Living Free on Arizona Public Land
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- Опубліковано 26 бер 2022
- #vanlife #adayinalife #swampcooler
Recently I left California because of high gas prices and crowded streets. Even though I knew little about Arizona, it seemed like a good place because of less expensive fuel and lots of public lands to camp for free. This is my first day getting out into areas of the state of Arizona that I am not familiar with. So far, it’s been great here in Arizona. I spent some time in Quartzite and Lake Havasu City. And then I moved northeast to the town of Kingman. And Kingman has had the best free public land to camp on yet.
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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.
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" I like opening up my door and NOT seeing a BUNCH of people" !! Amen.
😂😂😂
Man you are out there!!!! Great video
Thanks Dude
I just bought 10 undeveloped acres right outside of Kingman in Golden Valley! It’s gorgeous out that way!😍 Have fun and be safe!🙂
Awesome! I’m not sure if I’ll ever visit Arizona again but it sure is a great place.
Thank you for bringing up how you stepped outside of your comfort zone. It’s so hard for all of us to do which binds us but we won’t talk about it. It’s exhausting mentally and physically. You seem like such a sweet man! So nice to see you enjoying the day. Thanks for letting us tag along!
Scott don't jeopardize your Van! Say close to Town when its Hot in 🏜️ And all kinds of nomads,you never know!🙄🤞✌️👍🙌🙏🇺🇸🌅🌄🌞💫
I'm glad you decided to venture out of California, and I'm glad you're feeling good about the decision! I know you have some health-related reservations about higher elevations, but if it works out, I hope you are able to explore places like Flagstaff or Colorado. The climate and environment in those places will probably be a great summer refuge for you.
I’m slowly creeping up in elevation to test the waters. So far, no issues.
Slow is good!
@@kelliethorne1200 learning from the desert turtles.
Thank you for sharing your journey. It is pleasant.
It’s looks like you are on Mars when you looking out your door! 😁
I think they filmed the moon landing here.
@@StaticCamperVan really? Seems like they could have. Glad you’re adventuring again. Dinner looked scrumptious!
praying for your success in life. shoutout frm the philippines. if only you can drive thru here in bohol (chocolate hills, tarsiers and famous calamay or coco jam. God bless you bro.
What a wonder place, but yes it's too hot. California is getting congested and of course gas doesn't help either 😒 I am going to order a new van in about a year. Just for traveling until I retired when I am 60. I am 55 the picture of me is what I look now. I can't believe I look nothing like that age. Hopefully gas will drop then. 🙏 I really like watching you cook and show your location. It's really nice.
I think if get yourself a lawn umbrella or an awning, and a lawn chair, you could enjoy sitting out of your van even more in the desert. As always, you have to be able to adapt to the environment to fully enjoy it for what it is. Just a thought👍👍
I have two umbrellas and a makeshift awning. I use them occasionally
My grandfather used to call mashed potatoes and hamburger gravy with peas SOS. Very good dinner
A nice long video with a story. Lol on the truck fire 🔥 I have to learn that technique.
Thanks Scott ☺️Enjoy Arizona
Thanks Monica
I spent about a month at lake Havasu on BLM land and as far as water goes, I always got it at the circle k through the glacier water dispenser right outside the entry door. I tried to get it at the Walmart there but the machine was always broken
Hey, Matty. Good to know, thanks
Scott ,hold on to what you have, because everything go3s up ,or they don't have i5!👍🤞✌️🙌🙏🇺🇸🌅🌄🌞💫
I love Arizona. In the latter 25 years of the 90's I was stationed in Gila Bend and in Phoenix then after retiring from the military. My favorite places are along Hwy 89, Cottonwood up to Flagstaff, van friendly sites. The sunsets are spectacular! Sedona is expensive but incredibly beautiful. On hot days Slide Creek is a great place to slide down the rocks, chill in the peaceful pools...can be lots of people but also much fun.
Mogollon Rim. Coolest place, lovely area.
I see the Safeway carries Tim Horton's coffee for all the Canadian who go south for the winter
Must be. I looked longingly…
So you took a left when you meant to take a right and you ended up in such a pretty place. Being lost on land has it's advantages. :) Ha ha love the spork! I didn't know that's all it takes to make something gourmet.
You’ve had it figured out all along, LOLA.
I really loved this video showing a day in your life!
A UA-camr - Project Farm does really good tests on engine additives and found Restore engine restorer did a great job on engines that use oil. Might be worth checking out.
These engines were designed with weak piston rings as a way to increase fuel mileage. A lot of engines have been replaced under recall, but mine didn’t qualify.
