Van Tour Solo Woman Living Cheap in a Dodge Van!

Today we meet Shiela who is a woman with an adventurous heart who decided 5 years ago to become a nomad and has been living fulltime in a Dodge van since then. She is a true minimalist and has fallen in love with the freedom, frugality, simplicity and joy of the nomadic life! Check out this video and I think you will be inspired!
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Thanks for watching!

[@TheRealAngelGrace]

I love these real van conversions. Like no offense to everyone in their converted Mercedes sprinter Vans, but I find Vans like this way more relatable and attainable. Thanks for showing us these great, simple, and super affordable builds!

[@ladyfae4797]

Completely agree! I started watching these videos to find an economic way of living. So this is set up is much more realistic solution for me

[@MaxItUpwithMarta]

@El Crew so true

[@MaxItUpwithMarta]

I always say that when I watch one of those videos where the van costs about 100K

[@CataLyst7]

@@MaxItUpwithMarta Exactly. Kinda defeats the whole point of taking the van route to begin with.

[@fearsomebunny]

Especially when you can get a Econoline E350 12 or 15 passenger van for $7k. Go get a construction decal, apply and now you are invisible. If the cops ever bother you just say you bought the van that way.

[@brendaswann7292]

Bless her. Nomads are not a drain on society, they are living their means. Stand proud, and rock on,

[@user-cl2es9iu1j]

A wonderful lady. God bless and keep her.

[@santiagopino2407]

You go girl! Take care of your self Don't stop hustling! The simple life don't got to answer to no one! Freedom!

[@alifeofdiversions3174]

Coraleigh May-Dewitt Everyone needs blessings...EVERY DAY!

[@tree7249]

It looks like a much more fun and interesting than getting old on a couch.

[@tree7249]

I love this lady.

[@brucelee9941]

I live in an apartment of my dreams which I never knew I could afford, and this is the loneliest I've ever been in my life, being alone is tough sometimes, God bless this woman and other people living life in vans I'm sure it take alot of courage

[@kathysyphrit5713]

Just because you live in a city of people , does not mean you have contact and talk to people. City life is lonely.

[@kathy4798]

Hit the road Jack! 😊💕🙏

[@rosesavoy9035]

@@kathysyphrit5713 exactly Im lonely to. I live in Europe we have a lor of advantages because beautiful places are near but we can’t be parking anywhere and sleep there like US .

[@stargazersmom4075]

I like her attitude. She has a contagious smile. Really cool person. ✌❤🌞

[@brownbunny2513]

I feel she is very pretty.

[@lindarobinson2299]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@brianjacobsen5762]

That's what freedom does for you. Makes you smile.

[@bentrishaleemartin926]

We recently decided after 2 years of watching videos and being tired of paying high ass rent to get a rv. We went big and bought a 35 ft with 2 slides, and paid cash. We are loving it so far

[@jeanakatherine9369]

I’ve been wanting to do this for the last few years...my daughter is 11yrs old now & she wants to go to, we can do this for a year! I’m trying to gt her dad to gv us his econoline van

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

How's it going now a year out? I'm really interested in learning about others experiences..

[@Angel12199]

Such a beautiful, vibrant, likeable woman! That smile is contagious 😁

[@lindahouston9331]

She has a beautiful smile!

[@positivevibes2468]

She is a precious human!!

[@heya.itsjen]

Yes! And look at her beautiful smile. ❤

[@sherryberardino6032]

I love to see how people can make it on the basics ,and makes me see how material things are so unnecessary,

[@shellyscott4822]

I Love Sheila!! What a wonderful lady with great Spirit!! Thanks for sharing Bob :)

[@spicybrown75]

Live now...find a way...great words of wisdom 🙏🏼

[@judyabernathy80]

What a sweet, genuine, woman! She’s the type person who makes the world a better place to live in!!

[@sgtevmckay]

Now here is a person I would look into giving a solar panel or two to. May be others in greater need, but... Great interview ... Thanks again.

