The dark side of vanlife no one talks about

[@Labratworks]

There's a difference from people who want to do it for fun and travels compared to people who do it out of necessity, rent and food and electricity ATM is going crazy high for single people in flats its becoming unbearable working everyday just to barley scrape by, its a never ending hamster wheel I can see the appeal of van life in those situations when your paying for a car anyway and your just fed up of how hard it is to just stay above water , on the other hand people selling homes and jumping in for no other reason than the fad and the Instagram photos its gonna be a shock

[@smarty7198]

Seems like it’s you thats making it hard for yourself due to your lack of preparation…. No diesel heater, poor lay out of the van… I have a lwb transporter but I can sit on a bucket next to the kitchen side and can cook & access everything I need rather than being stood up & bent over in a low roof van! 🤷‍♂️ you haven’t even got a proper kitchen top with a hob I’m not surprised it’s hard work when your cooking off a camping stove jacked up on sky scraper of storage boxes 😂(that’s when the locals get pissed off looking at people cooking out the door of their half made camper vans with rubbish flying out the door in the wind) YOUR NOT EVEN PREPARED FOR VAN LIFE! I slept in my bare totally unconverted van on a fishing bed-chair cooking off a tiny little tracker stove with no fridge or diesel heater or running water for 10months. It was a total nightmare because I was unprepared!

[@georgecolville22]

I love how you show what's good about vanlife and what's bad about it, but also keeping it cinematic and visually pleasing. Great video!

[@csonics8639]

Hi been vanning and living out of it since 2004, I agree with your points mostly however a hightop van makes a huge difference for living and also a base to return too with laundry, shower and toilet. Base dosen't have to be a house, shed, garage, etc will do fine.It is quite annoying at the moment finding good places to sleep due to massive increase in campers and motorhomes since the lockdowns, and all the rubbish created and bad behaviour is pretty disgusting, it's annoying to be tarred with the same brush !

[@newbievanbuilder3252]

Life is what you make of it isn't it whether you're in a van, house, boat whatever. You're totally free to stop vanlife if its become a drag and too hard. And I get that. I don't vanlife full time so when I get fed up with it I just go home LOL! But then I'm planning my next trip!

[@TiagoRuivo]

The problem is that you are too big for the van. Imagine if you had chosen a van where you could stand up, you wouldn't probably be here making a video with that title. It's hard for you because it's relative to you. It's good for others because it's relative to them. I think what you are trying to say is, don't embark on van life with a romantic idea of it, without thinking of the challenges.

[@TheKonstantinius]

I spent a holiday in grand Cali. Still small space. You could standup but in one or two spots 😊

[@valenaizik2753]

lol, he has the van he could have. If he could have a millionaires Mercedes sprinter with a high roof and a mobile condo inside he probably would😂🤣

[@andrea41970]

Van life is bigger than before because people can not keep up with rent and food when pay is not up people are drowning in poverty and knowing that the government will continue to take advantage of the people by making them poor and extreme poverty a lot of people are begging more than ever for food . I for one have already made a decision that van will have to do for me because I can no longer afford rent utilities and food to.

[@andyetheridge]

I had the same van, no pop top or any mods apart from a gas stove and leisure battery, and lived away from home and working for 6 months living in the van and after the first month came to the conclusion the van was way too small, i’d knock over cups of tea, make dinner and it would end up on the floor, couldn’t stand up in it, which to me now is a big plus. I have a bigger van now and van life for me anyway is great!

[@thomaspowell2043]

I deal with the back ache and standing position issues with the "Asian squat" (I hate that name). It's a more natural position for people to rest in anyway and it's great for the core. Perfect height for cooking and washing up in the van.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

The "asian squat", is that the one that knackers your knees in time and over 50s' probably cant do it anyway? 😂😂

[@knolez1546]

Why do you hate a name?

[@LindaDutchy1988]

It is expensive, but renting a place or having a bought house is more expensive for sure 😉

[@PaulGappyNorris]

It’s not the van life, it’s you…

[@vazzovisuals5362]

I agree that vanlife has its problems. But, so does living in a house. So, for me, I would say just choose what problems you prefer 😂

[@daveforz]

I live in my truck, have been since July, and I’ve been enjoying it. It’s definitely not what it’s made out to be online for sure, but the independence and the freedom to go anywhere make it worth it for me. And anywhere that has a job for me of course. Plan to live the van life but in a truck until I can buy a condo in cash somewhere 🤙 Personally I think people are tired of influencers in general. Watching people whose only job is to make videos and “wander” isn’t very relatable to all those who are forced to work at normal jobs. It’s similar to having a conversation with someone who brags about themselves too much and acts like their life is perfect.

[@jjcale1976]

My van is 195 cm high, the same height as me🙃 I enter all parking lots up to 2 meters, and the cruising speed on the German highway is 80-100 mph without a problem. The solution is a raised roof, but everyone will recognize that it is a campervan

[@liquidgroove]

Great vid. I wouldn't give too much thought about what the local community may think. Theres's lots of ways to contribute - if you feel you need to: like buying food and supplies from a local shop etc. I think a bigger van with more usable comforts is a definite must.

