Van Life Hacks: She Saved So Much Money Doing It Herself

2 ladies rock their van build and save money in the process. Meg and Chris have come up with some great ideas and van life hacks to make life better on the road. Check out product links below.
#vanlife #femalevanlife #jonniesjourney
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the following links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase I receive a small commission. Commissions help support the channel. Thank you for using my links.
🔍 Jetboil Genesis stove: amzn.to/3OjpMhE
🔍 Ignik Refillable Propane: amzn.to/48MPq6T
🔍 Dricore Mattress Underlay: amzn.to/3Ug0Rzi
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Jonnie's Journey
MidWest Van Builders LLC
1114 Madison 403
Fredericktown Mo
63645
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[@JonniesJourney]

I would appreciate your support of the channel, please subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@JonniesJourney

[@burgundyjayde]

I am 53 years old and a few years I'll have enough money saved to buy something like this to live in I can't way to live in nature and be able to travel

[@JonniesJourney]

A wonderful goal. I love being out in nature.

[@k-mac5511]

I’m right there with you. See you down the road in a few years. Woohoo!

[@lvanasse2]

Me too! I get so excited thinking about it 😅❤❤❤

[@deanngardner5578]

Hi! I’m also 53 and went on my first solo camping trip last fall. It was amazing! I was just in my minivan that I use for work, but it was fine! Hoping to go again soon!

[@sundynightlive]

Beautiful setup! She mentioned Native Americans…my Native friends call their camper their “tin teepee”

[@JonniesJourney]

😂I like that. Thanks for watching.

[@janeryle1511]

I’ve seen the foldout table on Etsy she built, like her I loved it ! She’s done such an amazing job on this build 🎉🎉 So many ideas she has given me! 😂

[@JonniesJourney]

That's why I wanted to share. Some really good ideas.

[@deborah4579]

She’s a literal Jonnie on the spot! Saving the day as usual! So great, you could catch up with Meg and see her additions to her build. It looks good and they must be so proud and happy with their van.😊

[@JonniesJourney]

I loved seeing them out in the van after watching all that went into it. They worked so hard for this. The added touches are so awesome.

[@pattya1679]

She literally hardly stopped the whole time she was there. She helped so many people!

[@deborah4579]

@@pattya1679 not surprised, she’s never happier than when she’s helping someone. We need to catch up now that you’ve spent some time in your van. I want to hear all about it. 🤗❤️

[@WaywardAbode]

She's right those doors are fantastic!!

[@JonniesJourney]

Really cool idea

[@debbiekoenen6684]

Hello all. Their van is beautiful. I love all the things they have added, so creative. I especially love that Meg saw it and said "I can do that" and she did and did it well. Way to go Meg!! Also, so glad they payed attention to the hot wires and that you were there Jonnie to help with that electrical issue. Poor Sweet Maddie, so sorry she isn't feeling well. I hope she gets to feeling better soon. Jonnie, seeing your shirt made me smile. You look marvelous, even with "van hair"!

[@JonniesJourney]

😁 thank you friend even if you atelittle bias. Maddie is on the mend begging and barking 🤣. Super cool shirt I got from a super cool friend.

[@darcyks]

Great work!

[@JonniesJourney]

They did a great job. Thanks for watching.

[@divekatdreaming]

Put magnetic child locks on your drawers....and cabinets. They use a magnet (one is included) to trigger the lock to open. You can set the switch to open and then the lock disengages until you set the lock to close for going on the road. (They use magnets to open and close the locking mechanism...not to hold the drawer closed. It is a physical locking mechanism.) That will get rid of all the bungee cords and hold everything closed when you are travelling. But, when you are camping, your drawers and cabinets can open normally. Also, the locks won't be seen on the outside. Beautiful van!

[@JonniesJourney]

Those are handy, knowing me I would have to have 4 magnets laying around for when I misplace the other 3 LOL

[@DianesNirVANaLife]

Love the build!

[@JonniesJourney]

They did a great job. thanks Diane

[@EveningShadeLori]

Hi Jonnie, I'm catching up on some of your vids. This is just a wonderful build-they did a beautiful job on it. Thank you for the tour.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

Can't wait to see it!

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks Tim

[@ktk2094]

Nice ideas.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you! 😊 She did a great job

[@travlady3531]

Fantastic!!👏👏👍👍👍

[@JonniesJourney]

totally agree. They did so good with this.

