Stealth Vanlife NYC (Van Tours & Buying a Camper Van)

Stealth Vanlife NYC (Van Tours & Buying a Camper Van)
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A few months ago, our first USA holiday home on wheels went up in flames.. and after a brief trip home to regroup, we're back in the USA and ready to start looking for our replacement camper van!
In this NYC travel vlog, we finally arrive back in the USA and continue our search for the perfect van/RV. We look at two very different campervans - one vintage rv and one newer, self-build van. We give a full tour of each van, and discuss whether or not we have found the perfect van for us.
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⭐ About Travel Beans:
Welcome to the official Travel Beans KZbin channel! On this channel, you’ll find a variety of travel and vlog content, in which you’ll see us in places like Thailand, Japan, USA, Slovenia, and more.
In 2017 we left home with just £500 in our bank account and a dream to make a sustainable travel lifestyle happen! We are now living our dream as digital nomads and want to inspire you to create your own story, whatever it may be!
After 5 years of aimless, yet enjoyable, backpacking around the world we found ourselves in New York City battling with depression. At this point, we decided to go home and confront this problem head-on. After 6 tough months at home we decided to go away again, but this time with a goal in mind.. to turn travel into a lifestyle.
Our time spent battling depression has influenced our outlook on life dramatically! We are now traveling the world in search of what makes us happy. In our vlogs, we talk openly and honestly about our travel experiences, the digital nomad life and depression. We hope our videos can help to inspire you to create a life that makes you happy!
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[@TravelBeans]

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[@tubeWyrme]

AG is just an expensive con with no reliable evidence to backup any of their claims. Save your money and eat some tasty veggies

[@zaynevanday142]

So Emma gets excited by vans ? 😂 😂 😂

[@zaynevanday142]

Poor Alex 😂

[@zaynevanday142]

Spend the extra get a better van with AC

[@cynthiadickey3055]

No I don't trust older then 10 years .remember parts aren't as easy to find for the older gems. Take your time and have it inspected. Love u guys too

[@vernharris7407]

I was watching a KZbin channel called Mav he was doing a road trip through New York and camped overnight in that alley and he showed that van on his channel and talk to the same guy I thought that was interesting, as for the first van that type of van holders value quite well well-maintained you can usually get your money back in the resale highly sought after

[@amyjobe4784]

I watched that mav video too, and thought what are the odds!

[@Ammotyr]

OMG .... i watched Mav too !!! No wander that van looks so familiar !!!

[@Rusty_James]

the same here..! i recognized the all Black camper parked before the green ambulance..!! what are the odds..!

[@vernharris7407]

Yes when I saw that black camper that’s when I realized where they were

[@gianluca777]

Same here, i watched the same MAV video in that same alley when he was in York. What a coincidence

[@ESALX]

just make sure when you get the van, you get a full engine service, oil change, especially a gearbox service, new brake fluid, power steering fluid, and so on. this will be over a thousand dollars in the US but trust me, it's so worth it. i've been working on cars, vans, building machinery, you name it, since i was 10 with my dad. trust me when i say it will be so worth it in the long run. i hope it all goes well. rest in peace to frank.

[@JohnBasara]

Top tip... steer clear of any 4x4 with oversized tires, lift kit, and the whole thing which makes it look "cool" unless you know someone who really knows 4x4 suspensions and can look at the work that was done to sign off on it. Most aftermarket suspension 'upgrades' are complete junk and are horrible in terms of actual functionality. They look great, but they're trash. If you want a 4x4, aim for something with normal sized tires that looks stock and unmodified.

[@paulgill7271]

I used to own a 1981 Dodge Ram Van and it had the 6 litre V8 petrol engine. I can honestly say that I used to get 30mpg out of mine so I was stunned by the 11mpg quote. The parts were never a problem and my van was very reliable. The van was over 25 years old when I owned it.

[@coloradoridgerunner791]

There is no way you got 30 mpg maybe 18 but more likely 13 mpg.

