Van Tour of a Nomad Living in a Minivan with TONS of Solar!

[@jbwhitebirch6620]

I have watched most of your interviews but this is the first one I have commented on. This gentleman is so inspiring and his attitude does me really good. I hope all your followers will check this one out and learn a lot!

[@GrantSR]

Thank you. All the compliments are making me tear up a little. I'm not used to people noticing me at all.

[@catheyrohletter862]

😂😂😂😂you're happpppy. Hot dam

[@zoommikerobinson3315]

That computer set-up is like a mini Batcave 👍. Very nice.

[@cpoul]

yeah, pretty cool

[@GrantSR]

@@josmoify You are correct. I have Asperger's, but only moderately. I was a network manager for 12 years, but I'm a Netware guy. I have tried Linux several times, but it is just way too much of a pain in the rear for me. I want to install Software X, but it is only available from Repository Y, which requires Package Manager Z. But Z won't install without modifying config file Q. Then Z won't access Y without modifying config file R, which is only safe to modify using Config Utility F, which is only on Repository M.... and on and on and on. Plus, everyone writing documentation for any Linux software has the attitude of: "Just look at the source-code. You should be able to figure it out (you moron)" So, I'll put up with the crap in Windows, thank you very much. At least I can get shit done.

[@BryanBear5050]

@@GrantSR I am a Linux guy and use the Red Hat/CentOS distros for the server side and the Linux Lite for the workstations I support. I will say that "Linux" is fragmented because so many different projects are picked by the distro maintainers. I have a FreeBSD Samba server and I am really liking the ease of FreeBSD.. no more systemD :D Windows is okay but you have to modify the crap out of the standard OS for performance.

[@katherinejochman7058]

@Craig X But harder to steal too!!!

[@michaelmedicworldoftanks33fps]

lol the bat cave for sure and how about fridge that pumps hot air out being inside a cooler that's another double lol

[@shess1640]

Who doesn’t like a joyous guy with a big brain?!

[@jessiemartinez7681]

I agree, Grant is a smart cookie.

[@NoteFromSELF]

Smart, and I love his attitude.

[@angeladawn805]

He's a talent to be sure. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story, and I look forward to following the wisdom of LoveCareThinkDo on CheapRVLiving.com. :)

[@laurirohr5364]

I get such a kick out of Nomad ingenuity, and the joy & pride people show in their use of it. Great minivan home😀..smart man.

[@elementgypsy]

yes, i agree!

[@peawinn8222]

At RTR 2019, Grant held an informal seminar at his minivan home, which was really informative☺ showing the tools he used to craft it.

[@donnastockton5336]

I love his thinking!!!

[@brendabradley6310]

Best van build I’ve ever seen. Especially on a budget. I’d want to park by him for advice.

[@GrantSR]

I'm in Austin right now. I'll post on the CheapRVLiving forum when I'm gonna be in other general areas. My main hideout is secret, so if you are gonna be near where I already am, I'll be happy to come park near you for a while.

[@NilDreams]

Grant Robertson I would love to get some advice from you! If you’re ever in south Florida I trade you a nice, safe parking space at my home for some advice or help with my build. I have a nice, big pool for hot days too!

[@lauralake3209]

This is how i want to build my van

[@sharonladysunshine2764]

That guy was so sweet and delightful. Good success out there.

[@eatfastlive2870]

he has a great spirit.

[@pamwray8432]

Good Luck prayers!!!!

[@wb7370]

I just love these warm outdoor stories with bob..real people doing real things to improve their lives..bob is a wonderful great human being..

[@neveseven734]

Lol Bob not Bill. 😉

[@wb7370]

@@neveseven734 got it..lol

[@Snarge22]

Well, I wouldn't want to have to live as frugally as this fella; he and many of the others interviewed on Cheap RV Living are amazing at just how small of a footprint they can have in regards to low cost and low consumption living. Just imagine the freak-out some economists as well as the advertising/marketing/sales industry would have over these people if there was significantly more of them. Does anyone else get the impression some of these nomad/van-lifers/full-timers are giving a double-fisted middle finger to consumerist society? I certainly think so. My total and complete respect to these people.

[@micki777]

Snarge22 amen! 🖕🏻🖕🏻madison avenue

[@GrantSR]

You are correct sir!