I see you have the America the Beautiful Pass hangtag. I got my Pass this year. Very excited to get out and make use of it before it expires.
Scott, I love all ur videos, old and new. I always check them out! Thank you!
Excellent idea. As soon as it gets to hot, people move north to the Camp Verde/ Cottonwood/Sedona area and when it gets hot there, Flagstaff. A little to cold there right now. AZ resident........
Guess I’ve stumbled accidentally on the migration pattern. Lots of friendly people up here.
Really good video 👍🏼
Thanks Ida ✌🏼
Yes you (and all of us) need to go beyond our comfort zone. Otherwise we are definitely missing out on some new adventures! I call you supper “Shepherds Pie”. Last thing, you have some of the coolest music on UA-cam!
Thanks John. To be honest, all the music is provided by UA-cam. I have spent hours on hours searching out pieces of music that seem appropriate. Glad to know you like it.
Is that THE Kingman, mocked in Who Is America? Great video Scott
Feels great when persistence pans out🎉
Great vlog!
Hi Scott, I have changed to guacamole in the tube.
It does not go bad so fast.
I have it every morning in my breakfast burrito.
Love it when you get devilish look in your eyes.
That smile looks good on you.
Great video! Thanks for taking us along on your adventure.
Thanks Tonya
Really enjoyed thus video. A little everyday life and a little adventure! Thanks!
Hey Thanks
Really good vlog, Scott. Enjoyed it!
Thanks Steve
I'm like you in not wanting to drive a lot, I park for weeks at a time 😇
Glad you finally found water. Enjoyed watching your day unfold very much.
Thanks
Really loved this video! Glad you are in Arizona....hope you stay a while.
And ya.... I can imagine all the extra driving would make you exhausted:)
Thanks Cindy.
Arizona's my state. I'm glad you're liking it. I'm in Tucson. The days are just getting warmer, but the nights are nice.
Wow! So great to see you in Arizona. The desert is a real mystery.
I’ve spent almost 40 years in the desert. It kinda feels like home here.
Beautiful. Enjoyed this update, got a few laughs and thought about best practices for navigating the best. It will be a new experience for me. 😎😎
Hey Thanks! It’s all out here for us to enjoy!
I believe you are the most likable guy on UA-cam. take care
Thank you
@@StaticCamperVan i am sure you have addressed it in a video, and if not wanting to reveal is understandable, but your diet......u stated u can't consume certain types of foods..is it a food allergy?
Not a food allergy. But I often call it that because it’s an easier explanation. I can’t eat any artificial additives.
Oh how I love you and your spork! I really enjoy your simplicity living, I enjoy your decision making in regards to needs versus wants! Please keep up the excellent!
Thanks so much!
Good to hear that going east and heading to Kingman area is working out for you. The area looked quite beautiful and cooler is better that’s for sure.
Thanks. Out of my comfort zone but enjoying it
Using oil is not a good sign. I say that from the vantage point of Nellybelle, my 93 Dodge Grand Caravan LE (Luxury Electrics) with 240k miles. I went up from 5000 feet (Loveland) to 7200 feet yesterday morning to play nine holes of golf in Estes Park. Nelly seeps a little oil on the valve covers but the engine is still tight. Don't ask about the radiator....LOL> Would you believe that a fellow can walk nine holes of golf at an executive nine hole course set at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park for ten bucks? Paradise my friend. #honestMessiah
Nice to see you on the road. You'll miss the ocean yet time to venture out ✌🏕safe travels
I already miss the ocean 😂✌🏼
.... nice camp spot 👍
It’s been a dream ✌🏼
Great video!!
Thanks Anthony
I love your sense of humor. My older son loves living in Flagstaff. He's been there about ten years now.
Thanks! Sounds like Flagstaff is a good place then
Take in more of the Southwest.
😎 I went camping there. It's pretty nice. And close to town.
Glad that Kingman worked out for you. My aunt and uncle lived outside Kingman for many years and you don't want to be there in the summer when it's 120°, but this time of year is pretty nice.
Too hot! It’s pretty nice now though
👋 Scott 😊😊 😊
Sadly, one of the tradeoffs of leaving CA is the food, particularly food that isn't generic, is more expensive or harder to find. I know people always complain of CA being expensive but there are things like food--particularly fresh produce, that are way cheaper. I have lived in both CA and Texas and even though cost of living in Texas is much cheaper, you end up spending way more in energy, food, and to be honest, housing (for what you get).
Interesting to hear that. There’s certainly a bigger picture to it all.
