Too funny about watering a tree. When our home was being built and we lived between a horse trailer LQ and RV we dumped the black water into a hole that was dug for a power pole and then not used. Planted a tree there (along with several others) and that tree grew three times faster and bigger than the other nine!!!!!
I'm SO STRESSED with my situation, having to be homeless, watching the video. He gets to the headlamp: Bob gaffs & says" put on your hands and you're head-free"...I was rolling with laughter. 🤣🤣🤣. I wish I was head-free right now 🙄😊. That lightened my mood 💜 You guys are awesome. Thank you so much.
Just love how you make videos with 'pros', as it were, staying non-judgmental and preserve the dignity and honor of all your guests regardless of their walk of life, and extracting their precious experience, knowledge and wisdom to share with the masses for their education to help them think outside the box.. I really like this. Totally subscribed. =)
First of all, thank you both for sharing the tips with candor. I think, in my mind, a pop up changing tent is the best 20 bucks you'll ever spend. You can change in it, bathe in it, potty in it and it's the size of a steering wheel. Also, having traveled a good bit, I always carry a heavy duty exterior extension cord and an electric skillet. I can stop by a grocery store, pick up some chicken or whatever, and go to a city park and plug in for free at the picnic shelters. Absolutely great. Learned that from a flight attendant. And you can pick up the electric skillet or whatever floats your boat (I used a hot pot a great bit) at a thrift store. Also not mentioned, a clothes line, toilet paper, baby wipes, sunscreen, tie out line if you have a pet, and I have a pop up screen room, that is, again, the size of a steering wheel. Let's you have a bug free space, and if you're in a really safe and private area, also good to sleep in. And Bob, regarding the east coast, the best of the east is above Maine. Go to New Brunswick, up to Nova Scotia, and you'll never be the same. Ever. Bay of Fundy is a life changer.
Bob, I am addicted to your videos! One thing I really love is how much everyone smiles. It is obvious that these folks are very happy with their lives.
I use the bucket and toilet seat but sprinkle saw dust or peat moss on the poop and it last as long as you need to get to a spot to dig a hole and bury it, it saves the use of non recycleable plastic. I love your videos cuz I learn something in each one.
Yay!!! SO glad to see a fellow plastic reducer. Part of the reason I want to get on the road is how sad it is to see the way we are abusing our home. Last thing I want to do is add avoidable abuse like heavy duty plastic bags on a daily basis.
I was scanning the comments to see something like this. I can't imagine using her system for anything other than absolutely dire emergencies. All that plastic just to poop!
Burying human excrements can also create problems.(animal excrements stay on the surface). in compost toilets there is some exposure to air, so it will decompose faster. - Even in National parks and BLM land (if everyone does it ...). The problem is that parasites and diseases can spread. Humans do not necessarily suffer from pests that plague other mammals (like bears, deer, squirels), but if more human poop is disposed of, that could get problematic. That is why diapers are thrown into the garbage (in many nations that wast is burned, it does not get onto a dumpster site). the compost toilets seem to work very well (if you have space for that and can afford the expenditure OR manage to imitate them).
@@xyzsame4081 Animal waste is used as compost to grow our food. Human waste can also be used on a garden after a year. Outhouse waste is buried. Waste is a compostable natural item. What one needs to do is make sure it's buried away from water.
These are great tips! I just want to add: 1-A warm coat that is long enough to at least cover your backside will keep you much warmer. The longer the better. 2-Using alcohol for your sponge bath works really well and if you have dry skin, use virgin coconut oil instead of any lotion. It is slightly antimicrobial, wonderful for your skin and hair (use lightly!), and also can be used as oil for cooking. 3- If it is really cold, you can cook inside with your small cook stove. Use a cast-iron pan, and when done wiping it out, put a fire brick or two in it and let them get hot. They will radiate heat into the car for a long time. Just make sure you crack a window while the fire is burning. If you can find a dutch oven it will stay warm inside longer with the lid on over the brick.
the alcohol bath: Sally beauty supply has a cherry - almost scented alcohol that is much more pleasant smelling than isopropyl. It is also 70% alcohol. I use it frequently in my salon. Wonderful video.
I would use microfiber wash clothes (the super fast drying material, there are also towels from that material. fuzz, and (pet) hairs tends to stick to it (you can easily shake a lot of that out of cotton towels, but you have to pick it off manually from the microfiber. That said, in high humidity or cool / rainy season having alterternatives to cotton washclotes are great. If it is windy, dry, warm the good ole washcloth will dry fast enough, even if it is larger). with a larger washcloth (if need be microfiber) you could do a generous sponge bath using more water and a little vinegar maybe. Which is a disinfectant - a little bit - so good for hand washing, if you do not want having to rinse off soap. It matches the ph needs of your skin. Or hair.
And the gym memberships if you are often enough in a town and can afford the expenditure can make all the difference. Plus of course bathing in nature (like clean lakes and streams).
I wouldn't use alcohol on my skin - not healthy. I've heard of ppl using green tea (which I think sounds refreshing) and while I'll use witchazel on my face I'll use diluted tea tree oil for those other bits - still antibacterial but not drying. Hadn't thought of the spray bottle though! Sounds great for summer - for winter I think I'd wanna warm the water
Thank you Bob and Susan! My son and I have been living out of a Mid-size Cargo Van staying in urban areas where it's possible to go to stores daily for anything we need, and so this video really inspires me to get organized, prepared, and stocked up on food enough to be able to actually last a week or two out in a natural setting! 👍❤✌
FYI for minimalist bathing I find that aloe gel (Walmart Equate brand is perfect) makes a great cleaner, refreshes & prevents heat rash. I use it for facial moisturizer & first aid. Terrific multi purpose product
Bob and Suanne, I can't thank you enough. I'm outfitting my van starting to feel that it was just too small. Now I feel so grateful for all the space I have!
Another excellent video Thank You. As far as sleeping warm, I've sometimes used a fleece facemask on my head leaving only my eyes, nose/mouth exposed. I'm amazed at how few people recognize how versatile and comfortable a black zip up hoodie can be. Even around the house it greatly reduces the need to turn the heat up !!!
I know this is an older video but I have an idea for the washing up situation. When I was hospitalized for awhile they used no rinse shampoo and body wash on me. You moisten a wash cloth and use the soap like regular soap but it's much less harsh and alcohol free. Very gentle and does the job. You can get rinse free shampoo and body wash anywhere! Thank you for all your helpful videos Bob and thank you to all the guests you have in your videos that share their insight and experiences! 💖
I am still in the planning stage and will be joining ya'll soon and I hope and pray that I meet people like you on my journey. Thank you both for taking the time to make these videos that are so helpful to us that are planning our journey. Your wisdom is both helpful and inspiring.... thank you both and peace be with you..
Instead of S hooks: The headliners on most vehicles will open on the edge to tape magnets inside. The fleece will grab gorilla tape very well to hold magnets there.
take fiber powder with water everyday to make yr stomach system happy & healthy and also it fixes diarrhea (which you mentioned), (so I had to recommend this cuz it’s great)(product says take a teaspoon but i would say take 3x that with lots of water, works like a charm)(also, of course, eat good food [spinach salad w balsamic vinegar, cheese ravioli, simple chili)in healthy amounts, don’t just eat tons of junk food, cuz that’s what messes up yr system in the first place) Walmart has “equate” brand “psyllium husk fiber” in pharmacy section (Metamucil is the unnecessarily expensive name brand)
I still haven't figured out how she stretches out for sleeping in the car. Does she have room front to back with seats folded down? Is that flat enough? Explaining how she arranges the vehicle for sleeping would be interesting unless I missed that part. How she has room enough to do "her duty" is beyond me. LOL, but then some things are better left unsaid. Somehow she's got the system down. She rocks!
