Van Life - Tour of our Awesome Campervan!

Check out our new Guide to Van Life: goo.gl/dnhZQq
- Welcome to our awesome minimalist camper van!
We bought this van 3 months ago for $5,000. It’s a 2002 Ford E-150 that already had 114,000 miles on it.
We’ve already driven it 3000 miles across the US from East to West and camped in it along the way. Living in a van is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time and we’re planning to move into the van full time starting in May 2015.
You’ll see that we kept our setup very simple so that we’d be able to get on the road as quickly as possible. We added bins under the bed to keep our kitchen and bathroom stuff organized. We use a cooler as a fridge and we have a couple of big baskets to make everyday items easily accessible (flashlights, toilet paper, hats, water bottles etc.).
We’re thinking of adding a solar panel and maybe a kitchen counter top to make it more comfortable before moving in. We'll keep you posted about these upgrades and other van dwelling adventures.
Thanks for watching! If you liked this video, you can subscribe to our channel so you don't miss the next one :)
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
-------------------------------------------------------------
STAY IN TOUCH!
------------------------------------------------------------
Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
Music & Song Credits:
The intro song in this video (Pastel Slide Short) is a royalty-free jingle from iMovie. The second song in this video (How About It by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena) is a royalty-free song from the KZbin Free Music Audio Library.

[@TheJanet4321]

This is the best minimalist set-up I've seen - everything you need, but no clutter for such a small space.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

+pamela M thanks for watching! When we're exploring new cities on the cheap, we often go to parks, used book stores, cafes, free museums (or if they're not free, we just go look at the outside), go to farmers markets and flea markets. It's all the stuff that we like to do anyway, so it's great that we can usually do it for free! Peeing in a bottle is easier than it sounds! You just kneel over top of a juice bottle that has a funnel in it! :D

[@timsvid]

hi

[@landroverboynew5516]

Hi tell me if I visit California alone where do I visit to see more of the Latin Spanish Mexican culture and live in a van I am from London England also.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Landroverboy New being from Canada I feel like I notice the Latin/Spanish culture everywhere in the US (more than in Canada). San Diego might be a good option because it's so close to the Mexican border, and we definitely found a lot of Mexican culture in San Francisco too. We haven't spent a ton of time in CA though so we might not be the best people to ask. Have a great trip!

[@amirulhazizi4534]

;

[@PanDemic]

Gotta love that oldschool GPS system. Love the sense of humour!

[@rickhiggins6521]

I just came back to see this video to be reminded of where you guys came from. I was likely one of the first subscribers. I loved your simple but nice van and was envious of what you were about to do. So glad to see how well you have done. One of the most popular channels of its type. All the best.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Hey! Thanks for your comment, it's pretty cool that you were such an early subscriber! We also actually watched that old van tour video a while ago and it was quite the flashback! Hope you have a great week :)

[@helenafield1524]

Awesome van the best organizational skills I have seen yet. Very nice and very neat and clean and was a real pleasure to watch your video and store up some of your ideas. Excellent job. Thank you

[@rustykeller8264]

You have enough room to carry a 10 gallon barrel (bucket, trash can), with a tight lid. Fill it half way with dirty laundry, add soap, and water to cover, and drive on. The motion of the van will wash your clothes. Rinse in a smaller container, wring, and hang to dry outside, or even inside. Saves a lot of money spent at laundromats.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Rusty Keller we almost always wash our laundry by hand (unless we have to do the sheets), but I love the idea of having the motion of the van do the hard work for us! :)

[@rustykeller8264]

Exploring Alternatives John Steinbeck (the Author) made a cross country in a pickup and camper, and wrote a book about the trip. In the book he describes the use of a can doing laundry as he traveled.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Rusty Keller I'll have to check that out! I read a couple of Steinbeck books in high school but I'd love to read more!

[@rustykeller8264]

Exploring Alternatives "Travels with Charley," by John Steinbeck.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Rusty Keller sweet, thanks so much :)

[@debbiec2663]

Love how low tech and practical your van is. It gives me a completely different perspective on how to make a low cost investment and get started with van life travel. Thank you.

[@joeymac3969]

I think that is great. Good tongue in cheek comedic touch. Great attitude. You guys have the right idea.

