My father called me to his bedside as he was dying in 2003. Always a serious, successful hard working man that did all he could for his wife, widowed mother and his 3 sons. I knew,... his last words would be deep and philosophical. He looked into my eyes and said, " son, life is an institution, but ,....... who likes an institution ? " LOL That has brought me so much peace and laughter over the last two decades. Father had always followed the rules and expectations of the world and in the end I think he was giving me a gift in a joke. I think he was telling his spirited, rebellious sigma, son to go his own way and screw convention and in doing so put some wind in your hair. LESSON : Don't die regretting that you didn't ride that RV or motorcycle around the continents.
Joshua - this almost brought me to tears. Sorry for your loss. Me too. Thing is, I'm fighting Pancreatic Cancer (getting toward the end of treatment). BUT - the plan IS: beat this bugger, retire in 3 years, then on the ROAD full-time in a big trailer. If I get ONE YEAR of that, I'll be OK with it. Right? (After I take off, my channel will get REALLY crazy and fun!) So, thanks for your comment. It confirms my plan. Yeah, go your own way my friend. 👍
Thanks for the vid - what an absolute gem of a guy. Giving more than he is taking. Someone who is actually living rather than just surviving. Thank you Jay for showing us what life should be like 💚
My dad lives on a narrow boat and has a mooring up near Skipton. It's not easy but he loves the freedom to move around. He's enjoying his retirement for sure.
Love the vibe Jay has created in his home. The pallet wood looks brilliant and the separate bedroom is inspired. Jay is a genuinely good guy. Hey from Australia. 🦋
Morning bro. I live in a van too. love life but we need to start keeping schtum about it. The amount of haters is building fast mainly due to youtube etc , all decent parkups are heaving or full of gimps with cameras. 'they' will ban it .....but I will not be giving up! We fought them 30 years ago and we'll do it again...old as we are.
I'm the same age as Jay. I have the greatest respect for him and I'm glad that his life post-divorce, has worked out well through this alternative, better lifestyle.
Aloha - Thank you for this feature. Jay seems to be a great guy with a great outlook on life. Mentioning his kids and grandkids shows that despite the divorce, he’s still a dad and a grandad. Great perspective on the life he’s living…love that he’s living on his own terms.
Love his home:) He did a really good job making it happen. I'd love love love to do it but I have no idea about mechanics. I'll do the tiny house thing with a mechanic nearby.
I havent slept in a house in 10 months. Divorced my abusive ex and found peace and healing by building myself a tiny home on wheels and living on the road. Happier than ive ever been.
Bender the burner is a stroke of genius! Having a log burner is thee only thing I miss about living in my bungalow…I live in a vw T6.1 so space is limited…but my mission in life is to re-gig her guts and figure out how to get a burner in. All the best from one Jay in a van to another 👊
Not strictly true and as he said, it’s getting more and more difficult to find free legal parkups (and wild camping spots) especially in England. I’ve had ‘the knock’ on several occasions, by farmers, the forestry commission, land owners and the police, on places that I thought were free to park on. I’ve also heard from friends who have received negativity from people who lump vanlifers in with travellers, and fear the mess that would be left behind. IMHO the government doesn’t want to encourage this lifestyle, probably because they lose control and as we all know, especially since covid, controlling the population is the number one aim of governments all the world over.
It's very important to focus on your health at the age over your 40's. Let's face it, if your British and been enjoying the last 4 decades, it will have taken its toil. Living in a van will humble then change you.
I admire people who let themselves be who they are and not worry about what others think. I am more conventional than this man but can admire him for following his dream and being happy with what he has.
I think governments and councils in many places should be supportive of vanlife, considering many people who have jobs are still struggling to pay the high rent prices for below average accommodation; at least living in a van (even if if isn't long-term) is a better option than homelessness
@@3000Bassman Maybe they want people to be living paycheck to paycheck, worrying about rent so they show up to work. Also you don't have to pay council tax and you know how much the government loves taxes. Regardless, the people in charge are out of touch, if Van Life becomes more and more popular, eventually the government will find ways to tax you to death for living in a van.
JAY - I love everything about this. CONGRATS! Great story, amazing build, and the white GRAPHICS are super-cool. Wishing you the best of everything mate! I'm stuck in Minnesota for now (cancer / long story), but then full-time NOMAD in a big trailer. Do you have a UA-cam channel?? DO IT! 👍(love your accent, BTW...) Cheers! 😊
Thanks very much, but don’t let nothing stop you what you want. I am on UA-cam but I’m not very good at it further photography side of stuff from my Instagram and obviously my Facebook group stay strong dude
Been There, Done That and Never Again. You are living the dream! Living Well Is The Best Revenge. Sending you good thoughts, powerful energy and groovy vibes!