[@travlady3531]

Jonnie this is Sharon from the Q meetup incase your wondering!! Hope Maddie is better!

[@SheDevilAdventures]

Nice build and cool features. Thanks for sharing.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks Tommie

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

wish i could do all that!! a big reason lots of people don't get out there, it's so expensive to actually be comfortable in a van

[@JonniesJourney]

It can be for sure. Depends on your needs.

[@conniewaite1371]

I woyld try a wide puece of elastic in frobt of those little items to keep them from falling out when you open the door

[@JonniesJourney]

👍 that's an idea 😁

[@maryjones6580]

Hello @Jonnie& Kelly ❤️

[@JonniesJourney]

Hi Mary. Hope you are doing well.

[@najruqwi7008]

Great build 👍

[@JonniesJourney]

They did a great job and I was honored to be a part of it. Thanks Naj

[@GracieandJacqsAdventures]

Awesome update!! These ladies are rock'n van life🎉🎉🎉

[@JonniesJourney]

They sure are. thanks for watching.

[@BoxVanDee]

Some great ideas and an awesome build. Enjoyed meeting Meg and Chris and the music. Great tour Jonnie.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks Dee 👍 Music was a great treat.

[@holly8038]

Great video with great money saving ideas! I really enjoyed it ladies!

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@thisvanlifeofmine]

I have that underlay under my mattress, mine is black. Not sure if same name brand but mine was way cheaper 3 years ago.

[@JonniesJourney]

I put a link in the description for what they have. You guys are so smart, doing your research

[@beaglemom63]

Wow, that's my next van build! Sounds like I'll need to hire all three of you.

[@JonniesJourney]

It would be so awesome to work with these ladies again. So very smart and patient.

[@ThriftyAngela]

Rewatching again since I was walking my dogs during the premiere... lol! Gotta make sure I didn't miss anything. Hope you're having a great week, Jonnie. 😊😊

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you Angela. Made it home from Q, watching KC kick some Raven butt.

[@JN-StG]

​@@JonniesJourney Hi, watched KC, great game! Did I miss what type of van was toured? Lots of space!

[@raylenetatum8185]

Very nice build. Love it!!

[@JonniesJourney]

Glad you like it! They did such a great job.

[@AmberGarrett-py6ry]

Amazing that you were able to do all that.

[@JonniesJourney]

Meg and Chris came to my shop and did that in under a month. Went home and added the finishing touches. They did a great job.

[@FeMiNem-Poet]

Very very cool!!! 🎉🎉🎉Thank you!🎉🎉🎉

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks for watching

[@RVAshsinApril]

Very creative with the tables!

[@JonniesJourney]

Totally agree 😁

[@frankdeletoile3578]

Thank you for this video! And a big thumbs up for that bright woman! Because the production of those bright women are now not available nowaday... Anyway, just saying goooood job!! I like it! It gaves me more ideas!

[@JonniesJourney]

Awesome, thank you

[@exploringrvdude7817]

I've used that hypervent material and it really works as advertised.

[@JonniesJourney]

That's awesome, thanks for sharing 👍

[@Kim-cq2om]

Sooooo nice! ❤👍 God ideeas. Thamk you. 😊

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks for watching.

[@HappyPlaceCamping]

I love the leaves on the doors. Too cute! The curtain looks awesome! Nice bit of storage. It’s a great build.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks so much Felix! 😊 they did a great job

[@vanlifewithGinaPayne]

Great ideas on this❤

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks Gina 😊

[@Kmouse98]

Love the shower curtain and what you did with the scraps 😊. A lot of people are now using shower curtains for deco❤

[@JonniesJourney]

....and there are so many cute ones out there. Thanks for watching.

[@George-kv9oq]

Smart table

[@JonniesJourney]

Yes It is, she did a great job

[@marykovalovich5914]

Great video!

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks Mary, I appreciate it.

[@pattya1679]

I'm going to be watching this over and over until I've used all the great ideas! It was so nice to meet Meg and Chris. Thanks Jonnie for sharing this.

[@JonniesJourney]

So many wonderful ideas in one van. California has some very smart ladies that's for sure.

[@MooniiplaitsCrochet]

Great build. Great ideas and tips. Love the little touches that give it that individual look and solves particular problems.

