I Converted My SUV Into A Full-Time CAMPER (My Van Life Travel Journey)
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- My name is Arslan and I’ve been living in vehicles for the past few years. My journey of alternative living began after I was fed up with the high cost of rent in the United States. I fell in love with the idea of living on the road, so over the years, I converted a sprinter van, a Camaro and most recently been living in my 2014 chevy suburban camper car. I enjoy making UA-cam videos and recording my different experiences to share with you guys. I’m also a nurse half days of the week because I have a significant passion for helping people.
In This video: I'm traveling across America and Living In My car full-time. We're meeting people on the road, cooking, eating and more!
UA-cam Posting Schedule: I usually post on Fridays 9pm EST (NY time).
I love reading your comments and wish I could reply to all of you but my schedule doesn't allow. But I always reply to SUPER CHATS because they pop up on my phone!
P.S. If I need to tell you guys something, I will comment and pin it on my latest video.
All of my long form videos can be found in this playlist: • How I Live In My Car W...
My shorts playlist on UA-cam: • Do you agree or Not? #...
Below are affiliate links for some of the items that I currently use or have used in my builds. Using these links will support me at no cost to you.
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Chris is here. I found you pretty fast on YT.
It was nice to meet you. You were not there in the morning, when I came back to work. Maybe we will meet again. Be safe.
Glad you connected!!!
You were a great addition to the video Chris!
Yayyy Chris!! Loved the tips you gave Arslan. Especially the one about dressing like a trucker so he could use the lounge❤. Perhaps one day you’ll rent yourself a camper and go on a little road trip before deciding whether you want to do your own build.
Chris, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you! This is what I love about this lifestyle, I get to meet and learn about other people and just feed off their energy. I had to run to town for groceries! Hope to run into you again my friend, much respect👊
Chris what a cool guy ! , loved that you 2 connected, such friendly people you meet on your travels ❤
I still can't imagine sleeping that close to the ceiling and not being able to turnover. Good for you.
Looks like there is enough room to turn over though
Yeah, but you don't have to do that
It's not necessary. For real , I think he likes that cause his car was worse. He could have made that storage space lower
I know right. Even my coffin has more space
I’m considered a “wild sleeper” so I’d be covered in bruises sleeping in such a confined area 🥲 his build is still really awesome though! It works for him (:
I have been an OTR trucker for ten years. I love serving this country. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work..
Much respect and love. Thank you for your service being on the front lines of our roadways. What you guys do is so incredibly important. Stay safe out there and know that you are appreciated 👏 ⭐️🙏💜🙌
Appreciate you too! There should be a celebrated national truckers day.
How many of you went straight to read the comments, hoping to see Chris in here?!! His built was really good. Safe travels, Arslan! 🤗
Doing that now. Lol
My dad was a trucker for 30 years and everything you said about them is true! He would also always be the first to pull over and help other drivers, same for his colleagues. This video made me super happy :)
Omg that bed makes me sooo claustrophobic. I just couldnt!
Right. Why is it two inches from the ceiling
I don't see anything natural about crawling around in such a tight space. Yeah, he can cook a meal but he doesn't look comfortable. I would not want to cook sitting down with my body in a contortionist position 😅
Same,at least the previous set up in this truck had better bed positioning,this is just suffering
You are such a warm, friendly and happy person. Stay blessed always.
Arslan, your video is not just about the places you visit or the things you do; it's about the people you meet and the connections you make along the way. Keep sharing these authentic moments with all of us. Your positivity and zest for life are truly inspiring! 🚗💫
Thanks for your videos...I've been working as a travel nurse for 5 years now, about 2.5years of that I've been living in my van(2021 RamPromaster I built). I love it also! zero rent!
Truck driver here living in my 2020 ProMaster during the week. Home on weekends.
Thanks for sharing !!! Have a channel?
@@dominicdiggler no, I just keep to myself..spending time when off in the Philippines. Also mountain biking lots in free time.
