From Necessity to Comfort: Realistic Van Life 3 Years Living in a Toyota Minivan

[@lesamariebythesea]

Loved his truthfulness about the downside to living the nomadic lifestyle with loneliness.

[@SeatoSky1111]

Yup, his story resonated on so many levels . I love that he shared his vulnerability about the divorce. I hope love finds him again, he seems like a great soul with skills too regarding Barbering...hope he can have a mobile business somehow or something, he's so young still Great attitude in hard times.

[@VinnieVan]

@@SeatoSky1111 thank you, Jen. ❤😊

[@itsno1duh]

@@VinnieVan and a channel to boot! you will get to the size up Vinnie! WTG!

[@NoManClatuer-pd8ck]

Nice rig.

[@Michaelw777.52]

@@SeatoSky1111 Yeah. You know he had to take an emotional hit with the loss of the marriage. Hard not to be lonely after that; the self-doubts; learning to be his own best friend again...

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

He could start a seasonal business called "Snowbird Snips." He could cut hair during the winter in a nice, sunny snowbird area and then when they leave for spring/summer, he can leave too and travel. That way, you're not stuck, but can still build a clientele.

[@mattstopa9436]

That's genius

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

@@mattstopa9436 lol, thanks!

[@JanAllOverNow]

Bob, you are doing a great job removing the stigma of living in your vehicle.

[@rustykatt3870]

Jan- I agree 👍.

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Yes! He's been a great ambassador!

[@ravenmaniac428]

Vince could be a mobile barber for Nomads, and more!

[@metaglypto]

Seems like Vinnie could easily start his own nomadic barber shop. Hang out around Quartzite and similar areas and it seems you could make some decent money doing haircuts.

[@tinaanderson9186]

Yep, during the winter months when more people are there!! Travel the rest of the year, and still have plenty of money!! Great idea!! 👍🏻

[@Gail-gf7km]

Great suggestion!

[@LifewithMelanieB]

Perfect solution! Being a Nomadic barber could be the dream job solution

[@Michaelw777.52]

My thought exactly. There's way more people than the locals can handle and he could make decent money while there to then go other places without working.

[@georgewagner7787]

He needs a state license

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

I rented a minivan for work this past week. I folded down down all the seats and thought, I could build this out and live in it. Then I see this.

[@FloowSnaake]

its time to move to a van theen :D

[@denisegilchrist7822]

As a barber maybe doing service for other Nomads and publishing that on KZbin would be interesting and build your channel. You could interview them about living that life. There are some barbers on KZbin now but you could combine the interesting of their life along with your skill.

[@praxedes2]

The issue is licensing. Most states require you to obtain a license in their state to barber. He can help nomads out, but publishing it could prove problematic.

[@wolfhound4010]

I feel you brother. 30 years of marriage and now I have been divorced almost 2 years. I lost everything. I was living in my Jeep for a year and a half. Now I live in a RV. To bad I get hassled by the local PD all of the time. Be safe, be blessed.

[@JD-uc1es]

I love how he has a vitamix and a rebounder!

[@VinnieVan]

Whole plant based foods and some seafood. The best!

[@pragedisarreguin1196]

bob is the best for people whos going through divorce,bill alone,this great example ty bob.

[@robinw285]

Self contained nicely! Dig the table tucked in behind the spare tire, great use of space! Bravo 🎉

[@VinnieVan]

Thanks Robin!

[@keithalexander2412]

Seriously, perfect situation for this guy is to pull a small cargo trailer and set up haircut station in it…. If I knew of someone that does haircuts while I’m in Quartzsite for 6 months, I would definitely go…

[@Gail-gf7km]

The LTVA north of Yuma could sure use a barber!

[@VinnieVan]

That’s a great idea! I’ve been thinking how I could do it. Thanks

[@wildernesshermit]

You found another great guy doing what he can to live comfortably. Well done Bob.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Love how Vinnie started with the basics and then figured out what works, what is needed and how to be comfortable. Always like to see minivan layouts buildouts and modifications since I just got my used minivan.

