Van Tour Solo Woman Living Cheap in a High Top Van

In today's video, we meet Mary who is brand new to the nomadic life. She's not absolutely certain this is what she wants, so she is checking it out until she knows for sure. With that in mind she wanted to keep her costs low and her options high, so she found a great deal on a HighTop Conversion van and did the simplest build possible! She used furniture from her house, bought more furniture at a thrift store, and used plastic bins to make a very comfortable, cozy tiny home on wheels!
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Thanks for watching!

[@jamesdjesse]

I am a 58 year old male. I have a house, 2 high dollar motorcycles, a Jeep and a pickup truck. I recently realized that I work so much for my possessions that I have almost no time to enjoy it all. This nomad life is very appealing.

[@seasyourjourney8482]

Go for it Jim just do it

[@4poshponies995]

Stuff should not own you!

[@johndoe-ty1dr]

Cool

[@maribelfarias5865]

Jim just do it. Try it out for a week or two. Get the feel for it. You don't have to leave your life. But you can experience more of it. Good luck.

[@dawn8542]

I would get rid of everything but a motorcycle and get a small trailer. Do they have little trailers for them? And travel the country.

[@labgirlreed]

These "No Build Builds" are my favorite videos. Many people (myself included) can't afford the fancy high dollar RVs and Vans, so vans like Mary's are inspirational and encouraging for people who want/need to sell their sticks & bricks homes. Good luck, Mary. You're living the best years. Thanks for sharing.

[@leberthasmith9491]

labgirlreed she really a nomad

[@k.pacificnw02134]

And even if you could afford one, they aren't made exactly for your very unique needs.

[@Anne--Marie]

Even if we could afford it, why waste the money? Save that cash for the adventures!

[@joejohnson7421]

Love ❤️ ur van! Like the idea of using furniture 🪑 from ur home 🏡! Thanks 😊 4 sharing!

[@S.G..E555]

Same the no builds are done with such love and thought... ✌️✌️

[@cathydawn3332]

She has created a wonderful home. And I have to say I am consistently impressed with the respect and kindness Bob shows with everyone he iinterviews. Thank you.

[@lee0den145]

Cathy Dawn agree. He’s a kind person, it’s easy to see

[@brendastacy1656]

Edew²3 w.c few ed 1 wed drew¹

[@fancysfolly554]

He’s a nice man.

[@1fuzzydickens2]

I agree totally!!

[@annemonette6678]

WOW!!!

[@cartgamerytcarter5729]

My dad drilled into my head, "if you don't have what you want, then use what you got". It's worked for me many times as an adult.

[@gladenacole1524]

I call that "Get it how you live"

[@brettsome1608]

Your father sounds like a wise man

[@beach3girl459]

We ladies of advanced years are somewhat physically limited so I really appreciate her creativity on the limited-build setup. So comforting to have familiar items along for the ride!

[@beach3girl459]

@Robert Gardea well, that lets me out since I haven't nearly that much

[@tikitiki7610]

ladies of advanced years,,,,,,,love the designated title. sure fits me. thank you, and thanks to Bob and all of us.

[@helloyall4355]

@CJ DUNROVIN could be if they have some serious chronic conditions. I'm 52, have several chronic conditions. There is nothing I can do to fix it either.

[@sallysavage3879]

I had the great pleasure of camping with Mary in the HOWA Women's Caravan. What a delightful person! Great interview, Mary!

[@jmjrosary4697]

She's great to hear talk about her experience in just starting out... How can I get in touch with her do you know ??

[@maggihatesyouxo]

Hi @SallySavage.. Woman here, single Mom just starting our journey, in the middle of my van conversion now.. curious about these women caravans.. how do you find them?? Any info would be appreciated. Love and light 💖

[@angiensek7696]

I would love to meet Mary as well and caravan with her, Suanne from HOWA and of course Bob Wells. How can I find her on HOWA or CheapRVliving?

[@danmorocco]

I'm so impressed with Mary and her build. She makes no excuses...she has some health issues but does not dwell on them and just marches along. This lady is an inspiration to us all. Incredible. God bless her!

[@hydrangeaism]

Hippie gypsy/adventure person is the term Mary coined so aptly for herself! Love her truth and confidence!

[@MagicOfHorses9706]

@@hydrangeaism And she's not gonna be a scared rabbit...yes!! Love her. 💜

[@MichaelSmith-hs5iu]

Hail Mary! When you meet people like her, you have found the treasure in life!!

[@ohmercy5924]

“I don’t pay full price for anything...”a woman after my own heart! Lol thrifting living. Love it. Great job. I really like what she’s done and her attitude.