@@dominicdiggler ManVan Ross
Appreciate all of you! There should be a national truckers day!
Heads up friend: those heavy battries and all those amp hours in the front seat area will really hurt or kill you in a rollover accident. house those as far in back as you can. Just saying. 👍 Rock on 🙂.
🤔 he didn't strap them down?
But then, he also has the diesel heater and tanks under the bed😮
@@ricebike
He may secretly have a DEATH wish...??
@@robertm.-certifieddaytrade4939 nah, his build is to keep everything simple
Until he upgrades to a high roof cargo van again😬
Still I've seen enough van lifers having problems with the Chinese knockoff diesel heaters to try to make sure it's a good seal below that unit
How do you know they're not secured?
Ya keeping the batteries enclosed and secure is the safest.
I agree. Truckers keep America
running. My dad and brother drove trucks. I always give them space. Let them pass. Give them a break. It’s a hard job. And then they have to deal with us impatient cars! Thank you for reminding us.
Truckee in Australia, appreciate the shout out, we are a forgotten industry
During covid pandemic , every store shelf was empty in the grocery store. Truckers were suddenly remembered and appreciated.
I love truckies. In Australia too.
Thank you sir. I work at a large grocery store and know how important our truckers are. Empty shelves without u. When women say they don’t need men I say where are you gonna buy groceries? I’ve never once seen a female truck driver unloading pallets of groceries. 😂😂
Appreciate you!
I agree about truckers. The country would come to a grinding halt without them. They are the nicest guys (and gals) you will ever meet.
Best ppl ever !! Bravest most important ppl!! So much gratitude for them. Ever since I saw the truckers in Canada and new york. Amazing men
Except for when they try to run you off the road.
Absolutely agree about our truckers. Much love and respect to them 🙏
@@user-pn6pc6bs4z I can’t believe any trucker would intentionally try to run a driver off the road. What is far more common is that a car drove into a truck driver’s blind spot and the trucker was unaware.
Seeing you have fun playing with the bubbles reminded me.... A few months back I attended my nephews wedding. On one of the tables they had a huge bowel full of these miniature bottles of bubbles... I grabbed a hand full and chucked them in my bag. The next day when I returned to work I had the urge to start randomly blowing them everywhere... The girls in the office were like, "What in the world"... but then there we were... all laughing and swatting at bubbles like little school girls... Point being.. You gotta stay young at heart... Never stop being a BIG kid.. :)
1am here in Scotland, I was just off to bed BUT your video popped up so here I am :)
That's a lockjaw sanny you've made...........enjoy!
Thank you for the dinner invite Arslan, the Mac Cheese was delishhhhhhhhhhhh :)
God Bless stay safe Arslan, your videos are a breath of fresh air xxx Jean from Scotland.
Snap i am in west Lothian :) i really enjoy watching his videos always look forward to them :)
Hello from Edinburgh
Hello from Renfrewshire scotland
Your friend is so sweet and fun! It's blessing to have a great friend like him 😺💗
When notification came up for you I stopped watching another vlog to see you. 😊 You had me laughing more than once! For some reason a grown man in a pink shirt blowing bubbles in front of truck drivers was too funny!!! Then those big feet sticking out while you ate macaroni.😂 You are so genuine and I think that's why your channel is growing. If I wasn't old enough to be your grandmother I would stock you just to give you a hug.
Same here ! I stop what ever I am watching and click on his ...
Truckers are essential. Hero’s.
0:30 for a second I thought you were watching *SOMETHING ELSE* lol! 😂
I agree about truck drivers being good guys. When I was young, I used to regularly hitchhike home and back. I was always happiest to get a ride in an 18 wheeler. People asked me if I wasn’t scared and I said, I know they have a job and they’re not going to drive me into a field somewhere. I had 2 scary instances over many years and neither of them in a truck!
By far the best channel on UA-cam
Truck drivers are awesome, better than most car drivers. Glad you respect that - Thanks Arslan!
