VAN LIFE EXPECTATION VS REALITY: Things nobody tells you about van life (Roadtrek Adventures Ep. 6)

In today’s revealing “Van Life Expectation vs Reality” video, we share 10 things nobody tells you about van life.
On social media, van life reality is portrayed as some perfect dreamy lifestyle where everyone is always sparkly clean, the sun is always shining, and nobody ever has to take a dump hiding behind a tree along the highway while cars whiz by honking their horn.
WHAT YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT THE REALITY OF VAN LIFE. NOT EVEN CLOSE!
Don’t get me wrong-I love living in a van (mostly). But I feel like you have the right to know the TRUTH about van life.
Yes, there are amazing moments. You experience stunning places. You have incredible freedom……
But that’s not the whole story.
In this video, we show you the WHOLE STORY.
These are the van life realities you should know before diving into this lifestyle.
Buckle up!
PSSSSST……...DON’T START VAN LIFE WITHOUT READING THIS FREE DOWNLOADABLE MONEY-SAVING HACKS CHECKLIST: bit.ly/2UxfQol
Leave us a comment if you have any questions 🤓
IG accounts mentioned (we hope to get on your level someday!):
@campervamper
@our_venturing_van
@andtheytravel
@elisecook
@jessiandmarkusdiaries
@michelle.lawrencee
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🔴M O R E C O O L V I D E O S 😎 :
▶ Sneak Peek Tour of Our Cozy Camper Van: • Dodge Roadtrek CAMPER ...
▶ FIRST WEEK OF VAN LIFE: What we wish we would’ve known: • FIRST WEEK OF VAN LIFE...
▶ GENIUS Camper Van Hacks & Tips for Van Life (UNDER $10): • GENIUS Camper Van Hack...
▶ 10 EASY Van Life Jobs ANYONE Can Do: • 10 EASY Van Life Job I...
▶ Van Life Preparation (on a Budget): • GETTING READY TO LIVE ...
▶ Choosing the Right Camper Van: • CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAM...
▶ How to Score Housesitting Jobs and Travel for FREE: • How to Get Housesitter...
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→ TRAVEL INSURANCE: My new favorite travel insurance that saved me over $15,000 after a motorcycle accident in Thailand (if you're currently traveling without insurance, get yourself protected ASAP): bit.ly/3xlZiU2
___
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🟡S U B S C R I B E
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🟣A L I T T L E A B O U T U S
Heyo! Mitch and Day here 👋🏼
We’re just your typical American-Colombian couple determined to live every second of our precious time here on earth to the fullest. After a 10-month solo backpacking trip through South America, I (Mitch) stopped in Cali, Colombia to take salsa dancing classes 💃🏻. I only planned to stay for a couple weeks, but God had other plans for me. I met a cute Colombian girl (Day) in class, those couple weeks turned into a couple years, and before we knew it...we were married 👰🏻🤵🏼
Now we’re traveling the world full time as digital nomads, supporting ourselves by working online 👨‍💻👩‍💻
Our goal with these videos is to inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, give you an inside peek at our crazy imperfect lives, and show you that you don’t have to be rich to live an extraordinary life...all you need to do is make the choice!
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DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission (at no additional charge to you!). I believe in and have experience with everything I recommend. Thank you for supporting ProjectUntethered.com so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Still wanna do van life after watching this video? Why or why not? Leave a comment below! ⬇

[@ShaggyEells]

yep

[@newzealandrelaxinghikes]

yes :) I want to move from SUV like car to VAN ;)

[@ProjectUntethered]

@@newzealandrelaxinghikes That would definitely be a nice comfort upgrade!

[@newzealandrelaxinghikes]

@@ProjectUntethered Yeah! I decided first upgrade my SUV size car to understand what size of VAN I would need. Thanks a lot!

[@ProjectUntethered]

I would say if you’re going to be working a lot inside, then an extended can would be nice (so you can have a separate bed and table). On the other hand, if you only need room for one person, a standard length van might not be too bad. Either one will be more spacious than what you’re used to now 🙂

[@tombrewsaugh1399]

I've watched many videos from another van lifer. What I like about his is his honesty. You see his van messy or when something needs repaired. He talks about the problem finding places to shower and do laundry. The weather also plays a role rain, snow, and freezing temps. Nothing gets surger coated he gives a true look in every video.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That sounds like a super useful channel! I like people who don’t sugar coat things and tell it like it is.

