28 AUGUST 2024- Having been a subscriber of your UA-cam account for nearly a year, I couldn’t help but notice your signature phrase, ‘I really appreciate that.’ This morning, UA-cam’s algorithm serendipitously took me back seven years, and I found that you were using a similar phrase even then. Your consistency over the years is truly impressive. Warm greetings from Kuala Lumpur, Southeast Asia! 🏝️
Thanks for a day in the life of Static CamperVan. If you still have a heat issue use the 2nd heat tape piece over the one you just put on but leave and air gap between the 2 with the ends open.
+Traveling Mike it's funny that was my original idea. I was going to install another piece of heat shield or metal using magnets. I probably shouldn't do van upgrades on my Lazy day! Thanks Mike!
you've got some really good lighting in that van. i never thought about making toast on a pan and now i want to try that ghee stuff. good tips! have a great day!
The top elements on my toaster oven burned out over a decade ago. I pulled out my cast iron griddle & never looked back. It makes the best toast & holds 2 or 3 slices. I have a big griddle too, that covers 2 burners - so can cook several pc of French toast, make a few grilled sandwiches, etc. Still use my toaster oven to warm leftovers or keep some foods warm, like mashed potatoes in a covered glass dish, while using stove burners for other things - like doing a couple more veggies, or searing meats, & making gravy. I keep forgetting I can order the replacement top elements.
Whole foods has some great pizza, love how they brush olive oil and garlic on the edge. Looks like a nice relaxing day :-) Thanks for sharing your Sunday :-)
I like your voice /cadence. Thank you for sharing your time and sharing your life. I will be a full time van liver in a couple of years. The simple things in life have their own slant when living out of a mobile home, on a tiny scale. Live well, stay well.
I drink coffee (decaf) all day every day. If I am going to the health club I'll get some caffein in me, usually Mexican Bustelo instant, which really packs a punch. The difference between you and me is that I will drink anything faintly resembling coffee, even if it is two days old (but not moldy) while you only like the good stuff. Once a day I will have some Starbucks French Roast from my Keurig. Other times I will use an old stove-top percolator from a garage sale for 8 cups of some Folgers decaf junk. I have a sign that says: "Coffee. I Love You. That Is All." Black, or it's not coffee.
I have a fantastic fan so I don't have to worry about the heat in my van by the way I was born in Orange so I know the area really well I live in Reno Nevada, I do enjoy your your videos. my brother lives in Hemet so I'm in the area sometimes maybe we can meet up one of these days Happy Trails my friend
+Michael Rees A roof vent is vital in my opinion, are you a full time van dweller? Yup, that's my home base. Give me a shout when you're back in SoCal. Thanks for the nice message.
+Stephane Genest no, no I'm a big jerk in person. And I made a very long and boring video explaining why my van doesn't have insulation. In fact I have removed most of the insulation that you see in this video. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Love watching the absolute joy in your eyes as you gaze upon your coffee. I had to give it up because coffee beans have gluten. But I can live thru you. ☕ 😥
I like your van setup, the bistroVan. I've got the exact Hario coffee pot. If I'm hooked up, I've used a small Keurig using some Italian grind that is very good. But sadly I don't use some good beans and resort to some old standbys. Thumbsupppp
+Luther7449 haha, bistroVan, I like it! You obviously have your priorities straight and realize the importance of coffee. Do you not use a Hario V60 as well? Once I got the hang of a Hario pour over, I got rid of my French press and Keurig. There are times I wish I'd kept my Moka pot. Thanks for watching!
Awesome! I go to Whole Foods every Wednesday and have a veg burrito. They are filling and nutritious. Your van layout with bed and kitchen area is definitely similar to what I have in mind. Take care brother!
I almost bought the ram van... but I found the drivers seat very uncomfortable 😣 then, I sat in a Subaru Outback and fell in love... not as much room as the van... but I don’t plan on living in it and my wife would never go for that stuff 😕 also the 4wD in the subaru is awesome!
I've been thinking of getting a Subaru cuz I live on a hill, & Outbacks & Foresters always rank in the top of the heap for driving in snow & ice, & especially on tackling snow & ice on hills, with AWD. Not sure it would have enough room to live in though, beyond a few days, for me. I'd really have to pare down beyond what I feel comfortable with right now, but I can imagine I'd learn to love the freedom of unloading 98% of what I own.
Further to your migraine video...last time I had a migraine was two years ago...migraines left me when coffee machine left me!! I still have filter coffee when out but I was taking too much daily.just a thought to share with you. Great video. X
Thanks. Oddly, I have a catch twenty two when it comes to coffee. Coffee is one of the only things that helps get rid of a migraine for me. Trouble is, I can’t eat or drink anything when a migraine sets in. I need to drink a cup at the first sign of trouble.
This is the 2nd old video that popped up in my screen which both I viewed today. You must be a youtube favorite bec they are recommending your old videos to your new subscribers. Anyway, this is the ideal length of your beard that I think I love to see. It looked so neat and well-kept. But if you want it stay longer and makes you happy, then to each his own thing. Hehe.. 😁😁
New subscriber. Very nice conversion; customized, cozy, efficient. Enjoyed easing into Sunday with you ;-) The ritual around the first cup of coffee is so grounding isn't it? Looking forward to more vids, great job!
You went to Salvation Mountain?! That is absolutely on my bucket list. But guess what? I can cross “visit Grocery Outlet” off my list; UA-cam happened to recommend a video with a tour of G.O. 😂 It never occurred to me that would exist! But I still want to see Salvation Mountain in person someday.
Very nice! I'm full timing in my camper but due to rising child support costs I'm being forced into my vehicle or a slide in truck camper. Keep the videos coming!