Your setup is exceptional. As a womyn, I try to schedule the overnight in rest areas and clear the path inside so I don’t have to go outside of my Toyota, Sienna. Turn off the van, put up window covers I made from the inside and rest.
I have a solar generator and a microwave but have to be outside to use it (located under bed faicing the back hatch). If I’m at a campsite I can access the microwave with the hatch open. I want to design and build drawer /shelving to acomódate my soft sided storage rectangles from ikea. They are working out exceptionally well.
You are just entering the workforce. While I JUST retired after 39.5 years in IT. Now I have the freedom to attend Contra dance weekends (google what is contra dance). What I have learned is the farther north from South Florida you travel, the younger the dancers and the better the bands. The community is always the same, welcoming all inclusive relaxed and the dancing is SUPER fun (good cardio). Google contra dancing to see if there is a dance near where you are.
I agree with your friend about the West Coast. Moved around a ton in my childhood due to Dad being in the navy (10 year veteran!) and when we moved to Washington State, I felt like this is where my soul belongs. We've lived here for 16 years now and I never want to leave!
OTR Driver myself appreciate your videos ✌🏿Stay Safe and Sound!
Thank you for everything!!
You’re like Old Faithful. I get up early on Saturday mornings to do a few hours of OT and watch your newest video as I have my coffee and get ready for the day. I enjoy what you do. Thank you!
Hey Arslan,
You and your brother are so right about working out; it does bring discipline into your life. I noticed that when I go on the treadmill every day, I have a routine, and it stays that way. But once I stopped going on the treadmill, I felt like my life was almost chaos.
That Chris guy you met was interesting.
Anyway, I love your show. You're so fun and wise.
I hope You haven't already by passed where I live. There's more to see than most people realize. Safe travels my friend.😊
I LOVE TRUCKER'S! They are my big brother's when I travel.
I’m a trucker home every night now but when I was younger I lived on the road I love your videos thank you for your service as a front line worker my daughter is an RN you guys are hero’s for sure!
TALK MORE ABOUT YOUR RN JOB!!!
Why? The channel isn't about being a nurse, it's about living in your car. If you wanna watch a nurse channel, I'm sure there are plenty out there.
He not trying to be a nurse anyway. He obviously love the freedom he has living in the car. A job would just be a ball and chain for him
My husband is truck driver and I travel with him. It’s fun. I will keep an eye. Maybe I’ll meet you in one of those truckstops.
Give Louis the bed, as the honoured guest. 💖Y'all have a great energy together. I can tell he's very proud of you, Arslan!
Dude I miss seeing your charismatic energy!!
This is better than any Netflix show.
This is incredible to me. As someone interested in camper/vehicle living AND a student going to be an RN you are so inspiring. I will be following you and wish you safe travels!
Thanks for another great video, Arslan. Be safe and God bless!🙏🏽
Arslan, You are so cool, Now you need to get one of the chefs on TV and show them how you cook such delicious,food how inventive you are. I'm serious that would be so cool. Keep up the good work Buddy.
You're not clausterophic, that's for certain. That bed is tight.
As always, safe travels annnd Thumbs up!😎👍
Chris is going to go home and plan his van/camper build after seeing your car build.
He did give good advice for the screws up on the solar panel...
Thought arslan did seal the self tapping screws with silicone already 😢
This was such a fun video with you and your best friend. I love how friendly you are to perfect strangers and how you develop an instant connection when showing your camper home.
I’m so happy to have stumbled upon this channel! You’re amazing Arslan
👍
Hi Arslan, always nice to see you! You have such a nice, energetic charisma. That combined with the vanlife is so good to watch. Take care, be safe!
You are too funny❤ I am so glad you are enjoying your life 😊
It’s always nice to meet new people 😊 Love this video 👍
Might be wrong, but I think the two hour parking could be just certain spaces if you are close to the front. If there are spaces farther from the building you can park longer. Love seeing your adventures. You crack me up with your silly personality. 😂
Found your channel today, I am an RN in Nor Cal. Dude, that is totally awesome that you can live your dream. travel and nurse at the same time!