[@DanielGennaro]

“This is true we’re talkin about!” Lmao 😂 I lost it! Dude you guys are the coolest travel bloggers I’ve met so far. I’m 32 and I’ve been thinkin about doing van life full time for a long time! Been in Arizona for a few years now enjoying the scenery and from PA. Thanks for the good laughs and excellent content. Hope to find me a good solid woman like you did! Cheers guys

[@ProjectUntethered]

Bahaha classic Dayan! Thanks man, that really means a lot. What's holding you back from giving van life a shot? You could always do a test trip to see if it's for you before committing to full-time. And I certainly am blessed to have found Dayan 😍 She's one of a kind, but I bet you'd have some luck finding a cool girl if you head down to Colombia! 🇨🇴

[@scottglass5216]

Another excellent video, Mitch and Dayan!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you had fun in Washington!

[@anthonyaaron7692]

By far one of my favorite videos about vanlife! LOL several times. Thank you guys!

[@ProjectUntethered]

You just made our day! Are you doing van life too?

[@ShaggyEells]

I couldn't agree more with the things always breaking when living in a van! I hear those drones love to drown themselves! Whahahhaha

[@ProjectUntethered]

They’re effing suicidal I tell ya!

[@tamarataylor5063]

Love you guys! Thanks for being real!

[@ProjectUntethered]

You are very welcome!! 🥰🥰

[@dbrown5394]

What a great video . Outstanding!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you! ☺️

[@BeautySolutions4u-]

yall are the best couple in van life. Love yall

[@ProjectUntethered]

Aww thank you so much! Are you doing van life as well? We would love to get back in it!

[@SouthernTravelGuru]

Love your honesty. Well done. ;)

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you! It was tricky walking the line between telling it like it is and just being a whiner haha

[@terrapintravels3829]

Thank you for your truth telling van life video and keeping it real! I've got my van, porta potty, cooler, bed..I'm almost ready.🌷

[@ProjectUntethered]

You’re welcome! We love travel, but don’t like sugarcoating things 😇

[@oscarparra5690]

I'm gonna call you "The Van Life Myth Busters"

[@ProjectUntethered]

The people need to know the TRUE! 😂

[@e6ensperception]

Yall are hilarious 🤣 😂 made my day

[@gjonesii]

Hilarious and honest video. We enjoyed it and subscribed.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Glad you liked it!! We try to keep it real here in Salsa Mobile 😉

[@JennieDreamWeaver]

That’s what I’m here for, complicating things 🤪 y’all are fantastic!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha they don’t call me The Complicator for nothing! 🙃

[@mlv91_]

jajajajajajaja this is so funny! The mix of you both talking about this is hilarious

[@ProjectUntethered]

We're glad you liked it!!! 😇

[@jiovannaalvarezalvarez8524]

Love all your videos. Nothing can be compared with all you guys have in your souls now. When you decide to take the uncomfortable way, you grow your mind and get stronger. You become to be a survivor, and no everyone can say that😗😗💪💪💪 love you guys!!

[@ProjectUntethered]

That is so true! I can't wait to visit you guys someday!! Maybe once the world goes back to "normal"! 🤗

[@jiovannaalvarezalvarez8524]

@@ProjectUntethered yesss... you guys will always have a home in Switzerland. Come whenever you want😊. Abrazos

[@ProjectUntethered]

We gotta save up our pennies first! Any plans to visit colombia anytime soon?

[@MortenJ6666]

Thanks

[@juveniletwinkie8103]

12:02 dragons tail, love that place. Hope leavenworth was a good place too

[@felicityfields5507]

I loved this video! I might have given in and bought that $1000 composting toilet - that lack of bathroom is a deal-killer for me.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha I think it's a deal-killer for a lot of people. 90% of the time we've been able to find a gas station or portapotty, but sometimes a nice hole is your only option 😉

[@jaybortnik]

Great video ! We've been doing van life for 10 months so far. We use a lug-a-loo + garbage bags + cat litter as our van toilet (mostly overnight use or when we are not near public bathrooms).