[@JonniesJourney]

They did a great job. I just love doing custom builds like this. It's so personal. Thanks for watching

[@gloriadenz.4838]

Meg and Chris are so creative and resourceful! It's heartwarming to see them enjoying the result of all their hard work! And props to you, Jonnie, for solving the problem of the overheated wires!

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you guys. The are very resourceful

[@WisconsinWanderer]

very impressive lots of great ideas and tips 😊thank you

[@JonniesJourney]

Agree, they did a great job.

[@donnabacon4681]

Very nice; organized and pretty! Love the trim work! The insulated quilt backing - what a great idea! The $50table - WOW! Never heard of 180 hinges. I learn so much from the tons of van/car camping videos. Van peeps are the most creative bunch!!

[@JonniesJourney]

I totally agree with you. So many good ideas out there and multiple in this van.

[@Chris_Carini]

Such ingenuity, thanks for sharing.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you. They did a great job for sure

[@annettegallo6940]

WOW. That had great design and practicality. Thank you, you ladies rock. I found this very inspiring! SAFE TRAVELS! SUBSCRIBED! Thank you.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[@kimrowan2217]

Awesome build! You guys did a great job. I have a diy transit too! I’m really interested in your propane and stove, love that set up! Great tour , thank you ❤

[@JonniesJourney]

Awesome. Links in my description for the stove and propane.

[@ohizkimmie]

This is such a well thought out van! Love it!

[@JonniesJourney]

Chris and Meg did their homework for sure. So many great ideas executed

[@wendylbranchfield7959]

Go girls!!!!🎉👏

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you. Girls Rock 😁

[@freedomdove]

Nice! I'm so glad you were out there and able to troubleshoot the inverter situation. 👍

[@JonniesJourney]

Me too. Thanks dove

[@Ivymandy1957]

Great video….so many useful tips. Thank you!

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks for watching. So many good ideas.

[@GracieandJacqsAdventures]

YAY🎉🎉

[@JonniesJourney]

thanks Gracie

[@barbaraballes2117]

That outside pull down table is GENIOUS! 😊

[@JonniesJourney]

I think so too

[@ekdaufin1485]

Thank you.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks for watching

[@yvonnemoore2734]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@denysepommet1811]

Love that outside table! I DO use a little propane tank too AND have a « little green one » just in case I run out of gaz (because it’s when you use it that you run out of it…). Love the pin solution too. Will copy your extending table too! Thanks!

[@JonniesJourney]

Yep, so many great ideas. These ladies did such a good job ❤️

[@JourneyWithJoanne]

You could always mount the table on the other side of the seat then you wouldn’t have to do any reconfiguring the bolt.

[@JonniesJourney]

That bench has a door that opens so they can pull out their Ogo toilet and empty it. It is left hinged so Lagun has to be where it is. Otherwise, your idea would have worked. Thanks for watching 😁

[@annholland5176]

Nice. Love all the extra counter/tables space.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks Ann. They did a great job.

[@farawayroaming]

Enjoy to watch your video.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you so much

[@barbaraballes2117]

You are one helluva a woman!!! ❤

[@JonniesJourney]

She sure is

[@mytrueserenity5666]

Great job! Is this the medium roof Transit?

[@JonniesJourney]

Yes it is 👍

[@justjoanish]

Really nice work and creative ideas.

[@JonniesJourney]

They did so good 🙂

[@user-zw9ri2sg7i]

great job ladies , great ideas for my next van God Bless

[@JonniesJourney]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

Great video! Keep your Mattie out of the dust when its windy. Valley Fever is very real out in the desert.

[@JonniesJourney]

We are back at home. She is doing better. It was all GI symptoms. I took her to Phoenix. that's the only place I could get in.

[@MaryPratt-fn3qq]

Now U guys are living U can stand up in it. The van that is LOL

[@JonniesJourney]

The midroof is perfect for the 5'6 and under 👍

[@k-mac5511]

Great video. Well organized. Great detail and explanation of the thought process and highlighting the how-to-do. Loved it!!!!

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you. Meg and Chris did a great job

[@christine9604frisco]

An elevated refrig!!! Yay! Does the Lagun table elevate enough to use from the front seats?

[@JonniesJourney]

Yes they do. 👍 thanks for watching

[@nhbomar]

Really cool build - thanks for the video.