[@randywilson6869]

sgtevmckay it is good of u to do that but I think she is happy with what she hada? But she might take it if u just talk to her

[@chrisreed26]

I think if she can afford a Yeti cooler that she is not in need of any handouts!! Yeti coolers are the Mercedes of coolers! I think If she wanted solar she would just buy it! She seems happy with what she has..simple and basic...maybe a bit too basic for me but hey it makes her happy!

[@jeanniewinters847]

@@chrisreed26 yeah, you know it's all about "living you". She is doin that.😊

[@Mingley01]

What a kind hearted gesture.

[@groovy-mom]

You’re awesome... very thoughtful.

[@mtaylor2901]

This gal has such a beautiful smile and great laugh! Thank you both for the tour and interview.

[@orangeziggy599]

She makes it all seem so simple. She is a natural at this lifestyle. And OMG she's gorgeous.

[@TheRock-xj7hs]

Thank you Sheila for just talking from your heart and living simply beautifully and not out to impress anyone but meet your own needs! What a beautiful example of a van lifer

[@SilverSunPublishing]

I love how she figured out how to get power from small affordable devices without having to have solar panels. Velcro is great, too! And the dogs probably love their special seat.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Yeah, stealing the velcro idea. Could work for other items too.

[@noahcount7132]

Sheila is one of the most cheerful people you've interviewed in a l-o-n-g time! She's absolutely right about happiness coming from within. It's a gift you give yourself. More power to her and best wishes!!

[@kathytorrington1746]

What a lovely lady! We make our own happiness...all the best to you, Shiela!

[@ricks.1318]

LOVE Sheila's SMILE ..... A DELIGHTFUL woman that knows what truly matters in life !!!!

[@elisafrye2115]

What a delightful, creative, woman, and what a delightful “ home.” Her positive attitude is so inspiring!

[@DanielGodfrey8]

I just love her....she sounds like she is really happy living her life. You don’t need a fancy sprinter van conversion to be comfortable caravanning . It doesnt take much money at all.

[@numberplateguy8511]

Brilliant video It's no coincidence that those tgat live the carlife Vanlife lifestyle always seem to have a smile on their face No pressure No mortgage No rent Enjoying the simple life

[@serenakoleno9338]

Well, you still have some stress with vehicle care, weather and traffic conditions. But being in nature is great stress therapy, as is more exercise/ movement. I figure to get stronger and smaller waistline from the vanlife!

[@susart7]

This is one of my top 5 favorite videos of yours, Bob! It’s because of how happy this lady is! I love her!

[@iraidalodevic3454]

I camperized my dodge 1978 extended van ,i live in Puerto Rico.With a friend we did a high top DIY and build the cabinets ,wardrobe or closet, toilet ect. This van has lots of space.I love it!!This woman is a very cool person ,saludos!!

[@robmullin1128]

Wow I love how she lives so simple yet she has everything she needs! Encouraging to those with limited budgets.

[@lisabastille1657]

I totally agree with Sheila, I live in England, GB and I’m selling my house and going to buy a narrowboat to live on, I can travel the canals and see the beautiful countryside and live a lot more cheaply than in a house. I do have a motorhome but unfortunately we aren’t allowed to set up anywhere other than a proper campsite. Good luck to you all and happy and safe travelling 😊 xx

[@DC-cv9ch]

Can I come with you? Sounds wonderful!!

[@timgoodsell4053]

Another brilliant interview. Bob is the master of allowing and encouraging these lovely people to tell their stories and take pride in the lives they’ve built for themselves. I’d never really want to live on the road but I admire those who do and really never get tired of hearing from those who do. Well done Bob.

[@rayjay1543]

She is COOL! This is my favorite interview yet! It's so inspiring! You don't have to be "perfect" to be happy, and it makes vanlife look SO EASY and SIMPLE and that IS the point! God bless her!!!

[@katherinemerrilees5130]

What a lovely woman - a real role model 🧡 “live now - find a way” definitely words to live by

[@LivWildStyle]

Live now!!! Excellent message. Blessings.

