If I Were Starting Van Life Today...My Top Five Tips For New and Future Van Lifers!

[@Jillian1stJohn3-9-10]

I can't believe I wasted 3 years watching vanlife videos. I lived in my Jeep Patriot for 9 months. Everything I needed was less than $500 (excluding the various trial and errors I had for window coverings). Once I removed the passenger seat I could stretch out and sleep comfortably on memory foam and lots of soft fleece blankets to stay warm even during 40 degrees. I suitcase for clothes, a bin for TP & absorbant horse pellets. A bin for cooking, stove, dry foods; having an ice chest was a pain; it took up too much space and the ice melted too fast, so I just bought my cold items as I needed them. Then once I learned about OMAD/I.F. it really simplified my life & weight loss. I had a hammock-chair to read at the park/beach. Gym to shower/exercise, a small Storage Unit for extra food, clothes, etc. For the past 5 months I've been in an apartment and I've enjoyed having plumbing and a refrigerator...but I hate feeling trapped in 1 city and having to spend $1,300/mo, so once my lease is up, I'm getting back out again for good. The only thing that I'll do differently is to remove the back seats and add Solar for a real frig/freezer, and be able to STAY COOL while I sleep in the summer!!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Woot! 😊

[@Sarah-zv9ug]

Stayed till the end 😊

[@wandoorose]

Thank you Dani for sharing your experience. I love the way you focus on understanding & recognising your personal needs & patterns of living. Quite a process! Happy travels & joyful moments to you.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks so much! 💖

[@As_You_Love_Yourself]

I stayed to the end! Love your happy spirit. I am also a mom (62) of three grown sons. Husband of 32 years and I having issues & not on the same page about many things. Lots of sad disappointments. Have a job that pays the bills and have 1 1/2 years left to get a small pension. Dreaming of life on the road, freedom and simple adventure, seeing old friends & family, & going to Mexico. Studying Spanish at the moment.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Love that! Baby step your way there! I swear, knowing what you want is half the battle. And there’s fun and satisfaction in the process it takes to get there. Good for you!!!

[@susannewatkins8674]

Great video! You are a star! 🎉very clear spoken with lots of good advice. Thanks

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

💖💖💖

[@liveinthemoment381]

I stayed till the end. I think I probably have about three dozen medals now watching your videos 😁 👍

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Cool, thanks! 🥇🥇🥇

[@OldSoulPammy]

OMG this was so helpful! Thanks for all the great info, def has me rethinking a couple of things. Best advice ever = "don't buy it until you absolutely KNOW that you'll need it!". I already want to buy stuff when I see it on sale and I don't even have my vehicle yet lol! ☮️❤️😎 yes, watched to the end! ❤️

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Glad it was helpful! I have so many things, especially little things that I thought, no big deal I’ll just buy it in case, then I never used. But it adds up!

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Perfect video! Have a smaller car and planning for full time van life with boondocking off paved road ability and frequent traveling. Every single topic has been on my mind for months - vehicle, stand up/not, layout, power and how to recharge it reliably, safety items, bed, fridge, gas, insurability, mechanical soundness. I think making the vehicle choice narrows down some of the decisions. I agree with no kitchen in the back only, as prolonged weather or safety concerns would be limiting in that format. Honestly, so far, if I can afford a larger car, I'd prefer a Toyota Sienna with a slight lift kit for off road. Or a cargo van for the space but more costly and less stealthy, not accustomed to drive a big car. Perhaps one can rent a car they are thinking of before sinking so much into it, with car costs these days. Thank you Dani!!!!!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Michelle! I’m glad you found the video helpful and so happy you’re here! Thanks!

[@karinhart489]

Good advice! On the cooler vs fridge, I used a cooler for over 40 years and it was fine. Last year I got a small fridge & it was a game changer. On the curtain thing, for years & years I just used the windshield covering, then added front side coverings, especially as a way to keep heat out. As part of the conversion where I got the fridge I also added a curtain between the front & back. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s closed while I’m in the back, but I found that it really helped while driving in hot or cold temperatures to either keep the heat up front in cold, or keep it cool when running the AC in hot weather. That kind of surprised me. PS: I stayed until the end.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Karin! 💖💖💖 🥇🥇🥇

[@guestguest747]

40 years?

