question: "Van Life started in the sixties..." Anything that lasts 50+ years and is stronger than ever is likely here to stay...
Horse-drawn caravans were some of the earliest nomadic homes on wheels, technically, and travellers were doing that over 200 years ago. Living in a home that can be driven about or towed is nothing new, but the technology keeps getting better.
Until they outlaw them for "carbon footprint print" wandering around burning fuel.
@@frenchfryfarmer436 will never happen. People can't afford expensive EV's and the carbon footprint won't go down, they have to have electricity to charge. When that nut case is out of the white house, we can get back to normal.
Hey guys, appreciate your effort. A couple of points: The $100K figure at the beginning was a bit outlandish. Here's my point- I bought an '88 Dodge Xplorer- 55k on the odometer (excellent condition). Shipped from WI to me in CA- bought sight unseen for $5K. Spent 6months and 8K miles in her, with my two dogs. Sold her exactly 6 months later for exactly what I paid for. Do the math= drove for free, and replaced $6K+ in 6months of rent and stupid utilities. Can't beat it. Getting ready to build out a 14' box truck (just with what I know I need now, with nothing I don't, and all the modern tech. (my dogs are soo stoked!)). Take care, best wishes, *A. **p.s. After spending the past three years in Austin, I'll keep a small room in this house on the East Side, at ridiculously cheap rent (too small a room for most to live in) as my home base at the end of a cul de sac. This way, repairs/renovations, storage for my larger art pieces and when I want the stability, I can swing back in and see friends, swap things out, or go to SXSW- generally take a break. Also, this allows me to have a spot in the center of the country so I can travel the East Coast, and North, you get my point- and cheap enough it still makes sense. I've owned my homes outright, have a very solid background in Real Estate, but no family besides my dogs. If I bought another house right now, or built off grind again, as soon as I was finished, or closed the deal, I'd be asking myself, 'What now?' Certainly, having been raised around the world, and spending my 30s in Europe and Central America has something to do with my itch- but I wouldn't have it any other way. Ciao, *A.
Not everybody lives in a state where you're house is $100,000.00 or less. In So Cal a small home is avg $600,000.00 You go where the home prices are cheaper, but your income will be less and you may have tornado's, Hurricane's, extreme heat or extreme cold. Van life (if you do it yourself) is a Lot cheaper.
$60,000 for a van build - are you crazy?! My van itself cost £600 (about $800 I think), plus £500 for the Goal Zero house battery, £200 for a solar panel that trickle-feeds the battery (although I also charge it when driving); the bed cost £200 to build, the kitchen area £1,000.....we're on about £2,500 - what's that, $3,500?! That's obviously at the lower end but a lot of the van build UA-cam channels I've watched say anything between $5000 and $20,000.
He had to get corp $ponsors $omehow. This vid isnt for the avg vanner who cant afford the pricey rigs or accessories in this vid. Youll notice the only poor folk shown were in rigs that were in really bad condition shown from afar
You are CORRECT ! Been driving two different vans (one taken twice across country) 2013 and 2014 E-Series. I have more in my good brand name tires than in the cost of each van. .
A great Documentary on vanlife with all its aspects. Whether a short escape from everyday life or as a new home - life as a (temporary) nomad gives you so much... - if you don't try it, you will never understand it.
Such a great documentary. This is still relevant in 2023. I never imagined myself in a van as my office on wheels and I love it. I got it a year ago from PleasureWay, and it has served as my daily drive, office space and traveler. When I work from home, I miss being in m6 van. I hope you still have your van. Thank you.
Thank you for doing and sharing your project. I am twice retired, military then civilian, and I presently rent...mainly because I do not want to get saddled again with a mortgage, years ago owning a house in San Antonio, Texas, and a condo in Wailuku, Hawaii. Now I want to live the nomadic lifestyle visiting new places and revisiting places I loved. My intention was to buy a travel trailer but after researching and watching You Tube videos such as yours I am now considering a van...again. While stationed in Arizona I traded a Mustang in for a custom Dodge van, loaded with the swivel captain's chairs, convertible sofa, carpeted, ice box, clothing closet, curtains and so on. I took my kids on numerous "camping" trips throughout the Southwest and it was incredible to see my children truly enjoy themselves. Now I want to do that with my grandchildren when they are on school breaks. Just for grins, I tested myself by living in a Jeep Compass and I loved it! I often wondered about the large vans that companies use for delivery purposes. As a "car guy" having owned sports cars it's hard seeing myself driving a large breadbox. However, your video opened my eyes to a world that I could get accustomed to enjoying. Freedom would be my answer to your question.
Van sales are up thanks to property prices and the cost of living being manipulated to the point that it's now unaffordable for young and old to live in houses. What's hard to understand is how people are buying into the positive spin that's been put on living in a van. Yeah it frees up more money and i'm sure its a great adventure for some for a while but get real. It's unacceptable that due to fake taxes and interest people now have to resort to living in van to keep a roof over their heads. I could build myself a nice 4 bedroom house for under 30k if it wasn't for red tape, tax, interest, inflated land values and rates etc. Instead I have to build homes for wealthier people for 30 plus years and if im lucky I might be able to own a home for myself after tax and interest is covered. What a scam. Slavery is alive and well. I'm sure the banksters and wealthy investors have taken not and are benefiting from the finance and sales of new vans now too. Thankfully the air we breath is still free. For now anyway.
