Forced Out of California

#vanlife #vlog #arizona
In two different ways I feel like I have been forced out of California. There is of course the high gas prices that make it difficult for anyone who owns a vehicle. But also, I’ve been feeling anxious around the city. There never seems to be a time where things quiet down. It’s always non-stop hustle in Southern California. So one evening I made a snap decision to head for Arizona. To break up the drive, I made a stop in Joshua Tree. Then I headed for Quartzite Arizona and beyond.
If you enjoy my videos and would like to help me keep making them, please take a look at these links to support me:
teespring.com/stores/static-c...
/ staticcampervan
CashApp: $StaticCampervan
Venmo: @Static-Campervan
www.paypal.me/StaticCamperVan
My name is Scott and in 2015, I bought a Ram ProMaster City to live in. Even though I didn’t know much about RV’s and campervans, I set about building the van out as a minivan camper. And in April of 2016, I moved into my minivan full time.
Over the years, I’ve learned you don’t need to have a big skill set to build your own campervan. And that living as a minimalist and utilizing solar power can be a less expensive way to live. I’ve also learned that a minivan can be a very comfortable home.
Please follow along as I document my journey.
My Channel Stickers are now available for purchase through PayPal. If you would like to purchase them, please send me $4 for one sticker or $7 for two stickers.
At this time, I will only be accepting PayPal for payments.
Please make sure to include your mailing address in the notes. Unfortunately, I will only be able to ship to the US and Canada.
Also, I will be mailing out all orders once a week. So please be patient with me.
In an effort to help viewers search for the best prices on products that I use, I’ve started an Amazon Influencer link:
www.amazon.com/shop/staticcam...
My hope is that you will use this link as a starting point to search for the best price. If you're looking for an item that isn't listed, feel free to drop me a question or comment and I will do my best to find a link.
Get 10% off Solar Power equipment from Renogy with this link:
73renogy.refr.cc/staticcampervan

[@jeanieirwin4747]

Go where you find serenity solitude and safety. It will reduce your anxiety and increase your inspiration. Your soul will be magnified and strengthened by reducing toxic air, noise, and the stresses of urban life. Enjoy your space. Soothe your heart and mind.

[@bettymacallister3475]

Hi Scott the calm in your voice and nice scenery

[@peterjones3209]

Love this channel. So chill.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks Peter

[@Darrick.DamitaJoBoy]

I hope you headed to higher elevation. Everything was so beautiful. Have fun!

[@robertbirch4163]

Flagstaff, outskirts is laid back and cool temp. Just what your looking for.

[@myvanlife1]

Yes, Flagstaff stays very comfortable during Summer for sure, and it's a big enough town with lots of jobs and amenities! 😁

[@BlindViews]

Safe travels wherever you decide to go. You captured some nice sunsets.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks, my friend

[@douglashoward5738]

Beautiful skies

[@susanevans1294]

Good video. The sunset scene was astonishing. If you get to Phoenix I recommend hiway 87 north east out of it. Gorgeous scenery and lots of blm land. For cooler temperatures go up on the Mogollon Rim. Lots of camping in the national Forest. Jaw dropping scenery, lovely rim hiking trails. And of course, Flagstaff is a cool little college town, lots of hills to climb and the Lowell Observatory. You would also enjoy Sedona perhaps. When I left the California coast I drove through Arizona and fell in love with the state. I stopped at Show Low for a cool little motel stay that was just $65. I’m sure you know that blm stays for fourteen days is the best way to cut down on gasoline. Myself? I’m making my bicycle a cargo bike so the little car stays parked. Happy Trails. Our gas in Albuquerque is 4.14. ❤️✅🚙

[@leonalarson1598]

You have some amazing picture taking opportunities, the sun sets look so beautiful and amazingly awesome. It looks so peaceful there, you always find the most amazing places. Take care and enjoy the peaceful scenery, I so happy you found a place you feel wanted. Remember you are always wanted and I do enjoy the time with you ❤️

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks so much, Leona

[@morrisralph54]

Higher elevation for now, then North Coast in the summer.

[@SoCalKevin]

Sorry you had to leave CA Scott. Everything sucks here from gas to lumber, to housing costs, etc. I’m trying to build out my van at the moment, and hope I can survive as well as you.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Best wishes to you. I love California and will undoubtedly be back. Sooner or later.

[@SoCalKevin]

@@StaticCamperVan thank you sir. Stay safe out there!

[@carmendarlinseattle]

So cool you took a chance on Arizona. The desert is filled with mystery and surprising beauty.

