From a 3-Hour Commute Office Job to Full OFF GRID Van Life With Dog

[@TommyS61867]

What a lovely bloke

[@Pabz2030]

Whether you live in a van or a house the secret is the same: 1) Dont have debt at all if possible. And if you must (eg mortgage) keep it as small as possible and pay it off as soon as possible. 2) Dont buy stuff you dont have a direct use for or on a whim or because someone else says you should. 3) Dont "upgrade" ANYTHING just to play keep up. This includes your home. 4) Do bulk buy non-perishable foods you will eat over time when they are on offer or when you need to re-supply. It's a hedge against inflation on stuff you will need. 5) Learn to love your own company and not need constant external stimulus 6) Keep your home as small as possible for comfort. When you make it bigger you just buy more stuff to fill it with.

[@liveration]

Love this! Thanks for sharing

[@IgnacioGlezCllo]

no 6 is soooo true, and it drives me mad!!

[@e.smiles450]

I always worry What happens if you get long term sick or age related illness ? With no assets to sell or a house to live in, life could get very tough.

[@deanodog3667]

Amen brother

[@justwannasay5454]

​@@e.smiles450 Yes you are right. Prioritize your health! Physical and mental and pray.

[@KevinColt]

The way that dog loves him says a million words.

[@Andy-oz8it]

I used the live in the older, 84, sister of this van. Loved it. Now on a boat and loving it even more. Once we remove the value of money, the value of life has the chance to shine through.

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Do love the old Mercs :)

[@AllyMcFancysp1xn]

What a delightful human being, the sort you'd like as a good friend. I admire his sense of self, which allowed him to make this pretty radical lifestyle change. Once you figure out what does not make you happy, the "easier" it is to make the changes that work for you. I lived for 12 years in a 17-foot travel trailer until health issues interfered. I had everything I needed, practically within arm's reach. Those 12 years were some of the best in my long life so far. It doesn't take a mansion, expensive car, designer clothes, ad infinitum to make oneself happy. First, you start within yourself!

[@bryanoconnor7354]

living in a trailer park is something different ma friend

[@AllyMcFancysp1xn]

@@bryanoconnor7354 Didn't live in a park; traveled!

[@johngrant5448]

Well you're right there, you can't have perfection. I've done all that commuting and long hours. In my early sixties I was made homeless twice and lived in a Citroën C1 for two years. I have bought a Transit now in my late sixties and I'm leaving this mold infested rat hole this week. The landlord can get stuffed. Thanks for your video.

[@kathyw348]

How are you going now?

[@johngrant5448]

@kathywilde4506 Well, my health is improving since ditching all the medication and the mould. I have freedom because there's no address for officials to target, nowhere for corporations to send thugs to extract money on the grounds of bogus claims. No door to bang on, no hopeless greedy landlords. Yes, there are still weak minded Karens who think they're entitled to interfere in our daily lives. They've been programmed that way by the government. They make a very big mistake when they try to dictate to me, though. There have always been curtain twitchers, but the rise of the mad Karen is obviously a ploy by sinister forces to introduce chaos. I have no qualms about putting these zombies in their place. Every institution tries to make life hard for the modern nomad with exorbitant parking charges, so we need to circumvent these and seek out remote areas. Otherwise, we would be destitute in short order. European countries have a totally different attitude and provide free amenities for people on the road. It is, however, the best way of life for men: in Britain and we are outdoors all the time.

[@HardstyleTV90s]

What an amazing life for a dog.

[@Zappityzapp]

Leave no trace… most important aspect. Great tour.

[@themountaingoat21]

Best taste of real van life/ real life. Has a job that matches where he wants to live. No flash kitchen's built into flash new vans. Totally real..love it..more inspirational than a beautiful person Instagraming a sunset in their van in St tropez

[@leebay6093]

Gave up the 3 or so hour commute and moved to small farm in Tasmanian’s west, work 10 hrs week now, pays for the shopping each week and no traffic travelling my 45 mins to work, love the quiet rural life and the bartering for goods that occurs in the country - couldn’t handle the Sydney traffic anymore, was sending me literally mad

[@Jim-yk9zw]

Very Jealous! I live in Sydney and just started working again after a few years of not and the traffic absolutely does my head in. Have been wanting to leave for years and move to a rural property. One day though hopefully.

