First Solo Overnight in my Van Down By The River | VAN LIFE OFF GRID

[@beekind4141]

Jaylena, No 1,I would have seriously crashed my van if I seen a spider while driving..No 2 I was so glad to see you take that spare tire cover off before you traveled. You can't be too careful and people already know what your van looks like and I don't trust people much these days ! You take care while on your journeys !

[@kimberley1]

I totally agree and felt the same as you about that as we love Jaylena and she's too precious!❤

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Spider's are insect predators. They're doing you a favor by reducing the number of the other little critters.

[@NorthnSouthHomestead]

When I seen her take the tire cover off, I was like...yes...smart girl! Safety first.

[@bernicemiller2130]

Hey! Looks so peaceful. It popped in my head about another girl who does vanlife, she did a video about safety alone, an she had suggested always put out two foldup chairs. This way nobody will think you're alone if they come up. Just want you safe girl! Enjoy your trip. You are doin great on your channel!

[@webthing2046]

Great idea for two chairs

[@hammer1312]

I do it too and im a man. Keeps shady folks away. BUT you will find 99 percent of people im the van dwelling community /campers are pretty good folks. Don't let fear drive you away from your journeys. Peace ✌

[@marlenearocho3680]

And keep an extra man's boots by the door too !

[@monicastewart442]

I like the fact that you don't care. And you are doing what makes you content and not worrying or being scared of nothing. YOU GO GIRL!! Oh and be sure to get a taser and some pepper spray to keep handy

[@elizabethcortez6620]

Safety only, try to park your van pointing to the exit, in case you need to leave in a hurry. Safe travels

[@renalawson3636]

Just what the soul needs a flowing river and a fire.

[@texasjack4761]

YOU CAN CUT A U SLOT IN THE WINDOW COVER TO SEE OUT AT NIGHT AND JUST PUSH IT BACK DOWN WHEN DONE IT WORKS FOR ME JUST A HINT GREAT VIDEO 🤗🤗

[@cbrammer19]

Get people like that on camera, making them think u are filming them. Usually if they are shady they will leave. Always protect urself.

[@onlyinmissouri]

And always try to get a shot of the license plates and vehicle and send the pictures to several people just in case something would happen.

[@pcthayer]

Make sure you have some protection that is "legal" (If you are traveling out of the state you probably can't get a permit to carry a gun). Make sure you have a baseball bat, hammer, knife, pepper spray, etc. Stay safe.

[@kymcrowart7876]

All Americans have the right to bear arms...just some states require you to keep it i a locked box unloaded while in their state....however......if you’re camping and no one is around, and you are doing nothing illegal to call attention to your self....having something for protection is perfectly fine...just know how to use it, know how to not use it, and how to be a responsible gun owner.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

People with clean records can get resident carry permits for their home state. That permit may well be recognized by other states. You can also get a non resident Utah carry permit. Utah actively recruits other states to join the interstate recognition. The combination of permits can make you legal in more states than you might think. I can carry in 36 states last time I checked. Could be more now. Shotguns and rifles are easier to stay legal with and are good within a short radius of the vehicle, but you won't be carrying them to the outhouse like you can with a handgun. Learn to shoot safely.

[@TinyHouseLife]

Super smart about the back add cover for your brand..

[@eunicehenderson9095]

Go to the auto parts and buy the sunscreen for the windshield, they fold up flat. Watch the mail box for gift to hopefully solve your heating of the van. 3 Items - 3 different shippers all from Amazon as early as the 26th on 2 of them and the 3rd one has no date yet.

[@vivianwilliams2216]

Thanks for sharing a very nice video 📹 👌, hope the rest of your trip turns out even better and warmer 😊👍💕💕💕

[@elizabethbrooks4849]

Love being by the river and I really miss the camping like this. Good video and wise choice to take the logo down.

[@denisestott328]

So glad you took off the cover on your spare tire. You have to be careful traveling alone but I get the peacefulness of it.