[@tinlizzy39]

Also though I'm sure they're supporting local venues more because their overhead for living is cheaper. They can utilize farmers markets, local mom and Pop's, some may travel more so there's that but yeah I'm definitely for ppl's right to live on their own terms. As long as you're courteous and not leaving trash and keeping a tidy appearance it really helps take the stigma off of mobile living. I can't wait to wave bye to my state and live on my own terms, rent/mtg free and find out where I really want to be. Learning how to be much more self sustaining and conservative as well as conscientious from channels like Bob's and others. ❤

[@marybachmann]

I can't get over that cooler! Van dwellers have been gluing together foam board boxes to do that! I loved my old miniram, The Silver Bullet. I used a chair that unfolded to a bed. We traveled together for a quarter-century, and after 300,000 miles, she is now retired to a part-time job on a ranch.

[@kelliethorne1200]

Could you sit in the chair when the bed was folded up?

[@marybachmann]

@@kelliethorne1200 Yes. It was perfect! Quite comfortable. Just folded slabs of foam covered in cotton fabric.

[@marybachmann]

@Jay Harter Nope, she's a ranch hand. The new owners painted her and use her for their business, but she only works from home now. :) I was good to her--bought her nearly new, so always fresh oil, etc. All cylinders healthy and within 10 lbs. of compression.

[@suzanneyoung8011]

Love your story. LOL It sounded like you were retiring your good old "work horse", of the equine type, to a semi-retired life on a ranch (with other horses). At least that's where my mind went. 😂

[@annydobon8106]

Wow

[@puffdaddy4537]

40 seconds in and I already love this guy, creating a software so all people can get a good education free of an internet connection ?!?! That is amazing

[@catherinejackson6746]

Love this guy. Genius and caring, living a simple life. He is a great role model.

[@WildWestGal]

An impressive build, indeed, and a gracious man with an upbeat attitude. Also, so nice to see someone who keeps things clean and organized which enhances functionality. The computer work station is amazing, as is the 'kitchen', and all of this in a small Dodge van. ,Best of luck, Grant, with your YT channel, and happy trails!

[@mercibeaucoup2486]

Great guy & great van. I’m totally putting my fridge in a cooler!

[@dianeva5091]

This was a fantastically interesting interview, that man invented some clever things for VAN LIFE !! Thanks B😎B ✌

[@nancyanneberg403]

This is what we locally call"nifty,spiffy,and righty-roo!" I am so proud of your ingenuity and beautifully done order. Thank you .

[@shellyscott4822]

Kudos for sticking it out in that job you hated for 2 years!!... I know the feeling. I'm trying to stick out my last 2 years for retirement. A lot of great ideas :)

[@kelliethorne1200]

I've stuck it out in a job that bored me silly for about 25 years now. Looking forward to retiring from there in 5 years then being a nomad, too.

[@Onlinesully]

Kellie Will you head out on the road ? Do you do some part time nomad these days or not yet ?

[@daisyv5038]

Only one more year to go, Shelly! 😁

[@shellyscott4822]

@@daisyv5038 Thank you.. now down to 6 months!!! :)

[@daisyv5038]

@@shellyscott4822 hip hip hooray! It's gonna fly by!

[@uwdawn11]

What a fantastic guy! He's such a kind person and so helpful. I'm sure he has helped many out there who don't have alot of money to start out. Thank you for your service!

[@kimbathurston2705]

Great ideas in his build, very interested in his idea for a platform where anyone can get the education they need for free. That's a life changing gift to humanity 💓

[@annthrockmorton1517]

After watching beaucoup of your videos, I'm convinced there are at least as many unique ideas as there are Cheap RV Living folks! And the ease with which so many of these ideas literally fall into place, further convinces me that they're well supported by *the Universe* !! Bob Wells, l'm glad that you keep running into these folks and their ideas; thanks for sharing!

[@MotivationGarden]

This man is a genius

[@cruisepaige]

Motivation Garden his computer setup is great

[@GrantSR]

I like to tell people that I am one IQ point below genius. There is less pressure that way.

[@kathybuchanan9470]

I don't comment often but I had to on this one. What an incredible job. So blown away. Customized specifically for him. The way it should be. Awesome

[@user-bh3ew6ii4g]

I love what he's done with his laptops and how their enclosure can be put at different angles. So creative and ingenious. It's incredible how much he has packed in that mini van. Very well organized.

