Living in a van when VAN LIFE SUCKS [solo van life]

[@storychasing]

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[@speakingthetruthinlove9895]

Just watching the hassles you're having in your van makes me very happy to be living simply in my Camry Condo. I took out my seats and made a little bed in the back. I also have a Luggable Loo in the back for me to pee in at night. I never get out of my car at night either, just scoot over the console into the back. I'm remarkably happy living simply-- and I'm a 67 yo lady!!!

[@konkol0081]

I just built out my 2018 Kia Soul. It was a Kitchen, bathroom, digital work area, and closet. I sit straight because of the way I built the platform. I just did a 9 day trip and I am very happy with how versatile it is 🙂

[@Lisa-kz7vw]

Do you find it hard to find places to sleep? how long have you been living in you're car? I'm curious about vanlife/carlife have considered it myself to get out of debt.

[@trainandtruckmodeler786]

@@Lisa-kz7vw I got a great plan for you and you will get paid for it ....drive a sprinter van for tri-states or panther....you can stay at any truck stop and rest area and no one will say anything

[@jenniferdeleon8954]

Amber your hair is looking good! Mine is completely grown out now. Everyone compliments me. Glad you got everything worked out with your Van.

[@storychasing]

Thank you so much!! I'd love to see it. Can you email me? I need encouragement. lol

[@ToniAdventures]

I love your hair too! So elegant!!!

[@Kat17_17]

So humble 😂🤣 “everyone compliments me”

[@jenniferdeleon8954]

@@Kat17_17 yes, my family and friends people who are in my life. I’ve had a few from total strangers.

[@Kat17_17]

@@jenniferdeleon8954 super humble!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@yc3613]

Happy to know you jumped onto Noom, a real game changer.

[@MyEmptyNestQuest]

Your hair is looking fabulous! Glad you got your van all dialed in. Safe travels and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.

[@storychasing]

Thank you! You too! Your's is amazing too. When are we going to meet? Are you coming to the southwest this winter?

[@MyEmptyNestQuest]

@@storychasing I don't have plans to go West unless I happen to get a delivery. I want to visit Colorado again next Spring or Fall so maybe we can run into each other out that way. 😀

[@deborahschaub2925]

Glad to see that you two are okay !!! And thank you for the update. Safe travels and blessings, Deb ❤️

[@storychasing]

Thanks so much! We're doing much better.

[@moongold9025]

Glad you where able to get your van all squared away and ready for the next adventure. Lily is so adorable playing tug of war with her toy. As always, safe travels to you both!

[@phaedrawhite3746]

I love that you show the good the bad and the ugly so many KZbinrs have shown the glory of Van life not the reality

[@daledervin3672]

Hi Amber and Lilly! Hey- I've been really liking your cost breakdowns- they give a nice perspective to your travels. But I did want to relate a concept used in general aviation- some kind of maintenance/cost of operation cost per mile. In aviation, there is always an "engine reserve" cost factor added to the actual operation to cover rebuilding the very expensive engine (and other parts as necessary). That way, when maintenance is required, those costs have hopefully already been banked for when you need them, instead of suddenly paying for everything out of the blue. You could add up oil and other consumables (tires, brake, drivetrain routine services and on) that directly affect the operation of the vehicle, then calculate their life down to a conservative "per mile cost", then include those in your trip. You being a numbers professional could easily present that to everyone so they could be aware. There is nothing like knowing at any given moment you are operating a fully and continually serviced vehicle, and having the funds to remain that way- and especially when it is your home. PL4M!

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

Wow!!! Great info!!!

[@nova756]

This comment is super interesting I've been vanlifing for years and never knew about this!! But i came here to say i also appreciate the gas price reports!

[@PurplePercepti0n]

Hello i just want to say you caught my bus in your video at 3:20 lol that was a bit ago. Thank you. Take care that is a sight and good memories.

[@storychasing]

360 Gal 😊 haha...that was several years ago. How funny and what a cool surprise.

[@phaedrawhite3746]

I love how you show the good the bad the ugly a van life so many KZbinrs always show the glory and never the reality I’m just headed back out on the road in November this year 2022

[@louisguthrie7286]

I feel your concern Amber for truck's passing at 80mph.I took my travel trailer along that stretch going to Oregon last year. You rock when the big trucks pass. I saw your graying picture. I think that you look beautiful and distinguished. Don't cover it with color. Stay Beautiful and safe travels.