[@paulgill7271]

@@coloradoridgerunner791 sorry but I owned the van for many years and I know what I was getting in MPG

[@EASYTIGER10]

You should have multiples little ones, then you'd have a whole tin of beans😁

[@kiriakiria9685]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@SelfMade717]

that space with the campers is just where Mav has been in his last New York video a few days ago. Crazy!!!! The guy you were talking to was the same guy Mav was talking too as well haha. Small world

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you for stopping by Van Alley. Drew’s van is in great condition and he has done some excellent upgrades. I find it pretty awesome Drew and his van were now featured on three big Vanlife KZbin channels. Below is the link of the tour of Van Alley from late 2021, Drew’s Van is featured towards the beginning. “Living RENT FREE in NYC - The Van Dwellings of New York City #VANLIFE WINTER” kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp2lhpmQjt-Yg5o then recently he did a full tour during the Norteast Van Life Meetup early this Summer. “VAN LIFE in A Vintage 1987 Dodge B350 Explorer Campervan” kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ-UhmqQg6ifnbs then most recently on Mav’s channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHjWnZ-ZlL1pp5Y He will be selling this very soon, I know it.

[@Areister37]

Always appreciate you man, love your channel!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

@@Areister37 love your van.

[@kathrynhaynes7068]

It's a small world!!! I just watched Mav (KZbinr who travels and lives out if his truck) stay in NYC in that same alley, and he has a quick chat with Drew, who points out that he's selling that camper van! So cool!!! I look forward to seeing the small school buses. Seems like a great way to travel.

[@bipster]

Came here to say this! lol

[@raevalenz]

Not sure if anyone else watches Mav here on KZbin , but he was just in the same part of Brooklyn in one of his most recent videos (truck camping); I think even spoken to the same guy who’s selling the first van they looked at! Vid marker 2:20

[@Akash_158]

🥳

[@Dutchbelg3]

Hey Alex and Emma 🙂 Just looking at it van no.1 looked very professional and tight. I thought no.2 was a little shaggy and (just by the look of it..) might turn up some trouble in short term. Of course you have to realise that if the mechanics are older (the van space is usually well restored) it might at the end need replacement of cetain parts. And then the issue is: are these parts still available.. A van of the 1980's is about 40 years old .. good chance some parts can be trouble to replace. My tip: try to buy something mechanically solid. Look at the engine, listen to the engine, check for leakage under the van, check for exhaust fumes (blue oily or white steamy rubbery smell) Look at the electronics (does it look tidy and untouched?) and let some one expert look at it too. The interior you can adapt yourself; the mechanics you will probably need a garage for fixing and America has plenty of places you don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere. Happy hunting!

[@beccadreams4992]

I don't think they will have trouble finding the parts it's the fact that they will have to go pull the parts from a salvage yard. I doubt Emma would enjoy that lol.

[@danielzhang1916]

yeah, stuck on the highway or some rural town

[@rhondazappalewis3685]

Great advise

[@LightsHikesAndWanderlove]

This is really good advice! When you have an older vehicle, parts are difficult or impossible to come by.

[@alanhat5252]

after-market parts are available for popular vehicles many decades after OEM parts become unavailable, they're often exactly the same part with a different maker's name or a superior part. Any good mechanic will know what's available.

[@martinengelbrecht5384]

Remember not to put toooooo much pressure on yourselves. We are supporting you both all the way. 🤗🤗👍🏻👍🏻

[@dugonore8942]

Hi Beans👋 Standing up inside is a must! Air conditioning is highly recommended for the USA 🇺🇸. I’ve lived in my vehicles for decades now, kitchen, bedroom, and living/dining rooms are essential! Bathroom is a luxury, having a compost toilet and outdoor shower are great and can easy find a place to be while not in use. And having opening windows for ventilation is also a must with screens. Best of fortune finding your new digs! While in California visit me in Rough and Ready. 🤗 And most importantly, have fun!🤗🥳✨

[@higherhands]

Any vehicle in the north is likely to have issues with rust. Also anything from near the ocean can have issues from the salt air. The first van would fit you better than the second, but make sure you get an inspection on whatever you consider. Air con is a must in the states. So excited for your journey. We are in the process of going full time in our 1999 Tiffin Allegro 34’ class A.

[@theashbys8863]

Agree totally head south they will be in far better condition due to climate

[@roshi98]

@@theashbys8863 To be fair, the van they bought down South caught fire, so...

