Tour of the Van I Live In Full-Time - Class B 1999 Dodge Xplorer 230 XLW - RV

Here's a quick intro to my channel and a tour of the Class B RV van I live in full-time. She's a 1999 Dodge Xplorer 230 XLW. If you like this video, please subscribe and follow along with me on this Vandwelling adventure! Thanks for watching!
KZbin: asimplekid.com
Facebook: simplekid

[@nasilamak2201]

Here is a tip. Buy a small piece of land in your area. You can get land in Atlanta for less than 10000. Then put a small parking pad on it. Make sure you get it permitted. Then you can legally park your van on your land and camp out. It is legal in all states to camp on your land. Next, purchase a small Honda eu1000 generator to provide power. It is very quiet. Get a gym membership so you can shower any time and work out. Lastly, you can eat very cheap at Denny's. Eat two meals a day and snack on heathy fruits in between meals. The one thing van dwellers overlook is owning land. If you do that, you can live debt free in your van and be legal.

[@nasilamak2201]

Donna Ranger Donna, what I recommended to A Simple Kid is a LEGAL alternative to what he is doing. According to his video, he is making use of private property without the land owners consent, which could land him in hot water and fees could date back to the video published date. The only way he can do what he is doing is on approved public land. He has a job, meaning he is staying put, therefore owning land in his area is a viable solution. No one said anything about trying to live for free. I said living debt free; with the minimum requirements and cost to do it legally. If this means connecting to water and sewer to ensure public health codes are met, then so be it. I did not say anything about a tiny house. I said put a parking pad on his land, which it is legal to do so. He would not be parking permanently there without moving his vehicle daily; in which case, he may be required to build a garage. The gym membership will give his a legal location to shower. Eating out will give him a legal alternative to cooking in a van without waste water requirements.

[@ChrisCooling]

1AmericanInAsia wow; hope you're ready for heart and kidney failure eating at Denny's twice a day.

[@nasilamak2201]

Chris Cooling Just an example of eating cheap. There are plenty of other places as well Chris that includes eating healthy. The idea to that part of my reply was to give options to cooking and not costing a lot of money. It is so easy in the US to eat for US10 or less per day and not go hungry.

[@ChrisCooling]

1AmericanInAsia true; but its still FAR cheaper to buy groceries and prepare your own food.

[@nasilamak2201]

Chris Cooling That's true Chris if you have the facilities, access to water, refrigeration, and the time to buy things fresh. Living in a van and eating healthy and cooking can become somewhat of a choir. I did it on a three day trip, and thought it was a nightmare. I realize that does not apply to everyone, so I recommend anything that provides more than just cup of noodles, etc. The whole thing about living in a van is trying to do it legally, healthy, and at low cost. Looking at this video, at least one of those things is missing don't you agree.

[@gaius8077]

Can't wait until I can afford an Xplorer--it's like the holy grail of class B RVs (to me). It's just the right size.

[@CJPalmer]

Great first video and initial tour of the van! Really interesting and looking forward to more. Keep it up!

[@desertbuzzard3531]

Great Video!!! I was homeless and forced to live in an $11,00.00 RV. I got a job and am now not homeless. But now I'm considering living in an RV or trailer permanently because I like the freedom over possessions. Vedeos like yours help others like me tremendously! Stay in the Word and Trust God! Good luck!

[@nncoco]

Smart to go compost toilet. I saw the RV's lined up at the free black water dump on the highway yesterday and thought, "I do not ever what do that."

[@wmrustycox]

Thanx for posting....really great info. I am thinking about getting a camper van similar to yours in the future and your video provided me with lots of info and insight into the lifestyle. Thanx again !

[@judithneeley5229]

I've got a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with the same engine, 5.9L. My mechanic loves my truck...so do I. When he changed the spark plugs, they were clean. Recently replaced the front brake pads, and there was no need to do the rotors, they were flat and practicly in new condition. I have replaced the radiator, and he had to jerry rig one of the connecting gizmos (sorry, I don't know the proper term). But other than being a gas guzzler, it's a great engine. I intend to get another travel trailer eventually, and a piece of land up north for the summer, and then head south in the winter.