[@alifeworthfinding2838]

Great stuff and awesome van . It's awesome to see younger people enjoying the van Lifestyle. I travel in a vintage camper van and hunt down beautiful places . I enjoyed this video .

[@marycatherineparker2136]

I think you two are the cutest couple !!!! I own a 1988 Ford Econo van now for 4 & half yrs. put a 'NEW' engine ,and MUCH more ...WORTH IT because I could do the improvements as I could afford it. Now it is like new ! Because I plan of keeping it forever. For almost 5 yrs I have enjoyed my van and the FREEDOM from RENT, means more money I can have to rebuild my van and also use for work ad a landscaper.with a 4x6 open trailer towed behind. Love your neetness !

[@ExploringAlternatives]

+Mary Catherine Parker thanks for watching! 4+ years is a long time living in your van - congratulations!!! I hope we can keep doing it for that long too - it seems like we are going to end up doing it in patches because we also house sit and visit friends & family a lot. Happy trails

[@AnnetteZang]

Love the simplicity of it....yet u have all you need to live comfortably ....fantastic

[@smallfootprint2961]

I like the simple, low tech van and life style. You have a lot more stuff in there than first appears. All your bins with other essentials, are so well thought out. Thanks for the tour.

[@BB-rm9fl]

You guys make it happen I love it so may people spend all there money on things they don't need.But just by watching this I see you guys save your money and do wise things.

[@KB-hq8qn]

Benjamin Brown I Nam is makiah I 4

[@saraloggins8365]

"welcoming intruders" haha!

[@stormygirl1704]

“For welcoming intruders” 😂 Love your set up! Nice job!

[@bencuraza5045]

December 2018 this Vid dropped into my Viewing Options. Very NICE Basic Conversion without a lot of clutter. Great Job !!! 4-years after the published date for this Vid not sure if your still in the same vehicle or ongoing travel but THANK YOU for SHARING be SAFE !!!

[@ellenwilson554]

I found it interesting, just purchased a 1998 with 38k original miles hoping to do a little touring myself

[@ensayshi7789]

Oh man, the security centre is awesome.

[@michaelturnage3432]

Makes sense....all of it....finally!!! Enjoy and look after one another.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Michael Turnage Thanks for watching and have a great day!

[@chasingsimpledreams]

Definitely the cleanest and lost organized can I have ever seen! So beautiful too, all the windows. Good luck when you do it full time! Great attitude, I've subscribed, and look forward to more.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for your comment Terri Saint-Amour It's such a tiny space that if we didn't keep it clean we would quickly lose our minds I think! Thanks for subscribing and hopefully you'll enjoy the other videos =)

[@attheranch873]

I like all the windows and the overhead lights.

[@abushman5938]

Well organized and simplistic. Nicely done.

[@bonniepwtf]

Simple us good! Happy travels

[@life5161]

The hydration center, security center, and navigation center!! I LUV IT!! Good stuff guys. Bless you both on your travels.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Brian Stepp we're ALL over the centers haha! Thanks for watching =)

[@greplink]

I love it! Really dig how clean and simply everything is. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for your comment +greplink 😊 keeping it simple is definitely much easier and cheaper!

[@one234569and10]

"Welcoming intruders" LOL love it.

[@jamesjohnson2152]

one234569and10 he"ll probably be killed

[@kennashley5299]

love your presentation my friend,flawless!!!

[@robvannNS]

Looks like back to basics for van living ..nothing wrong with simplifying life.. In any case, just a suggestion. We used to own a Roadtrek with rotating front seats. These I found added a lot of useful space and when combined with a small pedestal table great for eating meals. Also I watched your vid on heating and can vouch for a little Buddy heater which we have had for a year and are very please with. Best wishes for a great trip folks..

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for the comment Rob Vann , we have a pretty small budget so we pretty much have to keep things simple. For sure we would LOVE to put some rotating seats in there....we found some for $200 and we're really thinking about it! Also, thanks for your suggestion about the Little Buddy, seems like the best option =)

[@robvannNS]

that's a pretty good price for used..make sure the seats when faced backwards will slide close to the dash so you get as much space as possible...