[@neo69121]

but do you really ? or are you just trying to convince yourself

[@leebay6093]

@@neo69121 absolutely, the traffic and congestion was doing my head in, people too, I’m more introvert

[@chrism2567]

More people need this, a 3 hour daily commute is roughly 20% of your waking working life, just let that sink in 😐

[@Hellomynameis93]

We've truly been sold a lie. And everyone just laps it up

[@this_epic_name]

Been working from home since the pandemic, and I've resolved to never go back to the office. Paycheck be damned.

[@christophermorris7682]

If you're working a 12 hour shift then you're correct. Just let that sink in

[@spiritlevelstudios]

It's a solid 1.5 months per year.

[@mikepackham5260]

I wish I only had a 3 HR commute most days I'm doing 4/5hrs to and from site and it's literally soul destroying I'm looking into a converted minibus to make my escape from this prison sentence they sold us a living.

[@lanodramallama]

Love this guy. Some great principles here. Inspiring stuff.

[@leawade8663]

Oh my! What's not to like about this man? He's Intelligent, handsome, earthy, loves animals, has a wonderful accent (I'm American so please forgive me saying "accent") He's living his best life. Kudos to him.

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Thanks for the compliments :)

[@mikeolly67]

He does have a strong accent, my guess is he’s from Lancashire, around Blackburn area .

[@leawade8663]

@@mikeolly67To him, it's his dialect. His natural way of speaking. My way of speaking is American English but because I grew up in Texas, I speak with a southern accent. That's all I meant. 😊 I didn't want to offend him. ♥️

[@christislord2832]

@@leawade8663he said thanks for the compliment to you, click the profile pic on that comment and you will find his yiu tube page x x x I’m from Lancashire but it can be Yorkshire too that accent, quite similar …and we wouldn’t be offended x x x

[@psy-op]

​@@leawade8663And I love a Texas girls accent 😍 😂

[@spindelnett6315]

I'm glad Kev mentioned the deception of 'idyllic vanlife" Ytubers and Instas. But if they're really good videographers then the conceit pays well and funds it all. Bring on more of the authentic rat race escapees, and bring hope and inspiration to people desperate to live a simpler life.

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Many thanks, yes I live the real #Vanlife not the instagram vanlife :)

[@freedompanda9438]

Amen.

[@Will111ism]

Boom 💥

[@maruiacancer]

Thank you so much for your videos! I had a misfortune, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I also created a channel and am trying to move in that direction, but so far not very successful((rq

[@AA-be9rn]

​​​@@KevIsOffGrid love this video Kev. Im first time out of a house in 30 years. Did Jan Feb in the uk this year with no electric, not even 12 volt. In the van. I charged in the car or battery tourches, when staying in a hotel id take a 4 plug extention top up all drills tools devices. Ive 1x log burner 1 x gas hob. Hand washing. It was a Personnel challenge and a goal set as im sick of thinking im stuck to the grid. Now im just looking for somewhere i can buy and small piece of land , size can be a small swimming pool. Not worried as long as i own it.

[@urbanapache2]

As long as he's warm, got food and a dog, pretty good going, I say!

[@shivsnorman]

Instagram vans are two-a-penny, Kev's van is unique. I know which I prefer ! Happy travels Kev & Freya ❤️

[@BethCollier-xd9ym]

Love that I heard from Kev, "leave no trace". Good life, good living, Kev.

[@edenjs1503]

That is my sort of person and my sort of lifestyle. Only another 3 or 4 years and I'll be there 🤞with my dog of course!

[@nikeowl]

Liked the video. I don't often watch these all the way through but that was quite natural and Kev seems a genuinely lovely chap.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Kev’s always supportive to people doing KZbin & gives an honest account, no rose tinted glasses or personal agenda.

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Cheers :)

[@waynebaldycanning]

You have an amazing life with your dog. Good luck to you

[@carrie5813]

I love the laptop bucket desk. Yeah, this video was so inspiring. Just a real fella living out his dream. No frills, just real life. I wish more Vanlife videos were like this. He’s so relatable….thank you!