[@karinhart489]

Yes, 40 years… just not with the same cooler. My family had a big chest metal Colman Cooler that we took camping on weekend camping trips & vacations, then it proved itself the summer of 1969 when we camped across the USA and back through Canada. The cooler was fine, I just hated using white gas for the 2 burner stove and lantern. But I didn’t start counting 40 years with a cooler until young adulthood. Various types of coolers since then until the last one (still in use), a 25qt yeti knockoff from Cabela’s that I mastered keeping ice viable for up to 9 days using frozen water bottles.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

@@karinhart489 💖💖💖

[@marydawkins4190]

I used a cooler for my first year and while it's quite doable the 12v refrigerator is a total game changer. Far more than a convenience, I can eat better! I have a small Yeti separately for ice and beverages i want cold. Then I have ice also for a good 3-4 days. I also struggled with a curtain to go across the back. It doesn't work for me so far. So, window coverings is where it's at. Good info, Dani.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Mary! 💖💖💖 thank you!

[@tinadaniels401]

I stayed to the end!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

🥇🥇🥇

[@bonitak8483]

Thanks for all the tips.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

You bet!

[@susanwade9920]

Thank you for speaking about your truth. I am becoming very nervous and fearful about my move to a minivan. You have helped me straighten out my my priorities.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

You can do it! I love the caravans and travel groups for newcomers, definitely!

[@dianepines9014]

​@@YouAndMeLivingFreeHow do you find travel groups for newbies?

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

@@dianepines9014 once you find one, ask people what other groups they are in and you’ll be overwhelmed in no time. LOL. There’s a Facebook called We Camp Together. Also Jan from Butterfly Tracks and Elaine from Travel Grandma are both on KZbin and they have groups too! Hope this helps! 💖

[@dianepines9014]

@@YouAndMeLivingFree Thanks❤️!

[@leanne7306]

Thanks for the great information!! I stayed until the end!!!😊

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Leanne, you deserve a medal! 🥇🥇🥇

[@catherinewilson3106]

Very informative presentation, especially about the curtains! Thank you!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

💖

[@LunaraSorolenti]

I've been planning my "van life" without a van from the start because my car is paid off. I am using my car as transportation and storage and taking my tent and camping/survival gear for the rest! I've been so stressed because everyonee around me is telling me im stupid and it wont work and blah blah blah - that i REALLY need this today. Thank you so much for making your content :) Now i'm a bit less stressed. (the decision has already been made and my date i have to be out of my house was just shortened by..alot so I almost panicked, but remembered I'm already ready!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

You’ve got this! It’s amazing what we can do when we need to. And often, all the stuff we think we need to be ready just isn’t true. Sending you all the good vibes! Let me know how it goes! 💖

[@libbygardner3021]

I’ve done lots of 1 and 2-week camping, so I have basic gear. So I figured out my priorities for full time travel on a low income: use my 17 yo minivan because I can’t afford to buy anything. I need to be able to seat 3 at times. I’m disabled and need a fixed, no fuss (except moving my dog!) bed. I know I will eat better with fresh food, so splurged on a fridge, Bluetti power station and 2 100-watt suitcase solar panels on Amazon prime days (saving 30%!). I’m using a bed frame from home, cutting the legs to allow my head to clear the ceiling while sitting with 13” storage underneath. Built my own separating potty for about $30 for those wee hour needs, no smell! I hope to build some additional storage, but with my rooftop carrier, I should be good. The only thing I really need now is window covers. See you on down the road!

[@Cjs_Travelin_Van-Na]

Sounds awesome! I think I would need a fridge, too.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Sounds wonderful! Woot! See you down the road!

[@rebeccachandler6901]

Good advice! Especially on the fridge!!!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Rebecca!

[@sallygale3431]

Super helpful! And yes - I stayed to the end lol...!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Glad it was helpful! 🥇🥇🥇

[@katherinemcconnell1531]

….🌀Stayed To The End ~It Was Interesting ~ Common Sense Always Comes In Handy🌀….

