Her Fun VAN DWELLING Lifestyle is Real Life Nomadland

[@charlagarth926]

74 years young. Have been living full time since December 2017 in my 2018 Winnebago Travato. Two thumbs up. My disabled cat and I can do whatever and go wherever we want. Anytime.

[@CheleBoxy]

My HERO!

[@jcrefasi1]

Bravo!

[@gotgold4590]

I'm 67 and plan on building out a van. I'm going to sell my acreage and most of the stuff I own. I can't wait to live that lifestyle.

[@charlagarth926]

@@gotgold4590 there are challenges. Good luck to you. Might want to save a small part of your average for a home base? I do have that (a friend’s driveway) and it is good for mental health....especially during covid. Have fun. Be safe.

[@stellajohn4409]

That's amazing!

[@kathythomas7371]

Good for you! You’re figuring it out a lot sooner than I did. 64 and finally getting starting .

[@sherrie9241]

Keep going Kathy, you will get there...

[@lindaward3156]

l just commented this - just about - myself. l'm 65 but...l've seen quite a few mature people loving this. lt's perfect for me, l cannot wait, but my finances say hold on there now. Perhaps we shall run into each other someday in the wild.☮

[@EvaFitts]

Same! Age 61.

[@susieuramoto7491]

Absolutely YES! We sold our home & cars 9 months ago & moved into a 24’ class B Van. We’ve been traveling the entire time & absolutely love it. 💕💗

[@dannysoto24]

But how do you pay for all this ? I would like to learn in order to get my camper and just DRIVE .

[@sscbkr48]

Mr. Wet Blanket says.. with fuel prices going through the roof and the supply chain completely breaking down, the dollar in freefall and hungry zombies eyeballin your rig .. and what if you decide the gypsy life isn't for you? You've sold everything.. now what!!

[@maxfastest]

Super impressed with these solo van dwelling ladies ! Smart, skilled, confidant , Much respect !!

[@darian.explores]

Kara has a very unproblematic energy about her. Love her vibe!

[@tressessalon]

Yes, I think I could definitely live a nomadic life style. I am 61, getting ready to semi retire and hit the road part time. I can't wait, thank you sooooo much for your videos!!

[@brendahall1282]

I will be 61 soon. This looks like an fun adventure. I’m thinking of a 1 yr around the country tour.

[@omarkhan8298]

I m 38 n i want to just travel n travel...

[@MsThebeMoon]

I'm 62 and have to wait another three years but in that time I'm prepping and plan to get the van this year to start working on at my leisure. I do car camp though every weekend that I can - keep gear in my Suburu in case I feel like a night out under the stars on a whim.

[@gemstar2]

Loved how detailed she was, and pointing out what she would change next time. Lovely home for her and nice to see a good work station

[@tonmarinaxxzz]

Just love this young woman and all young women who live their dream. Also with their 4-legged friends who could be lonely. You go girl

[@colinkelley6493]

Kara, I really like your thought process. Getting outside your "comfort zone" makes a person more "street smart" -- more competent, aware, practical, intuitive, conscious -- and because it makes a person more alert this ironically can translate to being safer when you are feeling your way through "sticky" situations. Feeling emotionally safer in say a locked house or apartment is not necessarily being safer. The difference between a smart person and a dumb person is a smart person knows how dumb she is and a dumb person does not. Getting outside your comfort zone can make you more careful and humble, more aware of your abilities and limits. You are a better judge of what you can and cannot do.... On your van, I really like the elegant simplicity of your design -- a lot. You have helped me think my design through. Thank you for sharing. Really like your refrigerator, the best I have seen. The only thing I would do differently is: use a diesel heater, and add a side of cabinet flip up kitchen work space, and I would also have a pull out cassette toilet hiding under the bed. Also I plan to build a recirculating shower with a propane on demand water heater with a wrap around shower curtain (ie the shower does not have to be a dedicated area, but can be in a hall way, or remove the table, and use the space where the table was for the shower). The water will be recirculated, pumped through a filter and reheated. I will be able to take a 30 minute hot shower but only use a gallon of water. And I can reuse that gallon of water three or four times before replacing it. It is really cool. Thank you.

