Van beats Home: 2 best SoCal stealth homes-on-wheels (doom-proof)

[@samanthahoos9827]

❤Thank you for this video! I have a friend that lives in an RV 3/4 of the year going all over the country (USA) helping ferret rescuers get funding, vacation, medical assistance, etc. (Rescuer’s Relief). She stayed in my driveway for a week and said I should sign up for a site so more people could park in my empty space. I left her alone to come in the house when wanted, baked for her, let her se the water/electricity and really enjoyed giving her a space to feel safe. 😊

[@Speakfordemocracy]

YES!! Thank you for reporting the reality of this situation!! Ca needs to build back smarter. The gov needs to allow permits for eco friendly homes, tiny, earth, and 3d printed homes! We also need AFFORDABLE insurance for these alternatives!!! If in Ca, please contact your local representatives to make known what we need!! Thank you!!

[@michaelvincent843]

People will only realize more with time how it’s actually a necessity to live within nature, not despite it.

[@FlyeBooks]

@@michaelvincent843 ✨💫✨

[@Franaflyby]

I do not know the student living in his van . However, I'm very proud of the young fella. His hard work and internal wisdom are going to take him far in life. 👑

[@shirleygardner5483]

Very informative video. I have seen a couple of other people on here that have left their home and moved as far away as they can to get away from the same things Mike was talking about. Most people do not understand situations like Mike's. Thank you for sharing and thank Mike for sharing all he has learned.

[@MikeBender-b9v]

Thank you, Shirley!

[@janeysiegrist5061]

I'm loving watching people living my dream.. ❤

[@ericajmitchell]

I also worked with Shane on my Promaster. Had 80 mG at my feet from the battery (ref: 19:39 timestamp). Ended up using metal plates and got it down to 2 mG. Using headlights makes it go up to 6 mG. Rewiring the battery only helped by twenty percent, the plates helped by more than 80 percent. Really helpful having Shane bring my attention to the battery.

[@MikeBender-b9v]

Shane is the BEST.

[@allisonulan5649yoga_essentials]

Mike is amazing. I appreciate his attention to intention, function and detail. Mike, please write the book on what you designed and create. This can be applied to all builds. Thank you for another great video Kirsten.

[@MikeBender-b9v]

Thank you! Appreciate the kind words. Truthfully, just tried to build something so I can take trips with my family. That was the reward.

[@lucidx88]

i was not expecting to see suchin pak on the channel! love her and the builds in this video

[@MakeYourOwnMattress]

I'm all for this guys approach but no metal springs in his mattress while encased in a metal box does not make much sense. I sell Purebond Plywood furniture kits. I would not say it's formaldehyde free as all wood naturally contains formaldehyde. It just has no added formaldehyde in the glue. The fact that he feels good in his space does say he is doing a lot of things right.

[@MikeBender-b9v]

Yes, my body is my most trusted guide. The difference between sleeping on top of the metal springs and the metal that is in the body of the van are different and have different effects on the EMFs. This can be measured. I don't recommend metal springs for anyone that is emf sensitive. Correct on formaldehyde.... there is of course, naturally occurring as well. The soundbite is a little misleading. What's most important is that purebond is the healthiest option for people looking to use plywood.

[@omtakes]

Med student update was a treat. 'just wondering how his life will change after finishing med school 😊

[@samanthahoos9827]

😂I only have a land line phone, no cell phone. We live in the country, don’t have AC, leave the windows open 3/4 of the year and love comments from visitors about how fresh the area smells. 😊

[@TheFunkybert]

No one who lives full time in a van has an interior that bare and clean at all times. Let’s get real about that..

[@vitiviti6548]

Not true, my surfaces are clear, can drive off immediately, if needed :)

[@italiataouma4954]

Thank you for the info re: materials that let you have the best air quality possible within your means. Wool insulation and keeping everything to the lowest formaldehyde emissions makes sense as well as shielding the wi res. Amazing he could find companies that were able to provide such products in this day. If I had the means this would be the ultimate goal for all living spaces.

[@MikeBender-b9v]

Glad that it was helpful! It took time, believe me :)

[@Brenda-es3gw]

Oh good to see Mike again! He has some great wisdom to offer. Bob Wells has gone on record saying he thinks as more and more climate crisis unfolds, more people will live with their homes on wheels. The book The Great Displacement really seems to drive this point home with countless examples, all within the US.

