Vanlife Has Been Great
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- UA-cam.com/StaticCamp...
Life has been great the last eight years. And Vanlife has been great the last eight years. Today I am going walk and talk a little about my experiences while taking a look at Fort Worden State Park in Fort Townsend Washington.
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My name is Scott and in 2015, I bought a Ram ProMaster City to live in. Even though I didn’t know much about RV’s and campervans, I set about building the van out as a minivan camper. And in April of 2016, I moved into my minivan full time.
Over the years, I’ve learned you don’t need to have a big skill set to build your own campervan. And that living as a minimalist and utilizing solar power can be a less expensive way to live. I’ve also learned that a minivan can be a very comfortable home.
Please follow along as I document my journey.
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My second channel: / @staticasmr
Being happy is all one needs.
❤
You are a perfect example of a van dweller who does it right! I’m so proud of you and the disciplined way you live. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Man Scott! I was waiting for my wife, having coffee right there and even waved a hello. Didn't wanna invade your space but I'm glad you enjoy Worden like we do! Keep on living the life!!
Oh, you should said hello. I thought your van looked familiar but I didn’t recognize you
Hey Scott, nice to see someone who is still, after eight years, happy with his decisions and and happy with what he has and with his life in general. This is something, all the money in the world cannot buy. I wish you all the best for the next 8 years. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I sure do appreciate that you share the ups and downs of van life. I watch your videos to gather intel. A bonus is the friendly company, beautiful countryside, and interesting commentary. Thank you for the content. We really appreciate it. 😉
Thank you. But, that’s my line :)
@@StaticCamperVan it is you’re line. It’s very kind.
Hi Scott at the end of the day it's your decision you have to be happy 😊
I'll guess "less is more" is what you are describing, when you are happy with your current car than a big van, it might be as you said the cost will be higher but you might not get more space. -clutter tends to consume more space when there is more space available.
@@StaticCamperVan😅
3 years now with just the van and me, no going back😊
On my third year, too. Not glamorous, but necessary 😊
@@Susan-h9z Same here
Just proves that money and lots of big overpriced things don’t bring happiness. Carry on with what you’re doing and ignore the haters Scott!
Scott, you are seeing and doing most of us dream about.
Yes, I’ve been very lucky
I can seriously and literally say "been there, done that!", and I'll never seek out living in a vehicle again!
BS to that!
Believe me, it's no "dream!"
Don't be fooled!
@@Hard_Car_Life I’m curious, did you watch this video?
@@Hard_Car_LifeJust say you didn't watch the video, without saying you didn't watch the video. 🤣
@@Hard_Car_Life Some people thrive this way (I've lived this life since Feb 2018), some don't. Just because you can't do it, that doesn't make it BS. For you, it's no way to live; for others, it's a joy. Be open minded and kind hearted.
Don’t worry about the people that don’t agree with you live your life and be happy! Have a great day.😊
I noticed you're getting close to 40k subscribers. As far as I can see, you have everything to live your daily life. I happy you're doing well and living a good life.
Thanks Sharon.
A clear conscience is an honest mans pillow 😊
HI Scott...hello from Melbourne, Australia. I've been watching your videos intermittently for several years now. I really appreciate your unique personality and listening to your various outlooks on the world around you. I've driven several times up the West Coast of the USA, so always enjoy checking out your locations etc. I have just purchased a Ford Transit camper van and am about to travel up the east coast of Australia. Anyway, keep up the lovely videos and good luck mate😀
@@gregorymarr3593 Good luck to you on your travels. From Oklahoma, USA
Be safe, from Nashville
Hi Scott. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪. Love all your videos. Safe travels to you 🇮🇪💚
Thanks Anne
Just keep doing you. Your happiness and well being is what's important. Love your videos 😊
I clearly notice your happiness, the changes in you, since you'd gone full-time and left the job in the Seattle area. It speaks worlds about the lifestyle you've chosen. It's hard to hear how deep your financial struggles were, thank you for sharing so honestly, for being so vulnerable.
I’m with you on weather
My brain just doesn’t work
I was in Seal Beach
Had to go to marina every day to breathe
Now I’m on central coast pet sitting
No home yet
Car is camp ready
But I don’t want go alone
So here I be
Happy to not have a house
😊
A mortgage truly is the "death pledge" (or grip). Glad you are free! I live vicariously for now...
Vicariously for me, too.
Hi Scott, you’re one of very few YT’ers that have so much time, experience, and therefore credibility to talk about van life.
I’m always impressed with how you’ve laid out your PMC, and turned it into a home.
So far as vans go, IMHO the PMC (and similar sized mini cargo vans) is definitely the way to go.