Yes most ppl buying houses are ppl that have houses already
Not really. Pollution is god _awwwwwful_ bad in Singapore. Nope. Air not free ..
Well said , I believe one home ownership law could put an end to the rich and the poor
It's not like all these vans are being turned into campers. Many are for businesses. Hotels, group homes, schools etc. I have one... bought it as an owner operator for a transportation company.
I agree with this comment. Why do you think I live in my van? I could have stayed in my Los Angeles rental, but after 5 years I realized I had spent $30,000 in rent. In the time since I have been in an RV, I saved $84,000. I have spent about $50,000 buying and living AND traveling/enjoying my nomadic freedom in an RV (that of course includes gas, maintenance, other RV specific expenses). Sorry, but that’s a win/win for people who can handle the lifestyle. :-) I have $34,000 more than I would have if I would have kept renting my old house... and that’s not even accurate because rent would have just gone up every year!
Excellent documentary! No matter how you live; house, bus, van or car, life has moments that are filled with challenge and struggle. It’s choosing how you want to struggle. The main factor is choice!
This is a new life that I think is here to stay. I am 60 and plan to retire at 62 (1 year 9 months and 8 days) collect social security, sell everything and begin a new life of freedom. I bought a 1995 Ford falcon 190 camper van with 88k miles, completely self contained and only need solar. The general public does not understand, family does not understand. I am researching and doing my homework right now so I will be Finally Free so buckle up butter cup here I come!!!!!!
Most people don't pay $60,000 to outfit their vans, most people DIY it for $5000 or less, only the rich people can afford to do it the way your talking about.
@@Justnn Yes, Bob Wells' CheapRvLiving channel shows the whole range imho of the majority of people who choose van life'ing.
@@Justnn I love the aesthetic van builds because I get good ideas and they inspire me in my own van build-out. I also like to visit the local RV shows and see what manufacturers are doing in their beautified Class B's and B+'s.
@@Justnn Well said - there is a wide demographic and lifestyle of van people.
Everyone is forgetting that when you work hard all your life and you cash in on your huge pension and savings, why would I want to build out a $5,10k van? Don't snivel if you don't got it! Anyway...This docu-drama is as bad as #vanlife. Sorry you got my $ for the comment
5k or less??? Does your van roll? Or just sit on blocks in some run down trailer park?
Lol. My van is completely self sufficient, comfortable and cozy... and it was $12K start to finish... including the cost of the vehicle, build, and useage. 100k for a van? I think we need another word for that kind of van. :)
How about another word for you... I'm thinking jealous. Stop complaining about what people do with their money. It's their home. Not their fault you chose what you do with your life
Not intending to complain, folks can spend their $ however they please. It's more about the overall concept. If the goal is to avoid having a house mortgage, or costs of that magnitude, then the notion of a 100k van doesn't make sense. Maybe it does if your regular house is a million bucks, but most people could buy a home at least as large as a van for 100k. That's why I think this is in a different class than the typical van-dwellers who seek to live well beneath the home-owner's budget. @@JonathanLong
@@Ben-pd8tr I am with you! Good for them, it's not for me
As someone who has paid off my house due to luck really, I’ve suddenly been faced with the reality that I own nothing because ultimately I’m still paying 600 a month rent to the state in property tax that if I fail to pay my house will be auctioned off for next to nothing and then there’s the homeowners insurance and flood insurance which is another cost. When put together I spend 800 a month to keep a house I own from disappearing out from under me. It’s depressing as I think about getting older and what happens when I retire. I’ve already been thinking of selling and getting a van when I’m older.
Your house, your biggest asset is not feeding you, you are feeding it. That's me too, but I'm selling that asset and converting a step van into my mobile retirement home on wheels. Finally, that asset can start feeding me and allow me to retire early.
This is very simple, no movie needed😂😂 some are forced to, some are tired of the system of slavory, and some, like in this movie, do it for fun..
Thank you for not way over-glamorizing van / RV life. “Seven wanders the world” hit the nail on the head, I think. There are folks who want this lifestyle and are well-suited for it and another (largely unaddressed) population who live in vans/trailers/rvs because it’s what is available.
Yes, it could be for some the perfect cure for inevitable homelessness, either temporary or permanent. I've even seen vids of people living out of their used Prius.
@@colleenkaralee2280 exactly that is what I will be doing (van Dwelling) to protect myself from that (I have no human children, so I am very vulnerable).
@@prizantsproducts4u Yes, and it can at the same time be a delightful lifestyle depending on one's attitude. Bob Well is a patron saint at CheapRVLiving, even forming up his charitable organization HOWA to give new vandwellers a leg up and a group comraderie. Some of the most free and happy people I know are vandwellers.
@@colleenkaralee2280 Yes, I look forward to vanning around the country in my vansion! ;)
@@prizantsproducts4u Ditto!