[@Wagons-Rule]

Have you ever thought about a home made awning on the side of your Van? I think it would be great in the desert and give you some extra shade. Take down when windy! Cheers, enjoy the peace.

[@StaticCamperVan]

I have an awning type setup. I don’t use it very often because of wind.

[@myvanlife1]

I LOVE dispersed camping, nothing better in my opinion!

[@StaticCamperVan]

It’s been So Great!

[@charissahartunian3627]

Sky love 💙

[@CHICOandtheVAN]

very similar experience...was forced out of social and headed to quartzsite now chasing weather as it's almost triple digits in arizona.

[@StaticCamperVan]

It’s much cooler in Flagstaff if you can get there.

[@dorisemone6778]

Be well and happy and cool.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks Dori

[@DaRkHoRsE-_-]

I am a native Californian born and raised. Although I miss the diversity and the awesome places you can get to, I do not miss the crush if you have to work or commute! And the price for living. I live in WA state now and was thinking I’d like to move back there. Your thoughts curbed that quickly 🤩🤪😛

[@StaticCamperVan]

Haha! Sorry! Like California, Washington is pretty great.

[@1-Man]

🤣

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

The opposite side of the hwy has even less people. I have a 4×4 and it makes a huge difference. I stay off the same area but more in the canyons...

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Cottonwood/Chiriaco Summit area.

[@Linescrew1Canada]

I easily recognize the Coachella Valley. Well, with high temperatures at least your coffee don't cool off as fast.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Good point!

[@clararomero1089]

We have high gas prices and high winds here in Colorado

[@StaticCamperVan]

Sorry to hear

[@lacha608]

I enjoyed that Joshua Tree sunset. Curious, have you ever thought of leaving the U.S.?

[@StaticCamperVan]

I used to go to Canada frequently. Mexico is also a country I enjoy visiting.

[@bucketlist621]

I went for elevation and found some cool stuff in New Mexico.

[@lindalangevin4505]

Thank you for the beautiful video!

[@marianfrances4959]

I so hear you. 🌅👍😎🇨🇦

[@anthonyvisor8880]

I love this video!!

[@bak2back]

Safe travels

[@garykuwada5011]

Thanks!

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks, Gary. I really appreciate all your help

[@justgregnow]

I really enjoyed your Seattle days bro. Hope you make it back up there! Travel on 👊

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks. We’ll see

[@stanleythomas8457]

Go higher young man Flagstaff , Sedona , a bit early for the North Rim i guess

[@marygoround2381]

I can’t believe it, I just left Arizona, Quartzsite to be exact.

[@karenlewkowitz5858]

Beautiful narration, filming and narration! Thoroughly enjoy your videos. All the best in your new static places. Love the sweet scent of Fresia during the evening with deep purple skies around Tucson 🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks Karen ✌🏼

[@standraiveyjones3670]

Always enjoyable 😉🦋

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks Standra

[@258windows]

Great video. Prescott AZ is high cool elevation.

[@DanyRivard]

I love your van it is the most economical in terms of fuel consumption!!

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks. It’s actually pretty roomy, too.

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

Southern California's coastal area is very different than Northern California's coastal area. There are places along the Northern California coast where you can park and camp and you won't see anyone else for days or weeks. The weather is cooler but the fog usually burns off in most of these places during the afternoon when the sometimes months-long fog cover has not set in.

[@StaticCamperVan]

My latest vlog is from Trinidad. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH3ckquYfKd6bc0

[@Josey.Serenity_Wagen]

Hello Scott I just look at this video to find out im exactly the same place but the temperature is way better 75F* it’s my second week and im leaving soon for California and till now im enjoying my traveling across USA, thanks for sharing your video and cheers from Quartzsite AZ✌️🫶👋

[@StaticCamperVan]

Great that you’re having a good trip!

[@brennanaomi]

Lovely video 😊

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thank you!

[@GenXvanlife69]

Prescott area, Jerome is a cool place to see if you never have. 89a, lots of free camping and cool weather. Near Sedona now and plenty of rv's.

[@StaticCamperVan]

I still have nightmares about driving through Jerome in a Crown Victoria. But that’s a story for another day.

[@DiasFrugalLife]

We’re at $3.47 here in sw Oklahoma.

[@robertlutz2244]

Wow, such a deal!

[@DiasFrugalLife]

@@robertlutz2244 I know it… some places are double that price 🤦🏻‍♀️ ⛽️ 👎

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

That’s amazingly low!!! I am in OR right now and paying between $4.50-$4.75

[@DiasFrugalLife]

@@TheDawnofVanlife hi Dawn! 👋 😊 ! Love your channel. It is very low here. But soon I’ll be heading towards Cali and paying that crazy $$$$ ⛽️ lol lucky I have a Prius I’m living out of. 👍

[@tedQAZ]

Mexico is looking better and better.