[@Daringtobemyself]

I believe that if I ever decided to live in a vehicle this is pretty much the way I would do it. Simple and free. Thanks for explaining what a Yeti is and how long the Ice keeps food cool. I really enjoyed this inspiring story. Thank you for sharing.

[@laurirohr5364]

Sheila has such a beautiful smile, attitude & spirit! "Live Now"...I hear that! Great interview Bob, thank you.

[@greenizgood]

Awe this lady's smile and energy is contagious and I love her name ☺

[@lavinamyers11]

I have wanted to do this for years. I accidentally found one of your videos and since then have watched them for hours at a time. I have been forced to retire and don't want to live my life looking at four walls playing computer games but have no one to help me do a build for my van. Wishing wishing wishing but enjoying your videos.

[@dandydear6418]

Lavina, I too have wanted to do this for years, but until now worked full time. I'm 76 years old and finally retired from driving school bus in October. Since retiring, I've spent many hours watching KZbin on van living, boondocking and anything on this type of living. I have a very old class C RV, but it needs work and it would cost me a fortune for gas as it only gets 7 or 8 miles to a gallon. My goal is to sell the RV and my car and buy a van like Sheila's.

[@juliedavis4852]

@@dandydear6418 Have you got your van?

[@GinaKayLandis]

Lavina, I will be using my van for vacations, bought very little for it. You might enjoy watching YT videos by "Life with Mai" - she is doing weekend adventures in her no-build minivan! She recently put up a video on the necessities and her van setup. I think you would enjoy seeing another simple build that didn't include building a bed - Mai has a different solution!

[@tikitiki7610]

finally living in the now.....i am 76 and have been on the road for max 2 months, twice. extenuating circumstances. but new hips, yes, two, and a pin in my hand and will be ready to get out of the texas heat in about another month!

[@lajoycestewart3278]

Very nice lady - such a simple - build- makes me wonder why we haven’t all been out there for years

[@Mtncubpa]

Incredible video. “Live now - Find a way” what a great quote from your guest. That is my take away. Good Stuff. Always. Thank you for bringing great videos to the public. Thank you 😊

[@jeremeyrogers7817]

This is such a great channel and community. So much love and support. The comments are wonderful. Thanks!

[@GinaKayLandis]

Beautiful smile and person. Thank you, Bob for the interview and tour of this wonderfully simple solution. I hope Sheila has a great life with her freedom!

[@nancybockenkamp8760]

This life of boondockin has been on my mind for time and watching ur videos has informed me , maybe down the road u never know ,,, Thanks for sharein 😁 🌻

[@thomassmith2056]

Bockenkamp. Is that German word for camping? Joke😀

[@mistydg26]

Sheila you have the happiest smile! Thank you for your positive outlook.

[@cindyloustodos2300]

Love this !!! She is living my dream ...

[@tammywines9789]

Same here !! I am now 55 just building up my retirement a few more years ( maybe less) going to cash in my 401k I have been looking at 26 footers I want something I can drive but pull a jeep with. Life really begins to pass by fast after we got 50. Please try to get out there soon live your dream.

[@lindahouston9331]

I love this video! It does show me that it's much more doable to live in a van, without a huge budget, than I thought!

[@jeffwhite7355]

What a lovely lady, I appreciate the simplicity and contentment of her life

[@curiosity2314]

Sheila is very cool! Hard to beat that perfect smile.

[@tadarth7]

I enjoyed watching Sheila so much that when YT suggested her in my feed again I enjoyed watcher her a second time. Lovely Sheila I hope I get to run into in our travels some time.

[@andesenn]

Sheila, you are my new hero! Bought my van last Saturday and can not wait to get out in the world with it. My plan was in going simple: a bed, some drawers, a cooler, and a portable potty. While I am still working, I'll be taking weekend excursions to get a feel for it and next year some week long trips just to make sure I like traveling alone. Once I retire in two years, I hope to start traveling full time. I was afraid my family would think I am crazy but they have all been supportive of me following my dream. I think it would be lovely if our paths cross at some point. Safe travels!

