Tour of a Nomad Living in an Astro Van

Today we meet Dave who doesn't want to live on the road but loves taking trips so he can spend time in nature! To make that affordable, he did a very simple conversion on this Astro Mini-van and now he can travel whenever the fancy strikes him in comfort and without spending a bunch of money for motels--and no risk of getting bedbugs! Cheap, comfortable and fun travel, what isn't to love?!
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Thanks for watching!

[@nancylanderson8012]

Nice that he and his wife can support each other doing what they love.

[@Onlinesully]

Yes it is Gerry. It just makes life so difficult when folks don't work together as a team, or even worse when they work against each other.

[@robinhowland1553]

It's encouraging to see that it can be done inexpensively.

[@MsGeminorum]

I stayed at a campground and decided to sleep in the Prius the first night and put my tent up the next morning. The Prius was just as comfortable as the tent. In fact, it was more cozy and felt good. I told a few people that I did this and got the feeling that I was being strange and they couldn't handle it. But I can see myself doing it in the future.

[@blessedormessy6336]

When I would camp with my husband and kids, the tent was always too cold, so midway through I'd go get in the car and turn on the heat. Good sleeping.

[@kelliethorne1200]

I LOVE the cozy, den-like feeling of sleeping in my van (Eurovan). My parents thought I was crazy when I wouldn't sleep inside when I went to visit them but I was comfy so why go to all the work to move all your stuff inside?!

[@sylviajones4907]

@ Lisa Edson I bought my used T & C for this. I have gotten looks also. They probably thinking, "What a smart idea!" 😉

[@joyceyoungblood7927]

Lisa im thinking of driving my prius to the RTR I'm not set up yet for full time. Still trying to sell all my stuff. Gonna work part time temp jobs and travel in between.

[@caringforms]

When my husband and I travel, we don't get a motel room but just sleep in our van at rest stops along the interstate until we arrive at our destination. They are fairly secure as truckers sleep there and watch over others staying there also. We usually are not the only vehicle sleeping!

[@capttzuzu]

I myself like the Astros so much that I just traded my short bus skoolie for a 2005 Astro van all wheel drive I love it it's compact easy to clean and the gas mileage is amazing compared to what I used in the bus and they're very cheap and I recommend people that are just starting out to try these I absolutely love it good job Bob

[@kelliethorne1200]

Whenever I see the skoolie videos, I wonder how much people actually drive them! hehe Because obviously, mileage HAS to suck.

[@rashb3994]

Awesome, I want one but how expensive is maintenance? Some people said mechanics don't love working on them because of some doghouse issue. Also do you live in yours? I love the look of them because on the outside I've seen some with just a rim change it looks modern. I don't know about the green color but some have a timeless design feel. Accept the dash/ console.

[@robchenoweth5314]

Have a 2005 Astro AWD and it really is the new VW bus and better than the bus ever was. Just did a 4400 mile road trip Nola to Asheville and it ran like a top. The Astro maneuvers like a car, can tow like a big rig, easily camps, and up to 21 mpg with low cost repairs and parts options. What’s not to like? Camper top would be nice.

[@richardfischer7486]

I agree ... Astro/Safari vans are so gd for the vanlifer. I, too, have AWD. Tip up bed fully hard 1.5 in pink insulation including doors in cabin.

[@savedbygrace9348]

I would love to try this Way of living starting with little trips at first. My husband has no interest in leaving the rat race. You would think it would be the other way around. Gods blessing to you all out enjoying his creation.

[@janetkoball44]

A nice man that wants more of Nature. Maybe one of these days his wife will want to enjoy it too. Thanks Bob for another video .

[@zoommikerobinson3315]

Nice mini. It's like our moms always told us, "Go play outside".

[@snooks73]

What s pleasant gentleman. Thank you.

[@jojowallace5098]

Bob, I am so thankful for,your vlogs. Spent a week boondocking out in Moab last September and it profoundly impacted me. I have boondocked on the Eastern Shore and learned a lot, but the Westcoast is a different experience. I suppose I am a Hippie at heart. Can't wait to make it back west to the high desert, as it feeds my soul in such a special way. I will be back west as soon as I can get there. Thanks for all you do.

[@824twyles]

Where do you boondocks in the east? I’m out here too.

[@jojowallace5098]

Toni Wyles assateague

[@dianareynolds3964]

This will be me one day! I’m counting down the days!

[@lass-inangeles7564]

All those fancy dancy Lagun tables for $300 just for the mount, and here is this little compact lightweight marvel of a TV table for $1. Amazing. Love it! Folds flat, weighs nothing, stable table, and costs nothing. Love the philosophy of Less is More. Lovely teardrop type rear kitchen build, and that bar makes for a shower curtain. Thanks for the tour, Dave! The Astro is a great van.

[@michaelrice3021]

That nice fella Mr. Dave proves that less is more. Thanx Bob & Dave.

[@cathymiller3086]

I love getting to know all these wonderful people. Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@BlueHighwaysTraveler]

I like the astro and safari. I wish they still made them.

