How Cheap can Vanlife be? | This is how much I spent after one Month of Van Travel

[@robideals685]

If you get a membership at planet fitness you can access any location for showers and workouts for like 20 some bucks per month.

[@bgrace27]

I’ve thought about that. Planet fitness is probably the most wide spread gym out there right?

[@robideals685]

@@bgrace27 i think so! probably some different national options also

[@HazeePagadizzle]

Yup Planet Fitness is the way to go!

[@MattHadder]

I'm from Los Angeles and am in Northeast Tennessee. Will be living in my van, but not traveling. I've seen planet fitness across the country. Plan to get a membership to shower and use equipment for preparing for hikes.

[@laglossautoglass2719]

Were you in Tooele county?

[@driverguy7]

I've been homeless several times in my life. And I know I can survive on about 60.00 a month. No fancy food, lot of beans and rice. Find a place to keep out of wind and rain. Been there done that. Have a good week, looking forward to your next journey!

[@bgrace27]

That’s so awesome man, very impressive

[@youdontwanttoknow5203]

You're robbing your health with just beans and rice. You need protein, vitamins, minerals. Sure you can live cheap, but you're going to pay in other ways.

[@withoutwords8136]

@@bgrace27 taking a shower every day has a very negative effect on the health of every person because it washes away the protective properties of human skin

[@TheOnlyOneStanding8079]

Boy you must have been gassy eating those beans every day 😖🤭

[@bgrace27]

@@TheOnlyOneStanding8079 😂

[@Koyekh]

You can get a hand pumped portable shower kit for about 30 bucks. Just fill with 1 part hot water to 2 parts cold, pump a few times, and away you go. Either shower outside, weather permitting, or open the back doors on the van and throw a tarp over them for a mobile shower cubicle.

[@chrisniner8772]

How about 3 parts at the correct temperature...

[@Avery-rb2bd]

@@chrisniner8772 what temperature is that?

[@chrisniner8772]

@@Avery-rb2bd a comfortable temperature I'd imagine.

[@NancyGarcia-hi2bi]

😊

[@brianmi40]

$40 will get you a rechargeable battery powered one, drop it in a bucket with warm water and pump away.

[@moreclips805]

Go buy an “america the beautiful” pass. It’ll give you free access to all national parks and federal day use areas. It also gives you 50% off federal campsites. $80 for the year, so two or three NP entrances pay for it.

[@bgrace27]

I actually have one! You’re right, it’s very much worth the money, I love having that thing around

[@I_Am_SciCurious]

I didn’t know about the pass and I’m practically around the corner from the Tonto park in AZ. This is so awesome! Thank you for sharing it!

[@stravabetics118]

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are qualifying disabilities. Get the handicap pass for free access for life

[@nitz_o]

Thanks for the tip dude epic!!

[@Over-for-now]

@@bgrace27 We are in our 80s so we bought the 50 percent off card for $10. However, we hardly ever use it. Lol

[@tamsolo1584]

I'll give you a few tips from my "hobo fabulous" days... I would use a water bottle or disposable cup and fill it in the bathroom sink and grab a paper towel and put whatever soap they had on it... I'd go to the toilet, do my business, and then suds up and rinse off and flush (grocery store/gas station - places like that). I refused to smell homeless... nowadays I still do that when I wanna freshen up when I'm out in the summer heat.

[@brlwa6354]

Before I retired I worked at a job that was way the heck out there! I have a little cabin on my own lot but commuting back and fourth to work was out of the question. Wound up talking the passenger seat out of a 73 Bug and laying down a piece of plywood with a small mattress and a sleeping bag. Took daily sponge baths and survived just fine, went home on the weekends. The warehouse operated 24 hours a day so I put up sunshades on all windows and slept in the parking lot. It was great getting off work and I was at my temporary home, waking up and I was already at work! 😁 I was jealous of people showing up in any kind of van because I would fantasize how I would set one up. Retired now and I don't ever want to do that again!

[@bgrace27]

Sounds like a great time but I can’t blame you for not wanting to do it again!

[@CyberAndy_]

Try that TODAY you would get ARRESTED! Good luck getting a job while you're HOMELESS! Would not happen BOOMER. Let alone find a job that would let you SLEEP on their property. They would call the COPS and put you in JAIL

[@ericthat]

I have a 5 Gallon water bladder that I use for showering. I place it on top of the roof of my truck. Later that day it's nice and warm to shower. God Bless and be safe

[@dexstewart2450]

I've seen a 4" plastic pipe used for the same purpose

[@monkeysuncle2816]

@@dexstewart2450 looks like he has one of those.

[@IronMike-f8i]

YOU MUST BE FRENCH😮😮 THEY HATE TO 🚿 🛁 🛀 🚿 SHOWER😅

[@MrBoxofplastic]

I grew up in Utah. I love it and I'm glad you were able to enjoy it. I used to have an Astro Van lol. My bills are way higher with health insurance, phone, gas, student loans, food, credit cards, internet, vehicle incurance ($68 like you have is great!), dog food/vet/grooming, camping occassionally, amazon prime, gym membership, random kid stuff, etc. I'm building a tiny home on wheels soon. I'm sick of wasting money on rent that is stuck in one place.

[@bryantford3054]

I lived in an old RV in the 90s for over 2 years, cooked 99% of my meals, baked my own bread and lived cheap. Don’t pay $20 for a shower! Ask around at a chain truck stop if anyone has any extra shower credits. Offer to buy them a cup of coffee. Some drivers are local & go home every day. (Most chains give you a shower credit for buying 50 gallons of diesel.)

[@bgrace27]

Thanks for sharing

[@brianmi40]

$40 buys a rechargeable shower head/pump. Bottles of water on the dash driving in the sun heat them up, dump in a bucket, put in pump, and shower away. lasts about 3 years, or 25 cents a shower...

[@Gail-ux2ly]

@@brianmi40fifteen bucks will buy a nice garden sprayer which works for showers and dishes.

[@robwinegar9033]

Great idea. Truck drivers do get free showers for fueling at truck stops. I haven't driven long distance in years, but I do think I had excess shower credits. Driving up to 11 hours a day is boring and just having a good conversation over a cup of coffee may be the ticket to get a free shower. Also, the major truck stops such as Loves, clean their showers after every use.

[@ajfeinman]

Great video. New subscriber. I have been living in my Toyota Prius for 8 years. An LA fitness membership goes a long way. For just 30 dollars a month, you get access to a swimming pool, a hot tub, a sauna, showers, and unlimited daily fresh water refilling whenever you want.

[@bgrace27]

I think it’s time I get a PF membership

[@bellapool]

Also you can plug and charge your power station

[@shaunhall6834]

Bob Wells would be proud of you. ❤

[@bgrace27]

I sure hope so!

[@TheSearcher24]

Here is a cool tip for food. Costco gift card, you can shop without a membership... Buy in bulk for a month and then food prep it all.