[@TheJeeMan]

This has to be the most intelligent lifestyle I've ever seen! You can learn a lot about maintaining a house in small spaces!

[@asimplekid7387]

Gordon Campbell Haha, thanks. You can also bang your head several times a day if you're taller than those small spaces. ;-)

[@Bookohms]

Excellent ! A very detailed tour of real living... I did not notice it was 25" tour. Thanks!

[@JulieAiken]

Very, very nice tour -- one of the best and most informative I've seen. Thanks! I'm hoping to get a van or Class B in about a month and a half and go full time, so this is extremely helpful!

[@asimplekid7387]

Julie Aiken Thanks, Julie! I'm especially excited when I meet a female buying a van and/or Class B. Good luck on finding the right fit for you.... feel free to let me know if I can help in any way. Thanks for watching!

[@Fartdemon]

I love to see some more vids on your van life fine sir, I really liked the depth you go into!

[@56Axis]

I lived in a 40 ft. Dodge explorer for 8 months and off and on again for a year..I loved it. Really nice way to live and travel. :) Good video. :) Brought back memories. :)

[@sunnypumkin]

Very Cool can't wait to see the improvements as they come! Love the Toilet Idea! Saw only one other Nomad have one!

[@jeepfvr]

This is exactly what I'm looking for (the dedicated bed in back and dinette (removed) so i can have a small, lightweight recliner and opposite it for a short, 12" board attached to wall for use as an office desk or at which to eat. The two things still I would want is the style of van with the bed loft to use for storage and the second is 4x4. I know, that's asking a lot but they are out there. Oh well. I can dream. I said I'd never use a wetbath, but the fact that you can practically park these vans in a standard parking space means more than doing business in such a tiny area.

[@au5sie]

Living in a VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!

[@toddcouchman4344]

Good job. Keep the videos coming.

[@vanoramarv4193]

Thanks for the tour. Glad to see you kept the van stripes and paint. I think it looks good that way and won't be a deterant regarding stealth. T-Rex is keeping his stripes.

[@plutobeliever]

just discovered your channel...good vibes your way...

[@joshuatravels2684]

Very awesome tour dude. I'm also looking for something like this to live in :) it's like were Japanese living small lol. Keep safe good bless!

[@sgarcata]

I'm really enjoying your videos. You do a great job. I've got a class B Dodge Sprinter, but have been way too slow getting up on it all. Starting to dig into it now and expect to hit the road in it this spring with a pooch or two. Your videos are helping me gain confidence. I had a larger RV before but it was way too cumbersome. However I've got to put more thought into what I take along as mine is a shorty and not much storage.

[@TheWoodensong]

FYI - Re: Generator…low 'hours' is not good. They are designed to be used. The carburetor can get "shellacked" by additives in your fuel…this can clog the carb and it won't work. If nothing else, you should at least run your generator for an hour or so every month, just to prevent this from happening. I learned this the hard way back during my 14 years of RV living. I also used to be a Service Writer at two different Camping World Stores and did wholesale RV parts & accessories with StagParkway which is based in the Atlanta area…hope this helps! Also for what it's worth just remember, any and all changes you make to the layout, etc can dramatically impact your resale value down the line…all in all looks like you are off to a great start. Have a good day and enjoy your Class B RV adventure! - "Scooter" in East Texas!

[@markjulius2006]

Thanks for the video. Not bad for your first one. ☺ I know it can be tough posting a video about your personal life, so ignore any hateful comments. You can't please everyone. Keep up the good work and good luck with your projects. Thumbs up. 👍

[@asimplekid7387]

Mark Julius Thanks, Mark! Lots of room to grow and lots of content to share... I'm glad folks like you take the time to send some encouragement. It means the world to me.

[@karenharvey2549]

Nice first video. I like your van. Following.

[@1gettojoe435]

Great video, nice job

[@AlexisFurtak]

Welcome to KZbin!!! :D That's too cool. And even if your videos are only two minutes long, post them! Your viewers will wanna watch anything you have. Keep it up!

