Canadian Winter Living in a Van - Preparing for a Freeze

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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@app103]

1:08:26 That little dotted line circle on your microwave is when it's orienting the turntable to the exact same position as it was when started. Only really useful if you are heating up something with a handle (such as a mug), so it points the handle back at you, instead of it being turned around the wrong way.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Oh very cool!

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

I think you put the pouches on the spoon, put the sliding ring to squeeze the goop onto the spoon.

[@CaptainKush420]

Like a toothpaste thing but for puree. exactly what I was thinking

[@khadijia42]

That’s exactly what it is. It prevents the food from spilling everywhere. Cat owner here🤣🤣

[@melodyebannerman]

It helps get/squeeze all of the cat treat out of the pouch.

[@Ladythyme]

I was thinking the same thing….ya gotta love your mom 😏…worrying about your kids is not an option…no matter how old they get 😊🥰

[@SallyHanson-n6k]

All hail Queen Penny🤭Making her human sit on floor🤜🤛love it 😂

[@CRAZYcat1515]

Thank you to the people who send Matthew, Brooklyn and Penny gifts Very thoughtful and much appreciated.

[@kimgardnerrealestate]

Matthew if you set the little tab on the spout of the rotopax on the edge of the generator fill area and push down it allows the gas to flow n when you pull up it stops the gas! Hard to explain in words!

[@dross24MA]

Yes, you are correct, but I find it difficult to hold everything in place without spilling fuel all over.

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

I think the guys at Craze know you a bit too well. 😂🤣”why would you do that?”🤣😂

[@christinamann3640]

That was hilarious 😂

[@wiki189]

I'm late to the party today! Craze looks like an awesome store, Im going to go pick up some paddleboard accessories. They're very reasonably priced!

[@JTAakaShadowWalker]

Bill on the cap, dampen it, mold it around a can or bottle, put a rubber band around it to hold it and let dry. Curved and no jank 😉

[@MerryMary2614]

Hi Matthew and Penny! Wow, some unhappy people down in the comments. Sounds like they don't want anyone to be happy. Well, we're happy watching, you're living life on your terms and you're happy, Penny's happy. it's all good. Keep making them crazy, my KZbin friend! 🍀❤️😂👍🤣

[@lisacanterbury7189]

You're supposed to push the knob on the fuel spout against the edge of whatever you are filling, so when you stop applying pressure, the fuel stops 😁

[@debraknapp2660]

Matthew those are cat strip feeder spoons to use with the churo's you give penny

[@mk8to]

First i watched you play with the cat strip thingys. Then I watched you feed Penny one of those cat tube treats, squeezing it with your finger, and i kept thinking it was going to click at any moment that the two things go together. Glad you got it!

[@cjevans62]

Matt, just so you know , those new gas spouts you have , on the spout that little tab turn it under so it hits the lip of the tank then the weight of gas can uses the tab back letting the gas flow to stop gas lift the can up . Gas stops flowing

[@youtubehandle0]

Every second of Ms.Penny is for sure quality content! 😻😻😻

[@rajanikumari3672]

Laughed as you asked how to use that strip feeder, right after feeding Penny a strip treat.😂 Hope Patreon helped.

[@regbillings4955]

I never seen one before (strip feeder), but i knew right away what they were for lol. I laughed too lol

[@LaurieB1976]

Yesss!!! Another 1 hour plus vlog. Thank you Matthew❤❤❤❤

[@kathyrobert9859]

Hunker down Matthew and Penny! Stay warm!

[@kaytoka717]

Glad you are preparing for the cold snap that is rolling in and taking care of yourself with the massage therapy - it’s tough when the therapist gets into the sore spots, but sure does help it feel better the next day. So glad that you were able to find Brooklyn a jersey, team sonic is pretty cool too. As usual, great music too.

[@LisaStarrVA]

Wow 2 nights in a row!! Hello Matthew, Amber and Penny!! Happy Saturday everyone!!

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew. Hugs to Penny.

[@BBare.]

I got a good chuckle out of you wondering what the cat feeders were while squeezing the cat treat tube.... 😅😂😅😊

[@BionicLesbian]

French onion soup from M&M is to die for 😋

[@Judamac]

Happy Saturday.Love to see how spoiled Penny is.

[@rajanikumari3672]

Happy weekend Matthew, Ms Penny, & Amber. Stay warm & dry up there in Canadaland.🫶👍🍀

[@Kristina_Gisela]

Good evening to the one with awesome karma and the one who rescued her!