I love my Transit Connect, just wish that had some shelves, etc.
@@Susan-h9z Hello Susan, there are quite a few Transit Connect owners that have installed shelves in their vans, It’s not that difficult to do.
Probably the most challenging part is deciding how much space you’re willing to use in a tiny van like ours.
Good luck with your build!
If I'm spending alot of time in any state I'll pay for the yearly state park pass. Then I spend my days in the parks and then park at night in the city. Well worth it for me!
It would never cross my mind that you would be lying Scott. Actually I watch your videos and learn from them. I live in a small apartment in Carlsbad CA (I know your feelings on San Diego Co). I downsized from a home, have no car and live here in the village keeping it very simple. I walk most places (I love to walk also) and often learn things from you.
Do what works for you, that is what matters. You never know who you may be helping in the long run. Enjoy your day and your coffee. Kathy
Scott. I'm sure you've seen my comment from time to time. I'm literally cheese it's probably hard to forget me. I always appreciate your content. Currently going thru divorce, wife pregnant with another man's baby. Soon I'll be free in a vehicle like you. I can't wait to gain the benefits you explained here. I had a girl tell me she wanted me to live with her and buy a house and Ii debated it at first but honestly I could never again. Mini van for life brother. Thank you for your videos they bring us peace
I've been thinking about trading in my class b for a hybrid sienna. That way, I can leave the heat or air on if really needed. Also get over 30 mph not 12 in my class b. I cause it as a daily driver too.
I think you are very smart living the way you do. Everyone has different needs, and it is so awesome that you know yours and are able to live the way that is relaxing to you.
I enjoy your relaxing voice in the videos and the beautiful places you show. Thank you
Your content is always so authentic! Thanks Scott and have a great day!
Always follow the good weather
🌿🏞Really Beautiful Park Setting 🏞🌿
We're with you on the small van thing. We come from a backpacking background, and the less you carry/have, the easier it is. Less crap hanging around to clutter your space and brains.... Keep on keeping on....
Who better to figure out what is going to work for you, than you. Your opinion, your life, your way - period. That was very interesting and enlightening.
Wow. I think with you it wouldn't matter what you said. But since I agree with what you've said, and appreciate it and the way you've said it, the beautiful area, delicious coffee, and satisifying narrative, all make my time well spent, and now I can sleep better. I really appreciate it.
Your van and your lifestyle is perfect for you Scott.Peace of mind is priceless 🌅
We are within a days drive from eachother. Do you ever have coffee with a Grandmama & her dog? ❌⭕, Iris and Little One 👋🐾
Yes, but I’m not in the area anymore
Glad life is good for you Scott .❤
I watch a few van life videos on here and I will say honestly I love your videos better. I love the honesty. I am trying to find a way to do this myself...a big step at almost 65. But I feel I will accomplish this. Just a few obstacles to over come. I believe I would love living in a van and seeing some parts I would never see otherwise. Your videos make me want to visit the west coast such beautiful scenery. Thank You Scott.
Aww, thanks Candy. I know you can do it
@@StaticCamperVan thank you Scott that means a lot !
I am exactly where I wanted to be this summer. A CampHost at 9000 ft in Colorado in my class c . Life is good .The campers are friendly and this valley is beautiful. You are doing fine Scott. It's nice sipping a cuppa while watching your videos.
Great to hear ☕️
I love watching your videos and setting and drinking coffee with you LOL. I'm glad you're living your best life everyone should and deserves to do that without judgment.
I agree with everything you said. But the one decision that I made wrong was to add a companion (puppy) to the mix. Oh boy! what a challenge. 🤪😉 But that being said, I have learned so much from you over the years and enjoy your content every time. Thank you
Oh yes. I have been hanging out with friends who have a dog. He’s great but I simply couldn’t handle a dog 24/7
I appreciate your expertise in vanlife, & your opinion. I'm still hoping to live vanlife one day, so I'm taking notes. You always have such beautiful scenery to share also, & with your soothing voice, it makes your videos so relaxing. Ignore the haters, the most important thing is your happiness. Stay safe Scott!
I'm glad for you that you're happy in vanlife. I lived in my car; a 2021 Ford EcoSport here in West Texas for one year: August 16th, 2023 to July 24th, 2024 (just a couple of days ago).
I was offered a small Brookside RV to live in for $400, everything included, by an ex coworker. I grabbed it! I was mostly not very happy living in my vehicle. I did not travel but stayed in town looking for a part time job to no avail!!. I also retired last year on July 28th, so I've been living on Social Security and could not afford the cost of high rent.