[@anothercheryladventure9387]

@@roshi98 I totally agree. I’m down here in South Jersey. Come down here to the Philly Suburbs. Don’t buy a van from any city. Too much wear and tear. Get a van that vacationers only used, not lived in. Too much wear and tear for what you can afford. My opinion. South Jersey is a day trip. 2 hours from where you are now. Look up Deptford, NJ. 50 mile radius. Just trying to help. Good Luck🍀❤️💕There is RV dealers down here too❤️

[@grahamjohnson4702]

rust has not been a problem for many years

[@MajandraMonroe]

@@anothercheryladventure9387 this is the advice. You want something that was just for summer trips, lived in a garage mostly, and south Jersey is the place to look. We just have the space for those garages, the cars aren’t sacrificed to the sea air just a little ways inland either.

[@spaceshiplewis]

Be sure to look around and stay patient with the process. And remember that you're going to hit 48 states which is 5500+ kilometers of travel. It is a lot of stress on old vehicles, even restromoded vehicles with new engines and such.

[@burleigh604]

@@outdoorfun8780 totally agree... old ones are simple engineering that's works. New ones even a 15yr old one will have the same issues as a 30yr old one if its not maintained well. RV's don't do high millage for there age so its the parts that can deteriat over time not from wear You need to look at. Sprinter van size I think you need. the 1st one you looked at look tight and original. I think it be hard to beat that in your future searches. It just looked right. Good luck on your searching. ....Burleigh

[@HensOnly]

Also something to consider, the availability of parts just in case it breaks down. Some places don't have mechanics that are familiar with aged vehicles. I do agree older campervans can take the beating more than the newer ones and they don't fall apart at the first year. Some should be in show displays only, just because it is an "antique" and unique type of vehicle (ex. VW buses, collector's items) I hope the couple will take their time searching for a while to get the right campervan.

[@bikinijohn]

Hey guys. We liked the van # 1. Because we have nearly the identical one. Ours is a 1992 Dodge. It had 70,000 miles on it when we bought it 7 years ago. We paid $5800 for it. Over the years we have traveled across country twice and many shorter trips in between. Having said that, we have repaired and replaced a number of things at a cost of an additional $10,000 over the years. This includes a new paint job. But we love it. It has never left us stranded. Hopefully that owner has taken care of many of those things. Good luck whatever you choose. John and Angie

[@donaldwallace7934]

The first van definitely looked well maintained, but the age would be my concern. Also, in regards to that, you guys want to use the van for a few years, and it’s already 35+ years old. Even if it proves to be as sound as it appears, parts could be a problem to find when needed. If it were me, I’d keep on a lookin! 😊

[@whammond511]

The availability of mechanical parts should not be much of a problem. Those vans were sold in great enough quantity and so many are still on the road that parts are more reliably found than a lot of newer van parts.

[@howlbirch9271]

WOOO!!! Welcome backkkk!! Super excited to see you guys back at it and to see what you will find this time around! If you make it to the lower Manhattan area, try Hometown HotPot and BBQ. If you like hotpot or have never tried it, i highly recommend !! It's my most favorite place to go in NY. If you make it up here to MA, Northampton is a cute quirky little town that's super fun to walk around. Enjoyyy!!!! always love your videos

[@thomasmcquade8786]

I own an 85 and am happy with it. What happened to your van can happen to any. Maintenance is the key to any equipment. Do not let fear stop you from a van you fall in love with

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

#1 is better but a patient search is most valuable 🇨🇦

[@Debra113]

Exactly! Worries me they're so excited about the first van they look at. Especially worrisome that it's so old. Patience is the key. 🙂

[@Kathleensailorgirl]

Lovely to see you both looking so well. Best of luck with your search.👍😊💕

[@tammiamundson115]

Love the first one. But you are right to take your time. Good luck Beans and enjoy your journey!!!!

[@Curious-traveler]

Super glad to see you guys come back and not let the bad experience before stop you. 👏👏

[@CM-ts9bx]

As a full-time vanner it's really interesting to follow your purchasing process. I would discount a pop-top as it prohibits stealth camping when you need it. For me, despite how it looks, a the first van is just too old unless you are mechanically savvy enough to keep on top of constant mechanical maintenance.