[@BritishRail60062]

I think to be honest. It depends on what you want from life. I am going into the van life myself and I am going to start off with a small van just to get a feel for the adventure. I am 6ft,3in tall and I am looking at getting a VW camper or a combi or something like this. Small engine to save on fuel and comfortable. As for standing up, yes it will be impossible to do inside but I can go outside and ground myself to nature in bare foot. I think Vanlife will allow me to enjoy my hobbies like my railway filming and visit places I never thought of in the past. I have no fear and I am not letting anything put me off giving this a try. Also maybe I can network with other vanlifers that have left the rat race behind.

[@MrRipley]

That’s the right mindset! Van life is all about embracing the adventure and making it work for you. Starting with a small van sounds like a solid plan, especially with the fuel savings and ease of travel. Being 6’3” might make standing up a challenge, but the trade-off is the freedom to connect with nature and pursue your passions, like railway filming. And you’re absolutely right-van life opens up a whole new world of possibilities and connections. Wishing you all the best on your journey! 🚐🌍

[@andrewbesford324]

We love our vcan , we don't live in it but the t4 s are ace , I have to agree ,the amount of people whi buy a van then just disrespect the country and beauty spots by leaving thier crap is ruining this life , same is happening to the wild camping community

[@JamesWilliam70]

Nice Van, I'm a T6 owner and yes when modded they cost allot to insure and run. But my box on wheels is utilitarian, and that's what I love!

[@lizscott6911]

I have had 5 VW's but not lived in them. They wete just for fun trips out. Today at over 70 years old I have a small 2 birth motor home. She is an old lady at 26 years old. I spend half the year living in her and I live it. When friends come with me on a trip, they live it to. I free park most of the time and only use sites to fill water empty toilet and have a shower. My South African friend just did a tour with me of The Cotswolds. She lives in South Africa so you can imagin her loveing this delightfull area of England. To say I love this way of temp. Liveing is an understatement! Glad I also have a bricks and morter to.

[@renetachon]

So random. I met you at Wasing Equinox and came across this video and was like, where have I seen this guy!?

[@BYIM2]

i love this. this shows what life is really like.

[@MrRipley]

It sure does!

[@lonecody]

I would say get a haircut, take a bath, get a job where you can get a domicile that you can stand up in and do not have to complain about. I see a lot of of these videos of people living in van’s when they probably don’t have to, just complaining and whining.

[@peteranthonyofthefamilybir18]

VanLife in the U.K. is hellish. 7 years Cargo van. Down by the ocean. Kailua O'ahu, Hawai'i Surrounded by ALOHA

[@davidwaterhouse2552]

Hi, I have a VW T4 1996 caravelle, great for one two nights away or even 1 week at the most! Living in it full time? No chance ,re 'your running costs' do you work to support your lifestyle? dx

[@dbernius]

Honest reality. Awh refreshing.

[@EuPeloMundo_1]

Honestly, I agree with you, but there are 2 conditions that makes the VanLife amazing. Starting Old, with Money & retired exactly as a hobby & an alternative way of travelling. I worked 35 years jumping on Planes as crazy [like more then a hundred per Year]. I'm retired. I need to slow down. & at my age, spending in confort in VanLife, is a long way cheaper than investing confort in the 'normal ' way. It's even boring. 😊

[@ninjapisi]

Loved the music! And the content 😊

[@MrRipley]

Thanks so much! Have you seen my most recent upload? That has some bangers in!

[@ダンバダンバ]

true bro. also first.

[@g-sailing4427]

Most people would choose to live in a house if they could afford it

[@jazlee5266]

Hi omg I've just got the same van p reg 1996 800 special but it's not on rd yet 😢 can u keep doin van videos

[@clivelewis8927]

maybe buy a T4 Westafalia or a T6 California and post back about van life??....a t4 transporter is a compromise....you are living in a commercial van which wasn't designed for living, whereas a Westfalia or California could tick a few boxes??

[@AJ-qn6gd]

I think you’d feel differently if you had Sprinter size van with a bit more room to stand and maybe a shower etc, we have a T5 and love it for getting away in but would I want to live in it full time ? Hell no ! Refreshing to see someone be honest about it, it’s not all beer and skittles 👍🏻🇬🇧 Subbed.

[@AustenGoldsmithPhotography]

Good video with a fair serving of reality There's a bunch of pretty expensive vans parked up in my local sea view car park right now . All taking up 2 spaces by leaving loads room around them . Free parking paid for by us locals Van life needs new sub category names . There are so many different types of van life Weekend warriors in nice shiny vans , often on hook ups Adventurers who do really cool stuff full time around the globe Guys who expect everything and give back very little and park up with an undeserved sense of entitlement ( thanks park4night) Everyone is ranting about losing free park ups while ramming the local bins with rubbish and taking 2 parking spaces

[@mikehurley5052]

Tax, insurance and MOT is less than 1 months rent anywhere.