[@secretamericayoutubechanne2961]

Sounds like a good idea for gas ⛽️

[@enhancedutility266]

Thanks

[@bellapool]

Thanks for this tip Im in California and have a Sam’s Club membership but will be starting van life in Oregon/Washington and they don’t have a Sam’s Club and I was going to pick up a Costco membership but now it’s all about their gift cards for me, 👍

[@PulpParadise]

I'm just curious where you think a vanlifer is storing a month's worth of prepped food. In the freezer? This is great in sticks and bricks but not so helpful in a van.

[@TheSearcher24]

@@PulpParadise there are Marla bags there's food dehydration it also choose foods that don't need freezer. It's just a thought to live simple.

[@nancyjohnson2070]

Hey Bronson, nice breakdown on your expenses. Star link is very expensive. I'm thinking of a Garmin satalite phone. You can text even without service on your phone. Gas prices are more out West and California is ridiculous! Last week I paid $2.85/gallon. Filled my van for $40. Groceries at a convenience store is highway robbery! Wal-Mart carries pre made meals in the camping aisle. No refrigeration needed. Quick and easy to make. 😎😎

[@bgrace27]

I’m headed to cali soon and looking at gas prices they are around $5 a gallon 😔 I think this next road trip will be a little more expensive unfortunately. A garmin satellite is a great idea 💡

[@ITech2005]

​@@bgrace27Look into bulk freeze dried foods. All you need to add is boiling water.

[@rimmerableful]

Don't visit Canada as $40 gas will give you a quarter of a tank. And foods way more than it is in the USA.

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

I have a Zoleo GPS SOS device...can send a "I'm o.k." msg to a few contacts...send a SOS when it hits the fan...and send a few texts if needed too - and it's $20 a month for peace of mind.

[@ang9968]

Those mountain house meals are 13.00 and change now. No longer worth it in my opinion.

[@12vLife]

On Food careful with Tuna and mercury levels. I switched to $1 sardine cans from Walmart - savory breakfast of champions . I air fry a 2lb bag of chicken breast with an onion and pepper while driving and keep it in an air tight at the bottom of my fridge for 4 days of lunches during the week, then I eat lunch out on the weekend. I've learned to skip dinner and It not only saves money but has huge health benefits IMO. Budget is mostly about your travel range. I'm in South Florida and my travel radius is only about 200 miles and I drive a 4 cylinder bypassing tolls. My hope in a few years is to upgrade to an EV cargo van when they deliver 400 mile range that can run A/C while parked overnight for a week. I have a Planet Fitness multi-club membership and worth the $25 as I wash clothes in the shower and I often sleep in front since they are open 24h. I can get pretty clean using a Home Depot mist sprayer. I also have some off grid land for storage and project space right in the middle of my radius with a shallow well I shower and wash with. My AT&T phone plan comes with 60gb hotspot data and it's enough for uploads and TV streaming every day. Might upgrade to their 100gb plan. You get familiar with spots that have great reception. Tiny 15L 12v fridge is all I need for my almond milk, cooked meat, greens and left overs. I drink water and Bubly at room temp like a Brit. Small air fryer, microwave and rice cooker in my van saves time and money. DC-DC alternator charging and a 460AH LifeP04 house battery was game changing. I tell nobody I'm in a van or give tours in person. I'd love to boast about it but fear one day this lifestyle will be illegal. Our governor just made sleeping in public illegal.

[@andrewfrancis7739]

We live the same life

[@jc10907Sealy]

Correct a small fish like sardines does not concentrate the mercury

[@paulmcgovern3228]

Truck stops are usually around $10 unless you have a loves card. You can get a free shower by fueling with the points system.

[@BrotherWitch]

Thanks for the info! I'm trying to convert a minibus and it's costing me thousands. I'm glad to see a light at the end of this tunnel. *Also, truck drivers usually have unlimited shower passes. I never turned down anyone who asked me for a shower. Drivers can ask the counter for a "Team shower" and get 2 individual shower codes for 1 daily pass. Just ask a driver. We get it.*

[@bgrace27]

Ah that’s freaking awesome man, I’ll have to try that out!

[@michaelmyers3892]

A lot of things to consider when doing the van life, like the type of van you, have the engine and transmission ,how much weight you have on the inside and modifications to the suspension and outside stuff, and life can be cheap or expensive it depends on the individual but it ultimately comes down to just getting out there living life and having fun I'm going back to it full time in another month so stoked

[@bgrace27]

EXACTLY DUDE!! It’s all about getting out there and living life to make memories. Have fun out there brother

[@michaelmyers3892]

@@bgrace27 I'm 55 and I got exposed to the van scene way back in the seventies as a kid, then I had my first van in the 1980s and it's been my addiction since then I've led the van life before it became very popular but I love it and it's so fun cuz nothing stays the same always something new down the highway or back roads

[@cheyenneyakima8695]

Much respect for keeping it real. I did van life back in my hippie days, when it wasn't called van life. Keep up the great work..

[@bgrace27]

Awesome bro

[@jacquelinecellian8939]

Dollar Tree has packets of tuna with different flavorings or spices added and with a fold up plastic spoon in the packet. They are also flat so they store well and easy to open. Just an idea.

[@bgrace27]

I’ve seen them at Walmart for around $3-$4 so I’d definitely pick some up at the dollar store for cheaper! Thank you

[@PulpParadise]

@@bgrace27 they have dollar ones at Walmart as well. It just depends on the size of the packet and the brand. They also carry chicken and pulled pork now, same aisle, slightly down further. Not sure why there doesn't seem to be any beef yet, but I'm watching for them.

[@kennethgardner3090]

I started this lifestyle around nine months ago. Not in a van but in an SUV with a little popup trailer. So far it looks like you can teach me a thing or two. So yes, I will subscribe.

[@bgrace27]

I’m glad I can help!! Welcome to the channel my friend

[@MeJaneEntrprsz]

Do you ever wish you had a van instead of an SUV?

[@kennethgardner3090]

@@MeJaneEntrprsz all I can say is yes. Because I'm new to this I am learning.

[@dfaro8453]

@@kennethgardner3090how long do you stay in a town? Sorry for asking 😅 I want to travel through the USA down to Central America but right now money is tight.

[@QWERTYQwertz852]

Wishing you the Best in your suvlife

[@EmpowerWave-ol2ol]

This will help a lot of punters who are sick of rent and utilities.

[@hawkeyejo9609]

Bro's got crank windows. Wish I'd found a van to convert with manual windows. I'm about 90% of the way through my own conversion of a 1995 GMC Rally Wagon. So wee bit bigger than the astro, but i'm makin sure to have space inside for my bike. I'm lookin forward to this more than I ever thought. Never been an outdoors person. But somethings gotta change. And I hate the midwest.

[@bgrace27]

Crank windows and no cruise control 🤙 Heck yeah bro, the Rally Wagon would be awesome! The outdoors and nature is a whole new world. One day you’ll find yourself on top of a mountain at Sunset and you’ll never go back, promise 🤝

[@ronnie9187]

Great contribution B Grace.Of course prices depend on where you live, on the old continent the price difference between countries is huge, but it gives a good idea if I want to visit the US in the future and travel there for a few months with my wife. ps nice bus, a nice place to live, compliments. Cheers, Ronald, Switzerland.