[@VinnieVan]

Best of luck to you. Thanks for subbing to my channel. 😊

[@mtaylor2901]

That is one SWEET swing away spare tire mount and table! Enjoyed hearing about Vinnie’s experiences ! I think a big difference for me between living in a house/neighborhood vs. van dwelling is that it’s pretty easy to distract yourself in a house.. there’s always chores, yard work, cooking, LOTS of cleaning, hobbies, numbing out to cable TV, etc….lots of space to store stuff for activities. There’s not too much space for “stuff” in a van. So a lot of external things are stripped away and you’re left with more quiet time to reflect and work on the “internal” part of your life. This is just my personal experience of course…. I’m seldom lonely when vanning (I have two dogs with me) but I’ve definitely been emotionally uncomfortable at times working through my own emotional/Spiritual growth in the “quiet” of my van living…. The longer I stay out in my van, the more “normal” the solitude feels and much more comfortable than in the beginning. Plus the added bonus of spending way more time outside and in nature. I really didn’t realize how much I was chronically distracting myself from my thoughts living in my sticks and bricks…. 😬

[@keepitreal1547]

Vincent comes across as a really decent genuine guy. There's an openess, honesty, strength yet vulnerability about him, which I can adhere to. I'm very similar in my ways & totally get him. All the very best to you Vincent (I'll now sub you on your channel) & thanks for sharing this Bob.

[@cats3459]

Here locally there is a barbershop on wheels. They tow a small trailer and that's thier shop

[@BuckJones1909]

It’s amazing that every DIY van or RV is unique in some little way or some big way! They are all comfortable for the designer, or they are changeable! If van Life is what pleases you there is a way to get it done! Thank you Vincent & Bob!

[@VinnieVan]

Thank you!

[@maryhull3877]

Great interview Bob...love these individualistic unique buildouts to reflect the owners taste...this one has it all..love the bed design too and smart to lift the van up..good luck Vinnie...

[@bonniepoole1095]

For solo people: You are not by yourself, you are WITH yourself.

[@kennethgardner3090]

This is another guy I would like to talk to. I knew a lady about 45 years ago who was living in a van. She now lives in a house in New Jersey. She has not been on the road for a long time but she has a lot of good advice. This man has so many years of experience I think he could teach newbies like me more than anyone. Awesome video.

[@VinnieVan]

Please sub and ask your questions. Thank you for saying. 😊

[@shaunhall6834]

I love how creative nomads are about their space. Everyone has a different way of approaching it. He is a natural at it!

[@awesomeniecy9242]

He probably has the best use of minivan space I have seen so far, love the wood cut for storage/floor/bed/TV design and plugin idea😊

[@DesertDog8989]

Vinnie, do a pop-up shop with your last hour of each day/week dedicated to charity cuts. Advertise locations in advance and do online booking. Folks like to support neat folks who give a crap about humanity amd the plight of those less fortunate.

[@thereseshine7506]

Vinnie outfitted his van to be a nice home. Clever tables and a tv! Nice!

[@DK-zg8ik]

Love the lift on fwd Sienna, that is my plan after watching many of these vids is a lifted fwd sienna with a max fan to start and go from there. It was confirming to see and hear this from Vince. Great the bed and those water bottles are a nice size and shape. Thank Bob and Vince for sharing this, wishing you both a happy healthy 2024!

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

Looks great!! My parents (and I) lived in a van back in the 80’s. Before “vanlife” like you said. You have created a wonderful home. ✨✨✨

[@gallopngoose8753]

I don't always listen to Bob talk about tips and experiences about living the RV life...but when I do, my neighbors do too. Loud and proud! Bob, your easy demeanor and delivery are calming, relaxing, and disarming. Disarming because after binging on your vids for what I thought would be entertainment, turned out to be, dare I say, "school in session" in a most enjoyable way. Well done, good sir. Well done. My grandfather said, "Experience is the only human achievement capable of displacing proffered knowledge." And you got that down. Appreciatively, Brian in Medford, Oregon. 😃

[@josephlwallssr6166]

I love the spare, tire set up!Table for eating , cooking and extra , room for storage!

[@wrylife57]

Another great video, thanks Bob and crew. Vincent, you have a wonderful van. My favorite detail is the swing-away hitch with the hidden table--I love that! Best of luck in your travels.

[@offairhead]

11:21 with that table, that is the best swing away I’ve ever seen!! I’ve been shopping for one and THATs the one I need!!

[@joellynparks7805]

The only thing missing is a barber pole 🎉🎉🎉 maybe a barber flag, so he can raise it for all to find him.