[@JonniesJourney]

I agree, they did such a good job

[@KampingKatie]

I enjoy your channel, Johnnie. These ladies did a nice job and you are so talented!

[@JonniesJourney]

Awe thank you so much Katie.

[@nannycawete3844]

Hello from 🇧🇪 Belgium and 🇫🇷 France ! Very, very good ideas ! 👍 love her van ! I’m suscribed ! 😊🐾

[@JonniesJourney]

Woo-hoo I love reaching our friends from afar.

[@susie9893]

It wasn't just the native Indians that used the whole carcass - this is what farmers used to do in the old days. And what we should still do today. If you are going to kill an animal at least make sure that animal didn't die in vain. That stove is a better option imo cos can easily use outside as well. More options Also loved that hitch pin. Low tech means fewer things to go wrong and an easy fix

[@JonniesJourney]

You are right. If it must die, then use it. Love the pin, too.

[@lakelivingb8409]

The table is amazing..The jet boil will be an item to consider for my disaster team for sure. I love the bamboo cutting board for sure…treat with oil ever so often. Hi Jonnie. Tell those ladies to come visit next year and go pontooning .I am Native American Cherokee roots from the Trail of Tears . Jonnie what,s a inverter in the 2000 range.

[@JonniesJourney]

Just handles more power. Things that typically produce heat. Also the new power banks have super charge so they do better on the 2000w inverter. Thanks for watching B someday 🙏 we will fish together

[@ShelbyVanGone]

LOVE all the DIY ideas! What kind of van is this please…also is it a mid roof? Edit: I should have been paying attention at the beginning instead of running to grab a snack lol! I see its a Transit is it a mid roof?

[@JonniesJourney]

LOL, yes it is a mid roof. I am 5'6 and can stand after floor and ceiling completed.

[@RoxanneSumner-lg7gu]

Unbelievable job

[@JonniesJourney]

Totally agree

[@OhHapppyDaay]

Aaaaaw, HI GIRLS. HI CHRIS.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks for watching

[@katydidnt3906]

Another idea for under the bed, and what I did, is peg board. Comes with lots of holes! 4 years later and no sagging. Super strong.

[@JonniesJourney]

Do you use the Ikea rails? Did you treat the hardboard? Good idea

[@katydidnt3906]

No, I built the bed like a deck. I have a Promaster and bolted header and footer boards to the sides of the van, then did 2x3 joists - with joist hangers even! Added blocking. Full time in my van 4 years last November and nary a creak.

[@RVingwithG]

I too have the ECO FLOW DELTA PRO and it is a great battery. 👍👍 But as for using a 750 watt inverter to Charge it is way too small and I’m sure it takes a long time. 🤔🤦‍♂️

[@JonniesJourney]

It is not recommended to charge at the normal current on DC/DC, they have it adjusted down and use it to compliment their 600w of solar when needed. Thanks for watching G

[@Gimblegirl]

What a nice job. Jonnie, where is your shop? I'm in the pre-road stage. As soon as I get a piece of property sold I want to get a ProMaster 3500 extended and would love to have some help getting going. I have some unique needs, but I plan on diong a little at a time. I'll be living in it before anything gets done. Need help with the solar, and need to know what order to do the other things in. Would so love some guidance. TIA. Linda

[@JonniesJourney]

Linda, shoot me an email to [e-mail]. I am in Missouri

[@LorisWhirled]

“Van hair don’t care.” 😁

[@JonniesJourney]

🤣

[@sandyschneider6792]

Put an eye hook top & bottom and run a dowel down the front if the drawers…

[@Dogman178]

My can-good drawer kept flying out till I put a 90lb magnet on the drawer but I probably get by with a 70lb magnet.

[@JonniesJourney]

90lb magnet wow that must really hold. Do you have any trouble pulling it open?

[@Dogman178]

@@JonniesJourney I am 78 yrs old and it takes quite a tug that's why I will probably switch to a 70lb magnet

[@kes5332]

Can you tell us where you found the shelf with the curtain rod that you used to separate the cab from the rear of the van?

[@JonniesJourney]

I will see if Meg can answer this one. I will try to link it in the description.