[@elouise5593]

I love thrifting! I buy a lot of my clothing at thrift stores!

[@fancysfolly554]

I shop at Rosses and Marshall’s..go immed to the clearance rack...I also go to Salvation Army and Goodwills sometime...go to garage sales often too...I try to find anything I need at these places..most of the time u can find what u need...it’s a challenge!

[@SindyJ37]

Hell yeah for real this gal rocks I love a thrifty person

[@SindyJ37]

@@fancysfolly554 that is the smart way to do it!!

[@SindyJ37]

@@elouise5593 ditto!!

[@theresafinn4257]

So inspiring for those not financially well off.

[@sophiajoyceferry7150]

@A G I agree I really need to do this, First I'd need to live in my car, "unfortunately it's my ex partner of 10 yrs car, he fell out if love with me when i went through colon cancer, which is a disgusting humiliating cancer to suffer from, After surgery there's the iliostomy bag, when that's finally off your left pooing in your pants everyday so I understand why he left, So now I can't work as much as I need too and just can't afford rent, I'd live in the car, save for a van, And kit it out the same as this ingenious woman has done, That's my plan.

[@davidpierce4949]

I always enjoy you neighborly, positive, non-critical attitude in interviews. And your tour of various van builds.

[@julien2912]

I love how she put quilt batting inside of the curtains that she made for a better R-value. that was very smart and ingenious.

[@patriciapeterson2820]

Congratulations Mary❣️. Love it!

[@FelixRosas10]

Feel like I’m slacking hard now... R-Value? Lol

[@FelixRosas10]

Feel like I’m slacking hard now... R-Value? Lol

[@julien2912]

@@FelixRosas10 R-value has to do with insulation. Putting quilt batting in the curtains made the curtains thicker and gave her better insulation over the windows. It Increased the R-value. It is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material. R-value is important, but it's just one of four key factors that determine the effectiveness of an insulation material.

[@patrickbodine6010]

Common sense at work.😊

[@mycelticstardust]

Really nice lady, I love when women say "I know how to camp", meaning , she can make a home out of the smallest things, love it because it is hers! Enjoyed the video!!!!

[@loritowne-culver2506]

Me too

[@terriprice6259]

@@loritowne-culver2506 no

[@lindamaddox7829]

I see so many people say I'm going to do this "when". Get out there as soon as you can. Your health can go downhill very quickly and before you know it your dream is gone

[@janiceconnolly8740]

I like that Mary... “some people are scared rabbits and some people are full of adventures”!

[@susancoghill4103]

I love adventure and my husband is so scared for me. I’m hopeful that he will see the benefit of adventure and join me.

[@cathryndarcy6447]

Like my sister who was raised by our mother to be a scaredy cat!

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

she really has a good vibe. I immediately like her . just easy going and seems like a very nice person.

[@whatif8408]

She is constantly smiling.

[@em286]

I've watched so many van build videos and they always end up pretty high dollar and I always end up a little bummed out but Wow! Definitely within my price range. So cool 🤗Thank you so much for sharing. 😎👍

[@johnbergholm]

E M the secret is to start out with what you’ve got and then add, improve, upgrade over time as funds permit. Go for utility over looks.

[@katEm202]

Yes! She did this very frugally! Gives me hope!

[@codyg2485]

Right! Same here.. I feel exactly the same. I can't wait to get a van or RV but when I see what some cost it really bums me out

[@judithswain6219]

This was the best van tour I've ever watched....im 60 yrs old and this gives me hope that if she can do it then so can I....she just used her common sense and let it happen...great job and I want to continue to watch Bob . .great insight about the army bunk bed Bob.....and also great hygiene show...love you Bob..take care and may God richly bless you !!!!

[@mildredwebster2822]

And it all looks like a home to me. And she can do anything she wants also

[@sjohnson1776]

Very nice indeed! Mary is an inspiration for sure. She had a dream and made it happen. Sadly, I suspect the majority of people with dreams make no effort to make them happen. Mary is proof positive that dreams can be made to come true. Well done!

[@timgoodsell4053]

Bob’s interviewing skills are so good.

[@ic610]

She did what I thought of doing when I was homeless and living in my van end tables for a bed you can also use a bookcase and milk crates for a bed and that would be great for storage she did good .😁

[@hydrangeaism]

"Had to smack it with a hammer..(to make it fit)." I love you, Mary!!

[@annthrockmorton1517]

For a Newbie, she's a real Pro already!! Congratulations! You can tell Mary did her homework: Watching Cheap RV Living videos!

[@pat_boomer64]

Smart flipping the shelves upside down.