[@maryjemisonMaryjay1936]

River is beautiful but I’m not brave wouldn’t stay there alone not even if I had dog 🐕 please be careful Jaylena 🙏

[@Dwizzle_2.0]

Safety first in Everything you do! Enjoy yourself and take it all in, love your kitty cat, I have 6 that sleep with me.. I do worry about crazy people out there up to no good.. love your channel and will watch every single episode!!! Stay safe!💙

[@MrsEyes512]

Maybe you can hang a curtain rod across where you hung the blanket? Looks like a fun adventure. You found a great spot to park that's for sure! Looking forward to seeing more adventures, wild thang! 😁

[@loveforever17]

Jaylena is packing and she knows how to use it.

[@sandrahankins8488]

That looks like so much fun. Be safe Jaylena. Can't wait to see more

[@lincolnklee]

use magnets on you window covers if metal. Have a dog barking on your phone so if someone comes to the van play loud and they will back off. have knife/bear spray in spot you can grab.

[@karenhernke281]

What a beautiful view. So happy you enjoyed your stay! Greetings from Wisconsin. Karen

[@donnamoore8644]

Be safe girl. I hope you have your CCW and carry. You need to protect yourself on this journey. Love and hugs

[@lilytorrez2216]

Jaylena u always seem to have a calmness to You . I enjoy watching ur videos and ur explanations of stuff . I’m an old senior citizen of 70 but that doesn’t mean we’re not interested in stuff WE oldies would have liked to been able to do when we were younger . Kudos to U and Jason . I think he had it right the first time when he married U . But who knows what the future will bring to u BOTH . I watch all Crocker channels . U all r a good reality show without the nonsense . I’m not a fan of reality shows 👎🏻. Be safe on ur solo trips 🙏🏻. And can’t wait till u and Jason travel together , looking forward to that plus I feel u will be safer 💕💕💕

[@skeetermalcolm1655]

Glad to see you got out jaylena, hope you are okay,you really don't need to lose weight you are beautiful the way you are, stay safe

[@junkdfw2112]

Good to see U do your first solo trip , but it would be cool if U showed U cooking dinner even if it was just a sandwich .😊

[@mikegriffin6345]

You’ve got to listen to your body talk and it sounds like you have. Congratulations on your success with the diet!! Blessings for your health!!

[@wisconsinlifeoutdoors6467]

you were talking about adhereing fabric to the insulated window covers, I would suggest E6000, just glue a thin line around the edge and adhere the fabric, also try magnets for the windows that have metal around them, I would think velco wouldn't hold when the windows get cold, I don't know. Just a thought!

[@debfaloon]

My daughter and family went camping on the Illinois river this weekend. I love the river we use to go canoeing every year. My son loves Harry Potter.

[@colleenscottcarmello5103]

May be good to get some camera's on the outside of your van so you can see what is going on out there without opening the door or windows. Maybe mount one n the roof that does 360.. Some of them go to your phone so you can watch in real time.

[@anj3595]

She is very young and may not realize the dangers, or refuses to give into that fear. Either way cannot be too careful. Any safety precaution makes for a more secure feeling.

[@malousantos199]

I hoped that you will carry at least a pepper spray and or a taser for protection! There’s so many crazy people out there! Always take care!

[@sandracurley7537]

I don't tell I guess they'll just have to imagine what it's like to be me as long as I have what I have

[@alicechristenbury309]

Thanks for taking us along. You are living the life. Love your camp site.

[@aidarivera5437]

So glad that your first night alone was in a beautiful and peaceful place. You can never be too careful. Safe travels.🌹

[@michaelclayton30]

Great video, great music. You didn't let sketchy scare you off. You soooo got this !!!!!!!

[@doreenduncan3411]

Blackout thermal curtains is what I use in my class c. It'll help keep your living area either cooler or warmer because you won't be heating or cooling the front. Works the same way when driving. It'll keep it more comfortable in the front.

[@sanjivmenezes8079]

I just love the way you live your life exactly the way you want to. Life is nothing without adventure. Of course it helps to be prepared for eventualities too, but nothing should stop you from doing your thing!!

[@wendyshepard2080]

As with other comments, be certain to have protection as well as escape route. An observation on my part, the bag/purse hanging on the back of passenger seat, put it under the jackets, coats, blankets or whatever so it's not out in plain view. Minimize what others can see inside while doors are open.... when we camp or travel I put any bags out of site, in our travel trailer I keep it in a drawer

[@lorimullen3680]

I Loved the Beautiful peaceful River Scenery. Calm & Relaxing is what it is suppose to be all about🏞.