[@juliabecker2356]

The young man and medical student is such an inspiration. He is so optimistic despite challenges, taking them on as interesting ways to work for him

[@michaelvincent843]

The guy who is so insistent about having high air quality and such is probably right, everyone may think this way in 50 years, and I say this as an industrial painter 😢

[@hj8607]

Hope not

[@ralph6142]

Mike's health issues make him extra aware of any potential dangers to health. As a paramedic I am aware of a different health issue... seatbelts for your children (as a parent I know children forget and need regular reminding to belt up). Happy to see the van helps Mike to travel with confidence.

What is that metallic HEPA filter? I can't find anything similar anywhere.

[@dashathesnyder]

Yes, please! I'd love to get one for my van. Thank you.

[@heatherbliss72]

Following to find out as well!

[@gregpendrey6711]

EMF is electromagnetic force. EMR is electromagnetic radiation.

@@gregpendrey6711 Sure, but why are you posting that here? We're talking about the canister HEPA filter in this thread.

[@youtubeojunk]

Oh wow, I've always wanted a van/RV but have avoided due to health concerns. That someone did all the legwork to find the materials and builder might be the tipping point to go for it

[@chantalrochon3566]

What a smart young man, smart living choices too❤😊 All my best to him.😊

[@tylerx293]

We threw a rod a yr ago after almost 5yrs in a self built Promaster just in time to have to take care of aging parents. Yes I miss it every single day 😢

[@roymaitland6345]

Make a Network Community. . Alot of people are going to live in their driveways in California, while rebuilding, and construction crews. Van Life survivor edition Van . 🤙

[@MrPhotodoc]

Wildfires are much worse than tornadoes. But not as bad as hurricanes. So we got that to look forward to.

[@markkunath8440]

You guys make wonderful videos bringing fantastic life stories to your audience. ♥️ Love your work. Happy 2025 ♥️♥️♥️

[@alicekraft1031]

I wish those materials had been around years ago. If they were that would have reay helped to know. I wonder how financially available this is for those on low incomes.😊

[@TendayiMatipira]

Greetings from Zimbabwe 👋

[@michaelvincent843]

It’s amazing how the weather gets worse year after year, if only there was some explanation.

[@janeysiegrist5061]

That none of us measley humans conCERN

[@ItsEverythingElse]

Worse? Our winters have been incredibly mild now for many years compared to decades past.

[@Bob-h4s2p]

@@ItsEverythingElse yes it's broadly the same for the UK (assuming you aren't in the UK), but, things are slowly becoming more chaotic, more extreme.

[@Oliverhikes11]

Solar Radiation Modification.

[@Mimulus2717]

@@ItsEverythingElse Yes, it is worse! You are overwintering pests and weeds that would normally die from the cold inviting tick and mosquito borne disease. You are getting less precipitation and drying out vegetation setting you up for fire. Plants that need winter chill to produce well like apple orchards will need replacing with lower chill varieties. The list goes on and on. Educate yourself.

[@cindysunley5992]

I’ve met several traveling nurses living in vans. Seems very happy. ❤

[@epicelements5528]

@@cindysunley5992 I am a full time medical healthcare traveler that lives in my van full time and I would not have it any other way . ☺️ Most of the travelers have gone this route because housing has become ridiculous.

[@shirleygriffin7672]

Nice and thanks for sharing today. Sharing your video immediately so others will know

[@hj8607]

Extreme sensitivity to external electrical real world is defined as neurotic. It is like allergic sensitivity which is cumulative. Any single irritant can be removed and give relief. It is removing the last straw that broke the camels back. (any previous straw could be removed and relief could be had. Not just the last one)

[@hj8607]

His condition IS real, but an anxiety and Vagus nerve condition can be undone.

[@jeffk7017]

Once he started going on about ‘dirty electricity’, it seemed quite clear that he suffers from some neurosis.

[@paranoidhumanoid]

8:55 Urushi lacquer works great for small spaces and is derived from poison sumac (just make sure you're not allergic) which is used to seal wood in extreme environments.

[@Avocado740]

Good job! Good for you!

[@optimaldwellingspaces3947]

Fantastic video! Mike is giving a lot of people hope in showing them the way to cleaner, quieter living and van-lifing!

[@kikigirlkauai]

Med students and other students who are struggling should be given free on campus parking for vans and tiny homes.

[@outoftime788]

1:54 wtf go to a car wash

[@privatejoker76]

@@outoftime788 and a human wash. 3 days no shower ????