[@moniquevelasco20]

You guys definitely need a 4 by 4, and not so old. There are so many amazing places to visit, but having a 4x4 will make a difference where you can go. Good luck with the van hunt. Love and be safe!😘🤗🌼🇻🇪

[@algauthier]

You two beans have been my most recent binge watching focus! Your growth as beans and your adventures are really great to watch. Most of all, you two seem like friends we would love to get to know (including the introverted sides of yourselves). Thanks for putting out such great content, and for sharing the good and the bad. Life is full of challenges and it’s important to show all sides to life, as you are. Bean fan OUT

[@graffix11us]

Thanks for bringing us along on your van shopping, I love looking at all the different layouts and how people set things up. So far I like van #1. We have a little dog named Beans so now we always say Beans Out! when he runs into another room 🙂

[@davitakirkland348]

I Really Loved the first one! But I can't wait to see more!! Got all my fingers and toes crossed for you guys!

[@mikemanjo2458]

I like the first one! The one he's working on looks absolutely amazing! I know y'all will pick just the right one for you! Stay safe and have a great time! Love from South Carolina, Jane ❤🙏

[@RobbieHerrera]

Glad you’re being cautious this time. I love your channel. Of the ones you’ve shown in the video, I’d go for the first van but I would replace every hose or line that has fluid going through it. I’d also consider replacing the radiator and maybe even the water pump as well as all the spark plug leads. American vehicles even older ones still have parts available and there will be far more shops able to work on them than European vehicles. I would still have a thorough mechanical and safety inspection done. As everyone suggested though, please keep looking.

[@neverppreciated]

yip totally agree, crazy driving in NYC!

[@gcsaenz1112003]

Great to see you guys back! I believe your better off searching in the southwest in order to avoid rust issues. Keep the search going 👍.

[@winifredmorris8507]

There's no shortcut to getting rich, but there are smart ways to go about it. I realized early in life the importance of investing for financial independence and have invested with great returns working with a professional

[@paolokoch1123]

I've always been fascinated with investing and as such would appreciate some help on how to go about it without incurring a loss. Can you share the investments you have made and your experiences with them? Thanks.

[@winifredmorris8507]

@@paolokoch1123 I engage in prolific investments such as:- real estate, NFTs, crpto and stocks and through proper advice and management by a licensed financial adviser (Hamilton Phoebe Zoe), I achieved good returns on investment. For a better investment experience work with an expert . That’s just my advice.

[@paolokoch1123]

@@winifredmorris8507 I appreciate this information, how can I get in touch with your financial advisor as I am really interested and want to start investing?

[@winifredmorris8507]

@@paolokoch1123 Just make quick internet search with her name *Hamilton Phoebe Zoe* to get in touch and write her ..

[@reedbrian290]

Wow, I'm very surprised to meet Hamilton Phoebe Zoe, the same investment advisor that my colleagues at work talk about and praise her skills and experience. Phoebe operates with large investment firms, but her services to average individuals are truly philosophical. Indeed, good deeds fly so fast.

[@whenypoo]

I love that ya'll are taking your time to get exactly what you want. I love the 1st one. I just watched another KZbinr(Mav) and he was on that street talking with Adam about that same van. I have a 1991 dodge ram van. I love it. I really appreciate being able to stand up in it. Good luck on your hunt for the perfect home.

[@dagmarsigridmanondenijs-bl7156]

Yep! That’s the place MAV was. I found it curious when I saw the paintings there. Since reading your post it is definitely where MAV was.

[@tmoney586]

Okay so I’m not crazy 😂 I was like “wait have I been here before?”

[@bipster]

Came here to say this! lol

[@searam1]

Cheers from Atlanta! I’m so happy you are both safe and back in the USA and if I had to choose between the two in this video, handsdown it would be the first one! It looked night and day better built than that second itty bitty little posture killer but make sure you get a top-notch mechanic to go over it and maybe even two mechanics to look at it. Welcome back and thanks for another smashing video! Good luck! Sean

[@DavidandSarah]

We're super excited to see you starting your van life journey again! We're currently exploring the Canadian Rockies in our RV 😊

[@holty2604]

First van I’d say would be a contender subject to a proper inspection but that second one gave me the ick!! Good luck in your search, take your time and be safe 😊

[@JitsIntoTheSunset]

We want the first van!! 😱 Omg love how much character it has 🚐🙌🏼 If it were us, we would have fallen in love with that one and committed, right there and then 😂 So fair play for respecting the process and carrying on with your search! 👀 ✨ xx T

[@blueclue57]

I humbly implore you beans - don’t buy anything more than 5 years old! You deserve something decent. You are not simply weekend warriors. This is very much a home substitute. Wishing you the best in your search.