I camp out in my Prius and learned from the previous video Bob did with Suanne and from Rusty78609. The way it is done is you slide the front passenger seat all the way forward depending on how tall you are, I don't have to much as I am 5'3". Then you fold down the back passenger-side seat only, removing the head rest from it first. The air mattress or what ever you sleep on then fits just fine in the space from behind the front seat to the rear of the vehicle. You can then either get into bed from the back passenger-side door or as Rusty says and I do, roll up onto the bed from the back driver's-side seat. Christine Lowery (Beach Cricket) did a review on me recently (Angela) showing my set-up with the addition of my TailVeil tent on the back of the Prius. That was and is still the first time I had gone camping in the Prius and I really enjoyed it other than the fact that from a recent fall my back was giving me fits. So rolling into the bed was a bit difficult but once there very comfortable. I closed the hatchback at night for secure sleeping without removing the TailVeil and though it was in the low 30's at night was quite comfortable. During the day it was amazing how warm the tent stayed by trapping the heat from the car and the sun shining on it. Gave me room to cook (I devised a fold out table on the Prius), eat, change clothes and use the potty. I didn't do the last two that trip as there was a very close heated bathroom but next time... : ) I too wonder how the small bucket in the back seat is possible but I have one here somewhere....
cowboy7x How I Manage In My 4Dr. 1990 Geo Metro, I Just Pancake My Drivers Seat Back Down As Far Flat As It Will Go, Depending Upon How Much Stuff I Have In The Back Of Course, And I'm Good To Go. The Drivers Seat With The Seat Back Pancaked Back--THAT'S MY BED!!! And Let Me Tell Ya, I Sleep Like A Baby, These Geo Metros Are Real Good For Sleeping In, And That 1.0 Litre 3 Cylinder Will Really Keep You Warm In The Cold Windy Winter Weather And Those Chilly Nights. And The Four Door Hatchback From 1989 To 1994 Are The Best. Get The Four Door First Gen Model As That's The Best One For Car Camping. That's My Choice But To Each Their Own. The Only Downside To A Geo Metro Is That It Attracts LAW ENFORCEMENT!!!! (Unfortunately.)
@@richardkaltenbach3961 I had a1996 four door sedan Geo Metro until 2013. I loved that car 💘 💘 💘. The police never targeted me but maybe they do now that they are getting even older.
Ah! Spray painted reflectix. Yes! I have tons of windows in my X-Terra. And Virginia has very liberal window tint laws. You just solved my last remaining issues. I've been living off grid on my own 5 acres of land for a couple of years so I'm a pro on most stuff except how to be stealth in the X-Terra. Problem solved!
@@t.terrell7037 Sorry. My post wasn't at all clear! I had 2 Lowe's type sheds off grid in Virginia that had been insulated. I used one for a cook house and the other for sleeping (bear country). I am no longer there. I did own the 5 acres in Virginia, now sold. I live in Tucson now (I got tired of being cold in the winter. Lol). I did go camping in my X-Terra for a month at a time, and camped my way across the country a few times in my X-Terra. I still keep it set up for camping, but summers in Southern Arizona? Uh no . . . WAY too hot to camp.
Sue Ann is one smart lady! I loved the vinegar idea! Vinegar as well as rubbing alcohol ( for birdy baths she mentioned) are both antiseptics so they help with the germ factor as well. You could also put a middle grommet in the black fabric that you chose to use or not use depending on your need for breeze. Loved all the ideas. You and Bob are great together. Two birds of a feather and both smart cookies!!😍
I've never heard of komari. Looking it up now. I roll all my clothes and I store them in the zippered upholstery covers of pillows I bought at Goodwill. That way my clean clothes double as lounging pillows on my bed and look nice as a bonus.
One absolutely wonderful piece of cookware that takes a very little space is called a lunch box which truckers use this routinely we can cook while we're driving and you can cook anything from bacon meatloaf and roast convenient and easy I don't think there is anything I really haven't cooked in their smothered cabbage all the way down to Turkey Lake of course I had to cut off part of the phone but hey there was great
Dr. Bronner's diluted with water amazing the uses (10); Plus it can be used for deordorant dilute with water spray bottle. Rosemary ☕ will wash face hands, wounds, personal area insect bites, etc. cool put in spray bottle. White vinegar diluted with water cleans personal areas and along with Dr. Bronner's a good deodorant.
I LOVE their castile soap!!! For deo I buy the crystal brand at natural grocers. I've switched to mostly biodegradable products in preparation of nomadic living.
Pee should be diluted with water before poured on plants as it's too *hot* or high in nitrogen. Some plants can handle, but for most a dilution is better. :)
Wouldn’t water be too valuable a resource to use to dilute urine when leading a nomad life? I believe so, so I guess a solution to make everybody happy would to just pour the urine on grass or gravel or dirt. No sense in wasting water as it’s the most valuable resource.
You can buy water absorbing polymer crystals in gardening stores, they add it to soil to improve water absorption plus the same polymers are inside diapers so you don't have to buy special poop bags just to have something that absorps water out of your poop. It would probably be best to just cover the poop with Coco coir or peat moss. Also keeping the poop container ventilated instead of sealed would encourage aerobic bacteria growth which do not create odours and actually consume the volatile organics that produce odours, sealing your poop up only ensures it will stink and yes that stink soaks through plastics. If you can't vent what's basically a compost toilet to the outside, vent it through a carbon filter, you can buy bulk carbon filter rolls in the hardware store.
Another great video Bob and she's wonderful..very clever and thrifty so a big thank you to her as well!! I googled Navajo Valley and it is gorgeous!! Save Travels and be well!! :)
Love rubbing alcohol, gets rid of the stink and keeps insects from biting. Just don't use where you have mucous membranes or it'll burn. Great info like always! Surprised not more people have roof top carriers and swinging tailgate storage when they live in their cars or SUVs.
I agree, but a lot are Older Folks like me and it may be too much for reaching or handling it. I know I couldn't handle it, but wish I could handle a Roof Top Carrier. So, it NOT physically for everyone.
I put peat moss in my bucket or bag to absorb the smell. Works beautifully ! Saw dust works too and I know some people who add coffee grounds to it as well to make things smell like a coffee shop ..turns out poop only smells when wet so the peat moss and saw dust absorb the moisture the coffee grounds would work best in the bucket but outside of the bag so as not to add moisture but I’m only guessing and can’t talk from experience. Peat moss makes things so pleasant I’ve had no need for the coffee grounds
Spent a few years living in a mobile home with no running water.It sits under big pines,so I just gathered pine straw for my bucket,works great and is free.I would imagine leaves and any kind of tree litter would work.
Great video! Some other top essential items I wanma mention are: fire extinguisher, co2 monitor, first aid kit, car emergency stuff like jumper cables (battery even better so no other car required) and a flat tire or lock-out plan (spare key plan, AAA, patch kit, spare tire, or whatnot). Potty plan, hygiene plan,clothes plan (I found wrinkled clothes can cause issues depending on job situation, etc), plan for keeping phone charged, 911 or emergency reception, emergency food plan (there are food pantries but some require local residency as does food stamps)...but only so much one video can fit of course. I love that she mentioned bear spray, whistle, something to cut kindling, thoughts on cotton staying damp, and much more! I also love Bob advice he said somewhere to have $3,000 emergency fund if at all possible!