Anyway, the heat caused me to stay in my car many hours, using up so much gasoline. It cost me about $300-$400 a month just in gasoline. Food, ice, water, storage, gym, car payment, student loan, car insurance, necessities etc., I could not afford even living in my car while NOT paying rent!
I don't understand how anyone can say they are saving money while car living. The cost of buying the equipment, gasoline, water, ice ($3 a day @30 days = $90 a month), water (3 or 4 gal a day @ $1)
Butane for Cook stove $3 every 3 days, (Coleman stove $50,) ice chest $100, power sources $500, window covers $50, sleeping bag $75, on and on!!
It cost me more to live in my car for a year just by gasoline alone because while in my apartment, it cost me $24 a MONTH in gasoline, because I stayed at home! $45 for gym for showers! Storage $65! You need so much to live in a car!! They don't tell you this!
How can anyone save money living this lifestyle! It's all a farce and I'm so glad that I finally have a true "roof over my head!"
Thank you St. Rita for prayers answered!
Halleluya, I'm finally off the streets!
No more people calling cops and people trying their best to make me feel like a lowlife!
Car living was interesting and I did it for a year, but I'll never do that again!
P. S. My coworker also has a friend who owns a Uhaul business. I was hired on the spot as a part-timer because of my coworker, who is renting me his RV.
Glory be to God!
So I got a small home AND a P. T. Job all in one!
Anyone reading this who wants out of car life, who is suffering through the brutal summer heat with no where to go, go on utube and find the St. Rita novena. She's is the saint of of miracles and impossible cases. It took her 1- 1/2 months to bring me this miracle, out of the blue. I called no one or sought it out. I was called by a friend of a friend who said my coworker was looking for me to rent out his RV. I did literally nothing to have this miracle come to me. Then the next day I had a job after a short interview.
Please find the St. Rita novena on utube and pray it if you need a miracle! It won't come overnight, but it will come soon.
God bless you all!
Thanks for sharing your story brought back memories of my mom as she often mentioned
St Rita Patroness of Impossible Causes…
Full timer here for the last 3 yrs. Texas is not a good place climate wise for car living, isn't gas pretty cheap there? Also it seems u have quite a few extra expenses that add to basic van life that are hindering u. I'm in CA at the beach in a large commercial rig, crappy milage, and living off SS and I'm saving a sh..t load of money every month. Obviously the clue to this is to reduce ur expenses as much as u can down to basically gas and food. Good luck in the future.
I respect your opinions, you know the ins and outs of van life💕Thanks for sharing! Let’s have a cup of coffee!🕊🙏🏻🧂😇🇺🇸
☕️
Thank you for sharing your journey.
It is such a different lifestyle that my friends are wondering why I am considering this alternative. But like you said, you are free to move about and able to stay within budget. American dream realized but on a smaller scale.
It’s always struck me as odd that the majority of people associate excess with happiness. Nine years ago, I had only two friends that encouraged me to try vanlife. Dozens of other friends tried to talk me out of it
I really love our lifestyle and community!
Nice haircut! Wow, this is very aesthetic. So glad you love van life. That's what's important. Keep up the great real-life productions.
Thanks, I cut my hair right here at Fort Worden
@@StaticCamperVan Great job!
So nice there Scott. I like hearing the way you think. You do what you like to do 😀 buy the way your the only van life channel I still watch. Maybe one more when they post. You keep it so real.
So glad life has improved for you & you are happy. California is so beautiful, especially the beaches and ocean views. If I was young I would be very tempted to try van life. So, I live vicariously via UA-cam! Thanks for sharing. Take care & God bless.🙏☮️
So beautiful! What a nice park! I totally get what you’re saying! I respect your opinion. What people miss, is with opinions, there comes your own personal experiences. Everyone’s opinions are different, based on their own life experiences. I have an older home and it consumes me. Taxes, insurance, maintenance. It’s a lot! I had a toilet repair last week and it was $485! For 2 hours or less ( 45 minutes was going to get a part). There’s always something! Everyone has to decide what works for them. I admire you for doing what you know works for you. Keep on enjoying your life! I appreciate you choosing to share it with all of us. I get a lot out of your videos.
Hi Scott, our travels continue to intersect. I took a day trip out from Seattle to Port Townsend and Fort Worden in June. A great stop in the PNW. Traveled east in July to visit family in Midwest. Was just rewatching some of your Humboldt videos and getting “homesick.”
You have it all figured out. I completely agree about high heat and how awful it can be
Humidity is bad, here, in Nashville 😢
Scott , I used to think you were goofy I'm sorry, but now I think you are very smart and I like your honesty . You are very knowledgeable and thanks for sharing.
I’m still goofy
Whatever makes you happy is how you should live!