[@gingersnapjudy]

So nice that the two of them can appreciate each other's preferences. While my hubby was working he always gave me the freedom to visit my friends without him. Great little "girls"week". He knew i was coming home. I knew he'd be there. Always told friends LOOOONG LEASH TRUST.

[@gbarraco8888]

Bob - Can you do a segment on where to find a van for less than $5000? I am amazed at the deals your guests have found.

[@susancronk8512]

cargurus.com lets you search by several different criteria. But, one of our local dealerships that has two other locations in neighboring states has a Mazda minivan for about $3500. Doug Myers Chevrolet in Shenandoah, Iowa. www.meyerscars.com. Also Carfax.com is a good place to search. Definitely recommend the Astro. We bought ours used in 2011 with 204,000 miles on it - today it has 314,000 miles. AWD is very nice and they sit a bit higher than a standard minivan. Most are on truck-type chassis. Get an LS version if you can find one. Gas mileage isn't bad. Getting ready to give it a tune-up.

[@arias6720]

I can’t wait to fix my 1995 Astro Van, road trips hear I come. Thanks for sharing.

[@kathymack3791]

I really appreciate you interviewing folks living in smaller units, Bob. It helps people see that it really doesn't take all that much money to get started on this way of life. I do have a question. For people living in small rigs like this, is it more difficult for them to get camp host jobs?

[@824twyles]

Kathy McG I saw a video that creativity RV interviewed a camp host in a tent.

[@annettefournier9655]

Like the real mattress too. I find memory foam uncomfortable as it feels like it pushes back against pressure points. It's great for a lot of people, just not for me. Very nicely done and good to see affordable options. 👏👏

[@dianareynolds3964]

annette fournier I can’t sleep on memory foam either. I hurt after a few days.

[@donnamaco1]

@@dianareynolds3964 Look for "Plush" designation. That should help but only in temperatures above 70degrees. Memory foam get hard as a rock when it is cold, below 70 degrees.

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

Nice interview and build out. I was puzzled why he kept saying we do, we did, lots of we but he said his wife didn't travel with him and he said no one has traveled with him. I thought perhaps he has a dog but didn't see one.

[@lindasue8719]

Nice set-up! I love the little breeze-way down the passenger side!

[@carllarsen6234]

More people need to follow these simplistic builds !!

[@MaryAmesMitchell]

Good one, Bob. I love the videos that show easy builds and the basic needs.

[@lisantica842]

I enjoyed that build. The kitchen at the back looks great and so functional!

[@tinlizzy39]

Nice job Dave! Impressive kitchen and tidy space. I can't imagine why the wife would want to be left in the snow drifts. LOL but that's just me and it's different for everyone. I've had enough of snow. Thanks Bob. Safe travels and God bless!

[@kiera_kayaks7521]

Wow, I love everything about this build!

[@sueg2658]

Great fella and I love his set up. Thanks Bob.

[@rayo1371]

great job and great attitude .. guy is getting out there and doing it ... inspiring

[@kimisdancin]

We love our Astro van rv!

[@carlosnajera65]

Nice and simple, just the way I like it. I've heard the Astro vans are pretty solid and reliable maybe I'll get one and set it up like this gentleman did.

[@diamonds4me83]

I love 💕 it. Simple and yet cheap !!

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

Love the simplicity!!

[@maribethspence9458]

Very nicely done!

[@lindaschneidewind8164]

Great little rig.

[@christinemose7308]

Great fella. Nice simple rig.

[@1963yugo]

Hi Bob, The van in this video is about the color of the one I'll be getting. I like the build, very simple but like Roxy's better as "mine" has all wheel drive but I'm not planning to put a lift on mine though I do plan to travel some logging roads, I'll just take it easy. I downloaded the Ultra simple build to show my friend Norm. We met on a Facebook commercial fishing group, both of us knew the same boat from 30+ years ago, we never dreamed at at the time that we'd be doing a Nomad build together, but here we are, nearly 8 months later, up to our necks in fixing a trailer and tow vehicle. I'll email you some pictures when I upload what we've done so far from my camera and my phone. See the WRTR group threads for my mini chandelier in the trailer that Norm put together one night when he couldn't sleep, gives a touch of class to the dining area.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video..Have a blessed day..

[@beachbitch453]

I love Astro/Safari vans! I just wish it had a sliding door on each side like some mini vans.

[@randyfiore1311]

Simple and effective.love it!

[@allenh8710]

Great video. The simple life.

[@emitissimo7618]

I like it. I like simplicity.

[@yvonnedavis2271]

Love the kitchenette!

[@larsturner310]

Turn the passender seat around, and you got you a reading room. Sweet.

[@leapnlarry]

I love seeing the vans, but I enjoy hearing these people and their story, everyone of these travelers have an interesting story, I would rather see 25% van and 75% individual story. History, background, education , training, family, current and past jobs and careers, interesting stories from their life, why they hit the road, life advice, lessons learned etc. keep the stories coming Bob,

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Thats a great setup

[@carriedugan6769]

Nice Set Up!!

[@KaskadiaJackassWatch]

Love his map idea!

