Solo Vanlife as a Wheelchair User | Van Tour

[@s.u.0509]

This is probably the most inspriring van life story I heard in a long time.

[@faze_buendia9514]

Ooh I've been looking forward to seeing this tour since the interview you had w/ her last week!

[@faze_buendia9514]

what an incredible home!! And Corbit O'Toole, that is THE coolest name I've heard in a really long time! lol I'm a writer as well, I write non fiction stuff for work and fiction stuff for fun and That name is a fantastic name for a character!

[@lynnellenm]

I’m so damn impressed with the flexibility and adaptability for each individual traveler. Happy trails.

[@TornSparrow1974]

I wish y'all had covered how she bathes and toilets. I have to be able to do those inside the vehicle. A great video!

[@LaraSatoriHarris]

I've considered taking out the passenger seat on mine. Thanks Corbett for showing me how that might work! I LOVE your build.

[@MrsRubens]

Thank you so much for sharing this, and especially for sharing the reasoning and thought process that went into the layout, even the purchase of the van. Great tips for organizing the space that anyone can use in a van build, too!

[@CAPoole]

You go girl! You rock! Thank you -- I am encouraged! Corbett you are a rock star!!

[@lego65100]

Corbett, thank you for sharing your van, and your setup. I'm recently disabled, 59, and have been trying to pick out my wheelchair. I've also been dreaming, and planning what kind of van that I would like to allow me to camp. It seems like this video came at just the perfect time! I'm going to bookmark it, so I can duplicate a lot of your ideas, once I do buy my van. I refuse to let my disability keep me trapped. I wish you many happy adventures. 🚐

[@TheGalavan]

Looking forward to seeing you out on the road!

[@corbettotoole8143]

I am happy to talk more about the decisions/designs that did not make it into the video. If you are considering a van with a lift, it’s really important to know that nearly all campsites have room for a back door lift to come down. But almost no campsite has room for a side lift/ramp to come down.

[@lego65100]

@@corbettotoole8143 That is really good to know, when trying to find the van I'll be using. I'm so glad I found this video before I had already made a buying commitment. When I get further along in the process, I may be taking you up on the very kind offer of discussing the decisions and lessons-learned that you had. I'm so new to being disabled, the whole thing is overwhelming right now. But I learned a LOT watching this video, and seeing how well you maneuvered inside the confines of your van space. Thank you so much for this... both Corbett and Galavan. 💛

[@pmcallister]

@@corbettotoole8143 we’re going to use a Superarm lift on campervan for my paraplegic husband and me. They solve this problem. Pricey though.

[@karenharvey2549]

I hope you do this. Live the adventurous life.

[@bionicnomad24]

Thank you for sharing! I've been looking for a video like yours for some time now. Your video inspired me. Im 44 with mobility issues due to a stroke, and I've been wanting to live off the grid. The cost of living is through the ruff. Im on ssi/ssdi and would really love to van life. I have a mobility scooter. Thank you so much for inspiring me! Best of luck! I hope to see the updated version. I would have to do everything slowly. Very practical.

[@kimberlyknight4973]

Great tour I am just in awe Corbitt has it all worked out.

[@vanessahenry7238]

This gives me hope in case things get harry with my disability. Thank you!!!

[@terry362]

Love your van Corbett. 🤍🇬🇧🤍

[@samanthadodd8112]

So inspiring. I can still get around but every year it's getting harder and harder. I know I will be in a wheel chair in a few years and this makes me inspired to keep traveling.

[@corbettotoole8143]

Lots of folks with disabilities and health conditions out here on the road. I actually find life easier on the road. I can set my own pace, everything I need is already set up for me. And being in nature makes me happy.

[@pidpot]

Nice 3-zone (plus back deck!) layout. Thanks for the tour, Corbett and Joni.

[@VanventureswithKaia]

I’m so glad to see all kinds of people living van life I’m not in a wheelchair but I do have a disability and I love living my van 🚐 life

[@MidNiteBlueRose9]

What a wonderful build! I love that the lift is on the back; it opens up the space so much! And the support bars are just brilliant. Well done. Thank you for tapping this build!

[@FlipMacz]

YAAAASSS!!!! Showing 'em all whose boss of YOUR life!!!! Rock it!!!!! 🌼🌿⚡

[@suzannehackett-morgan5051]

Corbett you are my hero! Hope we get to meet someday!

[@corbettotoole8143]

Me too!

[@susans7091]

Joni and Corbett - so nice to see you both:) I just got a van at 76!!!! So joining the ranks, although part time. Good for you Corbett! Inspiring. Super that you can get into your wheelchair in the van, exit on your own with your lift. I am hoping others that are in a chair see how independent you have become and are encouraged to step out also :) Go, go, go! I too love the unexpected and pull over for naps. Enjoy!

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

This build is practical and fantastic.

[@tiffanyshand1529]

This gives me hope as a disabled person. I wondered how anyone in a chair would be able to do van life. But I wish you covered how she bathes and goes to the toilet.