[@bobtailedtrucker2521]

The dumb funny bump at the spout end is supposed to rest on the edge of the tank pushing the nozzle in instead of holding it back. Most give up and buy fluid containers that are not gas cans for ease of pouring. VIP, is an example of a 5 agal/20 Ltr container. Others have better bottom handle parts for prolonged pouring.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Yeah I realized that after and now think these spouts are quite awesome in their own way

[@bobtailedtrucker2521]

@VanlifePLUS Their only downfall is pouring into a tank on a small engine and fuel going everywhere due to not having 54 hands to hold it all down and stable. Lol

[@VaguelyMeandering]

For what its worth, I think the mic on your hat sounds better. I also enjoyed watching you play tea party at Craze...adorable. I'm glad you got the treat slider thingy sorted out. And as I remember that was a fun live stream as well. Another great video. Thanks Matthew and Penny.

[@KerriJean]

I think the reason why the sound is better with the mic on your hat is because hot air rises 😁😘

[@jamesscott6257]

Lol nice poor Matthew is hot air lol kidding Matthew

[@oxygencrossroads]

🥁

[@kaytoka717]

😂😂😂😂

[@scherre]

I can't believe how cheap your car rego is! I was thinking it must really suck when it's your month and you have multiple vehicles. Basic car reg (4 cyl) is just over AU$700 (~CA$630) per car per year here in Queensland. And it gets more expensive the heavier, larger or more cylinders your vehicle has. Your cold temperatures are so hard to imagine. Some of them that you have been mentioning are as far below zero as we are above. We usually sit watching your videos with at least two fans going :)

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

Wow! I pay $40/year USD here in Virginia, in the States.

[@scherre]

I never realised how expensive ours was compared to other places!

[@deanndavis3964]

you'll laugh when you find out what the cat strip feeder is for! They are very handy!

[@BrendaBlystone-ur6fy]

Hello Matt and Penny it's always amazing to see you both i really enjoy watching you always keep up the amazing amazing video you do

[@MelsBeans72]

@Matthew, I went to Marianos Grocery today and had a taste for Buffalo Chicken dip after watching your Live yesterday. However, when I saw the price, for such a small portion at $9.89, I did not get it. So, I think I need to get the recipe and make it myself 😆. If you like Chili, try this dip in your microwave sometime. 1 can any brand any flavor chili, 1-8 oz brick Jalapeño Jack cheese, 1 small container Philly Cream cheese onion and chives. Take pie pan size dish, poor chili on bottom, spread softened cream cheese over chili, then slice the jalapeño cheese to cover top. Just bake, or microwave until cheese melts. Mmmm

[@MelsBeans72]

Then use Tortilla chips, Nacho Chips and dig in! So good!

[@aboutdawntoday]

I do not understand Canadian winter van life. I am cold just watching you. I am originally from the north east but the first year in Arizona stripped my ability to withstand cold from me. Now I shiver like a chihuahua as soon as temps dip a degree.

[@Beerdog3]

You always have good content an I enjoy watching.I used to follow other vanlifers but stopped to much drama. You stayed the course making improvements in your van . Have good family an friends an loving your kitty. Thankyou for sharing your life as u go along. I watch your brothers channel an Ambers channel. Thankyou

[@christinamann3640]

Which ones have too much drama? The only thing I can imagine is mechanical breakdowns, but that can happen.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

QUALITY CONTENT, quality content ...a holy Dinah, Bob's your uncle and SOME PEOPLE'S KID'S for the 'WIN'!👍🤗💖🎉. The M&M meals look and sound YUMMYYYYY!😋 ...and your Mom is ABSOLUTELY LOVEABLE!🧡☺️. Thanks for sharing ...you & PRETTY Penny take care, stay safe and be bless'd!🙏

[@melisa8256]

And “what not”

[@CaptKangaroo007]

Should I watch Matthew’s video or read Ian’s book. Who am I kidding. I’ll be watching the video.

[@user-boomer-64]

As Matthew states, ‘I am an adult and I can do what I want.’ I choose both…. 🤣😏

[@brendadowney6886]

I'll be doing both

[@Susan-h9z]

Both!!

[@Susan-h9z]

Or just send him a gift card 😊

[@FoxBatinaHat]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us/me. I learn so much information through your own bumps and hurdles.