[@travelingtimestepthedancin2691]

Wow... his mission statement could be a critical program at this current pandemic time! I’m curious what progress he’s made!!! But on to the van... awesome 👏 ... love the creativity and thinking outside the box! That’s what I try to do! and I can so connect to his personality 😍. Even down to the ramen noodles and very little water!! In my mind I’m saying “ Grant, will you marry me!! 🥰. Lol

[@tammymcilnay4034]

lol same here 😂

[@elisafrye2115]

Another excellent interview, Bob. And Grant is a delightfully quirky person with a wonderful, creative, mind and a wise, thankful approach to life. What an incredible role model! 👍🥳💕

[@NomadicRVLiving]

Nice van set up and solar system. I am currently doing what he did - staying in a job I don't like, longer than I want to continue to save a lot of money. 19 months to my launch date.

[@journeytocloud9]

I love his personality, great van build!

[@philcapling8268]

I’m very impressed with Grant’s build-nice & simple, yet highly functional in every way. ‘Love the compressor fridge and cooler combo idea! Thanks for sharing with us, Bob.

[@cathymiller3086]

Grant is so inspiring, I hope he starts a KZbin channel, I will subscribe! Thank you Bob for another great interview!!

[@KashfuzzCrochet76]

I like his sense of humor! He’s very creative! 👏🏻👏🏻👍👍

[@davinatest8467]

I love this channel and Bob is so lovely, such a nice interviewer and just a kind person...all these Nomad people seem so happy and free.....it’s great. Thrifty living!

[@lynnkinsman2325]

What a creative guy!

[@larrchild3063]

Macgyver got nothing on this gentleman. Really enjoyed the build he has done. 🍁

[@JC-uj3zj]

Grant Rocks!!! Great build and attitude. I'm planning the same way he has. Paying things off, saving some money and gathering what I need. Will be only a few years if i can keep letting go and minimizing. So tough with this lifetime of training to think otherwise.

[@stevoreno45]

Very impressive! Living life on his own terms and for cheap!

[@heatherwilcox5852]

Im impressed with his build. Allot of great ideas.

[@greenizgood]

Grant is such a sweetie. It's so great we wants to help others get educated💜 I hope he receives an abundance blessings in life

[@erickanyc8907]

Sounds like his way of educating/teaching would be great for these times. i wish him the BEST!

[@bonnienklyde918]

I must say this is one of the most clever mini van builds ive seen to date. Your counter is great! Thanks for sharing. Be safe, be well and God bless.

[@nonegiven3814]

Loved the laptop cubby! With today's modern mini computers & usb, hdmi connections this is very doable!

[@BeckyMarshallDesign]

The reasoning for storing fuel in the passenger foot well is inspired. What a great, simple, logical place to store risky fuel.

[@tiffernut2456]

Grant is a Genius! Modest with Great Vibe! Hope to see him in more upcoming videos!

[@zorazorazorzzora8333]

What a beautiful soul of a human being...a soul that cares about someone other than himself in a healthy way! Wow

[@lindylund280]

KC’s ad at the end is very nicely done. Like the use of stow n go and the fridge in the cooler. Legs on his bed would make access easier to his storage. Like the encouragement to self build.

[@GrantSR]

Nope. The legs would get in the way. The bed is exactly the optimum height. 1/4" higher and I wouldn't have enough headroom while sitting at my computer. Besides, I can stack the tubs in the space next to the cooler, flip the bed on its side, and still fit several 4' x 8' sheets of plywood in there.

[@lindylund280]

Grant Robertson Grant, I’m totally impressed with your budgeting ability. You must have a lot of self-discipline to have worked to save money and then so carefully take care of it so it lasts. Bravo!

[@GrantSR]

@@lindylund280 Actually, I just have Asperger's. So I don't like fancy food. So I am content to just eat simple for every day.

[@MsRegina333]

Thank you Bob and Grant for sharing your home and how to - & finding another way of living!

[@oregonstrong1080]

I really like upbeat, positive personalities, this is the type of person that thinks outside the box in many aspects of his life~I would like to have seen Bob lighten up a bit w/his personality... because this guy was fun, I would also like to see him start a KZbin channel of his own~

[@KabobHope]

Grant would have a great channel. He's quirky and likable and really smart.