I use castile soap, ALL over and no odor anywhere. Also I don't have to use moisturizers because of the oil base of castile soaps. Works for ME, not bossing, just stating what works for me.
By all means reflectics on the front windshield is common and stealth people do it hear in Florida all the time .. awesome information ! Thank you ! Dark tint windows help keep thieves from knowing whats in side too ! I hope it doesn't encourage them thinking there's something that you don't want them to see ? wow it could work both ways here ? Not afraid !
I bought a folding magnifier that holds the phone, but increases the size of the phone screen picture. It's not great quality, but it's fine, and uses zero energy. Hands free.Folds flat and is about the size of a sheet of paper. Coats and sweaters fit in king sized pillow shams creating something pretty to store in and to lean against. Monument Valley is magnificent.
I love headlamps, I don't live without one for years. Another important thing about your headlamp is to know where you have it before it gets dark, keep it in a specific spot. The $35 or $40 one you can buy at Harbor Freight Tools and recharge as a USB in your cigarette lighter or if you can, somewhere that has electricity however I decided to save the money and buy the $2.50 one with 50 lumens, very bright nothing fancy at Harbor Freight Tools and it comes with batteries. Maybe in the future I can afford the USB rechargable headlamp but for right now, here's where I save money as far as batteries, since it's two double a batteries instead of three AAA batteries like I've used in my headlamps in the past. I save money on a pack of six batteries from the Dollar Tree. So with my old headlamp that used three double a batteries I only got two fresh sets of batteries with a $1.25 pack of batteries from Dollar Tree versus this $2.50 headlamp from Harbor Freight Tools I buy a $1.25 6 pack of AA batteries🔋gives me three uses of fresh batteries renewal. And one fresh battery renewal last for about two nights. Over the years I've had several headlamps and I've spent anywhere from $10 to $15 for them and I have used them for up to a year, however what typically goes bad with them is the off and on switch stops working from so much use and it wears down. With this $2.50 headlamp from Harbor Freight Tools, it's very well made, the strap is hefty a durable, it doesn't easily pull off from the light itself and the button is really strong but there is one thing to be aware of... Two AA batteries move around a little bit so I just take a little piece of rectangle strip of thick paper or any card - stock really, I the top of the battery packet, fold it over and put it in between the two batteries and this holds the batteries in place. Now I keep one on hand, fresh and new in the packet as a backup and at only $2.50 I can afford that. If the button eventually stops working, I only paid $2.50 for it so no big deal. Another note, I just had to replace my $2.50 headlamp from Harbor Freight Tools and it was about 3 months old, I think what happened was it got wet when I was using it in the rain so just keep that in mind and I will keep mine out of the rain here on out or maybe I can put it in a MacGyver Ziploc bag in the future if I really need it in the rain.
The Libby app is great if you have a library card. You can take virtual books out of the library and read them on your phone or tablet. They also have audio books for long drives.
Absolutely. OverDrive also available for some parts of Canada. Phone charges fast and even from solar and up to 17 hours of audio book entertainment. You can also get kids/youth books and graphic novels. Free.
Regina Row is right! I've been using Virgin Coconut Oil for years as a cleanser, moisturizer and even to clean my teeth! It does wonders. Thank you Bob for another wonderful video.
It's good for dogs too. My dog has sensitive feet and when she runs alot at the dog park, her pads get abraded. I put coconut oil on them and it seems to sooth them. And she likes the taste as well!
I use Apple Cider Vinegar & water for a wash-up and it works for me and eliminates odor in "certain" locations. Female urinals are available in catologs or on line. Cedar wood chips are good to mix with poo and it creates a biodegradable mulch that can be dumped in the woods/rural areas if necessary. Bob, you do great videos, Thanks !
I’d also like to know how where she puts her bucket and how can she possibly get it under her. First you have to find a position to pull your pants down And that’s hard to do then if you do get situated you have to wipe. And get off without tipping than pull pants back up etc. obviously there’s minimal head room so just getting in to lay down is hard. Many of us may be retirees so maneuvering is hard and standing up at home can be harder too. Is there a part there showing how she arranges everything?
Hi there , as a person fast coming up to retirement I have been taking a keen interest in van lifing. I love and very much appreciate all the knowledge you pass on . All good practical down to earth stuff . I have done a couple of van conversions over the years and my late wife and i would travel the country side on our vacations . But I still manage to pick up a lot of great information from your videos . Thank you for the great work you do. Cheers and happy van lifing to you all. :-)
Except for the portable loo seat and a bucket, I've got it covered. Oct of 17 I moved out of my truck into an apartment. I have taken this time to regroup, finish up art/craft projects and kind of find myself. In 2014 I had a NDE that knocked me out of the workforce and I have felt lost since. Last month I got a 19' camper. A friend is gonna do the work on it for me for cheap...I think they forgot to close the shower curtain cuz so far with the rainy Montana weather I have found no leaks. After that lick of subfloor is done I'll pick a flooring then plan to vacate my rental. Thank you SO much for your videos. They realy show that it IS possible and when we get over our egos and this mindset of stuff equals happiness then it can become a simple reality.
A great option for a headlamp is a Thrunite TH20. Really bright on high, has different modes to suit your needs, and runs on 1 AA battery, as opposed to 3 AAAs like most headlamps. Get a neutral white version, as the light is warmer and easier on the eyes than cool white. Really well made out of aluminum. Available on amazon for about $30-.
Bedside commode bags work really well .... I line with newspaper and some kitty litter ..... then I place in heavy garbage bag that i place in a large popcorn canister till I can get to a dumpster
I am sorry .I had a stroke and names have a tendency to escape me . But I love the way Mr. Sir treats everyone the same . Entry level car dwellers and more advanced camper users the same .He does not look up or down at anyone .I love that about him . Sir if you could start out with your name at the first of every video . Maybe your name will soak in .
I stapled the the black material to the reflectix then put black duck tape over the staples all around the edge. Works great except with each time you staple it shrinks the size a tiny bit so you do have to start with an oversized piece of reflectix. The staples were much cheaper than glue. I used a regular office stapler
Just in case someone hasn't already mentioned this: there are diaper pails for parents to stash dirty diapers in, and contain the smell. They can be a great solution for storing camping poop bags, and are often quite affordable.
Thank you for this great video!! Omg, even though I'm not in my car, I'm in a folding 600 lb handicap van. I am not handicapped. But it was a good price, the 600 capacity lift is still in place, so I am hoping in the future I can sell it to someone who needs it. So now we know my van is insulated like a car. Thank you Bob!
You go girl! Thankyou so much for sharing your tips! From someone living the grind of daily house needs and stress, your tips and honesty are so refreshing! I love the minimalist lifestyle and love nature, and learning to live with just the basics is really awesome. These practical tips are great for saving money and sharpens the learning curve for anyone looking to tradition. Love these videos and have been hooked for hours now! Keep the videos coming! Can't wait till I make the switch! Xoxo
Great video Bob! The information about what fabric to use in hot or cold temperatures was EXCELLENT! I hadn't seen that addressed! Also, using rubbing alcohol and vinegar to clean up are fantastic ideas! Thanks again for sharing!
I have realized watching these videos that I am made for this :) Interestingly some of what friends have been giving me work with this likestyle, even won a folding chair last year. Thankyou everyone! Very helpful indeed!
S.S. will be low when I retire and these videos let me know it will be ok and I do have a living option without having to do government housing. I hate living in the city.
CheapRVliving A friend has offered me space on their property to use. I hope to start getting things in place while I am still working. I have been trying to sort my books and there are still too many. Kindle is a great idea!
