Van Life Essentials: I Bought My Favorite Things for Living in a Van on Amazon

This is part 2 of my Gear List Series in which I discuss some of my favorite things that make my life better as a nomad on wheels. None of them are essentials, I covered those in the first video of the series. These are things I've tried and found worthy of spending the money and losing the space in my tiny little home.
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Thanks for watching!

[@nielknox]

Thank you! Just watched this in Grindelwald, Switzerland Friday, June 9, 2023

[@JeanIsaac-jk5fp]

I love that lunch box looking cooking item and the Coleman oven. Much better than for a single person, easy to power, easy to use, less weight. Great! Good information. Will be using one of these in future.

[@Yashua2Rule]

For my apocalypse I'll keep coming back to this channel right here to get the best advice. Go Nomads go!

[@nancynightingale6267]

For anyone who is a van dweller: Wool is your friend. At Goodwill or whatever thrift store you come across that happens to sell wool blankets, BUY THEM UP ! Wool blankets will insult the heck outta window, floor, YOU ! Wool blankets over rubber matts on a van floor where your little feet step on, you will not feel the extreme cold. You may not feel much cold to your feet at all. His Down Alternative boots, however, is a great idea, too. Rubber matts: Home Depot or Lowes probably has those office entryway matts. THat's what I'm talking about. If you need to ExActo blade them to fit, do it. THey insult and sound barrier all at same time. Then, when dirty with sand/dirt, pull em out, shake em, hose wash them down, dry them (of course....no dampness inside dwellings!) and there you go.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for the tip Nancy! How do you clean them?

[@motherofchaos5519]

I think you mean *insulate* rather than insult, right? 🙂

[@matthewronsson]

*mats

[@Manerva1973]

Will is not my friend as I'm allergic to it. Is there a will alternative?

[@thelegend3798]

@@motherofchaos5519 Wool can be very insulting.

[@johninwi3994]

Great video. I have been using the Road Pro for 3 years now. I use it all the time at work. I have cooked salmon and potatoes, lasagne, hamburgers, hot dogs, leftovers etc.. you name it. Best way to use it is to buy the little aluminum bread pans that fit inside. Can get the pans at walmart and dollar stores usually 3 in a pack for about 1-2 dollars. Put your food in the pan and cover with tinfoil. Put about a quarter inch of water on the bottom inside the road pro. when it heats up the water steams the food perfectly inside the aluminum pan and when you are done you don't have to clean the inside of the road pro. Either wash the pan out and reuse it or throw it away. Sorry I do realize you had the pans in the video I was just explaining it for others.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks John, that's all good info, I appreciate it!

[@DeeSova]

Love your videos!! My husband is the cook on our big rig. And we have 2 RoadPro lunch box ovens. We’ve been out here 4 years, going across country. I swear by them. He’s made everything you can think of by using the aluminum loaf pans or oven bags. Roasts, Lasagna, Cornish hens, cabbage and sausage, etc. and you’re so right about driving down the highway and at the end of a 2-hour drive....depending on what type of meal you’re cooking, it is on! Perfect for truckers, nomads or everyday traveling. Thank you so much for what you do❤️

[@josephcampese5347]

Bob, I work outside year round in north east Ohio. I found the Road Pro a couple years ago. It's changed my winter lunch break many, many times for the better. To be able to have a hot lunch when you've been battling ice and snow all morning, is a huge improvement. So with my bona fides in place, fyi. Place a damp paper towel in the bottom of that Road Pro, then your aluminum bread pan insert filled with food, cover with aluminum fool. The Road Pro will turn the moisture from that paper towel into super heated steam. I think you'll be very happy with the results.

[@debireginabroughton9982]

Good to know !... thank you...

[@cadykyst1234]

When I was about 12, my mother baked 2 loaves of whole wheat bread in just the sunshine, on a picnic table in central Oregon, in August, with that same style of Coleman Camp Oven. it had a thermometer on the front and really was up to the job, even without the stove that day! great memories. ..

[@CheapRVliving]

There is a slight learning curve to learn the in and outs of them, but once you have they work really well.

[@CheapRVliving]

Jim, I have a global sun oven and will do a review coming up.

[@kevinjudy2210]

My van life GURU...LOVE YOU..starting my life soon at age 64...

[@onetalentedman2822]

This man knows it all take and use his advice there is no better advice to be found he calls a spade, A SPADE. Ive been on the road none stop for 11 years and thought I new it all but after watching this great traveling guy I now know I only new a little about life on the road less travelled. Support this man he is a true hero amongst travellers.