[@grannieannie1371]

Yeah I thought that was really clever.

[@shariris]

Genius!!

[@uplift56]

This woman is a winner ☝🏾!

[@sarahoff1146]

Watching this 4 years after it was filmed and she's the 1st person I've seen use the coffee tables as the raised bed foundation. I'm saving that one for my future!

[@gabriellechilton5902]

I rarely pay full price as well. No point in it. Recycle, reuse as often as you can.

[@robin6564]

It is so wonderful Mary was able to set up such a sweet home dealing with a bad back. I wish her great adventures.👍🏻

[@willschultz5452]

I am a auto mechanic and electrician and building contractor, I can't wait to start helping people when I head out and start my new life living on the road!!😊

[@ShayTBD]

I don't pay full price for anything - Awesome woman of my heart....

[@stanleythomas8457]

i have rarely seen Cody that comfortable around an interview , must be the good vibes from Mary

[@cpoul]

That or he had a rough night and just needed to sleep it off.

[@Birdzy100]

He kept in the shade; probably hot in his fur coat.

[@sweetpea3472]

Mighta been smelling that thawing meat & it looked comfy besides. Lol!

[@tonyastokley5165]

Bad to the bone !

[@thizizliz]

She did a great job & I'd bet that within a year it will be even better as she fine tunes her camping style learns what works for her. I love how open she is to learning & trying new things.

[@user-yp7im1su9s]

Loved her! Thanks Bob. I am a thrifter. I keep rv/van builds in my mind when I shop at thrift stores. Love getting something for next to nothing.

[@sandytthomas2667]

I love you Bob. Your voice is calming in my home. You are so calm. A good man.❤❤

[@sherryberardino6032]

People who are afraid don’t live life and people who aren’t have a fulfilled life . You go Mary , nice set up.

[@lynnphillipi3536]

I keep forgetting about joining a caravan. I see there are quite a few women's caravans to hook up with.

[@lynnphillipi3536]

@Jay Harter there are mixed caravans. Haven't searched for men's. I'm sure you could find some.

[@saddletramp5000]

I'd use the built in storage. Every square inch is precious. But I love what she did for her build. And what a sweet lady.

[@donitajackson9859]

She really seems like a joy-ful spirit!

[@patriciaburr4826]

You go girl! I love a good thrift stote find. I'm saving up for my van now and am planning on using furniture from my home too for the build. I have set up a facsimile of what my van is going to be in my bedroom now so I can get a real time look at how my set up will work for me. I hope to meet ypu both on my journey once I begin. You guys inspire me to keep at it and I see the ligjt at the end of the tunnel. God bless you both for sharing.

[@hydrangeaism]

I want to meet ALL of you!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

It's amazing the great, simple builds you can do without a of money - if you are patient, and don't start out by overdoing everything (a common mistake).

[@lovewhitey2027]

Congratulations Mary 🏡So Glad you’re living your dream Life is So Short YOLO ! U are a beautiful Gypsy 👸🏼🌏🚐Fantastic interview love the definition on the screen . Prayers for your Safety 🙏🏻

[@diedrastevenson300]

This is almost exactly what I was thinking to start out with. I am almost ready. I hope there are still Van's out there when I make my move!

[@Twelvestonestacking]

Go gypsy gyrl!!!! let your soul soar!

[@janicehart5397]

Thanks for sharing this video. It's really important to show people all the different ways this can be done. She is living her best life.

[@susanmboudreau]

That really is a good example of thrift store utility nice build hope to meet this woman on the road

[@jsso2845]

Absolutely fantastic I love thrift store shopping you've done it beautifully

[@sbrv549]

Hi Mary!...awesome interview Its Sheryl miss you guys already and thanks for being a great host during the RTR!

[@thisorthat7626]

SB RV, first hand experience means a lot. Glad you enjoyed camping with the caravan and the RTR!

[@mermaidknows]

She did a great job! The more I watch these videos with the non build outs the better I can visualize what needs to be done to a van.

[@LindaWolfe20]

Mary that is a great way to go when you have limited physical issues... I like your creativity... good interview Bob and Mary... Happy Trails!!

[@ladyofthewoods2448]

I like this lady , Mary seems very cool..... great attitude! van looks comfy

[@happycook6737]

Fabulous and saw some great ideas!

[@sheryllybrand8470]

Thanks for the tour, advice and inspiration. My hubby and I are retired and in our 60’s , and presently own a 2009 Puma pull behind trailer we purchased last year. Your videos have reminded me of my strong internal wanderlust dream! I’m finding more and more inspiration through you and all of the wonderful adventurous nice people you have introduced me to. Maybe my sweet hubby will soon feel the same , and decide that we can camp cheaper and be on the road more than we are home. Wouldn’t that be a dream come true?Thanks again. Sheryl Lybrand, Aiken, SC

[@pctrashtalk2069]

The Goal Zero Power supplies are nice. Lots of ports for recharging and outlets for power. Well made.

