A "New to me" Rig for Vanlife - is this Lucky 3.0?! 🍀 🦘

[@valeriaproductions]

With your back problems, being able to stand will be a huge bonus. Bless you Ian! You could also lease a spot in a trailer park and make this your “sticks and bricks” I’m absolutely ECSTATIC for you!

[@dross24MA]

Now *that* makes some sense.😅

[@valeriaproductions]

@@dross24MA yes - he can plug in, so much reduced fuel costs and no worries about battery charging.

[@lynettecarner]

I agree, so many of the vanlife KZbinrs that I have followed are going sticks and bricks. I don't really watch them now because they do not do very many adventures anymore.

[@AB-te3dm]

This is just a true testament to how loved you actually are Matthew🤗 What a blessing and a heck of a way to start 2025!!! Welcome Big Fella😊 Shout Out To Ian “Thankyou”

[@comfortouch]

This wasn't a gift, it's a responsibility. Matthew either has to buy it from Ian, or sell it for Ian, sending the $ back to him.

[@OneAussiesAdventure]

@@comfortouch nope. I gave it to Matthew with no strings attached to help boost his life goals. What he chooses to do (sell or keep) is totally up to him.

[@longstep4530]

If there is a RV salvage around, you could check out the hide a bed couches for a Brooklyn sleeping area. Just remove the folding seats. Just a suggestion.

[@thinkingkingdomthoughts]

That top bunk might give Brooklyn a bed. Maybe even put a secure railing along edge, so she doesn’t have to worry about rolling off. SOOOO happy you can stand up!!! That’s fantastic!!!

[@Kristina_Gisela]

Thanks for taking all of us along to visit your grandparents. You didn’t have to show or share that. Thank you.

[@tracyk-79]

Bless Ian for paying it forward to you. This will hopefully make the transition easier until you get the sticks and bricks situation sorted out.

[@albertabluesky]

Congratulations, that was an awesome Christmas surprise, hope Penny approves. Sending best wishes to Ian hope everything works out well for him back home.

[@Ladythyme]

Definitely lots of possibilities… just so weird seeing you in so much space! AND You’re standing!!! 😉 WOW!…..now this IS Quality Content! 😊

[@OneAussiesAdventure]

It's even weirder seeing someone else in Big Fellah lol

[@Ladythyme]

@@OneAussiesAdventure ha ha ha …its such a generous gift and couldn’t have been given to a more deserving person….good luck to you Ian…may upcoming roads be clear and unencumbered

[@BorealisNights]

I'm only 1:30 in, and I've only read a few comments but, didn't anyone else see this coming? lol... the 'clue' was a few vids back, during the 'tour'... when Ian told Matthew to take the spare set of keys, finishing with, "in case anything happens to me, in the next 15 days"... I thought everyone knew this was coming. lol.

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

Had an inkling... I like surprises though. 😂

[@Susan-h9z]

Nope

[@ceebee987]

I caught that too but thought maybe Matthew was just babysitting Big Fella.

[@andreathompson280]

There was also hanging more dixxons and content car wash references. It might be fun to redo it and have Amber take it over.

[@KyleRuggles]

I saw it, had a thought for a second but thought to myself, ".....nah?.. " guess I was wrong!

[@mysticalsouls]

YES! So much better for the health of your back long term, should defo make it Lucky 3.O. You will be so much comfier for camping with Brooklyn

[@Kristina_Gisela]

Welcome Big Fella. I know Ian misses you. You’re in good hands so he doesn’t have to worry.

[@alitahir60]

Ian's an amazing guy...love. Aussies... Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi

[@cathymc8365]

Wishing Ian all the best and hope things are okay back home.

[@JoFoxynHomer]

I knew it. One busiest adventure is a devoted fan and a true friend.

[@OneAussiesAdventure]

@@JoFoxynHomer one busiest adventure lol yep thats me

[@jamesyahn]

I would definitely take out the fold up seats with the table and either build something that does the same things that turns into a bed for your daughter or I would add a Love Seat / Couch that turns into a bed.

[@VanlifePLUS]

That’s sorta what I was thinking as well but no matter what it would need to have seat belts

[@jamesyahn]

@ you could leave the side that you couldn’t fold if that has seat belts and then rebuild the side that you folded. I am sure you thought all about this. There are some good ideas if you look up dinette remodels in RV since they normally have that type of setup.