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Many thanks :)

[@stationtavern8527]

So, let's do it together and I shall be your doggie!!

[@angeladawn805]

It takes me 15 minutes to walk to work, 10 to the gym . That's more than enough of a commute for me. Fair play to those who can stick to it, but I don't think the $$$$ is worth the time lost ( even if it's spent listening to podcasts or audio books ) He's a smart lad, and I totally get where he's at.😊

[@DanielLewis-ve1to]

Great video, What a humble bloke, as honest as you get with real van life

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Thanks

[@sergiolandz6056]

No way man you build mountain bike trails ! I also do that for a living and all im missing is the van life to make my life complete... Right now im stuck because i have a daughter to raise but once shes old enough to fly on her own im def getting my van and living that sweet life full of responsability and self worth.

[@ScoobieDee]

“ I don’t have an expensive misses” what a line

[@KevIsOffGrid]

More scooby snacks for me!

[@scottuh1]

“Leave no trace”. True. 👍

[@user-fz4ob9ey1q]

Omg as simple as it is, I really needed to hear him say "don't spend money on the van getting it perfect, use it in the van enjoying it" that is so so true!!!

[@liveration]

🙌🙌

[@justwannasay5454]

Yep. I have spent the last 12 years taking care of my mother and have been buying stuff for my " nomading." My tt is full of stuff -- (solar lights, Berkey water filter, fire extinguisher, 12 volt frig, cooking stuff, Lectric bike etc.) and on and on. Hopefully I will use it all. But everyone always says just go with what you have and add as needed. I think thats good advice but I love my stuff. And it was easy to order and get while living in a house.

[@garysides636]

As soon as I heard the 3 hr commutes, the crash delays .....it took me back to the same.. ...although not van life living I've returned to life by retiring. Less money by far but the zero stress and not working for the rat race is worth the money change. This was a great vlog. Really enjoyed it and loved the honesty ....of "real van life"... loving the dishwasher ....great idea ... Good on you I say ....life is for living and to be happy 🙏🦉 be safe , be kind G 🦉

[@paulbrown521]

Brilliant , Spot on , Wise man .

[@Soarific]

Really enjoying the 3 videos on this channel so far. I love that you just let them speak and there is nobody behind the camera interrupting and asking a million questions.

[@joybeans10]

I like his practicality and authenticity.

[@anne4116]

I like my own space too because I'm an introvert, it looks absolutely idyllic for me. I know its not all insta worthy and I'm glad Kev mentioned how physical it is...not for the faint hearted. I bet being outside a lot makes his immune system strong 💪 Freya is a delight 😍

[@fedupbin]

Hey up from Barlick, came across your vid whilst viewing prepping videos.

[@veritas4us]

I love this 'down to earth' stuff & what a nice chap

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

Freya most certainly loves the life! Another top video ….Smithy

[@andydixon2980]

Inspiring fella. Well done for making the change. It takes courage, and you've got it.

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Thanks

[@zed4225]

Love it Kev, living the dream now for sure. I'm going to join the club once I sell my house. Cannot wait.

[@pamelamckenzie2685]

I love your van and love your dear dog so sweet. you not going in no home that the last thing you want to do, stay healthy you be alright great video

[@richardgiles2484]

I think it takes a special kind of person to do van life, but if work happy days 😂 I think a lot of us would love to do it myself included but it's a massive jump from what we've got used to 😢

[@CrampavanAdventures]

I like that quote "You can manage with less, but it's always easier with more"

[@annearmagh]

Kevin love your story. Very much want that lifestyle for me and my collie. Seriously will have to make this happen. Have beautiful places everywhere here in Ireland that could be the backdrop to daily life. Thank you Kev. Anne 🌟

[@Mark-pk1fm]

Great tip about spending money on getting out in the van rather than making the perfect van. Thanks for sharing, love it! 👍

[@raydewitt517]

Gotta respect a man with a beard like that! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@anthonycraddock6739]

I did 3 bus journey a day for 7 yrs then quit with no job . Spruced up the C.V and got another job with apartment included and have a 30 second walk to my office . Sometimes you just have to take chances in our sweet short life . I was in Lake District 4 weekends on the trot in Jan including a Fabulous walk from Newby bridge to hawks head so probably not far from where he is now. Good luck to him !