[@freddymorando5113]

It's important to note that this completely depends how you do it (planning wise) and where your starting destination is compared to where you actually want to be. I live in FL so just getting out west (where I wanted to be) was $600 alone. I also had to the ride home eventually so that's another $600 on fuel. I did not plan my trip I just kinda went with the flow so I backtracked a lot, crossing the New Mexico/Colorado state line at least 4 times. This was due to poor planning not knowing exactly where I was going and adjusting to the poor weather in CO at the time. Eventually I decided to check out Arizona as well, while I was in New Mexico. By the end of my month long trip I was up to $3400 in expenses. Don't be like me folks, do your homework plan the route wisely.

[@verdellparentaaawink268]

I dont travel I stay in my town where I have resources or incase I break down I know people and my area I fish and hunt rabbits and quail with my high powered pellet gun I'm on s.s.so I have free gym membership to shower also I go to YMCA

[@sunshine3914]

There’s a relatively new channel where the couple are real precise & realistic about all their cost living in a 5th wheel, so anything smaller, of course, will be cheaper. Think it’s called “Like there’s No Tomorrow”. Wasn’t able to find the channel yesterday, but they maintain a website.

[@roverlander117]

Starlink is cool, especially for cell dead spots in the Midwest, but I stick with Visible: $25 for unlimited data and tethering. I'm also creating an indoor shower kit out of a small circular folding tub. Just need to find a low-volume spray nozzle, or at worst I can pour the water, after heating it in a kettle.

[@bgrace27]

I’ll have to look into Visible

[@Jason-md1bw]

You can get a 26 quart USB Portable Refrigerator so you can store food for longer intervals, which will mean traveling less and less gas. The fridge can be powered using a solar generator/solar panels. If you switch to Google Fi cell service, you get unlimited hotspot, so you can tether your laptop.

[@VanventureswithKaia]

Since I have moved into my van 🚐 my petrol has now become my rent

[@FuAzzi]

@@VanventureswithKaiahow do you stay licensed and insured? I can’t figure this out.

[@UrMom-v6d]

​@@FuAzziu need to have a family member whos okay with u using their address and ur okay with them opening ur mail

[@FuAzzi]

@@UrMom-v6d that’s not legitimate, nor available to the entire population. There needs to be an option available to all citizens, or else it shouldn’t be an enforceable violation to go without

[@8notoriusinquisitorius87]

If you didn't drive so much you could drive the (gas) costs down further. I feel like $149 for groceries for a month was excellent, but if you could plan a couple meals and not visit the grocery daily that could save on gas costs. I saw someone said a gym for showers, but a joolca (or something similar) is a great alternative if your close to a water source (pay once - hot shower on demand anytime there is a water source). Dispersed camping on BLM lands can save on park costs, I think Quartzite Arizona you can pay $180 to stay for 6-7 months (there probably are some in Utah too). I've been studying van-lifers for a while, my husband and me want to van(bus)-life in retirement. I value honesty and integrity, thank you, glad you came up in my suggested videos, subbed!

[@bgrace27]

Yes gas was a pain to spend on. I certainly will be more cautious and meticulous this next travel season. Luckily in Utah I found TONS of free camping everywhere I went. Not once I paid for camping or a spot to sleep but that also meant a lack of amenities Also, welcome to the channel!!

[@ognir66]

One thing I didn't see factored in was the mechanical issues you WILL encounter stacking all those miles on your vehicle. Oil changes, tires, battery, shocks, engine, transmission...etc I worked as a courier decades ago and every weekend I was under the hood replacing the parts I was putting 300+ miles per day on. I saw new vehicles that were basically used up in. less than a year.

[@UrMom-v6d]

I find i overall drive abt the same as i did living in an apartment, around 30-90 minutes on travel days, and a few days a week the car is parked overnight

[@kemosabe5120]

This is where having a Toyota makes a huge difference. That Chevy 4.3L engine in the Astrovan is very reliable but the transmissions are a crap shoot from ~130K on. Whereas with most Toyotas the engine and trans will go 300K+ (some twice that) with the right maintenance. I think if there were a Toyota large van allowed in the US it would be such a big deal it would basically transform society because people would realize they could buy one and live out of it for like 20-30 years with peace of mind.

[@mysoutherngardeningjourney]

Depends on travel schedule. A person who only takes off every month or two, and then doesn't drive thousands of miles to get to the next place, those expenses will be spread out and not happen as frequently.

[@AdirondackgeorgeFB]

Yup ,,save money ,get out and have fun. Nice one Bro !!😎

[@KimberleyLessard]

i get a chance to stay on the property at work and they allow me to use their showers there... huge help.. seeing as i work in the public... and my other job is also flexible as i work nights there and they allow me to charge my battery while i'm parked there working. i love that i can just buy when and what i want, but also keeping it limited... I also am paying off the work done to my van... which is a lot given a new floor and frame was needed to make it road safe. safe travels little one!!! 🖖🧡🐾🚙

[@bgrace27]

That’s an awesome deal, you’ve seriously got it setup for living cheap, way to go

[@anarchomoto1152]

You can do it way cheaper than that even. I've been doing the van life thing for about 7 years now. I'm working full time and putting back money for a new van. I'm saving everything I can, and I can get by on about $400 a month. And that includes paying for a storage unit for all my other stuff, vehicle insurance, gas, phone, food etc. Currently I have a van that gets good gas mileage, which will change once I get the new van. The new van will get about half what this one does. I will say that at $400 I'm not driving all over the place. I typically park about 6 miles from work, but I go camping nearly every weekend. It most certainly CAN be cheaper than renting!

[@FuAzzi]

I would love to know how to do this. Getting a new engine for my van next week, so I have reliability. My question is, how do I have a valid drivers license and insurance without a home address?

[@Aurelisk]

Baby wipes "washing" is also a good way to stay clean for cheap.

[@voxxian]

better to just pay $10 (or 20 if you want access to multiple gyms) a month for a gym shower to actually get clean. if that's unaffordable, then there's bigger things to worry about

[@Xiallaci]

Whats even cheaper is using a small towel anf soap water. Also, less waste. And gets you arguably cleaner than just having water sprinkle over your body like in a shower. Plus, its healthier to not shower/wash every day unless you're sweaty.

[@chartmann43]

But most are not biodegradable and lands in our landfills for decades.

[@Flaggyt]

What is wrong with a bit of water and soap, do we really need prepackaged chemical babywipes to wash ourselves these days?