[@David-rx2to]

Nice. Everything you need and nothing more.

[@JamesGreenier]

Making Minivans great again.

[@justthetruth247]

Everyone featured on this channel are smart, articulate and inspiring people

[@joycecollins5796]

Yes he should cut hair for nomads---Quartzite woukd be goid to start off?? He has a good set up in his van!!😎😎

[@offairhead]

1:56 I’m a nomad at heart as well. I am working on developing my home base here in Texas and am collecting parts to build out my van.

[@christopherfisher128]

Been watching for s few years now & the creativity & willingness to share knowledge in this community is amazing

[@Findingpeaceontheroad]

Great video! Don’t know what they charge in town but I’d offer half that for a haircut… buy a tent enclosure with a little setup and make a little $ when stationary for a bit! Word will get around & Thousands of people out there in Quartzsite with the need 🤑

[@deborahg4599]

I found the those water containers on Amazon too and they are perfect. Good luck Vincent! Great video.

[@michelleparker9591]

Great van. I really like his smart mods to make it very livable. Nice job Vinnie.

[@kenhurley4441]

What a video. I had a minivan ready to go and I got T-boned and totaled my van. I'm looking for another vehicle to live out of! I want to see our beautiful country before it or I am gone! Safe travels Vinnie! I hope our paths cross!

[@justgivemethetruth]

I like this guy's honesty and candidness.

[@peterparker5166]

Fantastic mini van built, very cool too

[@gwendolynrubio9820]

I am so glad I stumbled upon this video! I have been searching for a Toyota Sienna to begin a basic no build to get out there and learn how to build it for me. My biggest concern was if I could get a lift and bigger tires on it - and thanks to Vinnie, now I know, it's all possible! Thank-you CheapRVing, for helping me learn, and build confidence as a single female! I can't wait to get out there! Keep up the great work Vinnie, you have truly re-energized me to keep pressing on! And Bob, keep those great interviews loaded with some of the most amazing tips and tricks coming! :)

[@hauk3839]

I put 2 inch journey lift kit on 2010 town and country. Got up grade truck tires with side walls. Best drive ever. Sidewalls big big difference

[@Brett_Nebraska]

I have a probably simple, maybe stupid question lol..but i don't know the answer and I'm looking for help. I have a 2013 honda odyssey wheelchair van conversion. The floor is lowered for the wheelchair ramp conversion, but I'm looking to upgrade my tires/wheels. How can I know what the maximum size i can upgrade to is? Is there a way to know or figure out the maximum size you can go without rubbing? Would it be best to go to a tire shop and ask, or an off road truck shop and ask?

[@23beverly23]

Yeah, get yourself an awesome mobile studio. Be the traveling Barber! People would pay a premium for your service I'm sure! 🥰

[@VinnieVan]

I sure hope someday my channel can afford me the growth to do that. Thank you for your comment.

[@mrstambroise]

I've never reached out to you, Bob. To thank you from the deepest part of my heart. To express my gratitude to you for sharing your experiences with so many of us a way of life that can be so rewarding and also sometimes challenging. I could write a thousand words of gratitude to you. But I'll just keep it plain and simple: Bless you. Thank you. Man, you sure are a fortunate man to have found a calling that permits you to educate and support so many thousands of people who really need a person to guide them in their new journey forward. Take care, friend.

[@alexanderweaver7066]

Great build! Vinnie's creation almost has me considering a minivan, and I love the Toyota Sienna. I run a GMC Savana, but gas prices are limiting my travels.

[@izaakdaviddiggs]

As someone who owns a Honda minivan, a consideration is if you drive on rough roads they do not have the ground clearance or durability of your van. MPG? About 23

[@denniarli]

The innovation in these vans are amazing! So much new idea!

[@scottdowns2934]

I love being alone. Love it.

[@traceycrawford9938]

What a great setup! Love the bed design and table behind the swing out tyre. Thanks Bob and Vinnie for sharing 🙏🏼👍😊😊

[@johncook1885]

One of the best videos on youtube. Excellent work on his van.

[@jsso2845]

Very nice. If the sienna got better mpg I would have one.

[@nancycain4434]

Nice setup.I was really surprised when he pulled that bed out. He makes good use of his space. I lived in Coeur d'Alene Idaho for 9 years. So I know how brutal the winners can be there. I think that's great that his vehicle gets around well and having that lift definitely helps .