[@daveknibbs4046]

Credit to you getting out of the rat race May it continue for as long as you can 👍👍

[@Schlackster]

It's really nice to watch van life video that show more of a "real" life. I especialy liked the last two minutes of what Kev said. And mostly the last three words.

[@ladywolverine1828]

What a wonderful life! Thank you for sharing. Sending love and light.

[@KevIsOffGrid]

I enjoy it, thank you.

[@followtheleopard]

loved this video ... what an awesome guy, love his ethos and happiness with life 😍

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Many thanks.

[@stephenbrown5844]

Fantastic kev, you stay safe and sound mate. Love mountain biking and the lakes.. My second home 😊👌❤️❤️🇬🇧

[@paulrobson2968]

Thanks for sharing Kev, what a beautiful life ✌🏾

[@CalmingAnxiety]

Just what I needed to watch. Me, Male , 60 . Just gone full time in my van, no plan, just explore the UK but return to friends in the Devon area from time to time. To spend time sitting by lakes, rivers or just watching the view as the clouds roll pass.

[@garethdunsmore9913]

Winning at his life. Good lad.

[@trevoraindow2440]

Awesome Ken, I admire you, well done!

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Cheers!

[@lovehiking1065]

This guy is completely set! Impressive

[@Adam-xb8xh]

This will be tardy to some. To me it’s freedom, it’s raw and visceral and beautiful in a way Instagram will never reveal. I love this, truly.

[@cathjeffares1363]

Funny Freya’s food is your lap top stand - double use matters in small space! Ingenious there Kev…enjoying your best life 🙏

[@themagikian4237]

Great fella. Thank you for the advice and knowledge

[@gsismaet5385]

Love that. Leave no trace.

[@jwoodzman]

Awesome video, and truly inspiring; Hats off to you Kev and I love your spirit!

[@tracysnell6184]

Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this 👍🏻 fantastic home, great well thought out set up! The continual rainbow with Freya underneath had me smiling the whole way through 😊

[@liveration]

Thanks Tracy! Glad you enjoyed the video. Many more to come 😊

[@tracysnell6184]

@@liveration Already subscribed ✅

[@hartpa]

Love this guy. Also have a Vario and an Iveco but not as lucky to have somewhere to park. Everything he says is bang on. Awesome.

[@MariA-bu2jv]

Amazed that he has a washing machine AND dishwasher! 😃

[@liveration]

I know! Impressive!

[@tobyway5093]

This part of England is so different to where I live, amazing

[@krimke881]

THIS is what vanlife actually is. Living your life. Exactly how it should be. Perfect film this =)

[@fratravelstech]

"Don't spend money trying to make the perfect van, use that money to go and use the van". These words would have saved me a loooot of money, sweat, tears and stress if I only heard them 3 years ago!! 😭😭😭

[@ltstatic3932]

i spend 45 min per way to work daily, im making my van now and ill just park it at work and go home during the weekend, or probably just stay at work 24/7, might go skiing during the weekend though, my van will have a gaming setup so i have stuff to do when im bored, ill have solar, kitchen etc, not sure if ill add a shower but i have a sprinter so its enough space, i also have space inside for a motorcycle for when i get that, so i can drive around if i get bored.

[@Travelling-Tim]

Admiration, full respect to you, I'm a car lifer in a crv, amazingly just left your area, what a beautiful area especially with the next couple of days weather, will be following with interest, down to earth bloke, fair play 🍻👍

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Many thanks. Currently in Forest of Bowland AONB in this lovely sunshine.

[@lin7284]

I happened upon your video by chance and was drawn in by your voice, relaxed attitude and realism. You seem to have an excellent balance between socialisation and your own company. Hitting the nail in the head re the need for some funds to keep things going - especially if not being able to afford a 'good/newish' van etc. I love the muddy boots & dog paw in & out realness. Thank you for sharing

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Glad you connected, thanks for the comments.