+Robert Marsh sorry for your troubles, do you follow One Awesome Inch. He's doing a Transit Connect conversion now. Hopefully you can find a comfortable that suits you. Thanks for the comments. :^)
You are awesome! Love your van....simple, yet well done. AND the size is perfect for something I'd like to own..not full time, but to travel with my pup for weeks at a time. Found you from Brian's channel. I enjoyed his interview with you.
+Robin Maples Thanks so much! I like seeing how people build out their vans, too. I like to encourage everyone to make a video if they are building a van.
+Viviane B I’ve never made a van tour myself but two of my friends have, check these out: ua-cam.com/video/CcggY_wNdgk/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/52RxHZxN3qI/v-deo.html
Hello I am a New subscriber I really Enjoyed your video and the Quality of what you are doing I hope to see more and get to get a tour of your Home on wheels
Hi, I just saw this video and was taken from 6 years ago. Wow you are still enjoying your van life after 6 years it amazes me. Did you finish every state or every places in America? Take care 🙏
Thanks. Vanlife has been great for me. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. But I’m not really interested in traveling to every state. I like staying close to the coast.
I use a Hario V60 pour-over dripper. It’s a popular style with swanky coffee shops. But it’s a simple process, it’s the same as a drip coffee maker but just done manually.
You might do a little research on pour-over drippers (or brewers). I’m a big fan of the Hario but it has a steep learning curve. There are several other brands that are much easier to use. The Katila Wave and Melitta pour over cone are two examples.
I have a low-tech solution for your issue with your cooking unit frying your ceiling materials. You've already resolved the melted reflectics (sp?) issue, but - what caused it, I'm assuming, is enough heat moving upwards to reach your lowish ceiling. To approach the problem from the other end of the equation - that being the heat source, here are some random considerations. Keep the heat lower, yet still achieve heat in the pan by retaining the heat with a lid. I prefer to cook on med-low, but, use a lid so it heats things quite a bit faster than without a lid. For instance - I like eggs over easy. In winter, the air in my kitchen is fairly cool. I like tender eggs, so use a med-low setting to start, put a lid on it, & soon, the retained heat has cooked my egg on the bottom enough that I add more butter, put the lid back on, turn it down to low & it cooks through. I don't even have to turn it over. If I want it set firm, I can just leave the cover on a few more minutes, but like them to be a slight bit wet. Done this way though, even if set firm, It's still tender. When I do scrambled I like to start with some sautéed chopped green peppers, maybe some red onion...so again - the lid on the pan gets the peppers slightly cooked in 1/3 the time. Then I add more butter then 2 eggs. I like them set up slightly, still in a whole egg configuration, then add S&P, & stir slightly, so it still has some all white areas & some all yolk areas, with the veggies slightly cooked already. Again, a lid makes it go so much faster when making home fries, or bacon, or anything saute'd or seared - at some point, I can put a lid on any size pan to accelerate the cooking in the interior of the material - whether an already well seared piece of meat - just a bit to thick to have cooked enough inside, with the searing alone, so in 2, 3 mins or less - it is still med rare - but not too rare. When it comes to veggies - this is most useful, like with home fries - which used to always seem to take too damned long.... Now I can start them with some - not a lot - of water, seasonings - herbs & spices S&P, & a lid - on med-low + a notch or 2, cuz they're so dense - but med is often too high - unless I'm in a hurry & right on top of it - stirring constantly - which defeats using a lid, since every time you remove the lid, all that captured heat & steam escapes. I keep checking every few minutes but do leave the lid on long enough to retain enough heat to send more heat into the interior. Then with a bit of stirring, when the water has mostly evaporated I can take the lid off, add some more oil if needed, & or seasonings to crisp them up & adjust to taste. The thing is - with a lid, I'm cooking low & slow - but faster, by retaining heat. In your situation, I think if you're using lower, captured heat with a lid, not so much heat would be rising to mess with your ceiling...What do you think? BTW, while I appreciate your annoyance with needing to light the gas when you want to cook, the alternative means having a pilot light on at all times. That sounds like a bad idea in a van. A pilot light can get blown out too easily with any draft - like when you open your van door. Then while you're away, the gas could be building up in your closed van. It may not be so tightly sealed that your van could blow up when you next go to light the burner, or a joint - but it could be enough to make you ill from breathing in the fumes. I had a gas stove for many years, with a heating unit on one side & I sure do miss it. We don't have gas here, but I could use propane if I redesign my kitchen, I guess.
All great ideas. Thanks! My personal opinion is that Reflectix is a garbage product that shouldn’t be used in a van. I’ve replaced it with cork which hasn’t been affected by the stove in the least. I have lids for my pots and pans. I will remember to use them more.
Cork is a nice alternative to a wood surface, is inexpensive & easy to replace a damaged section, too. Good idea. It's a very useful material, & looks good. That must've affected sounds inside the van, while deadening outside sounds somewhat. It may even act as an insulator.
The cork has been a great addition. The inly problem with the cork for me is that it acts like insulation. And I don’t like that aspect. But summers here in Seattle are fairly mild so it isn’t the issue it would be if I were back in SoCal.
So it doesn't help keep the heat beating down on your van out, or the cooled air in, assuming you have some kind of AC? Just curious. I still hope to do a part time van life, to try it out, but need good insulation to cope with hot & cold weather - like (rarely) up to 102, & down to -10 at times, for a few days, unless I'm willing to leave the NE. I also need AWD or 4WD around here, so not sure what type vehicles to be looking at. I do like the idea of being able to walk around inside, having a full bathroom with a shower, enough room for a table & modest fridge - which the RVs & 5th wheels allow, but, honestly think a van makes much more sense... in a long list of ways.