Brilliant video! Having just travelled through New Zealand for three weeks in a motorhome, i'm well aware of all the problems that could occur. Love his Aragorn head tattoo!
What a fantastic looking van I always admire people who can do these things. For some of us that can’t drive due to health issues my hopes one day is to get a boat and do something similar but only time will tell
Love your van ❤ You will love vanlife in Morocco - we have done the whole of it and on our way back now! We met so many amazing vanlifers in Morocco with very cool set ups 😎
Yep! Go to the mountain and climb it now! Don’t wait until you’re so old that all you can do is come back with a F’in Teeshirt that says that you’ve been there.
This interview can relate to me personally, kind of the same situation when it comes to losing everything but still in the meat grinder of 6 over 7 days onsite work, me son is nearly 3 and I'd love to one day be in a position like this would be the dream to show him a different life then what I'm currently living.
My father called me to his bedside as he was dying in 2003. Always a serious, successful hard working man that did all he could for his wife, widowed mother and his 3 sons. I knew,... his last words would be deep and philosophical. He looked into my eyes and said, " son, life is an institution, but ,....... who likes an institution ? " LOL That has brought me so much peace and laughter over the last two decades. Father had always followed the rules and expectations of the world and in the end I think he was giving me a gift in a joke. I think he was telling his spirited, rebellious sigma, son to go his own way and screw convention and in doing so put some wind in your hair.
LESSON : Don't die regretting that you didn't ride that RV or motorcycle around the continents.
Joshua - this almost brought me to tears. Sorry for your loss. Me too. Thing is, I'm fighting Pancreatic Cancer (getting toward the end of treatment). BUT - the plan IS: beat this bugger, retire in 3 years, then on the ROAD full-time in a big trailer. If I get ONE YEAR of that, I'll be OK with it. Right? (After I take off, my channel will get REALLY crazy and fun!) So, thanks for your comment. It confirms my plan. Yeah, go your own way my friend. 👍
Thanks for the great story
Helly Yeah brother
Thanks for the PSA.
My dad on his death bed told me “not to believe everything THEY tell you “ sound advice
I've lived in a van since August this year. I'm 68 n I've never been so effing stress free, and HAPPY 🎉
It’s great huh?!? Love it❤
wow that's awesome!!!!
Enjoy well done
What medicine are you on?
I want to know more
One of the nicest chaps, there for everyone whenever they need, always looking out for others. Proud to have parked next to Jay a couple of times.
Cheers guys
This guy's van is is nice. And I love his outlook on life. Great van. I would definitely travel with him.
@@tynitahaines4012cheers 👍
@@thewanderingwarrior1lovely van ,and good out look on life xx
The separate bedroom and the philosophy behind it is simple genius. Well done!
Agreed, change of scenery for bed time
First time I've seen this fellow on the UA-cam and what a treat actually just talking normally and being honest
Wonderful portrait of a man living on his own terms. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the vid - what an absolute gem of a guy. Giving more than he is taking. Someone who is actually living rather than just surviving. Thank you Jay for showing us what life should be like 💚
Good luck fella. Been off grid 20 years myself now. Struggled with van life tbh so on the canal system now continuous cruising. Keep smiling 🙏💪😊
My dad lives on a narrow boat and has a mooring up near Skipton. It's not easy but he loves the freedom to move around. He's enjoying his retirement for sure.
Love the vibe Jay has created in his home. The pallet wood looks brilliant and the separate bedroom is inspired. Jay is a genuinely good guy. Hey from Australia. 🦋
Hey thanks 🙏
I’m 69 just got divorced and I’ve bought a van!
You didn’t lose everything, you gained life and freedom!😊 great van!
I love this style far more than the plush van builds. The wood makes it feel cosy and warm.
All that gold,doesn't glitter. Not all those who wander are lost.! Amen!
Morning bro.
I live in a van too. love life but we need to start keeping schtum about it. The amount of haters is building fast mainly due to youtube etc , all decent parkups are heaving or full of gimps with cameras.
'they' will ban it .....but I will not be giving up! We fought them 30 years ago and we'll do it again...old as we are.
I'm the same age as Jay. I have the greatest respect for him and I'm glad that his life post-divorce, has worked out well through this alternative, better lifestyle.
You’re absolutely right to live the life you live. Stay safe, may Thor be with you. Greetz from Sweden
⚡️👌
⚡️ 🔨 ⚡️
One man and his mobile castle! All the best, dude!👍😎
Probably the coolest paint job I’ve seen yet. Well done buddy!!
Aloha - Thank you for this feature. Jay seems to be a great guy with a great outlook on life. Mentioning his kids and grandkids shows that despite the divorce, he’s still a dad and a grandad. Great perspective on the life he’s living…love that he’s living on his own terms.