[@shellyscott4822]

Thanks Amber, I love how you show the nitty gritty of the full time living. I've had to diet most of my life. I've weighed and measured food countless times. The good thing is after all those years it it stuck in my brain for my older life ;) not that I worry about my weight so much anymore but it set me up for being able to make better choices & being able to just "eye" the food for measurement. Safe travels!

[@susanmatthews5185]

Your grey is growing out beautifully

[@storychasing]

Susan Matthews Thank you very much! 😊🙏

[@michellestratford9753]

That's quite a list, for your poor van. Reminds me of mine 😂 I'm sure it feels great getting her all fixed up for winter 😚. My sister just lost 75 pounds in the last year on Noom so I've been tempted to give it a shot too. Thanks for letting us follow along! ❤️. Safe travels and love to you both 🥰❤️🚙🇨🇦

[@storychasing]

Michelle Stratford 😊 That's incredible about your sister. I've lost 17 so far! I feel really good. When are you coming out to the US?

[@carlawoodward7678]

Not at all surprised you got ants in CA…..we lived there 10 years in northern CA and the ants were just part of it. We found Terro ant baits to work the best and yes they always seemed worse when we’d finally get some rain. I’d love to know what hotel you stayed at with that great kitchen and affordable rate. So glad you were able to get everything done on your van. We also love pho- it’s just so good and refreshing. Safe travels to southern CA

[@candacea9256]

Amber you are so relatable, so real and open!! You’re such a strong woman and so inspiring. I love your videos with your sweet Lily. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! 🦃 & safe travels!!

[@kylynnskrypt]

Ants are such interesting creatures! I used to live on the TOP FLOOR of a high rise and I would get ants at times and all I could think was "HOW did you find your way ALL THE WAY UP HERE?!" ... And being in a moving van, that is so strange how they made their way into your space!! Very interesting critters but NOT the best to deal with, for sure.

[@roadtriplover.]

I wonder about the mounting location for your license plate. I’ve read that, in some states, the plate must be clearly visible, but your bike covers it such that nobody could ever see it unless they search and squirm between the tire cover and the bike. Have you ever had issues with that? In NJ, where I live, I’d get pulled over in a heartbeat! *sigh* That’s NJ for ya. Super great that you’ve gotten everything sorted in prep for Winter. Hoorah!

[@storychasing]

RoadTripLover 😊 I haven't had any issues, but that said I need to figure out a solution for sure.

[@jamesvelvet3612]

I love nesting in the Winter. Have a couple of cords of wood ready to go. both 275 gallon oil tanks are full ;-) Woodstove fired up with no problem the other day when we had flurries ;-) Spent the weekend grabbing some photos of Mr Squirrel and Mr Chipmunk also getting ready for the Winter. Filled up the bird feeders. I think Sunset today is at 4pm ;-) Trees are pretty much leaf-less so the full moon shining behind them looks super spooky ;-) Check out the Sony Alpha camera....Amazing!

[@storychasing]

That is awesome!

[@richardarmstrong3645]

Hey Amber, just to say I always love viewing your videos, to be able to factor this type of lifestyle into your life is challenging and brave , as a viewer thankyou for your efforts in bringing your adventures to our lives. Please keep them coming. Coming to you from the land down under!!

[@kirstenmc68]

For some perspective, gas in the Netherlands costs around 11$ per gallon

[@wildstory2718]

Yikes!

[@akgobears]

We have made the trek across Nevada on I-80 several times now to and from the bay area to Indiana a couple times and Sioux Falls S. Dakota and Colorado also...The ride across the desert the past few yrs has gotten alot nicer with all the development that has occurred out there compared to yrs ago...We always spend the nite in Wendover in the Casino parking lots there...Livermore where you are at is just at the other end of Vasco Rd from us....We are in the Oakley/Brentwood area....

[@storychasing]

akgobears 😊 Yes I totally agree. It's building up in some areas. The wind hasn't taken a hike yet though! lol

[@sandrap3047]

Glad you got everything fixed on your van! Sweet Lily said “All this traveling is hard work Mama”. She has to catch up on her beauty sleep! Wiggle butt! I love it! 😆

[@storychasing]

Sandra P 😊 lol I love your depiction of Lily's thoughts. She's right!