As for the early commentary where the price for a vanlife van is estimated at $100 grand, well, that's very far from where the vast majority of vandwellers wind up. The people who are poor buy an old E-series van or something, brush off the worst rust, toss in a mattress and a jug of water and call it done. That means their startup cost is nearly nil, and their monthly costs are fuel and insurance and food. If they drive sparingly, that will work out to considerably less than a big rent. But yes, it will always cost money to live, in a house or in a van.
the difference is that if you have a house you have to pay the van bills either way so in total will cost nothing to live in a van if you bought the van and don't have payments. I mean you still have to pay insurance you still have to buy gasoline and food when you have a house. just cause you have a house you don't pay insurance gasoline or food? this girl seems like a entitled rich girl that have no clue what is like to really work hard.
As i watched the whole doc i thought surely they will interview a poor person living out of their car (as we consider them vanners also bc we are inclusive community), but that car turns out to be a tesla with a rich kid doing uber with it for kicks (sad)
Croft, I couldn't agree more. With cheap build you can use cash to travel.
If you talk to full-time RV/Van Nomads they will tell you it is not cheap but you can change your neighbors, environment, backyard or weather whenever you want. If you live minimally and enjoy experiences more than luxury then it is the way to go.
Nice talk Pam, you have too want to be free of all the mundane life style that almost creates you. The more you have the more you got too worry about.
It doesn't have to be expensive. Just ask Bob Wells. If it's too expensive then you are living beyond your means.
If you've got the money to waste on a $40k van, I get it. Keep doing what you do if that makes you happy. However, I think you'll find a lot of people that will tell you that you can get a dependable van for less than $10k, sometimes even less than $5k. And umm, $60K to have a nice build? Really?!? This sounds like something the government would do ($37 screws, a $7K coffee makers, $600 toilet seats)...Come on now...How do you justify that? You can have a nice comfortable build for less than $2k.
I did a gorgeous ‘pine cabin’ style interior in my 1988 4x4 E350 extended van for $1,200 in materials. I did the carpentry myself ( I am a retired building contractor). My van has a full size bed, galley and an enclosed toilet room. It has 3/4” bamboo floors, carpeted walls, knotty pine cabinetry, ceiling and mahogany bathroom doors . You can do it for way under$2,000 if your a smart shopper! You can see video of the build on my youtube channel.
My boyfriend and I got our van for $3k and put a little over $1k back into it for repairs and the first build we did it cost us less than $200 I'd say. We did a first trip to see what we really needed to have in the van. Now we're on our second build out to make things more comfortable and easier. We're planning on this build costing us less than $1500-$2000. Van life can DEFINITELY be done without spending $60k! But for those who have the money to spend that much on their van build, good for them.
You can certainly do a van build for little. My last van had a platform, ice box, storage and that was it. I camped for a week or so without doing the campground thing. Total coat was about $1,000.
Yes, I could get a regular cargo van and pay $4k for a Fiberine fiberglass high top, but I just don't like how it looks and prefer to get a high top cargo van even though it costs more. After that the biggest expense is the solar panels and lithium battery bank, but the plug 'n play lithium power storage units, such as Bluetti and Goal Zero are improving and becoming more affordable. Solar/lithium extends the number of days one can boondock on BLM land. And you meet some of the most genuine and warm and gracious people during the vandweller meet-ups across the nation.
I've seen my share of +$120k built out vans. Most of the vans I like the most were under $50k. Lots of cool vans are much cheaper. Money being no object, I'd get a new van for $40k and the build I'd actually want would run me little more $10k. I wouldn't want the stuff in the spendy vans, even if it were free
Thank you so much for doing this documentary. I am planning to move into a van early 2020 and do most of the conversion myself. I'm 57 & excited to move onto a lifestyle I have dreamed about for years. The information you shared answered so many questions for me. Again, thank you for sharing the great information.
Enjoyed the doc. I don't know why it's popular, but I just bought a van to live in and get to enjoy life on my terms now.
Seven Grey 58:17 : I have juste discovered what vanlife is and I am now literally obsessed. I was planning in my head ways to make this a reality in the future. Your advice was EXACTLY one of the plans I was thinking! You have no idea how you motivated me. Thanks you so much!!
Thanks for including me in your project. It was great meeting you and I’m excited for you to get this out there!
Awesome docu! Go deeper, seek out those who have continued past the 2 year mark, and why they did. Also include how they marked life's milestones.
Good video. I bought in on the Kickstarter. Glad I did. I am building my Sprinter van for adventure travel. Stay for a day, a weekend, a week. Once retired, it would be for longer stretches. But, I can't see myself living in one for years or even forever. Nothing wrong with it, just not for me. That said, there is something to be said for reducing one's dependency on what marketing throws at us. Minimize and realize a better life.
You hit the nail on the head with why a van makes so much sense. I bought my first van, a 1965 Dodge, in 1974. That was my first real taste of freedom. The only thing I had in the rear was a platform for a mattress but that was all I needed when I was 19. In 2016 we sold our travel trailer that we hardly ever used and bought a 170" 4x4 sprinter cargo van. I spent the winter converting it into a very comfortable an functional camper. We try to take two or three, 3-7 day trips a month usually just rambling around like we did when we were kids. I have two goals when we are out traveling. Be as minimalistic as I can and meet and have a conversation with a stranger every day. Life is good!
Me too. I bought a '63 Econoline in '74, just had a platform with lots of foam under carpet. Had an ice box that could hold 25 ponds of ice, which would last 4 days. Had a Coleman stove. I'd go for a week at a time, no worry about bears, mountain lions, rain, etc. If I wanted, just crawl over the engine and drive somewhere else.