LMAO Slaughterhouse Canyon! But great to see you away from the stress of traffic and too many people. Love your wry humor. We're preparing for a yukon/NWT trip in June/July. 👍🇨🇦😎🌲💙🌮 Get those tortillas working for ya...!
Now that’s a trip! We have friends up there with a great UA-cam channel @UPNORTHOF60
You seem chill. I'm trying to find a laptop job so I can travel.. I'm jealous. Enjoy my friend. Safe travels
your dinner looks similar to our shepherd's pie. yummy 🤗
I like shepherds pie
We just spint two months in Lake Havasu and needed to get back to Reno for Doctors appointments. It's cooler here. Kingman is a nice place. Have fun.
Thanks Michael. Hope you’re well
Very nice areas to boondock in AZ. And that’s what makes those trips exciting, to get out of your comfort zone and explore new areas. I just did it myself today on a short trip in the hill country in Wimberley Texas. Love your vids, long time subscriber and first time to comment.
Hey, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment
Sporks make everything taste better!
That area looks great to explore in 🙂 but anything over 80-85 degrees I'm all done in and then it's time for a nap 🤣
Hahaha. Same!
I'm not fond of Temps above 8o. I do love fall weather.
I put an induction cooker in my minivan, one reason (of many) being to minimize extra heat put into the living space. It's a Nuwave PIC Flex and even though it has lots of temperature settings, it also has a wattage setting. Set at 600w, a Kill-a-Watt meter verifies that it only uses 600 watts, even on the highest temp setting. So I can easily keep its power draw within the limits of my battery and inverter. I have yet to live with it on the road, but I'm optimistic as it has tested out well so far.
Nice! Wish I had enough solar and battery for an induction stove.
I'd really love to see a video where you measure the temperature difference between inside your van and outside and at different fan speeds when its hot out. I'm yet to see someone post an actual quality discription of how effective the Maxxfan is.
As you travel, keep track of all those free services, such as that water source... If you like Az, you'll really like Colorado (in the summer) Twin Lakes for example, near Leadville. Videos with a traveling component are more entertaining than static videos, ironically.
The dealership in Lake Havasu is great. I’ve had good experiences there. Stand up group. I too have found it a little difficult to locate water in Lave Havasu. Nice camping further north in Kaibab national forest off state road 89A east of state road 67. It’s near a place called Jacob Lake Inn. If I remember correctly the elevation was between 5-6K. I have issues with elevation as well but I quickly got use to it there. That being said it’s quite peaceful there. Wasn’t cold and the forest is absolutely magical. It’s also near the North rim of the Grand Canyon and east of Marble Canyon. It’s definitely a place I plan to visit this year. If you’re feeling really adventurous and the wanderlust bug has you I’d suggest Dinosaur National monument on the Colorado/Utah border area. Campground there called Echo Park is incredible.
Hey Thanks. I’ll look into the areas
I think in a few months you'll want to head to the mountains (ShowLow Pinetop Arizona is nice near the White Mountain Apache Reservation)
I’ll look it up, Thanks
A nice comfortable climatic weather situation for summers would be Flagstaff, Northern NM or Colorado, do you ever boondock in these places?
I know gas prices are a concern right now but I was wondering about in the past? PS, you have the best of both worlds with that rig= when you want City camping-no problem & when you want to hit the boonies, again no problem.
I haven’t been to Colorado or New Mexico since I was a kid. This whole area is kinda new to me since it’s been so long.
@@StaticCamperVan Oh it's wonderful where you are located currently.
I meant like when temps start to become warmer, like maybe Flagstaff would be more realistic as far as travel distance is concerned. iDK, just a thought, anyway have a Pleasant rest of your weekend Scott.. Then again parts of California can be just as cool as the areas I mentioned during the summer months, so why go there when you can just be in Cali
Haha, that’s been the dilemma! If I head back to Cali, I’d be closer to the ocean. This is strictly a monetary decision. But there’s a lot of similarities to the mountain areas. For now I’m embracing the newness. No complaints so far.
Very nice Scott! Glad you made it and were pleased with the location and your decision. Your last spot there looks very peaceful. I know Arizona can get very hot so I’m guessing you won’t stay long. It would be nice if you can find something in between that would be cool yet have lower gas prices. Good luck finding a good dealership to change your oil as we know how some can be. Thanks again for sharing😎
Thanks. I’m near 4,000 feet of elevation now, so the temperatures are pretty nice.
Cool, now I at least know this guy's name. I have watched dozens of videos and never heard him mention his name.