[@TripleAwave]

I am now manifesting an astro van for my 10 year old daughter and I for $1000 to move into full time!! Nice to know great deals still exist! 👍💖✨

[@carylCV]

It is yours by divine right! See it, believe it, and it is yours! -Caryl in PA

[@rvingkeepitrolling8797]

They do & NC great place to look I've seen lots of good deals on the market place

[@TripleAwave]

@@rvingkeepitrolling8797 nice thank you! ✨

[@Pamela-ro8vh]

Very nice van build.

[@Speedinginprogress]

Simple. Is a great design.

[@pamelahirst6679]

Total respect. Wondering what is the " we " referring to? Maybe I am naïve I just don't get it when an individual gentleman doing this solo keeps saying " we" ?

[@Eyebrows842]

It's about shared experiences

[@SandraClarke]

This is exactly what I want for solo trips! Sandra

[@billhummer3513]

I just happen to have a 99, AWD astro with 177,000 we'll maintained miles that I'd sell for $3,500....

[@billhummer3513]

@@REVNUMANEWBERN Never... at least not yet

[@amyfrench7425]

I would be happy with any van someday🙏❤️💫🚌✨

[@adventurebythemile]

I thought it was Bob's brother, lol

[@orangeziggy599]

I love this, theres no need to buy a camper when all you need is the van and then some basic carpentry skills and you'll be ready for adventures. I would have liked to see what it looked like when he lied down in his bed, to get a sense for the amount of space he has in there.

[@georgiemiller3506]

Dave has it together.

[@nayashams6845]

Simple, cheap, nice, honest, happy trip.

[@spellerlittlewing]

Very nice

[@johnconnors5963]

Love it

[@NomadicNicoleCamperTantrum]

Thanks for sharing Mr. Bob.

[@joyceyoungblood7927]

Bob hoping to make it to RTR in my prius. Still working on setting it up. Gonna try full time in order to set back and save money.

[@menofairy]

good video

[@randyripley4532]

You need a video / meet up with Chrome. Would be awesome for both of you

[@Onlinesully]

Nice

[@lindatijsma9581]

I hope your OK after this news about the earthquake love ya bob

[@robertjreiss2029]

Why does he keep saying "WE" when he said he travel's alone? He said the wife is at home. Does he have a mouse in his pocket??

[@CORYJOHNM]

All these kitchens in the rear remind me of wagons.

[@karitunes1]

Nice. But why does he keep saying We? Did he have a mouse in his pocket? Didn't see any other pets. Lol 😂😂

[@taniegraortiz]

nice

[@Radnally]

It's like he's talking to a mirror.

[@NomadicNicoleCamperTantrum]

hahaha

[@elflordsjourneys]

That's the way I'd do it!😀

[@kelhapam]

....and I've always wondered if Santa Claus had a brother. ;-)

[@kelmeister709]

Like his "Daves not here" button.

[@rhizomove6631]

If he is talking about the Dave I know, that Dave, is everywhere!

[@listmaker2005]

@hwyfly I get it. I loved that routine.

[@taradead]

In the past 9 months, I've saved about $2700 in hotel rooms (3 nights per month @ $100 a night)...but you have to open to the "camping" lifestyle.

[@karenkelly119]

Please update on Dee the lady who had eye surgery.

[@lw3366]

Kinda reminds me of my dad , ha

[@finnblu3002]

On a role with the Astros! Nice guy in an affordable van! Search a safari van two part series color: sea foam unbelievable Thanks

[@eclectictomboy6873]

He should have mentioned the clothes line he has to hold the back doors open. :-) If I were a guy I would just shave my head so I didn't have to wash my hair. A wash cloth would take care of that too. :-)

[@paisleypath]

Just wondering what he does for electricity? I didn't understand the quick view of the little cupboard with the battery charger. Does it have a solar set up?

[@shannonbenjamin1155]

I love the TV tray repurpose! This is such an accessible option for n00bz like me.

[@paularivera5735]

👍❤

[@sparksessence]

5:00 the inside tour....

[@Garyabs]

How many Santa's are there? 😂 just kidding

[@billhummer3513]

I have a well maintained 99, AWD astro with 177,000 miles that I'd sell for $3500....

[@sylviajones4907]

Did I miss what flooring he used?

[@janicebird610]

He travels alone, why did he keep saying "we" at the end?

[@dixxebell]

Great deal $1,000!!

[@lawrencerasmus]

With the passenger seat turned how does he see out of the sideview mirror?

[@karinhart489]

Lawrence Rasmus Maybe it’s slid up (back) enough to give him a clear path - line of sight - to see that mirror on passenger side...?

[@lawrencerasmus]

@@karinhart489 I have a astro and it won't work but you can buy a swivel

[@KillaCaff1]

I know where Santa ("Dave") lives during the off-season

[@fineabyss5339]

What year was this Astro van ??

[@evelynmacmillan2485]

So what year is this Astro?

[@04dram04]

not as tall inside as i was expecting

[@coppertopvon]

How tall is this guy cuz I am tall not sure astro big enough 4 me

[@stevesanderson8360]

Sure honey, you can leave for six or eight weeks every winter and leave me at home in this frozen hell hole.......NOT!

[@davidhillman3410]

We? You travel alone but keep saying “we” ?

[@pichdara8587]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️