[@privatejoker76]

@TomasFaalPetersson because he probably scratched the shit out of the panels. You're not supposed to rub them with paper towels

[@nomeremannthetameruinkhan]

i love the health consciousness.🤗

[@GaryDerry11]

WOW! Brilliant work! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mendynoma4272]

Lovely video , very inspiring!

[@monkeywrench-BC]

Imagine your lungs with that ash !! Love and good hope to those in the wild fires.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

"EMF-free".

[@buddyneher9359]

I loved learning about the possibility of finding less toxic materials, and designing to reduce EMFs. Maybe a trend....

[@Franaflyby]

So i just turned 65 tuesday. Its just me and my Morkie Desilu " my home of 33 years is too big when i only occupy one room and the bathroom. So I'm thinking about selling and buying a new high top van to live and travel. I've got at least 10 years left, maybe. I might as well go enjoy the next few years before i live in an old people community 😊. Not sure about the winter's.

[@mendynoma4272]

Happy Birthday ! Winters can be nice in the southern part of California or on the west coast in “banana belt” locations .

[@CaliforniaBushman]

SoCal Vanlifer out of San Clemente for 15 years, here. Get a black ladder for the side of your Sprinter and a squigy for the panels. Eventually purchase an 'Isolator' which hooks to your Alternator. Which you Replace with a High Amp Output Alternator that fits in your Alternator Mounting Bracket. The Isolator sends higher Amps and Voltage to the Batteries and trickle charges them quicker (with the Bigger Alternator) wherever you drive. Also, don't park overnight in Residential Areas to avoid people complaining about Vanlifers Lowering their Property Values. And Imposing more No Overnight Parking Ordinances at the City Council/H.O.A. Meetings. Or Banning Staying Overnight in any Vehicle. The Wealthier and Conservative towns worried about appearances and Property Values near Beaches. Or Gated Communities (Orange County) are always more likely to have these Ordinances.

[@pohanahawaii]

😂 I first saw this as "Doom Roof" which is obviously nothing to boast about, to "Dome Roof" which makes sense before "Doom Proof" finally kicked in. (I like it and have been wanting to prepare for the inevitable zombie apocalypse for quite a while.)

[@steveyountz1757]

As for the med student......personally I would NOT do any wiping with anything as this might scratch the solar cells. I would flush them with water before any wiping.

[@Robot_Cajun]

@@steveyountz1757 I was screaming internally “don’t do that!

[@signalfire6]

Couldn't believe he did that, and without gloves on, then worrying about getting his hands clean. And why did he feel the need to stealthily climb up there? Cali is loaded with people living out of vans, he's not hiding anything.

[@grimetone]

interesting stuff. much appreciated!

[@chantalrochon3566]

EMS! Thanks for the info.❤😊

[@pulsewound2677]

Dude could end up super wealthy fast once he gets out of residency without having to pay rent in a big metro area.

[@doobeone]

Mike wrote the movie Not Another Teen Movie. Read his article and wow, I don’t wish his hypersensitivity on my worst enemy.

[@MikeBender-b9v]

Yes! And I agree :) Thanks for reading the article.

[@JD-xo3xz]

Why are the new homes not being built out of concrete with metal roofs?

[@d.e.7467]

Humans aren't very bright. I grew up in high risk tornado country. The best tornado-proof houses would be below ground. I've seen several communities destroyed and the replacements are the same as what was destroyed. Below ground homes would also save on utilities.

[@vickiamundsen2933]

@@d.e.7467 short memories and even shorter attention spans

[@AngelinaThumbelina8]

2:00 dude, take your van to a tall DIY car wash bay. If you're in LA near enough to the fires, you're probably near Village Car Wash on Ocean Park Blvd Venice Beach.

[@Scarhead_Ed]

Keeping turning the blind eye to Title 4dwelfare. Greatest Crime Against Humanity

[@wownewstome6123]

What's that about?

[@OWK000]

Where did she get "corn dogs" from?

[@serenakoleno9338]

TFS. Love the knowledge being shared.

[@lanhikari87]

2nd guy was pretty nutty. Most VOCs are emitted by trees. I also wonder what he uses in his vehicle for fuel...