🙂👍⚘️
The water looks beautiful Scott I’m so glad your no longer tied down to the rat race happy car camping from England Lancashire
Old saying: Stuff expands to fill the available space. So, yes, there's a good chance a larger vehicle would end up as crowded - unless a person is very disciplined about it and very honest with themself about what they really need. I started nomad life with a LOT of stuff and added more. But now I have about a third of that, including some things I don't actually need but can't seem to let go of. At least they're out of the way. No one is perfect. Keep on doing it your way.
I agree with you getting a yearly state park pass, it pays for it self pretty quick for us van dwellers, also it's usually safer if you plan on hiking, biking away from your van for an extended period of time.
Great video Scott, thank you so much!
I can understand the desire to live as affordably as possible. After being homeless (in a shelter but still very traumatic) with my five kids for a year five years ago, I am always planning for the next crisis and thinking of ways to avoid a repeat of the past. Probably why I’m slightly obsessed with van and car living channels like yours! Plus I love camping and being outside so it just looks like a fun adventure 💕
What I hear from you is contentment. I don’t think many people know how to be content, therefore they don’t know how to be happy. More power to you Scott. Be content. I applaud you.
Hello from Bakersfield, CA….Love your videos . ❤🙏
Bakersfield is my home town❤ I am in Washington state now❤
Hi Cindy
Staying cool in the PNW, same here just a bit north from you. I was delighted to wake to 59 degrees this morning and it may have hit 62 Fahrenheit for a moment or two. We’ve received a bit of rain as well, such a pleasure especially knowing a good chunk of the country is much too hot. I feel very fortunate to be here. Thanks for your pleasant videos and take care.
Hi there scott I'm glad you're happy with your lifestyle you're definitely in the right area thanks for sharing. Fingers crossed the van keeps trucking along
It seems that each Nomad has their own point of view - just as each homeowner has theirs. But you are able to work enough to support your gas and coffee habit yet still have time to hike and enjoy the places in which you travel. Your van is big enough for you and that's who you need to please. Plus you have the ability to extend the back doors to make an outdoor shower, so it's expandable. Perfect.
I love the way you live! Take care and enjoy! Greetings from Germany😊🧡💚☀️🌻
I'm sure with all of your experience you know where you need to go, based on the seasons and the weather. I'd think for a more moderate temperature in the winter you can't beat Brookings, Oregon south to Medocino. Being comfortable temperature wise is very important. For me, to see and experience the Pacific Ocean is important.
Got some videos to catch up on but well done and keep on keeping on. You've been frank and honest about your van life so you deserve to enjoy it.
I think the less material possessions you have is better. I went from nomadic van life to a job offer with a two bedroom studio apartment on a horse ranch. Now they’re selling the ranch and I’m getting ready to go back to nomadic life. Really looking forward to it.
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing your thoughts and views on van-life, greatly appreciate it. Also, thanks for the sticker you gave us at the Walmart yesterday and the laughs about the solar panels. Happy trails!!
You’re welcome. Hope you get some solar panels soon! Haha
Doing it the way you want to do it!! Perfect, its the only way to do life "Your Way"!
We love all the batteries at Ft Stevens SP in Warrenton, Astoria where we camp several times a year.
I'm in a Promaster Can and temperature is the #1 factor in my travel decisions..
People say the same to me. I'm in a little Astro van. I couldn't imagine being in anything else!
Always good to see u hoping u can stay cool.
Thank you, trying to stay cool
A very interesting, and most pleasant, video Scott. Thank you so much for sharing some of your background. A pleasure to learn more about you. So pleased to hear how well your mini van has, and continues to, work well for you. You are happy with what you have. That anyone would argue with you over your own opinion cracks me up! Your cool (literally!) place by the water - peaceful sounds of the water coming into shore rolling over the rocky beach - was outstanding! I live in Southern California, western side, and weather for few weeks has been upper 90's & 100+. So thanks for my repeated from these miserable temps! Appreciate it! Looking forward to tagging along with you next time. Now ... think I'll go make myself a cup of coffee. Take care. "See" you again soon.
I appreciate that you show places we can go and camp or park or hang out for awhile
You almost got me wanting to do that too, but I got too many possessions, and an older sedan that I have pretty much renewed mechanically, that runs like a dream. It has a hitch, so towing a teardrop is not out of the question, but can't say goodbye to some of my stuff. Less IS more.
Happy for you buddy..from somebody who’s life absolutely sucks every minute of every day I’m genuinely happy for you..don’t ever let anyone talk you into living any other way..love your videos..cheers and I’ll drink many beers and shots of whiskey for you..