[@bellapool]

Just get a gym membership and stay clean and fit at the same time and a lot of gyms have a nice air conditioning lounge area to stay cool in the summer and WiFi, there’s just too many benefits to not have a $25 planet fitness or anytime fitness membership. I have planet fitness and it’s $25 per month

[@julieevans6427]

Greetings from Germany. I am semi retired and will be building out a mini cargo van. Diesel is what I am looking at. A litre of Diesel costs 1.63 euro at the momment. The big American vans are to expensive to run in central Europe. We own an old Fendt, Caravan. We love it. Trouble is going from big to small will be a challenge for me. My boyfriend has to work another 9 years, so I will be alone most of the time in my travels. We shop at Lidl, Aldi to keep our costs down. I also prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them to keep it cheaper. We cut down on our meat consumption which also helped. Try buying your vegetables when in season this also helps to reduce costs. We have a passive and active freezing system for the road, it works great. I couldn't do van life full time. Still, I enjoy watching all of you in USA, Canada and other parts of the world. I have learned alot from all you. Looking forward to your next post. Cheers and safe travels!😊

[@niamarieturek9281]

My husband and I travel on a motorcycle! Gas is cheap! We get into national parks for free because he is a veteran. We do cheap hotels and stay with a lot of family. Work gives us paid time off. We do cook some and go out to eat some. Not as cheap as a van but slot cheaper than a car and hotels.

[@bgrace27]

For sure! That’s awesome

[@HolaBrazil]

Do you sleep in the parks?

[@niamarieturek9281]

We normally sleep just outside the parks. It can get expensive in the parks.

[@davidohlsen1996]

yes you can do thing on the cheap,you have just proved it safe travels Bro.😃

[@bgrace27]

✌️✌️

[@TheINFP_Diary]

so happy i found your channel! by the end of february 2024 i'll be living in my small car, several times I kept getting bummed because i've seen so many car camping youtubers have these awesome hatchback cars, but my car is a sedan, so the trunk areas is separate. So far i've removed the backs of my rear seats, I've placed some wool blankets and sleeping bags on one side in the rear, then pulled all the layers through the hole I created from taking the seats out. Ive been sleeping by in my car the past 3 nights now just to improve little stuff every day. I can't believe how much time DOWNSIZING my things is taking. I'm a 22 yr old female so I can't imagine how much harder this would've been if I decided to do this lifestyle decades later.

[@bgrace27]

Ahhhh hatchbacks are awesome and all but you’re going to be the baddest traveler out there! I mean seriously, I rarely see anybody doing this travel thing in cars much less sedans… That means you’ve got some guts, it’s awesome 👏 Have a great time traveling! It’s coming soon

[@leeketner6488]

I had a planet fitness membership. I mostly bought canned goods for food and water and canned milk for breakfast.

[@beachboys14-tu7hu]

If you don't mind the taste you can use powdered milk.

[@jazziered142]

You don't have to pay that much to take showers, I'm going to get me a brand new weed sprayer, twist off the end off so its short. I am going to spray me down. They make 2 gallon ones, they are relatively small.

[@verdellparentaaawink268]

I have a pump up sprayer and put a sink sprayer on it I put a black bag over it and set it in the sun all day to heat the water some times the water is too hot to use lol

[@Untamedlove]

This is a great way to live if you have the type of attitude to handle the lifestyle. Its a lot to sacrifice and a person has to be patient living like this.

[@CrazyCranker]

Wow! nice job on the van! I really like the interior design! The one thing to consider is, all that wood adds a lot of weight which adds to your fuel cost. The more weight, the more fuel. Looks like you have a plan for next months food cost. Your doing great! Good luck in your travels! :)

[@brianmi40]

The wood covers insulation in the walls which lets you stay cooler in the sun, or warmer at night, depending on your travels. I "tented" up with a blanket "fort" overhead (like when you were a kid) and slept in 38 degrees near Yellowstone 4 years ago in my van. My thermometer middle of the night showed 63 degrees under the blanket fort due to my body heat getting out of the summer weight sleeping bag. $20 fuzzy blanket from Walmart. Slept like a baby. You use light weight cheap woods and it's not a problem. Vans have quite a load capacity also. Fully kitted out with 600 watts solar, sink, shower, microwave, etc., my RAM ProMaster 2500 weighs less than a Amazon van pulling out for a day's worth of deliveries.

[@animespirits]

If money is a concern and you want to save on traveling, look up remote wilderness campsites. Up in Washington we have a good amount of those, and your allowed to stay up to 2 weeks at a time for free. So if Utah has something similar, you could always just move to a different one every 2 weeks. You'll be in the same place for a while, but you would save a lot on gas doing so.

[@bgrace27]

Thanks for the tips! If I ever don’t want to travel around as much you betcha that’s what I’ll do!!!

[@RamblinView]

We are on the road full time. And have been back and forth across the country several times. My girlfriend and I have one planet fitness black card membership which comes with unlimited guest passes - so basically two memberships for the price of one. We go to a lot of remote destinations for rock climbing and skiing and if there isn’t a planet fitness there is almost always a hostel with $5 showers. Eating out and bottled drinks are the biggest money suck - I think most people would be surprised how much money they can save if they just stopped buying so much shit. Costco is a great way to save on gas and food.

[@bgrace27]

Big facts right here

[@brotherandrew3393]

Don't forget maintainance for the van that is more than just 20 bucks and what you had to pay for it and what you have to save every month for future repairs or another van as substitution. The point is this: If your van will last 4 years you must add (13000 : 48) = about 270 Dollars per month without interests. And the same amount you must save for the next van. And what about earning money and paying for health insurance?

[@bellapool]

I do most of my own repairs and with KZbin instructions a lot of people have learned to do small repairs that would’ve cost them a couple of hundred dollars, I live in California so even if I bought a different van every 5 years I’m still saving a lot of money than living in a apartment/ house and with a much better lifestyle

[@marcushennings9513]

I agree and recently spent $4300 to have much of my front brakes and suspension rebuilt. I know many will say they can diy repairs, but good luck with that if they run into any unexpected problems that takes it far longer than planned when it's their primary mode of transportation and sleeping quarters.

[@ferfzero4333]

@@marcushennings9513holy smokes! Can I be your mechanic? Struts and brakes can be done in the driveway with hand tools lol, you got washed.

[@leunamreyo3663]

​@marcushennings9513 you got screwed, dude. I plan on living in a van but not to travel, and I work as a mechanic. Literally bring my vehicle into my own bay after hours to work on. Let me tell you: it does not take $4300

[@bellapool]

@@marcushennings9513I’m planning on having two vans, one as a back up sitting in storage on non op for $58 per month storage space on dirt, just in case my main van is down in the shop, still cheaper than paying $2k per month for a apartment in Southern California

[@mielesutter4159]

I only eat one meal a day. Breakfast is usually a handful of vanilla wafers and drink one cup of coffee.

[@davidradovsky5354]

Are you still alive?