[@SaggersAlt]

Bob's just being himself lol

[@ReneaDooserider]

Absolutely love that fridge idea and his van looks great. 💕 and I watched it before and I wanted to watch it again and such a good video thank you Bob. 💕

[@klites1956]

Very clever ideas and nice affordable build!

[@sggl1753]

I like this man. I like his joie de vivre. I like that his van is not one of those fancy schmancy ones that most of us can’t afford and could never build ourselves. Congrats- keep of living the good life.

[@KeatShadows]

Terrific ideas for a minivan.

[@paulaslittlethings4901]

This guy is cool love the cooler inside cooler idea

[@ohmercy5924]

Wow! Some brilliant ideas. Love his ideas. He seems like a very sweet man.

[@timgoodsell4053]

Love the bed arrangement. The whole thing is amazingly clever.

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

A VERY Smart Man! Hats off to Ya! 👍😃👍

[@MacgyverSharon]

Wow. I believe I must have cargo van... but this gentlemans build makes the mini's look spacious🤔 👍 Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@FayeCalder]

Thank you for sharing Bob! Really smart guy. Focused and positive! Faye

[@GrantSR]

Thanks. Faye was my mother's name.

[@abrown1699]

This guy is a genius builder and doesn't know it! Love this!

[@carriedugan6769]

Brilliant set up!! Grant, you are truly an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@ginamartindale8095]

This is a nice van build. A little concerned about the whole heating system, but if it works and he is safe then all is well. Thank you sir for your service as a veteran and thank you both for sharing this unique build.

[@RVFreeDa]

So cooooool! First bought a cooler when my fridge went out. Then tired of buying ice I bought a compressor fridge. What a great idea to put it in the cooler and save room! I'm going to try this. Thanks so much for the video.

[@mmclaughlin9715]

Liked his clean, clever designs and finishing work too! Great interview.

[@kathryntokarska1738]

Nice setup, nice guy. Thank you.

[@jmrichsonsr]

Very clever gentleman. Very nice and informative video. Thank you.

[@rkstr9965]

Bed = board & tubs; Nice and simple...

[@bruceallen6016]

I'm impressed with his fridge inside a cooler. I'm sure that works well. Something to keep in mind for future ideas.

[@ellevanroamer487]

I like him. He looks like a glass-is-hall-full type of guy!

[@GrantSR]

Actually, I've lived with depression and anxiety almost my whole life. I've just learned that mopping around doesn't help. I tell you this so you know that what you see in the outside is not always what is on the inside. Don't just assume the people you know are doing great just because they put up a good front. Make sure they know you will be there for them if they tell you how they really feel.

[@racheljackson5083]

He just has this energy that you just can't help but be happy around him

[@kerryhamilton1968]

What a sweet man. Really enjoyed this. Thanks guys

[@Kat1791]

This is one of the best minivan builds I've seen yet. Love the fridge in the ice chest. Look at all that storage and a big desk too!

[@geebonzo]

I guess people can find showers if they don't like the sponge bath idea. I thought you could dump porta-potties in public restrooms? Love to see a test of his fridge in and out of the cooler. His personality seems a little quirky but he's laser focused on what he wants to do. Wish those vans had a bit more headroom. Great vid.

[@GrantSR]

While it is legal to dump porta-potties in restrooms in lots of places, I find it is just to much of a pain. I like to clean mine out as good as possible each time. That's pretty hard in a public restroom. Besides, even with the citrus digester chemical, it just stinks way too much in an enclosed space. I think it is just too inconsiderate to all the other people who will go in there the rest of the day.

[@carolynlasher8896]

Best van build I have seen on minimal build and cost of living.👍👍

[@bobbylong3312]

He's really innovative and I like the Coleman Cooler idea to store his frig.

[@leesvision]

gota agree, that cooler idea is really good one

[@amyschaefer1140]

Smart guy! Love the frig in a cooler idea.

[@dianaevans5047]

Love the setup! And the info! Glad you are doing what makes you happy! Smart stuff going on there!