[@cherylmckay9347]

Onya Ian. Typical Aussie generosity. ❤

[@lifesabeach3424]

Wow, Matt, you are so loved and blessed. Now you can "GIFT" your old van, LUCKY, to your beloved friend, Amber, who so desperately needs a better van. Stay sweet!🚚🚚🚚

[@DP-hk6ox]

What a gift! Obviously you are overwhelmed by this gift. A new adventure for you and Penny. Amazing!

[@Valerygallery]

Ian, you are soooo sweet! ❤ I hope all is well back home in Australia. I am so happy for you Mathew! You can stand up. YAY! ❤ This opens the door to more opportunities for you. Penny says I like! 😻

[@phylliswalters89]

Wow! What a generous gift! This will be a life changer for you Matthew!! And for that sweet little girl, too!! I'm quite sure Penny will be overjoyed too!! Blessings from Michigan!!

[@BorealisNights]

So, like others here, was thinking about a bed for Brooklyn... various ways to make the seats into a small bed or, as someone suggested, reinstating the double bunk, but then it occurred to me, that upper shelf/half bunk, looks like maybe just a good 3 inch thick memory foam and voila!... a Brooklyn sized bed! (it would be nice I think, for her to have a few memories of actually camping/sleeping in 'dad's van', so you know we're not gonna stop with 'suggested bed solutions', 'til you cave in and make one. lol).☮🍁

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Hellooooo Matthew and PRETTY Penny!👋☺️ ...what a GREAT 'Big Fella' SURPRISE!👍🤗💖🎉. It DEFINITELY does my heart good, seeing you able to stand up in one of your possible tiny homes on wheels. I'm certain you'll deck it out and make it feel like home; once you start your own design and rebuild on it ...Lucky 3.0 for the 'WIN'!?🚐🍀🏴‍☠️👀. A lovely deed for sure, Ian!😊

[@CANADIANWARRIOR-i2o]

IAN, I have no idea if Matthew bought Big Fella or you gifted it to him, but either way,,, FANTASTIC!!!! You rocked it buddy...

[@OneAussiesAdventure]

Gifted to do with as he pleases. Live in, sell it, or on gift it. In any case it's up to Matthew to decide.

[@CANADIANWARRIOR-i2o]

@@OneAussiesAdventure That is so fantastic.

[@lilliancolon7521]

​@@OneAussiesAdventure You're an Awesome person 😊😊

[@OneAussiesAdventure]

@@lilliancolon7521don’t be spreading no rumours lol

[@mkatyo]

What a great friend Ian was to meet and I loved the times you filmed together while he was on our continent. Although I also fell in love with Australia the 3 months I was there, so hard to imagine having a hard time going back:). I have so many questions about what happens next!

[@naturegirl5681]

Matt your back is going to thank you!! Congrats I’m so happy for you!! How exciting! I have a fantastic fan in my Roadtrek you are going to love it! Best fan ever !

[@myjourneytosanity]

Lmao, when you were cleaning the wall, I was just waiting for you to say "Quality content"! Too funny.

[@LisaStarrVA]

Matthew! It’s a FORD! So wonderful for Ian to gift it! Please stay course on sticks and bricks before you go down a rabbit hole!! Lovely to see you!

[@VanlifePLUS]

That’s hasn’t changed, sticks and bricks is still the goal no matter what

[@mytinyjourney]

Saw this coming a mile away. Pay Lucky forward 🤔. Standing And all that space will be a game changer.

[@patriciacarter4227]

Pay Lucky forward to Amber?

[@Scorpio1168]

@@patriciacarter4227I'll bet if Lucky is getting payed forward to anyone it's Amber for sure!!

[@karenshiels6566]

​@patriciacarter4227 yes, I agree, and Regina, with all her hiccups could be lifted to Ryan from My Life Journey. Matthew read out his story awhile back. He's in BC somewhere, but his normal van is basically a lame duck, and he seriously talks about being homeless.

[@rajanikumari3672]

Holy jalapeños Ian, so awesome of you. Matthew, Penny & Brooklyn will love this. Safe trip home Ian.

[@spinningcirclesdg]

What a game changer for you! This is the universe showing you how you can keep living the lifestyle you love without needing to "upgrade" to a sticks and bricks lifestyle for your daughter's sake 👌 P.S. a boxio toilet and rinsekit pro with a 3.5 gallon grey water jug for shower drainage will make that shower space perfect for hosting your girl. Also, if it's registered as an RV, you can just add seatbelts to the bench seats. Easy peasy

[@Blondiee22]

Wow…wow…wow….what an incredible gift from Ian….Big Fella will be a perfect alternative to sticks and bricks. Find a nice park where you can stay long term ….Penny is going to love her new home! What Memorial were you visiting?