[@asimplekid7387]

Alexis Furtak Thanks Alexis!! ..and congrats on the graduation! :)

[@AlexisFurtak]

That was Madisynne. Haha, I graduated last year. I just started college yesterday though. :)

[@baileemclachlan122]

I really like the bed idea, very nice van!

[@michaelsmith9308]

Looking forward to a updated video simple kid:)

[@georgiamule]

Great van, well presented. Thanks

[@dannegeorge6442]

Great video, and I subbed. Glad I rewatched and got to see and hear what I had missed. LOL!

[@asimplekid7387]

Danne George Thanks a bunch, Danne!

[@knoopsylvia]

Enjoyed you video and I love long video's. Don't care wat cutie Justin says! Hope you have more then one shirt! And yes tell the boss, before problems arise. Looking to see more!

[@mraratapa]

Nice van. I need one like that.

[@jasonchu3632]

What's up man, van is looking good. I'm actually looking for a late 90's Xplorer myself. Thanks for the upload. I've seen the tour of this van many times through Justin Credible, Happily Houseless, Xplorer Steve, etc, but I never get tired of watching van tours lol. Looking forward to more videos. -Cheers

[@jpeterson2150]

Don't let the trolls get you! So happy to see your video. Heard about you thru Justin Credible. Looking for more from you. Living in a 1988 Bounder and LOVE it!

[@brandlylenard789]

Great video man , i really dig your channel and will be tunning in my man .

[@curliefro]

Great set up! Definitely get a small couch to put against the window so you can accommodate guests. Another Rver uses a sham-wow cloth to dry the shower area after use

[@emmonstrex65]

Good job!

[@pennyblea2705]

Love your van home, cool video. .

[@NomaddUK]

Nothing wrong with the sound. You speak at a good rate and are clear in your diction. The van is really cool and I will be watching the rest of your videos to see how you develop it. Well done. Great first vid and amazing that it was so accurate in just one take. I would suggest a gimble for your camera though.

[@Camperhollow]

That had to be quite a lot of money to have it shipped that far. I've heard good things about those motor homes though and I hope you have it for as long as you want it.

[@dehyrkas]

Thanks for the tour! I'll we watching for more..... ; )

[@ChristineBEACHCRICKETLowery]

Good First Video! I just subscribed. Keep the videos coming. I really like the van layout.

[@asimplekid7387]

Christine Lowery Thanks, Christine!!

[@JeweLinHisHans]

Install deep pull out drawers in the pantry. Get hardware that lets you pull them out all the way and make them deep enough to hold everything in.

[@karenolson5556]

Your video was good! No problem with the sound or anything!

[@ramongonzales4969]

love your videos

[@unclearless]

Congrats on your first video! You seem cool, so I subbed. Man, I miss sleeping in the back of a van. I will be getting another. I love the way the bed in back looks like a fort we all made as kids, lol, I bet that is just too easy to snooze in! ~ Kevin

[@asimplekid7387]

unclearless Thanks, Kevin. Yeah, I always feel like I'm in a treehouse back there - especially when it rains. Funny how certain things can take us back to those days as kids. :-)

[@extrastops]

Just found your channel. Nice rig and grats on getting the videos uploaded.

[@asimplekid7387]

BrokeBuddha Thanks! (LOVE the screen name!)

[@tamonettX500]

I love your van, I'm so jealous! :)

[@Schimms]

Just subbed! Sound was perfect.

[@jeffthompson8663]

to fix the table brainstorm table---- hinge the table top to the wall and make it a bit wider, but cut the length so when not using it you can take the support pole out and it will just fall down alongside the wall. when you use the table just reach down pull table up and attach the support pole.

[@donthompson9862]

Dam that shower and composting toilet are awesome.I cant believe how much room you have

[@wwvette]

Great Job! Audio Best Than Most! Look Forward To More Videos...

[@yarvette2703]

I'm tagging along with the YarrVee and I do have to say you got more counter space in your kitchen than we do in a Class A..hahaha...Before I meet the YarrVee I have wanted a Class B just like yours!