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

🥇🥇🥇

[@marlo7218]

Great video! So clear and helpful. It brought me some peace of mind because I haven’t found a van yet but need it by May. This video made me realize I can make do with my 2006 4Runner if need be. Thanks! ( of course I stayed through the end)

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Marlo! You definitely deserve a medal! 🥇🥇🥇

[@CwbyKenMusic]

That jackery240 is a lil beast Ive had one for years

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Love it!

[@Storm-rl1wn]

Your tips were immensely helpful! I’ve been in the planning stages for a while and just found your channel because someone suggested I start out in a minivan. Which hadn’t been something I was considering. I keep changing my mind as to what kind of rig I should get for full time. First step is going to be renting. A minivan with stow and go seats and taking a road trip. Baby steps!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

How’s it going????

[@niftytraveler]

I found making the window coverings a pain in the butt. I had a hard time keeping them in place. So I ended up buying a full set of WeatherTech coverings. Totally worth the $200! I found that In the heat of summer, my jackery 1000 still had a hard time keeping up with my power needs. I had to be religious about getting my laid out, and I was traveling so much that it was hard to do that. My compressor was going almost all the time during the hundred degree weather in the middle of the summer. I could only do about 3 days jackery 1000. I definitely figured out that I have to strategize timing for being able to take the time to set up my panels. I believe that my 12 V plug-in wasn't working as well as it is supposed to, and it took forever to be charged my jackery. I feel like if I had a permanent solar panel atop of my car, that would have solved most of that. Dinner with the Lee have to worry about laying things out when I wanted to keep the car in the shade.

[@Cjs_Travelin_Van-Na]

One lady would stop at a rest area just to put out her solar panels when the sun was good. But while she was there she would food prep and cook, even if she wasn't going to eat right away.. I liked that idea.

[@Cjs_Travelin_Van-Na]

Also, I think I would rather spend the $200, I'm not very crafty!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

100 degrees is brutal. Coast or the mountains. I can’t do the heat. 💖💖💖

[@PolyPrincess315]

This was so helpful…all the way to the end 😆💜😆

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Amira! 🥇🥇🥇

[@victoriaangel4740]

Stayed to the end. I'm debating getting into an apartment and being tied to it for a year or getting a minivan and traveling instead. In 2021 I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and thank God it turned out not to be cancer but I did lose a kidney and my mental health. I'm getting stronger and need time to myself and I have always been a bit nomadic. Thank you for the inspiration

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Sending you all the good vibes! I just signed a year lease and I’m ready for it, but I know exactly what you mean! Thanks for being here! 💖

[@bettybrigance6784]

Always here to the end, and enjoy your short films too....this is all good info, I'm one of those who over spent on my mini van setup, but ill either use it, or like you, donate it....the excitement seems to always be there for the next trip...it's " what's around the bend " the keeps it alive for me. You stay safe and keep going

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Yesss, exactly, Betty! Thanks for being here! 😊

[@maryfellows4159]

Hi Dani! I just started watching your videos. I love your enthusiasm and joy….you have a beautiful smile! I started my own journey with a Transit 250 that I converted and enjoyed for a couple years. I thought I wanted something bigger, so I could take my grandkids on trips with me. So I now have a little Micro Minnie Winnebago TT. I love the trailer, but have found it is cost prohibitive and I’m not doing as much actual travel as I originally thought. The grandkids are so busy with their own activities that I’ve only had one trip with my granddaughter. My primary income is social security, and with gas so high, pulling the RV has become really expensive. All that said, I think I will try to sell it this spring and I’m seriously considering the Sienna. I love all your advice! I agree with everything you’ve shared and have learned a lot of these same lessons in my adventure. I think it’s hilarious that after upgrading to the Winnie, I’m now looking at downgrading to a minivan! But it’s all good and a great learning experience. I learned I can hitch a trailer by myself (and back it up too)! I look forward to watching more of your videos…..Take care and be safe :). ~Mary Anne

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks so much, Mary Anne! I’m so glad you are here! 😊

[@Joyce-g4v]

