Van Life: From SUV to Elegant Tiny Home In Just An Hour
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
- #vanlife, #gloriouslifeonwheels, #rvliving
When you look inside this DIY van conversion you will think you are in a room in an elegant spa. Darlene, a 60 year old solo female retired nurse, has truly created an elegant tiny home retreat on wheels inside her SUV for her travels. Who would have thought a tiny home space could be created in only 30sq feet or less, but Darlene did it. The extra cool thing about this no build conversion is that Darlene can set it up in only an hour for her travels and break it down when needed in an hour to transport her grandkids around town.
What I am equally impressed by were all the fabulous van life gadgets and products Darlene found that make the time she spends in her little space so easy to function in. Some of my favorites are the lightweight vintage usb lantern and 12v seat heating pad. In fact, I them so much I went out and bought them for my van!!
Let me know what your favorite thing about this build is in the comments.
Glad you shared how you got to traveling in your SUV. My wife died about 6 months ago and I decided to use her SUV to live in and head out on the road. Most of my family think I'm nuts. I'm 75 and very glad to know I'm not alone. Thank you.
You are definitely not nuts! instead of living based on what makes someone else happy you are doing what works for you. If you ever make it to California or Quartzsite' Arizona let me know. I wohld love to tell your story. I also travel around other parts of the country too. You can reach me at
Gloriouslifeonwheels@gmail.com
💞
Wishing you luck and joy ❤
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Not nuts! My mom died b4 she had the chance to take the rv trip she planned. I bet she would of gone alone if she knew my dad was going to keep putting his retirement off. So I'm taking it for her in my car (can't afford the rv lol) Enjoy! ❤
The more non-builds I see the more I prefer them to all the expensive elaborate builds that become way too complicated and time consuming to create. This one is particularly attractive due to the sentimental value. I can relate. I lost my darling wife a year ago and some day, I will set out on my “old guy” travels.
Yeah and so heavy! I travel in an f150 and any weight extra will kill my gas bill. no thanks! Light and minimal is the way to go if I want to go far!
What I love about this build is the bed is in the middle of the car and you can use both walls to store stuff.
I noticed that as well and made a note. It actually seems more practical, at least for some vehicles
So funny how this lady's window coverings (which weren't mentioned) were the most creative I've seen.. (most are just black or metalic color.)
She got a super clean , simple, light weight , minimalist with a touch of decoration set up . Awesome vehicle 🙏🚙👍
I agree. This is an awesome rig🙂
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Brilliant and beautiful woman.
this is lovely. how do we get ahold of you? I have a similar setup thanks ❤
I would love to have the shopping info on the heating pad, chair, and we didn’t see how she made the window blackouts. And the basket around the potty. Just lovely. I imagine her writing poetry while sipping tea and burning incense. ☺️
i was wondering the links as welll
Really? 😂😂😂
@@thanatoskatakrima5864 what's so funny???
@@LoveDogs___3 some deleted the comment 😂😂😂
This is actually my favorite build of all of them that I have seen
Hi 👋dear, how are you doing?
This is incredible. This is so doable. I am so excited about this. This is the nicest efficient van.omg. She is my age. I can do this. Omg. Thank you Thank you
I love this! Finally, I see proof that I could actually do this when the time comes that I need to do it. Thank you Carol and Darlene!
Isn't it amazing what can be done in such a small space!!
OMGOSH … SAME HERE!!! Watching these videos for yrs now & finally coming to this same conclusion …. Thank U
Love your basket covering your bucket and as a table for your fan! 💗
This is definitely one of, if not, the nicest no-build builds I’ve seen. Hope she’s getting on well ❤
I like the tree stake hanging bar and I always love everyone's fairy/LED lights. Her lightweight USB lantern is nice too. Smart use of the wheel well space. Thanks, Carol and Darlene!
My first thought was how did she mount a rod, and it comes with it's own lights.
Darlene has so many great and useful items in her build. I already bought two of them online!!
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 ❤🚐🇺🇸❤ Where are the links?? People have been asking so I'm not the only one who's interested.