[@lyric8529]

Love this, LOVE her sense of humor and her laid-back demeanor. And to answer the question, I could definitely live this way!

[@gmc2156]

It's not a matter of being out of your comfort zone, it's about being safe. It's a mad world out there. Very nicely built. I would reposition a few things to fit a tiny bathroom ( shower/toilet )

[@kellygold2815]

Exactly! Sorry to say, but we as women have to be smart about being safe and make sensible decisions.

[@gmc2156]

@@kellygold2815 yes, that's precisely the point, thank you.

[@sorenpx]

Yeah, when people make comments about her safety it's not to be condescending. There ARE dangers out there, and by the way men have to watch out too. I don't carry a gun for nothing.

[@evecarrington562]

@@kellygold2815 I agree. It's not only dangerous for women, but men too! I've seen videos with lots of male vanlifers who describe feeling unsafe at night. It's a harsh world and this lifestyle isn't as carefree as they make it out to be.

[@Jacksonandjulian]

@@kellygold2815 she basically has it advertised to the world that she is a solo female with her vanity plate. KARAVAN. I hope she doesnt have an equally telling wifi-name.

[@johannarodriguez3573]

I love the fact that she uses the dog to keep her feet warm lol, great idea!

[@nicovanzyl1979]

Nico❣️

[@ChazEvansdale]

I traveled for about 6 years hopping from community to community helping out as I went. Now I'd rather settle down somewhere. So I don't want to be a nomad anymore, but I'd love to live tiny. I'm currently looking for land near friends, family and work that I can legally live year round in a tiny or small house. Side Note: Jenna you look stunning!

[@tammieparrishmiller3669]

@The Everyday M.J. I hope you don't mind my chiming in, but I'd like to just visit BC from the US and Tiny is my thing. I don't have a set up just yet, but I've lived in stationary tiny homes. Are you from Canada? I'm wondering because you mentioned Canada having red tape. I also would love to go live on a narrowboat in the UK, but can only do 6 mos. a year. I'm chomping at the bit but have responsibilities for now with aging in-laws.

[@lynnescaddan8919]

This lady seems to be very handy & independent. Top marks for her.

[@mervinlee9255]

what an amazing woman. thank you for sharing this with all of us! that was just the push i needed for starting my dream of moving into a van.

[@yvettewilliams4893]

Kara your total vibe is so chill and laid back and I love it! Many years ago, back after I graduated from college I did alot of what I called "roaming the country" trying to sort of find myself and figure out what my path in life would be and I totally LOVED it!! Just the absolute freedom of it was amazing.....Then "real life" stepped in and I had to become a real adult with a 40-60 hr work week, living for the weekends to enjoy and I always said that I would go back out on the road, but never did 😭😭 How I want to do bad, just don't know if I'm too old now at 58??? Van on!

[@luxtempestas]

I worked as a door to door seller some years ago and I used to live in a car (a small Fiat Uno). I traveled a lot, everyday in a new city all across the country and used to be 45 days in the road and 7 in home and then go out again. The backseat was transformed in a bed, I had some kitchen utensils but not a proper kitchen or refrigerator and had a 10" screen connected to the DVD/stereo system I had installed in the car. The problem with this style of life to me is just one: not being able to properly clean yourself with a decent shower - especially after bathroom time. I used to shower in gas stations but here in Brasil it's really hard to find a clean one and it's not the same as having your own clean bathroom. The rest is totally acceptable.

[@gmc2156]

I'm happy to know you are still alive. You survived the Brazilian roads.

[@evecarrington562]

I agree! They try to make out like this lifestyle is so carefree and just fun all the time, but there are downsides. One KZbinr made a video about how he left vanlife because he would go an entire month and only shower twice. Clean/functioning bathrooms/showers aren't as easy to find as they make it out to be. Neither are laundromats with working machines. Lots of people living in vans live in Walmart parking lots or near urban areas and not out in nature just so they can be near the facilities they need. For those who choose to live this way, enjoy!

[@josephinebustos8074]

@@evecarrington562 it’s why my must have is an indoor toilet with shower. Class B RV van for me or a C class if I’m doing this full time. Anything less is a dealbreaker.