I bought my first van 1973 Dodge short Tradesmen, I fell in love with Vans and VW bugs. I have 2002 Ford E150 now, I'm 70 now. Home is where I roll. My house like said is the mother ship. I can't afford a Bug.
I almost skipped this video because of the length. I am so glad I didn't. It kept me engaged - well done!
Nice production. When I initially saw the length I doubted I'd sit through it all, but I'm typing as your credits are rolling. So good job! I've been enjoying "freedom" for over a decade.
I drive my 2016 Sprinter cargo/ work van every day and in many ways practically live out of it, but don't. I'm a contractor of sorts and have Purchased 3 new Sprinters since they were available in the US back in early 2k's. 2003 was my first one. Long, tall, 2.7 Liter 5 cylinder diesel. I put 300k miles on that one and used it for work and play daily. Work during the week, camp with wife and dog on weekends, also attending and competing in off road motorcycle events. Racing and just for fun. Vans are part of my life. I just need a port potty and some camping gear and just use the van instead of a tent. I have essentially a $0 zero dollar van build. I literally spent nothing on "the build" but It's perfect for up to two weeks. My second van was 2013 V6 3.0 Liter diesel. Also great van tall and regular length. Way nicer than early version. Don't really miss the length. (need tall though). I got an offer from my dealer to trade my van in and not lose any money so bought a 2016 a couple years later with 4 cylinder 2.1 Liter diesel. It's even better than the two before it. Tall regular length. Way nicer. I'd be happy to keep this one forever. All 3 vans have gotten no less than 23 mpg on the old ones (and 27 on new one) around town and back road driving to customers houses. Very little if any highway use. So I've driven and used vans for work and play every day of my life for the last 20 plus years. Before the Sprinters I had an old ford E350 with a 460 V8 Gas motor and an E150 after that with a v6 gas motor of some sort. They were OK but the Sprinter changed everything for me. It drives like a car and you sit very high and in control. Excellent mirrors. Many have now copied it but the Sprinter will always be special to me. I didn't know there was a trend or van life movement and all the opinions on wealth or lack thereof or who has the right to say they live the van life. Or what van life is. I'm simply a van guy. No other car or truck will do. If you have a van, you know what I mean.
Love the video! My fear like others here have mentioned is two-fold: Gov't will NOT stand for this for much longer, they want to corral their sheep as tight as possible, they don't want us running off roaming around living off-grid. Secondly, this trend is making Vans and other vehicles sky high prices! But one good thing Ive noticed is larger RV's like Class A and C's are coming down because everyone wants a Sprinter van LOL! Keep buying those vans! (Call me old fashioned and it is NOT trendy right now) but I want me a huge class A or larger C! hehe hehe. If I did get a van, I'd want one of them larger off-road vehicles that have huge all-terrain tires, lifted 2 feet off the ground and be able to go anywhere! And oddly enough (Didn't know this until your video) I LIVE IN FRESNO! Right where you interviewed SportsMobile! :)
Their environment weenies will say, " CLIMATE CHANGE!!!" I believe in my lifetime (54) they will reign this lifestyle in. "Do it for the children"
I live full time in a chinook Baja. All the comforts of a big rig but nimble. The bigger the rig, the higher cost to repair and move down the road, and less options to park up for the night. You’ll save the most in this lifestyle by not paying to park.
Honestly you’ve made a great Documentary on vanlife, great content creator, and got into the nut and bolts about it all, RESPECT , (🏴SCOTLAND)
I've been following the "living in a van" phenomenon for a few years now. I still learned something new to me. Captivating film.
I purchased my van for under 10K CAD and it's fully loaded with all the amenities. I'm living quite nicely. You don't need a lot of $ to start vanlife. I'm definitely glad that I did and only wished I had started much sooner!
I, unlike what seems a lot of the commenters, watched the entire thing... Overall a very fair representation of what I've seen as van life. I don't know why everyone has so much sand in their crack over the 60K van build out comment. 1. It was early in the documentary and it was obviously not fully informed. 2. Throughout the documentary there was a very well rounded showing of vans that were both "60K buildouts" and "DIY" rigs. 3. I bet if you asked her again, her answer and opinion would change. I think everyone missed the entire point of this documentary, in which you stated that YOU WANTED TO LEARN MORE about van life... You accomplished that, and in the process showed a lot of what it's like to be a van dweller. I'm willing to bet that some of your perspective changed from when this journey started, and that's what it's all about.. learning. Good job on the doc, man.
Also of note... it's not factually inaccurate to assume that a van is 40K and a build out is another 60K, if you're buying new. And, she does bring up very valid points about appreciation vs depreciation. Can't please everyone. haha
I'm glad you made this movie just so I could read the comments.
100K for a Campervan? hmmm, i believe she is confusing something here, for that money a get a 6-8Meter long Roadyacht with every pleasure including a Sauna and a Spa on the roof build on an unimog or Truck.
for 50-80K you get a VW California or Mercedes Marco Polo (Vito with Campervan build by Mercedes or Westfalia) but then everything is already installed and under warranty.....
