$1200 a Month SUPER FRUGAL VAN Life! Turning a 1977 Van into a COZY Home!

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Theresa has transformed her 1977 Dodge Tradesman 200 Cargo Van into a cozy home down by the river. Living on an extremely frugal budget of just $1200 a month from social security and food stamps, Theresa has created a life of freedom and simplicity. Her resourcefulness allows her to enjoy time with family and have the freedom she has always wanted. Theresa is a testament to the power of frugality, and the pursuit of happiness.
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Thanks for watching!

[@pianogal853]

Visiting family with your own bedroom is a win-win!

[@seanh4841]

I love being able to sleep in my van when visiting family

[@harrymills2770]

@@seanh4841 Makes it easier for your hosts, although when I'm hosting someone, my feelings are a little bit hurt when they choose to sleep in their van/camper. It's like they're putting down my guest room.

[@marcellaorourke8997]

I like her and her van, and her little dog too!

[@jennifromdablock9197]

I really like her energy, her joy alone is inspiring!!

[@cotter9751]

Lately I'm really noticing all the varieties of nomad life through vans is possible. Thanks for interviewing Theresa and doing a van tour. There is much to admire here!

[@OWK000]

My family had what I think was a 1972 Dodge Van back in the seventies that we went camping with 5 kids, 2 adults. The Van had a homemade roof top tent with custom sewn canvas, designed by my dad, cut out by my Mom and custom sewn at the sail makers and a homemade plywood bed in the back. The littlest slept on the passenger seat and the other 4 kids on the roof top. When I see it, it looks just like old photos. Brings back great camping memories. ( Yeah, that was before seat belt laws.)

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

Thanks for featuring Teresa! It’s so nice to see the people have options.

[@shawniemar]

I’m getting more and more excited about starting my own van life. I’ll be 63 this weekend and can no longer afford my rent as someone on disability. I would not have chosen this lifestyle a few years ago but it looks more and more appealing every day. My #1 problem is coming to terms with parting with my belongings. I will probably keep a small storage unit for a while.

[@id_rather_be_hiking]

You can always get more STUFF! Don't let it hold you back or create an additional expense. I have started over with only clothing & a few possessions several times. It's truly freeing. I want to try a Casita so I can incorporate more nature into my life. Sunsets & experiences Trump THINGS. YOLO!

[@darrincambridge2377]

Just early for Goodwill 😉

[@WisconsinWanderer]

nice rig Theresa the older van’s are definitely user friendly and yes someone can actually do the maintenance on it. Thanks Bob😊

[@stanbyme7874]

Absolutely. Add the tech you want, the way you want it.

[@lilrusty6720]

Really like the classic van. Keep it. Do not let it go.

[@LiveWhereYouPark]

Hey Van buddy!! 78 B200 here!!! :) So good to see another classic on the road.

[@christina3521]

Bob has the best interviews!

[@davidleigh443]

Bob is a natural: friendly, respectful, and inquisitive.

[@asktheanimals]

Yes! Hopefully that great 318 engine will go & go & go.

[@steveowens398]

Teresa is a very uplifting lady. Thanks for introducing her to us!

[@rustykatt3870]

Theresa and Bob, you are both an inspiration!! Good luck to you both, and to us all!! 👍😃

[@RA-pr8jz]

Thanks Teresa and Theresa You've both have given me the inspiration to keep camping in this life! You have made the right decision for a good reliable camper van the 200 series have a stronger suspension. The 318 engine will last you a long time, I put 366,000 miles on mine before it needed rebuilding. The only components that needed replacing on my van was the electronic control module after 140,000 miles, they usually cost $25 to replace, timing chain, rebuilt the carburetor, water pump, coil, alternator, and the starter. Two very good things about the old school Dodges is there's no expensive computer to replace and your fuel pump is bolted on the side of the engine which is much safer and easier to get to with two bolts instead of inside the gas tank. I've worked on many Dodge vehicles for 42 + years, the old school models are my favorite and i feel are still the best. Take good care

[@Lois-o1f]

Agreed 💯😊

[@theresawebster1027]

I love my old van💛

[@brs6794]

Nice, you don’t have to have an expensive rig to do it! Very inspiring!

[@blackwoodslawn]

Classic Old'Yellow Crazy Gramma Down by the River...camp host. You are a Hero!!! I love the art work. Thanks Bob for back to basics Vanlife.

[@barbredgreen3403]

You rock, sweet lady!

[@maehay4065]

Nice older rig Theresa! I like rigs with character. It’s hard to find that in newer rigs.

[@carenjobe1228]

Very inspirational, nice rig..smart lady & great attitude on life!❤️

[@georgiacorey954]

Wow Theresa, I really love your van. And the cedar chest idea is awesome.