Fabulous! So cozy!
I love that Darlene feels like her husband is there with her laughing at her antics. I feel that way about my husband who has passed away and his 2009 Honda Odyssey is still being driven. She has really done such a relaxing space and I love her earth colours and that she has a cooper kettle adds a real touch of 'class'. :-) Even the way she covers 'her bucket' is lovely. Another wonderful van tour, Carol. Thank you.
This no build-build is attractive and ingenious! I picked up some ideas to possibly include in my Sprinter. Thank you both for a wonderful tour.
I am so happy to hear you were able to get some useful tips This really is a smartly planned out set up.
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 Yes! I jotted many of them down.
love the teapot
That's a nice build for her this is why I encourage people I can others live life on your terms you only have one life.. don't spend it working working working working..
So right ska!!
Great video I want that heating pad. Lol. 🦋💜💕
I did too and broke down and bought one🤣
Hi Carol & Darlene, Wow what a set up. Soo minimal. You made me feel like l have too much stuff in my van. Totally have to rethink my set up. Thanks for sharing. 💕&🙏's. Ms. Fee.
I don’t think you have too much stuff … but I definitely need to scale back!!!
What ever amount you need is what is perfect for you. We all have different wants and needs on the road.😊
After looking at this, I’m sure I can cut back. Great set up, happy travels. I’m in Australia.
One of the best combinations of beauty with function I've seen in this type of set up! I love all her gadgets, added them all to my wishlist!
That is wonderful and beautiful!
The video doesn't begin to do it justice. I wish you could see it in person!!
Cute SUV home!! Love it 😊. Such good energy from Darlene and her SUV...and YOU of course. Wonderful color scheme, as well!!
I kove the color scheme and theme too.
I love Darlene's set-up!
Very nice,no clutter,👍
Just shared this video with my cousin. Same vehicle. Bless her!
Ooh. Inwould live to see how your cousin does her SUV. Do share it when it is done.
Yay! I’ve been looking for a great 4Runner build and this is so homey looking, thanks!
I hear these vehicles last forever!!
I have a 2007 Toyota Sequoia limited for sale only has 122 thousand miles original miles excellent condition pear white colour
I love this woman's ingenuity!
Carol, thank you on another wonder tour interview. I love Darleen's creative minimalism. The USB facet tap on top of her 5 -gallon jug is genius. Also, that 4runner does not look 25 years old. Beautiful rig.
You can tell Darlene has treated this special to her vehicle with lots of tlc.
I like that you sit/sleep down the center. It seems to give so much space for necessities👍A privacy tent may come in handy but other than that, just perfect really.
She is so comfortable in her rig. But, a small clam tent would be absolutely divine!
I have a pop-op standing height tiny tent, perfect to shower or change clothes in, or go potty inside, for privacy. It folds down to a very small size that could be tucked under the front seat when not in use. Great set up❣️ You have everything else I would need in my SUV.
Lovely set up Darline, it's so cosy. Well done to you 👏👏👏👍😉🇮🇪🍀
It felt like being in a private little sanctuary !!
The youtube algorithm sent this videomy way. I first saw Darlene in a video on Lulu's channel.
I was SHOCKED to learn she is a retired 60 year old woman. The whole time she was sitting in her rig at Quartzsite I kept thinking how amazing it was that such a young woman was attracted to Lulu and her channel. ( I figured she was in her 30s) 😮
Wow Darlene, kudos to you!!!
Love your set up. 😊❤
such a great build! As a retired 62 year old previous ER nurse I so love how you have set yourself up. I too am into the van life thing but have a bigger rig{ savana van} because I travel with my GSD dog. Thanks for some great ideas I will incorporate, like the basket that holds your toilet set up. The decoration theme is really beautiful. those bifold beds are great also ad have seen them used many times. So sweet that you say your husband is there with you and probally laughing, I am sure he is. Enjoy your travels. I am in Canada and cannot go accross our border because I was unable to get the prescribed needle. Hopefully that will change as I really want to go to warm weather this winter. Enjoy.