[@RustyCas999]

Strong, independent, down-to-earth, living her best life. Much respect!

[@brendajean623]

I’ve given a lot of thought to van or tiny home living. I could absolutely do it. The idea of downsizing and getting rid of so much unnecessary things that tie us down, is so appealing to me.

[@12Gaile]

I think van life is fascinating & admire those who do it full time especially the over 50 crowd. I also enjoy the tiny home tours. I am happy in my town house so so would not do either at this time in my life. Enjoy your tours Jenna ♥️🌹

[@mariebernier3076]

Why do you admire those over 50 who do it?

[@splashesin8]

Like the fridge, and the bed, with the easy reach to your warm stuff if it gets chilly. Also love the window shades! ...and your dog❣️

[@leanavine]

It's my absolute favorite fridge, too. so easy to organize

[@janebrommet7942]

Hi there from Holland. I live in a gipsy wagon, tiny house by myself. Never are afraid... enjoying the dessins being in nature... I totally understand.... I am 71 en my life started 3.5 years ago!! Have fun, stay safe. Beautifull strong dog💕

[@messiahmarie1354]

What about the toilet & shower?

[@robwestley7370]

Sandra Westley she may have a small toilet stored underneath, a lot of single people have membership at gyms and use the showers there. I must admit I wouldn’t like to use an outdoor shower that I have seen some use that clips to the back door, with shower curtain around, but on your own I would feel vulnerable showering like that, or alternatively all our camp grounds in the UK have showers available mostly free, so perhaps she stays at camp grounds every few days.

[@messiahmarie1354]

@@robwestley7370 Interesting. I didn't realize those other options. Thank you for the info.

[@OrdinaryMiddleagedSwede]

Many smart solutions in the van. Love the fridge/freezer and the reusable paper towels

[@jcrefasi1]

I wish she had gone over what she chose for her bathroom/shower options

[@wj5mjk]

Yes,that's quite a mystery that shouldn't be left out,imo

[@rjaquaponics9266]

@@wj5mjk Her father didn't build it for her. Only the dog poops.

[@wj5mjk]

@@rjaquaponics9266 Ok,got it. lol

[@rjaquaponics9266]

@@wj5mjk Yoga on the roof always helps release the pressure! LMAO!

[@wj5mjk]

@@rjaquaponics9266 LOL.I'm thinking she must take a dust bath,like her dog does.Then shakes off

[@FadiHamoud1980]

I love how light hearted she is. Very nice build 😊👍

[@jemma50]

Love the new hairstyle, Jenna! ♥

[@abbyabroad]

LOVE the etsy "paper" towel racks! Genius way to have the convenience but not the waste.

[@victoriamoore9917]

What I hear is she said I made this myself, people asked me if I had help and she said no.. but then she mentions help from her mom and Dad.... just keep it real... it's okay and wonderful to have support and help from others, especially family!

[@k.a.3519]

I understand where you're coming from, but I think she was expressing anger at the idea that she couldn't build her van alone, that she couldn't have done it without the help of some man in her life. Basically every big project has some people pitching in sometimes, but I'd say she's justified in saying that overall she built her van. I see your point, but I think her overall message holds up.

[@luxtempestas]

@@k.a.3519 well... She can be angry as she wants but she indeed needed the help of a man, her father. Not that a woman couldn't do it, but she didn't so no need to be upset about it, right?

[@jcrefasi1]

she also may have meant she didn't hire out the build to professionals???. But I agree saying up front " my dad helped me with the build" would have been nice. She did give him credit further along but then I remembered the "I built it myself" statement.

[@fudgemcnuggetz9929]

@@k.a.3519 Yes but you shouldn't take all the credit for yourself. That's just plain rude

[@nickles4652]

If she had purchased the cabineys and installed them herself would you feel the same way?

[@cheriemonami]

Great build, Kara. Thanks for mentioning what you would change. Sedona isn't on as many bucket lists as the Grand Canyon but it should be.

[@dustman96]

The whole Verde valley and surrounding areas have a great many amazing places. I grew up around there.