[@sandraadams4940]

You can have it. Ugh

[@MonacoRocha]

So many nice states. Montana Dakotas Wyoming ect..

[@darqnomad]

I wish I’d known you were in the area. I’d love to have met you. I haven’t started wandering again yet. Waiting for tax return to help with gas expenses and such. Maybe I’ll run into you in the future. Safe travels.

[@sukokino2409]

Great,, I'm in sedona AZ,, gas only 4.19,,

[@lindabohl2454]

Nice❤

[@dominiquebt]

Love that camping area just outside the Joshua Tree NP So. entrance. Views are nice and it's still close to the Coachella Valley. Enjoy!

[@StaticCamperVan]

It’s a nice spot. I’d probably still be there if not for a little heatwave that rolled through.

[@holidaytinn]

Great video! I just got home to California from a road trip to Phoenix. Gas there was cheap! I got gas in Mesa for $3.49 a gallon! California is $4.42 where I live in San Joaquin valley. I visited Quartzsite too. I camped on Plomosa Rd BLM land. It was great!

[@StaticCamperVan]

Welcome home

[@caranich23]

Unfortunately for us folks who prefer cooler temperatures, there aren't as many places to go in the spring/summer months to find relief. I wish I was one of those people who loved 90F+ temperatures, climate change would be a good change for me. With gas prices being what they are, it almost seems like finding a suitable spot and hunkering down again to be "static" is the most economical option.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Yes but gotta find the Static spot first.

[@laurac5451]

Nm has some higher elevations

[@pnwdeerhunter1729]

New sub here just watched your interview with Brian Adventure Van Man! 👍🏼✌🏼

[@StaticCamperVan]

✌🏼

[@pokergypsy55]

California!!

[@LostOnLandAgain]

You really left us hanging! Which way did you turn??? !!!

[@StaticCamperVan]

I’m still at the intersection

[@Nevadaheat]

Yup , I Was Born And Raised In Newport Beach / Costa Mesa 60's-Late 80's . Been In Nevada / Arizona Since 1988 ..Definitely Miss The Ocean , Very Therapeutic..

[@randbasic]

Enjoy the park! It’s starting to get warm out here. LoL 😂 I’m liking the gas prices. And it’s a lot quieter than SFV…

[@StaticCamperVan]

I spent a grand total of ten minutes in the park

[@randbasic]

@@StaticCamperVan yeah it was windy out here not too long ago. I think the temps are about to drop a little. Be safe.

[@edwardgabriel6924]

Seattle!

[@paulhunter546]

Hey Scott..back in Wash state here. I drove the PCH from North of Longbeach all the way to it's Northern end..gas prices weren't horrible. Had to check around but the absolute highest I paid was $5.99 a gal..in a vehicle that gets 10 mph..lol. It was worth it and I didn't pay for one night of camping either. Just parked where there were no no parking signs anytime..the other ones aren't enforced 😁👍 Hope you're keeping cool there !

[@StaticCamperVan]

Sounds like an awesome trip!

[@paulhunter546]

@@StaticCamperVan It was a great trip !

[@jrraven3230]

😊

[@cowboyscoffee]

Swing to Minnesota during summer spring and fall. Even Custer So. Dakota or badlands.

[@gwb8445]

I'm camping at BLM land at Mittry Lake between Quartzsite & Yuma. Yes, it can get hot here but quite tolerable for me. Happy travels!

[@PedroNord]

🦋

[@PedroNord]

It is said that if California was a country it would have the 5th largest economy in the world. A few years ago it was the 6th. In a few years it will have passed Japan in GDP. It is leading the rest of the US kicking and screaming into the future of renewable energy and transportation. After some more rough years, it will be back. It’s always a bit bloody at the pointy end of the spear...🦋

[@pauloh3591]

Things are tough. And I wish I could say it will get better.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Everything is great. No need to be down.

[@pauloh3591]

@@StaticCamperVan Are you being sarcastic again? Lol. 👍

[@StaticCamperVan]

Not at all. As long as I have the ability to move about, I’m happy.

[@pauloh3591]

@@StaticCamperVan That's good Scotty! I hope you move about a lot and keep sharing your adventures with us.

[@StaticCamperVan]

It’s nice of you to congratulate Scotty, whoever he is.

[@proudchristian77]

North !