[@nicolasboullosa]

Not true. Mike is aware that many people won't get his SEVERE Lyme-disease immune reactions. Him preventing VOCs around have made him healthy again. If you read the Men's Health article (link within text), which I'm afraid you won't, you'll notice that he's pretty aware of people minimizing toxic stuff around us. I think Mike Bender is a pioneer and 30 years from now our houses and vehicles will be built with specs like his. It will get worse out there pretty soon (as it's happening with airborne crap after the wildfires near him), and some will pay attention. Some, like you, will mock the pioneers, then will silently follow suit for the sake of their loved ones. www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a39049886/mystery-illness-lyme-disease-emf-essay/

[@nicolasboullosa]

Article for those interested: "Airborne Lead and Chlorine Levels Soared as L.A. Wildfires Raged" The findings give new insight into the dangers of urban wildfires that burn plastics and other chemicals in homes and property. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/climate/los-angeles-wildfires-lead-chlorine-air-quality.html

[@creolelady182]

Its great living this way while you are young by=ut as life gets more complicated- you need a house or someone stable. getting older is problematic

[@bobreesjr9501]

I used to live in Torrance, California. FEMA needs to get involved. Just no Chinese sheetrock. Work with Motorhome manufacturers to get reduced rates.

[@dreamsted]

Why they are building with wood. They should build concrete walls. I'm not judging; I'm just observing. I'm building my tiny home in the middle of the Caribbean using shipping containers because I know they resist the wind and are watertight. Cement is another option, but it's more expensive for us.

[@Bob-h4s2p]

I thought the same as you, boggles the mind - lose your inappropriate house to fire, ok, build same house again DOH.... yeah, makes no sense but the to be honest, not much about American culture makes much sense any more.

[@vickiamundsen2933]

you kinda answered your own question... they build with wood because it's cheaper than concrete. (not just materials... getting knowledgeable builders is expensive too)

[@cr8114]

kirsten seeing after a long time

[@alexisnadal1486]

I can’t imagine how challenging the lives in the area for who have respiratory issues. I think people in Los Angles area really need to change their life styles to accommodate frequent natural disasters. Nature won’t wait for you, and your resources are limited even in LA area.

[@bobreesjr9501]

My cousin Sandy Maples lives in San Diego. Was San Diego affected?

[@creolelady182]

It is incredible to me that these people stay in a high this area until they reach a point of no return which has happened. Now these people are all looking for housing in New port Beach, Orange County while the rest of those counties have burned down

[@AmberKardes]

Just curious. How does a student afford one of these conversions? I have been researching and one as nice as his, if you build it up yourself is probably $70,000-$100,000, maybe more dependent on appliances and such. I could barely afford college fees and lived with roommates in a dump of an apartment to get through college. Anyhow, would love tips to make this affordable as I would live to do van life part time.

[@chantalrochon3566]

The second van, the family: great research of all components that are healthy… low voltage . Great information, thank you😊❤😊

[@MikeBender-b9v]

Thank you!

[@BlackMagickMike]

This is not a flex, AND is unsustainable. in the so-called "richest" country in the world, this should NEVER have to be a solution. The only reason it is, is because of the commodification of housing stock. Thank you for the presentation, but no thank you in ANY event.

[@bigsarge2085]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@bobiqcr]

At 26:05 I was surprised to see a gas stove in the house. Those are notorious for causing bad air quality in the house and causing respiratory problems. I wonder if the gas stove was chosen because electric stoves produce electric fields? 🤔

[@MikeBender-b9v]

Yes. It was debated, but we have really good ventilation so hasn't been an issue.

[@joanneganon7157]

I have a friend with cronic lime disease. They just built a brand new home, I don't think he is aware of all the things you mentioned that could be agrivating him🤔! Thanks. JO JO IN VT 💞☃️

[@d3r4g45]

All the petrol that is in the van, he is breathing that too, and all the byproducts of the burning.

[@GASmotorsports]

I think the emf sensitivity is interesting. I’m a high voltage electrician so I spend most of my life in very high emf areas. We don’t have any higher instance of any chronic illnesses or anything as a work force. I’m much more concerned about acute electrocution. The earth gives off a massive magnetic field. We are also chronically bombarded by huge amounts of cosmic radiation. Optimizing the materials and construction methods makes a lot of sense. The emf stuff is something to think about but the measurements they were taking and their insinuated effects on a human body seemed like pseudo science. It’s also a bit funny that all the materials he’s using take a massive amount of energy and toxic compounds in order to produce. So basically he’s just wealthy enough to outsource his exposure to someone somewhere else. If he was broke his solutions might look a bit different.