[@Fab50VanLife]

Been following Vinnie for a long time .. amazing sienna build out

[@valeriefromoregon]

I met Vinnie when he left Texas and was on his way to Idaho. He stopped here and gave me a tour of his van, we spent the whole day together. About a year ago. I pray he stays safe.

[@micolebrooks7305]

Vinnie’s authenticity, especially as a man, is great to see. We need more men out there willing to talk about both their struggles and successes. Most people have these feelings but it seems like there’s still some stigma about males talking about it, which is a damn shame.

[@RoxanneSumner-lg7gu]

Vincent kudos for u. Nice job. That's great you're using a rebound machine I've heard they are so fantastic for lymphatic health. My goal is to afford one someday. . A good one is super $$

[@VinnieVan]

You are right. Mine is a jumpsport trampoline. About $500 had it for like 6 years. Perfect still. They have a good one for under $200. Always get elastic bands. God bless you with all you need including a rebounder! 😊😊

[@annieyahu676]

❤ Smart job with his setup. Like all the practical shelves and tabletops. Has all the necessities of living in a modest sized vehicle... easy for quick and frequent moving.❤ thank you for Sharing. Blessings to you ❤

[@lindaroberts2297]

i hope things get better for this lovely guy . . sure it will, takes time

[@ericgilstrap8487]

Question for Bob: would appreciate content on what folks do to prepare for or have been through medical emergencies and is there any advice or lessons learned to offer.

[@pianogal853]

I was a piano technician, also a long term clientele building type business. Had to give it up to get on the road 😏

[@VinnieVan]

More power to us!😊

[@HR-zp6nv]

Great job!!

[@williamhanna5224]

Excellent !

[@riverrat4631]

I sick of looking for a nice cargo van. They all have 200k miles and beat to death. The Chevy Astro are 20yrs old now and again many,many miles. I stayed away from mini vans because the set so low and would not go off road. With this video I find out about Journeys Off-Road and they build lift kits for mini vans. They are only a hour or so from me in Tomahawk Kentucky. I can find a nice late model Dodge Caravan with low miles from a soccer mom and get a 3 inch lift kit, drive it to Fiberine in California and have a high top installed. I can find a good deal on a mini van, but these full size vans are just crazy today. Thanks for the interview Bob. I learned a lot and I’m looking for a AWD mini van now, or a low mile Caravan.

[@texcinlulu]

Love your van build Vinnie! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Lots of great ideas! Best of luck in the future. Thanks Bob for another enlightening video. Bless you both. Happy trails 🌞🦋💖

[@vvogt4252]

Looks Great, Thanks for Showing it to everyone! Best of Luck to You.

[@dlmac5935]

Even nomads need haircuts. Vinnie might want to consider rebranding himself as “Barber on the Go”. Use his van to advertise it. I guarantee if I ran into him in my travels, I’d pay him a fair price for a hair cut or do a contra deal with groceries or other supplies. Seems like a great guy kinda struggling with the transition into full time nomad life. I wish him much love and success.

[@jK-yj2tl]

Great use of minimal space ; excellent job Vinnie! Another very educational/enlightning video. Thank you Bob thank you Vinny.

[@sarashattuck4022]

I hope this gentleman finds peace and love again in the future.

[@VinnieVan]

[@amiralions2681]

Hi Bob! Hi Vinnie! Have you thought about getting a used Class C from Cruise America and cutting hair in it? You don't have very much stuff with you. You could store most of it in the outside bins, leaving the inside open and free for hair cuts. I bet there are a ton of nomads who'd stop by for a haircut! The outside of a Class C is plenty big enough to advertise on. Your lifted Sienna is so seriously cool!

[@saturninc3786]

Thanks for sharing your amazing home with us. You have some very unexpected smart solutions you build in! I loved the cooking-table at the back behind the wheel - that is soooooo smart! Also like the way you set up the bed and the storagespace you created underneath. I love how you found creative ways for yourself to create and build things that fit your needs. You did very well. I hope you are not too lonely out on the road, and find many friends on the RTRs and just being on the road. Look after yourself well! Thanks for sharin Vinnie and Bob, bless ya both - Jason

[@findingtruth2717]

Bob Wells is the best I met with him at the 2022 BYOV!!