[@MARKCANEER]

Great Home on wheels! Thank You for sharing 🙏👍

[@63mrl]

Peace, health, and prosperity to the lady.

[@jobhiojkp]

Bob is looking well!

[@Lois-o1f]

ALWAYS ❤😊

[@bohoxplorer840]

You go girl XOXOOX DODGE is the way to go...I have a 74 DODGE xplorer ! Her li dog is just precious.

[@barbaraketchum8287]

I love how you've incorporated a traditional cedar chest into your build. It's so creative that you've tipped it up and built shelves inside!!! Your pup is PRECIOUS!!

[@theresawebster1027]

Thank you! I love it!

[@gabrielleparis3532]

💛You go girl! Love your spirit 💛💛💛

[@dl4126]

I like her clever bag. I remember using one similar in the 70's. Thanks for the video Bob!

[@stanbyme7874]

Weirdly. I’m living in Portland & bought similar bag on Etsy. Couple of happy old hippie chicks hitting the road🫶🏽☮️

[@misst1586]

I had one too

[@theresawebster1027]

Thank you!

[@williamcochell9889]

Wow, what a trooper! That van is incredible. She drove it 60,000 miles my gosh from 1977 it must have at least 300,000 miles on it by now!

[@pamsmith1665]

She didn't run it from 1977. She bought it 8 years ago at the time this was recorded

[@williamcochell9889]

@@pamsmith1665 I wasn’t saying that she put the miles on it up to 300 just that it must have that many miles on it including that she drove for 60,000

[@theresawebster1027]

I've driven it 64,000 miles since I bought it in 2017.

[@JonTanOsb]

Using the inverter (AC) to run the fridge uses a lot more power than using 12V. Get a 12 V plug for your fridge and it'll run on DC power. I will require using a cigarette lighter (12 V socket) but your battery will last a lot longer. Nice build. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

Totally cool lady! She’s enjoying the “now” and gets to have her dream life. Very inspiring! Love the van and color. Your son did an awesome job for you ❤️

[@theresawebster1027]

Thank you! Yes he did!

[@davevega5083]

the dog's one flopped ear is pretty cute

[@steve9326]

Lovely lady with a big heart!

[@PulpParadise]

Great rig, Theresa! Thanks for sharing it with us and Bob @CheapRVliving. Your son did an excellent job and that explains why the paint looks so good - I noticed that when Bob did the walk around. So happy for you living your van life, visiting friends and family and camp hosting down by the river!

[@tinab6032]

Hey there Theresa. Nice to see you two again and inspiring others that they can live the dream. Safe and happy travels!

[@donwyates]

Another good example of the freedom associated with the nomadic lifestyle. Cool van - simpler is usually better. Looking good Bob!

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Great interview! I really enjoyed hearing about Teresa and her little dog. Thanks, Bob 🩷

[@normaevett]

Great attitude! So happy for her living her dream!

[@TheRock-xj7hs]

God bless you! Bob, you continue to find the finest of the finest nomads.

[@TedTurner2023]

Looks comfortable and unique. Nice.

[@TammyCondren]

Theresa is a trip❤! What a great attitude & sense of humor🙏🏻👏🏻Happy Travels Theresa & Bob

[@RUTHSOFFGRID]

Love my 2000 Dodge. Old Yeller gives me hope that I can keep her running! Yay Theresa for being so handy. Inspiring!

[@jeannemarie3704]

❤ this is great. Love the happy yellow flower child vibes!🎉

[@daynadiggle8169]

Thats the spirit ! This is what I like to see . Another great video Bob ! 😊😊❤❤

[@77gmcnut]

Those older Dodge vans with the 318 cid engine are great. Easy to maintain. One area of weakness in the one I had was the perch the steering box is bolted to broke loose and I had to have it welded back in. Love the pantry and the granddaughter drawing.

[@COOSA6870]

That is a great home on wheels! I love the old style hitop van. Enjoy each day, Im soo sorry to know your disabled. Very few healthy people understand the daily hurdles you have to overcome. God bless you and I pray you keep the level of health you have. Your a strong lady!

[@CruisinJr]

Theresa!!!!! Miss ya! so glad to see you rockin' and rollin' in video form!

[@rgbar-g780]

I love Teresa's van home and her pup ❤ What a great video. Good vibes

[@RuloVaz]

Bob looks so young😊

[@cathyr003]

Love your living your dream. I am trying.

[@melissastack5983]

Good for you! I love how handy you are and that your living your dream. Cheers to you!

[@susanwade9920]

I am really looking forward to following your budgeting challenges. In MA I went from $87/mo to $325 with BCBS Sapphire plus dental/vision. Having very good health I made the mistake of having the plan with abt. $1,400 deductible. Took me 2 yrs to pay for it after appendix issue. Lesson learned. Sm. deductible now and nothing else the rest of the year. What a blessing! I hope the new rig works well for you.

