Starting Van Life: Real Costs & Monthly Savings Revealed

[@BikerVanLife]

Don't forget to Subscribe if you haven't already. It does not cost a thing but means the world to me :)

[@jrewillis]

Good on you for making it so cheaply. You'll need to insulate the van and ideally get a diesel heater when it gets cold. Without proper insulation it'll be cold in winter. A little roof vent will help keep condensation at bay too. Or crack both side windows an inch (some wind deflectors will help disguise that they are open)

[@BikerVanLife]

@@jrewillis absolutely. I’m looking into that now. I have wind deflectors already and keep the windows a jar.

[@Millie-Rob-Mitchell]

Nice one mate, it doesn't need to cost the earth to live, you are spot on .

[@BikerVanLife]

@@Millie-Rob-Mitchell thanks mate. Really appreciate the comment ☺️

[@jonathancamm896]

Just discovered your channel and watched all of your videos over a long, lazy breakfast. I've been living in Thailand for 15 years and China for 4 years before that, and I'm seriously considering moving back to the U.K. I'll probably be living in a cheap old van if I do get back over there, so your videos have been great to watch, especially this one. Great to see someone doing it how I will most likely be doing it for a while until I get on my feet. Got yourself a new subscriber. Best of luck with your new lifestyle!

[@BikerVanLife]

@@jonathancamm896 Hey buddy! Thanks so much for the support. Thailand, that sounds awesome. My van is far from expensive. It’s old cost me a little over £1500 and has nearly 200,000 miles on it. So just go for it! 💪 Thanks again mate

[@LivegoodWilliam]

This has been a big help, infact I am copying your layout. I will add one thing, though: I would find a good laundrette that does a service wash. One I used to use in Ilkeston washed, dried, and ironed my clothes, then they would fold them and shrink wrap them. It only cost me 10 - 11 quid for a bag full.

[@BikerVanLife]

That’s brilliant! I definitely need to find one of those 💪

[@VoyagersQuest-c4m]

Where was about that in ilkeston ? It’s interesting. Please share if not a problem. Thanks

[@yusufknowsit7674]

Finally someone still uploading regularly, showing the van/car life 💯💯

[@BikerVanLife]

@@yusufknowsit7674 doing my best buddy. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@davidh6827]

Really enjoying your journey, a basic no frills home on wheels. It just proves you don't need a Mercedes sprinter a fitted kitchen and a composting toilet. Good luck mate, keep the updates coming.

[@BikerVanLife]

@@davidh6827 you’re absolutely right mate. I’m sure those things are nice to have, but are they really needed? Thanks for your support buddy ❤️

[@asilver2889]

Really good. So simple, although you have access to a workplace, which is fine. I'm using my vw caddy maxi (car) as a holiday camper with a very similar setup except no gym needed, as its just for weekends. As its my leisure breaks, I eat out having saved by avoiding hotels, and use public loos. Tinted windows are essential. Have p-bottle for stealth at night. Being able to park almost anywhere is biggest bonus of not having a camper van, specially in holiday areas. Legally still a standard vehicle. Wish I'd thought to do it years ago.

[@BikerVanLife]

Love that! You are absolutely right. I’d consider a maxi next. Or something a bit bigger. 😊

[@keepsmiling1484]

Great down to earth video, keeping it all very real, unlike many others - well done and keep the videos coming - great job 👍

[@BikerVanLife]

@@keepsmiling1484 Thank you so much! ☺️

[@j-a-c-9020]

I've been car camping for a couple of years now . Was using my Mondeo but was uncomfortable so bought myself an old V70 estate ☺️

[@billcarson3634]

Appreciate the honest video on this - van life is only as expensive as living in a flat if you are living in a designer van/RV or travelling a lot. You don't need a designer kitchen in your van to survive, or be shackled with £40k debt for a new vehicle.

[@BikerVanLife]

@@billcarson3634 You are absolutely right Bill. No need to go balls to the wall on a van at all.

[@surfydurfy5000]

Looking forward to watching your vids, looking at a small van myself!!

[@BikerVanLife]

@@surfydurfy5000 Do it! An airbed fits like a glove behind the front seats. Get started and get out there. Also really easy to park it anywhere without drawing attention 😎

[@charlottehigman4079]

Sending ♥️ & big hugs… your doing great Rob… Fab to see you doing you! Im enjoying your journey.. Looking forward to more vids 👍 Stealthy! True Ninja style x

[@surfydurfy5000]

Yes I want to have it like yours, don’t want all the bells and whistles. I was going to look at a Vauxhall cargo combo but it was sold! The van will replace my car, so it will be my daily driver too! Keep up with great vids!!👍

[@BikerVanLife]

@@surfydurfy5000 That’s exactly why I got my van. To replace my car and drive daily. It’s good on fuel too

[@joshuabegley4122]

Do vlog of your park up and your night / morning routine

[@BikerVanLife]