[@AnasAdventures111]

I just noticed your license plate is covered by the bike. You might want to have someone reattach it where it’s visible because you may get pulled over for that here in Ca. Sounds like you’re heading to San Diego. If you happen to come through Carlsbad you may want to stay at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon for a night through Harvest Host. I stayed there the other night and had the place to myself. They lock the gates and you have total privacy.

[@christineshelp6097]

I'm so glad you made it back to the West Coast safely🤗 LOVE your videos!

[@storychasing]

Thanks so much!!

[@GK-vt4ux]

I have had success with ants by dousing cotton balls with Tea Tree essential oil.

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

I have been with Skillshare for 5 years now and I have never been at a loss for something to learn. We're fans of Pho too!

[@mariabetancourt6797]

I always love seeing Lilly

[@Wanna.Wander]

Found your channel💜 subbed Always so many repairs, always gotta do maintenance, but there's so much more... the rest is all adventure!💜 be well and blessed

[@storychasing]

Thanks for the sub! Thank you!

[@pupcamper58]

It always feels so good to get work done on your house on wheels. I had quite a few little things done on mine last year. Travel safe stay warm give Lily a hug, she is just so darn cute!👍🏻❤️🐾

[@Banagal]

I LOVE your hair! So glad your van is repaired and your headed south for beach weather.

[@clarkleakins879]

Wwwhhhaaatttt????? You were in my neck of the woods!!! We probably passed each other going opposite directions on the highway, depending upon your travel hours. Of course, that was 3 weeks ago! Weather has been fine since then. COME BACK!!! WE NEED MORE RAIN!!! HAHAHA!!!!

[@mojavelight]

Oh yikes! Happy to see the van repairs weren’t catastrophic. At least you and sweet Lily had a nice spot to be safe and regroup with fun friends to boot. Stay safe out there. (And I hear you on CA gas prices - Egads! I cringe every time I have to get gas. It’s not quite close to $5/gal in the small SoCal town I live in, but $4+…? Still, Ouch!)

[@Klojum]

You US people are still lucky. In the Netherlands (Europe), prices for the cheaper gas currently start at 2,10 euro per liter, so that's roughly $8,00/gallon, going on to $9/gal when you're at a highway gas station.

[@veeemit9719]

It’s good to see Lily back to her old self!

[@geowilliam4622]

I have a 2005 Sprinter 3500. Been living in it full time for about 3 mis. Real money saver. I'm trying to follow the chase 70 degrees philosophy. In Daytona beach FL at present. You are much more adventurous than I am. I stay in one area for weeks at a time then I get itchy feet and move to a new area. When heat comes I'll head north. I like your videos. You do an excellent job documenting your journey. I don't do any internet stuff but your channel is one of my favorite. Amazing how many people do the van life thing. Good luck with all the travels.

[@kareniceland]

That was a beautiful hotel room. Have never seen a room like that.

[@storychasing]

Me neither. It's a Marriott Residence Inn. I've stayed at quite a few over the years and this was the nicest!

[@mariabetancourt6797]

Wow....thank you for showing the great salt lake

[@tammiemeadows5278]

Interesting that this video started with the race car facts. I just watched the history of it last night and why it was moved to Utah from Ormond beach Fla-because the cars were ending up in peoples back yards due to the speed. The track they made on the beach turned out not to be quite long enough.

[@danikeebler1662]

Uugghh you left me hangin'! Where is the next video to find out your favorite place in So CA????

[@stum8374]

Amber if the drive belts makes a noise it's slipping NOT needing replaced,just get silicone spray because the belt is DRY.

[@timothywalker4563]

Hello amber! My Grandfather would go on a “Shakedown trip” after maintenance on his Airstream before vacations. It seems like you’ve got things under control. Happy motoring 😀

[@storychasing]

Timothy Walker 😊 definitely the way to go when you first get that RV. Now it's just wear and tear items for me.

[@chadfaulkner3600]

Take a ride down U.S.95. It's one of the most beautiful rides I've ever seen. It winds through the valleys of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Absolutely beautiful!