[@asimplekid7387]

Yarvette YarrVee... I love that!!

[@johnson8danny]

cool good job on ur first video

[@mreco7896]

I love your video, thank you.

[@DaiOng]

good job simple kid! were starting out ere in west coast soon hope to exchange info. with ya, thanks for sharing!

[@123Dixiedog]

Cool van. Great video.

[@asimplekid7387]

123Dixiedog Thanks!!! :)

[@TommyboyGTP]

Wow that's an awesome van. Subbed

[@dilbotmacguillacutty4849]

Thanks for this and congrats on your first vid. I've been checking regularly! I often find myself forgetting to record footage as I'm working away... Just a thought... I think you can run deep cycle batteries lower than regular starting batteries... not sure about the 50% tho... Looking forward to more!

[@asimplekid7387]

***** Thanks man! ..and that's good to know about the deep cycle batteries. I'm going to do more research before spending any serious money on a battery bank. This Costco deep cycle battery was $89 so I'm not too worried about it now, but I will definitely have to have a solid plan before dropping serious cash on a set of AGMs.

[@FoxyStealth]

That was cool!

[@nightcoder2633]

this is my ideal van.

[@joegaragozzo1640]

Kidding aside...good luck kid✌🇨🇦

[@lebon2002be]

Subscribed ! Cool ! Cheers from Europe, Roger.

[@asimplekid7387]

Roger Olivier Cheers, Roger!

[@GoodasGuilty]

i like it.. Thank you for sharing.

[@lezbriddon]

wished i could have an explorer... nothing that size in the UK, everything is smaller or bigger, but i think those are the ideal size

[@hikerdude1000]

I love the idea of living "in a van down by the river " i took all my expenses and added them up and then looked at what a new to newish van would be per month and i would save like 60% per month I'm not sure if I could live like that but I love the idea . Good for you awesome. I would have to move somewhere else New England winters would freeze my bones at -30 deg winter nights so cool i will enetertain this idea in a big time way.

[@asimplekid7387]

Michael Remillard Thanks, Michael! I did have a really tough time this past winter. Staying warm in the van wasn't a problem but I woke up a few different mornings with frozen pipes. I know of some vandwellers on KZbin who make it through winters like yours but they have to take extra measures like using special antifreeze in the water system. Keep on calculating, brainstorming, and dreaming. Something will eventually rise to the surface that will be perfect for your particular situation. :-)

[@fortunateadventures3664]

Great video,I learned a lot from it.I'm searching for my lil house on wheels,kinda torn between the Explorer and a Chinook 🚙🐿

[@vincepanico2223]

Great stuff brother 😊👍

[@paulsjunkcars]

Good job on the video. Looks like a lot of room for a van.

[@TheRjjrjjr]

Good job! I enjoyed your video but you didn't talk about your heat and air! I'll look forward to that. Keep 'em coming, I'll be watching!

[@asimplekid7387]

TheRjjrjjr Thanks! Yeah, totally forgot the heat and air, which is kinda major! I'll cover that in an upcoming video - especially now that I'm using my a/c almost daily to make it through the crazy Hotlanta summer. :-)

[@vasel208]

Excellent!

[@loneranger2813]

Good Job

[@3gmom408]

Very nice van. Neat and nice. However do u need to get rid of the waste like pouring them out once the waste tank is full ? I m referring to the composting toilet.

[@pac21989]

i really love explorers.

[@norasteel5353]

I should have wrote...I like your home!

[@kim021159]

I am seriously considering this lifestyle in a van or small rv. Thank you for your in depth tour. Less stuff more life is my mantra. I am wondering if I will save money if Im paying more for gas and paying for a storage unit? Will you suggest the best way to find a reliable used van or rv?

[@Ciara1594]

One thing I would do is take out the big bed and put in a twin size bed. That would free up alot of space.