Hi Bob. I'm very excited to have discovered your videos about the Nomad life - I may be joining the ranks sometime next year while I decide where to settle down in AZ. Presently checking out vans, trailers, RVs, etc., and the variety of interviews you have done is a tremendous help and extremely enlightening. Taking notes! Love this video of essentials, which I plan to share with my brother who presently lives out of his truck. Thanks for all your good work!
Bob and Suzanne, I am 81. being treated for cancer and have back problems. I am an experienced rv and trailer dweller. I have a jeep SUV with a tailgate attachable tent. My hope when my medical problems are gone to do what you two are doing. Am I too old? Too infirmed? My wife does not want to take care of me. Are there people like me out there.
Congratulations Kathryn! I do recommend stocking up on butane when it is less than $2 or so per can. The cheapest prices are usually found at Asian grocery stores. Sportsmans Warehouse has pretty good prices as well.
really cool, Bob. I own a 2015 Fiesta, San model and now see that I can go out to camp and live the life style you do with my car. I plan on putting a cargo top or box on the rear off the car, so I can also carry a tent. I have one year left at this location, as then the contract I am with will end. I then will go out full time. In between, I will be using my Fiesta to go on weekend trips locally in the four state area from Dallas, Texas. very nice piece.
I travel with a battery powered electric cooler, it is well insulated and drops the temperature about 20 degrees. So long as you're driving and the a/c is running it works fine. If you are stopped for the day, it should be protected from direct sun. If you are dry camping, bring a battery in a marine case and put a cigarette lighter plug on the side. And drape it with a wet towel if things get hot. I've found the marine battery to last through 5 days of camping. By then, I want a motel for the night.
baking soda and water work well and don't need a rinse...just towel off and your done...about two tablespoons soda in a quart of water should do the trick
I have watched hundreds of these van/car life videos. I see ones with 20 somethings that probably have not even had a first job yet, purchasing expensive Van's and needing counter space and enough solar power to have their espresso machines. Then I see people like this woman and think these young folks have not given up a whole lot. It truly gives you an idea of what you can do without.
In Canada, milk is sold in bags, 4 liters in 3 bags. The plastic pitcher used to hold a bag is perfect for women to pee into. It has an oval shape & has a handle so is super easy to use then empty. It would have been nice to see where she put everything & how the bed was made up.
I love you two. You work so well as a team. And one day I hope to camp in my car or maybe a minivan. Thank you so much for the essentials list. I can do this and am so excited.
I am so taken by your great interviews. Makes me want to get up and GO!! Right now my son is starting out on the RV life, I'm following him on UA-cam along with several others, it seems like a great life!! I may join y'all one day!!
Very VERY excellent video. Bob, you were kind enough to answer my email a while back asking the same question: what are the essentials that I need? This video contains the same wonderful answers. A question for you and Sueann: you said that she was in the Southwest during warm days last year. What do you do to stay cool in hot, humid weather when you don't have an AC and can't run your engine? Here's my potential scenario: I will be moving out of my apartment in June and I was going to retire at the same time. But now I am thinking that I would like to work a couple months longer and live in my van (yet to be purchased) so that I can save a full two months of salary and really pad my savings account. But I will be in the mid Atlantic where it gets very warm and very humid. Obviously I will be fine during the day since I will be at work but at night it will be uncomfortable. I am one of those people who does not do well in heat. I believe I have a good spot picked out where I can park every night without raising suspicion but I might lose that still ability if I have to run my engine to cool off. What's the answer?
This is very cool. I like the way Sue Ann does her curtains especially. For a make-do in difficult circumstances, I have used black garbage bags (open the seams to make a bigger piece) duct taped to the window frames of a minivan. That works well but they don't fold up or roll very well. Also, I know a lady who owns a Honda Fit. She's at least 5'8" tall and says she can stretch out in it. I'm 5'2" tall, so something like that is looking better and better on my extreme budget.
Lots of information you give Bob. One thing I saw with ladies using bucket for there necessary things going to bathroom. In the summer in the summer toys they sell swim noodles that make the potty seat more comfortable.
Great video with lots of valuable information. I'm wondering if instead of the rubbing alchohol, she could brew her own colloidal silver with an inexpensive generator. You can brew your own CS for pennies. I know her space is a huge consideration but rubbing alchohol is a bit harsh on a consistant basis. There are all kinds of generators and perhaps that could be a future topic for consideration. CS is nature's antibiotic. I have been using is with care for many years. It certainly replaces deodorant and can also be taken internally for many illnesses.
there is a great opportunity of turning a Reflectix type material into a solar material that is put in the windows during the day to use for charging electronics and lighting for use at night. Great video. Wish it was around when I was sleeping in my car with anxiety. It would have alleviated much of it.
Too funny about watering a tree. When our home was being built and we lived between a horse trailer LQ and RV we dumped the black water into a hole that was dug for a power pole and then not used. Planted a tree there (along with several others) and that tree grew three times faster and bigger than the other nine!!!!!
I'm SO STRESSED with my situation, having to be homeless, watching the video. He gets to the headlamp: Bob gaffs & says" put on your hands and you're head-free"...I was rolling with laughter. 🤣🤣🤣. I wish I was head-free right now 🙄😊. That lightened my mood 💜
You guys are awesome. Thank you so much.
Just love how you make videos with 'pros', as it were, staying non-judgmental and preserve the dignity and honor of all your guests regardless of their walk of life, and extracting their precious experience, knowledge and wisdom to share with the masses for their education to help them think outside the box.. I really like this. Totally subscribed. =)
Great
First of all, thank you both for sharing the tips with candor. I think, in my mind, a pop up changing tent is the best 20 bucks you'll ever spend. You can change in it, bathe in it, potty in it and it's the size of a steering wheel. Also, having traveled a good bit, I always carry a heavy duty exterior extension cord and an electric skillet. I can stop by a grocery store, pick up some chicken or whatever, and go to a city park and plug in for free at the picnic shelters. Absolutely great. Learned that from a flight attendant. And you can pick up the electric skillet or whatever floats your boat (I used a hot pot a great bit) at a thrift store. Also not mentioned, a clothes line, toilet paper, baby wipes, sunscreen, tie out line if you have a pet, and I have a pop up screen room, that is, again, the size of a steering wheel. Let's you have a bug free space, and if you're in a really safe and private area, also good to sleep in. And Bob, regarding the east coast, the best of the east is above Maine. Go to New Brunswick, up to Nova Scotia, and you'll never be the same. Ever. Bay of Fundy is a life changer.
Sue Ann answered all of my bathroom questions. Thank you for not holding anything back on this subject.
Oh she didn't hold back 😉
Love this woman! She reminds me of my mother. Extremely resourceful woman, humble, kind and wise!
Much love and God bless! 😇
Bob, I am addicted to your videos! One thing I really love is how much everyone smiles. It is obvious that these folks are very happy with their lives.
I use the bucket and toilet seat but sprinkle saw dust or peat moss on the poop and it last as long as you need to get to a spot to dig a hole and bury it, it saves the use of non recycleable plastic. I love your videos cuz I learn something in each one.
Yay!!! SO glad to see a fellow plastic reducer. Part of the reason I want to get on the road is how sad it is to see the way we are abusing our home. Last thing I want to do is add avoidable abuse like heavy duty plastic bags on a daily basis.
I was scanning the comments to see something like this. I can't imagine using her system for anything other than absolutely dire emergencies. All that plastic just to poop!
Burying human excrements can also create problems.(animal excrements stay on the surface). in compost toilets there is some exposure to air, so it will decompose faster. - Even in National parks and BLM land (if everyone does it ...).