[@wendellzapata6613]

Greeting from Hormigueros Puerto Rico. I recomend you to use your van with the Windows up because driving that kind of vehicle with the Windows down is like driving with a parachute open behind you and waste a lot of money in gasoline. The air conditioning will make you save money in gasoline. 😊

[@michaelshurley5046]

Tip for food cost. One video I saw a while back. People planned the towns for their trip. They prepped dry and sustainable foods and mailed them to themselves to the post offices of what town they were going to pass thru. Something you might consider and look into. Safe travels

[@Missfortune70]

There are cheaper ways to do the start up costs. You really decked out Fred, which is really beautiful, but you could do a no build van with thrifted items. You could technically live without solar if you needed to and just stick with basics like a cooler, water jugs, and a cooking source and some reflectix window coverings. Use what you have until you can afford something better.

[@bgrace27]

Yes for sure, you could go for SO cheap

[@brianmi40]

I have more in my van than he has (full size RAM ProMaster 2500 with sink/shower/microwave etc. and have less than $5K total, all DIY. 12v fridge is the first thing to get, since it means keeping condiments cold, and buying things to eat that last over several days, instead of meal by meal at greater expense and having things like milk or cold drinks/water. I've converted 2 vans, but if I was near destitute starting out in one as an empty shell, I'd sleep on an air mattress and use the first saved $$$ for a solar panel on the roof, LifePo4 battery and cheap charge controller to run a small 12v fridge. Under $300 total. Any full time job at even minimum wage could after a week's wages or so pay your food that week and buy such a setup if living in the van and doing it DIY from any of dozens of YT videos. Now you have power for LED lights at night, power to charge a phone, power to cook a meal in a HotLogic Mini ($40) for FREE. Put in some 12v LED lighting and a USB charge port ($6). Depending on time of year / climate where you are, a powered roof vent ($150) might be next. Less than $1K you can have everything in a van to store and preserve food and drinks cold and cheaply, cook, bathe ($40 rechargeable shower head pump, bottles of water on the dash in the sun to warm, dump in bucket, put in pump, shower away), and sleep comfortably (2" nylon strapping stapled or screwed down, wrapped a time or two around 2 2x4s spread apart by 1 cut in half to make a 4' wide bed and fastened to the walls make a sling bed for sleeping comfort with any foam padding and a sleeping bag or in summer just a sheet.

[@willn8664]

I would also say to switch from a gas stove to a hot plate. You save a bit of money because you're not spending on propane tanks. Also, you some more space that you can use for something else. You already have the electricity from your solar panel so you're good to go.

[@bgrace27]

I considered but since propane for a month is like $3 I don’t mind plus with an electric stove, I’d have to worry about getting ENOUGH solar charge all the time.

[@calvinc5961]

Yes, you have a lot of potential with your skills and knowledge in building and customizing vans along with your travel adventures. Plus being able to get discounts on products from sponsors and manufacturers. You're great and awesome at cooking meals on the road and should have a recipe for all of the meals you cook. I really enjoy your channel and I still can't get over what an awesome van you have. I am thinking about traveling more but I don't have a van - just a Raptor a Bronco and a Tent lol. Or stay in a motel but that gets expensive.

[@bgrace27]

Mmmm I should put the recipe in the description….

[@HolaBrazil]

$28 a day in El Paso for the monthly rate.

[@David-e1b3t]

With a gallon of fairly hot water, and a washcloth, one can get remarkably clean.

[@bgrace27]

A gallon of hot water is just as hard to come by 😂😔

[@David-e1b3t]

I forgot to mention@@bgrace27 Car campers need to have some kind of stove with them. I'm a backpacker with over 1/2 dozen stoves. What I recommend for car campers is the Coleman funnel shaped stove which screws directly onto the (typically) green, 1 lb propane cannisters at walmart. Coleman calls this the "Bottle Top Propane Stove". Nice, because it is affordable, burns clean (very low CO production), and the fuel is available all over the place, and lasts forever. White gas stoves are not ideal (flare ups and CO), 230 gram isobutane backpacking stoves are as good as the Coleman, just expensive fuel. Alcohol stoves I really didn't like, running in an enclosed tent. In a pinch, in a sunny climate, any 2L plastic bottle can be spraypainted flat black and left in the sun. The water will be pretty hot in a few hours.

[@rickhiggins6521]

I did that today and felt just as clean as a shower. I think he is figuring out that showering everyday is just unnecessary

[@selbyminnerdc]

baby wipes

[@strykerhalo]

If you stayed all 14-16 days in dispersed camping sites, and found them no more than 30-50 miles apart you could easily save gas. $200 savings. Then just get EBT if you qualify you’ll get $291 a month. There’s food savings. You could probably get it down to $500 a month. Just have to make sure you’re meticulous and stay all 14-16 days at dispersed sites.

[@kekistanirefugee]

Maintenance and repair. The more miles you put on it the more it requires. Always have emergency funds or you'll find yourself on the side of the road for weeks.

[@BillySBC]

Should work out a "micro-shower" for inside your van, have seen people do it before and it works well and very simple setup. Also, I think maybe get yourself a little scooter to put on the back of your van, like a Zuma 125 or something or a Honda Ruckus maybe, so you can park your van and go explore with your little scooter, also if you break down you are never actually stranded. Great video.

[@bgrace27]

I’ve got an outdoor shower, it was so hard to use it for that road trip but on my current one, it’ll be a bit warmer thank godness

[@verdellparentaaawink268]

I have an electric bike that gets 40 mi.a charge is very handy

[@harryknutts8428]

truckers usually have lots of free showers on the truckstop rewards card , if u ask them real nice and im a trucker and have done this , they will give u a shower free, also mom n pop style truckstops usually have cheaper showers like 5 or 10 bucks compared to 15 or 20 at big chains, ive seen as high as 25 for a shower ,

[@bgrace27]

Good to know, thank you

[@dumpstermaster104]

With inflation the way it is, this guy hit the nail on the head

[@bgrace27]

For real bro, thank you. Certainly a better way to live a fulfilling life while also saving money

[@dumpstermaster104]

@@bgrace27 Damn right

[@Frkdsnbrd4103]

In Bay Area in California, a 1 bedroom apartment starts in the low $2k range plus utilities. Housing costs makes retiring just a dream to many people and this is to many across the country.

[@lorenl9262]

Great video Bronson :)- I wish Chevrolet still built the ASTRO van as the vans today are either too big or too small> Kudos to you and I am looking to move my life into the vanlife concept as I pay $1200 for rent in a 1 bedroom apartment in Downtown Las Vegas which is not a safe area and I am never home. Vanlife is the way to go in this economy!!!!

[@bgrace27]

It’s paying off money wise and experience wise!

[@bill9912]

Don't forget to account for repairs and maintenance on your vehicle, as this isn't free; however, this expense is often included in monthly apartment rent.

[@jumbledfox2098]

god this is so cool!! i'd love to do this after university or something, i just don't want to wait too long and be too old

[@EnclaveDesigns]

I lived in my 2006 Kia Amanti in college during COVID and traveled across the West U.S., then up to Alaska (the second the Canada borders opened). Spent $200 on my build and $500 on the car. Somehow, I didn't break down until I came back months later. Then, it was issue after issue until I towed her off to the junkyard.