I laughed watching you put on your bed cover with your foot loll
Arslan, I love the joy and wonder that you approach daily living with.
I'm so glad to get your videos on fri. I watch while I'm sitting in the ticket booth at work!
Shout out to all of you! 🎉🎉🎉There should be a national truckers day! Seriously.❤❤❤
Your videos are cool to watch. I've been living in Brazil for 8yrs now after retiring from the US military. Enjoy
Thanks for showing that DC to DC charger
Watching the part where the man says 'dress like a trucker and you can go up to their spot and watch tv', gave me an idea, what if you had a range of uniforms/costumes that got you into cool places and neat experiences while you're travelling along.
Another super video, thanks.
Not good....
Porch pirates are impersonating delivery drivers and stealing packages 😢
@@ricebike Oh!!!!! I had no idea. I just thought it would make for some interesting footage, innocently.
Well, there goes that idea.
I got say you got one amazing camper car, and one cool friend. Loved the videos you make.
Hi Arslan! Are you on vacation? I like watching you. I admire your setup and perseverance! Rock on!
It was so good to see you meet up with a friend to see you laugh and have some company great video well done ✝️💜
Thanks for another great camper video. I just love how down to earth you are and that you are not afraid to do things your way. Safe travels until we see you again in another video.
FRIENDS.............Please watch all of the videos and all of the ads as this helps Arslan financially for his living expenses like foods petrol etc etc etc......thank you.
I love your videos, all the little details. Ty for sharing your life with us.
The 2 hr parking limit no one will enforce. They are there for rest. I drive a truck, the only places you will get messed with in a truck is in NJ at service plazas
Arslan, I just discovered your channel. You are adorable. Thank you for your service being a nurse, the most respected job besides teachers. Back to basics, 101. I enjoy watching your videos. Wishing you safe travels.
Truckers are the BEST! I've driven from Ontario to Newfoundland and back often. My land is as far east on the continent as you can get. Driving out that way at night, there are a lot of deer and when you get to Newfoundland, MOOSE! Getting behind a great trucker gives me the confidence to drive through the night even when I'm alone. I often stop when they stop and buy them a coffee or lunch to thank them. I have a few great stories of truckers helping me along the road. I can tell you they appreciate your lights etc. Still watching...lol I try to comment often as I hear it helps your algorithm or however it works!! lol
Sent you an email Arslan. Seeing your bright smile makes my Friday night! GREAT to see you here!
facebook link not working!
Becarful out there can't trust people don't let anyone in your car.are you still working(nursing)be blessed
Very glad to see your continued adventures!
Really enjoy and look forward to your videos. I hope you find a better bed situation.
Saludos desde España. Tu capacidad para reinventarte, sobreponerte a los problemas, y tu disfrute de la vida es admirable.
Arslan! Great to see you! Happy all is well.
Hi! Thanks for sharing your journey! It’s very inspiring and humbling. I binged watched your videos and think it’s amazing what you’re doing. Please continue to share when you can! From a fellow travel RN
amazing video I enjoy each one it makes me feel like i there in the car with you , and your whole vibe is the best you look at life in such a good way 👍👍
Your Sububan can tow a small trailer with a closed aluminium box on it. you can use for storage or bring your toys or business etc
Good to see you again my friend 🤘
Every time you post a new video i always have the same problem... you make me starving. Everything look so good. Stay safe my friend we love you :) ❤
You are one of my favourite YT channels at the moment. Your van is just brilliant! Cheers from Norway 👍😀
Love your channel! What’s your good friend’s channel? I didn’t see it pop up. 😊. It was nice to see you with a great friend.
Always fun seeing what you are up to! You might see Chris on the road some day in his own solar camper car!