You’ve already figured out the answer. If a van has AC, it should be insulated. Without AC, a van will be monumentally hotter with insulation. It’s an unpopular answer but it’s the simple reality. The interesting fact I’ve found with a very small van, like mine is that I don’t need insulation to stay warm either. I have a propane heater that keeps me comfortable. I think the Sprinter vans are popular because they check all the boxes on your list. Although Sprinters are very expensive and the 4wd models are hard to find. Have you considered a pickup truck and truck camper? West Coast Roller here on UA-cam lived in truck camper until just recently. You might be interested in some of his older videos.
@@StaticCamperVan it depends on where you go country Buffett is in a strip mall it not a bad area. Hard to go somewhere around Seattle or Surrounding towns and cities thats not felony way. So many druggies around every in this state.
+Shelley McKendrick that sounds fab. I'm jealous, to be honest. That is beautiful there. When I was a kid, we took a month long trip that started with Crater Lake and went through BC, then to Banff and Jasper. And finished with Zion. Banff was the highlight for me and I hope to be able to recreate that trip someday. And that's your backyard!
great stuff! that ended up making for an entertaining and informative video. thanks for the shout! what did you end up vooking in the van for dinner? im guessing eggs or did you just have more coffee for dinner lol?
+Bayward oops, I got lazy. I ate chips & salsa, and cheddar with sour dough bread. I only had two more cups of coffee! Btw, thanks for the suggestion on the video, it was a good idea.
I like Nick's videos too. He does comedy for smart people and doesn't seem to worry much about whom he mocks. Since you're a working man do you know which days you'll be at the RTR?
+MadMat it's kinda funny, I can pinpoint the temperature. 93 F is the temp that I start to get uncomfortable. Not dangerous feeling, just not comfortable.
Static CamperVan I wonder, if it were a sunny summer day, what temperature would it be outside for it to reach 93 degrees inside ur van. Would that be with ur ventilation at full blast, with the doors open or shut? That would be a cool video to see!😁
+MadMat with my current setup, I can keep the inside temperature the same as the outside temp. Above 93F, I will need to turn my fan up to high but otherwise it never gets set past medium speed. The other thing (and few believe this part) is that is only able to be accomplished by having No insulation. And, I always park in the sun so that my solar panel can fully charge my battery bank.
+hotmasked1 this reminds me to do a video on how I handle wifi. I don't have a TV. I do own a netbook but rarely carry it. I've made a very deliberate decision to stop watching TV. UA-cam is what I watch for most of my entertainment.
I admire you .living that way would make lonely .but it doesn't seem to bother you at all.you have what appears to be a small campervan.have you ever given any thought to upgrading .to maybe a small RV .can you picture what that would be like having a table , a little living room , a bathroom .and a bedroom .just like. a small apartment .kind of . I'm not making a personal comment s .on you live .you look very happy.it's just a vision.but maybe something to think about in the future.like your videos .your and interesting man .God bless you.
Thanks. This small van works for me now. I’m open to the possibility of a bigger van in the future but never an RV. I like the ability to drive and park anywhere. And I’d much rather be outside than in, so I just need a comfortable place to sleep.
+LovingAtlanta 🤔I may not be the best person for the job. Two different women that I was interested in and seemed to like me as well suddenly changed as soon as they found out I moved into my van. 🙄
Static CamperVan Awww 🤗🤗 well (their loss) I do think that's worth talking about. I think it's confirmation of how people judge people and how people are closed minded. Society "standards" limits people. I do think it takes a like minded person to be able to understand why you've made a very conscience and conscious decision to live in a van.
......yeah.......my 'go-to' for breakfast would prob be bagel and cream cheese with coffee for desert.......ugh......that buffet food didn't look so good......concrete!
this is not a stealth campervan,as there is a vent showing up top, and that does not make it stealth,you should have made up a system that vented out the botttom of the unit.
+Doug Rennick I would have agreed with you a year ago. There have been two significant changes. In past videos I've explained how the stealth van I wanted to make didn't happen. Mostly because I needed a larger vent and solar panel than I had originally planned. A few months into living in my van I started to realize MOST people don't notice the vent or panel. I still find it bizarre since they are very noticeable. The second is that I'm not interested in "stealth" anymore. You can see when my mind changed by the titles of my videos. The idea of stealth is overused on UA-cam. And it's sadly frightening would-be van dwellers away. It's a shame and I've decided to show the real meaning of stealth. I do recognize that these are my opinions based on 13 months living in my van in a small part of the country. Others may encounter different results in a different part of the country or world.
Interesting way to make coffee. I have a motorized burr grinder and a cheap espresso machine. My espresso just gets dumped into a hot chocolate so it tames down some of the coffee taste. I never drank coffee until after I retired. Just an idea on your van: have you ever thought about getting a cabinet maker (or wood hobbyist) to make you some cabinets using the shelves you have as patterns? Or finish some surfaces with upholstery? These are what I am aiming for with my gooseneck trailer even though so far it looks stuck in 1980 decor. Airstream Serenity and Gulfstream 650 interiors: ua-cam.com/video/7tVonJuaVr8/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/xt9znSAXitg/v-deo.html
+Builtwild Naylor do you mean cabinets with doors on them? I can and have built cabinets in the past. These shelves weren't supposed to be a long term solution. I made them thinking they would need to be redesigned and build after living in the van for a while. I've thought of covering them with carpet but for whatever reason it just hasn't been a priority. That's a great idea to take inspiration from Airstream, classy design.
Yes, modern design cabinets. Those mixed with faux leather surfaces with Airstream style pull down fly shades, black out shades, and divider door. Cool, you can make cabinets. I like the stainless steel you used for your kitchen and sink area. Most self made camper vans have the work stop at hanging mix matched blankets over the windows. Just a thought if that is your main possession/hobby. You could video tape your solutions to improving the interior. I would do it on my horse trailer, but I am busy cutting styrofoam to insulate a horse water tank. Each day, I am burning through more electricity than you use in a week (month), just to keep the water from freezing on the horses (and barn cat). After that, an endless list of tasks.