Bigger Moterhomes start 60-80K also fully integrated. (sorry i only know the Terms fully or partly integrated because that is how we call it here in Germany so either the Drivercabin is part of the Living room (at standing height with 2M -> 6.xfoot tall) that it is called fully or just integrated.
if the driver-cabin is not usable like this for example basically a normal van, that is called partly integrated you maybe can swiffel the seats but you can not stand there as a normal guy or adult......
PS. if she meant 60K Total on a Brand-New 40K Van then iam sorry. that would seem reasonable (everything new and build by a company)
I've been wanting to watch the entirety of your film but kept getting interrupted. Today, even with one interruption, I was able to watch it all. Thank you so much for sharing this brilliant production of van life and those who live it, especially the reasons for living the nomadic lifestyle. I have been a nomadic spirit all my life, my father being an active duty soldier then transferring into the newly established Air Force in 1947, the year I was born in Manila, Philippines. I have traveled ever since. I served 23 years in the Air Force with 16 of them overseas. On and off duty I loved to explore by backpacking, camping and visiting other nearby countries. Even after retiring in 1988, I needed to travel more and accepted a job in Maui, HI. One of my other jobs was with Canada 3000 Holidays. I flew to every island in the chain to ensure the clients were happy with their accommodations or even the resort. If not I would help them resolve the issue. Hawaii was a stepping stone to Fiji and Australia and I spent time with my sister as she used her timeshare opportunities. I worked as a Class A driver hauling bulk products, food products, flooring products throughout the U.S. coast to coast. I finished a security job in 2018 and haven't worked since. I wanted to travel more but life took over. Within the next few months I will begin traveling and living in a '19 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van which I converted myself, finishing yesterday with the installation of a refrigerator. Hopefully the pandemic will not be a hindrance as I travel throughout the lower 48, Canada and Alaska. I'm looking forward to escaping the increasing cost of living in a bricks and mortar structure and I yearn for the freedom of the road, a new backyard whenever I move. At 74 I have several years to build more memories, seeing new places, meeting new people.
I feel a return to the mid to late 70’s where “vanning” was extremely popular, course we don’t see the killer murals like the old days but at least there’s a return to the freedom of the road like there used to be. Hope this time it doesn’t die out too quickly
Great video! Good idea on the kettlebells, too. However, I think I would consider running a seatbelt through them or something. You don't want them going airborne in the event of a collision.
You can literally see them unstrap the kettlebells in the video...
Love your video. Thank you so much for doing this. Freedom before your life is over. Beauty of nature. Not paying your life away to the man. Having "your own" life affordable. Freedom to enjoy your life, your freedom without paying your life away to everyone else. Bless you both. Enjoy life.
There are happy slaves and unhappy slaves and then there are van dwellers :-)
I started watching your Film and was inspired to just do it as Nikey says right now I am putting pen to paper and trying to figure all this out so much to do so many decisions to make your film is out standing fantastic work Lovely Lovely Thank You for all your effort Linda G Westwood MA
Nice work! Just subscribed! This is one of the best videos I've watched as it relates to the subject matter you covered. Will look forward to seeing more of your work. Was wondering if Kiley had any change of heart since her comments early on in the film and if so how and to what degree?
Have been 'living' the van life vicariously via youtube videos for a couple of years or so and hoping to one day get out there and participate 'live'. Many thanks to you and Kiley for all your efforts in putting this project together. Good Luck going forward!
60K to convert a van to live in? That's crazy. Most the people do the build themselves saving a lot of money. The whole point of living in a van is to save money and not be tied to a mortgage.
True. I go to RV shows and see the price tags on the Class B's and the quality of their builds and say to myself that I can do that for less and also spread the expense out so I don't owe a large monthly payment for something that is going to for sure need work on it as soon as it is driven off the lot.
She's probably going rv prices. Keep in mind she doesn't know much about vanlife from the beginning
That isn't the "whole point" to living in a van.
I am in my mid 60’s and van life has been my Canadian dream I would say since the 70’s. Although I spend countless hours here on UA-cam looking at RV videos I know it will never happen for me. Hubby does not like camping...of any kind. He is not very adventurous. I spent my 20’s travelling with my backpack here in Canada and in Europe. There is still a space in my heart that will always love the nomadic lifestyle. My advice to the young generation would be if you want to do this find a partner who has the same dream and find a way to make it work. I have been fortunate because hubby has helped me fulfill some of my other dreams and for that I feel very lucky.
I like to stealth camp and my cargo Chevy express goes in parking garages that’s why I got it over a sprinter
my car cost 38K A nice slightly used van can be bought for the same amount. If you live in a house you need a car to commute to work or at the very least to get groceries clothing etc., Watch Cheap RV Living. You can do a nice conversion for much less that your monthly utilities and insurance over time. I think van life can be much cheaper
I think we all see it differently. Having grown up w/VW vans and being an avid camper and later owning two Westfalias of my own, I just view it as a tent/backpack on wheels. Even w/o a toilet and shower, I can live out of it for months/years but do not plan on full time. The loss of the early U.S. Sportsmobile/Westfalia style vans closed off awareness, but w/the resurgence of Sportsmobile and aftermarket builders (esp the pop top conversions) and social media, people who never ever thought of a camper van or RV are viewing a way to gain some more freedom, add this to a whole new level of van (cool vs uncool) and you have the same people who buy jeeps and trucks looking at vans. I am not oblivious to people who choose or have to live in their 4-wheeled houses and applaud them for it. Always interested in seeing the different builds and happy that the B-class builders have woken up to creating builds in a somewhat attainable price point for new entrants. Thanks for what you do!