[@cynthiabarrow509]

The van is beautiful Jaylena 💕

[@alenacombs7957]

Jaylena I don’t know how your cats would react to another animal. But I wish you could get a dog. I looked at Texas and Oklahoma Blue Heeler Rescues ( They are also known as Texas cattle dogs or Australian cattle dogs) and there are many to be adopted in your area. I just want you to be safe. Sometimes a dog can be a deterrent. Even a German Shepherd.

[@ghettoredneck2788]

A shower rod will work for curtains,love the window blinds,always colder by water because there's constant breeze from water moving and the fog rises off of it

[@tomasthomas7407]

Soo many good comments. So much concern for your ‘safety’ ... And soo much love and admiration for this start of Your Journey. 🙏🏻. May His Hand of Protection Be Over You Always!🙏🏻😇🖖🏻

[@catcolbert9044]

I admire your spirit to go out and challenge yourself to overcome your fear. Camping out alone would be scary for me. Bravo to you! ♡

[@kathleenross2194]

I am happy for you for doing you. Don’t stop living your dream for anyone. I think the more you do it the more you will be comfortable and just be safe. The world awaits you

[@sherryberardino6032]

Beautiful view ,and a hot cup of coffee go hand n hand ,stay safe and enjoy your adventure !

[@Just.J.00]

Beautiful place. Nice to fall asleep listening to the river.

[@ChristinaRoss7]

I love the new travel videos and format! Just as fun and exciting as the van build!

[@kathysmith4261]

Yes being by the river will make it colder thats why it's so much fun in the summer

[@wandamorris780]

Jaylena, you might consider getting the spring type curtain hanger, not sure exactly what they are called. It is similar to tge wire springs used on a screen door. Each end of the wire can be screwed into the window wood facing. Of course you have a casing in the curtain so you could run the wire through it before you screwed both ends up, do one, add curtain, screw the other end. Another method is a spring rod, fits inside of the window, they have short length rods that would work. Just some easy ideas for the curtain hanging.

[@barbaraspan1437]

Peaceful stop to enjoy. I will watch both at the tiny house build and on the road. Kitty will make good use of the leftover window paper. Very nice time and season to enjoy your travels and serenity.

[@dottie2884]

Just a thought..Cover the front windows. That way if someone looks in side of the van ,they may thank that the van was abandoned and try to break in..if covered they would know someone may be in there...Be very careful crazy ppl out there....BE SAFE !!!!

[@jenniferhuff2547]

I bet that your cats love the electric blanket as much as you. Stay safe, stay vigilant and stay wild.

[@alisonscurr4395]

Hi Jaylena, I think it is a very wise decision to take the tyre cover off. Where you have put the blanket you could get a telescopic shower Extendable Tension Rod to hand a curtain that can be tied to one side when not in use or taken down completely. They are around $20 on Amazon. Then you don't have to drill holes in the wood.

[@janet8995]

You could use a shower rod and cheap shower curtain that will slide back and forth. Just cut off extra that you don't need. Your cat stays in the van very well. Really surprised!! I meant to ask if you carried a extra set of keys, placed somewhere in case you lose them, or get locked out. My dog locked me out one time with the keys in side. I was standing in a parking lott talking to a friend. Be true to yourself and notice everything around you.

[@Johnt980]

Man the camerawork the editing the storyline....wow you must be putting time in. It's great.

[@samechick]

What a great spot to camp! I'm amazed the cats don't make a run for it. Loved this!

[@sharonnowlin2297]

You found a really beautiful place to park!! Stunning little river!!

[@abeautifulworld3781]

WAY TO GO, GIRL! Congratulations on your first solo campout!

[@offthehookwithnia]

Proud of you for having the courage to do it! The view makes it worth it 🥰

[@joeyjones3757]

That place you are staying at looks so awesome love to camp and fish the rivers

[@descrazielyfe4446]

Great video. The spider was excited also about your maiden voyage alone. Please show us how you prepare a meal while you are on the road. Stay safe. See you next Saturday.

[@debbiew.7094]

Glad you had a safe night! It's also good to know you are take precautions! Stay safe pretty lady and enjoy your time! ☺❤☺

[@1rdgrnnr]

you're a brave young woman . and i hope everything you have worked hard on , works for you now . I love to see it !!!!