+Builtwild Naylor horses are a lot of work. Thanks for the tip, I guess I forget to show some of the little aspects of the van. By chance do you follow One Awesome Inch? He's using polystyrene insulation in his current build and getting some crazy comments about doing so from viewers.
I looked at his video. That stuff might be what we used to insulate the walls of our trailer. We then have the chrome bubble wrap over it. Then 1/4 inch plywood with wall paper was used to finish the walls. Great way to hide wiring routing. The horse tank is getting the white foam like those cheap styrofoam coolers. But it is two inches thick. Hopefully it is healthy since a sheet of it will be floating on the drinking water to limit the surface area heat loss.
Who the heck lives in a van and of all things makes coffee in it? On a different thought, have you thought... thunk... think, thought... of putting a small vent over the area where you cook? 😂😄👍🏻🚐
@Sean H it’s short for Tim Horton’s. Tim was a popular hockey player who started a donut and coffee shop that is worshipped in Canada. A “Timmie’s” is a cup of the company’s coffee.
You went to Salvation Mountain?! That is absolutely on my bucket list. But guess what? I can cross “visit Grocery Outlet” off my list; UA-cam happened to recommend a video with a tour of G.O. 😂 It never occurred to me that would exist! But I still want to see Salvation Mountain in person someday.
I Just Took a trip in the way back machine and found you 6 years ago...must have been one-year after you started your channel.
🥀🤗🥀
28 AUGUST 2024- Having been a subscriber of your UA-cam account for nearly a year, I couldn’t help but notice your signature phrase, ‘I really appreciate that.’ This morning, UA-cam’s algorithm serendipitously took me back seven years, and I found that you were using a similar phrase even then. Your consistency over the years is truly impressive. Warm greetings from Kuala Lumpur, Southeast Asia! 🏝️
Thanks Jeffrey. I appreciate your support
Way too far ..California the greatest state in the USA
Coffee and desert! Perfect world....
+Trekkerguy the important things!
Thanks for a day in the life of Static CamperVan. If you still have a heat issue use the 2nd heat tape piece over the one you just put on but leave and air gap between the 2 with the ends open.
+Traveling Mike it's funny that was my original idea. I was going to install another piece of heat shield or metal using magnets. I probably shouldn't do van upgrades on my Lazy day!
Thanks Mike!
the van is looking good
+simms196 Thank you!
you've got some really good lighting in that van. i never thought about making toast on a pan and now i want to try that ghee stuff. good tips! have a great day!
+YankeePotRoast hey Thanks! Those lights are truck bed LED lights. I took a chance on them and haven't regretted it.
The top elements on my toaster oven burned out over a decade ago. I pulled out my cast iron griddle & never looked back. It makes the best toast & holds 2 or 3 slices. I have a big griddle too, that covers 2 burners - so can cook several pc of French toast, make a few grilled sandwiches, etc. Still use my toaster oven to warm leftovers or keep some foods warm, like mashed potatoes in a covered glass dish, while using stove burners for other things - like doing a couple more veggies, or searing meats, & making gravy. I keep forgetting I can order the replacement top elements.
not seen that side of the van before. looks like a space capsule. kind of cool
+waine dodd haha! It looks a bit better on camera.
I sometime eat dessert first, then my meal.
I see the joy in your face
Regarding coffee.
Stay well, and happy.
pretty chill Sunday. ill have to check out Bayard's channel. Have a great week!
+CoolCat Carolena Thanks Carolena!
Whole foods has some great pizza, love how they brush olive oil and garlic on the edge. Looks like a nice relaxing day :-) Thanks for sharing your Sunday :-)
+RVing LiveThe Dream Thanks, it was. Oddly, I just realized my local WF doesn't brush the edges with olive oil and garlic. Oh well.
I like your voice /cadence. Thank you for sharing your time and sharing your life. I will be a full time van liver in a couple of years. The simple things in life have their own slant when living out of a mobile home, on a tiny scale. Live well, stay well.
Thank you, Brenda. I wish you luck and happiness with your transition.
I drink coffee (decaf) all day every day. If I am going to the health club I'll get some caffein in me, usually Mexican Bustelo instant, which really packs a punch. The difference between you and me is that I will drink anything faintly resembling coffee, even if it is two days old (but not moldy) while you only like the good stuff. Once a day I will have some Starbucks French Roast from my Keurig. Other times I will use an old stove-top percolator from a garage sale for 8 cups of some Folgers decaf junk. I have a sign that says: "Coffee. I Love You. That Is All." Black, or it's not coffee.
+Larry Kramer haha! Sure wish I could stand the cheap stuff. It would save me a lot of money!
Thank you, always wonder what is done during the day.
+Lois De Lisle your welcome. It's really just like any day living in an apartment or house. :^)
I have a fantastic fan so I don't have to worry about the heat in my van by the way I was born in Orange so I know the area really well I live in Reno Nevada, I do enjoy your your videos. my brother lives in Hemet so I'm in the area sometimes maybe we can meet up one of these days Happy Trails my friend
+Michael Rees A roof vent is vital in my opinion, are you a full time van dweller? Yup, that's my home base. Give me a shout when you're back in SoCal. Thanks for the nice message.
Thanks for taking us along...Great video..
I really appreciate you sharing your channel with us and all before this one. Thank you
Thanks for watching Mark!
Sweet guy in a small tub put more insulation i see a lot of steel inside !