Amazing, simply amazingly beautiful
By far the most practical actual no build lve SEEN
Im thankful U shared THIS
Uve helped me tremendously, U just hv no idea hw greatful l am
THXS again & Happy Safe Travels
Love it, Ladies, thank you Both‼So cool❗ I'm 52, Single Mother of a 16 yr old Son. We love our , Community in our 16' Rogue✌🏽☘🌻 Yosemite California
How cool. I bet you have made some wonderful memories!
Thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to my travelling in the future during my retirement.
I hope you get to see all the beautiful places you are dreaming of seeing Lisa.
Darlene is looking glamorous with her shades on n her hat brim was so cool, her van set up is grand, thanks her sharing n stay safe.
She does look pretty glamorous doesn't she. A good fit for her elegant vehicle.
She really had some great ideas in her rig. I love that plant stake that she hangs hooks off of - ingenious! The 12 volt seat heating pad is also fantastic. Thanks for another great tour, Carol!
Thanks Lisa. I just keep coming across these creative ingenious folks, thank goodness🙂
Hi 👋 Lisa, how are you doing?
So much coolness going on here. I like the motion sensor lights she has on the outside of her vehicle.
I have seen Darlene's home and have enjoyed it every time I see it. Blessings upon Blessings from Florida Meema and Jessi Beagle 👵🏼✌🏼🐕
Blessings to both of you in Florida🤗
Absolutely a wonderful setup!
I gotta get a potty basket! FAB no build Build! safe travels girls!
Love Darlene and her set up. Thank you both for sharing with us 🙏✌️🌎💞
It was my pleasure sharing this SUV and all the cool items in It.
I love her no build!!!! Efficient and light!
She had a really neat little set up and very homey!
This is very well organized. Very nice to see that she has so many things that are useful.
Remarkable
Hi Carol, great interview & no build van.👍🏾
Darlene did a great job for sure.
This is beautiful with so many clever details! I love that she is also able to travel with the memory of her husband. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
What a relationship that must have been. One in a lifetime!
I am going to start small in an SUV. I want something new because I don't want engine issues. I love this.
Maybe just 3 or so years old so not a new year that turns out to have issues and is latter listed as a bad year. Check best years to buy of whatever brand/model you choose.
Good job Darlene.
Fabulous little home on wheels ! Lovely
Way to go Darlene! Love your adventurous spirit and determination to keep living in your new phase of life. I really think your husband would be proud of you. 💗
I think he would be too and, and happy she is getting out.
Very nice set up.
Nice setup 👍
Darlene has an amazing set up!!! So little and homey and functional, too 👍❤️⚔️🔥🐴
So many lightweight things too!!
A retired RN and widow here, too - Thank you for sharing. I just love this video! TY for the inspiration! I just purchased my hitting the road vehicle and cannot wait to set her up. Beautiful set up! ☮️
Congratulations. May your journey exceed all of your desires and expectations!
I work 15 hr nights, as a security guard at a coal mine, 5 nights/week, so I'm spending 80+ hrs in my compact SUV each week. It's extremely dark outside my vehicle, so those motion detector lights would be a fabulous piece of mind
Just wonderful! Darlene has real talent for creating tiny living spaces.
Darleen you are fabulous.you took your life's journeys an your mates spirit an made a home. It is adorable ❤️. So freeing , you go girl!
Isn't Darlene an inspiration!!
Absolutely wonderful ideas in her build… simple, uncluttered relaxing. Love it
Hi 👋 Dona, how are you doing?
Theses r my fav 'the no build builds 'just like my lil star wagon.
It is so simply but elegant, functional and easy to assemble Literally in just an hour
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 and since im single wit no children i just keep mine set up at all times n then if im say traveling from country to the city of Sydney if i want to have a sleep or something to eat or a coffee or just a lay down n rest i just pull up n go in the back n do wat i need to, i love that about my van. cheers for the reply n stay well bye bye now.
Lovely living space. Well done!