[@reshondaboozier9729]

His Grandparents

[@jacquelinejeffrey786]

Wow what a generous friend Ian is!! Penny will miss her window spot as the dash looks too small for her bed. It's awesome you can stand up. I guess the stix n bricks is on hold for the time being. Looking forward to seeing how you make it your own😊

[@theprmstrful1]

Very much doubt the sticks and brick is on hold. If anything, it’ll be even easier for him and Brooklyn and penny to travel to BC in the new ride. :)

[@elisabethm9655]

A nice foldout platform could be fixed to the dashboard…Penny’s got a brand new rig! Tally freaking ho, indeed!

[@dross24MA]

The shower closet can hold a toilet for Brooklyn (& you). You can make a "filler" between the seats to create a bed for her. Although you'd have to make a dash bed, there's a rear shelf for Penny already!😊

[@Sam-f1k8e]

Amazing Grace one of my favorite songs ✝️

[@danmiddleton3246]

Very nice of him to gift it to you sell your van and keep the bus it’s cool

[@CANADIANWARRIOR-i2o]

Maybe he can "Pay it Forward" And give Amber Lucky 2.0

[@Lulu-122]

Congratulations, Matthew! Whst a Wonderful blessing and you played the perfect song . How Amazing is He? .. also, such a short jump for Miss Penelope!! I’m rejoicing with you. 🎉

[@caroloum5323]

I watch Ian back in Australia on his channel. He did Tasmania just recently. Great videos. He seems a very nice person. Couldnt happen to a nicer person Matthew.. Ian. you are a kind and generous person. Hope to see you back on youtube soon. From the land down under...

[@OneAussiesAdventure]

I'll eventually do a new video lol

[@Kristina_Gisela]

@@OneAussiesAdventure Waiting on them, you big softie.

[@donnaallbritton4539]

No apartment. Thus is what you need. Love it. Would love to have one of those for my future vanlife.

[@divinewrath3142]

How exciting!! Sorry for Aussie van, but how wonderful of him! I'm excited for your trip, but now I can't wait to see what you get into once youre home!

[@hglenn55]

The advantages to Big Fella over sticks and bricks are massive. Its a studio apartment that allows you to leave noisy neighbors and high prices when you feel like it.

[@donnamacleod2947]

Oh Matthew, the possibilities! So happy for you and Brooklyn and Penny! Quality content! Keep smiling!

[@deepro4371]

So nice to see you standing upright in your home! ❤

[@lynettecarner]

You k ow, behind the drivers seat, you could build a Murphy bed for the Pirate Princess 🤔 When not using it, you could put it up and put a pop up table there.

[@georgina979]

Well done Ian! Thanks from all of us looking forward to more quality content. God bless you both and Happy New Year!

[@starbubbli]

I'd purchase it for my forever home as it is, If I had the funds! . I ❤ love it!!! Don't get me wrong, my dogs, and I have a great time in my e150. Ian's is what I'm going to get for my forever home. In time. Enjoy it Matt...

[@jessntuckeryeg]

I'm so glad I got to meet Ian just before he left 😊

[@OneAussiesAdventure]

You disappeared in the morning too

[@deeregirl7356]

I am so happy for you, what ever you decide it is nice to have choices. God bless your new not so tiny home.

[@bambihargrove6499]

Congratulations 😅❤

[@michellebevans3847]

Pretty nervy of all of you telling Matthew to give Lucky to Amber....sorry Amber no offense. Just let it go. He will do what he wants when he wants and never once did he say Ian's rig was permanent. Let's just wish him well and be happy for him and let it be.

[@mervettefarid3357]

Hey, you can give present Lucky to Amber and Lucky (Big) Fella would be home until sticks and bricks because you can install a bed for Brooklyn where the 2 foldable seats are until you find your appartment, townhouse, or whatever. perfect solution.

[@MsVC-cs8ks]

I was thinking the same.

[@YabbaDabbaDoTime]

I might be wrong but I don't think he can tow Grace with the bus.