[@haroldfitz5146]

Bob, you are the perfect combination of Grizzly Adams and Burl Ives lol. I'm so glad I found your channel. I appreciate your interviews, your opinions and your product reviews

[@dorethameek5671]

Love your videos Bob!

[@bevwood8210]

hahahaha right on!

[@billa7565]

Burl Ives ??? Nah

[@jackiemiiers9845]

It's hard to say, but this is my favorite of your videos, and the Bible says," You, (God), knew all my wanderings before I yet had one " , Yahoo ! I'm coming, I feel like I need help to get on the road, but really a hand to hold, and your group through you does that . Thanks for holding my hand.

[@look11223]

So glad to support you using your Amazon link

[@virginiaoverlander4720]

Roadpro also makes a slow cooker or crock pot if you will. As a professional driver I have tested out a few. The slow cooker has a removable reusable liner like a corck. I use oven cooking bags to element the need to clean it. Can be bought at most any truck stop and I use in the same way as the lunch box stove you showed. Check it out.

[@nancynightingale6267]

Windshield Heat Protection: That's an excellent point he just made. If you use something INSIDE the windows, heat is still penetrating the van/dwelling. OUTSIDE protection makes 1000% more sense. Excellent tip, Bob ! You rock, dude ! And, in snow country, all ya gotta do is shake the snow off, and BAM, windows are cleared of snow/ice. I would then put that cover inside a plastic bag and dry it out when you can outside the van later on. Always prevent moisture from entering van at all times. Every little bit of moisture adds up.

[@barbarakaffel5688]

I just found you on u-tube and love all the stories people have! I am retired and my man will retire in 3 yrs. we are going to do this and your videos are so informative! What I wanted to tell you is all the information you have on the videos not only helps campers but all people that can find themselves with no power or water or any operating facilities like a toilet! I love your channel and continue your awesome journey!!!!!

[@CheapRVliving]

Thank you Barbara, you're right, lots of people can use this info, not just nomads!

[@regenaguinn]

Yes survival-camping or otherwise!

[@philcapling8268]

Bob, as usual, a terrific job and great ideas. Thanks for all you do for us!!!

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for watching Phil, glad you enjoyed the video. :)

[@philkhogg5618]

I love your videos, I live in a converted short bus and I love seeing other people and how they get along on the road

[@1963yugo]

Hi Bob, One thing I'll be packing that I haven't seen or heard you comment on (yet) is a FIRST AID KIT. I recently bought a small but complete kit from Amazon and added a few things to it from home. I added gear I found when we were cleaning out after evicting a hoarding tenant. He'd been an EMT at one time so I have surgical scissors, clamps, a battery operated oxygen meter you slip on your finger and an oxygen mask. My wish list on Amazon is growing by the day! Light--should my battery on my trailer ever go flat, I have several candle lanterns that I can hang up or set on the counter so I can see what I need too, they use tea-lights, which are cheap & readily available at Dollar stores. But Luci lights are on my list for when I need something brighter. I also have a floodlight that plugs into a lighter socket, giving me plenty of light in case of emergency and the cord is long enough that I can use it to change a tire if necessary

[@barbaramoore8344]

Bob we recently bought our first camper trailer now winterized. Can't wait for warmer weather. You are a great teacher and can reach new and older experienced campers. So much to learn as this is a whole new world to me. Thank you so much for helping others with knowledge you Have learned.

[@CheapRVliving]

Barbara, it really is my pleasure!

[@davejohnson9823]

After covid-19 hit and I seen people making a run on food. You got some good info just in that realm. Aside from that I'd taken a few trips and paid about $150 a day for everything including motels. Was wishing I had a van then. Got hurt 7 years ago was almost homeless. Was wishing I had a van. Such useful information on so many levels.

[@luciac.419]

Bob you're a nomad genius!! I'm addicted to your vids.

[@slickwillie916]

Merry Christmas Bob, my stomach started growling, not growing in response to the chili dogs, I swear by the booties after 50 years of winter tent camping I like North Face expensive but super quality, keep on trucking

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks David, the Baffins have been superb for me at a very reasonable price.

[@athiker7209]

I've had that Coleman oven for over 30 years. For me it works better on a propane burner versus the Coleman stove, because it is so much easier to regulate the temperature with propane. You never have to stop and pump pressure in the middle of a baking session. It's a crowd pleaser as everyone has a smile when they see it in action. Thanks for the tips! I'm a new subscriber.

[@CheapRVliving]

Good advice on the Coleman, thanks!

[@campgoerOne]

A suggestion...to keep feet dry and warm in addition to your slippers...wear a good pair of wool sock.. Walmart has awesome wool socks! 👍

[@filmigs4875]

Very helpful thank you. I especially liked the cell phone signal booster.