[@Katy_living_simply]

Found your story through Kristen Dirksen.... I loved your video. And im looking forward to following you. You struck a chord with that initial video i found. Keep doing what you're doing. Its great. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@GlammyBee]

lol "welcoming intruders" I love your sense of humor!! Awesome video! I just found you two and I'm enjoying your videos. Thanks for sharing, your van is very cozy. :)

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching Glammy Bee! I love Mat's sense of humour - he keeps everything fun!

[@Roller76]

I'm not bashing what you've done. The van is super clean. But here are some things that could be great. One thing is look into a foldable bed. If you don't want to fold the bed then I'd do away with the basins and install drawer slides that can go as deep as the van permits. You get more storage room. Also, find an actual 12v fridge and cut the metal out of the van wall, insulate the opening, and slide the fridge in the opening. Again job.

[@ilubbov]

Very nice and cozy!

[@VantasticOdyssey]

I saw your solar panel video first but this is still nice to see how it was before you went with the solar set-up

[@Vadim-gi4sg]

Красавчик мужик, все что надо без всяких излишеств, и броневик огонь, не хватает только столика

[@AlexFoster1454]

Love the van, the lights inside are so cool

[@daniellechabassol2938]

Thanks Rebecca Swilling! They're pretty sexy!

[@GrumpyOldMan70]

I just got my van and I'm getting ready to do a build out. Thanks for some inspiration.

[@pendejo6466]

Looks very comfortable. All the best on your travels.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you :)

[@raptorvision100]

Love the van, looks clean and cozy. I just discovered your channel and am super inspired by it! keep up the good work ;)

[@loh1110]

Matt, have you looked into the Sprinter van? They are bigger, but not enormously bigger, and gets almost 20mpg without driving like a grandma. And between 2002-2006, they made a short wheelbase model, 118 inches, used cost $4-12k.

[@albertmorrisontheaustralianyrs]

Loved the tour thanks for showing it. Very simple and practical, I like that

[@ExploringAlternatives]

albert morrison Thanks for watching, happy you like the super simple campervan!

[@michaelkurz9067]

I like it, good luck with your van

[@stringbender57]

Very nice and neat. Love it! Be safe and have fun in your travels!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks +stringbender57 😊😊

[@DogmanUndertheSea]

That rug really ties the room together man.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Haha, sure does! Cheap but effective. Thanks Sammy Pisciotta =)

[@jaycee7413]

The camper is well organized and cozy. Nice work

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching Jay Cee =)

[@jodilawler1645]

I love your van.. It is beautiful

[@martingriego6800]

Great start pal

[@findingsimon]

keeping it simple. sometimes wish we had, but then standing up is super nice too, trade offs I guess.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Shelby and Simon Yeah, all trade offs for sure!! I'm super tall so a small van like this definitely feels pretty small sometimes...but then again it does have it's advantages. Stealth, gas, price etc.. Still, I have to admit that I do envy your big high top van sometimes, looks pretty comfy =)

[@BeaDaNurse]

Love your van. I currently have a Chrysler Town & Country mini-van that I'm setting up for camping. What supports your bed? was it stock in the van or did you put it in? I know my van will fit a 3/4 bed (the same size that big trucks use). I currently have a futon mattress on the floor. But am looking for ideas to raise the bed for storage. Any tips for things to make a camping van? Any pointers to avoid now that you've lived in it for a while? Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@camichiBichi]

Just what i was looking for. All those Windows 💖💖💖💖💖💖💞💞💞💞💞 Enjoy it!

[@hernilsoriano4873]

Cool thanks for sharing

[@l33hd33r]

You guys are awesome! Love watching your videos. You mentioned you like to eat healthy on the road, could you please do a video of some of the meals you like to make and any tips for cooking/ storing food while on the road.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

+l33hd33r Thanks so much! Yes we've had a few people ask us for that video and it's on our to do list for sure. We'll try to get around to it soon. Thanks for your comment :)

[@tongresa77]

Nice. Very well done!

[@joelian9749]

very cozy.

[@julioborja4639]

This is really neat. Love it. :-) Inspired. Blessings. 🍻

[@DrZuli]

How did you build the platform for your mattress? Or can that be purchased to fit?

[@AlexFoster1454]

Love your set up!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Rebecca Swilling Thanks for watching =)

[@rodreddick]

Great vid thanks for sharing

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks Rod!