@@joshuabegley4122 some great ideas 👌

[@yusufknowsit7674]

This is the one💯

[@Grandpapiyorks]

New sub mate,good on you, when it starts cooling down keep your windows cracked quarter of an inch or cover your bare metal, The condensation will be a nightmare when it freezes

[@BikerVanLife]

@@Grandpapiyorks thanks for the support buddy. That’s actually something I have already started implementing. Luckily not too much bare metal either. 😊

[@BioRuss-qr5il]

Great interesting video Thanks for sharing God Bless

[@popestar100]

Refreshing seeing a budget vanlife video without the £££££spent on victron high end conversions should imagine there’s loads gone into debt thinking they need all the fancy stuff but £100 and your out there doing it 👌

[@BikerVanLife]

Absolutely and saving money. So when I do want to upgrade I’ll have the money for it :)

[@ajfeinman]

Great videos. New subscriber. I live in my Toyota Prius. You mentioned intermittent fasting in another video. I think that is a very underrated way of making life easier in this lifestyle. Also very good for your health long term.

[@BikerVanLife]

You are absolutely right. It’s very underrated anyway I think. Thank you so much for the support 😊🙏🏼

[@sketchydude6327]

New sub here dude. Look forward to following your journey 🤙🏼

[@BikerVanLife]

@@sketchydude6327 thank you so much. ☺️

[@jonathanmchugh5978]

Just subbed you. Great video and so right that you don’t have to spend a fortune. Be safe my friend.

[@BikerVanLife]

@@jonathanmchugh5978 Thank you so much mate. I appreciate your feedback and support 💪👌

[@Bob-_-Smith]

You’d be better off building a frame to put your mattress on the you could use the underneath for storage and free up floor space.

[@BikerVanLife]

@@Bob-_-Smith yeah I’ve been looking into this. It needs to be something that folds to a point where I can put the seats back in.

[@YorkshiremanOutdoors]

Just watched this mate and enjoyed it. The pikachu earned my sub ✌🏻

[@BikerVanLife]

@@YorkshiremanOutdoors Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support mate :)

[@YorkshiremanOutdoors]

@@BikerVanLife not a problem mate, look forward to catching up on your channel

[@LindzandLife]

Hi Rob 👋 This video popped up in my feed so I had a binge watch on all the videos youve done so far. Ive a transit thats 70% done and at a stand still with. So Im Considering a wee van or or car camping just for some escape time. Lookimg forward to following your journey. Just keep a check on your music volume as its a tad loud otherwise great for your first few videos 😉 Take care and hugs from Ireland x

[@BikerVanLife]

Thank you So much. I definitely will keep an eye on that. Just get out and get started. It’s fun. It’s not nearly so hard, expensive or daunting as it may seem. 🙏🏼❤️

[@LindzandLife]

@BikerVanLife It's been my dream to part-time van life for years ever since I battled cancer. I'd love to do it full time, eventually health permitted. I'm also a biker chick, not so much into harleys though. I'm more a yamaha or kawasaki kinda gal x

[@BikerVanLife]

@@LindzandLife I’m sorry to hear that… just get out there and enjoy making your dream a reality. Oh and I won’t hold it against you that your a Jap bike girl 😋 I wish you every success x

[@Wijkkie]

I know for sure, if you fall in love van life. You will get a bigger van, get a bed in it, a powerstation etc etc 🤩

[@pete801]

Bungee chord works perfect as a curtain rail by the way. Treat yourself to a bit of black out material. 5 quid total. That towel upsets me

[@BikerVanLife]

@@pete801 love the Pete! 😂 Thanks for the advice. I will absolutely do that. 💪

[@redtiger6047]

Good video. Is the air pump really £5?. Thank you.

[@BikerVanLife]

Yes 👍

[@Keepthedrovetidy]

Good on ya bud. Go smash life

[@BikerVanLife]

@@Keepthedrovetidy thank you mate 😊

[@darrincambridge2377]

Back to basics. Check out static campervan 😊

[@WayWordWay]

How long do you plan to camp like this? You will have to make some changes for the late autumn and winter months, and I'd be currious how the comfort goes then, and which challenges you will find. I wonder also if you gave up your regular house/apartment and what sort of percent of normal monthly expenditures the 500 pound savings amount to.

[@BikerVanLife]

@@WayWordWay initially the number in my head was 3 months. £500 is my share of the monthly rent and bills. I am looking to save more by saving now on food shopping and fuel. The colder months I will definitely tackle if still in the van past the 3 month goal ☺️

[@DENGYOR]

Keep goin 🎉

[@BikerVanLife]

@@DENGYOR Thank you so much ☺️

[@adamsher86]

Hi Rob, your channel showe dup and ive been watching your vlogs. Unfortunate your situation that got you into vanlife but you seem to be doing well and enjoying it. What does your privte plate stand for/resemble? Look forward to seeing your future vlogs!