[@JonniesJourney]

l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmasteroverland.com%2Fproducts%2Fwhite-top-adventures-ford-transit-headliner-shelf-w-curtain-rod-2014-2023%3Fvariant%3D44805174231210%26currency%3DUSD%26Dproduct_sync%26Dgoogle%26Dsag_organic%26Dsag_organic%26gad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAiAk9itBhASEiwA1my_69kGMm_W2kMHrDdrhVNHeOsD_OXKO1jQdHiWvhaDYH8VsKZALgpBhBoCmgIQAvD_BwE%26fbclid%3DIwAR0kFSaLIvN_TGt8oCeX2PcpX-GQZe9zTQT6trNALkNrmg9nIuKjKUjsX-c&h=AT2ki6NB5IcwnKlqm70z8ussprEY16TYNK6WAmVwd9xYPPtODQDeYoRIxxnwV_O5gtaID3DaNL5gObfY2FhUr-bkd_MuXskbjTLPwMe0taL9Kzz4SxaZvDvLa7Er0vQS0Ng

[@pennyaraiza1714]

Love your videos do everything you do I hope to meet you someday that would be awesome

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you so much. I love meeting my subscribers. 😊

[@brendarhodes652]

I just checked on YT and sure enough if you do a search for rice cooker recipes all kinds of tasty looking recipes come up. I was just wondering what a search would come up with since I've seen a lot of other van dwellers cooking more than just rice in theirs.

[@JonniesJourney]

Not just for rice in van life LOL

[@loiskong8789]

Love your van!!!!!!!…Im learning so much from watching these videos..appreciate this content 🙏🏽💖…safe travels🫡…..p.s. what kind of fridge is that???

[@JonniesJourney]

Let me see if I can look it up.

[@markrenfrow9873]

Hey Jonnie!

[@JonniesJourney]

He Mark 😊

[@susanstebila8707]

❤WOOOZA🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🙋‍♀️

[@JonniesJourney]

Totally agree

[@anainesvillarroelmann8098]

De 🎉 Chile Valparaíso 🇨🇱👍

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@jeannemarlene]

Beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JonniesJourney]

Was so cool to help these ladies. They really rocked the finish.

[@jeannemarlene]

@@JonniesJourney yup absolutely amazing what they did and the really wonderful work you do too 😇😇😇❤️👍👍👍

[@pianogal853]

10:14 insulbrite - used for pot holders, etc.

[@JonniesJourney]

awesome, thank you so much for answering that.

[@angiekrajewski6419]

Being in the desert I think having a sunoven could help during daytime and save you some propane also …

[@JonniesJourney]

Great idea, I really need to research those.

[@mojo4369]

❤

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you

[@vanlifecrone4618]

Where did she get a lagun type table mount for under $50? I need to know!!!

[@JonniesJourney]

Not the mount brackets, the table top. I think the Etsy site wanted hundreds for it. 👍

[@onlyjesussaves840]

PUT THE VITAMINS IN ONE OF THOSE RETANGLE PLASTIC BASKETS, & VELCRO THE BASKETS DOWN IN THE CABINET, & THE VITAMINS WON'T FALL OUT OF THE CABINET ANYMORE. :)

[@JonniesJourney]

Great idea

[@user-zk9de2hz6l]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JonniesJourney]

❤️ thank you

[@adinahirschmann3112]

What do you do for a bathroom?

[@JonniesJourney]

They have an Ogo Toilet in the cabinet behind drivers seat

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

Solar on the roof?

[@JonniesJourney]

Pretty sure they have 600w

[@stephopalopal]

😉👍💗

[@JonniesJourney]

Thank you

[@katydidnt3906]

Whoa, those Genesis Jetboils are way too pricey for what they are.

[@JonniesJourney]

They are pricey. Jetboil has a great reputation and that is costly.

[@katydidnt3906]

They certainly are popular, so must be something to them!

[@katydidnt3906]

They certainly are popular, so must be something to them!

[@katydidnt3906]

They certainly are popular, so must be something to them!

[@katydidnt3906]

They certainly are popular, so must be something to them!

[@lynnescaddan8919]

Thanq for sharing this lovely build. Well done. Stay safe on your travels.

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks for watching

[@suzie_lovescats]

Where is the 🚽 and 🚿 ???🤔

[@JonniesJourney]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaq0mmaXjJilgNE

[@JonniesJourney]

Here is their tour

[@marianfrances4959]

👍🇨🇦😎

[@JonniesJourney]

Thanks for watching 😁 love my Canadian friends