[@lyndalangley7717]

OMG so good to see you again. Inspiring. Thanks

[@alanclouser540]

Glad ur back good luck 🍀

[@si_h44]

This is nuts, I was watching mav, another u tuber, and he went to New York, same street, he spoke to the guy selling the van and I was going to comment on one of your videos to say there was a van for sale and yous get to New York and it's the first van you see, crazy

[@ncoope00]

I saw the thumbnail and thought the same thing. Had to rewatch Mav and it's for sure in his video. Crazy stuff

[@si_h44]

@@ncoope00 yip, bonkers how small a world it really is

[@si_h44]

@@ncoope00 yip, bonkers how small a world it really is

[@kutnersuicide]

Saw Van #2 and instantly thought... "Nah!"

[@melissamoeller9608]

Welcome back! I’d say, keep looking. You’re overcoming trauma while searching for the next “Bean-mobile”. But, once you’ve looked at a few more, I think there will be one that you just feel kind of at peace about. I know that the search is tough. But, I think it will be worth it in the end to find a van you truly love and feel safe in.

[@tedwalker1370]

The biggest problem with buying anything in New York is the rust. Brake lines can be rusted through, the frame can have rust problems. Floors can have holes in them. Water tanks can be broken from freezing. Water lines too. Be extra careful.

[@jasonpacific5661]

Wonderful Adventure as always! We owned Van 1 😊 and got it fairly new when we were in grad school and kept it for 4 years never had a single problem. The engine and transmission are great and the living design is well thought out. Very livable indeed.

[@burleigh604]

Oh wow nice message guys

[@stephaniluebben8064]

This is too small a world. This is the same street that Maverick (youtuber) stayed at recently on his east coast trip while in NYC. There is a guy that is using that street to work on/update RV's. There were fireworks on that street on the 4th of July.

[@tmoney586]

Small flipping world 😂

[@thePsycoGeniusHybrid]

Came to comment this, that’s the guy Mav chatted to briefly. He pointed out that campervan too

[@Areister37]

Even smaller world, that guy is me

[@pierresauce8307]

I got to experience one of Drew's first vans and spent a lot of time in it, definitely coming to him when I finally buy one for myself! It was a classic Chevy and he kept the vintage feel while adding all the modern elements you could want. So sick, keep up the good work!!

[@jason19740]

So Happy to see you guys back and looking again. I hope this round goes better than the first one. I love both of the vans but the first one seems to have a better layout. It would be most like having a home than the second one. I also like the vintage look of the first one. However please have it inspected and be safe. Any van you buy have inspected because that’s a lot of money to throw away in something that’s a lemon No more repeats of the last time you tried this. I felt so bad for you all. Sometimes In Life we have little glitches that set us back and that was just that. I wish you all the luck in the world for happiness and safe travels. I will be following you on your journey. Sending love and prayers your way

[@PocketTrailblazer]

Absolutely loved Drew’s story 🥰 you guys are just so watchable and work so well as an on camera team! I totally wouldn’t have the confidence to drive there either! Lol 😂

[@k_and_m8745]

Recommendations: Stay away from the old VW, and any other vehicles where parts may be harder to get for repairs. Remember that Mercedes tends to be on the high end for repairs. Also, if traveling to other countries with a camper van, look into propane connection converters because propane connections tend to differ especially in South America. First van seemed much better than the second, the second van looks like it would not handle corners quite as well as the first van.

[@pragedisarreguin1196]

wow guys u back ❤️ looking forward for your adventures guys 👦😀👏😊 get the van 💯,thats a dope van 💯.

[@kaeokeeling9143]

Congrats on being back in the states. Look forward to seeing your adventure. Be safe and well.