[@christinemurphy4748]

Wow, you have been busy! It must feel good to have everything fixed on your Van. I tell you what, I want to cry every time I fill up with gas these days. It's so expensive right now. I'm bummed we didn't get to see you on your way through Cali. One of these days... 🤗😄

[@storychasing]

I can imagine. It’s a lot of dough. I know I would love to see you too. I always seem to have an agenda of things to do or it’s too hot there. Bummer. One day though.

[@seabliss22]

Missed you. Amber you have become my weekday coffee companion ☺️. Nice to see the van getting a reset. Sometimes they just need a little TLC too 🙂. Diatomaceous earth is something to keep on hand. When boondocking or in the south put some down around your wheels. Also if under a tree put a little ontop of the van. It kills the bugs but doesn't hurt animals or the environment. I know you have a hat addiction but wow 😲 do you look amazing in those shots with your hair all done. The silvers are looking Brilliant as well. Can't wait till your grow out is complete. The extra body you will have will be worth all the waiting. Lily is extra adorable in this video. I especially liked the lilly intro ☺️. Happy travels coffee pal.

[@Sunshine-vr9qr]

It’s a Wonderful Life! LOL. Yes high profile vehicles and wind don’t mix. Husband and I have been traveling for 7 years now Sweetness our 30 foot 5th Wheel with Polar package 2008. We Boondock every where. My prayers for you and yours. Happy Travels!!!

[@annc5298]

Ants are just sheltering from the weather. Next time, try passing a chalk (the kind you use to write on blackboards) around the area they are coming from. If you ever try it, please let us know how it worked.

[@storychasing]

Ann C 😊 That's interesting. Hmmm...what makes this work?

[@annc5298]

No idea. Learned it from a Cuban friend.

[@Karellybean]

Or spray peppermint oil

[@MWOCQU]

I tried the "white line ant barrier" Sadly - doesnt work

[@jessicaweekley9616]

Found your video today love your dog.so cute. Great video will be watching newer ones. Have a great day ☺️

[@storychasing]

Jessica Weekley Thank you very much! 😊🙏

[@erinhiner4540]

Ants may have been from the rain event. We live in Redding and had ants coming in , probably from all that rain.

[@marghardin7303]

try HWY 50 next time. It's called the loneliest road in the lower 48. If you want to see old towns and cowboys herding cattle on horseback, I found it really interesting. Enjoy!

[@reynaldomadridi7238]

Love your vid! Love your vibe!

[@Kat17_17]

The pure honesty of your video title is why I’m subbing your channel 👏👏👏

[@storychasing]

I appreciate that thank you!

[@hopefranklin9155]

Yay glad the inverter wasn't messed up. Great you got all done on the van that needed to be done. Cool you are doing Noom. My friend has lost good on it. She says I need to join. I would love to but I can't right now. You and Lilly take care.

[@leonawilliams6599]

Hello Amber good to see all is well and fixed enjoy southern California hugs to you and Lilly

[@vanderlustforever7134]

I would like to see a video detailing all the broken parts and other issues you’ve had with your ram pro master based van. Have you done that ? Hearing about the serpentine belt give me idea to get a spare one and have it around when it eventually goes out.

[@tinalaplaca6638]

You are so busy. lm glad all your van works are all done. You have great friends to help...Dave and Gordon. l use to live in California lm glad not to pay for high gas which l couldn't afford. But l do miss all the good foods there. Your pho looks delish. Can't wait to see if you're off to Pismo Beach.....my favorite spot

[@bypinkerton892]

Another good video showing...... Real Life Van Life..... Had I been aware of the Wind against my Van..... I'd have bought a Low height Van.... & Just added a.... Pop Top..... As always.... Sending Loves to Lilly....

[@tammyc2064]

We spray the underside of our RV with Home Defense. This seems to keep the insects away.

[@storychasing]

Tammy C 😊 oh good idea!

[@calvinmarshall1610]

Amber nice video Enjoy your travels

[@wildstory2718]

Skillshare helps to satisfy my thirst to learn new things. 🙂 And to hear you talk about using it really has me nodding in agreement. Seems like a wonderful source of interest for vanlifers.

[@ToniAdventures]

I have the same Landed Gear Spare tire mount on my 2016 Travato!