I’m sorry to hear that things aren’t going well for you. I hope for better times for you
Happy to hear you escaped and found freedom on the road , what a blessing Scott , ❤ from Calif D
I respect your opinion Scott, and I agree with you about it all.
This, I think is my favorite of your video's thus far...
It sparked my heart. I hope I get to meet you one day.❤
One size does not fit all. Agree completely. I like my transit van because I need to be able to stand up. But I accept that others live in cars, suv, minivans, gigantic rvs, etc. I appreciate your videos and have learned many “tricks “ along the way that you have shared. Spent summer of 2022 in Fort Worden State Park! 👍🏻 🌊
What a Lovely post, Scott! ... yep inland California is too doggone hot in the summer & too doggone cold in the winter. If it wasn't for my local critters, ... 😺💜
VanLife is a revelation for a lot of people. Just realizing that paying rent is not a requirement to live your life is 😊
Howdy Scott.. Safe travels to you..
Hi Linda. Thank you
The view there is gorgeous! I’d take it in for as long as possible also!
I am totally in agreement with you Scott! 80 is to warm for me. I live in the hills of Molalla Oregon and have been for 9 years, before that I lived in Tillamook Oregon where for the most part is way cooler in the summer. But circumstances changed and we had to move here to help my father in law. No central air in his very old house and we only have a window AC in our bedroom which has been a life saver! Im so glad you are able to move around where its cooler during the summer!! Love your videos Scott ❤️😍😍❤️😍
Do your own thing and don’t worry about what people think. Plus enjoy the coffee and Yellow Bird!
Hello Scott thank you for another great video. I really enjoy watching these as it enables me see beautiful areas of the US along the west coast. Safe and happy travels. Greetings from Perth, Australia 😊
Thank you for sharing your life's journey with us
Sounds great living in a van for many years Scott .. ATB TC man 🏴🇨🇦🇱🇷
Thanks Kenny, hope you’re doing great
Cooler weather 👍🏼 and you’re an inspiration for me to get out and camp in my van with my 2 puppers ❤️🐶
I too, live as cheap as possible in my mini van. Love it!
Nice to see anyone in a good place with their lives. Good luck.
Hey Scott, we met last year at the Silverdale Trader Joe's. If you're still in the area, Poulsbo, your welcome to a section of our 300ft driveway if you wish. Safe travels.
Hey how are you? Thanks for the offer but it doesn’t look like I’ll get back your area this year
@@StaticCamperVan doing grand. Cheers.
You have freedom-thats plenty!
One has to be happy and at peace with their choice and you are. Thanks for the video.
Always a pleasure Scott.
Have a wonderful day
Thanks😊
what amazes me is how your minimalistic way or living is better for you. for after ending up in hospital and eventually being released the last 3 weeks have been taking notes and applying your living techniques to my way of living and I was astonished how little I am able eat and sustain my health. I got a long way to go still but I have now made a life choice and I am thinning my lifestyle out. sadly I am unable to live in a van but in every other aspect I am changing my life. Thanks to you Scott and the youtuber Tidelinetoalpine.
Yay for being happy and carefree
Hi Scott! You always talk about Van Life at this time!! I have been following your channel such a long time.. Yup this is what you say about you is great about van life due to all the inflation, high cost of fuel, food prices etc.. You always tell the Truths about Van Life.. I gladly you travel out California such a Gotham or Homeless state. Stay safe Scott
My greatest fear is the initial trip from Michigan to Arizona. Long trip towing my cargo trailer. Once I'm there if I break down, I can wait for next month's social security. Travel then can be minimal.
I’m not fond of the desert for several reasons. I made a video about my thoughts:
ua-cam.com/video/fz7iWzlKumw/v-deo.htmlsi=BQVDhRfY0bUT9s5p
I’m several years ahead of you in this minivan lifestyle and have watched you advance over the years. I’m also about twice as old as you and also highly value the financial freedom our minivan lifestyles have made possible. I’m a whole lot less primlocked than you are by virtue of investments in luxurious minivan off grid equipment (just upgraded my custom floor mounted-power vented 5000 Btu AC to 8000 Btu and doubled my lithium capacity to around 7000 watt hours.
Hard to believe that you’re 145 years old!
@@StaticCamperVan 66 actually, or as I like to note, “Two thirds of the way to the number of the Beast”
@@TimFuller👹
Bless your heart!😁
@@StaticCamperVan 😂
I love Port Townsend. It’s easy to understand why you love it so much. A new fan from Santa Rosa California.
Santa Rosa is pretty good, too
Greetings from Stockholm Sweden Scott,really enjoy your videos and take on things,safe travels