@@StaticCamperVan Very good. Enjoy ☺️
Hey Scott..that camp spot looked like Havasu Heights. I camped there last year for the first time..not a bad spot for a couple of days 👍
Cool. I couldn’t find a name for it. But it was on BLM land.
@@StaticCamperVan A friend and I stayed there cause the other places were too crowded. I liked it 👍
👍👍😁😁😎😎Enjoying today is what can do.
Scott you need another 5 gal jug,for emergency!👍
Aha, now you're in my old territory. I think Lake Havasu is home to the old London Bridge and there used to be boat races there though now that I'm older events like boat races are too noisy and not my kind of crowd these days.
Yes, Havasu isn’t my favorite place, but the free camping is plentiful.
I have a cool like that! I put ice,or frezzer pakin it!👍💫🌞
Aha, just catching up on your videos. It took you a while to leave SD. I've had lots of fun in AZ. Was in Lake Havasu 3 weeks ago. Sara Park hiking trail is a nice place to check out, clean bathrooms. Craggy Wash is another good spot for camping, north of town, close to Walmart. Sedona next for you? Filled up water at Food City - 15 cents a gallon. Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center - go for a swim.
Haha. You always ask where my next destination will be. As always, I won’t know until I get there. Why plan?
Craggy Wash was too crowded. It looked like downtown Los Angeles.
@@StaticCamperVan just north of craggy wash were more open spaces, also craggy gets more spacious if you continue to drive in, I think it goes for like 4 miles, never reached the end
I never did like the song, "people who need people are the luckyest people in the world". But completely alone is not a comfort.
Sorry, I don’t understand
Hi Scott, great video as always. One thought is working your way to higher elevations in the Flagstaff area is gorgeous but also around the Lake Roosevelt area heading up to Payson and the Mogollon Rim. The views up at the rim are amazing and that is a gorgeous area. 😄 What is your brand of cooler, I was thinking of getting one and this is definitely my year to do it? Happy and safe travel wishes for you always! 🤗💖🚐✌
Thanks for the info, Irene.
I don’t really recommend the swap cooler I have. And I’m not sure it is even being made any longer. It was made by Homedics and was very expensive.
ua-cam.com/video/2TcZzj8_PC4/v-deo.html
Hope you’re doing great! ✌🏼
@@StaticCamperVan Thank you so much for sharing the video. I just watched it. It gives me a better understanding how they help. If they only help to keep you cool in front of them then I definitely can see not spending a lot. I did see a few on Amazon that could be an option without spending a lot of money. You are welcome for the tip. I am doing great just mostly enjoy some quiet reboot time that I needed and getting ready to head north to Utah. Utah is pretty amazing. Stay safe and cool out there as we start to heat up every where..🤗✌
Thanks for a great share and Video! I have been through Kingman, but it sounds like a place to stay and visit a bit. All the BEST and still, the spork is the one to use! Cheers :)
Thanks Marty.
I would stay in AZ and explore instead of going to CA. If you head north you will find cool enough weather for the summer plus there's lot to explore.
Do you put window shades on your front windows? It helps as I live in the desert [Salton Sea) when I go shopping.
No, I don’t use a window shade. With how I set my van up, it isn’t necessary.
How do you keep the back of your van cool, cause my van get very hot very easily.......today was only like maybe 60° here but it was much warmer in my living space 😇
You answered my question in the video 😁😁😁
I bring up the fact that without windows, a vehicle stays much cooler because people always ask me if I wished I had windows.
I've had a question running in my quiet thoughts of, What is done with the bags the coffee beans come in
I mean like some so Artful..
...my instinct, Save Them!!😂
...oh, here in this video I see... They are thrown out😮
My hoarding little heart finds this difficult to take in😂😮
Not sure what you can or can not eat, but have you thought about making you own bread. You don’t always need an over. Often a frying pan is fine. You can make flat bread with out yeast.. just flour salt and water. Using a pan to cook. I got all my recipes from UA-cam. Best of luck
Thanks. I make my own tortillas and pizza
Look up this bread recipe on youtube: We don't buy bread anymore! Bread without an oven! Incredibly delicious! (That's the title of the video).
Hummus& crackers,flat brd,pita!🌞💫
Dont question Googles decisions where to go. They know best what is good for you 🙂
Things happen for a reason😇 sometimes 😁 maybe the universe wants you in Arizona right now 😊😉
It's good not to bounce around like a BB in an empty paint can. I don't have to deal with the temps you do but it gets hot enough a few weeks of the year in the late afternoons that I am in the process of custom installing a lithium powered air conditioner. Hope to have that project done by the 420 parties out here (Colorado). Personally? I'd rather stay in the city and deal with the potential law enforcement issues than be sitting in the middle of nowhere on any kind of regular basis. Middle of nowhere out here is a lot more dramatic if you are into that and I am into it on a vacationeering basis but day-to-day the city and city services as well as the life and pulse of upscale hipster Utopianism is hard to beat. #honestMessiah
I fully agree that city vanlife is easier in a lot of ways. Especially with my health conditions. But I’ve been planning on getting out away from the crowds for a while now. We are lucky that our homes roll. We can change our neighborhood on our whims.