You are so happy. Safe travels. Be safe.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thank you for being here! 😊

[@melodyjennings7782]

First time listening...and all the way to the end. Love your energy and positivity and recommendation to start with less rather than more.❤

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Welcome aboard! 💖💖💖

[@OkieJammer2736]

Awesome to find your channel and great info. New sub. Thank you!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks so much for being here! 😊

[@lubabe9969]

Hey Dani, I'm so glad I stumbled on your channel, I'm watching you on off grid adventure. You're such an inspiration, were close in age and I've always wanted to do what your doing. Your additude is amazing and your a true light in the world. New subscriber. Be safe. ♥️♥️

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Welcome! So glad you are here! Thanks!

[@Sunshine-qk1cs]

Thank you so much for the info. Stay safe God Bless 🙏🌹🤗😺

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

🙌💖☀️🙌🙏

[@maryk790]

I STAYED FIRST VIDEO OF YOURS VERY IMFORMATIVE THANKS

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thank YOU! And welcome! 😊

[@juliesullivan1623]

Great tips. If I only was 20 years younger, I would see you out in the world. For now, I’ll let you show me how it’s done.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

😊😊😊

[@nancyjohnson2070]

This is the BEST post on how to start out Van living!!! I’m literally going tomorrow to look at a Dodge Caravan and a Toyota Sienna. You’ve helped me so much as far as the size power station. I got the Bluetti 700watts. Better price than Jackery. More features as well. I’m going to hold off on refrigerator for now. I love your suggestion on needing head room not. I’m 5’9” and large frame as well. So I’m going to build a bed frame. Cooking inside makes more sense too. A video for ANYONE planning to live in a mini van!! Thanks Dani!!❤❤❤

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks so much, Nancy! I’m so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for sharing!

[@glendanorman781]

Great tips!! Thank you for sharing this info!! I stayed to the end!!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Glenda!! 🥇🥇🥇

[@LaDonnaMills]

I’m totally with you on the front window coverings… it’s so much easier!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi LaDonna! 😊

[@clarasmith1873]

Good advice. I covered my front windows with reflectix, too. No curtain. My big power draw is my biPap machine. I always stay til the end. Might have to come back a few times. 😉

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

💖💖💖

[@w1dowgal]

Watching toward my own adventuring. Re: mosquitoes, I remember camping in Minnesota, the time we decided to have a full meal. Steak and potatoes and such. All five of us dove into the van and left half the steak on the plate out on a picnic table. Bugs can be really awful!!! Even the soles of my feet had mosquito bites!!!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

They are no joke!!!! Wow! 😊😊😊

[@tmaz3654]

Thanks lovely lady it was very good info, I did get a jackery 500 and alpicool little fridge. I am in uk and tend to stay campsites with electric. We don't have the freedom of space to stealth camp like you guys, but I blackout my van widow to keep temperature comfortable, anyhow will watch your vids if I see you on KZbin Toni

[@michellec8273]

I watch videos of people in the UK stealth camping and staying in park ups all the time. Watch Those Happy Days and Travel Beans to start.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Toni! 😊😊😊

[@janicerobinson6803]

Excellent info! Thank you so much Dani. I finally purchased a full set of reflectix made specifically for my van, including front and front doors windows and wished I had started with them! They definitely keep the van cooler in the daytime when parked and offer total privacy at night, so not needing a curtain. I’m at the point of needing/wanting a fridge/cooler which means buying a power source as well, so your info was a great help. Thank you! Love your videos! ❤

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Glad it was helpful! I love the idea of buying the Reflectix made for your van. Woot! Thanks so much for being here!

[@myvanlife1]

Lots of very good advice girl, nice job kiddo!!!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks! 💖

[@cindynok]

Thank you for the perfect video for me at this point. I am still slowly making the move to buying a van and doing a no build for travel. I appreciate what you said about the frig and power I do think I will spend the money on the frig and batteries etc. I did watch until the very end! Have a blessed day!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Woot! Thanks for being here! 🥇🥇🥇

[@myjourneysinfaith]

Great info 👍

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Darlene! 😊

[@terrieannschmearer]

I stayed to the end. Thank you for some good information. :)

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

💖💖💖🏅🏅🏅

[@dalegreene6241]

Great tips Dani! I always love your videos. I'm looking forward to the day I can hit the road. I hope all of your dreams come true in 2023 and you can be back out there!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Yes to dreams coming true - for all of us! Thanks, Dale!