[@karensalvin1313]

So glad Ian left you that gift. Able to stand up

[@searchingforsigns8445]

That little platform above your bed would make a great bunk for Brooklyn when you go camping. Add a railing and a small foam mattress, and well how would you say it? "Bob's your Uncle"! EVERYONE JUST CALM DOWN

[@laurakane6321]

That's a fantastic idea.

[@Pammellam]

It would work!!

[@gorillagoldhunters]

Frigggging awesome Mathew!!! This is awesome content! Really good video!

[@soniabennett1674]

Happy for you and Penny. Happy New Year! 😊

[@BorealisNights]

Tip for the heat all rising up so high, now that you have a 'hightop'... take the screen off the ceiling vent fan, set it to blow downwards(vent closed). Just like a ceiling fan in a sticks&bricks, it'll help with redistributing the heat. I think, during the tour, he said it was a 100 watt panel.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Unfortunately that fan doesn’t work when it is closed

[@BorealisNights]

@@VanlifePLUS I think a little snip of wire, short them or leave them apart, depending on whether the 'switch' is 'NO' or 'NC', then it should work fine.

[@edwardlarvin1061]

Even with the vent door is open it'll distribute the warm air more efficiently without bringing in the cold air, or do the same with the wall fans on super cold days if you're worried about the hot air rising and escaping. It'll probably heat the overall space more efficiently too so the heater won't work as hard since the controller and temp sensor are mounted in the lower half of the rig (heat rises (away from the sensor)) and it'll use less fuel overall to heat the whole rig. ​@@VanlifePLUS

[@brendasweetapple7444]

This looks and sounds like a great steep Matthew, More room for you and Brooklynn, Standing is a plus and a little more time to save and pray the cost of housing goes down :D

[@donnakantaris2287]

that table and chair area could be adapted to enable a camp bed for the Pirate Princess..

[@ShawnaHahn-s2h]

We can't wait to see your daughter's reaction to your new place! Plus she can help pick decor! Once Penny gets her Poop 💩 box in there I'm sure she'll love it. 😂❤

[@Susan-h9z]

Brooklyn can learn decorating.

[@ShawnaHahn-s2h]

@Susan-h9z ❤️❤️❤️❤️💜💜

[@TammyGardner-b8l]

I’m so excited to see you make this into your home!!!

[@reshondaboozier9729]

Hello Matthew and Penny I hope Ian is doing great and he will be back to Canada soon it's going to be a big adventure having Big Falla with the gang

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

Nice home on wheels. Suits you Matthew. Awesome of you Ian to be so generous, though it'd be a trick to get back down to Aussie-land. It's not carry-on. So much potential!

[@kathyrobert9859]

What a wonderful gift from an awesome guy…. Thank you Ian ! You have bed some possibilities with additional room for Brooklyn And most amazing is you can stand up in it …. Your back will thank you

[@KutyKreations]

Gosh, you really got a fun new thing there!! Congrats!

[@stevenpetty1694]

Okay Matthew I got to say this is awesome... I can see the wheels turning lol already making a list of improvements

[@heatherfulton7550]

What a wonderful blessing 🙌

[@leolaniukeulady4172]

Nice guy to give you his rig. It will be fun to see how you tune it to your specifications. Look at how the minutesjust fly by. 😁

[@douglaswhite1306]

I bought a shuttle bus too. Started working on it until the Michigan weather closed in. No hurry. Good project for this coming summer. Let me / us know how well it heats. I have a 5KW diesel heater to put in mine. I probably won't insulate it until I see how it heats. I'd rather run the heater hot anyway to keep it clean inside.

[@LoriFranklin-ee4sh]

So COOOL!! I hope Ian gets home and all is OK.

[@OneAussiesAdventure]

The heat is killing me... I wanna come back

[@CANADIANWARRIOR-i2o]

@@OneAussiesAdventure I get it,. we seen you outside in short sleeves for some time in winter. You are part polar bear or something.

[@OneAussiesAdventure]

@@CANADIANWARRIOR-i2o I was built for the Yukon

[@BorealisNights]

@@OneAussiesAdventure We have a term here in Canuckville, for those who travel south(Florida mostly) to escape the cold... "Snowbirds", but you, Ian, are the real deal, meaning you seek the snow, not evade it. lol.

[@soniabennett1674]

Penny is thinking, omg, it is a Penthouse. I am a lucky kitty.

[@debbiehersko6680]

Love this home on wheels. Really fits you and Penny

[@debbiebergman4480]

You could just carry a board and mattress you could put across dinette for a bed for Brooklyn.