[@einzgeisha]

I'm excited Theresa's excited! She's really true how on fixed income it's either or. and she chose or so she can see everyone and travel!

[@gerald4nomads]

Bob, I usually just watch your videos quietly in the background, but I have to admit, I’m truly impressed with this one. I live in Maryland and living in a vehicle particularly a van is frowned upon and viewed is being homeless. I, wish I could move to a location where people are free to live as they will.

[@GroovyButterfly]

Just do it & don’t give a hoot what others think. Go create and be free!

[@cjdouglass1339]

So cool! 😎 You’re doing what I’m planning on in the next 3 yrs! Exactly! (Older Van, very tight budget, Minimal, etc...) Live in Cloverdale, OR, Carolyn

[@Tipperary757]

Great tour. Lots of work. You've made it work!

[@ThePeachyFlamingo]

Love ❤️ it!

[@keemandikotravels]

Wow such a cool van

[@adequatebus8280]

those mid-70's Dodge vans were work horses and gems. the phone company alone had 10's of thousands of them. bulletproof. wonderful rig. -C

[@theresawebster1027]

I found one covered in moss outside of Sheridan Oregon!

[@a.mstree]

Very inspiring for older women ! Love your van , personally and doggie! Safe travels… hope to, see you down the road one day ✌🏼🚐✨✨

[@maricotodiz4475]

❤ you Bob.

[@HammVan]

Love the van! Retro and beautiful

[@dynoreed7235]

Thanks for sharing! I love seeing her set up.

[@RobertStevensService]

Any vehicle can break down. I have a 2000 motorhome with only 20000 miles. Runs like new & very well maintained.

[@theresawebster1027]

Yes but can you do regular maintenance and whatnot?

[@RobertStevensService]

@@theresawebster1027 Yes

[@vonlossberg]

You are so awesome you remind me of my girlfriend's. I used to have a Dodge Tradesman Band 2 but I didn't have the high top then I lived in there for like 3 months and got a 1969 camper that was so cool that I ended up living at this awesome place that had a river for 7 years anyway I really enjoyed your interview

[@kathyschaefer2455]

Good job and love your older van. We are building out an 1985 mini bus. Got to be able to stand up. Looking forward to being out there.

[@Laura412-g9f]

Awesome!! 👏👏😊

[@racebanning6390]

Good for Her.. 🙏🙏🙏Smiling and Happy, Be blessed!

[@annettefournier9655]

Are carpet squares a good insulation? Would take care of moisture ok? She's happy so I'm glad for her. I'm too claustrophobic for all the clutter and would exhaust myself cleaning dust and sand.😅

[@Mhel2023]

Most of these vans seem to be full of distracting knick knacks and disarray. Would drive me crazy trying to keep things clean

[@user-rm3ky3hv7s]

What a fantastic example of living minimum Lifestyle. Of course She is very creative and motivated which is her essence. She is a good example for us out here moving in her direction! Thanks!

[@HricigaAndrej]

Wow. 1200 a month, life must be quite expensive in the US. Here in Slovakia for 1200 is a good normal life in a house for 2 adults and 3 kids.

[@GroovyButterfly]

Agreed, but she didn’t say what her overhead is, just what she brings in per month.

[@missreynolds3637]

It is expensive here, but it also depends on how much debt one has too. How frugal one is with their money as well. We are blessed to have a paid for house, we don't heat and cool our whole house either, we have paid for old cars, don't use credit cards, hubby works part time out of house, sometimes has to take away from our retirement to help us out when his work is slow. But we don't get food stamps, and I don't get disability yet either as I haven't ever filed for it. I am disabled as well. I do get healthcare, but some of our property taxes helps to pay for that. If I had my disability, it surely would help us. My husband doesn't like to leave me for long, in case I fall, or pass out on him. He only goes to the grocery store if he has to leave me. I nearly died four years ago. So he has a worry I will pass out and he won't be here . **Edited to add: we live on a lot less than most Americans do.

[@maryallen663]

Yes 1200 a month nothing in the USA , that’s most people rent.

[@freefoodchef7939]

Wow! Yes, life in the US is definitely so expensive that it doesn't even make any sense since most people here can't afford the prices and are living just barely above the poverty line in order to survive. The greed here is relentless. I don't understand how so many landlords and business owners can live without a conscience.

[@tracylawrence5258]

I can live like a king on $1200 a month. I live in SC and did pay cash (18,000) in 2008 for 1.67 acres. I have a small 12x20 rough sawn cabin w wood stove. 2 paid for older vehicles. Bills are 84$ car insurance, $80 electric,$62 phone. Garden and never pass up an invite for a meal. Don't have a regular job and don't get any govt assistance even though I could because I'm way below poverty level. I barter with friends and do little odd jobs for the money I need.