[@ProjectUntethered]

That sounds like a great backup system in case of emergencies!

[@jaybortnik]

@@ProjectUntethered Thank you 😃

[@melindamarie6139]

Hahahaha YESsss 👏 i love this!!! 1000% true!!!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha thank you!! 😂😂😂

[@hectorllaneza4070]

Gracias por toda esta información👍👍👍

[@ProjectUntethered]

Con mucho gusto - estas pensando en empezar van life?

[@rhythmtone]

Another good video - but yes, a poop ready (functional) toilet is essential. I've had my rig for about a year and if you use tank treatment and flush out the system once or twice a year, there shouldn't be any smells beyond what a normal bathroom would be. Of course you're gonna have to deal with dumping the tanks, but your own private onboard working bathroom for all those needs is one of the top essentials in my mind.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hey again David! Yeah we are seriously considering putting the toilet to use - at least in the case of emergencies. We plan to head down into Mexico when we get back to our van in a couple months, so I’ll have to investigate what the dump station situation is there. I guess if the toilet is taking up precious space in the van, we kind as well use it! Do you have any specific recommendations for tank treatment?

[@almasalas5328]

Love that you guys are so honest and simple!! 👍

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha thank you! We like to keep it real - the fairness of social media really bugs me. Are you thinking about van life?

[@almasalas5328]

Yes we are!! We are looking for a use Ram Promaster, my husband it’s very handy, I think we can do all the work, and just hire someone for the electrical, we are from Mexico, but live in Arizona for 32 years. Thank you for all the Videos. Very helpful!! Tell Diana it was funny she said the guys have Cara de Culo Lol .

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow that is so exciting! We are actually planning to dip down into Mexico once we get back to the van in a couple months. Hahaha yeah those guys were aguafiestas for our fruit collecting mission 😂

[@almasalas5328]

@@ProjectUntethered I’m looking for more of your Van trip videos, thank you, you guys are beautiful couple. At the beginning I thought Diana was Mexican. 😁

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you so much! We will have tons more van trip videos for you as soon as we get back to the van! :-)

[@donthompson9862]

Noway you guys were at trillum lake?thats 55miles from me and my fav camp site.theres an old airstrip there with free camping on that road..

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah we were there but it was closed due to fires (I think)? I can't really remember - we were on a siteseeing rampage and it's all starting to blur together haha. Sounds like it's worth revisiting if we're back in that area though!

[@leaazencot5905]

Hahaha! I never expected vanlife to be like on the pictures. I don't get why composting toilets cost 1000$... I have a nice stainless steel bucket with lid. 50€ Then I use sawdust in it..very cheap.and easy. I never take a shower outside. I have a foldable dog pool and use a bath glove and I can wash with half a liter of water. Make your life easier with those things! 😘

[@ProjectUntethered]

A bucket sounds like a great thing to have in case of emergencies! And a foldable dog pool + bath glove sounds genius. I might have to try that!

[@leaazencot5905]

@@ProjectUntethered yep bucket with sawdust or litter, that's composting toilets. You cover your "things" with litter each time you do it. That's what most vanlifer have in Europe. It works very well. And if you find the right litter, it does not smell at all (don't pee in it). And you can use it every time you need to go. It is way more hygienic that public toilet 😁. Now even in homes, more and more people go back to using those so they don't waste water stupidly. It's ecology as well!

[@ProjectUntethered]

@@leaazencot5905 Fascinating! And then do you just empty it with a pooper scooper into a plastic bag and then throw it away like a normal cat litter box?

[@leaazencot5905]

You have 3 options : In houses, they keep it far from the house and after a couple of years it makes compost . Not possible in a van In van, you can bury it in the ground somewhere Or you out directly a plastic bag in the bucket and when it is full, you put it in a public trash. But take resistant plastic bag for people who will empty it. I must say this last solution is not legal but that is what most of us do

[@ProjectUntethered]

@@leaazencot5905 Clever! Walmart just started using super heavy duty bags - I bet those would work perfectly!