The problem is that parasites and diseases can spread. Humans do not necessarily suffer from pests that plague other mammals (like bears, deer, squirels), but if more human poop is disposed of, that could get problematic.
That is why diapers are thrown into the garbage (in many nations that wast is burned, it does not get onto a dumpster site).
the compost toilets seem to work very well (if you have space for that and can afford the expenditure OR manage to imitate them).
@@xyzsame4081 Animal waste is used as compost to grow our food. Human waste can also be used on a garden after a year.
Outhouse waste is buried.
Waste is a compostable natural item.
What one needs to do is make sure it's buried away from water.
THANK YOU!!
A headlamp that 'goes on your hands and your head-free'! Gotta love it!
😂
Got a good chuckle out of that.
I was laughing too! Bob just rolls with it!
Bob is just real. I just love him.
These are great tips! I just want to add: 1-A warm coat that is long enough to at least cover your backside will keep you much warmer. The longer the better. 2-Using alcohol for your sponge bath works really well and if you have dry skin, use virgin coconut oil instead of any lotion. It is slightly antimicrobial, wonderful for your skin and hair (use lightly!), and also can be used as oil for cooking. 3- If it is really cold, you can cook inside with your small cook stove. Use a cast-iron pan, and when done wiping it out, put a fire brick or two in it and let them get hot. They will radiate heat into the car for a long time. Just make sure you crack a window while the fire is burning. If you can find a dutch oven it will stay warm inside longer with the lid on over the brick.
all these tips have become exponentially more helpful during the pandemic.
the alcohol bath: Sally beauty supply has a cherry - almost scented alcohol that is much more pleasant smelling than isopropyl. It is also 70% alcohol. I use it frequently in my salon. Wonderful video.
I would use microfiber wash clothes (the super fast drying material, there are also towels from that material. fuzz, and (pet) hairs tends to stick to it (you can easily shake a lot of that out of cotton towels, but you have to pick it off manually from the microfiber. That said, in high humidity or cool / rainy season having alterternatives to cotton washclotes are great.
If it is windy, dry, warm the good ole washcloth will dry fast enough, even if it is larger).
with a larger washcloth (if need be microfiber) you could do a generous sponge bath using more water and a little vinegar maybe.
Which is a disinfectant - a little bit - so good for hand washing, if you do not want having to rinse off soap. It matches the ph needs of your skin. Or hair.
And the gym memberships if you are often enough in a town and can afford the expenditure can make all the difference. Plus of course bathing in nature (like clean lakes and streams).
Joyce Judd wow! Thankyou for that. I wonder if our Sally’s is open...
@@xyzsame4081 yes that's what I take with me when I travel - the microfiber
Also take a microfiber beach towel - multiple uses!
I wouldn't use alcohol on my skin - not healthy. I've heard of ppl using green tea (which I think sounds refreshing) and while I'll use witchazel on my face I'll use diluted tea tree oil for those other bits - still antibacterial but not drying.
Hadn't thought of the spray bottle though! Sounds great for summer - for winter I think I'd wanna warm the water
Thank you Bob and Susan! My son and I have been living out of a Mid-size Cargo Van staying in urban areas where it's possible to go to stores daily for anything we need, and so this video really inspires me to get organized, prepared, and stocked up on food enough to be able to actually last a week or two out in a natural setting! 👍❤✌
As the saying goes... Where there is a will, there is a way. Loved this video.
Man I like this guys voice lol. Have you done any voice work? I'd watch a documentary with you narrating bob.
Eric Schmidt I've actually fallen asleep better while listening to Bob talk in these videos. It's relaxing for some strange reason. Lol
Bob could make a pretty penny narrating audio books i'd say .
Yes, I love Bob's voice, it has a very calming effect on me. 🍸
Yes, I agree. I find his videos very calming and soothing. Must be his voice and manner.
Sort of sounds like Chef John
FYI for minimalist bathing I find that aloe gel (Walmart Equate brand is perfect) makes a great cleaner, refreshes & prevents heat rash. I use it for facial moisturizer & first aid. Terrific multi purpose product
Bob and Suanne, I can't thank you enough. I'm outfitting my van starting to feel that it was just too small. Now I feel so grateful for all the space I have!
Another excellent video Thank You. As far as sleeping warm, I've sometimes used a fleece facemask on my head leaving only my eyes, nose/mouth exposed. I'm amazed at how few people recognize how versatile and comfortable a black zip up hoodie can be. Even around the house it greatly reduces the need to turn the heat up !!!
Love my big red zip up hoodie that my fiance left me when he died ! Warm & comfy too. It's better than my robe.
@@62WILDCAT im sorry for your loss and I agree I use one all the time.
Yes, Bob's voice is awesome. He's like the Sir David Attenborough of van life.
I know this is an older video but I have an idea for the washing up situation. When I was hospitalized for awhile they used no rinse shampoo and body wash on me. You moisten a wash cloth and use the soap like regular soap but it's much less harsh and alcohol free. Very gentle and does the job. You can get rinse free shampoo and body wash anywhere! Thank you for all your helpful videos Bob and thank you to all the guests you have in your videos that share their insight and experiences! 💖
I am still in the planning stage and will be joining ya'll soon and I hope and pray that I meet people like you on my journey. Thank you both for taking the time to make these videos that are so helpful to us that are planning our journey. Your wisdom is both helpful and inspiring.... thank you both and peace be with you..
I might suggest a Lockable luggage rack on top of the vehicle. Great for items that need to be kept out of vehicle.
Bob, you are a gentleman and a scholar! ❤️❤️ I especially appreciated the tips about soft sided storage. Also, using what I already have. Thank you!
Instead of S hooks: The headliners on most vehicles will open on the edge to tape magnets inside. The fleece will grab gorilla tape very well to hold magnets there.
take fiber powder with water everyday
to make yr stomach system happy & healthy
and also it fixes diarrhea (which you mentioned),
(so I had to recommend this cuz it’s great)(product says take a teaspoon but i would say take 3x that with lots of water, works like a charm)(also, of course, eat good food [spinach salad w balsamic vinegar, cheese ravioli, simple chili)in healthy amounts, don’t just eat tons of junk food, cuz that’s what messes up yr system in the first place)
Walmart has “equate” brand “psyllium husk fiber”
in pharmacy section (Metamucil is the unnecessarily expensive name brand)
Use a bedpan. Built-in seat. Line in too. Easier to store away. They come in both plastic and stainless steel
HEADLAMP.! PUT IT ON YOUR HANDS AND YOU'RE HEAD-FREE!!°° THANK YOU BOB, I REALLY NEEDED A GOOD GIGGLE!
:-D That was laugh out loud funny. :-D
I still haven't figured out how she stretches out for sleeping in the car. Does she have room front to back with seats folded down? Is that flat enough? Explaining how she arranges the vehicle for sleeping would be interesting unless I missed that part. How she has room enough to do "her duty" is beyond me. LOL, but then some things are better left unsaid. Somehow she's got the system down. She rocks!