+Stephane Genest no, no I'm a big jerk in person. And I made a very long and boring video explaining why my van doesn't have insulation. In fact I have removed most of the insulation that you see in this video.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I loved this! A day in the life. Happy Sunday.
+Caravan Carolyn Thanks my friend
Love watching the absolute joy in your eyes as you gaze upon your coffee. I had to give it up because coffee beans have gluten. But I can live thru you. ☕ 😥
thanks for allowing us in, it gives us ideas and what (not) to do etc
+RemusKingOfRome5 you're welcome. Thanks for the message!
I like your van setup, the bistroVan. I've got the exact Hario coffee pot. If I'm hooked up, I've used a small Keurig using some Italian grind that is very good. But sadly I don't use some good beans and resort to some old standbys. Thumbsupppp
+Luther7449 haha, bistroVan, I like it! You obviously have your priorities straight and realize the importance of coffee. Do you not use a Hario V60 as well? Once I got the hang of a Hario pour over, I got rid of my French press and Keurig. There are times I wish I'd kept my Moka pot. Thanks for watching!
Hi, I come across from Dreamside out 'Rick' Thank's for sharing your cracking videos....🌟 Kind regards, London UK👍
+Chunky Lee Jones Rick has one of the best vanlife channels. Glad you’re enjoying my videos.
Thanks!
Static CamperVan ...Yes, Rick comes across as really nice guy, as you do too👍
Nice video, thanks for the tips. I had never heard of Ghee before. Take care.
+hotheadedjoelhaha ghee is the secret ingredient to making a great omelette
Going through your videos, all new to me. So glad I found your channel, am really enjoying it. :-)
+Jennifer Stumpf Thanks so much!
Awesome! I go to Whole Foods every Wednesday and have a veg burrito. They are filling and nutritious. Your van layout with bed and kitchen area is definitely similar to what I have in mind. Take care brother!
+One Awesome Inch Thanks man! My local WF doesn't make burritos!?! Thanks for reminding me of them 😋
No burritos? Bummer. I've actually never tried their hot food options as up here it's 2.49 per 100 grams. Ouch!
+One Awesome Inch ouch indeed!
😣
One Awesome Inch whole paycheque lol
Thanks for a day in the life. Enjoy Your Monday ~jman
+A Few Minutes With jman Thank you!
I love this. I wish you did these type of videos more often. It was like a nice visit with you !
It’s great to get your feedback. I’m trying to film a little more so I will do my best to oblige! Thanks!
New here, like the van, look forward to more vids
+Theresa Morgan thanks Teresa!
I almost bought the ram van... but I found the drivers seat very uncomfortable 😣 then, I sat in a Subaru Outback and fell in love... not as much room as the van... but I don’t plan on living in it and my wife would never go for that stuff 😕 also the 4wD in the subaru is awesome!
+Brian Berkes yeah, I’ve heard that before. Subaru’s are awesome! You can do so much with them.
I've been thinking of getting a Subaru cuz I live on a hill, & Outbacks & Foresters always rank in the top of the heap for driving in snow & ice, & especially on tackling snow & ice on hills, with AWD.
Not sure it would have enough room to live in though, beyond a few days, for me. I'd really have to pare down beyond what I feel comfortable with right now, but I can imagine I'd learn to love the freedom of unloading 98% of what I own.
Green from seven years past. Still had to go back on Monday back then. Fun times.😂
I still have jacket. It’s ripped up and stained but still usable
Further to your migraine video...last time I had a migraine was two years ago...migraines left me when coffee machine left me!! I still have filter coffee when out but I was taking too much daily.just a thought to share with you. Great video. X
Thanks.
Oddly, I have a catch twenty two when it comes to coffee. Coffee is one of the only things that helps get rid of a migraine for me. Trouble is, I can’t eat or drink anything when a migraine sets in. I need to drink a cup at the first sign of trouble.
I've been watching your channel and i gotta say i love what your doing and i could listen to you all day. Please continue to make more videos!!!!!
Thanks so much. I’m going keep on keeping on.
I like your Sunday! ☀️
+Gregory Johnson Thanks! You know I didn't go to Whole Foods last Sunday and it was great. I'm learning. 😀
Nice video, chill vibe - thanks for sharing!
+Wendy Williams Thanks Wendy! I appreciate the comment. ☺
This is the 2nd old video that popped up in my screen which both I viewed today. You must be a youtube favorite bec they are recommending your old videos to your new subscribers.
Anyway, this is the ideal length of your beard that I think I love to see. It looked so neat and well-kept. But if you want it stay longer and makes you happy, then to each his own thing. Hehe.. 😁😁
🙏🏼☺️
Enjoying the videos, keep up the good work👍
+Harjan Investigations Thanks! Glad you like them!
Awesome am a subscriber !
+hotmasked1 Thanks!
New subscriber. Very nice conversion; customized, cozy, efficient. Enjoyed easing into Sunday with you ;-) The ritual around the first cup of coffee is so grounding isn't it? Looking forward to more vids, great job!
+K. Rose B ☺️
You went to Salvation Mountain?! That is absolutely on my bucket list. But guess what? I can cross “visit Grocery Outlet” off my list; UA-cam happened to recommend a video with a tour of G.O. 😂 It never occurred to me that would exist! But I still want to see Salvation Mountain in person someday.
Wow, UA-cam has a video of everything! Haha.
Very nice! I'm full timing in my camper but due to rising child support costs I'm being forced into my vehicle or a slide in truck camper. Keep the videos coming!
+Robert Marsh sorry for your troubles, do you follow One Awesome Inch. He's doing a Transit Connect conversion now. Hopefully you can find a comfortable that suits you.