[@peggymeissner2029]

1200 a month is a lot. I have a one-bedroom one-bath apartment right now and all in utilities internet telephone etcetera is only running me about 800.00 a month

[@GroovyButterfly]

She didn’t say what her overhead is, just what she brings in per month. 🤷‍♀️ another comment said that’s about right. Yikes!

[@theresawebster1027]

In my home town rent is $800/month to rent a room. Rent is so expensive.

[@HopeandFaithHomesread]

Awesome van ❤❤❤ .

[@Janey234]

You son and daughter did a great job helping, as well as being resourseful for yourself. 👍

[@theresawebster1027]

My kids are so supportive and I appreciate them so much!❤❤

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

Love the van color

[@Mackyoh22]

Great video guys!! Love your van Theresa & your great uplifting energy! Well done in getting out of that basement and out on the road with your gorgeous little furry pal! When I hear stories of how we leap from sticks n bricks to van life, it makes me think of how we take a potted plant and dig it into the wide open wild space...it grows & flourishes beyond our expectations. Keep on truckin' girl and thanks Bob for finding these wonderful, interesting like-minded souls. ❤

[@hermes6587]

Thanks Bob for the video. A nice lady doing her best, but something has to be done about her battery set-up YIKES, that is a huge risk to her, her dog and her van. An accident waiting to happen.

[@theresawebster1027]

Been doing it that way for more than 6 years. I live on the edge!😂

[@meganc243]

Love the purse..I have the same one jus a different pattern lol..mine also has a flower on it

[@Lois-o1f]

Can't do van life without a pup ❤❤❤

[@1wolfpup]

Another nice van. Thank you, Bob.

[@ozarksbrotherjerry4297]

Very smart gal.

[@lynnef3297]

👋😄 Cool old van, "Old Yeller" ❣️ Thanks for sharing.👍

[@philmickey7247]

Excellent! Thanks!👍

[@KindCreature1]

I live in the Portland area and might have seen this van. Love your little dog. Mike

[@theresawebster1027]

I've definitely driven through Portland area a few times. It's quite possible.

[@DoctorBillTheRadioMan]

9 miles to the gallon. I had one.

[@mrj-charles6383]

That old Dodge will live on forever as long as does not rust. Just replace the engine and trans when the time comes and keep using it. I like the sound of the Chrysler motors bak then.

[@asmradventureasmr]

I was distracted by her cute little dog ❤

[@theresawebster1027]

I love him so! Miles is his name!

[@barbarashirland9078]

What a great rig, and what a GREAT woman! Inspiring. Checked your link. Wow! Either solar panels have come way down, or you have pre-selected for us.Thanks! Here in Southern Arizona, we can get away with much less solar, as you know from staying in Quartzite.Batteries recharge quickly in Southern Arizona. I'm in Tucson.

[@kathygarcia4012]

Looks good but I have a truck and don't want to pull anything around also I feel I'm to old for that but that would have been a dream for me ❤

[@l.d.8310]

Nice van the 318....they go thru starters

[@theresawebster1027]

I guess I have a good one because I've owned the van since 2017 and I haven't had to replace it yet. Hopefully you didn't jinx me.

[@susicanuk]

God bless you for living your dream..proves that you can live on very little...as a neat freak, I would have trouble in all that clutter..

[@oldkicker8958]

Nice lady, she’s doing a great job and she’s doing what she wants.👍

[@georgewagner7787]

I had to put new carpet in One bedroom of my rental Property and on top of the Old linoleum was rubber from the Old carpet we scraped and scraped and finally i took boiling water and poured it on and mopped it up

[@cjdouglass1339]

Live in Cloverdale, Oregon!

[@AllyMcFancysp1xn]

South Coast!

[@theresawebster1027]

You're not far from my campground.

[@tinaricard8650]

Hey Theresa you are famous now..great interview 🏜⛰️🏞💜

[@ramontoro]

Hello from Puerto Rico Bob and Friends,

[@lanarenz4559]

So happy to see you make a go of being out on the road. My husband and I want to be out there too. We are trying to sell our house and make it out there too. We have a class c motorhome. We are going to try it. Good luck to you. Maybe we will make it to the campground you host. We are coming from Washington state.

[@ScrubbyGiGi]

Nice job Tracie best wishes camping.😊

[@thatalaskaguy1118]

318 engine torkflight transmission great combo. That 400 watt inverter is really clean power. great video.

[@drivinfool9902]

She is very handy for a lady. Way to go. I'm so proud of you. ❤❤❤😊😊🎉

[@theresawebster1027]

Thanks!