I camp out in my Prius and learned from the previous video Bob did with Suanne and from Rusty78609. The way it is done is you slide the front passenger seat all the way forward depending on how tall you are, I don't have to much as I am 5'3". Then you fold down the back passenger-side seat only, removing the head rest from it first. The air mattress or what ever you sleep on then fits just fine in the space from behind the front seat to the rear of the vehicle. You can then either get into bed from the back passenger-side door or as Rusty says and I do, roll up onto the bed from the back driver's-side seat. Christine Lowery (Beach Cricket) did a review on me recently (Angela) showing my set-up with the addition of my TailVeil tent on the back of the Prius. That was and is still the first time I had gone camping in the Prius and I really enjoyed it other than the fact that from a recent fall my back was giving me fits. So rolling into the bed was a bit difficult but once there very comfortable. I closed the hatchback at night for secure sleeping without removing the TailVeil and though it was in the low 30's at night was quite comfortable. During the day it was amazing how warm the tent stayed by trapping the heat from the car and the sun shining on it. Gave me room to cook (I devised a fold out table on the Prius), eat, change clothes and use the potty. I didn't do the last two that trip as there was a very close heated bathroom but next time... : ) I too wonder how the small bucket in the back seat is possible but I have one here somewhere....
cowboy7x How I Manage In My 4Dr. 1990 Geo Metro, I Just Pancake My Drivers Seat Back Down As Far Flat As It Will Go, Depending Upon How Much Stuff I Have In The Back Of Course, And I'm Good To Go. The Drivers Seat With The Seat Back Pancaked Back--THAT'S MY BED!!! And Let Me Tell Ya, I Sleep Like A Baby, These Geo Metros Are Real Good For Sleeping In, And That 1.0 Litre 3 Cylinder Will Really Keep You Warm In The Cold Windy Winter Weather And Those Chilly Nights. And The Four Door Hatchback From 1989 To 1994 Are The Best. Get The Four Door First Gen Model As That's The Best One For Car Camping. That's My Choice But To Each Their Own. The Only Downside To A Geo Metro Is That It Attracts LAW ENFORCEMENT!!!! (Unfortunately.)
cowboy7X going potty in a Prius definately proves, "necessity IS the mother of invention!!
I have a question. How do you wash your clothes? Do you go into town and find a laundry?
@@richardkaltenbach3961 I had a1996 four door sedan Geo Metro until 2013. I loved that car 💘 💘 💘. The police never targeted me but maybe they do now that they are getting even older.
Ah! Spray painted reflectix. Yes! I have tons of windows in my X-Terra. And Virginia has very liberal window tint laws. You just solved my last remaining issues. I've been living off grid on my own 5 acres of land for a couple of years so I'm a pro on most stuff except how to be stealth in the X-Terra. Problem solved!
but isn't there a problem with tinted windows if the laws of another state are different ?
So you live on your land in the vehicle? Cool! Did you already own it or did you recently buy for this purpose? Thanks
@@t.terrell7037 Sorry. My post wasn't at all clear! I had 2 Lowe's type sheds off grid in Virginia that had been insulated. I used one for a cook house and the other for sleeping (bear country). I am no longer there. I did own the 5 acres in Virginia, now sold. I live in Tucson now (I got tired of being cold in the winter. Lol). I did go camping in my X-Terra for a month at a time, and camped my way across the country a few times in my X-Terra. I still keep it set up for camping, but summers in Southern Arizona? Uh no . . . WAY too hot to camp.
It's like Living in a Boat but on land, the minimalist simple way. Thank-You Both for this Awesome 2 Part Tutorial TFS :O)
It was our pleasure!
Sue Ann is one smart lady! I loved the vinegar idea! Vinegar as well as rubbing alcohol ( for birdy baths she mentioned) are both antiseptics so they help with the germ factor as well. You could also put a middle grommet in the black fabric that you chose to use or not use depending on your need for breeze. Loved all the ideas. You and Bob are great together. Two birds of a feather and both smart cookies!!😍
For your clothes, I recommend the Komari folding method or ranger roll method for maximum space efficiency.
That's a good tip, thanks James.
Indeed, you're welcome.
I've never heard of komari. Looking it up now. I roll all my clothes and I store them in the zippered upholstery covers of pillows I bought at Goodwill. That way my clean clothes double as lounging pillows on my bed and look nice as a bonus.
Absolutely and I was gonna suggest it but I didn’t know what the word was for it.
ABSOLUTELY. KonMari folding is the bomb. LOVE it. Did my whole S&B with KonMari, never the same.
One absolutely wonderful piece of cookware that takes a very little space is called a lunch box which truckers use this routinely we can cook while we're driving and you can cook anything from bacon meatloaf and roast convenient and easy I don't think there is anything I really haven't cooked in their smothered cabbage all the way down to Turkey Lake of course I had to cut off part of the phone but hey there was great
Haybox cooking has been around a long, long time.
This has been invaluable to me. Thank you both for taking the stress out of what I need to take as I get ready to join your community.
Coconut oil and baking soda (or cornstarch, arrowroot) makes a good deodorant and it keeps stinky bits down as well:)
She is a road warrior Bob
Dr. Bronner's diluted with water amazing the uses (10); Plus it can be used for deordorant dilute with water spray bottle.
Rosemary ☕ will wash face hands, wounds, personal area insect bites, etc. cool put in spray bottle. White vinegar diluted with water cleans personal areas and along with Dr. Bronner's a good deodorant.
I LOVE their castile soap!!! For deo I buy the crystal brand at natural grocers. I've switched to mostly biodegradable products in preparation of nomadic living.
I switched to Dr. Bronners at home a few months ago, using for hair/body/hand/dish soap, looking into using it for laundry and cleaning.
Very much enjoyed this two-part series on the essentials. I love small thing that do a big job and Suanne has it figured out. Great work guys! 🚐💨
She sure does!
Good stuff! Yeah, a car can hold more than a backpack. Great point.
It smells better but a lot of those scents are endocrine disruptors. Watch the documentary "Stink." I only use essential oils as fragrance.
Lol good one
I have the idea that in summer when it's super hot to go park in a parking garage. It's dark and cool.
Suanne is so lovely. I've really enjoyed her videos!
Pee should be diluted with water before poured on plants as it's too *hot* or high in nitrogen. Some plants can handle, but for most a dilution is better. :)
Wouldn’t water be too valuable a resource to use to dilute urine when leading a nomad life?
I believe so, so I guess a solution to make everybody happy would to just pour the urine on grass or gravel or dirt.
No sense in wasting water as it’s the most valuable resource.
You can buy water absorbing polymer crystals in gardening stores, they add it to soil to improve water absorption plus the same polymers are inside diapers so you don't have to buy special poop bags just to have something that absorps water out of your poop. It would probably be best to just cover the poop with Coco coir or peat moss. Also keeping the poop container ventilated instead of sealed would encourage aerobic bacteria growth which do not create odours and actually consume the volatile organics that produce odours, sealing your poop up only ensures it will stink and yes that stink soaks through plastics. If you can't vent what's basically a compost toilet to the outside, vent it through a carbon filter, you can buy bulk carbon filter rolls in the hardware store.
Brilliant! Always learning something new, she has a great system.
Ty for all of the usefull information! !!
Another great video Bob and she's wonderful..very clever and thrifty so a big thank you to her as well!! I googled Navajo Valley and it is gorgeous!! Save Travels and be well!! :)
Love rubbing alcohol, gets rid of the stink and keeps insects from biting. Just don't use where you have mucous membranes or it'll burn. Great info like always! Surprised not more people have roof top carriers and swinging tailgate storage when they live in their cars or SUVs.
I agree, but a lot are Older Folks like me and it may be too much for reaching or handling it. I know I couldn't handle it, but wish I could handle a Roof Top Carrier. So, it NOT physically for everyone.
I put peat moss in my bucket or bag to absorb the smell. Works beautifully ! Saw dust works too and I know some people who add coffee grounds to it as well to make things smell like a coffee shop ..turns out poop only smells when wet so the peat moss and saw dust absorb the moisture the coffee grounds would work best in the bucket but outside of the bag so as not to add moisture but I’m only guessing and can’t talk from experience. Peat moss makes things so pleasant I’ve had no need for the coffee grounds
Spent a few years living in a mobile home with no running water.It sits under big pines,so I just gathered pine straw for my bucket,works great and is free.I would imagine leaves and any kind of tree litter would work.