[@bgrace27]

Now that’s an adventure of a lifetime

[@Belize_to_the_World]

Iiving the rasta way, money isn't everything. Big up yuh self youth!! Who Jah BLESS no man CURSE.

[@bgrace27]

🤙🤙

[@williambanks9292]

Greatly appreciate your cost breakdown, I’ve been working on my own van and it’s nice to see what angles I can avoid spending unnecessarily

[@bgrace27]

I’m glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!

[@MsAce0424]

I smashed the like button once i heard the van's name is fred. Love it.

[@bgrace27]

😎

[@explorer8125]

I guess I got lucky cause I found a 1991 ford econoline high top with 50,000 miles on it. For 3,500. It runs great even after the cold it hasn’t killed the battery yet. I have gotten wheel bearing fixed and windshield wipers. And I need to get a new door seal but it’s still great. The woman before me had already put floors in and a wooden box you could put a mattress on and has inverter and battery in it with shore power hook up

[@bgrace27]

That’s a great deal man, way to go!

[@lisetteboucherfortin4775]

Hi I just saw your vlog ,interresting ,I am old enough to be your Grandma..don't be too cheap on yourself life is too short

[@bgrace27]

I’ll keep it in mind 😊

[@Loulou-nj7ji]

You absolutely right. I am one who also keeps track of my expenses and that’s the way to do it!!! And you’ll probably have a nice bank account! You are so smart ❤looking forward to your next adventure my friend until then stay safe stay strong and God bless 🙏❤️✌🏼

[@bgrace27]

Thank you!!!

[@youdontwanttoknow5203]

Depends on what your income is. If you're on SS, you won't have enough left over to save.

[@genespell4340]

​@@youdontwanttoknow5203 it's according to how long you worked and how much you made per hour. A lot of people get more than 2,000.00 a month.

[@justin555666]

Dude you inspire me to meal prep. I spend an embarrassing amount on food. I gotta get that cost down.

[@bgrace27]

Glad I could help 🫡

[@CaptainKush420]

Getting frozen fruits and veggies from Walmart is a really good way to eat on the cheap. They stay fresher longer that way

[@bigrobsvan]

You did it! Thanks for taking us along for the past month. Next time spend an extra $5 on bug spray if you go back to Spider Mountain! Blech!

[@bgrace27]

I think that would be wise 😂 I think I’ll spend more and get a flamethrower!

[@summerlaverdure]

great video! vanlife is something that's not realistic for me to do but it's cool to see other people doing it!

[@moonlambo5229]

Cool video man, keep going! I was considering van life but I think I will just move to Thailand / Vietnam and pay $200 a month in rent instead.

[@bgrace27]

Great idea bro

[@verdellparentaaawink268]

Indonesia 100oo = 1800oo their

[@Stonefree-c1q5y]

I’m considering moving there as well.

[@Lowpressure29]

Start-up cost is subjective. Depends on the person and what they have in mind when building out their vehicle. Minimalists have done quite a bit with very little. Either way, it's up to you when it comes to how elaborate you get.

[@SPQR-Z]

This very good advice for many people spending unnecessary including living in fixed location such as apartment. Many people waste money not thinking about and so they are always the broke ones. $800 per month is cheap and if not driving around then even cheaper

[@bgrace27]

Very cheap if you’re in a fixed location

[@jessicaalfonso5005]

You did great! I watch a lot of van live videos and yours showed the best budget. Great job! And, I love your van and the way you have it set up inside. Wishing you happy travels!

[@bgrace27]

Thank you 🙏

[@rickcooper156]

I'm really enjoying your videos! I Live full time Luxuriously in my SUV and it still costs me much less than living in a Bricks and Sticks! My Montra is "High Quality but Low Quantity". I don't own much but the few things I do have are DeLuxe and bring me much Joy and Happiness. With the money I save, I travel and enjoy more time with Family and Friends. I Love my SUV Life! On a side note, be careful with the amount of fish you eat. Mercury poisoning is no joke. Be safe out there and have Fun!

[@bgrace27]

I’m glad you’re enjoying! What kind of SUV are you traveling in?? I’d love to know! I just looked into tuna and mercury poisoning 😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@rickcooper156]

@@bgrace27 I've been living full time in my 2004 Toyota Highlander for almost 4 years and it's the best thing I've ever done. It's more than enough room for me to live in and I can park her anywhere without being noticed. The savings on gas is also a huge plus and there are few roads that I can't venture down. I'm currently building out a 1994 Chevy G20 Gladiator van conversion so my girlfriend can join me on some of my travels here in SoCal. I'll keep living in the Highlander for the economy and use the van when my girl wants to go"Glamping" LOL. And who knows, she might come to love this Lifestyle as much as me and join me full time but only if we live in the van. Lol I hope you make some time, in your traveling schedule, to come visit the mountain and coastal communities of Southern California. We're one of the few places where you can go surfing in the morning and snow skiing in the afternoon! Not to mention all the crazy stuff to do in between! I just Love it here and I think you will too.

[@bgrace27]

@@rickcooper156 a Toyota Highlander would be a pretty good rig to get into, I think it’s awesome 👏 I personally thought about building out a G20 as well so you’ve got me jealous! • I’ve got big plans for SoCal….some day

[@Zak_How]

Awesome video, thank you. Actual cost of van isnt even too too bad. Expensive but cheaper than other builds I've seen

[@bgrace27]

Yeah bro, I did it for way cheaper than most people

[@AdirondackgeorgeFB]

All boils down to one thing, the man is a genius!! ☝️

[@bgrace27]

🥰

[@Hiram-ck6os]

Awesome video. Great energy, to the point, and full of knowledge. Safe travels!

[@amylee6038]

Our family of 7 lived on $6/day total for years. In a bamboo Nipa hut with grass roof and dirt floor. No electricity, no plumbing, no furniture, just enough space for us to lie down at night. It was a war zone with atrocities my family and I lived through. Americans cosplay at this, so I was glad you did the "startup cost" portion at the end because it is quite deceptive not to. I married a wealthy Americano, we have a homestead in remote rural Alaska. We could easily go six months to a year without spending any money at all. We could say how cheap it is to live like this. All you need is start up money for boats, an airplane, ATV's, Snowmobiles, bulldozer and other heavy equipment, logging equipment, a log home with outbuildings and a fully equipped 50x24 shop, a thousand gallons of fuel on hand and 1.5 tons of stored food. Lots to do with a hockey rink, billiards room, music recording studio and band room, MMA fighting cage, etc.

[@DreadCthulhuu]

dude what are you braying on about you donkey? boats, ATVs, 1000 gallons of fuel?? lol shut your mouth. nobody needs all that you silly little mail- order- wife. this guy did it in a van, no land. Americans COSPLAY LMAO? sorry not everybody grows up in garbage, trash countries. it's not cosplay sweetie, some of us are minimalists and we don't need to pretend to come from garbage cultures to justify our lifestyle. you married a "Wealthy Americano"? good thing you did, or you would still be sleeping on the dirt floor. show some respect to the nation that literally saved you from wriggling around in the dirt like a worm. give that man a top tier BJ tonight to show your gratitude for your nice, western lifestyle.