[@msbrendafitnesstrainer2389]

🎉rebounder..luv it! GREAT WORKOUT. 👟🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️

[@VinnieVan]

The best!!

[@robert-2819]

Vinnie, there is a Canadian UT'er (VanCityVanLife) that might be of interest. i.e. garage/nomad type.

[@VinnieVan]

Yes! I love Chrome! Been a follower of VV for years! Big inspiration.

[@stphns1737]

I used my old sienna family van as a camping rig until it died and I still miss it. One of the best choices. So much space. And love the lift and big tires.

[@spiritwindvue8038]

Another good interview Bob. I’m looking on Vinnie Van’s Channel to find out how he is using the inverter and venting it. Please lead me to the correct video if you’re reading these comments. Thanks a bunch

[@VinnieVan]

Hi. Thanks you. I have Bluetti ac200 and en 70. To charge while driving I plug directly into the lighter of the van. I would rather have a bigger alternator and get it all wired correctly. Other than that, ai have a 2500watt gas inverter generator that I run to charge both batteries while I’m parked. Hope that helps! Thanks for your sub!😊

[@tuvia4082]

Cool, thanks for sharing.

[@sallyplus4]

This was a great interview/tour. Got so great ideas from it.

[@brianleonard6885]

Great stuff right here

[@heathercollins6464]

It’s a very well thought out space ☺️ I always love the ingenuity with a tight space! Ultimately, we can make the best of anything. Life is about the adventure. Make the best of it! Great video 💕💖

[@francesdouglas333]

Hey Vinnie, thanks for share! I love your home on wheels....cool. Remember you aren't alone. Many divorced folks, me included. Your heart can heal.Forgive and put that behind you. God has wonderful blessings for YOU. 🤗

[@redeyestlouis4651]

Glad he didn't end up on Skid Row

[@seanh4841]

I empathize, 2 and a half years in my van, I work, and dream of the day I can retire and travel

[@bigtsperspective5831]

My camp always has room for one more van . If you spot me in the wild , don’t be shy , only the dog bites 😎

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

That tire table is awesome ❤😊

[@audiotechlabs4650]

Like you guys, I’m a Nomad at heart! I love camping! In the early 70s I bought a new AMC Gremlin. The back seat folded down and although I wasn’t able to stretch completely, I could manage to sleep in it! I went camping many, many times in it. Then I got a full size pickup truck and put a camper shell on it and built a platform for a full size mattress! It was camping heaven! I know exactly where you two are at. I am now converting a 2018 Promaster 2500 159” into a boondocking bedroom for me and the Mrs. Thanks for the interview and the channel Bob and Vinnie.

[@lonelybro77]

I'm in a Sienna myself. Givin me some good ideas. Thank you, sir!

[@ToriLynnH]

There's a note on the RTR bulletin board. A lady needs a basic hair cut and would rather pay a nomad than a sticks and bricks.

[@HopeandFaithHomesread]

I heard Box van Dee who was on your channel before Is changing her living situation I heard box van dee is going back to live in a box van. She's selling the place She's been in. She's so adorable. Dee is an amazing person she really is. I'd be honored to meet her, but I havr to take care of a disabled person & Quartzside looks like so much fun.

[@02532gary]

I was hoping for the rest of the "emergency toilet" story. 😆Looking for one my self -- great video!

[@danielleg8266]

Love the honesty 💜.

[@morrisshepherd1637]

Great video with Vinny and the great basics for a van build.

[@sandramichaud8033]

Floor makes a diff. Easy to clean. Nice little bed.

[@thedjc100]

This was just a great segment-one of your best.

[@joycemaureroriginal8563]

I would think Vinnie could cut a lot of hair around Quartzsite!

[@Xxxxxx19-p1c]

Just subbed to Vinnie’s channel.

[@VinnieVan]

Thank you Corra! Love your name.

[@suaimhneas123]

Excellent build! You have everything and it's well laid out. Thank you for sharing!

[@freygallery]

I can imagine him having a very stylish pop-up tent with a cool barber pole outside and a unique barber chair inside, sporting a vintage barber's uniform, traveling to seasonal locations. That might solve the income and loneliness altogether.

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Very nice! Thank you Vincent.

[@tumbleweed1976]

Thank you men.