Thanks for the comments. :^)
You are awesome! Love your van....simple, yet well done. AND the size is perfect for something I'd like to own..not full time, but to travel with my pup for weeks at a time. Found you from Brian's channel. I enjoyed his interview with you.
+maxiedoodle Thanks do much. You might be interested in Wayfarer Vans.
wayfarervans.com/
Have spork
Will travel!
😊☕✨
I really enjoy your videos. I love seeing all the mods people do!
+Robin Maples Thanks so much! I like seeing how people build out their vans, too. I like to encourage everyone to make a video if they are building a van.
I'd love to see a van tour of your set up and your monthly cost :)
+Viviane B I’ve never made a van tour myself but two of my friends have, check these out:
ua-cam.com/video/CcggY_wNdgk/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/52RxHZxN3qI/v-deo.html
+Viviane B here’s one more I forgot about:
ua-cam.com/video/bSbGjo2jamM/v-deo.html
Your paper towel is above the stove. My friend’s paper towel caught alight when it unraveled onto the stove flame 🔥
Something to watch out for! This paper towel holder doesn’t unravel. It has a gear in it that holds the roll steady.
Hate those dam child locks on those lighters ...love your videos they are very good videos and enjoy very much watching them ...
Aww, Thanks so much!
I just watched one of your older video.
This is an old one. Thanks
Hello I am a New subscriber I really Enjoyed your video and the Quality of what you are doing I hope to see more and get to get a tour of your Home on wheels
+REVEREND DAVID HAMM thanks. I will do a van tour video soon to show some of the changes over the last few months.
Awesome slice of life video.
+Todd Couchman thanks :^)
Hi, I just saw this video and was taken from 6 years ago. Wow you are still enjoying your van life after 6 years it amazes me. Did you finish every state or every places in America? Take care 🙏
Thanks. Vanlife has been great for me. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. But I’m not really interested in traveling to every state. I like staying close to the coast.
Luv u sir from #kashmir .. i subscribed your channel in 2022❤❤❤
Could you explain how you made your coffee? It looks good.
I use a Hario V60 pour-over dripper. It’s a popular style with swanky coffee shops. But it’s a simple process, it’s the same as a drip coffee maker but just done manually.
@@StaticCamperVan thanks for your prompt response. Think I am going to get one.
You might do a little research on pour-over drippers (or brewers). I’m a big fan of the Hario but it has a steep learning curve. There are several other brands that are much easier to use. The Katila Wave and Melitta pour over cone are two examples.
@@StaticCamperVan ok thanks
I have a low-tech solution for your issue with your cooking unit frying your ceiling materials. You've already resolved the melted reflectics (sp?) issue, but - what caused it, I'm assuming, is enough heat moving upwards to reach your lowish ceiling. To approach the problem from the other end of the equation - that being the heat source, here are some random considerations.
Keep the heat lower, yet still achieve heat in the pan by retaining the heat with a lid.
I prefer to cook on med-low, but, use a lid so it heats things quite a bit faster than without a lid. For instance - I like eggs over easy. In winter, the air in my kitchen is fairly cool. I like tender eggs, so use a med-low setting to start, put a lid on it, & soon, the retained heat has cooked my egg on the bottom enough that I add more butter, put the lid back on, turn it down to low & it cooks through. I don't even have to turn it over. If I want it set firm, I can just leave the cover on a few more minutes, but like them to be a slight bit wet. Done this way though, even if set firm, It's still tender.
When I do scrambled I like to start with some sautéed chopped green peppers, maybe some red onion...so again - the lid on the pan gets the peppers slightly cooked in 1/3 the time. Then I add more butter then 2 eggs. I like them set up slightly, still in a whole egg configuration, then add S&P, & stir slightly, so it still has some all white areas & some all yolk areas, with the veggies slightly cooked already.
Again, a lid makes it go so much faster when making home fries, or bacon, or anything saute'd or seared - at some point, I can put a lid on any size pan to accelerate the cooking in the interior of the material - whether an already well seared piece of meat - just a bit to thick to have cooked enough inside, with the searing alone, so in 2, 3 mins or less - it is still med rare - but not too rare.
When it comes to veggies - this is most useful, like with home fries - which used to always seem to take too damned long.... Now I can start them with some - not a lot - of water, seasonings - herbs & spices S&P, & a lid - on med-low + a notch or 2, cuz they're so dense - but med is often too high - unless I'm in a hurry & right on top of it - stirring constantly - which defeats using a lid, since every time you remove the lid, all that captured heat & steam escapes. I keep checking every few minutes but do leave the lid on long enough to retain enough heat to send more heat into the interior. Then with a bit of stirring, when the water has mostly evaporated I can take the lid off, add some more oil if needed, & or seasonings to crisp them up & adjust to taste.
The thing is - with a lid, I'm cooking low & slow - but faster, by retaining heat. In your situation, I think if you're using lower, captured heat with a lid, not so much heat would be rising to mess with your ceiling...What do you think?
BTW, while I appreciate your annoyance with needing to light the gas when you want to cook, the alternative means having a pilot light on at all times. That sounds like a bad idea in a van. A pilot light can get blown out too easily with any draft - like when you open your van door. Then while you're away, the gas could be building up in your closed van. It may not be so tightly sealed that your van could blow up when you next go to light the burner, or a joint - but it could be enough to make you ill from breathing in the fumes.
I had a gas stove for many years, with a heating unit on one side & I sure do miss it. We don't have gas here, but I could use propane if I redesign my kitchen, I guess.
All great ideas. Thanks!
My personal opinion is that Reflectix is a garbage product that shouldn’t be used in a van. I’ve replaced it with cork which hasn’t been affected by the stove in the least.
I have lids for my pots and pans. I will remember to use them more.