I believe in various forms of bands off and on over the years I've had apartments and I've owned my own mobile homes but here as the economy gets worse I find living on $770 a month is not making it so I chose to go back into a van not one that I really care for which is a minivan then I thought it made a good purchase by buying a 12-foot truck camper but now I don't need something that big or heavy so now I'm selling it the purchase a cargo van and start with a blank slate this is an absolute enjoyable thing to do Freedom as you see and to do things as you want I have no regrets at age 50 doing this I had no children and no wife just a girlfriend who don't understand but that's okay LOL much love to all men and women who are going to embark on this journey or are already doing it much love be safe
This is great, Sergei! Thanks for including us. We are super excited that more people are learning and contributing to the understanding of this lifestyle.
My plan in somewhere in between. I intend to live in a van in a specific area or "home". Thereby I can have a job locally but be able to save money to make short to long term journeys. Good job on your work.
Very well done! 93 minutes seems far too long, yet when it was over, it was far too short. I am going to watch your 133 minute green smoothie film soon, with high expectationes.
Hahaha, thanks for your kind words. Let me know how the green smoothie film goes. That one is not exactly a start to finish movie. It's more of an experimental follow along day by day type of project.
Everything about this is outstanding, video, audio, cuts, everything topnotch you have a great eye
The American dream is making YOUR dream come true. Follow your bliss. When you follow your bliss the life you think you OUGHT to be living becomes the life you ARE living.
Awesome to see the final cut on this Sergei! So many faces/people/vehicles we recognize from the Teton Valley Gathering. Nice job!
Nice project - my theory is that ever since the middle class was wiped out by the bankers GFC, you are witnessing the modern equivalent of the Great Depression period when whole families left their farms, lost their jobs etc and hit the road to adapt. I enjoyed visitng and hearing of your project.
I actually sat a watch the whole movie and I thought you did a great job. Good information for someone who is has been thinking about this.
at 30:12 IT's EVERYTHING !!!!!!!!! Something happens to you when your "Brain Encounters Something/Some Place NEW" you get into a state of Enlightenment..... aka from my personal experience..... Great Movie !!!! and Thanks for doing this !!!! YES !!!!! Oscar Z
Thanks for making this film! Just bought an empty slate van and can't wait to make it my own. Thanks for capturing such a diversity of perspective on van life!
Great video! Love how you went around, and interviewed so many van lifers. For us van life is so appealing because we have been travelling for nearly 2 years now, after selling everything. Travelling with a backpack is fine, it's packing, and un packing that sucks. Moving around, and not having all the gear you need for different climates, or activities. We love adventure, and playing... So building a van is at the top of our wish list right now. We are hoping for July. Super inspiring! Thanks for taking the time to creat this! - Erin + Brian
think you missed out on investigating the whole skoolie group and what a full size bus conversion can offer, especially with such a perfect example at your first van meet that had the rollwithit bus pulling the red jeep. big fumble!
We've been doing van life for almost a year now.
I will never pay rent or a mortgage again. We own our time and have paid ourselves instead of the banks.
Highly recommend.
I've been living over the road for 5 years and 55:57 is the best explanation of what I feel is the attractiveness.
Well done guys, great interviews and a time capsule for all generations.
The freedom and growth is a daily journey of learning by doing and getting know oneself and living a minimalist lifestyle. 👍🏾⛓🌍
Great film Sergei, freedom! You got me in the first few minutes with the ability to stand up and move around. We love our new van!
Some people pay $4k for a company in California to "high-top" their van with a molded fiberglass topper.
Van life is customizable. I have a 1988 Ford E-150 Econoline (her name is Hershey), and she is a beautiful work in progress. It was my grandpa's van until he couldn't drive anymore, and then it was given to my dad who gave it to me. Right now I have to finish the floor and insulate the windows, but after that, I'll be ready to move in and work on finishing everything as I travel.
Great show, really enjoyed. Kiley thanks for asking the ? at the beginning that I’ve always asked. “...dwellers say they can’t afford rent or homes But when you add the costs of van and a conversion...” Plus, as you shared, after being a homeowner if you sell in five years you’ve built $$ equity. I understand the freedom to roam and Calif Bay area rents too high. Glad its become acceptable alternative for those who desire such. Tks to you both for bringing this to viewers. and thanks Kristen for your honesty on the less glamourous and real life applications missing from social media of van life.
Very informative and your conclusions were spot on in my opinion.
I can see my situation being one of downsizing and having a small home base then going away for 1 to 3 months at a time.
Yes, and as much as I want to downsize to van-dwelling I also have an instinctual urge to have some land for cultivation of fruits and veggies on my own land on my own terms. Simply choose a region with low taxes.
@@colleenkaralee2280 I'd like a piece of land too but I don't think I'd go to the extent of growing veggies etc even though I'm plant based.
I'm aiming for a small home for me, a rental property for a passive income and my campervan and bicycles! Gaining experiences not possessions and all that ☺
Wow so cool that you released it for free on UA-cam! I'll watch it as soon as I have a chance.