I’m 66 and loving life …. Not knackered 😂💪 Enjoy your journey buddy … wish you well 👍🏻
🤦♂️🫶
What a decent fella, i wish him well.
Another excellent video, keep up the good work.
Godspeed.....
Im livin this lifestyle in New Zealand.. my ride is VW LT46.. big van... never looked back.
There’s a lesson for everyone here.
Thank you, take care and good luck.
Yeah, don't get married. Just get a van and go travelling without the hassle.
@@rench1984 Coming up on 40years of marriage. It’s an honourable institution.
😂
@Jay
Let go of the bitterness. This'll make you feel even better.
Nice van! 🫶🏼 the paint job!
Wonderful. Love the paint work. You NEED some decent Rogue Alloys and BF Goodrich tyres.
Bf Goodrich tyres aren't that good
To much road noise
There are better
That bedroom at the back! Brilliant design
Love his home:) He did a really good job making it happen. I'd love love love to do it but I have no idea about mechanics. I'll do the tiny house thing with a mechanic nearby.
I have that exact same Tolkien quote tattooed on my arm! 🙌🏼
I havent slept in a house in 10 months. Divorced my abusive ex and found peace and healing by building myself a tiny home on wheels and living on the road. Happier than ive ever been.
Well done , decent van ,freedom ❤🏴
Home is where you park it ! Its great to get some positive vibes from others that choose the freedom of living an alternative lifestyle . 🌞
Love the art work on the van.
Thank you
Bender the burner is a stroke of genius! Having a log burner is thee only thing I miss about living in my bungalow…I live in a vw T6.1 so space is limited…but my mission in life is to re-gig her guts and figure out how to get a burner in. All the best from one Jay in a van to another 👊
I’ve been living in a van for 2 years plus now and Jay explained things so well ! Seems a nice bloke all the best on your travel adventures
Well done Jay, terrific home you've made & great attitude to dive into life's wild waterfalls! Here's wishing you all the best & Keep on truckin'!🌏🛸
It’s about attitude and respect well done my man good luck in your van life age is but a number
Since a kid iv allways loved 5he idea of living as you do ..... good for you i ŵish you well mate 👍
I totally commend you on this! Its the neatest thing I've ever seen! Enjoy the journey! 🎉
Good on you dude, I like the homie feel and rustic look of the van inside. Very cozy and inviting to me. Cheers
Woooow great job Jay wish you many more adventures in your lovely home on wheels.
Thank you so much for your honesty
Less is more
Wishing you all the very best ❤
Love the cartoon paint job😊,bread bin storage,great easy way to form a cupboard ,
Top guy
❤
What a lovely guy with a fantastic build and outlook on life❤
What an amazing 🤩 van .. great life ❤️🏴
I like the attitude of parking wherever you want. You're absolutely right, the vehicle can legally park where you want.
Not strictly true and as he said, it’s getting more and more difficult to find free legal parkups (and wild camping spots) especially in England.
I’ve had ‘the knock’ on several occasions, by farmers, the forestry commission, land owners and the police, on places that I thought were free to park on.
I’ve also heard from friends who have received negativity from people who lump vanlifers in with travellers, and fear the mess that would be left behind.
IMHO the government doesn’t want to encourage this lifestyle, probably because they lose control and as we all know, especially since covid, controlling the population is the number one aim of governments all the world over.
Park 'yes'
Sleep in unfortunately 'no'
If you don't know your rights then you don't have any rights.
@@keepitreal1547 Who's enforcing that rule?
@@austinbux
It's highly unlikely as most are indoors sat at a table, but those employed to enforce the law in the UK.
What a welcoming, comfortable space. I love it!
Loved it as per. Another well sourced find. Brilliantly done 👍🏻💚💚
Thanks Alan! One step closer to yours haha 😎🙌🏼
@liveration Yeah I know 😁,....ooooh exciting 😀💚💚
Just perfect! We don't need much to be happy. But we also don’t need to deprive ourselves either. He is definitely not lacking anything. Just great!
I LOVE the interior. Rustic and cosey.
Good luck to you Jay......love the van....inspiring....hope you get to Morocco soon.
It's very important to focus on your health at the age over your 40's. Let's face it, if your British and been enjoying the last 4 decades, it will have taken its toil. Living in a van will humble then change you.
I admire people who let themselves be who they are and not worry about what others think. I am more conventional than this man but can admire him for following his dream and being happy with what he has.
Oh dear I didn't mean to sound so stuffy
Good on ya Jay, you've transformed adversity to benevolence for not just you but many others. All the best for many more years of safe adventuring.
Jay is an amazing bloke it’s a pleasure for me and my wife to know him and see him ❤
🫶 love ya guys
God bless brother. Keep doing whatever puts a smile on your face.