[@debthern]

great first video.....in fact i thought it was so go I don't see why you would do anything different for any coming videos. I will enjoy watching you continue to personalize your space. I noticed a couple of trolls commenting.......PLEASE ignore them.....we all know they deserve none of your attention.....be safe, deb.....oh, best BR explanation and set up on utube.!!!

[@asimplekid7387]

deb the RN Thank you for that incredible comment, Deb!!! How encouraging! :-)

[@CombatDoc54]

Great video. Love the full size crapper and shower combo and the "bedroom" for a class B Have you upgraded the solar ye?

[@karenmessinger9609]

I like having a bed in the back. Nice!!

[@dickjohnson696969]

Simple kid, I have a question for urban van dwellers, where do you get water from? where do you fill up your water tank at do gas stations have water? Thanks, cool videos too.

[@Ethiomii]

20:36 those mustache hangers doe XD

[@georgepurdy6493]

I take it you are in the Atlanta area. Go down to the I think it's the Sealy or Simmons plant on the south side of town and you can custom order a mattress to size for a few extra dollars. I think Denver Mattress will too as they made one for me at the "Denver" main plant on the east side of town years ago for my truck.

[@JCredTV]

Right on Xplorer brother from another mother lol! Lemme know if you come to the west coast and want some Canadian beers!

[@taranchenkoigor]

I always find Justin comments on other van channels.😎

[@normancavill2570]

JustinCredibleTV k

[@kadogshowtv7222]

Nice!

[@kae4466]

if i were to live in a van like this , the bathroom would be a first priority for me

[@houselessnothomeless6685]

Since you are no longer using your "black water" tank, would it be possible to tie that to the "gray water" tank to give you more capacity? Just wondered.....

[@8digitPDX]

I like the idea on that toilet since I would rather not use the one in my Travco which uses the same dump tank as the shower and sink but in all honesty, I try to never use the on board toilet unless it is a dire emergency.

[@michaelturnage3432]

One of the nicest vans I have seen. Really nice and well laid out. I can tell you are going to be a good YTer. You are so comfortable in front of the camera.

[@asimplekid7387]

Michael Turnage Wow, thanks for that encouragement! I'm just starting out with learning how to shoot and edit videos but everyone's gotta start somewhere! :-)

[@Mayas.Palace]

I just got a 91 xplorer. Looks pretty similar. Does the new fan and the main air conditioner run on the van battery? Or does the generator have to be on? Same with the all the outlets. Does the generator have to be to charge up things like phones and laptops? Please get back to me if you can mate. Cheers

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

I enjoyed your video although I don't want to fulltime (I'm old and a whimp) and have a couple of questions. Have you had any extra charges due to having the dually wheel configuration? Here in the NY Metro area they charge extra on all the roads, bridges, tunnels and so forth for duallies. Also can you do a video on how you edit and finish your videos?

[@jwaviator]

Do you still need a wheel simulator for the back right wheel?

[@hldye7442]

on the sink issue / maybe just use a basic plastic tub for soap washing and then the sink for rinsing ?

[@19Mariko57]

Do you EVER have to do anything with the composted waste? Doesn't it build up after awhile?

[@Tommetrofan]

Awesome! Unfortunately I live in Holland, and here we have those modern plastic junk vans.. They look cool, but I miss the small but descend and cool interior like this one. Remember, new is NOT the best!

[@MrsJones-bf8cj]

Is it necessary to use wheel chalks when storing your van?

[@smilingbabs6752]

Have you thought about removing your black water tank and replacing it with a secondary, new white water tank? This would give you more fresh water and longer time without hook ups. I'd be interested in your thoughts on this as I'm considering doing it myself.

[@SuperDusty111]

Cool video. Question: Can a 6 foot tall person stand straight up in that van in all areas? Thanks.

[@wayne6004]

love the van,, I've been back n FOURTH between diff.. size vans/ small motor homes even buses,, do mind me asking how much you paid..

[@AngTheCanadianPilot]

Can you tell me more about your toilet ? Great vid thank you .. Planning on purchasing a van- form lay had an RV

[@mmarczuk1976]

is there a furnace in the van to keep warm during winter