[@freeshrugs63]

Sheila is so uplifting! I need to be around that. I'm planning my 3-month trip but I can't seem to let go of my sticks and bricks for fear of hating my life in camper shell and then not having anywhere to go for true old age. I've purged all belongings and moved across country several times in my life but now that I'm 65 and have a paid for house (in a part of the country I don't want to be in [Kansas]) I've suddenly gone chicken -hearted. Wish me luck!

[@danielletoner8487]

Great interview. She is such a lovely lady! I’m going on the road in August. Two years of prep and downsizing. Bob, you are one of my mentors in getting this accomplished. Thanks for all your guidance through interviews and various topics. I have learned a lot and feel confident in pursuing my dream as a “woman-of -a-certain-age “ solo RVer Hope to see you on the road soon🥳

[@robincrook5630]

You are such a great interviewer. And btw, caught YOUR interview on Sunday Morning CBS...well done.

[@TW-ym4vg]

Kurt M. “Freewheeling: The Van Life” on KZbin from cbs this morning

[@robincrook5630]

@@TW-ym4vg Thanks for putting that out there. I couldn't remember the title of the segment.

[@rebbeshort]

Just watched that. Bob scared the interviewer a little with how real all of this is.

[@starrycrown]

Inspiring!❤️ Request, please: In another video, perhaps: I see that Sheila has insulation in her ceiling area. I would like to hear about her experience either in doing that or finding someone to do it & materials, cost, and time. Also, it would be interesting to know if she loves her windows or wishes she had been able to have more solid space for heating and cooling reasons. Again, very interesting! Go, Sheila! Thanks, Bob.

[@tfb5727]

Loved her!! Beautiful smile and beautiful spirit. Wise words... Live now!

[@tammywines9789]

Omg yes, her smile is truly contagious....

[@LindaWolfe20]

i thought I remembered when Shelia went out on the road in that cute little camper trailer she bought for practically nothing... good to know Shelia your still living your dream as a nomad... This is the life for sure... one that appeals to my hubby and I.. Thanks Bob and Shelia great interview.

[@civilpanda9422]

Bravo to this lady. She has made a great life for herself on the road and she is happy. She is resourceful and she is brave. I admire her and wish her well.

[@yanzhangmd]

I like her thought. I can convert my big suv to something that I can rest in. That will allow me to go to places more than my usual range.

[@StevenPaul0717]

You can tell by her big smiles that she is happy and content. What more can a person hope for?

[@lesterpeters1504]

This ladies smile is infectious ,her demeanor and ability to find pleasure in the simple life is inspiring, all the best in the future.

[@MegaBpop]

Love her outlook on life. I can hear the Peace she has. No financial worries when she goes to sleep at night. Very spacious and it all works for her needs. I love the Yeti and her dog!! Great idea for the Solar battery.

[@ZombicidalMadMom81]

Thank you so much for sharing!! Such a great build, I love it! Whenever I'm down the rabbit hole, watching tons of Tiny and/or Nomadic videos, I sometimes end up finding myself watching "luxury" RV vehicles, and those make me feel like I'll never get my RV renovated. Then I watch these kinds of builds and it reinvigorates, reinspires, and reignites my determination to finish.

[@jstratten5326]

Thanks Bob, this woman has a really beautiful smile and a wonderful attitude👍🏻 Would like to meet her dogs as well next time.

[@susiepittman601]

Really encouraging video. Thanks for sending out the positive stuff.

[@ragtie6177]

Wonderful story and lady. Good for you!!! Great video!

[@julesjohnson7127]

“Happiness comes from inside.” -Sheila. Love this woman! 💖

[@kerrischuh8000]

When camping in hot areas I use dry ice in my 10 day ice chest. Less bulk and lasts longer and if done right can keep frozen food frozen and refrigerated food cold without freezing.

[@andreaschumann231]

Hey Sheila thank you for sharing. To make a long story short, my mom my 23yr. d and I are class. My mom is living a low income apartment for older people and my son and I struggle with rent and bills. We all enjoy camping and I can see us doing what you are doing. But a car would be to small for us and at the moment we can not afford a van or cargo van. So I dont know it gives me hope just to watch these videos and to do some research. So thank you for shearing.