[@janicehart5397]

Yes!! I was thinking Jackery, but maybe this is something I should look into.

[@ragtie6177]

What an amazing interview & fabulous person. One of your best! A perfect example of alternative ways to make your living conditions better & inexpensive. Good episode!

[@WatchMeEat]

Her personality is so appealing. I felt so comfortable watching her. Wiped my anxiety away. I love her attitude - “my life is golden”.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

When in doubt on solar power - pay a professional and know that is done right. Nice rig.

[@TS-rd7oy]

I love the caravan idea! Good luck Mary. I'm going to do this in 6 yrs.

[@tjtampa214]

Pretty amazing build there, lady. Well done.🌷 People sharing their videos really help. You're very creative. Happy trais. 🌿

[@Me4peace]

The caravans seem like the way to go for solo women. Thank you Bob for getting them started.

[@bitababyszes]

Mary is so sweet. Thanks for finding her, Bob.

[@delightful75]

I absolutely love her build! A woman after my own frugal heart. She did excellent! I LOVE the thrift store finds 🥰

[@DS40764]

In about a year, I may have to live in a van to live in. I am saving for one now and for other costs. I am saving this video for guidance. I'm moving to the Pacific NW

[@oregonsue5192]

I live in the PNW. Great place to live

[@kevnrob1]

Deborah - in about a year you GET to live in a van. Life is going to be blast.

[@elouise5593]

@@oregonsue5192 Yes, I do too, and as expensive as homes are here in the Seattle area these days, it's way cheaper to live in a van and just be a nomad! After my old cat passes on I might just try it! I don't want to leave him in a van in the summertime when I have to go shop.

[@DS40764]

@@kevnrob1 Hopefully, if I can work out a solution for my Cat because I want to keep her.

[@amymalimichi377]

I have a playlist of van videos on here so I’ll have lots of references and ideas.

[@branchsnapper2228]

A very clever, organised, frugal, inventive, practical, fun loving gal.

[@carolpepe9047]

Thank you for sharing her smart design of her van. I am on a very limited budget, but her creativity has sparked my imagination. Thanks again!

[@celticnations2460]

Great to hear about using a C-Pap in a van set up.

[@kevnrob1]

If you need a CPAP - look around on internet for a 12v power supply. When I was starting out I almost paid over $100 for one through my DME provider. I found the exact same one on the internet for $25. Works great.

[@rgold02]

She is a very savvy and smart lady! Thanks Bob! Goldie in Jax. Florida

[@FelixRosas10]

Haha she seems like a sweet lady. Love the simplicity of her van. My girlfriend and I are currently building ours out and saving up some funds, she has me feeling like we’re over doing it now. 😂 Can’t wait to hit the road with you guys! Hope we cross paths. 💪🏽

[@itravel3317]

Great video Bob of an interesting lady and of a no build, build. I love to see these no build, builds. They are very creative with small spaces. They inspire me. I hope to try van life out this summer.

[@shannacraft4099]

🌼 Hi Mary! I hope to meet you soon! I haven't gotten out there yet, but learning and hoping to get out there sooner than later! Safe travels!!!

[@srameypr]

Much as I would love a complete build, I look around at existing furnishings and can't get past the idea that it makes more sense to repurpose than build new - at least for part of the van. I saw a woman using an old buffet in her van as her kitchen counter and thought it was brilliant. It was unique, attractive and not as needlessly deep as standard kitchen counters. Plus, those drawers won't have 4" of wasted space at the back.

[@peace.404]

This is my favorite tiny living on wheels channel cuz it the only one that makes me feel like I can actually do it. Thank you!!!

[@quiyanascott2916]

I love no build builds!! Building my van out now with very little build just putting in walls and used exercise mats for flooring. So I get self conscious about how it may look compared to the other high tech builds but seeing welcoming homely builds like these are inspiring. Thanks!!!

[@grumpyoldman3458]

Nice build. One advantage of not having the solar panel on the roof is you can park in the shade (when there is some shade) and put the panel in the sun. Also you can move the panel during the day to maximise the charging.

[@shariris]

Way to make it all happen! Love the way she thinks and problem solves!

[@marshamc15]

I have to say I love this woman. She’s a go with the flow kind of gal. I love that. When she needed something she just figured out how to put in her van. With her own little DIY projects. Girl you are awesome. Thanks for sharing your van with us.