[@chrisfitzchrisfitz5182]

Great build! Now, if there were *self-driving* vans Corbet, I’d be out there too! Lol

[@karenharvey2549]

Some straightforward but ingenious solutions. Hubby is a wheelchair user so I have an idea of the obstacles to get around. Happy travels. ❤

[@jillwklausen]

What a lovely woman. Thank you for sharing her van tour.

[@car5522]

I was curious about the toilet options on this build.

[@karencooper6634]

Me too

[@corbettotoole8143]

I have only lived in the van for 4 months and I’ve changed my toileting system 3 times! I plan to install a black tank for urine and sink water. But until then I have a shower chair that I also use to take showers at Planet Fitness. Under the shower chair I place a 3 gallon bucket with a lid (it’s on a small storage box to make it come close up to the underside of the shower chair. For urine, I just remove the lid. Then I empty the urine into a 10 gallon water cooler that I modified with a ball valve that hooks directly up to a cheap garden hose. This allows me to just open the valve and dump the urine into a dump station. For feces, I line the dry 3 gallon bucket with a large plastic bag. Inside that I put any toilet paper I have from urinating (this absorbs any liquid). When I am done, I remove the large plastic bag and tie it off. I then put that into a gallon Ziplock bag. Since I boondock and am often not near trash containers, I want to control smell until the toilet bag is emptied.

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

Way to go!

[@Lst.Hmar5299]

So cool...

[@juliecueva7297]

What an amazing woman 😊

[@angelacraw2907]

Great set-up. Thanks for posting.

[@karenjohnson2759]

I am so happy that you are living your best life, Thanks for sharing.

[@debbiedebbie9473]

That's a wonderful set up and really impressed how fast that lift is !

[@kelleyjerred8032]

Love those swivel chairs I need to get those in my van

[@kimsargeant8126]

So well thought out.

[@2ancient2define97]

Thank you. She has shown ME some new possibilities...contrary to what my grown children keep telling me. Inspiring!!!

[@TheGalavan]

That's great! Don't let anyone put their limitations on you! ❤

[@elizzbethjiminez4817]

Love the way you organized your van.

[@traveldreamer4616]

Great video. Just Go-that is the right attitude. Enjoy the journey.

[@teriscallon]

so awesome

[@bean_spr00t]

Disabled people are badass. Great video with awesome explanations 🔥

[@marymactavish]

Absolutely aspirational for me, thank you.

[@kimberlychicago7608]

Thanks for sharing. I'm curious how she opens the back barn doors by herself from inside. Is there a latch system somewhere? Also, what about an indoor fire safety system.

[@TheGalavan]

She cut out a spot in the lift grate so she can access the door handle - and uses a pole to push the doors out. I think she's working on getting actuator arms (I think that's what it's called) to make this process easier. I'm not sure where she stores her fire extinguisher, but I'm sure it's accessible to her cooking area.

[@corbettotoole8143]

When I bought the van I didn’t check to see if there were automatic door openers (I assumed there were). So I made a temporary solution. As Joni said a small hole in the grate (with a cover) allows me to reach the handles for both back doors. I push the doors open with a swimming pool pole (it’s light, strong and telescopes). I pull the doors closed with a light rope. The wheelchair lift companies stopped making automatic door openers in the early 2000s so I am still trying to find someone to help me make my own. As for fire safety, The van has running boards. My emergency evacuation is just to go out a door to the running boards while yelling for help. The fire extinguisher (small) is in the kitchen area.

[@lesliehunter1823]

Re fire safety, I didn't know til talking to the firemen who were putting out my engine fire that those red extinguishers we all have need to be shaken occasionally to loosen up the powder inside.

[@nopretribrapture2318]

my family don't believe me when diagnosed with multiple health problems and disability, they abandoned me basically, they could easily contact my drs, i don't care,im glad their out of my life now, im saving up for a bigger van to live in part time and possibly full time if ever im made homeless again, love the vid 😊👍

[@MyFriendlyPup]

Here because of Jeffie Bear!

[@darekk5699]

Super

[@andykao6344]

very good video

[@shelaghsings8235]

How does Corbett open and close the doors to the chair lift? Is there something automatic we didn't see?

[@kathismith1270]

I wondered the same thing.

[@averysmallcampervan]

that was my question too. Also, what does she do if there isn't plywood or other solid surface for the lift? How does she get out?

[@TheGalavan]

She cut out a spot in the lift grate so she can access the door handle - and uses a pole to push the doors out. I think she's working on getting actuator arms (I think that's what it's called) to make this process easier.

[@corbettotoole8143]

@@averysmallcampervan If there is no solid surface I don’t get out of the van. In the desert there are soft and hard surfaces. Since I am new (4 months full time in the van) I am staying at desert spots that other people picked. As I get more experience I will be able to pick the hard desert spots. When I am on my own I select hard pack ground (when it’s available) or pay for an inexpensive campsite where there is paved surface.

[@julianolan2860]

Hello from Australia! I am so impressed by thise videos and the respectful space to inspire a range of women to try van living. I am still looking and reflecting on my project as I care for my mother in her 90s. This is what I do in the quiet hours she sleeps in the afternoon and I feel I have found a better fit for inspiration with this channel. Blessings and wonderful sunsets over your way from Julia

[@TheGalavan]

Thank you for this - it really touched my heart! It sounds like you are really embracing your special time caring for your mom.