[@StruggleandStrive]

Looked like a beautiful place for your first solo camp. That single burner is a great idea!

[@ardenehanson2840]

I'm glad you took that cover off. Smart. Makes you safer!

[@addieanderson2043]

I had the same problem withe the doors on my van. I put two strong magnets on each door. No more problem. Good luck.

[@jemmiestone5731]

What a beautiful spot to camp. Yes it is always colder next to the water. Glad that you had a good night. You stayed a lot calmer than I would have if I saw a big spider on my stearing wheel lol. Great video. Stay safe. God Bless You.

[@homesteadrewind3948]

I'm so excited for you! I love that you have the courage to follow your dreams! Just remember if you dont feel 100% safe get out. No real person with sense will judge you for that. I just absolutely love the van! It's been windy here too. Smart move taking off the tire cover. Be safe. I will be watching your adventures.

[@Annes44]

Enjoy your freedom while you can! Fyi..you don't need to lose weight. You look fine!

[@sandracurley7537]

Give it your best shot but you better succeed you know why then you got to worry

[@Annes44]

@@sandracurley7537 say what?

[@georgiapeach7832]

Such a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing Jaylena.

[@elsadakota1021]

Someone suggested magnets a bit ago and the more I think the more I agree also for your cabinet doors. What a gourgous cat!

[@EvelynTavernier]

Does anyone have a hard time hearing or is it just me? Have to turn my speakers up. Jaylena, you can share your GPS route from google maps. YOu might share with whoever you are visiting so they know what time to expect you. At a minimum share with your parents. They can follow your route and see where you are at all times. I used it driving to Kentucky from TX and back. I was thankful that they checked on me and kept me company. Van looks awesome!

[@tyggy3]

Nice spot! Please be safe and don't trust anyone, especially when you're alone. Sending prayers up now for a hedge of protection all around you love! Night

[@10susan10]

You have closed off your van doors. They make great storage for cans of soup, freeze dried meals & powder drink mixes. Insulation barrier against the outside and nets for the lite weight items. All are easy prep and minimal clean up. Also your front doors can be easily unlocked from the outside with minimal noise. There are safety cross locks that cross from door to door and have an easy unlock in the center for your safety.

[@tammyforrest3822]

Peace and tranquility.....always good for the soul and that looks like the perfect place to get both🥰 I'm so proud of you for being aware of your surroundings but also still enjoying yourself and embracing the beauty around you. You have worked so hard to get to this point and you deserve to enjoy every second🙂

[@happy.homestead]

Great video! You should be able to get an extension curtain rod or shower rod at Walmart. They have black out drape pairs that are pretty cheap, too. Get the curtain clips so you can slide the drapes easily. They're pretty cheap... $3 or so. You can put it up when you're stopped and take it down and lay it across your bed or counter when traveling. You can get those window guards for your front windshield at Dollar Tree. You might want to think about picking up a cheap electric heater at Walmart or Lowe's, etc., to take the chill off in the morning. For more extensive heating ideas, I'd recommend watching Bob Well's, Cheap RV Living... he's done vids on a number of options and he rates them on different means of use. A great idea down below to put out two folding chairs, to fool people in to thinking there's two people. Stay alert and be safe. Have fun.

[@sugarandpennythepooh1211]

Great video! I love the way that your cats just stay in your van now, so cool. Be safe and see you later! 😊❤️🙏

[@dlaney4275]

Love the 4 paw help with your window covers!

[@patstinson5167]

Be careful Jaylena. Just watching today. You look so peaceful.

[@tomcaldwell5750]

You go girl! Your frist solo overnight campout in the van. We are so proud of you! Take care, safe travels.