[@danh950]

From these two would def go for the first one. From the previous camper you two told how much you loved standing up, the airco and space ovverall as an upgrade from the UK-van. Sorry I am terrible with names. So the second one is something I wouldnt pick in that case. But like you said the age, if there is an option for same pricerange but younger a bit further outside NY I would def check that out first.

[@Angela-1974]

I loved van no.1 but not no.2 even though it had a full size bath tub in it 😎 I got excited when I saw the first van and was secretly hoping you'd snap it up, but you're being sensible not impulsive which is good 👍

[@butchieblock9118]

Plus I would forgo that bathtub in a heartbeat because I feel like I was in my coffin tomb!

[@angelacraw2907]

Good luck in your search guys. Really great video look forward to the next installment.

[@paulahatch9955]

Hi guys, I’m so excited for you both! My husband and myself are going to look at second hand motorhomes and hopefully when both my daughters have had there babies we can start our own adventure! I know two daughters two babies, there like the London bus you don’t see one for ages and then two come at once!😂 Good luck hope you find what your looking for and thank you for taking me with you xxxxx❤️

[@emmapolling7021]

Take your time the right van will come I am so glad the two of you made it back safe and can't wait to see what you find put your search in god's hands and it will all work out in the end love watching you guys love ya see you on your next video ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Hey fellow beans, Virginia is the land for Vans. Lots of them , all shapes, sizes and prices. Come take a look. Take your time and do your research. Always, have a reputable mechanic check it out. It has to feel right for you. I wish you the best of success in finding the right one. Love to you both💖💖 Harriet, Jim and Yuki . Richmond. Va.

[@brianchristopher3816]

The first one was tight! Good luck on the outskirts of NYC. Looking forward to the next vid.

[@rachellec5703]

Of the two, the first one hands down. But as others have mentioned, the age is a concern. Whatever you get be sure to have it fully inspected (fuel lines, chassis, heads, everything). I’m sure you’ll find the van that’s perfect for you! Can’t wait to see what you choose!

[@keart65]

I think it really depends on how many miles the vehicle has. I have an older mini van that will have things break just from age. It doesn't have high miles, but for example the cooling fan for the evaporative cooler went out just because it was plastic and that wore out from being in the elements. So with an older vehicle you will have problems even if it has low miles.

[@alanhat5252]

on the flip side the failures will often already have happened & been repaired.

[@TheNWPrepper]

How fun to have a world of possibilities! Best wishes!

[@fergman300]

welcome back...look forward to more adventures, and good luck in your search.

[@ruthscott5166]

I do like the first van, if you can find a good mechanic to ensure it runs well and all hoses, etc are in excellent shape. I've reviewed some of the comments and there are some very good points made.

[@OTWD_yt]

Hyped for this you guy make my Monday 😊❤️

[@garyaaron8425]

Here....here.... Makes my Mondays as well. Beans, without gas, unite!!!! 🤣

[@OTWD_yt]

@@garyaaron8425 😂 💯

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Can't wait to see what you select! I agree, that you need to be careful of the older ones after the last attempt! Good Luck!

[@dianebaker5243]

Lovely video both. Thanks for sharing 🥰🥰

[@travelertrome8449]

Great to see you guys back at it! I think the first van you looked at was the best choice. It seemed to have the right space and the build looks similar to Frank (Hopefully safer though!). Can't wait to see you guys settled and on the road! Hopefully you also had a chance to see the Women Euro Final and watch the Lady Lionneses bring football home to England! ⚽️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆

[@glenda.thegoodwitch]

I would not get something past 1990 and fir the US defiantly get a 4x4. I live in southern Oregon if you travel this way i would love to host ! I live on 80 acres and I also know a bit about vehicles.

[@stephensatt]

The first van was better but lets keep this "REAL". You are in the USA, so that should absolutely be the smallest you should be looking at. It should have a Air Conditioner, Heater, Hot Water Heater, Shower and Toilet and Solar for off-grid and if you don't have a generator, get the Honda EU2200 suitcase generator (it will run the AC), best for small setups. 4x4 is NOT as important as pretty much everywhere we have gone off-grid has gravel roads at a minimum, and you just wont be going down a muddy road anyways with any RV and we are big off roaders too. The risks are just too high if you get stuck and trying to pull and RV out way down a muddy forest service road is krazy! Ask us how we know?