[@Pianoplaya-cy9rx]

Wow, I need to do that with my van

[@anothersomebody8195]

I have a similar van body and like how you kept with the basics. I want to be comfortable camping but that's what it us right..camping? When I get home and need to run an errand or take a load of passengers somewhere I don't need a kitchenette throwing a wrench in the works. Nice job finding the perfect totes. I was wondering how to utilize all the dead space under the bed. Did you get those at a box store or custom order online?

[@wanderingwade8877]

I really like your approach. Keep it simple and get going! I have a conversion van too. I'm inspired. I subscribed and will keep up on how your adventure progresses.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Wandering Wade thanks for watching! What kind of van do you have?

[@wanderingwade8877]

I have a Ford E-150 conversion model. It has 4 captains chairs and a bench seat in the back. When traveling I usually remove the 2 middle seats and the bench seat.

[@bctravels8512]

I just found your channel. Great video. Very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks and welcome to the channel 😀😀

[@colbolt54]

VERY COOL, IM GETTING ON TOO

[@letstravelamerica6628]

Very cool tour video!! That seems like it was a great deal for $5000!

[@manuelotero3962]

Hi guys, I have been doing my experiments in this kind of life style and my biggest concern I would like to get some clarification at this point is the cooling perishables situation. Do you have any videos or clips dedicated to that? Thanks in advance.

[@stewcook227]

Loved the shoe platform...how have I managed without one.subbed on the strength of this alone..best wishes.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Haha! Thanks stew cook Happy to have inspired you to get a shoe platform! Not very fancy but it works. All the best =)

[@dianerota]

What kinds of things do you keep in the basket of madness and the basket between the two front seats?

[@Starfighter75r]

Excellent video. Love your van. Part of the fun of living in a van is to make it as homely and comfortable as possible. Very nicely done!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks Starfighter75r ! We made sure to keep it simple and I think that really helps. We also just finished making some new lime green curtains to add colour and privacy. Can't wait to test them out! =)

[@Starfighter75r]

Great! We have green curtains in our campervan too.In my opinion curtains make a campervan very cosy when its dark outside and the lights are on. Looking forward to learning more from your adventures. :o) Exploring Alternatives

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Starfighter75r For sure! It really makes it feel like home =)

[@AtoMicEyeScream]

omg this is the most minimalist setup ever. You live in there? congrats!

[@tinabeane]

Hi, Just found your channel, looking forward to following. Nice setup in your van. Tina

[@BeingWolfy]

Did the van come with the bed and interior lighting, or did you install that yourselves? Thanks for the tour.

[@snrynkee]

Hey, towels are seasonal for me too!! Nice van btw

[@ExploringAlternatives]

haha we didn't think anyone would notice that Jerry! Good catch. We consider those ones beach towels :)

[@fairrider3346]

I AM FROM THE FUTURE. YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!

[@frogbuttdragging4032]

I Envy Your Lifestyle......Love It.

[@CampervanCory]

Nice van!!

[@minimalistinlife]

Good job.

[@xraykungfu]

hey did you build the bed platform yourself? Did it have all the seats in it ? nice job, i like it

[@anne-marielaliberte9086]

Love your GPS system and the ladies washroom. Your van is very refreshing compared to the RV monsters the automotive industry proposes.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Haha! Thanks Anne-Marie Laliberté =) We really want to keep it simple cause it's cheaper and easier to get going right away!

[@PaulLadendorf]

Nice hydration center lol.

[@callumcoyle5746]

That made me laugh when you showed The safety area with the knife and flash light and you went it's for welcoming intruders :-)

[@lezbriddon]

glad to have found your channel to subscribe to, i'm always looking fo ideas for my little weekend van. have a good 2015.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's great Lez, thanks for subscribing! Hope our videos give you some good camper ideas. Happy new year to you too =)

[@DonaBologna]

Is that a traditional mattress and what type of platform/frame did you use?

[@Woke365]

Winter time got to be hard living in that van unless you live in a warm state.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Completely agree +earlsutton , it starts to get pretty rough in the van when the weather goes down. Driving south is key!

[@Woke365]

Agree

[@Xerxef]

Windows and screens are awesome! I have the windows, but not the screens on my 1991 Dodge Ram B250 Camper Van.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Xerxef if you can get the screens, I'm sure they'd make your summer nights a whole lot more comfortable! We're looking forward to having a nice breeze coming through the van at night!