[@glennarussell4682]

Thank you Dani. Very informative. Love from California.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Glad it was helpful! 💖

[@milomilano7679]

You are great. You help a lot! So wise and clear. Thank you.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

So sweet! Thank you!!!

[@melapost9207]

Stayed till the end! TFS

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

🥇🥇🥇 you rock!

[@serenityjewel]

This is a great video. Your advice is so on point. The only thing I would add is if someone is going out for longer periods of time and/or staying in the city, they might want a larger battery if they have a 12 volt fridge and the blackout curtains, in addition to the window covers. Putting up all my window covers everytime I get out of my car is a pain. It's time consuming and it's awkward. With my blackout curtains, I can pull them close in 2 seconds and hop out. To set up my curtains, I just strung a bungee cord from the front "oh crap" handle to the back "oh crap" handle - one cord on each side so two total - and then I put a set of Walmart black out curtains on a regular old-fashioned curtain rod and hung the rod across the bungee cords. It took 5 minutes. Since I'm out for days at a time, I have a 1500 watt hour battery. It can charge my fridge 5 to 6 days on one charge. That comes in handy if it rains or if it's cloudy for days at a time. If someone is going to have a fridge, I would suggest getting at least a 750 to 1000 watt hour fridge. I have Jackery, Bluetti, and Pecron batteries and I think the Pecron LIFEPO4 battery is the best, plus it was half the price. I've also heard good things about Grecell batteries and I love the Grecell solar panels.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Great tips! Thanks for being here!

[@serenityjewel]

@@YouAndMeLivingFree You're welcome. Thank you for sharing your journey and putting yourself out there. Representation matters. ❤️

[@praxedes2]

This was helpful. I stayed until the end.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

🥇🥇🥇 thanks!!!

[@janie88ful]

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL AND INFORMATION ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

I’m glad you like it! 💖💖💖

[@evaennis8303]

very helpful dani! i have gone back and forth about a heater, like a little buddy; you clarified it for me - i don't really need it. great to see you! love you so much! -eve

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Eve! Nice to see you! 😊😊😊

[@charlottewilson4680]

Missed you. So glad you are back.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks so much, Charlotte! 💖

[@diannabrown7754]

I have Jackery 240 and an Alpicool fridge and I don't have any problems.

[@donnakrambeck6531]

Is the fridge all you plug in?

[@diannabrown7754]

@Donna Krambeck I keep it plugged into my 12 v. while driving then when I get stopped I us the Jackery. I also keep it on 41 degrees. I have a 12 v. electric blanket for cold weather that shuts off after 15 min. I charge my phone before I settle in.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

It’s just walking a line, is all I’m saying. I’m glad it works for you! I want that backup and extra power banked for rainy weeks when I’m stationary.

[@SPOKENWORDZ1970]

Living in your van take a toll on your body

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

It was better for me I’m some ways, and not good in others. Just had to keep myself active. 😊

[@LeilanisJourney]

I stayed till the end. Thanks for sharing this useful information.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Glad it was helpful! 🥇🥇🥇

[@alallen2767]

Thanks for that. I TOTALLY agree with you on the curtains. Stay safe.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

😊😊😊

[@Michael-ec5zs]

Great video. Perfect useful tips no bs hype. Thanks. Hope your travels are great

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

So glad you liked it! 😊

[@patriciablank597]

I enjoy seeing your posts, Dani, and appreciate your honest and open way with us! I’m a vicarious solo adventurer and one of those “road not taken” people who had my chances and will not likely ever be on my own. And that’s ok-I live a happy life of a different kind that has always involved another person who has no desire for the nomadic life…I still enjoy fantasizing, though-keep up the good work and have fun for the rest of us 😊

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Patricia! Thanks for sharing!! I’m glad you’re here! 😊