[@janefowler7575]

I like this lady. As Shelly said, "What a wonderful lady with a great Spirit!!".

[@aquariuslady8277]

That seems a fun way to live. A good and inexpensive way to travel and see the country.

[@lauragb3677]

Excellent interview and tour. I can see how so much less time and money spent on cleaning and maintenance of a house yields much more time for enjoyment of life and the outdoors!

[@nelliemillan4627]

So inspirational ...now I'm embarrassed .I gave myself a 2007 r.v. lasts year for my 70 birthday runs great ,has everything fridge , range , air condition , big bed , & bathroom w nice shower . I'm a bargain hunter so bought it for 20 @ 270 @ mo for 10 years . I have never used the stove or fridge all I've used is the shower , bed ,& air cond . Last week I got the plates , washed it. & filled the tank to go to ca. & I couldn't make myself go . So I've been sitting here @ home doing nothing waiting to feel like just get in it & go . & with this inspirational video I THINK I WILL . Thank you Bob for inspiring people !

[@believer7733]

Go Nellie Go!

[@user-wp1ot4zt8t]

I love these videos. Nice, simple and straighforward living, no great big builds to make your van, just put together the basics and go !

[@2_Itcyfeet]

Great woman, great smile and some even better advice 😁😁

[@ma198912]

your happiness is contagious. you are spreading good vibes. next time i have big problems i like to be around you he he. yes i did learn a lot of lessons out of this video. thanks

[@soniarodriguez2072]

Sheila is just fantastic. Love her set up.

[@SereneandSimpleLife]

So nice to hear from a woman who has been on the road as long as she has.. thanks Sheila and Bob!☀️💛

[@roots8924]

Love this style of living. House may say status but it also means debt! A lot of debt! Thank you for bringing this info.

[@loveitloveit122]

What an awesome lady😁🤗😍 she has a great little set up , love her enthusiasm 🤗🤗🤗🤗 tried finding her on Facebook to tell her about the O2cool battery operated fans, hopefully she'll see this, they have super power and they last up to 72 hours on D size batteries.....cant live without mine in my van🤗👍👌💓💕🐾 happy camping everyone🤗💕🤗💕🤗

[@jeannemarie3704]

This is 👍!! I love that this is do able. Affordable. Nothing fancy bimut anyone can make it work!

[@joseluismorales572]

My most sincere respect to this happy Lady and the hundreds of valiant women that become free spirit road warriors.

[@joansrvadventures6112]

Good for her. She seems like a really nice lady and has created a nice home.

[@shawnclark7326]

"Do what you want to do. Live now" Love this, thank you!

[@marka7519]

She's lived 5 Years in the van and has no regrets. I occasionally see videos of people who gave up on tiny living or van living for one reason or another, but I've never heard any one say they regretted doing it.

[@zslis4348]

I really like this lady. I want to do what she’s doing.

[@brendamcchristy6044]

Thanks Sheila Ray

[@janetkoball44]

Shelia is a happy soul. She has a spark in her eyes and knows how to travel and see what she wants to see. Thanks Bob for her story and tour.

[@willowgreen5350]

I loved her set up and such a warm hearted person.

[@ncgreenie6707]

I LOVE no builds. You know what would be so cool is to re-visit some of your interviews to see how these folks are doing now, if ever the opportunity arises. I would LOVE that! 💕

[@christopherdunham2637]

It sounds like the only essential ingredient to live happily like this is a content attitude.

[@thesilverenchantment9227]

Yes , happiness comes from being content with what you have. She is content, hence why she is happy.

[@AGM-ts5bb]

Finally able to travel! Glad you did it!

[@vernellguillory]

Very Sweet Lady.. u can tell because it radiates thru her smile😊😊

[@fredricunderhill204]

Sheila You got it. Old Dodge tradesman vans are fantastic. They had all the glitches worked out, designed for engine and transmission servicing, reliable and, Oh, and now, cheap by depreciation. Fuel cost about 12-14 mpg versus 18-20 mpg but you can buy a years of fuel over the over tech-ed newer versions.