[@cindyc-thedogsandme.]

Thanks again Bob, I wrote down everything you have in this video. It's so nice to have you show what is helpful to have on the road to be comfortable. Great video! Cindy

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks Cindy!

[@Idahomie]

A little superglue on the windsheild cover's stitching will really beef-up the stress points...most any stitching on that point. Caveat: always test' a small area when working with super glue on synthetics.

[@drogonz4117]

Always find your videos informative, thank you .

[@carltrustrum8858]

My wife and I just wanted to say Marry Xmas and have a very happy new year. Bob, be safe.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thank you Carl, and the same to you!

[@1sthawkfeathers547]

So disappointed that the Go pro folding oven is no longer available. Great ideas for camping life. Hope your travels continue to be wonderful 👏 ✨ 😊

[@curiousgeorge555]

Link to water pump? What kind of water pump is best for indoor dish and washing and so on. Great vid's. Love your channel!

[@ImaSteamer]

@18:10 The dreaded No-See-Um's !!! My brother has a cabin where the pests get bad. His trick is to spray the screens with Pledge! He says, they can not pass through and you still get ventilation. 🤔

[@TexCynRVLife]

l use the Adco window cover on my ClassC. But light does shine through at night, as do inside shadows, so I have a windshield cover covering the inside too. I too made screens for my side windows as you did several years back. Still in use all these years later.

[@masteringpain5199]

Bob, You are the best!!!

[@zopdundee630]

Keep up the good work, your videos of been very helpful on my van setup to test if van life is my passion. Thank you....From Sydney Australia

[@nmr3352]

What a great list! For me, these items would be preferable to built-ins. That little solar oven in a lunch box is fantastic, and so is the Coleman camp oven. That folding step stool is perfect for anyone's home. I'm making my Christmas and birthday list right now!

[@woodsmn8047]

years ago I drove truck in the potato harvest...when in the field there are potatoes laying around on the ground...hop out of the truck select a nice spud and put it on the exhaust manifold of the engine...when you get to the cellar in about 20 minutes ...hop out reach over the top of the front tire and snatch the roasted spud off the manifold get up in the cab and break out your lunch box where you have sour cream and bacon bits ect...and you have a great baked potato with all the fixin's....woodsmn

[@vanlifenomadfirekeeper]

That lunch box cooker is real popular with truckers. And it cooks fairly quickly.

[@gypsypants6847]

your videos are seriously so informative. I look forward to seeing you post a new one! Thank you!

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks Robin.

[@CheapRVliving]

You are aware this is a new one. I shot and edited it three days ago.

[@gypsypants6847]

yes....I followed you on EN also...lol

[@nerdanderthalidontlikegoog7194]

Im glad you mentioned the Coleman camp stove. I have one, I use wadded aluminum foil 'snakes' on the bottom to help diffuse the heat.

[@CheapRVliving]

What a great idea that is, thanks!

[@iamsemjaza]

Walmart in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek (Michigan) had a few of those water containers. So did Meijer, if I remember correctly. Bottom shelf in the camping sections.

[@CheapRVliving]

Phillip, they used to be everywhere but now they are hard to find.

[@iamsemjaza]

Yeah, that's why i thought I mentioned I saw them just last week around here. :)

[@brendamcchristy6044]

You are so thoughtful Bob

[@stringbender57]

Cool gadgets that make life easier on the road......I love them! Thanks for sharing some great ideas. 🚐💨

[@CheapRVliving]

I love to help others!

[@mettahuttravels3183]

Fantastic, handy hints Bob, especially for us dudes who are in the process of setting out on the road.🙏🏻🇺🇸🇦🇺🎄

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks Craig, just trying to share some of my hard-earned knowledge.

[@neilsalmon5900]

With all that "stuff" you carry , your van must be as crowded as the "Beverly hillbillies truck" or that "Grapes of wrath" truck , these vans should work well with your setup of boondocking capabilities with your massive solar power and your various cooking and heating tools . Great videos , Bob , really an eye opener on slab city , on my bucket list of places to avoid however , don't want to enter a "Mad Max" zone . Very interesting videos .

[@debbieandrosie1]

Exactly what I thought...drive by the slabs only.

[@kathycr1271]

Hello, Happy New Year. I took my first road trip EVER from MA to FL and I was amazed at all of the RV folks I saw on the road and recognized from your videos and interviews. Just solidified that life does go on beyond the mortar and bricks and I am really looking forward to my adventures on the road. Please keep up the good work and Thank you

[@CheapRVliving]

That's great Kathy, lots more to come!