👍🏻 another great video guys... Jay, down to earth, nice guy😊
Tiny houser. The freedom and peace of mind from not having to pay rent or mortgage is life changing
Wicked video guys as always!! Nice one Jay all the best, wicked van!! ….Smithy
Great van. And to me comes across as a polite gentleman.
Nice setup, great attitude. Great vid.
😮 love ya guy
This was an extraordinary video and done as well
Warm inviting beautiful build. Great size. I hope you have many wonderful days filled with memories.
jay really really enjoyed that thank you so much
GORGEOUS kitchen counter!
Another great video guys, interviewing and showing a great guy that we’re lucky enough to call a good friend, and yes AVG is the best🤘☯️
You guys are awesome and yes, bloody good friends ❤
The government could never stop van life IMO.
There is always somewhere to park, even if it's in a residential area
I think governments and councils in many places should be supportive of vanlife, considering many people who have jobs are still struggling to pay the high rent prices for below average accommodation; at least living in a van (even if if isn't long-term) is a better option than homelessness
@@3000Bassman
Maybe they want people to be living paycheck to paycheck, worrying about rent so they show up to work. Also you don't have to pay council tax and you know how much the government loves taxes. Regardless, the people in charge are out of touch, if Van Life becomes more and more popular, eventually the government will find ways to tax you to death for living in a van.
@3000Bassman bold.of.you to assume the governments think of their people as more than cattle
JAY - I love everything about this. CONGRATS! Great story, amazing build, and the white GRAPHICS are super-cool. Wishing you the best of everything mate! I'm stuck in Minnesota for now (cancer / long story), but then full-time NOMAD in a big trailer. Do you have a UA-cam channel?? DO IT! 👍(love your accent, BTW...) Cheers! 😊
Dontcha know
@@leeinwis 😅 Ohh... you becha! Good one, Lee. 👍
Thanks very much, but don’t let nothing stop you what you want. I am on UA-cam but I’m not very good at it further photography side of stuff from my Instagram and obviously my Facebook group stay strong dude
Love the vid, love to see more content like this. Great stuff keep going guys. Also what a free soul he is. Love to see it 🙌
Been There, Done That and Never Again. You are living the dream! Living Well Is The Best Revenge. Sending you good thoughts, powerful energy and groovy vibes!
Love this. My small t5 has panel wood and i love it. This is next level. great van and a great bloke
Awesome lovely bloke bless him❤❤
Van looking great mate, inside and out! Well done!!
This guy has is spot on
Love the look. Waterfalls, yeees! What a life. Though I'll say, if you're married to the right person, it can be good.❤
best build i have ever seen
Thanks for creating & posting your very eye opening YT video.
Brilliant video! Having just travelled through New Zealand for three weeks in a motorhome, i'm well aware of all the problems that could occur. Love his Aragorn head tattoo!
Another top video! Awesome work guys 👍 Such a cool van!
How do you get your tee shirts so clean😀 Joking aside, best of british to you mucka, shame it took a break up, to make you happy👍
Well done Jay , you've found your perfect work to life balance...
Enjoyed the video down to earth intelligent switched on normal guy ie Jay. Thanks
Love your home 🏡 good for you 👍
Love the paint job on that thing!
Class mate. Cracking van 🎉
Yes very interesting and informative,enjoyable, thanks from 🇦🇺 .
What a fantastic looking van I always admire people who can do these things. For some of us that can’t drive due to health issues my hopes one day is to get a boat and do something similar but only time will tell
Love your van ❤ You will love vanlife in Morocco - we have done the whole of it and on our way back now! We met so many amazing vanlifers in Morocco with very cool set ups 😎
Yes, I want to buy a rug😂
Great paint job.😮👍awesome rig
Thank you very much
Good on u mate I’m so angry still after divorce!
Yep! Go to the mountain and climb it now! Don’t wait until you’re so old that all you can do is come back with a F’in Teeshirt that says that you’ve been there.
Amazing setup and lifestyle. Paint job though.... :D
Fair play to you!! enjoy your van life and be safe....
Well impressed with this Build Pal
Have you ever thought of integrating a Rain Water collecting system piped into your water tanks ?
That Tolkien quote tattoo is great
Lucky chap do it for has long as you can loved your video take care look forward to more thank you for sharing ❤
This chap , has it all now and happy good off you.
Love this and love the style of the van ❤
This interview can relate to me personally, kind of the same situation when it comes to losing everything but still in the meat grinder of 6 over 7 days onsite work, me son is nearly 3 and I'd love to one day be in a position like this would be the dream to show him a different life then what I'm currently living.
Good luck to you sir! Thanks for sharing your story 🙏😄