[@CheleBoxy]

I would have loved to try it back in the day. Not sure I could do it now. I sure do admire those who go for it!

[@source5729]

I’m willing to guess u could 😊

[@emiliyabelicheva4019]

Yes, you can. Do you want is another choice. Never ever belittle yourself. 🙏 🦋 😊 🌈 💜 💖 🌟

[@k.a.3519]

If you've got the means, go for it!

[@CheleBoxy]

Thank you for your encouraging words! If I was by myself I would go for it! But my husband recently developed health issues and has some mobility issues as well. We still talk about traveling, but he is currently recovering from open heart surgery.

[@k.a.3519]

@@CheleBoxy I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's health issues. Best wishes to you two and here's hoping he recovers fully and you're able to travel!

[@eleanorcramer7986]

And the cracker lady magnet is a very fun idea. Wonderful home full of neat features.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

I was houseless for several years. I lived in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I could easily go back to be houseless again.

[@a.r.8987]

Why?

[@guardiansanimalrescuestate7289]

Well that’s a lot more then so many people in this world have. I follow a snake rescue channel from India and one from Africa. Many people there just live on a dirt floor with leaves as a roof. Not even a chair or blanket. There’s always someone better off....and someone worse off. I’m grateful for everything I have.

[@mariebernier3076]

@@guardiansanimalrescuestate7289 Yes, I firmly believe that this perspective is critical for happiness. I always feel like I have an overabundance because I'm aware of how relatively excessive my country is with material goods.

[@sorenpx]

I also did some time in a Gran Cherokee. I could do the lifestyle again, but not in that vehicle. It's just too small.

[@davethepak]

Wow.... love the build and her Attitude!!! Totally understand - corporate guy and single dad now - and while I do live a great life (being a dad, theater, crafting, wood working etc) I love camping and nomad life. Once kiddo heads to college will be embracing the solo van lifestyle - and the build and living philosophy she has is incredible. Oh and yeah - my wifi hotspot - fbi surveillance van! Great video and van build!

[@stacieg8912]

Beautiful & functional home on wheels! Love her confidence & positive message! I left the corporate world too because everyone just wished for the weekend.

[@LetBBB6345789]

Love the paper towel alternative! To anyone taking out the bulkhead, I would advise to at least watch a camper van crash video before. If something hits or you do, those overhead cabinets fly towards the cabin. My thinking: 1)Store heavy/solid items low 2) instead of wooden overhead cabinets put fabric ones and use for clothes. For added lower body protection one can consider leaving parts of the lower bulkhead in.

[@charlesegrahamii4702]

I have lived in my van for 2 and 1/2 years I love it. This past February I bought a 6 by 12 cargo trailer and converted it into a tiny house. I will be traveling in it from now on..

[@rainkings4862]

Life seems so free this way, love hearing the stories as well. It's giving some ideas.

[@guardiansanimalrescuestate7289]

One of my favorite van conversions. If I was traveling alone, I would always have a big dog with me. Idk how, but they hear and sense things when I had no clue something or someone was outside.

[@thetripsitter2220]

the friggin PAPER TOWEL THING IS GENIUS, this whole video is genius i love it. but the paper towel thing really gets me 🤣

[@GrummanIsComin]

Do what you want. Never look back. Be safe and be happy! Best Wishes Always! 👍😊👍 Suggestion: find a piece of wood (countertop) and put some hooks on it to “hook” it onto the countertop next to your stove top. Then when done, unhook it and put it away. Then the heater won’t be disturbed. I hope I explained that right. LOL 😂

[@DawnOldham]

There is no way I could live a nomadic lifestyle!! I totally admire the people who do enjoy it!

[@sharonbreslin8138]

I love what you've done with this Van. It's beautiful. I wish I would have thought of doing something like this when I was younger and in better health. However I am definitely thinking about building myself something like this. Either a van or short bus. Thanks for sharing your van life. Enjoy being free from corporate life...

[@johnsunlight]

I absolutely love the booth style seat and table. So many van builds don't have a place to sit and eat / use a laptop.

[@richardclark8520]

Hilarious! Mine is Surveillance Van 69! Like your sense of humor 👍 your van looks very homey and well suited to you.