You are an excellent interviewer, rich of substance...First Class information for those whose plan to to do so.
shoot me, when I saw those kettle bells I thought 'wow, I would not like to be their heads when them kettles fly off in a collision' xD
I am thinking of retiring in a Van since I will not able to afford to continue to rent a Room to share when I do retire.
What happened? What lessons can millenials learn from you?
@@Makelifehappennow Lol, probably nothing 'happened' except life, luv !! A lot of people will, WILL retire poor, not due to poor planning but poor wages, cost of living pay cheque to pay cheque (that is spelled right up here north of the 49th), diorce and alimony and/or child care, lay offs, having to start again in middle age (...right here), and
starting at the bottom with minimum wage...again. I went from $24.00/hour to $11.75/hour when I started retraining for new work after a lay off...that's big hit when you think that's the job you have till retirement...not.
I am making a few dollars more per hour now, but have less time to amass it.
$40000 for a van???? Ridiculous.
Nice doc. While we're not full timers we did take 5 months to travel all around the us in our Transit van (full build out, shower, etc...) and was one of the best trips i've ever taken and I've been all over the world. Vanlife is that good.
My wife and i have been vanning for 12yrs, our cost of living is about $600 for gas ins. bills $800 food. Only thing we cook in van is coffee. Our van is a master bedroom on wheels outside the doors is our living room. We keep camping gear in storage for trips otherwise we live by our places of work, for us this was a way to live within our means. And enjoy the fruits of our labor
2019 RTR CheapRVLiving with Bob wells, January 9 - 20th 2019 Quartzsite Arizona.
Bob Wells the cult leader.
@@mikehurley5052 don't be jellous. A very nice man trying to help people. Are you?
@@janemortz8148 Bob has his haters, they must be miserable people. I went to that RTR and learned so much. That's when I fell in love with step vans, in fact, I'm converting one right now into my retirement home on wheels.
Great job on the movie, congrats! Entertaining and informative. I bet there were many more people that you wish you could have put in. Hopefully you can make a follow up and those people you missed can watch this and agree to be in the 2nd.
You hit the nail right on the head! Thank you for your feedback.
@@BoutenkoFilms You gotta interview Bob Wells to cover the whole range of vandwellers. I also think the "Wild by the Mile" lady interview will cover the more aesthetic and upwardly mobile (pun) vandwellers. I would love to DIY my van to look like hers, and there are several other DIY'ers who have more aesthetic van builds that inspire me.
Also why not interview those full-time van-lifers who purchase their Class B from manufacturers such as Leisure or Pleasure-way or Road-Trek - the RV shows are packed these days with people coming to goggle the beautiful Class B's. Yes the price is high but some are going to sell their house or condo to fund the purchase, and used ones are available too.
Awesome job. Unbiased honest look at vanlife.
I watched the whole thing, AWESOME! Great job! So Fantastic! I especially like the hang outs at the van gatherings and you getting their takes on Van things.
good god woman, how can you think that people are spending 60k to build out a van? Or that they are all buying brand new vans? Top 1% of van lifers maybe getting expedition rigs...
Exactly, why does (she) think that?
She’s correct. Typical professional builds are anywhere from $20K-$60K on top of the cost of the van. DIY is obviously cheaper. But don’t underestimate the cost of a professional build.
Great vid.!! Freedom.!! I am retired and a fulltime camper. My rig is a converted cargo trailer and a 4x4 pickup truck. On the road for the last seven years and having a blast.
Great work and message Sergei! Very well done and you covered many aspects that give insight into van life and what is really happening on a daily basis.
As a college student about 1976 I lived in my VW camper. Had to find a place to park and it got lonely. Now with cell phones things are different. Recommend buying cheap property that you can call your own. Travel is great but having a place to garden, build and improve that is your land makes all the difference.
My reason for living in a van so I can rent out my two property's and earn a income twice and not go to work.
For whatever reasons I liked the second part of your video a whole lot more than the beginning. With that said, to all your haters I say to each their own. In my 62 years I have had 4 vans putting hundreds of thousands of miles on each exploring north America. One van had nothing more that carpet and two front seats. My wife, three kids and I traveled the US in it and never missed a beat. Our latest van is a 2009 Sprinter with an RV package (which we have tore out most of and customized to our liking). Just in the last year traveling part time we have put almost 40k travel miles on it. I currently use it to live in/sleep in while I do charity work rebuilding homes destroyed by recent hurricanes in south Florida. The most important point I would like to share is what I have learned along the way which is - "to each their own." Some want the big dollar ticket item, others are fine with a beat up leaky but running VW bus. When I travel and speak at speaking engagements I always leave my audience with this - "whatever way, however you can, whenever you can GET UP, GET OUT and ENJOY LIFE!" Whether that's in a $500 piece of crap vehicle, on a bike or motorcycle, in a $160k 4x4 fully decked out overland van or a million dollar plus motor home it doesn't matter if it truly makes you happy. GET UP, GET OUT and ENJOY LIFE! The only person you can make happy is yourself so don't worry about the haters, there is nothing you can do to change the way they feel or think.
Thank you for your detailed feedback Jeff!