Man, you re so nice. I love your videos and the way you talk with us
Hey Arslan!! I'm loving the longer videos and interactions with your best friend! Definitely one of my favorites!! 🥰 Your friend set the bar pretty high at one video a week.... Soooo we'll hold you to it! Jkjk. 😅😂
Arslan, hi from Australia. Get youself a 2 way radio. CB, UHF whatever you call them in USA. I'm a trucker, we have some good truck stops free coffee, tv and showers. You and your mate could do a cooking special😅
Wow one of my dream is to see Australia 🙏 living from Philippines
go look somewhere else for a way into Australia.leave the trucker alo e
You need a Redtail Overland. It is expensive, but with YT, you might be able to write some of it off. I love your channel and it can't grow fast enough!
You guys rock!!!
Great ❤
Best Camper UA-camr the first day I watched your channel I couldn’t stop binge watching, you got a sub and a like
Dear son
I'm waiting to see your new videos for may 2024 but still I didn't see new videos from you. hope you are doing well and ok there
Lot's of love and blessings from Sri Lanka
You are the friendliest person! Mac & cheese looked yummy! I cut up rotissery chicken or spam.. or even a pork chop and add to mine. Umm, good. Loved the video and good job keeping up your workout routine! ❤
I have the same appreciation for truckers. When driving long distance, I will always find some truckers and they allow me to ride in the "cradle" with them. Like yourself I learned how to signal. When it is time to rest after 7-8 hrs of driving, I pull over on the trucker's side, crawl in the back of my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, with blankets and pillow and sleep for 4-5 hrs. In the 50 yrs of traveling in this manner I've never been harmed. As a female traveler, I have the highest respect for our truckers who keep this country rolling!🚛🚛🚛
I'm only a minute in and I'm already smiling from ear to ear! The fact that you tried to stretch how that other guy did... I LOVE it! I hope the guy watching you tried it after you walked away also! Imagine all day there are guys doing stretches like that because you saw a guy from your car doing that??? I'm laughing so hard. I'm going to watch the rest now. xo
I love your videos, Arslan! Especially since I have slept in quite a few vehicles myself. But sleeping that close to the ceiling is a no go for me! Way too claustrophobic for that!!
If you already have to rearrange your mattress pads, why not just put them on a yoga mat on the floor?
Can you put your chair and toilet where you store your mattress or slide them to the side? Then put your feet under the desk. You’d have a lot more room to move around in your sleep. Unless you like being snug as a bug. You be you.
❤
Also, if you’re heading down the 10 fwy through Indio, CA, you’re welcome to come to our fitness center, sports courts, indoor/outdoor pools, jacuzzis, showers, etc. Let me know and I’ll get you a pass.
🌴😎🤙
Really appreciated what you said about our truckers and us taxpayers, too. When I drive the highways, I am very courteous to truckers and use my hazards as well. Truckers absolutely keep this country running.
In my state, we are working on rebuilding some of our rest stops. Some people gripe and say it's a waste, but then you stop into one of these new places and change your tune when you see how PACKED these places are. Rest stops are so important to keep all travelers on the road safe and provide basic needs.
Stay safe out there! ❤
No, the bar was high because you give us great content with lots and lots of laughs. Loved seeing you interact with your friend.
😂 this is my coworker i love this so much never letting him live this down lol
i just know your channel 2 months ago and i watched all of your old uploads. I'm from Philippines 😅❤
You're in my hood!! PA enjoy it is beautiful!
Arslan I missed you!! As always another great video So we know you have a brother and we met one of your friends. So awesome learning more about you. ❤Ottawa Ontario 🇨🇦
Enjoyed your video as usual. Keep enjoying life Arslan. Wishing you all the best in your journey.
Yay I'm so happy to see another amazing ❤video ❤ .
I binge watch all your videos. I really like your channel, keep up the good work.
Should open some windows when you use the burner to be careful with carbon monoxide unless you do have a monitor close to the burner. Actually good idea to have a carbon monoxide monitor if your using the burner a lot.
They make swivel parts for the carrier in rear that would help you out. Bubble time. Safe travels .
Enjoyed your video. Thanks for your content. Love how you keep smiling and sharing with those you meet. 💜