[@jenniferh.7219]

Thus was a good vid, very informative. I find it funny she went skint on the ceiling (looks good) while the fridge is $1800. Had to look it up cuz I've never seen a fridge like that. Heck I'd do the same thing!

[@sunniross7043]

Yes, refitting a 1981 Lazy Daze Class C right now, 46000 original miles.

[@shaereub4450]

I love the van. This women has a great personality.

[@eudoraevans3340]

Bronco is so cute! I have a red nose just like him. I call them "privileged pits"🥰❤😊

[@sophanarachay4917]

Her dog looks so happy. I can understand why she doesn't have a shower but toilet is a necessity. BTW, her van is beautiful and perfect for her.

[@sm753]

Nice...watching this video drinking coffee out of my Crater Lake mug...and spotting one in the video.

[@demijour1234]

I can see that you love your van life and changing your life office around. Curious as to why no one asked about her bathroom situation?

[@randomvintagefilm273]

It looks glamorous but nights are scarey, every sound you hear keeps you on alert as there are SO many crazies living off grid.

[@olly-kai]

I hear sounds at night but they're not scary nights. If you know what to expect, you can be prepared. Chose safe areas. Have bright LED exterior lights that are practically blinding at night. A loud exterior alarm you can activate at will. Motion detector if someone tries to climb on or rock your vehicle... And one thing BUILT IN to van life is that you can drive away! If you're really worried, there's air-free puncture proof tires from Michelin, and even bullet proof sealants you can pump into regular tires.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

@@olly-kai wish I could afford all that but maybe in the future. I never heard of those tires before. IF you have money life is always easier and when you dont...you suffer.

[@leannaestep3066]

It's a beautiful home. I was thinking that when she gets around to replacing that kitchen counter, it would be a good time to make some kind of slide out addition on the end of the counter...maybe similar to the draw slides. Anyway, very impressive young woman. And another great video.

[@flexjay87]

Although its wonderful to see many success stories, there are many videos that show van life is very challenging. First and foremost is the lack of room inside a van, compared to a motorhome, especially a class A. Yo have to have a very good "recipe" to do van life, and this girl is doing it well, but of course youth is a big help !

[@bytemegeek]

I'd really love to know what she does for a bathroom/shower. It's a pretty important thing to consider and I'd love for that to be included in videos about van life. Especially considering the pandemic and it's getting bad again so gyms may be closed and not as readily available.

[@jenniferwise8515]

Truck stop showers, 24 hr fitness centers, campgrounds, lakes etc. Do a portable shower right outside the van. Collapsible to stow. Search YT for tons of ideas.

[@katydidnt3906]

@@jenniferwise8515 As, someone who has lived in a van for over 2 years, these suggestions are not going to cut it.

[@brokenwideopen]

@@katydidnt3906 what did you do for two years? What are your suggestions from your experience?

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Another hack I heard 'Bob Wells Cheap RV Living' (the KZbin Yoda of Vanlife) KZbin Channel mention in passing in a video from 2016, is a 4' diameter hoola hoop shower rod mounted above the two back doors. A custom welded one, foldable into quarters. With the shower curtain hung around it. A tankless waterheater mounted inside a 4 - 5" thick wooden insert mounted inside a back door (insert can be thicker than door). The heater sucks water out of two 5 gal portable jugs through a filter and plugs into propane or electric when showering. You put a foldable mat on the ground to keep mud away. No need to have a space wasting wetroom inside. Also, I thought of a handcranking solar roof that hand cranks over 185° (with attached pistons on either side) to angle an entire roof solar panel array of 600 - 1000 watts. Forming an awning over the side doors when fully out. It has a deck underneath to sit on. And another one to sit on on top of the van. But between that uncovered van deck is a framed 1' tall case covering the entire metal roof. Ducts are framed in for fans and a DC Air conditioner (available now). Between the ducts is air/watertight storage and accessible lids for kayacks, climbing gear, etc. The flippable solar roof array can be fairly light if done with protected, encased plastic solar panels. Also you can clean off the panels on the ground. And make an encased solar panel deck on top of the van doubling the wattage to a potential 2 kilowatts. Getting into the ballpark of recharging an electric engine from solar, say if you switched to an electric Ford F150, or Tesla engine by the 2030's.