Comprehensive, informative & realistic. As someone researching this for my own self i found it very helpful nailing down my own expectations. Thx so much 👍
To keep costs down buy used & do as much as u r can yourself. Hire out for what u lack the ability to do. Simple is my standard because my needs r few. I recognize that what works for me is not going to work for everyone. Keep evaluating ur why & that will guide ur build.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Awesome job! Thank you for producing this.
Of those annual 400,000+ new vans hitting the road every year, most are going to commercial use. Many of those that I would call "van dwellers" have re-purposed used vehicles to suit their needs, or gotten into older class B motor homes that become available on the market. The bulk of those who are buying into "$100,000" conversions are older people downsizing from larger rv's. Van life has been around for decades, it's nothing new, and people do it for many varied reasons. Biggest advantages of the van over any other type of mobile dwelling is the physical size of the vehicle, the improved handling/maneuverability, and the better fuel economy. Anyone who has experience getting around with a motor home or a towable will attest to that. I've 14 yrs full-time mobile living experience behind me, and I have this to say about the life style: A) It taught me the true value of "things", Minimalism is very enriching for the soul. B) Most, but not all, mobile dwellers are incredible people, and I'm happy to call some of them my dearest friends. The world needs a lot more of the "most" kinda people, and way less of the "not all". C) Eventually, you'll exhaust the useful life of your vehicle, and you'll be faced with the big decision.
If you're on the fence about whether to get into the lifestyle or not, the best advice I could offer is this: Scratch the itch if you can't get it outta your head. The absolute only way to find out if it's your thing is to try it.
@@alexbecker4149 Being as how I'm in America and have zero experience with European manufactured vehicles, I am unable to offer a recommendation. Hopefully you have a relationship with a trusted mechanic who can give any prospective used vehicle a thorough evaluation before you buy. My own personal preference has been to purchase new as I tend to keep my vehicles for a long time and like to properly break them in, as well as to strictly adhere to the manufacturers service schedule to ensure longevity.
It is important to consider the useful life of a van. I've started researching about used step-vans that have the Cummins engine. I'm not real concerned about gas mileage because I'm not an adventure traveller - don't need to be going down the road everyday.
My bedroom in my 3-bedroom apartment which I share with family is 8x12 and I'm prototyping it as if it were the interior of a similar-sized empty high top cargo van (such as the long body Ford Transit or Promaster). I even put a small galley in my room and do all my cooking there. This is my favorite and most comfortable space in the whole apartment. Having a large picture window at the galley end helps. And the shelving I built and the bed alcove can be later moved into whatever van I choose.
@@colleenkaralee2280 I worked for a decade as a direct service bread vendor and the delivery vehicles we used were step vans. Many of those vans were decades old and still rolling down the road just fine. Albeit they were pretty basic, most with manual transmissions, six cylinder gas engines, and the famous 2 stage air conditioning (both windows rolled down). The company just kept rebuilding them, over and over, as the custom made truck bodies were built like a tank.
@@ronaldk3904 Thank you for the great feedback. I really appreciate that.
@@colleenkaralee2280 I have a Sprinter. Diesel is pretty rugged, but it can be expensive unless you do your own maintenance. Better mileage than gas. Not good for overseas travel in some areas.
Nice video that captures the ups and downs, advantages and disadvantages, fantasies and realities of van life. Certainly gave me something to think about as I consider embarking on this lifestyle.
Great Doc Film Sergei !!!!!! Keep up the Amazing Work !!!!
Yes I do see a lot of negative comments. Don't worry about them. I'm 78 years old have a multitude of skills. I can do about anything. I think you did a good job making this film.
Throw my bones on the bed... I Love MA from the van rally! Love it..
You should have interviewed Bob Wells.
Bob Manson you mean.
@@benwinterhawk7009 No. I mean Bob Wells. He has a utube channel and conducts a lot of interviews of people living out of a vehicles of all types mostly small. From economy cars to vans. The interviews focus on full timers and most do this out of need for what ever reason and mostly home built with the systems they chose. Bob runs the annual RTR and most are operating throughout the SW and share their experiences in living at and finding free camp spots and low budget living. Amazing what people have come up with and what is available to all of us for free. Touches on stealth camping. I liked this video, but it really focuses on the people with means.
@@benwinterhawk7009 Ha ha ha, could be a cousin.
Bob Wells interviews he don't get interviewed. He would have never done it. He interviewed Brian from AdventureVanMan but when Brian started to ask him some what personal questions, he dodged them like bullets at the OK corral. Even about Bob's van life. Bob will not show the inside of his van. He did when it was empty getting built but don't like to show it now. Your lucky he shows his dog once in a while.
Obviously they missed that interview.
I like what the guy in the green van said about driving out to Colorado River to watch the sunset 🏞️🚐 Sounds nice😎
The point about constant decision making is very important. Decision fatigue is a real thing. There's a lot you can do to reduce the stresses. Planning ahead is key.
Amazing!
Great documentary! Thanks for sharing your work on this lots of great info. Cheers!
this is a mercedes benz ad
I can't wait to have my own van build. I live in a country where earthquakes, floods, fires, and volcanos are always active, not to mention that we have a regular typhoon season. Just being able to avert danger in a snap really relieves my anxiety, PLUS I get to travel and see the country. Though my country is humid and half of the year just sunny, I wouldn't mind, there's solar.