GENIUS Camper Van Hacks & Tips for Van Life (+ CHEAP Van Life Organization Ideas)

These camper van hacks will not only make your life easier, but they’re all SUPER cheap & easy.
In our van, SalsaMobile, we like easy solutions. We do not have the talent (or the patience) for fancy intricate van life hacks.
So if you’re looking for tips for van life that ANYONE can do - from cheap van life organization ideas, to shower hacks, to van life food hacks, to van life storage hacks, to even building a $1 “movie theatre” (in less than 5 minutes) - than this is for you.
For even more money-saving van life hacks, grab this free checklist: bit.ly/2UxfQol
And here is that easy DIY van door bug screen tutorial: • Easy DIY Van Door Bug ...
See below for all other materials and resources mentioned in the video 😎
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🟠 R E S O U R C E S M E N T I O N E D :
All these are under $10 if you buy them in smaller quantities, but I've listed the products that we personally bought. When on the road, it's better to have extra materials than not enough!
▶ Hook thingamajiggys: amzn.to/3YJSBXk
▶ Hook screws: amzn.to/3E9IWlc
▶ Strong magnets: amzn.to/3xnkDMM
▶ Shoe organizer: amzn.to/3jXvBFD
▶ Sewing kit: amzn.to/3IlCFFw
▶ Cheap carabiners: amzn.to/3lzdztI
▶ Bungees: amzn.to/3RVygw8
▶ Cup holder: amzn.to/3E3ieKQ
▶ Packing cubes: amzn.to/3E9hx2y (You can find cheaper, but they aren't quite as big)
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🔴M O R E C O O L V I D E O S 😎 :
▶ Sneak Peek Tour Inside Our Cozy Camper Van: • Dodge Roadtrek CAMPER ...
▶ The TRUTH About Van Life (Expectation vs. Reality): • VAN LIFE EXPECTATION V...
▶ Van Life Monthly Expense Breakdown: • MONTHLY EXPENSES LIVIN...
▶ 10 EASY Van Life Jobs ANYONE Can Do: • 10 EASY Van Life Job I...
▶ How We Afford to Travel Full-Time (You Can Too!): • How We Afford to Trave...
▶ How to Score Housesitting Jobs and Travel for FREE: • How to Get Housesitter...
▶ How to Become a Digital Nomad (ULTIMATE BLUEPRINT): • How to Become a Digita...
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🟢T O P R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S :
→ BEST TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES: Here’s everything you need to plan your trip-from cheap flights, to accommodation, to packing lists, and more: bit.ly/2QsWmCz
→ FREE ACCOMMODATION: Stay for free in awesome houses around the world by agreeing to look after the owner’s pets: bit.ly/3jXCjeL
→ CHEAP TRAVEL INSURANCE: My new favorite travel insurance that saved me over $15,000 after a motorcycle accident in Thailand (if you're currently traveling without insurance, get yourself protected ASAP): bit.ly/3xlZiU2
→ MY FAV CREDIT CARD FOR TRAVEL REWARDS: bit.ly/45BbPm2
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🔵A W E S O M E R E S O U R C E S :
117 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY TRAVELING: bit.ly/2Qku25X
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRAVEL JOB FOR YOU (FREE WORKBOOK): bit.ly/3r3C1k2
EARN YOUR FIRST $1K FREELANCING (FREE COURSE): bit.ly/2Sil9Xg
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🟡S U B S C R I B E
▶ WANT TO FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY AND LEARN WHAT LIFE IS REALLY LIKE TRAVELING FULL TIME AND WORKING ONLINE?
Hit the SUBSCRIBE button and the notification bell on this page so you don’t miss any new Project Untethered videos (This really helps us a lot, so thanks in advance! 🙌): bit.ly/3f2OdwF
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🟣A L I T T L E A B O U T U S
Heyo! Mitch and Day here 👋🏼
We’re just your typical American-Colombian couple determined to live every second of our precious time here on earth to the fullest. After a 10-month solo backpacking trip through South America, I (Mitch) stopped in Cali, Colombia to take salsa dancing classes 💃🏻. I only planned to stay for a couple weeks, but God had other plans for me. I met a cute Colombian girl (Day) in class, those couple weeks turned into a couple years, and before we knew it...we were married 👰🏻🤵🏼
Now we’re traveling the world full time as digital nomads, supporting ourselves by working online 👨‍💻👩‍💻
Our goal with these videos is to inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, give you an inside peek at our crazy imperfect lives, and show you that you don’t have to be rich to live an extraordinary life...all you need to do is make the choice!
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DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission (at no additional charge to you!). I believe in and have experience with everything I recommend. Thank you for supporting ProjectUntethered.com so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Which was your fav camper van hack? What's the best hack you've came up with?