[@christophercharron8690]

Hello too both of you. Welcome back. The process of finding the van of your dreams is a challenging adventure. I wish the best of luck to you both. I will share that I had a1986 camper van which was identical to the first one you looked at. I had the van for many many years drive it from Texas to Rhode Island at least twice a year. When the kids were small it was something we excitingly looked forward to year after year. Unfortunately kids got older and bigger and well I am sure you can figure what happened next. It was a 318 motor with a 727 transmission. Got between 10 to 12 miles per gallon. The 360 motor was another option for dodge. 360 uses more gas. Things to check 1. Front end. Over time the steering box requires maintenance 2. Tie rods and steering components maybe worn 3. Brake caliper pistons (original calipers) can freeze closed. If replaced should not be a problem. 4. Wiper bushings under vowel (plastic) maybe ready to break. 5. Ujoint health should be checked. The video did not say how many miles it had on it. Best of luck in your search. Looking forward to your next video. Ohhh how old is roof ac?

[@triciasrun]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us! It is very nice of you to ask us what we think. Be patient, keep looking. A newer van would be better for you in gas millage and maintenance cost. A couple other people suggest looking at Campers or RV’s. I think that’s a great idea, even if its only to compare and contrast. The right one is out there for you! Good luck! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. Seeing you both is always a bright spot in our day!

[@TheAverageTourist]

This video is making me miss NYC, and also I'm so excited to see what you end up with for your next van.

[@52Tracker]

That “shaggin’ wagon cracked me up…..Im originally from OZ…..and in Aussie they are called “Fornicatoriums”😂😂😂

[@camaroacrossamerica7266]

Hi guys great video. Ive worked on restored and been a gearhead all my life. As far as the dodge is concerned those did have transmission issues due to weight of the rv. Also they had electrical issues.even though its in such good kit i would suggest passing on it. The sprinter on the othet hand is a great platform. Id wait and find one with a extended roofline for height. And obviously ac. They are a premium price due to newness though. Stay away from anything in 80s imo. You may want to consider a class c that has low miles itll have all the ammenitys your looking for and a chassis built for the weight. Anyway thatsmy 2 cents. Enjoy the hunt and take your own advice it sounds lije wisdom. Discovered your channel just before fred. Enjoying watching your journey btw. cheers

[@SarahsAtticOfTreasures]

Excited for you both. Especially now that you are back in the states. Watching the video now.

[@markwhitehead64]

Hi really really enjoyed watching your video it looks lovely in New York really interesting what out to buy camper/RV really looking forward to seeing your next video keep safe 😷👍🏻

[@williamperrie3966]

Oh my goodness drew!!! He is SOOOOO good at what he does. Also drew don’t lie we all know you’ve had bad posture for years lol. I hope travel beans is smart enough to use your van!

[@kellythomas7555]

Love following you two! Thank you for being cautious in your next van purchase. The first van was too cute! But did he update the engine and wiring etc as well as the esthetics??? I would really be careful buying such an old van. The second van was done on a shoestring and I would be concerned that everything was “MacGyvered” and the safety and function would be questionable. I sound like your mother…..Hahahaha Best of luck in your search!!!!

[@pamelarw58]

Good luck with your Van search, that 1st one was a classic & I understand why u liked it! 🤗🇦🇺

[@rogngarden]

Congrats on starting your new chapter - thinking of sprouting a mini-bean will be a new book - not just a chapter. I think that going for a 4x4 will really open up your options for adventure travels (with the added bonus of looking meaner too). Good luck with your search. I'm a recent follower & enjoying every episode.

[@lisetteboucherfortin4775]

always check under the carpet on the drivers side ..a must ,you will see if the van has rust ..maybe too late now hihi

[@mrsteve3527]

I liked the first van over the 2nd. I would think you could get more van for your money in lower cost states like Florida, Tx, and Arizona.

[@steveatnyc10]

Good luck in your search for your next RV camper. Steve in NYC.

[@GerryAvRealtor]

So excited to see you in Williamsburg Brooklyn walking on the same streets where my sons live and enjoying Domino Park. Welcome to NYC. Love the first van. Enjoy!!!