[@Beavis-et8ox]

If you only follow a "trend", from time to time a new "trend" has to come up to replace the boredom of the first one. I appreciate all "vanlifers" who stop van life, very good, more spaceon the streets for the remaining nomads 🙂

[@bettyourcampervan]

New sub! Great van, great video 👍

[@edgargonzalezcarreon5130]

¿ Como generas $$ para vivir o solo es vocacional tus salidas en la van life? Saludos desde la CDMX..

[@LxAxNxCxExR]

Van life was cool before the instagram influencers and wealthy boomers completely destroyed it. All the cool places have been shared with hundreds of millions of people, there are no secrets to discover anymore and every place is so crowded.

[@MrRipley]

My point exactly, one of the reasons ive come away from it all together...

[@phala-cr7yk]

Hi! I love to see your beautiful country!!!

[@MrRipley]

Thank you! 😃

[@notenoughtime23]

Vanlifers used to be called gypo's

[@janetowen3042]

The background music was just too annoying 😒

[@edgargonzalezcarreon5130]

. ¿Es diésel o gasolina tu T4?

[@ricardguerin841]

its very up and down i vanlife jan and feb with the way i live

[@MrRipley]

Soo true!

[@MANZANOADRIAN]

What's the mpg

[@MrRipley]

Around 550miles to a tank, with a loaded van.

[@MANZANOADRIAN]

@@MrRipley ? So 20miles per gallon

[@waynemoore5154]

You don't add anything to the local community whilst buying a coffee from a local vendor. The price of running a van pales in significance to the cost of running a house

[@LookatBowen]

I think van life would be great if it wasn't your A) permanent home day in day out. B) workplace C) holiday destination, D) life, E) done alone. The last point is the most important point. Visiting new destinations, and experiencing new things alone is the part that will ultimately be the downfall of van life. Being alone in such a small space is not healthy. Think of it as solitary confinement on wheels. Sure I get the point where everyone needs their own space, but this is taking it to the extreme. It must be very stressful, more so than the average person should be enduring, with the added risk to body and soul. The solution is to find a partner to share the experience with, buy a bigger van with a heater, that has plenty of space to allow one to stand up straight, shower, chill out, and rest well, meaning it has a nice bed, has a toilet and clean fresh water. Those are the basics of life and just because you're in a small van, shouldn't mean you compromise on the basics of life. F) save up money to buy a bigger van or camper van.

[@CATSFOREVER308]

I have always thought so ,they romantisise van life,but its not that easy,stuck in this small space,having to drive here and there boredom sets in soon, finding proper place to park,costs involving gas maintenance food etc, if you have solar the van has to be in the sun which makes it hot indoorssome don't even have toilets or showers and have to find a place to do that and others have to empty out toilets which doesn't sound fun and composting toilets are disgusting,your poo is composting while you travel with it,cooking and eating with it nearby,yuck,then there are the safety issues,some KZbin van lifers have had break ins,robbed.So its not all that perfect,but it has a positive side too,like saving on rent and ofcourse feeling free and being able to see beautiful places.

[@RowanT21]

Maybe the problem has become the constant reference to this idea of 'Van-Life', emphasis of the Life part. Is it van life or is it just life? The issue is that we always compare our lives and ourselves to others. There never was nor is a van life trend in my opinion, it is just a way of living. Its like getting mad because of an instagram post of a hot chick, in a bikini laying on the bed staring out the back doors and at an epic, empty surf break, but you don't even have a girlfriend and live in your van in Birmingham.

[@theangrygingerthebananavan4207]

I truly hope your right and the “Trend” is on the decline. I’m actually starting to really dislike the hashtag Vanlife Bull 💩🤣. Actually I really dislike the whole “Vanlife” term these days as it’s becoming a bit of a cliche. Cashing in too, I remember going to Camper events and shows and they were around £50 for the weekend. Now unless it’s a VW event the whole Vanlife shows thing is crazy £100 plus for nothing much different than what’s been around for years (despite people claiming to be pioneers of events)

[@joseph-mariopelerin7028]

not having basics luxury like... a shitter... or stuff like... a sink,.. only fun for a while... or you should become a trucker... now if you pay me thats different! i cant shit on a tire for a long time!

[@DownTheLine-Surf]

“You realise people have been lying to you!! 🤣🤣

[@neilchapman5145]

When I hear people say van life I immediately retort with “shitting in a bucket”

[@MrRipley]

HAHAH brilliant! Or WIld poo...

[@driveit8561]

" why i hate vanlife because my van is crap"😂

[@MrRipley]

lol. you may have a point.

[@tbrozz84]

Everyone talks about it, countless videos with titles like this...

[@MarkMayhew]

You didn’t say, compared to what, getting an apartment? Renting a room? Those are pretty shitty choices

[@CarlJones14]

Very posey vid.

[@aurematic]

´The dark side of vanlife no one talks about': literally there are dozens of videos talking about this subject. I get it, You need to have more viewers, but... come on, man. You can do it better.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

I cant understand anyone who wants to do it anyway! They complain about travellers then want to live like them 😂😂😂

[@joedolce16]

Dio You rally mean anything or just a bit talking for talkl...??? com eon...driv eon-