[@jackybaynes1648]

You consistently produce great viewing that I look forward to. Keep it up, I admire your lifestyle 😊

[@TheProfessorandHerPassport]

I was getting worried about you and Lilly. Glad to hear you are wintering in one place.

[@storychasing]

Sorry, didn't mean to worry you. Thanks for watching as always!😊

[@TheProfessorandHerPassport]

@@storychasing how do you record video while driving? Go pro? Cell phone?

[@mariabetancourt6797]

Have it professionally cleaned, steamed, fumigated and detailed.....it feel brand new

[@cynthiavilla7304]

Welcome to California girl. I'm in San Jose CA. And right now this week is cold cold cold. Snow on the mountains

[@storychasing]

Oh wow! This weather! lol

[@phyllisavery9091]

Right now iam just gathering Infromation on how to work on line and live in my van with my husband and me I do appreciate all of your information and I follow your favorite videos maybe not all of them but the ones that I am able to catch on my off time thank you so much for the information hope to see you soon Avery.

[@JustRollWithUsOfficial]

Another great video! Really happy to get the info on Edge Vanworks since our homebase is in Central CA and we have a Ram Promaster Campervan and always need stuff done. And yes gas ⛽ is atrocious here! ~ Tanya

[@storychasing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Cantworship2gods]

You popped up and i just had to subscribe to your channel. Your travel was awesome with beautiful views. Happy you got your van back with puppy 🐶 although that was a nice hotel and you guys are safe and sound. ❤💙 hope to see more uploaded videos and maybe live videos. Take care from riverside ca #vanlife #vancity

[@storychasing]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johnlivingston9217]

Antz treatment tip: at least 1:4, preferably 1:6 borax to sugar, mix well in warm water but keep it slushy, transfer to little cups like beer caps, set in place where antz are, they will be gone for good after about 1 week.

[@nooksandcrannies9871]

Hey Amber. Glad your made it over all the troubles. I hope your heading down to San Diego. That is my favorite city on the west coast. I just love the vibes you feel from California weather. Safe travels….

[@fabulousfinds1045]

Omg I just started binge watching you and today I noticed you're in my hometown of Livermore!!! Are you from here? I'm such a new fan!

[@chiquitafeldberg8512]

Ahaha I drove around Australia when I was 20 ,I took a 2 year trip selling my art as I went..i was in an unconditioned station wagon,so no kitchen, toilet, shower etc as I went, so me and my friend slept in motels and hotels for that most nights. We had a locust plague, monsoons, crocodiles, a frog plauge, swimming under bird eating spiders etc etc ITS AN ADVENTURE ants? The less you have in the vehical to go wrong, the less can go wrong. Unless you take a brand that has a great historical track record a lot of things can go wrong in a lot of travel vans these days. The last thing you need especially if your a woman in a van that can break down in the middle of nowhere and your not a mechanic. I did a short course in repair mechanics before I left also as there are lots of little things we can easerly fix ourselves if we knew basics. 👍 Beware ladies

[@mistyfly2me]

If you go across Kansas on I-70. You can mooch park at our place.

[@arrow1-b2v]

Love it 😍 I adore those landscapes 💕

[@pattyblazer4267]

use Peppermint oil spray Ants, spiders, and mice dont like the smell I live in the woods and it really helps

[@glamperjan]

I grew mine out too. Feels a lot better than breaking it off with harsh dyes.

[@carole3708]

Sprinkle some food grade diatomaceous earth wherever the ants are found in the van. That will get rid of them w/o pesticide.

[@lorenenoe4472]

Precious Lily, of course she was sleeping in first morning back home in the van, dogs don’t sleep well in unusual places, on duty in the hotel room all night! Good you’re back, you two were missed! 🐕‍🦺🚐💜. Gordon is a gem.

[@storychasing]

That’s so true. She had a rough time sleeping there.

[@beverleygrimbeek4941]

Have to compliment you on driving you are very good,I feel at ease usually I'm treading invisible brakes with most people I know you are ok.🙈🙉🙊 me usually.Oh!my!!me and my long stories again, but then again this is Story Chasing, right? 😊❤ stay safe

[@jodirose4561]

Great job on your videos.