[@Hedgeknight420]

Weirdest flex possible bro, but ok

[@amylee6038]

@@Hedgeknight420 Not your bro. Ad hominems are the proof you have nothing of merit to say. This is what you've accomplished with your life. Congratulations.

[@billystone8282]

I've been strongly considering buying a van and converting it since I have to leave where I'm staying in a month. I wish you had a video of how you designed the interior! I'd like to have it the exact same way. Could you go through and make a detailed video of how you came up with everything? Dimensions and how you ran the lighting. I'm sure everyone would be interested in that.

[@abelrivera4375]

I'm currently crossing true a hard time and unemployed, I have a 2010 Ford Escape and I'm really debating in trading it for a van or just accomadate it for living. Definitly an inspiration man. Got you a new sub, and loved your van!

[@bgrace27]

I’m glad I could help bro 🤙 Welcome to the channel, let me know if ya need anything

[@brianmi40]

Kia Sedona are legendary for lots of length for sleeping if you can't swing a van. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmS2f6qmr7WEf5I People have even rigged a way to shower in the recessed floor!

[@lilyandrose8557]

All the best to you!

[@Hofmeister.Guitars]

If you factor in the cost of paying the Van off over the period of a year, you are looking at typical Utah rent. However, the van becomes an asset! Pretty sweet deal if you are into the lifestyle.

[@betterbelizeit]

Hey Bronson, nice break down of the expenses. The example you gave of the price difference for tuna, dang, that's significant. I think you're smart having StarLink. Safe travels once you're back on the road.

[@bgrace27]

Yea it was kinda crazy in some of those small towns. It was rough spending double on groceries and getting half as much 😫

[@leethebee1560]

@@bgrace27 in a small town look for Dollar General. they often beat prices in the mom and pop Super stores

[@CalebOliver]

I love the different angles you used to shoot this video! You inspire me to do van life, especially based on how expensive it is to live in NYC in 2024. Great Video! 👍🏾 😊

[@mikaeleriksson9176]

Very Good presentation of vanlife living. Wet wipes is something you should consider and have your own batterypump for water so you can shower whenever you want. Otherwise you have things under control. Best wishes ! Mike from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@bgrace27]

Thank you for the compliments!!! I have a 12v air pump for my outdoor shower that runs off my van battery!

[@debraduncan1279]

I really like what you did with your strolly, really Sharp! Happy trails......

[@pamelaklemp5615]

When you cooked did you use propane a Tank, Propane Canisters, Butane Canisters, camp fires? Were those costs included also? Oil changes, tire air, any Van maintenance costs? I was curious about the current prices being so high many places around the country. Husband and I roadtripped for 45 consecutive days (several years back) touring through Georgia, Alabama, and parts of Florida. Our costs were about $1,100 for the total 45 days back then. We did, however, eat a nice restaurant meal on occasionally but not often. Our Van is a Chevy Limited SE EXPLOYER CO CONVERSION VAN. Gas Prices and Gas Mileage was good 👍. I won't even discuss our prices to roadtripping with our Newmar Motorcoach -- Wintering for several months in Florida but I can't complain -- the comfort is amazing but I still LOVE LOVE LOVE MY VAN WEEKENDERS ♥. Your Van looks very WELL APPOINTED and COZY COMFY, NICE BUILD-OUT.

[@bgrace27]

I used a 1 gallon propane tank when cooking and I had to fill it up near the end of a month. It was only like $3 to fill up and yes that is included. Maintenance while on the road was very minimal as I took care of it all before hand. I bought oil once. I carry a 12v air compressor. If I were to travel for more than a month or two, costs would certainly go up. Thank you for the compliments!!

[@8notoriusinquisitorius87]

@@bgrace27 I've seen van lifers use butane stoves many times because they are slightly more efficient and take less space. But that gas can get outrageous too, for example Emi (CatVanLady) can get a five pack of butane at a chinese market in Canada around $10 (it'll last her months) and Walmart charges the same price for one can. If you get a chance maybe check out the RTR (Rubber Tramp Rendezvous - Arizona) one year, you could get some extremely great tips from people who have been road trippers for years.

[@brianmi40]

Look at HotLogic Mini and an 8 cup Pyrex w lid. Will change your cooking world. 12v or 110v, your choice.

[@pamelaklemp5615]

@@brianmi40 For the 12V model: Can you plug into a STANDARD CIGARETTE LIGHTER IN THE CAR/VAN? Or do you need a SEPARATE 12V INVERTER to use it? I have a RoadPro Warmer/Oven already but have only used it on the standard Cigarette Lighter while driving. I do have a separate hard wired 300W Inverter in the Van also but haven't used it unless I'm driving. I've heard the Logic is very nice and holds more food, good for two people for a nice lunch or for one person for a hearty Dinner 🍽 . Thanks for the suggestion. Sorry to be so new to the 12V Car/Van cooking. I've always cooked outdoors with a TRANGIA STORMCOOKER, on my SOLO STOVE TITAN Bio Fuel Gasification Stove or my Coleman Fold-N-Go Grill/Griddle. Just now venturing into INSIDE the Car/Van cooking. It'sa whole new world to me.

[@brianmi40]

@@pamelaklemp5615 Either way will work, super low wattage around 35 watts I recall, so cig lighter no issue, and of course if you want to use it in the house, your inverter will just add a few more watts overhead due to the conversion loss. They're near perfect, can't burn food ever, won't try it out because of the sealed pyrex.

[@TheCrypticGamerLive]

When you're in a apartment you're usually working if you're travelling constantly you're not usually working so yeah it might be cheaper but you're resources are finite

[@PhamVans]

Nice van, surprised you went with a bright yellow though. 😮 (I personally want to paint my van an army green to keep it more incognito.) Anyways, after 3 years of living and travelling in a van myself, it's definitely cheaper than renting. I'd say the hardest part is adjusting your lifestyle.

[@pepsilove6306]

other way around actually, one of the best ways to be incognito when van lifing is keeping the white paint, or going with a bright noticeable color, then slapping some made up company logo on the side of it. I slapped a pest control logo on the side of my van and would just park in grocery store parking lots over night and was left alone 9 outta 10 times because its pretty common at least in my neck of the woods for major box stores to have spraying and bug control done at night or over the weekend when closed so employees thought nothing of it. The black out and army green ones usually stick out like a sore thumb unless your gonna squat on a old logging road.