[@juliecancook]

I stayed. I also have front door window covers. Love it

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thank you, Julie! 🥇🥇🥇

[@LindseyShaw-t6x]

I stayed till the end :) I like the idea for the reflectix on the front windows as I was dreading making the curtain!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

It works so much better for me! I’m glad you like the idea too! 💖

[@TerrysTinCanTravles]

Stayed to the end

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Woot! Thanks, Theresa! 🥇🥇🥇

[@betsymckiniry7361]

Stayed to the end.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Betsy! 😊🥇🥇🥇

[@cherylmeadows2651]

Loved the whole thing❣️ 😀

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Cheryl! 🥇🥇🥇

[@izzy2roam898]

My curtains are kinda of in the way. I like your idea of window shades in front.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Izzy! Good to see you!

[@carlacusanelli8206]

this was very helpful and informative I was going to go out and a bunch of stuff I thought I would need and now watching this I won't

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Yay!!!

[@amydayl3294]

Stayed till the end

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Woot! 🥇🥇🥇

[@janpiper3068]

You are spot on,totally.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Jan!

[@romonasafree3151]

Great video! Useful tips.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks, Ramona!

[@laurimendenhall368]

Wonderful info! Thanks for your time in teaching us!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jshinanigans5471]

I’m glad I came across your channel. I’m enjoying your content and your advice.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for your kind words! 💖

[@55plusvanliving71]

I just sold my Roadtrek and bought a minivan. I have not started my set up yet but have a good idea after 4 months on the road. I plan to travel for 3-4 months out of the year. Your video’s are very helpful.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

I’m so glad you find them useful! 3-4 months of travel - sounds heavenly! 😊

[@karengoodeaux5926]

I stayed to the end. Enjoyed your tips. Thx.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thank YOU! 💖💖💖

[@mariaking9352]

This is my second video of you to watch, I’m subscribed, you are great and too cute, loved the suggestions of starting out and don’t get stuff until you really need it !!! Don’t worry of what people think, they don’t like it they and change the channel….lol

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thank you so much!! Woo hoo!

[@kimstephenson3876]

Thanks, Dani - great video. And YEP, I overspent on things that I didn't end up using and that also took up valuable real estate in my van...I travelled for 6 months until I got back to base camp where I could drop them off again!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks for sharing!! 😊😊😊

[@dixielambrecht7009]

The timing for that ad was hilarious. You had just said " it was a terrible pain in the...." and then the ad. I am going to try the cooler first because the power source thing is so expensive

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Good plan! Doing it in stages is so smart. I traveled almost 18 months and never got a fridge!

[@gmb5370]

Great video! I travel about 2 weeks a month when teaching personal protection seminars and stay in my small truck camper. I have no need or want any extra devices that require a power source. All I have is a phone. Good tips! Happy travels my friend!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Happy travels! Thanks for being here!

[@caroljohnson5578]

That was a great video with some wonderful advise that I will listen to!!! I have a Toyota Sienna and plan to try van life at some point. I find myself buying things all the time for van life and you're so right about not doing too much of that till you try it out and see what you really will need. Also, I bought custom weather tech window coverings for all windows and still wondered if I needed to do the curtain and not use the front window coverings.....wondering if that was more stealth since you could see the front seat. Thank you for answering that for me!!! Love the advise on the fridge and power source too. Thank you Dani!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Carol! So glad you found it useful! 💖💖💖

[@patriot2195]

Very informative. Thank you. ❤️👍

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

You are so welcome!

[@sherrylynrogers3937]

Dani, I have to say I am envious of you (in a good way) Its awesome that you have been out there. I love your attitude towards life and how real you are. Please stay that way and dont turn into the others who are now so commercial. Your so much fun to watch. I have been power watching you today, and hearing you talk about the real things that really happen on the road and in life made me laugh. Life can be painful but it does give the best real humour. Wish I could hang out with ya, we would would have alot of laughs in sure. Im just getting my car set up for camping season, I am in the north east, probably going to be going it alone with my dog, noone seems to want to do it with me. Hmmmm. I still have to work and have a home so I will be a weekender and vacation weeker. Looking forward to just going though. Spent this weekend getting all my stuff together. I dont have a mini van I have an suv and that works for me right now. Keep up the fun. Smiles.....