[@evelyngarcia4551]

the food heater is awesome!

[@hiker750]

Ditto on the question about the phone & antenna booster. Thx, Bob & Merry Christmas!!!

[@CheapRVliving]

I went and looked for it and it appears it is out of stock. I hope to comes back.

[@Jeaniesunshine-fb5rk]

Thank you. I'm home bound virus. I love to get all your channel.

[@Closertoofree]

Thanks for the information Bob. Enjoy your Holidays.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks, you too!

[@RVFreeDa]

Bought the AZ Book and the booties and the magnets. Thanks for the tips.

[@mikereno3933]

Dude you are the s*** I've been a nomad now for a year and you've in my idol bro I live in a 92 Toyota RV and I've seen every one of your videos bro keep it up and thanks for adding the link to all these items it's perfect.

[@Ann-jh9bn]

I've got to try the booties! Thanks for the captioning, Bob! I love sharing your videos with my mom. I hope we'll meet you on the road some day. Happy Holidays!

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks Ann, the booties are one of my favorite things of all!My camp is always open to you!

[@petebanning9437]

You should do a video on the tools nomads carry.

[@justinevirtue1755]

Bob, thank you so much. You may not see this question. I may not see the answer either. I'll head over to your website just in case. My question is: ADCO makes another windshield cover similar to yours. They call it "clear." It has a front windshield cut-out for seeing out during the day but blocking folks seeing in. And side window cut-outs with screens for ventilation. The cut-outs are held in place with Velcro around the perimeter and roll down from the top fastening somehow. I love the idea of letting more air in through the front windows! The complaints: Some reviewers complain the screen lets in bugs at the bottom. I figure magnets could fix that if there's enough extra material. Others say the Velcro isn't strong enough and eventually fails over time or in heavy wind. I was thinking magnets or other reinforcements could fix that also. Have you seen anyone using these? The Polar White is yours, part numbers begin with 240__ The "clear" versions begin with 270__ . Thank you!

[@CheapRVliving]

Hopefully someone with experience with one will post here or at the forum. cheaprvliving.com

[@justinevirtue1755]

Thanks Bob. I think I'll just go for it and get lots of magnets :)

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

Another amazing video! Thanks Bob. I would love to see a video on the many benefits and uses of Roybi batteries.

[@CheapRVliving]

That's a great idea!! I should have thought of that!! I live my Ryobi gear!

[@johncook1885]

Enjoy your video.Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@nocturnal7312]

Same with me !! :)

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks John!

[@nunurbuisness5877]

I really like that 12v cigeret outlet cooker it's nice and small.

[@gray5627]

Very good list of "not quite essentials!" I have several of the items you have shown, and I agree they really make life easier! I'm not a full time camper (yet), but love your site! Thanks, and keep up the good work!!

[@CheapRVliving]

Right, if at all possible, they are great additions to camp!

[@NavyAssassinOnBLAST]

Another awesome video! 👍👍 The Zodi shower pump is now $134.

[@wendylynae777]

HO. LY. COW! You weren't lying about the down booties! They are quite possibly the best investment I've made since I started living in my RV. I'm in Colorado and because of circulation issues, my feet are freezing when the temp drops below 60 outside, so you can imagine how miserable I've been this winter with the temps dropping into the negative. The thermostat can say 70 degrees, but the floor has an arctic wind blowing over it it seems. Cold feet= misery. With my new booties, I find I can keep the RV temp lower because my feet, thus the REST OF ME is toasty, so its great all around! THANKS! I didn't buy the adult size, but I really hope you get a little kickback for all Baffin purchases made via clicking the link you provided here :-)

[@CheapRVliving]

I'm so happy they're working out for you, I love my booties! And yes, I do get a small kickback even if you buy something else, thanks. :)

[@IMSiegfried]

Bob, I don't know if you'll see this but if you haven't already, in your videos you might want to mention how you get a small fee if we use your link and buy *anything* on Amazon. In fact a specific link that goes simply to Amazon through you and posted in the description might be a good idea? I buy a lot on Amazon and would love to support you. Cheers!

[@ssuresh8839]

Merry Christmas to you Mr. Bob and to all the Van community people!!!

[@CheapRVliving]

Thank much!

[@AndreaLKL72]

You're such a sweet man. So kind

[@killedbydeth7271]

The levelers are like $40 now. 😢😅

[@cybersecretary]

You do a wonderful job describing things. Happy Holidays!

[@larajackson7506]

Thank you for sharing! Take care see you next time!

[@dominiquebt]

Another great video - the quality is getting better with each one! Thanks for more useful info. Happy Holidays!