[@gonagain]

Spot on!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha thanks! What was your biggest reality check when you started van life?

[@gonagain]

@@ProjectUntethered we're just part timers, but we do a lot of it. All our travels are done with our 6x10 cargo trailer after having much larger rigs to begin with.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That sounds awesome! I haven’t seen converted cargo trailers out on the road that often, but they look pretty sweet. Or maybe I have seen them, but they just blend in better 🤔

[@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791]

By a $5 or $10 ax , u can just ax trees out of the way . And then you’ll have some firewood too

[@ProjectUntethered]

This one may have called for a chain saw

[@jerroddooley374]

You're a lucky man. You get to live the vanlife and you get to live the vanlife with a mui bonita senorita

[@ProjectUntethered]

There’s a lot to be thankful for, that’s for sure! 🥰

[@msmargiek48]

We start our van life in a little over a month. Thanks for your honesty. We have so much work to do on the van still. They don't tell you that in KZbin channels, it's like here is a 30 min video on how to make cabinets and takes you 2 weeks to put just one together until you get so frustrated that you hire someone to do it. I have learn not to trust KZbin for sure. With that I subscribed to your channel. Please be real. Thanks

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha yeah unless they have experience building things, odds are there are bigs portions/tantrums that are left out of the video. Things rarely go according to plan. I learned that for myself when trying to switch out our drivers seat with a junkyard seat. Seems simple enough, right? WRONG! Haha. I’m excited for you though! Where to you plan to go?

[@msmargiek48]

@@ProjectUntethered Thank you. We live in WA state and plan on a trip to my family in MO and then Smokey Mountains and New England in the Fall. Never been there and now is the time.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That sounds like quite the adventure! We loved Washington and would love to go back someday!

[@conhill2]

100% TRUE!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha but still totally worth it!!

[@ShaggyEells]

I heard when you move into a van you start pooping rainbows.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Bahaha well mine certainly missed the memo!

[@newzealandrelaxinghikes]

Thanks for honesty, I like to see the truth! :))) I think if you show your VAN layout that would be a great video.

[@ProjectUntethered]

You bet! It's annoying when people sugarcoat things and hide all the bad stuff. We actually did do a tour of our van here! :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3e9enqtppt8grM

[@newzealandrelaxinghikes]

@@ProjectUntethered Thanks a lot for reply. It looks like I overlooked that video! Yeah, most people like to see "sugarcoat" style video of big VANs with plenty of pillows. Clean and tidy ... :) BTW. I like the piece of video where you removed fallen tree. You are very creative! :)

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah those nice vans are pretty to look at, but super duper expensive. And I honestly doubt they ever look that sparkly clean in everyday life. I mean..where is all their stuff?? Haha thanks -That fallen tree was a stressful situation! We were in the middle of a steep root-filled hill and there was no way of turning around. Fortunately we survived!

[@newzealandrelaxinghikes]

@@ProjectUntethered I especially like your response - "that I am here for - complicating things" :))) Life without such small problems to solve would not be full! :)

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha that's so true! An easy life is a boring life!

[@estratioskalanakis1242]

Wow

[@ProjectUntethered]

🚐🚐🚐

[@jay6157]

That thumbnail 😭😭😭🤣😂

[@ProjectUntethered]

Bahaha I’m glad someone finally appreciated that!!🤣

[@randall3786]

I’m not a van liver but like in everything you sacrifice something to get the other thing

[@ProjectUntethered]

Well said, Randall! It’s not the most comfortable living arrangement in the world, but it sure does open up some neat opportunities 😎

[@reneehill2034]

So, please tell me, how and where did you get the tracks for the curtains in front of your windshield? TIA

[@ProjectUntethered]

We were lucky enough that those come built into the roadtrek campervans. They are super handy, so if you can figure out how to install some of your own, they’re definitely worth it

[@olguiq1013]

Jejeje... Me encantan!!! Poop talk.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahah nobody else is giving the poop talk..but the people must know! 😂

[@joebaker8413]

Hey you guys got solar panels!!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah it’s just a portable one for now, but it’s better than nothing!