[@karenknowles1537]

Have you ever gone to the Jacumba area of CA. There is a beautiful large park there with trails among the giant boulders. It is actually Jacumba Wilderness BLM. Not a park.

[@StaticCamperVan]

I’ve only driven through that area.

[@grimberet1570]

It's in the 70's here in Reno 😉

[@StaticCamperVan]

👍🏼

[@Bernimv]

Bien bonito

[@FrugalPandaTravels]

Always come to Colorado, summer soon, lots of jobs and epic views. Plus got Utah, Wyoming and Idahoclose enough to explore. We gets lots of sun. So much more to out here than the Southwest. As a Californian I can say this is a pretty cool State. Go check out Moab before the heat starts.

[@StaticCamperVan]

I have fond memories of big trips around Colorado way back when I was a kid. The steam train ride to Silverton really stands out. It made a big impression on me. I was laughing to myself because I rolled through the Coachella Valley just a couple days after you thought you saw me there! I swore I wasn’t going to go to the desert. Just goes to show that we never know where the road might take us.

[@webbtrekker534]

Head to the cool!

[@TimmyCramer]

Prescott is beautiful and blm land just outside of downtown. San Diego is still my favorite!! Timmy C Arizona

[@eileenbenninger2644]

Omg, I would love to feel 90’s. In Pa. it’s in the 40’s again. Head east. I sure wouldn’t hang in California. So much to see going east.

[@1-Man]

Go to Flagstaff ;)

[@clarkleakins879]

Next time, suggest you head to south Arizona, specifically Sierra Vista.

[@seller559]

I would love to leave but my family and business are here.

[@StaticCamperVan]

There’s a lot to like here

[@dieseltherapy59]

That price for propane is nutty!!!

[@jamelcampbell4984]

Both Washington and Oregon have coasts, forests, dry and less wet areas.gas prices are comparable in Washington as Arizona. Night temps 40's, highs 50's with a few lower 60's so far. Oregon should be similar maybe slightly higher temps by a few degrees, Idaho also has 2 separate weather areas, northern panhandle is wetter and cooler than the southern dryer areas (only my observation which could be wrong), but maybe colder nights still, no nowledge about Utah or a Colorado. Hope this helps, wherever you go I hope you will enjoy your time.

[@FrugalPandaTravels]

In Colorado we get lots of sun, winters are easy. Tomorrow if will be 74 degrees out here in Denver. The Pacific Northwest is the only other area I would leave Colorado for outside of a beach community back in Cali. We have much cheaper gas than Oregon and definitely the Southwest. Got family in Southwest and just back. Honestly not much to do, and summer are horrible. Give me green and water. Plus people are nicer when the environment is nicer. Come check out Colorado. I love Oregon and Washington too.

[@MacksellAKQJ109]

I have searched for a video of yours about San Francisco and have come up empty. Have you spent any time there? If not why not please? I spent a week in the Youth Hostel years ago and wondered how it would be now in my class B camper van

[@StaticCamperVan]

Actually I spoke about that on my most recent vlog.

[@MacksellAKQJ109]

@@StaticCamperVan I just rewatched and heard your comments. Thanks

[@JR-playlists]

Which of your videos contains information on your carbon steel fry pan? I just bought an induction cook top from Goodwill for $5 it's practically brand new and works well with my cast iron. Thanks.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Here’s a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6TQpXVmp5KmeLM

[@LilyWasHereMB]

How much did it cost you in gas to move to where there is no ocean?

[@elflordsjourneys]

Northern California is way better than southern, from SF to Astoria Oregon on hwy 1 there is so much to see you could spend all,summer out of the heat and wildfire smoke.Gas is over 5 bucks everywhere so it doesn't matter where you go.

[@StaticCamperVan]

As a native Californian, I love NorCal in the summer and SoCal in the winter. It really is two different states. And both are awesome.

[@elflordsjourneys]

True, I'll take arizona in the winter.😀

[@StaticCamperVan]

I’ve several hundred friends and family members in SoCal. Only a few in Arizona

[@Benny.13]

I think you should head to Mexico! way cheaper everything ,and close to SD if you don’t like it. Worth looking into anyway. CA is a just flooded everywhere!? As you mentioned. Too many people ,everyone is watching you and the dollar store is no longer affordable .

[@whereswendy8544]

I'm from beautiful BC, Vancouver Island,, and those views in the desert are spectacular, the sunsets, too. Our gas is $.1.96 a litre atm. Your gas prices are a bargain to us.