Cork is a nice alternative to a wood surface, is inexpensive & easy to replace a damaged section, too. Good idea. It's a very useful material, & looks good. That must've affected sounds inside the van, while deadening outside sounds somewhat. It may even act as an insulator.
The cork has been a great addition. The inly problem with the cork for me is that it acts like insulation. And I don’t like that aspect. But summers here in Seattle are fairly mild so it isn’t the issue it would be if I were back in SoCal.
So it doesn't help keep the heat beating down on your van out, or the cooled air in, assuming you have some kind of AC? Just curious.
I still hope to do a part time van life, to try it out, but need good insulation to cope with hot & cold weather - like (rarely) up to 102, & down to -10 at times, for a few days, unless I'm willing to leave the NE. I also need AWD or 4WD around here, so not sure what type vehicles to be looking at.
I do like the idea of being able to walk around inside, having a full bathroom with a shower, enough room for a table & modest fridge - which the RVs & 5th wheels allow, but, honestly think a van makes much more sense... in a long list of ways.
You’ve already figured out the answer. If a van has AC, it should be insulated. Without AC, a van will be monumentally hotter with insulation. It’s an unpopular answer but it’s the simple reality.
The interesting fact I’ve found with a very small van, like mine is that I don’t need insulation to stay warm either. I have a propane heater that keeps me comfortable.
I think the Sprinter vans are popular because they check all the boxes on your list. Although Sprinters are very expensive and the 4wd models are hard to find. Have you considered a pickup truck and truck camper?
West Coast Roller here on UA-cam lived in truck camper until just recently. You might be interested in some of his older videos.
Try country Buffett in federal way or factoria
When I first got here, Caravan Carolyn told me Federal Way is called “felony way” by the locals.
@@StaticCamperVan it depends on where you go country Buffett is in a strip mall it not a bad area. Hard to go somewhere around Seattle or Surrounding towns and cities thats not felony way. So many druggies around every in this state.
the red one is an adult lighter....the blue one is for children :).
+David Bradley I'd better throw the red one out right away.
+Destination mobileone haha!
Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦💃🐶🇨🇦🇨🇦
+Shelley McKendrick Hello ☺
Static CamperVan seeking online and dealerships to buy a rig as this is what I can't wait to do, by spring hopefully
+Shelley McKendrick that's awesome. I think you are on the right track. Just hope you're in BC and not PEI 😀
Static CamperVan I live in Alberta but I am originally from 🚐couver, B.C 😀 but I'm going to tour all of Canada 🇨🇦 and USA 🇺🇸
+Shelley McKendrick that sounds fab. I'm jealous, to be honest. That is beautiful there. When I was a kid, we took a month long trip that started with Crater Lake and went through BC, then to Banff and Jasper. And finished with Zion.
Banff was the highlight for me and I hope to be able to recreate that trip someday. And that's your backyard!
great stuff! that ended up making for an entertaining and informative video. thanks for the shout! what did you end up vooking in the van for dinner? im guessing eggs or did you just have more coffee for dinner lol?
+Bayward oops, I got lazy. I ate chips & salsa, and cheddar with sour dough bread.
I only had two more cups of coffee!
Btw, thanks for the suggestion on the video, it was a good idea.
that's awesome, the video turned out to be pretty good. keep it coming!
I like Nick's videos too. He does comedy for smart people and doesn't seem to worry much about whom he mocks. Since you're a working man do you know which days you'll be at the RTR?
+Wanderlustman that is true. I'm not sure yet on the days, I live sorta close enough that I will definitely be at the RTR both weekends.
Coffee at my place then.
🦋
I like this "day in the life of..." type videos. With ur ventilation setup, how hot of a temp can u handle in ur rig?
+MadMat it's kinda funny, I can pinpoint the temperature. 93 F is the temp that I start to get uncomfortable. Not dangerous feeling, just not comfortable.
Static CamperVan I wonder, if it were a sunny summer day, what temperature would it be outside for it to reach 93 degrees inside ur van. Would that be with ur ventilation at full blast, with the doors open or shut? That would be a cool video to see!😁
+MadMat with my current setup, I can keep the inside temperature the same as the outside temp. Above 93F, I will need to turn my fan up to high but otherwise it never gets set past medium speed. The other thing (and few believe this part) is that is only able to be accomplished by having No insulation. And, I always park in the sun so that my solar panel can fully charge my battery bank.
👍👍❤️❤️
Do you run a TV in there ? Do you plan to buy a fire stick? Do you use a laptop in the Van if so how do you et WI-FI?
+hotmasked1 this reminds me to do a video on how I handle wifi.
I don't have a TV. I do own a netbook but rarely carry it.
I've made a very deliberate decision to stop watching TV. UA-cam is what I watch for most of my entertainment.
I admire you .living that way would make lonely .but it doesn't seem to bother you at all.you have what appears to be a small campervan.have you ever given any thought to upgrading .to maybe a small RV .can you picture what that would be like having a table , a little living room , a bathroom .and a bedroom .just like. a small apartment .kind of . I'm not making a personal comment s .on you live .you look very happy.it's just a vision.but maybe something to think about in the future.like your videos .your and interesting man .God bless you.
Thanks. This small van works for me now. I’m open to the possibility of a bigger van in the future but never an RV. I like the ability to drive and park anywhere.
And I’d much rather be outside than in, so I just need a comfortable place to sleep.
I'm one of the new subscribers
Thanks!
Static CamperVan
you're welcome. I love your channel, buddy :D
I think you said ahhh about 500 times in this video... but I still really like your videos.. 😀
+Brian Berkes ahhh, thanks 😂
I didn't realize how much thinner you were back then, must be the yummy grilled cheese sandwiches..
Back then I was only able to afford to eat once a day
Wow, you look so different .
Ware do you work.