[@BikerVanLife]

@@adamsher86 Hey Adam, thank you so much for the support. It’s actually a plate that came with the van from the previous owner. He was interested in having it back but he hasn’t really gone forward with it. His surname was Hill I believe lol

[@ukguitaryogi2888]

no eneergy source for using laptop or charging phone and so on ? how do you cook and do a number 2 ?

[@BikerVanLife]

@@ukguitaryogi2888 have a watch through some of the other videos I talk about those things :)

[@TheKARMMARK]

I have subscribed. Do you have a job? What made you start living in a van? Great video by the way!

[@BikerVanLife]

@@TheKARMMARK I actually have a full time job. I realised I spent a lot of time at work so my needs after were actually minimal. Check out my first video and it explains a little about why in that. Thank you so much for the support ❤️

[@SuperDavensuziyoutub]

Hi,I'm a very keen biker and looking to bin my crazy rent/Council Tax/ Utilities bills and live in my Skoda Favia Estate. Any tips for starting out please mate?👌🏍️🌞

[@BikerVanLife]

@@SuperDavensuziyoutub Hi Dave, great to meet you. Thank you for your support. I was surprised how little I needed. My advice is before you go whole hog. Cheaply kit out the Skoda with some of the bits in my video and trial it over say a long weekend. I’m lucky in the fact that I have a place for the Harley. Is there anything you’d like video on covering?

[@garyvandweller6959]

Welcome to vanlife🤙🏻

[@BikerVanLife]

@@garyvandweller6959 Thank you mate. So far so good. 😊

[@garyvandweller6959]

@@BikerVanLife My first van was a tiny Bipper van I done nearly a year in that lol. You are correct about small vans hiding in plain sight and no one notices.

[@BikerVanLife]

@@garyvandweller6959 absolutely. Works a treat. Thanks for the support buddy 💪

[@knolez1546]

I have the same van. Vanlife gets lonely though

[@BikerVanLife]

Luckily I have family and people around me so this far I’ve enjoyed the peace of being on my own. 👌🙂

[@andrewking9435]

How do u get on during winter..must be freezing

[@BikerVanLife]

@@andrewking9435 it’s not been too cold yet. We will see. 🙈

[@giovannifoulmouth7205]

Hey man, really nice and informative video but I think you made a little mistake, the money you save should be way more than 500£ bc there's no way you can find rent for that cheap in urban UK unless you share an apartment.

[@BikerVanLife]

@@giovannifoulmouth7205 it’s not a mistake. My rent and bills were £500 previously because I was living with my partner. We paid half each. If you are single and paying more, you would obviously save more

[@giovannifoulmouth7205]

@@BikerVanLife oh ok that makes sense

[@MrDonkov]

What is your goal. To save money and then what? Best

[@BikerVanLife]

So definitely save money and then potentially settle down again or buy a bigger van that could suit more than just me so my kids can come along sometimes 😊

[@scottpendry2620]

How tall are you, I’m thinking of getting the same van

[@BikerVanLife]

I’m 6ft but apart from a Halfords airbed I can’t find anything else that fits behind the seats

[@노아-x4u]

Moore Cynthia Garcia Daniel Jones Paul

[@100Noddy]

Need not spend much. Probably get all those items next to free on marketplace

[@BikerVanLife]

@@100Noddy absolutely 👍

[@Gemineye_ink]

What you doing about food/cooking??

[@BikerVanLife]

@@Gemineye_ink I touch on some of that in some of the other videos. Have a little look. I am toying with a small gas stove but so far done fine without 👌

[@Gemineye_ink]

@@BikerVanLife I'll have a look. Thankyou. Be lucky

[@BikerVanLife]

@@Gemineye_ink thanks so much for the support buddy 🙏🏼💪

[@tomprentice6935]

⚔️💪👌🇬🇧👍(stroke)

[@johnbuffaloiam9741]

How many kids do you have ?

[@BikerVanLife]

@@johnbuffaloiam9741 I have 3 boys :)

[@johnbuffaloiam9741]

@@BikerVanLife they live with you in the van?

[@BikerVanLife]

@@johnbuffaloiam9741 there’s not enough room. My eldest is 17 now and taller than than me!

[@BikerVanLife]

@@joline2730 😂😂😂❤️

[@yasminsgreatescape]

There’s no way you’re 46! Do you mean 36? 😮

[@BikerVanLife]

Sadly no…. I’m 46 :( 47 in December

[@yasminsgreatescape]

@@BikerVanLife You look very young for your age 😁 I have subbed. Looking forward to watching more of your videos :)

[@BikerVanLife]

@yasminqureshi_ awww thank you so much!! I appreciate your kind words. Just found your channel too so looking forward to watching some of yours :) perhaps we will see each other out on the road 👍😊

[@yasminsgreatescape]

@@BikerVanLife oh thank you ☺️ and yes, maybe we will. Enjoy your adventures 😄