[@victoriaharrington7644]

The way you can tell how kind he is towards her not being totally fluent with certain English words as someone who’s first language is Spanish I love to see it subscribed as soon as I saw it ❤️

[@ProjectUntethered]

We’re thrilled to have you onboard! 😇😇

[@robiny1823]

Great examples of thinking outside the box - refreshingly non-bougie!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha thank you! We’re glad you liked them 😎

[@timgillman]

Lots of good hacks. We love using the packing cubes. I also started mixing them up to have a couple of changes of clothes in each, so I don't have to dig out more than the first one I can reach, and I keep a small one to take my clean clothes when I go to take a shower. Nearly every Roadtrek owner uses the bathroom for storage when traveling. Chairs & table, etc. are a good idea, if you are okay leaving them out at night. Ours came from garage sales so we aren't overly protective.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s super smart! We also had a dedicated shower backpack haha - great minds think alike!

[@plants4thewin]

came here for the shoes, walked away with the shower. NICE!

[@MelissaThompson432]

The little screw-in hooks are cup hooks. The ones at 8:42 are surface mounted D rings (the shape looks like a "D.") In some areas where you can't screw in a fitting, Gorilla Glue or silicone glue might, _might_ be effective.

[@octobermoon9]

The shower scenes were the best! LOL Too many good hacks to pick a favorite!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha showering is always an adventure in the van, that’s for sure! 😂

[@julianramirez2974]

That ending made me subscribe lol

[@ProjectUntethered]

🍻😂

[@rebeccasills2995]

These are awesome hacks! I didn’t even think about the shoe organizer being repurposed. That’s so easy and genius

[@ProjectUntethered]

We’re glad you liked them! Yes Dayan doesn’t let anything go to waste haha!

[@slinden]

The last tip lmao :D How did I not realize that earlier?

[@ProjectUntethered]

It took us a while to figure out too haha. But one day Day was grouchy because it was 107 degrees with no air (which is fair enough). Then she just drank a beer and all that grouchiness magically disappeared!

[@donnahiatt945]

This video should have about a million views! Amazing tips and hacks. Thank you- as I begin Jeep life this will really help. My adult daughter is sick and I will be staying with her and helping her and traveling some. I would love to meet you on the road sometime and hopefully I will have a nice Jeep build by then.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Aww thank you so much, we’d love if it got a million views!! 🤩 Jeep life sounds like an epic adventure, we’d love to see how your build turns out!

[@seabliss22]

Great ideas. The thingy is called a D ring 😁

[@ProjectUntethered]

Duly noted!

[@PRR4800]

Great video and ideas .. Thanks!

[@jperzzon]

thats a refresing video, great job guys!

[@gatewaytothecrossedover-ta9489]

Wow! Thank you for posting.

[@ProjectUntethered]

You’re very welcome!

[@barclayej]

Great ideas! Thanks

[@LoriRodman]

Great video!! 😊

[@shelleyclarke9325]

Good ideas!

[@65plusfabulous56]

This video was definitely for me!!😁😊👏👍

[@danielaines]

You guys are super cute and I love how your van looks practical and lived in! Thanks for the ideas!!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks for the kind words! :-) and you’re very welcome!

[@21broadway]

This was great, you guys are super fun! Cheers!

[@ProjectUntethered]

You bet! We’re glad you enjoyed it!! 🥳🥳

[@joanneleiser1044]

Great video and affordable hacks! I fulltime in vintage class c and have been looking for common sense ways to secure upper cabinets. Thanks!

[@ProjectUntethered]

You’re very welcome. I bet you have some great hacks of your own!

[@matt300]

Temperature is a big thing for my 5 kids living in a bus. The best investments we've had are the cheap eBay diesel heaters to endure the cold and the $15 12v fans (again eBay) that can be hung above your bed for when it is hot.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Those are great tips! Yeah I don’t know how we’d survive without our little usb fan we found at Walmart one night when we were dying of heat in Fresno, CA. I actually think that was less than 10 bucks too!

[@LOTStreets]

Good thing about urban van life?? There's always a gym near by for a good long shower hehehe

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s definitely a plus! We haven’t had a “real” shower in almost two months now up in the mountains… yikes!

[@LOTStreets]

@@ProjectUntethered yeah but too have rivers.. I bathe in a river for a year once..

[@BrokenKings]

Love your ingenious and affordable roadtrek hacks. :)

[@ProjectUntethered]

We’re glad you like them! 🤗🤗

[@wildeescape]

Not going to lie, #10 is the best one and I could not agree with you more. Thanks, guys!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha it seriously has helped us survive some tough situations! 🤣

[@rachelw2156]

This video is extremely helpful. I'm wanting to start van life soon, and you gave a lot of ideas I hadn't thought of. Thank you for this video. You have a new subscriber.

[@ProjectUntethered]

You're very welcome - you're gonna love van life!

[@BloomByCC]

Ummm, you had me at dummy proof… 😂

[@ProjectUntethered]

😅😅😅

[@expressivepets1]

😂😂😂😂 I love you guys!!!! Keep it real real. Great job y'all. ❤ Cheers

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks so much for the kind words, you are awesome!! ☺️☺️☺️

[@LOTStreets]

Black widow the new movie is pretty neat your can watch that on your fancy home 🎭 theater.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Adding it to my list!! 😎

[@LOTStreets]

@@ProjectUntethered also Snake Eyes coming out soon too

[@roimatamassold4730]

d hooks i think is what they call them great video thank you

[@cmsmith92]

Great video , the magnets seem soo useful👍 thingamajiggy = D-rings

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha thank you, I knew they must have a better name than thingamajiggy 😅 and those magnets are the bomb!