[@CheapRVliving]

I'm learning more and more about sound and video, I hope you see constant improvement. But, shooting alone makes it much harder!

[@christianemarshall9691]

Do you have a more recent list? I’m getting all of the old videos in my feed! Thanks!!!

[@tonybelisle423]

Thank you so much for opening my eyes I have been asking everyone were to live in the wilderness or nature just like you I am saving everything you are saying THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you Bob for sharing! It's so helpful. Awesome 👍😍❤️

[@videomagictv6403]

A shout out to ya Bob < MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR> buddy!

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks and the same to you!

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Great ideas and good products. TFS, Bob!

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks Jeanette!

[@HolyHubcap]

I absolutely love your videos. Thanks for the invaluable advice you have given me for my planned month-long road trip I am planning!

[@outingsforoldladieswhoaren7664]

Bob, I am looking forward to the rtr. just finalizing my leave from work. would it be interesting to offer a workshop on sprouting and general healthy living for a mobile life? I have been looking at foraging, ways to reduce fuel costs, etc.

[@CheapRVliving]

I'd love that but I need someone to lead it.

[@amaliarehman1342]

CheapRVliving --- I meant that I thought to offer it myself. I am not really sure how much of an expert i need to be, but I just finished a master food preserver training course and I have been doing some experimenting with food preservation, sprouting and fuel conservation techniques with nomadic living in mind. just a few random things I thought might be interesting, kind of. what are your thoughts?

[@katemccarty1420]

Trifold 4" memory foam mattress,from granfeild.....small and awesome

[@algray2604]

another good informitive video bob thank you.

[@CheapRVliving]

Glad you liked it Al!

[@tonygilbert2373]

Thanks for the advice!

[@JohanlastZa]

Should try to get a hold of old computer hard drives, the magnets inside are awesome and way stronger than those you are currently using, I use them all over

[@jimbarnaby3547]

Good stuff Bob! I can't wait to get there.

[@CheapRVliving]

See you soon!

[@billaddy]

Keep it up doing an amazing job

[@slickwillie916]

Hi Bob, I did a search on 12 volt portable cookware, there is a place with a 40 amp 12 volt portable grill, look up POWER HUNT 12 volt portable cookware, I learn so much from your videos I wanted to tell you about the power hunt line because they look really good a little more heavy duty but not much more expensive, but you have to run a separate 12 volt DC socket since they draw more power, they look really heavy duty, check em out

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks David.

[@josephleister9198]

Another good video. Thanks Bob.

[@CheapRVliving]

My pleasure Joseph

[@Sewspcl]

Love you Bob! Thanks for all your tips!

[@lindaohia6938]

Great suggestions!

[@kw2756]

As always, it's a pleasure to learn from your videos. THX

[@33Jenesis]

Thank you for the map recommendation. I prefer to use map. It is a lot more reliable than Google maps when area is sparsely populated.

[@wildman6247]

love your vidieos i took a summer off a few years back and travled the country on motorcycle with pop up in tow aspen classic would love to it again someday working on paying off the new bike first would like to get truck camper and do it full time eventually

[@kathrynkenyon785]

Another great video, Bob! Thanks a bunch! That wind was amazing! Glad you still had your beard by the end of it! LOL

[@CheapRVliving]

It does occasionally act as a sail. :)

[@raynonabohrer5624]

Cool you know some of the stuff is good for a tiny house..!

[@Radnally]

Great content. Thanks

[@triciab3435]

Merry Christmas Bob ! I enjoy watching your videos.🎄🌟😊

[@CheapRVliving]

I love to hear that Tricia!

[@jandecourtney4638]

Thanks for the informative video!

[@ridelocalride]

Great find and information. Thanks!

[@PaulDGreen-bu4iz]

Merry Christmas to you Bob! Thank you for sharing!

[@CheapRVliving]

My pleasure Paul!

[@josephwilson6651]

absolutely love your videos bob hope to do what you are doing in 3 years eight months when i retire from wage earning going to travel the entire country have the where with all and most importantly Desire have done some but going to do more Permantley

[@CheapRVliving]

Lots more to come! See you out here soon!

[@FrugalRVGal]

Great list of items. I am going to get the 12 oven for sure! Thanks

[@CheapRVliving]

I really like it!

[@jojowallace5098]

Luv the RoadPro!

[@PidasianHippie]

When I was a little girl, about 50 years ago, my parents had one of those Coleman ovens and I don't think the design has changed one bit since then. We had lots of biscuits baked in that oven.

[@CheapRVliving]

I think you are right, it is exactly the same thing.

[@olgaguer6443]

Thank you!