[@kellybrawdy6922]

I love this but I’m wondering do you have a toilet or shower? That would be difficult for me.

[@leanavine]

It turns out to be easier than you think... having travelled for years in a plain old van... there is nature everywhere, and also showers...

[@jcrefasi1]

@@leanavine @dustman says daily bathing is not necessary. That we are delusional if we think vanners bathe daily! I think the old timey out houses are the same as composting toilets or buckets of sawdust or kitty litter. Which work well in van life.

[@leanavine]

@@jcrefasi1 I didn't mean to imply that... and after many years of rustic van travel I do know that well!

[@jcrefasi1]

@@leanavine I'm sorry but i wasnt disagreeing with you. I had been having a discussion with Dustman about the need for a bathroom in a van. He said I was part of the problem. If I want to have a way to shower in my van its my choice and he wouldn't let it go. He says that bathing is over rated and went on and on about wearing the same underwear for up to 3 days. I just got tired of him arguing and trying to make not bathing daily sound normal. Jo

[@leanavine]

@@jcrefasi1 ah, that makes sense, thanks for the clarity... fyi I like to be clean... I am happy we weren't having an argument! I'm all for everyone living the way they want to... but i might stand a ways away from someone who never bathes!!!! LOL

[@charlottehall5191]

Awesome van. Cute young lady! Amazing build. Very impressive. Love cloth paper towels!

[@sharene411]

No potty or shower? Or did I miss that? Very nice build.

[@alexwarner2757]

Uhh no she didn't cover that, but she did say she loves to eat so....unless she uses to outside like the dog, we can't know exactly how she takes care of those human basic needs.

[@flon57]

I was just about to ask the same thing.

[@vinoto]

It's right next to the kitchen

[@marciasanderson562]

Really nice build! Well thought out. I'm 76 and I would go in a minute

[@marktrentecosta]

Stevie Wonder wrote a song called "I Wish" this video makes me want to believe I can do this......but I don't have the kind of money to have this type of luxury you are an amazing person and I wish I could follow you in my Mini Cooper. Peace and Love to you

[@daddyzgirlz22]

I’ve got 15 dollars in my bank account and I’m starting. If there is a will, there is a way! Don’t live life wanting or wondering. You can do it too! ❤️

[@aliqsur]

This is the most yum van I’ve seen! It looks so comfy, stylish, and nice and I hope I can get one like this some day😍😍

[@lilliangrimmett4763]

Where is the bathroom

[@ronpreece3429]

You have your catalytic heater in the exact same spot we have ours the only modification we made with the heater as we put it on enjoyable clipboard so it could be swung around facing the seating area like a fireplace LOL. Absolutely fantastic job on the van and you have done a great job presenting it on video. Cheers

[@darian.explores]

Love her "un"paper towels.

[@TinyHouseGiantJourney]

Me too!

[@allthingsnu4673]

Thanks for the tour. There are a lot of good ideas in the van. I especially like the big window right next to the work area so you can take in the views while you're working. I watch a lot of van videos and I think this is the first where someone did this.

[@sukamayoutube2323]

I like how she's proud she built it herself but goes on to tell his how her mum and dad did quite a few things. Girl, it isn't a bad thing using team work.

[@nphotodotorg2690]

Exactly. One point they show a photo with an older gentleman and that must have been her father. That point, I thought the next sentence would be "my father helped me," but she goes on to say I did everything. Later, the truth comes out :). I am not saying women cannot do these things, but it is ok to admit you got help.

[@brianmi40]

Impressive lady. Just bought my ProMaster 159" so will be starting my 2nd build with it!

[@burningmanmike]

I don't see too many 40-year-olds, 50-year-olds, or 60-year-olds van living on purpose. I only see videos with cute spandex-clad yoga posing girls and man-bun dudes in skinny jeans & plaid, but how long will they be in their vans five, ten, twenty years from now? This is a serious question, and not poking fun at anyone. Please advise. Also, no matter how well insulated, winters can be brutal no matter where you are. An inside toilet and shower are a must or count me out. Two weeks at Burning man with baby wipes don't cut it.