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Sherrylyn! Thanks so much for being here! I appreciate you! 😊

[@Dreaming_Mimi]

Love this video! Very practical information! Where is the link to your van tour and your bed build. I’m at that point. Got to make some decisions before going further. Thanks a bunch!!😃 Here to the end!😊

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

You definitely deserve a medal!!! 🥇🥇🥇 There’s a playlist with van tours. And another with the bed and the floor. 😊😊😊

[@christine_hazel_lange]

you are intelligent, and very knowledgeable, your personality is perfect for people that have questions, doubts etc.. i can go on and on.. your positive... thank you because i have this dream for years about traveling and just the lifestyle is im in love with it but i just dont know what is what. I think you know what i mean.. but you helped me tweak per say, on my worries about that. thank you

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

I’m so glad you found it helpful! 😊😊😊

[@janinafisher101]

These videos are really excellent, Dani! I think the new motto should be "Go small or stay home!" LOL. I love the idea of starting small and getting only what you know you absolutely need. Such great advice! I'm now wondering whether I could make it work in my current hatchback! I'm fairly tall - not quite as tall as you, plus have a dog... guess I have to go measure! You have planted a seed, dear Dani!!!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

I LOVE go small or stay home! OMGoodness. I love it! Thanks again!

[@janinafisher101]

@@YouAndMeLivingFree 😆😆😆👍💗

[@dalepxp8963]

Jackery is a junker brand. Get the Bluetti brand.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Yep, next time!

[@lifemyway200]

Great video Dani; thanks!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Glad you liked it!

[@kathyjrat]

Thank you for the information. I’m beginning to think and plan to one day soon do van life part time. 😊

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Woot! 💖💖💖

[@marlapark7010]

All the way through .

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

😊😊😊

[@hopefranklin9155]

Dani what a great vid. I just love how you are. You put it out there and it works and makes sense. This vid will help many people. I wanted to do van life not long ago but now having a hubby and 9 cats (which are all my babies) that thought had to be put on the back burner. Take care you. I love your hair. Looks great. ❤️😊

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Hope! 💖💖💖

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

I stayed to the end.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

🥇🥇🥇 woot!

[@pattyann7803]

Great tips Dani. Good to see you. Watched to be end. ♥️😍

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hi Patricia! Thank you! 🥇🥇🥇

[@1LavenderLace]

Stayed to the end!❤

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

💖💖💖

[@bonnybillups]

Thank you!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

You bet!

[@ETERNALLIFEINELOHIM]

Also, buy this off season.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

😊😊😊

[@rayjones4951]

Love your videos. I use an old 2004 sienna. My son and I do long weekend trips .my sienna is the same color as yours. I only have the basics and it works for us.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Thanks for sharing!! 😊😊😊

[@denisekenney2027]

Super helpful Dani! Thank you!❤

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

😊😊😊

[@maggieblatchford4934]

I stayed till the end! I just discovered you and am catching up. I am just at the beginning stages of car camping with my Subaru Forrester so it should be interesting.

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

You’re at an exciting point in the journey! 💖💖💖

[@csrecord1]

Hi Dani. I'm a female and travel solo in my Highlander. My longest trip has been 1 month. My home is in Columbia. I would love to connect with you. If you're interested in connecting, maybe we can set up a meet in a public place the next time you're in KC. Safe travels!!

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

Hello, and thanks for being here! Sounds good to me! I’m thinking of hosting a little gathering sometime. I’ll keep you posted!

[@juanitamadrigal9145]

Hi Dani! I just stumbled on your u tube. I live in KC too! I have a vintage 13’ camper that i tow. My last outing was 3 weeks ago, El Dorado state park

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

I’m sorry I’m so late in going through my comments! I’m glad you’re here! I’ll look up El Dorado.

[@rebeccachandler6901]

PS. … I stayed till the end! Always❤

[@YouAndMeLivingFree]

💖💖💖