[@lorib360]

Cody approves of Mary's van build! I love Mary's creativity! Some very clever ideas in her comfortable and functional build. 👍 Great job!

[@BSGSV]

It's good to see Mary keeping bohemian culture alive.

[@djrowland17]

I love this woman. Her spirit is strong and free. Great video!

[@aridill]

And if somethings not functional, she can change it in no time! I bet many custom van dwellers wish they could change something small, but can't

[@mr.fixitakavic16]

Thanks for sharing Mary's van. She did an exceptional job in her build and set up. VERY well organized. Just a really cool looking tiny house on wheels. 😊

[@marionlacey1986]

Mary is a great example of making do, creativity, and bonding with others. I wish her well in her travels. Thank you Bob for doing this video so well. Warm wishes from South Australia

[@sandy1128]

Love seeing these old conversion van being used as is. Back in the day they were very expensive. Some on KZbin gut them and it's hard to watch considering the work that went in to them. I would do just what Mary has done. Appreciate the original build and make it your own. You go girl!

[@beautifuldis8tr741]

I never thought of making a bed this way! Love it!!!!

[@wendymanson4546]

These videos make me feel so happy watching them. Bob I love how real and kind you are and how you treat all the wonderful people you interview with respect. You and they are the kind of people I would like to hang out with! So warm and nice and positive and inspirational. Thank you Bob for making it feel like the world could be a nice place again. Mary, love your van and warmest good wishes to you. Wendy (NZ).

[@sylvialmartel]

I admire this lady, living her dream ♥

[@annmariegalvan3953]

Bob, I watch your videos all the time. I really enjoyed Mary! I felt like she had a huge smile and a hearty laugh behind every sentence. She has simplified everything and seems totally delighted with the lifestyle and freedom. She is everything that I aspire to be. ❤

[@Delbertmills]

Thank you, Mary, for showing us your home. It looks very comfortable and is so organized. Thank you, Bob, for interviewing another interesting nomad!

[@APar-yx1wl]

Two tables for the bed base..Brilliant..awesome build!!

[@vicaroo001]

She is a DARLING!!! Best of luck to you Social Butterfly!

[@roberthutchins4297]

What a nice lady she seems! And what a great little home she´s created.

[@sandymckee8917]

What a sweet lady! I love her van & the dresser over the wheel well was a great idea!

[@rogerg.2686]

Mary...You're awesome! Great attitude, smart and down to earth. You are an inspiration!

[@lyndathomson2586]

You know what if she is happy then she is having a wonderful life. I am so happy for her.

[@CarmineCroons]

Brilliant set up, this lady is prepared

[@dennism5565]

wow, this van looks like a mini apartment - seems very cozy...I loved the layout.

[@leoblumhagen644]

Bob has an interesting concept of “tribes” that is to say “caravans” very interesting

[@pamgalloway7272]

Great job nice van setup. I was just saying to my husband how if someone knows that there’s situations is changing for the worse; like loosing a job or home. How this lifestyle is an more affordable way to live. And they can use food pantries for shopping. This is a more controlled environment than many think or realize. Pammie from Chicago Illinois

[@janetkoball44]

I'm watching this great video again and really enjoying it again. What a nice lady and she has taught me a few things in a short time. Thanks Bob for bringing us these helpful and enjoyable videos. From Central Oklahoma.

[@magma9138]

WONDERFUL woman! Wonderful story. I'm so hooked on this and no builds ARE easy for anyone. Caravan here I come...

[@cathietonkin5577]

WTG Mary!!!! Your home is totally awesome!!!! Happy travels to you! I so want to follow your lead!!!! Bless you!

[@crazylady..]

👍🙋Nice work Mary! I love the ' can do,' attitude. Like using her walker for a helper, & imagination on the build. Being prepared, knowing limits, but not whining & making excuses.🌷🍀🌷 I wonder if the music stand is for music, or just reading? Multiple use items are a must have. I enjoyed her out look👍 Thanks Bob for sharing once again👍😀

[@kd4pon]

Brilliant, just brilliant. What a wonderful talented woman. I wanted to hear the clarinet!

[@wholewellnesswithann]

I don’t pay full price for anything either!!! Thank you so much for letting us see inside your mobile palace. I’ve often struggled with “envisioning” CRVL, but you’ve proven there is no such thing as limitations...just think outside the box, watch a lot of videos, surf the net, and get creative! Bless you on your journey, thanks for the inspiration. ☺️

[@Kat1791]

Love the cozy low-cost build. Thanks for letting us see your home, Mary. Happy travels and fun adventures ahead!