[@cuddlemymicky]

What an inventive build! What is the bed size?

[@TheGalavan]

If I remember correctly, 30" x 70"

[@burgessjulie67]

What about restroom? Did I miss that in the video? I’m interested in a very similar set up, but need toilet capability.

[@shannonmurphy9790]

Thank you for this great video. I'm not quite done watching it, but stopped to type this question - When inside the van, how do you get the rear doors open so you can deploy the chair lift? For example, if you are sleeping at night, I assume the van is all closed up. How do you get those doors open so that you can deploy the chair lift?

[@TheGalavan]

She cut out a spot in the loft to access the door handle and uses a pole to push them open.

[@shannonmurphy9790]

@@TheGalavan very creative! Thanks for the response.

[@karlamaxine]

I know you made this several months ago. I just ran across it now. Once you are in the van and the lift is up, how do you close the doors on the back? How do you get the sheet of plywood up? I’m 65 & disabled. I’m not in a chair yet but know it’s coming. I am on a walker full time and steps are near impossible.

[@TheGalavan]

At the time, she had cord attached to the back doors to close them. I think she's since added an actuator to open and close the doors. She doesn't lift the plywood. We set that out for her to be able to be out of her van while here. Normally, she would set the lift down in a place that is more accessible than where this was filmed. Best of luck to you!

[@karlamaxine]

@@TheGalavan thank you for responding. I am saving for a van. It won’t be much of one and like this I will have to live in it while I fix it up. Soc Sec is my only income and I have no children. No help to physically build it out either but I’ll manage somehow. I can’t stay here forever and I can’t live in my 2003 Corolla. Haha. Is there a group of women or otherwise that I can converse with about all the issues around full time van life? Finding places to park, the best of’s, tips & tricks. Bare minimum needs to get started? That’s where I need to start, I guess. I’d really like to meet folk that I may be able to meet up with here and there. I’m still semi mobile. I’m on a walker. I’ll need a lift but might get away with a pole lift. Anyway, any info would be greatly appreciated. PS: I’m currently in AZ. Thanks, Karla

[@TheGalavan]

@@karlamaxine YES! Join my group: facebook.com/groups/galadventurers and then join us on Thursdays at 5pm Pacific (6pm AZ) for our Nomadic Women's Virtual Happy Hour (the link is in the group)! That's exactly what we do.

[@karlamaxine]

@@TheGalavan Thank you!! I’ll head over to FB right now!

[@bionicnomad24]

My biggest problem is trying to find the correct van for me and my needs

[@mariapapaya2209]

OLÉ TU CORAJE MUJER !

[@thereseschab5042]

I keep wondering how she closed the back doors of the van after getting back in.

[@rhondacook4302]

How does she get the backdoors shut once she's in?

[@TheGalavan]

She has some cords attached to the doors that she pulls, although she's working on getting actuating arms installed (I think that's what they're called).

[@guitarlearningtoplay]

How much was everything?

[@zanthornton]

Did I miss bathroom?

[@cat3crazy]

I'm thinking about getting into a van. I just retired (last month) and have so many things I need to do before I can get into a van. Do I sell everything or store some furniture in case I need to leave van life? How do I go about finding a reliable van by myself. How am I going to convert or build it out? Seriously, I have no one to help me. Just moving out of my home that I've been in for 30 years, overwhelms me. Plus I have to have repairs done before I can sell my place. There is so much to do/know.

[@TheGalavan]

Since it sounds like you are just starting to consider vanlife, I would recommend taping off an area in your home the size of the van you think you want and start to envision living in that space. Pay attention to what you use on a daily basis - does that fit into vanlife? If the answer is yes, then just take it all one step at a time. Start getting your repairs done and cleaning out stuff. Do the calculations - how much will it cost to store furniture vs replacing what you have? How far out is that break even point of the storage costing more than the replacement value? Also keep in mind the mental cost of thinking about stuff you're storing while you're on the road. There is a freedom to not keeping stuff. In my first video with Corbett, she shared how she got connected to other nomads and found help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoO9iJ2HlNxqe6c

[@LoveDogs___3]

*You need to use a microphone on the people that are telling about their van. You couldn't hear half what she said.*

[@LoveDogs___3]

Fridge?? Toilet?? Shower??

[@corbettotoole8143]

Some replies are in the answers above. Fridge is chest-style and replaced the front passenger seat. The top of the fridge is a wooden table/work area. Toilet is currently 2 bucket system. Going to add a black tank soon (for urine and sink water). Shower at the Planet Fitness ($22/month) because they are everywhere in the US. When I boondock remotely (I.e. no one nearby for a few hours) I shower using my wheelchair lift as a shower floor. I have a pump and shower head system from Amazon that I use with a 5 gallon bucket and 1-2 gallons of water.

[@TerrileeYO]

think your not living small enough to worry about kitchen prep space inmho.

[@TerrileeYO]

this person has limited mobility not in a wheelchair all day