The only other person I know who says "plumb" is Amelia Bedelia. True story
The only thing that elevates a food more than a spork is putting it on a stick.
Haha
🦋
😎😎😎😎😎
Hummus 😍🤩
Did you get your settings figured out?
@@StaticCamperVan i found where to hold unappropriate comments but not where to not post links ☹️
In UA-cam Studio, on the far left scroll down and click the “gear” icon- that should bring up a settings menu- click on “community” and at the bottom of that tab will be a checkbox to “Block Links”
I like the box above that checkbox. It allows us to block words or names. Type in any word you don’t want to see in your comments. Could be any word at all. It’s been very helpful.
@@StaticCamperVan thank you sooo much 😁✌️
@@StaticCamperVan still not seeing where you are directing me. Are you using a paid version? I just checked on phone will check on laptop later
Is the water cooler getting lots of energy from your battery?
The swamp cooler is very efficient. It uses so little power it’s hard to actually measure how much
Hi where did you end up staying once you left the town of kingman? Do you have and address or camp ground name? Thanks so much
Here’s where I went next: ua-cam.com/video/OE0Vk8xpJDw/v-deo.htmlsi=4NU2zSZYWpBoTQxj
I moved around Arizona for the next few months. If you would like to see the places that I stayed, here’s a Playlist with all of my videos in order, just scroll down to see the next video: ua-cam.com/play/PL9PWzpL1cZIHAST4lDsBmmENA2Dil_tRh.html&si=lPkPPR2BDcoSq0ak
When it's hot I eat a lot of fruit and raw veggies 😉
I am interested in the camping spot that was in Kingman. Do you have a name thanks
Not sure that area has a name. You can check the website and/or app called Outly and it will show you all the BLM areas around Kingman. There's quite a lot.
I was in Lake Havasu and had to get to a dealer for my promaster because the light wouldn’t turn off they sent me to the next closes place and that was Kingman Az I really liked it there and meet a lot of nice people you can buy a lot there for a great price. Thanks for the information I will get back there soon. It gets cold and wet up here in Washington state in the dead of winter 🌸
Why don't you stay longer in each spot????
In most cases the amount of water I have dictates how long I can stay in one spot
How hot does it get in the van w/o ac?
The van pretty much stays the exact same temperature inside as it is outside. If I leave the roof vent fan running, inside the van will be a few degrees cooler.
@@StaticCamperVan love your channel. Hope to join you out there soon. Have a cat and would need ac to ensure her safety while I work
Too much driving will cost $$$ when your van needs repairs!
$8.49 for a bag of Dunkin? Okay, $7 on sale. They likely source discarded beans from Starbucks. That is highway robbery!
Are you looking at coffees other than your beloved Starbucks?!?
@@StaticCamperVan You probably know by now that I drink mostly Trader Joe’s pre-ground light roast. Only buy Starbucks when flying. I’m so cheap that I bring TJ’s on my car travel trips, which btw I’ll be near Lone Pine this July 4th again up in Inyo National Forest to hike and ‘climb’. You are welcome to join if you are around.
Thanks for the invite. You know I like that area. At the moment, I’m not sure where I’ll be next week let alone in July. But I’ll keep it in mind.
Perhaps keep adventuring and not go back to California. You are so good at it! 🤗
Thank you. It’s possible to adventure in California, too
It seems you’re traveling fast. Slow down. You invest fuel and time into each spot you travel to. Enjoy each one to its fullest. Sometimes you get to a place and it’s full of boondockers. Oh well. It’s likely you’ll just be moving on sooner. Otherwise, you’re going to spend a lot of money on gas. And, that’s the reason you left CA, isn’t it?
It’s a little deceptive. I’ve been parked more than anything. I would have stayed parked longer but my health issues require me to avoid high temperatures. If not for the heat, I’d still be in Joshua Tree.
@@StaticCamperVan Temperature, something I think most of us travel for, health issues or not. Consider spending time in AZ. It has a wide range of climates and there’s a ton of stuff to see. Most importantly, expenses are less and there is a lot of good free camping. Cheers.