[@katsinky5762]

Oh the possibilities! And the pirate princess has her own bunk bed. You may not have to get a real apartment (unless you really want one lol). It will be fun watching you create a real cool home.

[@RumRunner07]

Congratulations matthew.you so deserve a new home on wheels

[@gorillagoldhunters]

Absolutely awesome rig though! Suites you better buddy

[@robinpadilla1434]

Penny will love this ❤

[@rockysmumakagma]

I’m predicting that Matthew will keep the “Big Fella”, because that would work perfect for having Brooklyn overnight. She can sleep up on the shelf of the bed, put a porta potty in where the shower is. Lots of room for her toys and a table 😊 Save on hotel rooms! Then Amber can use Lucky as Regina is getting old with lots of k’s , and like amber said, she was built janky 😂 It’ll be fun to seen what decisions will be made ❤

[@roseannehayes9914]

Matthew i think that would be awesome to live in and Brooklyn can sleep on the bunk bed and save money on hotels

[@ruthmaryjames7343]

HI MATTHEW. PLUS MS. PENNY.I ALWAY ENJOY YOUR MUSIC .HAVE A PLEASANT TRIP BACK TO BC TO VISIT YOUR FAMILY.GREAT AMBER IS GOING TOO PLUS MS. PENNY.HAVE A GREAT VISIT.😊

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you Ruth

[@navigatingthedestination]

Oh, the possibilities. You could remove those seats and put in a bench seat along the window that folds into a bed for Brooklyn. They make bench seats that can do that in motorhomes that have all the seat belts. Might be something worth looking into if your wanting to do that. 🤷‍♂️ Its definitely a tiny house on wheels. Your back is going to appreciate being able to stand. Ian, you're the man 🙏

[@yolandawilson9852]

Happy New Year❤❤❤

[@LorettaKnelsen-go7mf]

Congratulations to you Matthew, Penny and Brook on your new home.

[@connieshutts7074]

Congratulations! So many possibilities!

[@pamelaanderson1833]

Penny is going to Love all that space! Can't wait to see her reaction ❤

[@MPKenney2000]

Nice work on that ending shot.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you!

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

My smile is so big right now! Big Fella looks so spacious! I swear mine doesn't look that big inside. What's the buildable space from the back of the driver's seat to the back of the bus? Mine is 16 feet. Also, is it gas or diesel? I'm so looking forward to this remodel! Cute bunk there for Miss B. ❤ Welcome to the family, Big Fella! Ian, you're such a sweetheart! I hope you're doing well back home.

[@CANADIANWARRIOR-i2o]

I can answer one thing, it is a gas engine.

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

@@CANADIANWARRIOR-i2o thanks! I didn't think it was loud enough to be a diesel, lol.

[@jonmahon3920]

Wow you really stepped it up big time awesome FORD

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

I knew it - you’re a good man Ian @One Aussies Adventure 🥰

[@soniabennett1674]

This is nice. Yes, perfect. A nice cozy home. Lots of light and Penny would love it so much.

[@l.b.3148]

You are Lucky guy. I'm sure Amber would love to have a new rig, hers having over 400k, and a working heater.

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Penny! ❤

[@stumpyfish8087]

Woo hoo! We can be bus buddies. I live in a ford e350 short school bus. The Juggabus bit smaller than that one, but size doesn’t matter, at least that’s what I’ve been told.

[@TheMajictech]

I have the same generator, that’s reliable too. You could put a linear actuator in there to lift the storage area lid. You can get them with a remote control fairly cheap online.

[@TinyGoHomes]

Love seeing other peoples builds. I did mine two years ago and been living inside since.

[@tommurray2653]

Hi Matt good first meal , stand up cooking in a stand up rig. This is why i like our 1989 Dodge Roadtrek so much as we are able to do the same. Have a good trip to BC . Tom in the Maritimes at the NB-NS border

[@melisa8256]

Nice there’s so many possibilities. It’s nice that the bench seats have seatbelts. You can safely transport a few people. It will be fun to watch what you decide to do with all that space.

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

Oh, and a Starlink?! Cool.

[@kellystarot1980]

This is amazing. I'm so happy for you.

[@chicago280803]

Now there’s room for the pirate princess to have her own space ❤️❤️❤️

[@DoneGone282]

Thanks!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you very much - I appreciate that 😊

[@soniabennett1674]

You have 3 vehicles now. Where are you going to park these ?