[@PeacefulTraveller888]

What a top bloke. I love Freya❗️She is a gorgeous girl. I live in a small apartment and I grow my own herbs 🪴 and some leafy greens. It truly makes a difference. I used to be quite poor so I’m good at living within my means. I get to travel in my car 🚙 a bit. I live a simple life - I do have a few nice things I’m pleased to say. The more I focus on the positive in life the better my life truly is - I spend as much time as I can in forests and near the ocean. Sending love from beautiful Australia 🦘🤎 to all who pass this way x

[@pumaa7]

That guy is the MAN!

[@wasblindbutnowsee]

I sure wish I liked dogs, a lot of people enjoy their company.

[@colinl5985]

No expensive misses made me lol

[@pete801]

Love that!!!! One day I'll be there, one day!!!

[@PhamVans]

Van maintenance has been the fine print for me - Always a hefty bill when I come out of the shop! But if you do the math, it's a lot less than paying rent, pretty much anywhere in the country at this point.

[@microdozer3047]

Stoked to have come across this channel! Looking forward to future videos 😁

[@liveration]

Thank you! Glad you like our videos so far. Many more to come 😊

[@lin7284]

Love the way you use your Fridge as a Memory Board

[@katjasaha8396]

so lovely, stay safe you and Freya 💖

[@wayneburbage8900]

A lot of boat systems are idea for van/ RV living. Thank you for sharing your house.

[@justwannasay5454]

Would love to hear more about these boat products. They seem to be well made and unique.

[@bobbysbox6744]

Absolutely fantastic video. . Brilliant way of life. . Been at it years on road. . Vanlife simple

[@gordonpatterson4031]

Good for you Kev...Enjoy

[@brownale1000]

Commuting thats the trap Iam in your video is inspiring subscribed cheers

[@andymacgregor16]

I’ve got a 10 min drive to the office now. I used to drive from Brighton to London for 8 years in my 30’s. Couldn’t face that again it would break me. Inspiring vid :)

[@RJC10101]

Seems a good guy! All the best to him

[@freedompanda9438]

100th comment for a guy living 100% fantastically. Blessings to you, sir, and may you be living this way as long as you can!

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Thank you

[@phillipbuckley-pu7my]

God bless you man...I want to do the exact same thing,..apart from mountain bike track building...

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Thats the bit, and the events, that allow me to do this.

[@sscramble]

What a cool guy

[@sabz3one3]

I travel 3 hours a day. This really made me question my life 😊

[@zed4225]

Do it, do it, do it, what have you got to lose. 3 hour commute is ridiculous isn't it, imagine if only had a horse to get to work on 😂

[@beancampingpodcast7926]

Wow - It takes a whole load of graft and discipline to do to this and be potentialy uncomfortable in certain situations, think my Fam and I could, but we are trapped in a world which fixes to where we are now, tragic really!! Hats off Sir!, great and honest appreciation of what it is like.. Maybe one day we will get to find out, in the meantime keep at it. 👍

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Many thanks

[@robtakoda]

such and amazing video and its great to see something that isn't poslished. this is real life and very inspiring.

[@justwannasay5454]

I have a cool 24 tt in my driveway and a hightop cargo van in CA. The Hi-Lo has 400 watts of solar so far on the top. The plan is to nomad. Hopefully I will get there. I would like to see links for your dishwasher, washing machine and shower setup. That is amazing. I am 66 and having a few health issues that happened after the death of my 88 year-old mother. My advice would be not to wait. Dont put it off. Time is short. My house is listed as we speak. I have two dogs and a cat so theres that. 😊

[@martyscott1974]

Subbed. Best of luck with everything Kev

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Thank you

[@CFreeJ]

Excellent, living the best life!

[@SuperJokingaround]

Great bloke to listen to not full of the usual " look at me" videos, only problem is he sounds like he is from over't wrong side o't'hill to me😂

[@knott4me561]

Great little video that.....enjoyed it

[@marcdavies-hall616]

brilliant, ive been thinking about it for years

[@darrenwilliamson3614]

We all end up in the same size box. Well done not living under there rules make your own. Good luck i would love to do this for the adventure. Hopefully 1 day. All the best

[@grandslam1998]

It suits you. That's good! Enjoy,

[@michaels7312]

This video is great

[@shaunpreston2839]

Great job fella!