[@cinnamon8884]

who says they have to live like that for 20 years? life changes, just go with what works for you.

[@jcrefasi1]

@ It's FatBoyMike there are tons of van dwellers on You Tube that aren't young spandex wearing hikers and man bun wearing rock climbers. Some are senior citizens. Maybe you haven't seen enough van videos. Bob Wells is the guru for the advanced age group that interviews different van and car dwellers. Look up his channel. You might be surprised

[@jcrefasi1]

CheapRVliving is the Bob Wells channel. Great info for vanners of all ages

[@burningmanmike]

bottom line, i don't want to live in a van because i have to. speaking just for me.

[@jennymontague851]

Love your van build. I'm doing a lot of looking around for a van, but I don't have the wrist strength to do all that stuff or anyone to help around here. I'm in AZ, and my brother who could do it is about 1000 miles away. But I can dream. Just got into this stuff too late in life, I guess. I just live vicariously through others now. So impressed that women are doing van builds mostly by themselves with a little help here and there. Cool.

[@purseypurslane]

SUGGESTIONS FOR TINY HOUSE TOURS people -- please provide the full name and web info for the people you feature, so we can follow up on their journey (Facebook, Instagram link, website, etc.) I've enjoyed watching many diverse tiny home dwellers thanks to your channel!

[@echochambers8418]

Retired in 2017,I turned 40 this Past November.I’m going to travel the US & Canada for 3-5 years.Just me and my Dog.My family thinks I’m crazy but it’s what I’ve worked toward.I just love the idea that I’ll wake up in Santa Fe,Laramie,Flint,Saratoga or a hundred other cities and either stay a day,week,month or 3 hours then off to wherever I feel like it.No one needs to know where I am,what I’m doing and I don’t need to explain anything.

[@niptodstan]

How does she toilet and shower?

[@sorenpx]

When I lived in my Jeep for two months I only used public restrooms. She probably does the same, or goes outside. As for showers, she may have one of those solar showers that you can hang off the side of the van or she may have a membership to a large gym chain.

[@LuBre]

I'll be honest, it looks AMAZING from my comfortable chair in my comfortable house with electricity, water, and heat system!

[@carlaking6245]

I did this by myself. Also, the whole thing is made of cabinets and my dad is a cabinet maker and he made them all. That’s basically by myself 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[@007nadineL]

I know right !!!!

[@cristiane5075]

Exactly.

[@leanavine]

maybe he will adopt us....I could use a cabinetmaker Dad!

[@joshuamark3065]

I know it kinda looks like that, but there's an immense amount of planning and other work that has to get done. If you watch enough van builds you'll start to see she still did most of the work.

[@leanavine]

@@joshuamark3065 Yes, let's not mistake envy for criticism! Any van build takes more than one person, but the main designer/builder has to tackle so many challenges, it's a huge blessing to have a talented cabinet maker on your side! Her design is one of my absolute favorites and I've seen lots of vans and as an older woman been van travelling since the 1970's.... I am full of envy!!!!

[@ericac.4316]

Love it! Everything is upgraded and clean

[@rinzlerthehunter539]

love her setting, practical and not too complicated

[@melvinpobadora811]

Super impressed!.. I love how put together the interior of the van.. Her's is the neatest and most organized van i saw by far.. God bless u!

[@jguild45]

No, you did not build this yourself(nice job, Dad!)

[@vansionliving]

If you think it’s not possible for a young woman to build a van or remodel a house, you need to expand your world. She didn’t say she built it herself. I did hear her say her dad built the cabinets.

[@jguild45]

@@vansionliving I believe there talented female builders out there. That wasn't my point. Tiny House Giant Journey wrote: Kara takes us on a tour of her custom van dwelling, which she built herself, and discusses what it's like to live vanlife as a solo female.

[@irishladyjewelie]

@@vansionliving she actually said she built it by herself then later said her dad built the cabinet and her mom did the window covering.

[@HeyMichaelLeo]

The best thing about living this lifestyle is you can go or stay, been on the move for 5 years now, not sure when we will feel the need to leave the paradise we have found, but we can if we wish, two of us in a 21' foot bumper pull. But in Florida we are rarely inside.