[@MelsBeans72]

Sound quality is excellent when on your baseball cap. I always worry about any Bluetooth or wireless products worn so close to the body all the time.

[@kamikazekunze]

UPS tried to hit me up with those “brokerage” fees when I eBay’d a laptop from your neck of the woods. I told them I’d go to my grave without paying them since they weren’t disclosed up front. That was 10yrs ago and I’ve never heard a peep about it. 😂😂😂 Pro Tip for the hat brim. Use rubber bands and wrap it around a can. Pick your size and do it. 👍🏻 Use the weight of the Rotopack and put the tab you’re pulling on on the outside rim of pacmans tank and push down. Easy peasy

[@sstobie1]

The black tab on the nozzle is your push point push the black tab on the edge of anything you're filling

[@kimjones1848]

I look forward to your shenanigans

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Hello Matthew and Penny!

[@LoriFranklin-ee4sh]

If you are here to support Mathew, support him 100%. I will order the book also watch his videos.

[@nancymoon1189]

For the gas can spout, the little clip that pushes in sits against the edge of the hole, forcing it down and releasing the gas into the can. Yeah I hate them too!

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦

[@alana6304]

It's to feed your cat.😂 YOu put the liquid cat treats pouch (where the slider is) on it then you push the slider and it will push all of the treat onto the spoon. You push it slowly onto the spoon. (This is so you don't get your fingers full of treat goo).

[@arleneesserine1766]

Illinois $151.00 per vehicle So 4 cars and a truck To many ,so hubby and I decided that 2 cars are gonna go.

[@bobtailedtrucker2521]

There is an alignment part in the starlink app to optimize the signal since it's a static dish.

[@bobtailedtrucker2521]

Pro tip for evenly cooked microwave dishes, arrange the food to look like a doughnut with a hole in it. The outside heats faster than the middle.

[@soniabennett1674]

Have a great night!!! 😊

[@lisacanterbury7189]

Howdy y'all 🤠

[@barbatkinson5822]

Hey Matthew and Miss Penny 👋👍🇨🇦

[@jazzthespot1493]

Strip feeder + kitty food strip = nice clean van hahaha....just playin 😂

[@susanrachel5583]

Enjoy the white cheddar bacon Mac and cheese I suggested, I do mine in the oven I’ve never tried it in the microwave so hopefully it’s good.. waiting for your review 😊 Stay warm in the 🥶temps Matthew and Adorable Penny .. 🇨🇦hello from Ladner bc

[@VanlifePLUS]

Stay tuned for tonight’s video and thanks again for the suggestion!

[@Yvonneb_]

Very thoughtful gifts from your viewers. Great video as always xx

[@soniabennett1674]

Hi Matt, what are those lickable's you give Penny? She definately loves those. I have a fur ball on my lap, on it's back, both back feet in one hand, two front paws looking like a rabbit. Snoring away. The things we do for our fur babies. Love them. I have to say, never had a cat like this one. 😊❤

[@christinamann3640]

Churu I think?

[@karenwood6017]

Have you tried air fryer bacon? 360^ for 10 minutes. So easy and super delicious ❤

[@TheLifeOfACreator]

You lucky Canadian that’s about the cost of one vehicle here, and it takes us all day to get through the DMV. The line is wrapped around half the building.

[@lorismith8479]

Do self clearing…take 2 copies of invoice to Canada Border Services Office and it is the 3rd the cost…

[@Tamac1979]

On the gas spout the near the end is a lip that sticks out that is made to rest on the edge of the opening of what your putting gas into and you can push down and gas will come out. Once you stop pushing down the gas stops. Hope you can understand what I’m trying to say. Still a pain in the butt.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Haha yeah I discovered that right after, I actually think it’s pretty nifty - at least for my application

[@christelena1783]

Hour + of Vanlife+ ! 👏🥰☘️ 🧡☘️🧡☘️

[@traceylynne158]

You need to try the breaded cheese curds at m&m. Omg so good

[@hikersmama8813]

Dang, people in a mood 😂, enjoyed the video Matthew!

[@alanshaffer6724]

Good Evening Matthew

[@VanlifePLUS]

Good evening Alan

[@michelledykstra4580]

Okay I am so jealous. 😂 I cannot find pineapple juice anywhere! There is a shortage in Windsor. Been looking since nov.. I have only been able if lucky no name :( Happy Saturday

[@Kristina_Gisela]

I almost forgot Amber! Good evening to the awesome best van friend!