[@our4feettravelers760]

good video good ideas keep it up

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you!! 💪

[@kellypoulos8702]

I use the same shower method, however, I drilled holes in the top of the lid. For me, it works even better and I use even less water!!!!!

[@ProjectUntethered]

That's a great idea!

[@sueclemente4030]

Cheers from Australia 🤠🇦🇺

[@ProjectUntethered]

Cheers, mate! 🦘

[@robirew5094]

Poke holes in orange juice lid to reduce water flow

[@ProjectUntethered]

Brilliant!

[@rubychurch3466]

You two are so cute!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰

[@j.taires5889]

thank you both ~ i'm getting ready for van life and appreciate your hacks, right on! in fact i have already been a fan of caribeaners and bungi cords without knowing why, but i am sure i will find out! : ) happy adventures!!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha it sounds like you were created for van life then! 🚐

[@JNante]

Budget travel guy has the same roadtrek. He shows how to add a shower to your roadtrek, simple and about $50 (I would use a different shower head but that's personal preference) Also get a inexpensive shower curtain and magnet to the door. Just a suggestion as I guess there is a reason you don't want to use the water tank that's on board for dishes and showers only.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Nice! Yeah we’ve tried a bunch of shower solutions, but this simple one was our favorite. It really helps minimize your water use so you can stay off the grid longer 😎 we also had a shower curtain but never unpacked it haha. Using our towels was quick and easy, but I suppose a shower curtain would give a bit more privacy. We were normally out in the middle of nowhere anyways, so weren’t super worried about that. Showers are just one of those things you have experiment to find what works best for you 😊

[@johncullerton]

Hi, I'm in the UK and our vanlife experience is different to yours over the pond. There are however certain things that resonate and I really liked a couple of your "hacks". Keep it up and specifically, how do you deal with the heat in summer? J

[@ProjectUntethered]

I’d be interested to hear about the differences! To deal with the heat, we opened up the Windy weather app, looked at the temperature map, and drove to wherever it wasn’t red 😂 it was kinda fun because we didn’t do any other research and never knew what we’d find

[@TreeLynnT]

You can hang the shower bag from you door

[@lunavelvet-moon3931]

The Thingymiygiggys are D rings

[@ProjectUntethered]

That makes a lot of sense!

[@vanjoy1781]

Sir, your eyes are beautiful. I am sure you have heard that before. Gorgeous eyes.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you! 🙈

[@LOTStreets]

Fancy stuff 😂

[@ProjectUntethered]

I’ve been called many things, but fancy has never been one of them hahah

[@LOTStreets]

@@ProjectUntethered hahaha

[@angelacrosby8105]

What is that bracket thingy 8:04

[@audreyjesse292]

as a van lifer, I cant tell you how many times Ive used rule number 10.

[@ProjectUntethered]

😂😂😂 it’s the only way to stay sane!

[@lacitafleming]

Thank you for sharing your clever ideas!

[@ProjectUntethered]

You’re very welcome! :-)

[@Janece1955]

thank,you,awesome,down,toearth,easy,hacks,xo

[@BrokenKings]

Did you guys modify your table? We have the stupid clover table that’s awkward and heavy.

[@ProjectUntethered]

We did a tiny bit but not really. We just took the table from the back and moved it to the front. All we had to do was screw a piece of wood into the wall to use as a support. Other than that, it fit perfectly!

[@TheSMPeto32]

At 8:00 minutes, the second type of hook... I like it, do you have a link to it?

[@ProjectUntethered]

I think those small little white hooks are just from Walmart, there’s a screw on one end and hook on the other, so their nice and handy. The one we show right after that that is squarish actually came on the van, it’s where the seat used to hook in before we removed it :-)

[@angelacrosby8105]

@@ProjectUntethereddang, I want one, but Google lens won’t recognize it to tell me what to get

[@ldygzlle1291]

Great job you guys. Here's one... after you get your groceries, repack your meats from those big bulky trays into ziplocks, and then throw them away before leaving.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yes this is an awesome tip!

[@LOTStreets]

Vacuum bags

[@ProjectUntethered]

How do you use vacuum bags?

[@LOTStreets]

@@ProjectUntethered you buy vacuum bags for storage on Amazon and you use a regular vacuum like a hand held Ryobi or similar the seal the cap . Really simple and save so much space.. also protect it too..

[@ProjectUntethered]

Ohh that’s very clever! What kind of stuff do you store in your vacuum bags?

[@LOTStreets]

@@ProjectUntethered bulky clothes (i.e. winter clothes), also electric stuff when in dusty places like desert (computer specially), stuff you don't want mice to smell I mean the possibility is endlessly plus it's reusable.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s a good idea. We have a ton of bulky warm clothes we never use that take up a bunch of space. Thanks for the tip!!

[@angeladawn805]

13 seconds in : ......... He.... Has......amazing...... Eyes :o OK, I'll resume the upload now... :/

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you!! 🙈🙈☺️

[@MANZANOADRIAN]

is she colombian