[@barbarakuhn3239]

You know what I love most about this channel is the ingenious people that are all over the place when they Have to figure out ways to survive it's absolutely ingenious some of the things that I've seen

[@shlunn]

When you get to do something because you want to not because you have to do it. Awesome.

[@mtak1127]

What a fun and creative man. Great video

[@jeanwest1058]

The fridge/cooler / seat is genius! Well done!

[@roslynhaynes1652]

Nice van. Funny guy. Great and interesting video.

[@whatsananna]

What a nice man and I love his cabinetry.

[@tinlizzy39]

I agree. So organized, tidy, and beautiful. You can tell he took time making it nice which I'm sure helps with this lifestyle.

[@havevanmusttravel]

Grant is very frugal and quite crafty. Very clever van living ideas! Thanks for showing us your set-up Grant!

[@cathysunshine8978]

This young man is so inspiring. I’m so happy for him. We all need perseverance to work hard at our goals. Thank you for great interview with a fantastic inventive man. I think he made it so doable for anyone. More power to him and people like him who have the courage to follow their dreams. Like the computer set up. Love the fridge in a cooler.

[@GrantSR]

This "young man" was 58 at the time of the video. He is 60 now. I'm slowly starting to look more like my age these days.

[@bingsballyhoo711]

Wow, I love your computer setup. And the cooler. I look forward to your yt channel!

[@irisqueen4376]

Wow! This is such an ingenious build! From one Minivanner to another-thanks!!

[@cabinlifeatedensprings1710]

Smart man! My husband quit work the end of October to go back to school and then open his own business. I’m so proud of him. He worked 28 yrs as a journeyman electrician. And 15 years at a job that was not good. It’s scary to take that leap of faith. But I know he will be successful. He already is. I really like this man your interviewing. I want to here about this business he has for free education. Our daughter is in pharmacy school. And it’s expensive. She reached graduate school level. But she saved us a ton with awesome scholarships. would be so nice for everyone to get an education and not worry about the cost. It is just too expensive for most people to get an education. This man has put a lot of thought into his van build and I’m sure he is like that with all he is involved in. Very nice man! Im interested in following him in the future. Thank you for having him on. Leslye

[@moonmother.]

Some really good ideas, and what a lovely guy Grant is 🌸 Thanks for sharing Bob! xo

[@citten4u]

GREAT IDEAS. SEE MANY SMART PEOPLE ON YIUR CHANNEL BOB. AND THANK YOU FOR BEING WHO YOU ARE AND SHOWING PEOPLE WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR LITTLE MONEY. YOU JUST GOTTA THINK ABOUT IT AND THEN GO FOR IT.!!!!!

[@kristenevans4557]

What a clever man. Loved this interview.

[@ann9570]

When I get started next year Im really liking the fridge concept

[@SindyJ37]

What a cool guy! Very inspired

[@kevinhavers2188]

Love the fridge in a cooler.... Must try that

[@debtfreerv6611]

Grant is a charming guy. I really enjoyed this interview.

[@marilynrandall9337]

Hello dear traveler, I so love your modification to the stove and a good spot to store the tanks for it! I hope to hear more about how you developed your own custom fit for your off-grid lifestyle! (I especially appreciated the way you seem to keep your tight quarters clean!)

[@vivianhamilton616]

I thought it was very clean and neat as well.

[@curliefro]

Brilliant gentleman and I hope his educational tool comes to fruition soon!

[@EvaLoveLoverofPonies]

Very smart. Love the computer idea. That was brilliant!

[@JohnGalt1960]

What a cool guy! Hope I meet him on the road! 😊

[@shepatown]

Thanks Grant! Great ideas! Resourceful. I admire that kind of life.

[@salavaoevans3531]

Awesome minivan everything is in place, And he is so happy; Thank you Bob for sharing God bless you guys and HAPPY journey. 👍👍😇😇

[@Addiezmom]

I am working on my 2014 Grand Caravan. Got a lot of great ideas!

[@vivianhamilton616]

Good for you, wish you well. Maybe this will be my life one day.

[@GrantSR]

If we're ever run into each other, I'll let you trace the Reflectix that I cut to fit my windows exactly.

[@Addiezmom]

I have been working on this for 6 months. I have everything to put it all together... but life keeps getting in the way. (mother heart attack, father stroke, messed put my cervical spine, waiting to heal....but I will get out there.