Love it...🤗🧡🌿🌸
Love this set up. Gives me some great ideas for my Nissan Rogue!
Very cool. I ljust love it when folks get ideas from the rigs I highlight in videos. Thanks for sharing that.
Enjoyed 👍❤️
There are some great ideas here -- I love the heated car seat! Thanks for the tour.
Hi 👋 Julie, how are you doing?
I absolutely love this❣️
Thank you Darlene for being willing to share your really delightful camper set up, it's inspirational!
Wonderful warm nest. Thanks for sharing. Really fine.
Love this, thank you!!
I travel in my SUV, so thank you for this video! She has some great products I can use!
I already bought two of them!!
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 do you have links to her items?
That is the best vehicle Toyota makes, strong engine, I had the same year, I miss it, might buy another new now 🙂
Hi Carol, great interview & no build van. Keep the great co tent coming.👍🏾😀
Thanks Dee. I have some really cool interviews and tours coming up, including one done by an interior decorator that is simply gorgeous!!
thats so great. travelling makes us feel so wonderful. happy to see your living the dream.
How fun and functional for camping adventures. Hope the Northwest shows you the best colors and weather.
Hi Eleanor, how are you doing?
Love how the bed is in the middle! Everyone, myself included seems to put the bed on the side. Very cool!
Nice setup Darlene, thanks for sharing
I love that too!!
I love this! The chair, the bamboo pole, the wheel well covers. So well organized! Great job!
Such a great and inspirational set up! Fun to see her still enjoying her 4Runner too. So reliable! Love my 2007 4Runner! The mechanic said they are seeing them hit 500k now and still going strong.
They're good huh.
@@hellooutthere8956 yes they are well built and dependable vehicles. When I was researching them I asked everyone I saw getting in or out of one and not a one had anything bad to report. I’ve had mine for 4 years and love it. It’s at 196k and should last a long time yet. Hope that helps!
Wow. That is really impressive!!
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 Yes it really is! I’ll be using mine to pull my converted cargo trailer so I can finally live nomadically. Hope to meet you on the road someday! Love your channel! I’ll be up in Washington this summer visiting my birth mom who I just found in 2019 and have only seen 3x because of the pandemic. Excited to start this lifestyle and be free to have time with her and my birth dad who is on the east coast.
@@dogsarethebestfriends what kind of cargo trailer did you get? I also have a 2003 4Runner with 143k miles and she is a beast! I love her so much and I’ve recently come into hard times and I’m preparing to live nomadic as wel. Looking for tips and suggestions on some type of camper that I can pull behind my runner and live off the grid. Thanks :)
Love ❤️ U go Darlene!!
She really has a gift
What a pleasant episode this Easter. I really love how no nonsense and yet visually appealing her set up is. Be safe and healthy in your travels Darlene🤗
Life just begun well-done mam 👍
Darleen you rock
Just beautiful!
That LED lantern light is just too darn cute! A must have for back yards even. :) Thnx for the idea! :)
Thank you for sharing! Love this tiny build, so neat, clean and minimalist.
Great video!!! Love her set up for sure, wow!!
Love the heating pad idea.
I bought one. Boy do they keep you nice and warm!
I really like Darlene's setup. So simple. I very much would like to get a 4Runner and this is a perfect video to share to help with understanding how I could put a living space together in a simple manner. I love the minimalism of this setup.
Well done Darlene! I love her aesthetic.
It is such a pleasant vibe when you see it in person!
I LOVE the simplicity and cleanliness of this build out.
It looks even better in person!
One of my favorite no build builds. Well done
This one is fantastic!
Oh she's a part timer that just travels, I would think to get out of the winter.
No wonder her vehicle looks so clean + neat.☺️
Now I get it.😉👍
If you can last all winter, don't know what else you'd really need. I love her design and ingenuity. TFS. Practical and affordable.
So beautiful !
Great video, i like her set up 👍
Me too it is cool how so many things just fold and go.
You go girl!!!!
Wow such a great setup, love the look of everting. Amazing job thanks for sharing!