[@michaelchanez3790]

Doubt u will see this but having a regular toilet seat cover and then using bags like a trash can is the way to go

[@byronbrasher8118]

what kind of solar kit are you using ?

[@ProjectUntethered]

We just bought the renogy 100w portable kit for now. I wanted to install some on the roof, but it seemed like to much of a pain to order all the tools and materials and try to time everything right to do it while traveling. I’m considering doing it as soon as we get back from Colombia. Our plan is to dip down into Mexico, and there’s lots of sun there 🌞

[@byronbrasher8118]

@@ProjectUntethered I understand its better to have them not installed on roof-this way you can move the panels out in the sun while you park under a shade- like under a tree as an example

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yup that is definitely true. However their are pros and cons to both setups. The cons of a portable panel are (1) it takes up space inside your van, and (2) you have to constantly set it up and put it away, and when it’s put away, you’re losing time you could be charging if it were on your roof (like when you’re driving, for example. Our alternator normally doesn’t charge our house batteries completely while we drive, even if we go for several hours. But if we had a panel on the roof, it might be enough to keep the battery topped up. So, there are definitely uses for both!

[@byronbrasher8118]

@@ProjectUntethered i agree

[@elazarpimentel5340]

I always thought if I lived in a van I would join a gym so I can go and work out and take a shower ohhh who am I kidding? just shower.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha it’s a great plan as long as you’re going to be living in or passing through bigger cities regularly that have your gym!

[@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791]

I want to see what your finding to do in California

[@ProjectUntethered]

Right now we're trying to survive the pouring rain in SF!

[@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791]

Travel lodge on Lombard street is a fairly cheap hotel if you need a shower

[@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791]

Parking lines in sf are so narrow ... can get wedged in sometimes

[@ProjectUntethered]

@@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791 we took a freezing cold outdoor beach shower today in the rain... so now we should be good for a week! 😂

[@ProjectUntethered]

@@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791 I’ve noticed this as well!

[@jessicacannady1931]

I really don't see the appeal of van life. No bathroom, no kitchen. It looks like a big inconvenience. And you have to pack everything up, get water, pump out waste. And you have to worry about the van breaking down. Also safety, I need a whole shelter.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Sounds like van life wouldn’t be the best fit for you :-)

[@tess8822]

Why not bag and easy potty throw away.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That would’ve definitely kept me dry! But I’m not sure how we would’ve felt having a bagful of poo floating around the van until we could find a place to dump it 💩

[@learningjourney3041]

i love to see married couples traveling around the world and creating side businesses together and ....just enjoying each other company instead of getting married and having babies like the rest of them.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks! Everyone is different and I totally get the babies thing (maybe someday). But for now we’re having a blast! 🤗

[@learningjourney3041]

@@ProjectUntethered love that :)

[@krolina6]

Ai amiga hahahahahaha

[@ProjectUntethered]

Voce pode ver van life e muito difícil amiga 🤣🤣🤣

[@krolina6]

@@ProjectUntethered siii, creo que nuestro hotel no tener agua y calefacción en París te dejó lista para vivir en una van jajajajajajaja

[@ProjectUntethered]

@@krolina6 así es amiga me preparaste 🤣

[@byronbrasher8118]

what is what van life is - adventure lol

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha you’re right. Van life would be boring if it was as perfect as it looks in most influencers IG photos. If you’re not peeing in a bottle, you’re not living van life!

[@kregoryklements6918]

Rich kid problems. Haahahhahhhaa

[@ProjectUntethered]

🦵

[@wmcrinc]

There must be 10's if not 100's of thousands of RV's with RV toilets like yours. They don't stink! Get you some holding tank chemical and quit waiting for a rattle snake to bite you in the a$$.

[@ProjectUntethered]

I've certainly thought about it, especially just in case of emergencies. Perhaps rather than the smell, I'm just too lazy to add another task to the never-ending to do list. For now, the toilet serves as a great shelf :-)

[@kregoryklements6918]

Nerds

[@ProjectUntethered]

🤓

[@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791]

Go poop at Walmart!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Walmart had housed many of my poops!

[@MehadiLifeStyle]

If honest review had a face 🥴

[@ProjectUntethered]

Not sure what that means but thanks for watching! ☺️