[@gocowboysgo2838]

Yes, I am getting a good bit of money from my dad passing and I have ( after watching many u tube videos on a vanlife ) have made the decision to move forward and drop the huge rent payment. SOOOOOOOO excited. Wish me luck...

[@hamey]

Lovely young lady. I love the unpaper towels! Such a great build.

[@Ari-ld9hi]

You are a bad ass. Awesome. I’m a 45 year old man and u inspired me. Good times and the best of journeys to you.

[@annajohns738]

She says she’s proud that she built the van all on her own, but then starts listing all the drawers, cabinets, woodwork and sewing that her parents did for her. Nothing wrong with help, just be honest about it.

[@JimmyTheGreek2000]

The deck on top is a great idea for keeping the sun from overheating the interior.

[@lynettewesby6572]

One of my top 5 fav van walk through so far. This was awesome

[@nathansuka5302]

She just did full ROM pull-ups like they’re nothing.

[@lumpilulu]

Right?!

[@peacelove7706]

I not only could live the nomadic lifestyle…..I’m pricing vans now…. I’m ready…just doing all the research and learning possible before I actually make the purchase. My goal is to be on the road before February 2022…so 8 months from now. Can’t wait!!!!!

[@laurenmallon4963]

Me, too ( wishes she had said how she showers and uses toilet), am thinking she has neither in the van, so I personally would hate it!

[@evecarrington562]

Check out KZbins Vantastip. They did a van conversion that includes a shower, toilet AND a small washing machine. They also included a doggy door out the back so their pet could go outside whenever he wanted. Of all the van conversions, that one knocked the others out of the ball park. It's still not a lifestyle I'd want, but Vantastip's van looked very homey.

[@shawnalainalston8321]

I don't know if I could live the nomadic lifestyle, but that"s half the fun is finding out I would love to try!

[@demetnevin2886]

When you become a mother, the hair is cut right away, but I like you like this 😊 💚

[@jcrefasi1]

I love the hair cut too!!

[@TinyHouseGiantJourney]

So true! She pulled my hair one too many times, and boom! Mom cut

[@Alphacentauri819]

Not always! My hair was to my elbows with my first baby! Have had many styles in between, even pixie. Oldest is 24, youngest 8, but now my hair is almost to elbows again. Haven’t got it cut since 4 months before pandemic.

[@demetnevin2886]

@@TinyHouseGiantJourney Jenna god give long life and health to these two beautiful girls

[@candicewest1630]

Kara, I heard you say you wished you had a fold-down counter but you couldn't because your heater was in the way. you could still have that counter space. Instead of having it fold up, attach it at the counter height with a piano hinge and have it fold up to store and fold down to give you your counter space. It shouldn't be too difficult to have some sort of latch to keep it securely stowed until you need it. Enjoy your travels!

[@Doobie2100]

Good for you!!! Keep Smiling!!! Thanks For Sharing!!!

[@graceverssen5651]

Wow, what a wonderful van!!! I'm jealous! Love all the little special things like the un-paper towels. Lovely! Grace in India

[@jacobwilliams7135]

Brilliant van build. Top notch attention to detail while also mindfully managing budgets. I’m a huge fan of van life and truck camper trips. My sister also has so many of the same interests and is in a background like Cara described herself in. I’m excited to share your video with her.

[@tizmon]

A very smart lady. This is the only van floor design that maximizes the space with an exception of possibly adding shower/toilet instead of storage she choose to place. All this for a little under 50k, if I’m not mistaken, is very impressive especially when she had done it herself. She should be proud.

[@davidyellowstar4910]

Awesome video, and Kara is so 'just figure it out minded' and entertaining and charming, congratulations Kara. I smiled the whole way through. Thanks

[@tomankle6940]

glad to say I did it all myself..... My dad did the drawers and the framing and all the woodwork my mom did all the sewing and cloth work but... I am really happy that I am a girl that can say I built this on my own

[@tomankle6940]

did dad or boyfriend do it lol

[@onewomanandherdog5219]

That van is beautiful, and the colours so calming.