[@maxpaga8124]

I've technically got the blue one (exact same measurements and model but from VW). It's a great Van to live in alone, but not so great for the 2 (+1) of you. However - these Vans exist in different sizes (like the Vanwifes have) and could absolutely fullfill your needs, while being very reliant and reasonable with fuel consumption.

[@weeblesdontwobble]

I'm going to be very honest here. If you are going to use something to travel around the US, then maybe look for something bigger and a lot newer. Currently RV sales are way down in 2022 and therefore large discounts are been given at the moment for RVs at the price range you were looking at in your video. Also to look out for is the fact that many states are now coming down heavily on people in vans and RVs, so make sure you also don't get caught out on that. I'm hoping you do find something suitable as I always love your videos.

[@andyfaulkner643]

Guys, great to see you’re back out and looking at vans! I too have a T4 in the UK, and love the simplicity of them. Prior to a LOT of the more complicated Diesel engines with ECU’s and sensors everywhere! For what it’s worth I think the first van is your best choice, whilst it’s old, the engine is simple, and parts should be relatively cheap. I do like a sprinter too, but just didn’t seem ‘finished’ IMO!

[@joycedist]

Number 1, definitely, of the 2 ! Hope you find the right one !! Love you guys!!💕

[@chrislundberg1]

NY city isn't the first place I think about when looking for a camper van, being the biggest city in the US higher sales tax . But who knows it may work out. Hope the best for you guys .

[@applebutter4036]

Seems like the absolute worst place to look, but maybe I'm wrong.

[@andgainingspeed]

I was stunned a bit by the 11miles per gallon on the first van. When that van was built the price of a gallon was (even adjusted for inflation) half of what it is now. Modern vans still seem well under 20mpg.

[@thechriswhewell]

US gallons are approx 83% of an Imperial Gallon. So 11mpg translates as about 14 mpg in Imperial terms. Damn! That's still going to end in the bankruptcy court pretty quickly!

[@danielzhang1916]

1980s cars didn't have great mpg, plus the extra weight of the conversion, that class is not meant to be gas saving

[@JohnSeitz]

A class B isn’t going to be a mpg leader lol. My 2020 Sprinter weighs about 9k pounds and 4x4 diesel gets 15-16 mpg.

[@dschmitt3373]

Dodge had a 3500 van that had either a 318 V8 or the 360 V8. I owned a REFER 3500 Dodge and the mileage was terrible, about 10 to 12 mpg. you need to purchase a van with fuel injection if you purchase a Dodge. the Carb ones sucked

[@CM-ts9bx]

Yep, that's the difference with older vans. I'm currently driving a 6.25 metre Renault Master camper and that can achieve 30MPG on diesel without much effort.

[@tfntexas]

I’ve never been to NYC so that was some amazing footage for me. Good luck with your search!

[@lisalastnamesmith]

Funny the first guy, I just saw that guyand his converted vans!! How awesome!!

[@Destinylandadventures]

I would continue to look. I think you guys should get a mini bus because it would be great for starting a family in and there could be storage there's so many options for setup.

[@sylviahunt3419]

Older things were made better. That being said, I would have to have the whole vehicle gone over with a fine tooth comb to be sure that ALL is good with it. Especially the mechanical part of it. Take it to someone who works on older vehicles, not a generic garage.

[@JarheadAndGingersJourney]

Glad you found a nice one. We are traveling through Michigan now. We loved the whole Upper Peninsula so much! Now we are exploring southern MI. Enjoy your new rig!

[@martinengelbrecht5384]

Consider two vlogs per week, 1st van looks great! 🤗🤗👍🏻👍🏻 This is so exciting, we are sitting on the edge of our seats!

[@texasproud3332]

Be carful of the rust buckets up north

[@TheWella]

Some of those old school bus type ones looked amazing. So much space and quite modern. I'd be hesitant to buy an older one as I'd always be worrying about it breaking down but that's just me. If you were to go for that first one I'd want to make sure it's not a common fault that happens with that style of van.

[@anniesserenitybabies1963]

The first van is a lot more practical for you both. I love the look of it as well. Good luck xx

[@pinsow55]

Layout and size of the first van is awesome. Best of luck on your search guys!!