[@lucyalderman422]

When you moved the microphone from your shirt to your hat the sound quality did change for the better too

[@stevenatkins8061]

Hey, Matthew really enjoyed the live Looking forward to more videos etc From steve

[@DoreenGregory-sj3df]

I think tomorrow morning I’m gonna have to go get me some chicken dip…..yup,just might like something Matthew likes. Stay warm….cheers…

[@barbatkinson5822]

Matthew I have never been a fan of the “tubs” and neither are my girls however I have found “cat soups” and they love them as a treat and they are reasonable price wise.

[@loufarbus2330]

I haven't finished watching so saying this at the point in the video where you are asking - that slider gadget is for those tubes of creamy cat treat stuff that can otherwise get on your fingers when you squeeze out the contents.

[@MichaelAllen-g9m]

It's 151 a vehicle per year in Illinois

[@GypsyJvan]

thanks..

[@tracidevine4591]

My goodness if you go to the DMV in Nevada, expect to be there for hours and good luck finding a place to park.

[@soniabennett1674]

Matt, you mentioned your email, on one of your live episodes. Didn't catch it. May I have that again please? Hi to Amber, Brooklyn, Hugs for Penny, 😊

[@MaryKuhart]

If you are going to continue to cook more in van you might want to find place inside van for air fryer. If you are like me I would avoid going out in cold or rain to get it.

[@doctordogtoffee3832]

Plaid shirt,backwards ball cap,spooky book..very strange dark and mysterious 😊

[@kayjay9341]

I think your supposed to put the squeeze treats on those slider thing

[@Mystique-16]

I need one of those cat strip feeders

[@trishat5361]

I hope you are including a link to the cat food thingy 👌

[@laurastewart2418]

Oh heck they're all 5 smilers 😊

[@MelsBeans72]

Penny you are so pretty, I wish I could give you a hug sweet girl.

[@robynbellner4241]

The audio on your hat sounds much better Matthew 😊

[@dunspitz]

Ask your generous supporters to not send packages UPS .

[@timcotner292]

If you want the perfect bend on your hat use a rubber band, old baseball player secret 👍

[@AskArlene]

Umm… you didn’t go downtown, you were in the Beltline, Mission to be exact. Downtown is on the other side of the tracks 😂😅😊 Come visit the dark side sometime, I just left there 😊

[@VanlifePLUS]

Ha. It’s close enough for me!

[@christinamann3640]

I’m always going to that Starbucks actually, so I recognized the area. I wasn’t the one nearly pancaked by the #3 though.

[@AskArlene]

@@christinamann3640 I used to work at the Holy Cross so I knew exactly where he was. That Safeway has a lot of bad drivers for some reason, you have to watch out in that spot particularly 😆

[@christinamann3640]

@@AskArlene I’m often crossing at that corner so thanks for the warning

[@Robert-xl1pw]

I think you can be the things are for the tuna strips treats stuff like

[@kathryngganderson8636]

Gasoline is $183.14 a liter in BC and insurance is at least $600.00 per year. I am moving to AB.😂

[@oursoulsabound]

What's with all the negative waves man? The perfect film quote for all those negative nellies out there unhappy with their own lives.

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video

[@SirDasalot]

i swear i was gonna ask last live stream what happened to the red petrol can..lol now i know.

[@deanndavis3964]

Whaattt?? 5th commenter - I feel special! Hugs to Penny!

[@ruthanderson1758]

I prefer the audio from microphone on your shirt better than on the hat.

[@nailazion3113]

Hey Captain Matthew and Penny........try sleeping without pillows.....

[@rebeccam.5902]

See the little black piece by your thumb, when you're pulling the spout back? You aren't supposed to have to pull it back you push that piece against the edge of the place you're filling to make it open, if any of this makes sense. I hate these type of spouts, because of that reason. Makes it really hard to see how much fuel is going in.

[@ddcornell1019]

Where we stay registering my one vehicle here in Wisconsin cost me $145.00

[@DebraMcCann-r9f]

Penny’s new motto …. Move ya feet lose ya seat

[@stacynoble3909]

Vanlife plus chicken dip.....apparently

[@angelaneihoff8303]

Actually not bad .Ky in the states would be double that.

[@soniabennett1674]

Does Penny like Fancy Feast meal pucks?