Great video! Some other top essential items I wanma mention are: fire extinguisher, co2 monitor, first aid kit, car emergency stuff like jumper cables (battery even better so no other car required) and a flat tire or lock-out plan (spare key plan, AAA, patch kit, spare tire, or whatnot). Potty plan, hygiene plan,clothes plan (I found wrinkled clothes can cause issues depending on job situation, etc), plan for keeping phone charged, 911 or emergency reception, emergency food plan (there are food pantries but some require local residency as does food stamps)...but only so much one video can fit of course. I love that she mentioned bear spray, whistle, something to cut kindling, thoughts on cotton staying damp, and much more! I also love Bob advice he said somewhere to have $3,000 emergency fund if at all possible!
Whoops meant to comment that on part one...didn't see this part two yet🙂
I use castile soap, ALL over and no odor anywhere. Also I don't have to use moisturizers because of the oil base of castile soaps. Works for ME, not bossing, just stating what works for me.
It's good stuff!
By all means reflectics on the front windshield is common and stealth people do it hear in Florida all the time .. awesome information ! Thank you ! Dark tint windows help keep thieves from knowing whats in side too ! I hope it doesn't encourage them thinking there's something that you don't want them to see ? wow it could work both ways here ? Not afraid !
I bought a folding magnifier that holds the phone, but increases the size of the phone screen picture. It's not great quality, but it's fine, and uses zero energy. Hands free.Folds flat and is about the size of a sheet of paper.
Coats and sweaters fit in king sized pillow shams creating something pretty to store in and to lean against.
Monument Valley is magnificent.
"They go on your hands, and you're head free" I choked on my spit
I love headlamps, I don't live without one for years. Another important thing about your headlamp is to know where you have it before it gets dark, keep it in a specific spot.
The $35 or $40 one you can buy at Harbor Freight Tools and recharge as a USB in your cigarette lighter or if you can, somewhere that has electricity however I decided to save the money and buy the $2.50 one with 50 lumens, very bright nothing fancy at Harbor Freight Tools and it comes with batteries.
Maybe in the future I can afford the USB rechargable headlamp but for right now, here's where I save money as far as batteries, since it's two double a batteries instead of three AAA batteries like I've used in my headlamps in the past.
I save money on a pack of six batteries from the Dollar Tree. So with my old headlamp that used three double a batteries I only got two fresh sets of batteries with a $1.25 pack of batteries from Dollar Tree versus this $2.50 headlamp from Harbor Freight Tools I buy a $1.25 6 pack of AA batteries🔋gives me three uses of fresh batteries renewal. And one fresh battery renewal last for about two nights.
Over the years I've had several headlamps and I've spent anywhere from $10 to $15 for them and I have used them for up to a year, however what typically goes bad with them is the off and on switch stops working from so much use and it wears down. With this $2.50 headlamp from Harbor Freight Tools, it's very well made, the strap is hefty a durable, it doesn't easily pull off from the light itself and the button is really strong but there is one thing to be aware of... Two AA batteries move around a little bit so I just take a little piece of rectangle strip of thick paper or any
card - stock really, I the top of the battery packet, fold it over and put it in between the two batteries and this holds the batteries in place.
Now I keep one on hand, fresh and new in the packet as a backup and at only $2.50 I can afford that. If the button eventually stops working, I only paid $2.50 for it so no big deal. Another note, I just had to replace my $2.50 headlamp from Harbor Freight Tools and it was about 3 months old, I think what happened was it got wet when I was using it in the rain so just keep that in mind and I will keep mine out of the rain here on out or maybe I can put it in a MacGyver Ziploc bag in the future if I really need it in the rain.
The Libby app is great if you have a library card. You can take virtual books out of the library and read them on your phone or tablet. They also have audio books for long drives.
Absolutely. OverDrive also available for some parts of Canada. Phone charges fast and even from solar and up to 17 hours of audio book entertainment. You can also get kids/youth books and graphic novels. Free.
Regina Row is right! I've been using Virgin Coconut Oil for years as a cleanser, moisturizer and even to clean my teeth! It does wonders. Thank you Bob for another wonderful video.
It's good for dogs too. My dog has sensitive feet and when she runs alot at the dog park, her pads get abraded. I put coconut oil on them and it seems to sooth them. And she likes the taste as well!
I use Apple Cider Vinegar & water for a wash-up and it works for me and eliminates odor in "certain" locations. Female urinals are available in catologs or on line. Cedar wood chips are good to mix with poo and it creates a biodegradable mulch that can be dumped in the woods/rural areas if necessary. Bob, you do great videos, Thanks !
Kind man.
Lovely voice .
I’d also like to know how where she puts her bucket and how can she possibly get it under her. First you have to find a position to pull your pants down And that’s hard to do then if you do get situated you have to wipe. And get off without tipping than pull pants back up etc.
obviously there’s minimal head room so just getting in to lay down is hard. Many of us may be retirees so maneuvering is hard and standing up at home can be harder too.
Is there a part there showing how she arranges everything?
Very good question…I wondered the same thing for all cars and vans aside from those you can stand up in
Hi there , as a person fast coming up to retirement I have been taking a keen interest in van lifing. I love and very much appreciate all the knowledge you pass on . All good practical down to earth stuff . I have done a couple of van conversions over the years and my late wife and i would travel the country side on our vacations . But I still manage to pick up a lot of great information from your videos . Thank you for the great work you do. Cheers and happy van lifing to you all. :-)
The porta-potty lid fits under bed but the flat reflect wouldn't?
WOW SueAnne, You are really a pro and inspiring! Thank You
great video! bob always finds the most interesting and resourceful people to speak to. thanks
Except for the portable loo seat and a bucket, I've got it covered.
Oct of 17 I moved out of my truck into an apartment. I have taken this time to regroup, finish up art/craft projects and kind of find myself. In 2014 I had a NDE that knocked me out of the workforce and I have felt lost since.
Last month I got a 19' camper. A friend is gonna do the work on it for me for cheap...I think they forgot to close the shower curtain cuz so far with the rainy Montana weather I have found no leaks. After that lick of subfloor is done I'll pick a flooring then plan to vacate my rental.
Thank you SO much for your videos. They realy show that it IS possible and when we get over our egos and this mindset of stuff equals happiness then it can become a simple reality.
Very informative..........a special thanks to the camera guy for zooming in on the small objects.5
What a nice lady to share...she is a private person but so willing to share so publicy...and great experience
A great option for a headlamp is a Thrunite TH20. Really bright on high, has different modes to suit your needs, and runs on 1 AA battery, as opposed to 3 AAAs like most headlamps. Get a neutral white version, as the light is warmer and easier on the eyes than cool white. Really well made out of aluminum. Available on amazon for about $30-.
Thanks for the info PTO!
Get one that is rechargeable with a phone cord. I've been using one for months. They come with a red light too.
Bathroom, for me in a van..fulltime boondocker..enamel chamber pot..works GREAT!! Ebay, about 40 bucks. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much for helping people and getting this information out there....you are an ANGEL!
Bedside commode bags work really well .... I line with newspaper and some kitty litter ..... then I place in heavy garbage bag that i place in a large popcorn canister till I can get to a dumpster
I am sorry .I had a stroke and names have a tendency to escape me . But I love the way Mr. Sir treats everyone the same . Entry level car dwellers and more advanced camper users the same .He does not look up or down at anyone .I love that about him . Sir if you could start out with your name at the first of every video . Maybe your name will soak in .