[@jmd6359]

So happy for you getting all that work dpne...you have great friends! That hotel room looked so similar to where I stayed in Pleasantville CA a few years ago. I was out there training at BioRad Laboratories up in Benecia. I absolutely loved it there and had never been to the west coast from upstate NY in my life! The hotel room kitchen even had a dish washer... I don't even have a dish washer in my house! Lol Would have liked to stay longer and see some more of Cali, but had to get back... too soon. Will go again someday! ...and not for work 😀 Enjoy your time in the sun for us!

[@oliviagraceson6318]

Happy travels.

[@timothygreatrick5189]

Hi amber love your videos they are great stay safe

[@storychasing]

Timothy Greatrick Thank you. That's very kind of you to comment.

[@trudyyurina5473]

Terro ant baits are amazing. They work great. We have a house in Florida and they work great down there.

[@ivetteinfused]

Hi Amber. I found your channel over the long holiday weekend & I'm hooked. Chase your dreams, girl! Lily is adorable. 🐶

[@storychasing]

ivetteinfused So sweet! Welcome to Story Chasing! 😊💕

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

I I’m baffled that gas is so much more expensive in California than in Denmark. Nice to see you guys having fun.

[@storychasing]

Tell me about it! It's awful.

[@floridanuthouse]

Wow! Breathtaking!

[@12Gaile]

Happy all is fixed in your van & that you are traveling for a while with a friend. Safe travels & hugs to Lily. ♥️🐕🌹

[@storychasing]

Thank you! 🤗

[@elleningalls5434]

You know everytime i have a bump in my road i try and stop and remind myself like well least you have the money to get over the bump. When there's been times i couldn't afford to get over the bumps.

[@trainandtruckmodeler786]

I80 is great after you get out of Omaha...if I'm in a sprinter or my semi dosnt have a trailer I stop at my favorite hobby shop and then 90-95 all the way down 80 to Vegas....

[@markleyfour]

Ants hate spearmint or any kind of mint and mint grows very well in a pot and it's quite lovely to use in a tea or a recipe

[@antoniobaez6282]

What's the ring on your ring finger...did I miss something? 6:34 how did you do that with the map? I really like that!

[@storychasing]

Antonio Baez 😊 The Oura ring. It monitors my sleep and helps me make better decisions to get a better nights rest. haha the map. A lot of work with FCPX. You can find plugins that will help you, but it's not always easy.

[@YahshuaLovesMe]

Vinegar and cayenne get rid of ants, likewise using certain products for that. Should find the source. If you have dirt from outside for plants, maybe they got in that way, or the van was in one place for a year, curious as to why/how.

[@jimmcewen8446]

Stop in Winnumucca, great free camping an a free dump station. I have been there twice. awesome!

[@ryancaldwell9463]

I’ve been watching vanlife KZbin for years, but not in the life yet. This is the kind of stuff I’d dread, expensive maintenance. It’s a lot more comfortable, but I see the draw to a “no build build” more primitive style without all the electrical and water systems. I am not handy at all lol. But I do like taking showers.

[@pennylee6569]

Awesome job getting ur van fix yay see yah Amber an Lily hugs always 😘

[@storychasing]

Thank you! 🤗

[@hellooutthere8956]

Lilly doesnt seem all tht happy to leave tht nice hotel room for van living. LoL

[@trainandtruckmodeler786]

Subscribed, this is great

[@debearp2721]

Love the espresso machine!☕️

[@Weathernerd27]

What if you got a small cheap apartment way outside the city and lived in a VAN during the workweek? I own a condo on the edge of the city but my commute is horrendous so I'm in the process of converting a mini-van into a camper and my plan is spend 2 to 4 days during the workweek in the mini-van and come back to the condo on weekends. Having a place to come back to every weekend makes Van Life alot more tolerable. I know what I'm doing isn't strictly legal but the cost of housing in my city is so outrageous that there are no legal affordable options for a single guy making a measly 90k per year. I suppose I could afford a decent apartment in the city if I spent every penny on rent but I strongly believe in putting 10% of my gross pay into a retirement account and saving another 10% of my gross pay for vacations/rainy day. I work construction and sometimes there is no work for months, saving 20% of my gross pay has gotten me through even the worst work slow downs.