[@secondact7151]

Your fuel pays for your health care. I know people paying 1200 dollars a month just for health insurance, 1200 would buy a lot of gas

[@12vLife]

Hey Scott, How many miles you got on your 2015 PMC now? Would you consider going EV next time? Something like the Fiat E-Scudo if Ram Stallantis brings it to the US under the Ram brand line?

[@StaticCamperVan]

About 78k. I’m not in a position to buy a new vehicle anytime soon.

[@diggy4963]

EV ? smh yah right, they are crap for traveling long distances, and they have a larger carbon footprint then combustion engines.

[@FrugalPandaTravels]

I forgot to add our gas is cheaper than all those Southwestern States I paid 3.75 yesterday.

[@bobcruikshank2010]

I am in Pahrump Nevada. This is a nice little town with better shopping than Quartzite. Also the BLM restrictions are not enforced. You can move 8 miles up towards Mount Charleston and beat the heat. If you want a free overnight stay in a cabin and a nice shower at an RV resort, hit me up. I’m at Preferred RV resort. Bob

[@StaticCamperVan]

Thanks Bob. I’m still weighing the options

[@campvandane]

What about Baja California or sea of Cortez area.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Hopefully someday

[@carlaifera5254]

🙋🏻🌄☕✝️🇺🇲

[@karenknowles1537]

Costco’s gas is $5.59 way cheaper than other places.

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

What about Baja?

[@StaticCamperVan]

Would love to go but my ducks aren’t quite in a row yet for Mexico.

[@Usepen]

Cloudcroft, NM?

[@StaticCamperVan]

Never heard of it

[@FrugalPandaTravels]

Cloudcroft reminds me of a mini version of Colorado mountain areas. Really cool area, I like the Santa Fe area too for the art scene. He needs to hop on I-25 and start heading north. He will be amazed by what we got offer in Northern New Mexico and Colorado

[@Biglake92]

Is it that safe to stay in open and empty spaces by yourself?

[@StaticCamperVan]

Yes

[@redline6871]

Omg at my work a 20gallon tank is 15$. I’d like to travel the gulf coast one day.

[@EclecticEndeavorsbyDemi]

Southern California from San Diego to LA traffic is unbearable.

[@leonaweltzer4023]

Destination Open Road is heading East, but partly because they are headed slowly toward Georgia for a wedding. Pandemonium is headed to northern Arizona to higher elevation. They were both in Quartzsite just awhile ago but the sandstorms and rising temps were getting to them.

[@elementalsound7186]

Do you ever get lonely on the road?

[@StaticCamperVan]

Not really. I’ve made two videos covering this question. But I can add that having a KZbin channel is kind of like being married with a few thousand children.

[@elementalsound7186]

@@StaticCamperVan Haha well I appreciate your answering the question again. Thank you! Be well!

[@Polemic-2525]

Flagstaff. Whatever you do don’t go back to California.

[@Sparky-ov1ot]

Almost fell over laughing, high gas prices? you want to come to the UK £1.70 per litre you can work out the US equivalent for your self!

[@Karenstclair-jq3ct]

You're heading in the right direction ....east!! Florida still awaits !!😁

[@StaticCamperVan]

Haha! Florida is on the list. But not sure summer is the best time for me to visit

[@robertlutz2244]

@@StaticCamperVan HOT & HUMID in summer. Avoid Florida in summer like the plague!

[@Benny.13]

Mosquitos everywhere can’t enjoy the outdoors without gettin attacked not to mention the humidity. If your not used to it it can be quite uncomfortable.

[@robertlutz2244]

@@Benny.13 ...ABSOLUTELY !!!

[@alchristensen8121]

Don't jive me. I know the real reason you left SoCal was because I was spending a few days there. But I'm in Nevada now, so it's safe to go back, if you want. :D And as for Yellow Bird, I like it, but probably not as much as you do. :D

[@StaticCamperVan]

Haha. Every day I check the gas prices back in Cali. I’m saddened to hear you aren’t a Yellowbird super fan.

[@alchristensen8121]

@@StaticCamperVan - I got a few gallons of gas in Baker just to make sure I made it to Pahrump. $6.69/gallon.

[@StaticCamperVan]

Ouch!

[@kellyb5980]

Hope you went to higher elevation

[@StaticCamperVan]

I’m doing ok

[@doughdad4015]

California sucks, this time of year the coast will be very cloudy anyway

[@gtaylor1564]

It's only gonna get worse

[@garrycole9187]

I am in Arizona and was wondering how you would handle even this kind of heat much less than the 115-120 that they get in Quartzsite. Title is misleading though, you left California, no one forced you out. Yes gas is expensive there as I was just in San Diego last week.