[@rosebyany1]

Hi Jaylena, it's great seeing you enjoying yourself on the road. Taking off the Channel Identification on the spare was a really smart move. It is just like you said, now people can't track you on KZbin and know what you have etc. The place looks very peaceful and COLD brrrr. Your cats amaze me how they don't leave the van when the doors are open, That must be a big relief to you knowing they won't wander off and get lost. Thank you for sharing your first solo camping trip with us. Enjoy yourself and have a wonderful time and it goes without saying, but stay safe . Love from Australia 😀💖🇦🇺

[@sandracurley7537]

Don't talk no more just react because that's what I'm going to do if you think you're going to come here and heard anybody you got another thing, you better tell you and your pals to come in packs cuz I like to take out a bunch instead of just one got to be worth my while I 58 years old you're about to find out what's going to happen in a war I told the Prime Minister that all they needed was me I meant exactly that I've never crossed a fine line in my entire life I tried to be nice didn't want to do anything as bad as I know I'm capable of if you think your way bigger than me come here heavy it's the only way you'll succeed if you're able to I but I can bet and I mean that you won't so whoever you are you know who I am Carl on Sandy's phone you know who I am I'm not no p**** want to stand behind a tree with my tail between my legs and worry about the world nope I'm standing right here and I'm able to face whatever is coming at me how about you beer Hider I'm a runner but not a Hider I'm not going to lay down nothing for nobody be tough Bring It On I'll be waiting

[@sandracurley7537]

You know I think I'm going to make it even easier for you I'm going to sit outside my car easy enough for you just remember you're the one that's talking about praying not me I'm not going to let you hurt anybody in this house without me doing some serious damage beforehand to your face

[@randycupit2779]

Place sun shade front windshield with foil side help keep warm cold nights keep you some privacy inside.That way no one can see you inside even changing into new clothing

[@Chefsantatravels]

Wow girl you doing the damn thing congratulations and I like the idea taking that thing off your spare tire keep up the good work stay safe stay strong stay healthy god bless enjoy life✌❤🤙👨‍🍳🎅🚌👍

[@2crazyinalabama]

Jaylena - I have 2 brand new front window covers that I'll bring to you at the meet-up next week. Bought them last year for $1. each on clearance. You are welcome to them. Patricia

[@onlyinmissouri]

We have high wind and fire advisory today in Missouri. Love how your kitties are content to stay inside the van and not run off.

[@donnabinkley4175]

You might consider a folding shade cover for your front window for privacy. Mine fits under my rear view mirror and covers my front window and wraps around to the sides a little. The visors hold it in place. Mine is also reflective to keep the heat out. You can probably pick one up at Walmart for very little. Be safe, lots of trouble lurking out there.

[@LeaveHerWild]

That’s what I plan on getting🤗

[@Tom-Travels]

*Girl, that is really, really, wild!*

[@sallyohalloran6650]

Morning on your first solo trip. Beautiful spot! I am in the UK love your smart van...and cats

[@GSNCLN]

Be safe and hopefully you have the right protection with you at all times!

[@BushcraftFamily]

Glad you took off that cover

[@GreenHorn1Acre]

Way to go... You did sound and look a little nervous, understandable... Great experience . 👌🏼👌🏼

[@teresaherseim6459]

Oh my stars! What a beautiful and majestic scenery you have there. And the title of this video reminded me of Chris Farley in his Saturday Night Live days: "in a van down by the river!" Thank you for the smile of a great memory.

[@hannahfield1498]

That scenery is absolutely stunning.

[@jimmythecricket25]

Wow beautiful spot Jaylena, good to see you out and about!!

[@journeyalongwithshannonakajaws]

I would have flipped out over a spider lol. Nice and relaxing area. Perfect and easy way to put up shades. Better to be safe. I’m so excited to meet you.

[@neciefurnish6701]

You are so awesome! Enjoy your night and have a great time.

[@canbanythang5004]

Hi Jaylena its a nice view of the river thanks for sharing stay worm and be safe great video....😊💜💙💚💛

[@deborahanderson5508]

Love seeing you start out fresh without all of the Glam Conveniences and a million dollar van. You are living your dream,thats what matters! Love your van.

[@SugarCreekCottage]

Jaylena, I could have kept on watching and watching. Great Video!

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

Your cats are cute. They are always checking out what you are doing.

[@PureLivingForOutdoors]

That van turned out pretty freakin sweet if you ask me. Looks that is going to be fun! Good job.

[@catherinegrace2366]

Wow! Look at you GO! Over 8500 views in 3 hours. The van looks fantastic, inside and out - love the tire cover.

[@LeaveHerWild]

❤️❤️❤️

[@LeiSalazar]

Iam new here. I enjoy watching your video!