[@gregpendrey6711]

I think if a person feels this ill we should show compassion. Not call something you don't identify with a rich kid getting attention. He had Lyme's Disease. It was a mystery so he is used to people saying it's all in your head. He tried everything to figure it out and he is a spoiled rich kid for that. Thanks for your comment because it is enlightening everyone that selfish hardworking crybabies that never got sick cannot understand. Thank you for your sheltered and rude take on someone's plight and misfortune. I wonder if the likes of you could persevere. I highly doubt it.

[@GASmotorsports]

@ ​​⁠I hope the guy the best. Everyone has their own struggles. I do have compassion for people struggling. I’m just commenting I’m not sure how convincing a few parts of the video were. I’m sorry if you found that upsetting. I have my own struggles, neurotic behaviors and coping mechanisms I’m sure others would rightfully question. Just because I’m compelled do it doesn’t mean it’s actually broadly applicable or effective to others. Cheers

[@chantalrochon3566]

EMS! Thanks for the info.❤😊 thank you so much for this video❤😊

[@cherylhogue446]

Where do the kids sleep? Kinda small for Four people

[@Momabear1]

Get portable generators as your back up.

[@robertfontenotmorris733]

A very sad issues for all California citizens past twenty years and more.

[@Mihai.Ceausescu.]

I love people living in cool vans. I just don't get "sensitive" people, it seems like they have a purposefully complicated sh¡tshow life, with so many altars to dye on

[@tmcbgrrl0074]

The first I'd heard of EMS (electromagnetic sensitivity) was on tv show 'Better Call Saul" where actor Micheal McKean's character suffered from it. On the show, He did die by lantern as electricity was too painful for him

[@triple_alpha]

👏👍

[@ScarletFoundryTarot]

The ocean counts!! its better.

[@faustinpippin9208]

he's lucky that some parking in the US is still free, in the EU you could forget about saving money like this because even outside of the cities parking is expensive.....

[@Franaflyby]

Stealthy is the magical existence.

[@Femchan]

You can park for free in many places in the EU. You can often park freely in (semi-)rural areas, near wildlife parks and next to roads. Even in low-traffic city streets. Just don't overstay your welcome (like don't block someone's exit or start littering).

[@jozatexan1964]

I could do with that set up.

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

I clean the glass on my wood stove with a magic eraser. I works like, well, magic. It makes the glass brand new. Next time wear rubber gloves(or medical gloves) to clean your glass. Good on you for going to medical school.We need more good doctors. Your van is so beautiful.

[@jr.6199]

TIPS: don't ever do maintenance or filling /emptying tanks on a residential street. Drive to a location for your water, trash removal or your groceries, etc. Remember you are a temporary guest on public streets, by law. You do not pay for Property Taxes which allows for all of the beautiful infrastructure that you are using/enjoying, so respect the residents' curb occupancy. Curb appeal is not conducive with full time Van Lifers parked in front of residential homes. At best you are always a nuisance being parked in a subdivision like this. Park at the school and get their permission for your lifestyle choice. If they can't allow you, assume that everyone else has the same concerns for you being in front of a house like this. Do not underestimate your impact from living in a neighborhood where you do not cover the infra-structure expenses. Since you have no stake financially in this neighborhood, you will never appreciate it from their perspective. Peace.

[@DonalMacartney]

Cobalt is not a rare earth element.

[@KaPa-w7l]

Die Ki-Stimme ist richtig schlecht 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼

[@okra3000]

Bro got bit by a bug and gained super powers. Where have i heard that before?

[@SherryStaggs-nb1xx]

Lime disease and repercussions are real. Might want to research a little

[@MikeBender-b9v]

I agree. The superpowers are waking up to what we are being bombarded with on a daily basis.

[@mbabcock111]

What do you think about those living in vans should have to pay a $1,500/yr tax for the services they use living in the neighborhoods? Simple process. When they go to renew their license, the DMV reviews their vehicle against their home address. Once verified, a fee is levied. That way, there's no parasitic living.

[@Nevario1]

The second guy is so paranoid.

[@jackiewilcox9944]

Car wash.

[@okra3000]

California water restrictions

[@nataliezementbeisser1492]

this is how poverty looks like

[@davidbo3788]

And if you work hard, don't live in California, you won't end up living in a van down by the river!

[@suelyons531]

It's still better than your mom's basement David.

[@Bob-h4s2p]

@@suelyons531 Ha ha ha.... yur a mean lady. lol

[@shirleya4510]

@@davidbo3788 People choose California for culture, diverse geography, benefits, and a host of other reasons that trump costs.