[@bgrace27]

Nobody else does the yellow ~ personally I think it’s very fun and extremely unique so I kept the ugly color! I agree though, the adjustment was tough in the first two weeks

[@markkinder6275]

If you go to a truck stop, ask a trucker to get you a shower. Truckers get free showers whenever they fuel, they usually have rewards cards with unlimited showers on them, especially at Love's, Pilot, or Flying J

[@calvinc5961]

Hey Bronson, that sure beats paying rent plus except for the start up cost which really isn't too bad considering what it would cost to buy a van fully equipped for travel. I wonder if you made a business of your travels, you could then write off all of if not most of your travel expenses - Just a thought. And yes its good to keep a travel and expense log of all the places you go to. Since watching your travels and the innovative meals you cook on the road, I have learned to cook innovative meals at home lol, as this saves spending money from eating out. Thanks for sharing your awesome travel and cooking videos.

[@bgrace27]

It sure does paying rent. Here as a single dude in Utah it’s kinda rough trying to find a place as well. It was either move into an expensive apartment or into a van so here I am! I’ll have to look into making my travels a business, that’s an excellent idea

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

@@bgrace27 Are you monetized on YT yet? As soon as you can get monetized, start a LLC, and keep track (keep all receipts) of your expenditures, and make YT a qualifying side hustle business!! BTW my home on wheels is my 2015 4Runner Tank Girl and my 5x10 cargo trailer Jet Girl.

[@k9rescue165]

I don't think Starlink is an option, you gotta have Starlink! Good job👊🐾🐾

[@coryplace6965]

Love the channel bro .i like your set up im thinking of doing van life here soon myself .be safe man .keep making cool videos .!!

[@bgrace27]

It’s worth it! Thanks for the support

[@308dad8]

Funny how many people say they have $10,000 in whatever they’re driving. Chevy Astro van is depending how good it is up to a $3500 minivan. Really bigger but smaller than a full size van. How does a young boy afford tens of thousands of dollars to pay for furnishing his camper van? I believe you had a road trip by yourself for $800. And yes better food storage capacity and planning would’ve trimmed some off that number. When I have traveled across America by myself my requirements are lower than hauling my household along with me.

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

Traveling also includes vehicle maintenance. Oil change, oil filter, air breather filter. Tires. Brakes. Radiator coolent) antifreeze. Once a year Radiator flush. Hoses serpentine belt, Havac maintenance. Tune ups. Light bulbs go out and need replacement. Windshield wipers. Not staying up on this maintenance will cost much more in replacing a vehicle. $654 is average a year on maintenance. From what i have seen in all the videos i have seen over the years this is left out of the budgets. Of course it depends on how much you drive. If you're spending $400 a month. You are driving a lot more miles than a broke dude. I guarantee you, if you neglect the above you will begin having major problems soon. Living on the road over owning a home in the long run costs you more with nothing to show for it. If you full own a home. Renters that is different.

[@MobBarley-z3k]

Ok smart guy, tell me how I can get a home for 1000 dollars a month.

[@mythmaker6968]

Nothing to show?? Besides the experiences, travel, memories, people you meet, and oh, selling the van later! Yeah, absolutely nothing. Your comment started so promising and then turned into cynical nonsense

[@MobBarley-z3k]

@Iknowonlywhatimtaught yes own a home with a 800k debt, pay taxes on the debt, pay out the wazoo for homeowners insurance, pay property taxes, live in an hoa? Pay fines if your grass is half an inch too tall, have shitty neighbors? Good luck selling your house, the areas demographics change and there's an influx of crime? Your house loses value, the list goes on and on. I'd rather live in a van, cheaper to repair and it won't get foreclosed on if you lose your job and can't sell

[@valveneul3958]

As someone who is boring now and doesn’t do to much and whos only social life is at work, I could definitely do this. Been playing out saving money. Going to take a year or two but this is definitely something I’m going to do. Sunk 30k+ into project cars might as well do that to a van.

[@bgrace27]

Hell yeah

[@templar1694]

The struggles of vanlife will be a place to park, source of clean water, restroom and where to dumb the waste and a place to take a bath. But modern life have many solutions for this problems.

[@bgrace27]

That’s for reals tho. IOverlander was a lifesaver

[@brianmi40]

I've stealth vanned for a total of about a year altogether over the last 4 years in 2 van conversions. One way streets with little used parking spaces or neighborhoods without driveways are easy pickins, even in places like Miami. Look for a street on the side of homes with a fence, back up to the car behind you to conceal out of state plates to casual drive bys. Buy 3 gallon water jug, fill at any Walmart if you can't find free water in city parks, restrooms with a 1g jug, etc. Orange Home Depot or similar bucket and a toilet seat they sell for mounting on top, and a bag and you've got #2 covered. for couples, easy DIY on composting toilets which when properly used and vented offer NO smell. As a guy, I picked up an airtight plastic box, roll up the bags and put inside for no smell until you can make a dump of them. $40 rechargeable battery powered shower head/pumps on amazon get you free showers. Put bottles of water on the dash while parked or driving for the sun to warm them, dump in a bucket or pail, put in the pump, and shower away. I've even rigged a hanging shower curtain that sets up from a roof rack in 20 seconds, or you can often just shower in shorts as a guy. There's also pop up shower / changing enclosures you can buy. there's solutions to every need out there, just need to look.

[@bridgetamato6182]

Your build out looks nice. Good for you. Honestly, as a woman I wish I could feel safe traveling alone in parks. I read a ton of crime stories. I have traveled alone however, I feel safe staying inside a nice neighborhood and rent so I can cook some of my meals to save money. I also enjoy going to local markets and cooking. So cool you get to travel seeing such beautiful areas. I live in LA. For a family of 4 to eat out you are spending $86 dollars is the magic number. Living in San Francisco I spent $800 total on groceries and eating out, possibly more. Making $100,000 a year in California barely allows you to save unless you live like a college student which would make me feel depressed. I enjoy eating out and grab a coffee twice or once a week out. I feel happy when I’m out and about. Yesterday, I found a new restaurant. Hungarian and Italian, Posto 896. Excellent! A definite must on to do list of restaurants to try in LA. If I’m going to spend outrageous prices on food eating out restaurants better have good customer service and be on point with their food. Enjoy the rest of your travels. Please cover parks you feel would be safe for women to camp alone. Thanks. 🙏 ❤

[@Jesus-warrior]

I currently make about $16000 a month. I have a Tesla car payment that is $2000 insurance is another 260 I must say I'm very excited to To live the Van life not just to be frugal but the reality is I don't need anything other than the clothes on my back and food and my Bible I've lived the luxury life I've purchased whatever car I wanted I've spent money wherever I pleased and it is nothing but emptiness it is not fulfilling paying taxes working in 9 to 5 working 12 hours a day 16 hours a day it doesn't really matter it's not freedom living in a Van is freedom not just for a short period of time but the rest of my life least that's the plan for me I appreciate the video and yes your astrovan is super cool I love the yellow that's the same yellow my C7 Corvette was beautiful great video and appreciate you God bless you❤

[@Jon.......]

What about reserves for tires, battery, oil changes, filters, etc. ? No gym membership for showers on the road? A strategically located mail box? (UPS Store, Postal Express, etc). Use two cell phones (different carriers) with unlimited wifi in lieu of StarLink?