Bob
Truly an amazing lady. Thanks Bob for how to videos.
WalMart sells Luci Lights. Great ideas. I use my head lamp when I take my dogs out at night. I have Verizon prepay, unlimited 😊👍🏼
I stapled the the black material to the reflectix then put black duck tape over the staples all around the edge. Works great except with each time you staple it shrinks the size a tiny bit so you do have to start with an oversized piece of reflectix. The staples were much cheaper than glue. I used a regular office stapler
Just in case someone hasn't already mentioned this: there are diaper pails for parents to stash dirty diapers in, and contain the smell. They can be a great solution for storing camping poop bags, and are often quite affordable.
Thank you for this great video!! Omg, even though I'm not in my car, I'm in a folding 600 lb handicap van. I am not handicapped. But it was a good price, the 600 capacity lift is still in place, so I am hoping in the future I can sell it to someone who needs it. So now we know my van is insulated like a car.
Thank you Bob!
You go girl! Thankyou so much for sharing your tips! From someone living the grind of daily house needs and stress, your tips and honesty are so refreshing! I love the minimalist lifestyle and love nature, and learning to live with just the basics is really awesome. These practical tips are great for saving money and sharpens the learning curve for anyone looking to tradition. Love these videos and have been hooked for hours now! Keep the videos coming! Can't wait till I make the switch! Xoxo
Solid info!! Another great two-part video!!
Always smart choices from my Prius dwelling Sista!
Great video Bob! The information about what fabric to use in hot or cold temperatures was EXCELLENT! I hadn't seen that addressed! Also, using rubbing alcohol and vinegar to clean up are fantastic ideas! Thanks again for sharing!
I have realized watching these videos that I am made for this :) Interestingly some of what friends have been giving me work with this likestyle, even won a folding chair last year. Thankyou everyone! Very helpful indeed!
S.S. will be low when I retire and these videos let me know it will be ok and I do have a living option without having to do government housing. I hate living in the city.
Claudia, yes you absolutely do have options!
CheapRVliving A friend has offered me space on their property to use. I hope to start getting things in place while I am still working. I have been trying to sort my books and there are still too many. Kindle is a great idea!
Hi Bob. I'm very excited to have discovered your videos about the Nomad life - I may be joining the ranks sometime next year while I decide where to settle down in AZ. Presently checking out vans, trailers, RVs, etc., and the variety of interviews you have done is a tremendous help and extremely enlightening. Taking notes! Love this video of essentials, which I plan to share with my brother who presently lives out of his truck. Thanks for all your good work!
You can put dark towels at the windows and just roll the windows up. If it hot and you need air but let the towels hang over the window edge!
Such a great chemistry between you to with all due respect. You guys are so much fun loved all the good advise and solutions thank you🥰
great information and inspiration for female solos. Thanks
Bob and Suzanne, I am 81. being treated for cancer and have back problems. I am an experienced rv and trailer dweller. I have a jeep SUV with a tailgate attachable tent. My hope when my medical problems are gone to do what you two are doing. Am I too old? Too infirmed? My wife does not want to take care of me. Are there people like me out there.
BTW...got my Luci Light and single butane stove like the one shown here at BIG 5!
Congratulations Kathryn! I do recommend stocking up on butane when it is less than $2 or so per can. The cheapest prices are usually found at Asian grocery stores. Sportsmans Warehouse has pretty good prices as well.
really cool, Bob. I own a 2015 Fiesta, San model and now see that I can go out to camp and live the life style you do with my car.
I plan on putting a cargo top or box on the rear off the car, so I can also carry a tent.
I have one year left at this location, as then the contract I am with will end. I then will go out full time.
In between, I will be using my Fiesta to go on weekend trips locally in the four state area from Dallas, Texas.
very nice piece.
I travel with a battery powered electric cooler, it is well insulated and drops the temperature about 20 degrees. So long as you're driving and the a/c is running it works fine.
If you are stopped for the day, it should be protected from direct sun. If you are dry camping, bring a battery in a marine case and put a cigarette lighter plug on the side. And drape it with a wet towel if things get hot. I've found the marine battery to last through 5 days of camping. By then, I want a motel for the night.
baking soda and water work well and don't need a rinse...just towel off and your done...about two tablespoons soda in a quart of water should do the trick
I have watched hundreds of these van/car life videos. I see ones with 20 somethings that probably have not even had a first job yet, purchasing expensive Van's and needing counter space and enough solar power to have their espresso machines. Then I see people like this woman and think these young folks have not given up a whole lot. It truly gives you an idea of what you can do without.
In Canada, milk is sold in bags, 4 liters in 3 bags. The plastic pitcher used to hold a bag is perfect for women to pee into. It has an oval shape & has a handle so is super easy to use then empty.
It would have been nice to see where she put everything & how the bed was made up.
I love you two. You work so well as a team. And one day I hope to camp in my car or maybe a minivan. Thank you so much for the essentials list. I can do this and am so excited.
I am so taken by your great interviews. Makes me want to get up and GO!! Right now my son is starting out on the RV life, I'm following him on UA-cam along with several others, it seems like a great life!! I may join y'all one day!!
We look forward to it Marion, thanks for watching!
Very VERY excellent video. Bob, you were kind enough to answer my email a while back asking the same question: what are the essentials that I need? This video contains the same wonderful answers.
A question for you and Sueann: you said that she was in the Southwest during warm days last year. What do you do to stay cool in hot, humid weather when you don't have an AC and can't run your engine?
Here's my potential scenario:
I will be moving out of my apartment in June and I was going to retire at the same time. But now I am thinking that I would like to work a couple months longer and live in my van (yet to be purchased) so that I can save a full two months of salary and really pad my savings account. But I will be in the mid Atlantic where it gets very warm and very humid. Obviously I will be fine during the day since I will be at work but at night it will be uncomfortable. I am one of those people who does not do well in heat. I believe I have a good spot picked out where I can park every night without raising suspicion but I might lose that still ability if I have to run my engine to cool off. What's the answer?
said this before and will say it again - you guys are so sweet & amazing :)
This is very cool. I like the way Sue Ann does her curtains especially. For a make-do in difficult circumstances, I have used black garbage bags (open the seams to make a bigger piece) duct taped to the window frames of a minivan. That works well but they don't fold up or roll very well.
Also, I know a lady who owns a Honda Fit. She's at least 5'8" tall and says she can stretch out in it. I'm 5'2" tall, so something like that is looking better and better on my extreme budget.
Calvin, even on your budget, you still have some good options!
Lots of information you give Bob. One thing I saw with ladies using bucket for there necessary things going to bathroom. In the summer in the summer toys they sell swim noodles that make the potty seat more comfortable.
Great video with lots of valuable information. I'm wondering if instead of the rubbing alchohol, she could brew her own colloidal silver with an inexpensive generator. You can brew your own CS for pennies. I know her space is a huge consideration but rubbing alchohol is a bit harsh on a consistant basis. There are all kinds of generators and perhaps that could be a future topic for consideration. CS is nature's antibiotic. I have been using is with care for many years. It certainly replaces deodorant and can also be taken internally for many illnesses.
They go on your hands and you're head-free! Classic blooper, love it!
there is a great opportunity of turning a Reflectix type material into a solar material that is put in the windows during the day to use for charging electronics and lighting for use at night. Great video. Wish it was around when I was sleeping in my car with anxiety. It would have alleviated much of it.
amazing woman, so resourceful, so wise, knows so much! love her