I camp in Element some times
+Alex Lisyuk I work for a temp agency.
Elements are very cool
👍One day...can you do a video on being single and dating life while living in a van?
+LovingAtlanta 🤔I may not be the best person for the job. Two different women that I was interested in and seemed to like me as well suddenly changed as soon as they found out I moved into my van. 🙄
Static CamperVan Awww 🤗🤗 well (their loss) I do think that's worth talking about. I think it's confirmation of how people judge people and how people are closed minded. Society "standards" limits people. I do think it takes a like minded person to be able to understand why you've made a very conscience and conscious decision to live in a van.
+LovingAtlanta ☺️ I'll keep it in mind and possibly do a video in the future.
the larger ones of those lighters are FAR better... little ones mess up quickly....
+plutoplatters I’m still looking for a brand that holds up
......yeah.......my 'go-to' for breakfast would prob be bagel and cream cheese with coffee for desert.......ugh......that buffet food didn't look so good......concrete!
How do you wash your clouse
+Alex Lisyuk the exact same way I have always washed them
You drink coffee like I do
That’s a good thing
You fast til afternoon?
No, but I don’t always eat a full breakfast.
i like to share your coffee
this is not a stealth campervan,as there is a vent showing up top, and that does not make it stealth,you should have made up a system that vented out the botttom of the unit.
+Doug Rennick I would have agreed with you a year ago. There have been two significant changes.
In past videos I've explained how the stealth van I wanted to make didn't happen. Mostly because I needed a larger vent and solar panel than I had originally planned.
A few months into living in my van I started to realize MOST people don't notice the vent or panel. I still find it bizarre since they are very noticeable.
The second is that I'm not interested in "stealth" anymore. You can see when my mind changed by the titles of my videos. The idea of stealth is overused on UA-cam. And it's sadly frightening would-be van dwellers away. It's a shame and I've decided to show the real meaning of stealth.
I do recognize that these are my opinions based on 13 months living in my van in a small part of the country. Others may encounter different results in a different part of the country or world.
How tall are you?
+Ron Bailey about 5'10"
Thanks
you should eeat your breakfast by now dec 17 2016 go !
+Stephane Genest uhm, it's dinner time now 🙃
if you like to live inside a van go for truck driving.
+Vahagn melikyan I like my van, Thank you.
Interesting way to make coffee. I have a motorized burr grinder and a cheap espresso machine. My espresso just gets dumped into a hot chocolate so it tames down some of the coffee taste. I never drank coffee until after I retired.
Just an idea on your van: have you ever thought about getting a cabinet maker (or wood hobbyist) to make you some cabinets using the shelves you have as patterns? Or finish some surfaces with upholstery? These are what I am aiming for with my gooseneck trailer even though so far it looks stuck in 1980 decor.
Airstream Serenity and Gulfstream 650 interiors:
ua-cam.com/video/7tVonJuaVr8/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/xt9znSAXitg/v-deo.html
+Builtwild Naylor do you mean cabinets with doors on them? I can and have built cabinets in the past. These shelves weren't supposed to be a long term solution. I made them thinking they would need to be redesigned and build after living in the van for a while.
I've thought of covering them with carpet but for whatever reason it just hasn't been a priority.
That's a great idea to take inspiration from Airstream, classy design.
Yes, modern design cabinets. Those mixed with faux leather surfaces with Airstream style pull down fly shades, black out shades, and divider door. Cool, you can make cabinets. I like the stainless steel you used for your kitchen and sink area. Most self made camper vans have the work stop at hanging mix matched blankets over the windows. Just a thought if that is your main possession/hobby. You could video tape your solutions to improving the interior.
I would do it on my horse trailer, but I am busy cutting styrofoam to insulate a horse water tank. Each day, I am burning through more electricity than you use in a week (month), just to keep the water from freezing on the horses (and barn cat). After that, an endless list of tasks.
+Builtwild Naylor horses are a lot of work. Thanks for the tip, I guess I forget to show some of the little aspects of the van.
By chance do you follow One Awesome Inch? He's using polystyrene insulation in his current build and getting some crazy comments about doing so from viewers.
I looked at his video. That stuff might be what we used to insulate the walls of our trailer. We then have the chrome bubble wrap over it. Then 1/4 inch plywood with wall paper was used to finish the walls. Great way to hide wiring routing.
The horse tank is getting the white foam like those cheap styrofoam coolers. But it is two inches thick. Hopefully it is healthy since a sheet of it will be floating on the drinking water to limit the surface area heat loss.
+Builtwild Naylor styrofoam isn't healthy when it comes in contact with food or water. Plus doesn't it break down and fall apart quickly?
You are wrong ! Baywood is no better than you are !!!!!!
Huh?
Who the heck lives in a van and of all things makes coffee in it? On a different thought, have you thought... thunk... think, thought... of putting a small vent over the area where you cook? 😂😄👍🏻🚐
+Rolling Earth-Ship please don't give me a hard time, why we don't have Timmies out here. It's a very difficult life! 🙏🏽☕️😂😂
Static CamperVan, you're a disgrace to the coffee drinking vandwellers everywhere; no Timmies? Come on! 😂👍🏻
+Rolling Earth-Ship 😳😕🙁☹️😣😖😫 ☕️️😋😂
What's a Timmie? I don't live in the US
@Sean H it’s short for Tim Horton’s. Tim was a popular hockey player who started a donut and coffee shop that is worshipped in Canada. A “Timmie’s” is a cup of the company’s coffee.
You went to Salvation Mountain?! That is absolutely on my bucket list. But guess what? I can cross “visit Grocery Outlet” off my list; UA-cam happened to recommend a video with a tour of G.O. 😂 It never occurred to me that would exist! But I still want to see Salvation Mountain in person someday.