[@thomassmith2056]

What year would you say is best. Any particular one stand out as reliable motor and transmission?

[@fredricunderhill204]

@@thomassmith2056 Old Dodge Tradesman Vans were bolt for bolt the same for the last 15 years. The grill might change but it is interchangeable. The engines and transmissions were swapped routinely. They were a fleet manager's dream. I might look at the 1996-2003 years but it is condition which you need to check. Also the V-6, 3.9 L will do fine. Hint: it's a 318 V-8 cut down to 6 cylinders.

[@thomassmith2056]

@@fredricunderhill204 Thank you Fredric! You know your Dodge vans. Appreciate you.

[@carlusayit156]

I just love these videos and I’ve transformed my suburban into a great home on wheels. My problem is now where can I go? I have no idea where I can test out my new lifestyle. It’s July 2020 and because of Covid I’m unsure as to where the others are. Any advice?

[@lindaburton7375]

Thank you for sharing your life

[@salavaoevans9850]

She is amazing LOVE her smile, And she is enjoying her freedom GOD BLESS her. 🌷🌷🤩🤩👍👍👍

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

I like the double doors. Your interviews are great bob, they help the viewer to meet different ones. Great vid again.thanks bob

[@kristykelly1177]

Love these simple set ups. Makes it easy, so just about anyone can do it. However, I would need to add water, even if it was just a couple of big 5 gallon dispensers. I have a USB handheld shower that I put into a 5 gallon bucket of water, so that I can wash my hair while out camping. It was around $35. I suppose someone could also use it as an outdoor shower too. If I was going to live full time in an RV, water is a must for me. Also for a very good and yet affordable fan, I suggest a Holmes USB fan. It is a game changer. That way you don’t have to plug it into your phone and drain your phone battery. I got mine at Walmart for around $10. They have 3 speed settings. You can charge it via USB plug or you can just run it while plugged in. I believe the charge last 4 to 6 hours depending on the setting you have it on. I have had mine for 2 years and love it. It has a little base, so you can stand it up. I attached a lanyard to mine, so I could walk around with it hanging around my neck. It is light weight. I take mine on my cruises, works awesomely.

[@stephengibson2869]

I like this ladies van and her simple build for her and her pups 🐶. Affordable, simple, easy and functional. I have a Chevy Silverado truck 4wd xcab that I have also done a simple camping build in the back. I had some clean wood around and some clean pallets that I repurposed. And I made the bed frame and I went to town and bought a sheet of half inch plywood and some Varathane. I had them cut it there and I brought it home and put a few coats of Varathane on each side of the plywood. I bought 3 clear under bed totes for about $10 each, and filled them with the basic camping necessities. I bought multiple foam sleeping mattresses and I taped them together with Gorilla Tape. I was given a bed sheet and a few blankets, and now my build is basically finished. I have been using it for 6 days and nights on the Oregon Coast. I have also bought some Reflectix and cut it to fit over my canopy windows and it helps to keep it warmer inside. I woke up one morning and I opened my canopy door and it was freezing outside, but inside my canopy it was cozy. I spent around $250 for my truck camping build. I have gotten a lot of my ideas for my truck camping builds from watching KZbin videos and my own ideas too. Van dwellers and truck camper videos were a great help with my truck build out. 😀

[@chrisdiamondtravels7209]

What a great lady,,,,Thank you Bob for another great video,,,Everyone told me they saw you on CBS,,,,Congratulations,,,,Well deserved my friend,,Your the best.

[@tammywines9789]

I watched Bob's interview he was awesome.

[@cloudysky3452]

Beautiful lady, God Bless and keep you safe...a long and happy life to you and your two lovely little companions, nothing better...x

[@dennisverville1108]

Gorgeous lady, sharing her life. Thanks Sheila

[@christinejordan3506]

Thank you Bob for your consistent support of single women van dwellers! 😃👍