[@HRMcKee]

Exploring Alternatives a fantastic fan would be sweet

[@ncprepper100]

Welcoming Intruders... HAHAHA!!!!!

[@ICARPUSA1]

You look tall but me at 6'7" am way too tall for van living. Done car camping up and down the west coast in my 92 Civic but after calling your passenger seat home for so long I could never see doing that again after being in my 88 Bounder these last 3 years. The top of my head rubs the ceiling as I walk and I even had to remove the front A/C because I kept hitting my forehead on the interior control panel. If I was to stand fully upright I could probably indent the ceiling a half inch. Nice looking van and great amenities, reminded me to change the battery in the detector. LOL, now if someone would build a passenger seat that flips the top cushion out of the way with a toilet underneath then you would be in business. LOL, imagine the thought of doing your business with the world walking/driving by. Love all the glass, bet those are some nice views. In the winter I use a layer of the large bubble bubble wrap on my windows. Works like a charm and just as effective as having a double pane window. Might want to keep that in mind as bubble wrap cut to size for your windows held in place by your drop down shades would be amazing at retaining the body heat inside the van. I gutted and rebuilt the entire bedroom a few months back (video done next week I hope) and added a queen bed (memory foam topper) with a four setting adjustable head board. It has 90ish cubic feet of storage below. With the bed at the level of the windows I (like you) have a pretty nice view out of the back window. I tend to park ars towards the scenery so that I can wake, open the shades and drink my coffee while enjoying the view. Do check out the RV salvage yards for the kitchenettes from a Westfalia. I walked through an RV salvage yard store in Washington year ago that had a kitchenette that would have been ideal in your van. If you can't have the real thing then buy the parts and make your own... Cheers and happy travels...

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much for watching Bugout Bounder! Mat is almost 6'4" so he can definitely relate to being too tall for most things in this world - including vans and airplanes! We love your idea of the passenger seat toilet - you should patent that idea. It would be pretty funny to do your business in the front seat!!! We'd love to see your new bedroom setup - we'll subscribe to your channel so we don't miss it!

[@HEAD3455]

way to live dude yu got it right

[@dianerota]

For women, try a camping porta potti. It also makes a good seat.

[@coachhebert8468]

hello Matt, how is the isolation in a conversion van?

[@seanandtracey1]

I've discovered the 2 most expensive things I plan on doing in my future camping van is a composting toilet and a Dometic Fridge/cooler. Solar panels/systems are getting cheaper, thankfully! Just found you folks-subscribed! I look forward to your video's when you start your full time living in May. :)

[@darlenebyrd8815]

"Q" if any one was receiving any kind of mail while living in a van how would you get it. and is it any kind of away they could build a fax machine in a van to get mail. please get back if you can thank you

[@coachhebert8468]

great tour matt. great video, question. does your van stay warm at night. thanks great and simple van. I can afford your style.

[@1noobkiller1]

the lights .. how ? there beautifel !! are they standart ?

[@nancychapa6417]

nice organize' 👍like the 🎵

[@Eskalofrio]

amazing

[@crapov]

That's a funny little video. I am a bit curious. Did you convert the van yourselves? Did you remove the back seats and set up a bed or had that already been done when you bought it?

[@jezabelpoirier609]

Hey, that's cool! Where do you store your clothes though?!

[@kevincelmer8925]

How long is the bed that you are using? I am 6ft and you look about the same if not taller.Do you sleep full length or do you sleep on your side in a more fetal like position? Great video and VERY simplistic set up.

[@marksoho298]

I came across your channel in a search for anybody who was using a conversion van as a sleeper without going crazy and ripping out everything. Your well done video shows clearly how roomy a full size van is inside. I just bought a 1999 Ford E 150 conversion van as well.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Hey Mark - I'm glad you liked the video! We love seeing all the crazy stuff people do to their vans, but we didn't have the time or money to do anything like that. Plus we like to keep things simple :) We'd love to see a vid of your van when it's ready :)

[@marksoho298]

Alright I will post something when I manage it. I thought the most I would do would be a simple and not very long cabinet immediately behind the drivers seat with a solar powered battery and a simple little sink with a gray water container below. Question: Is your bed the bed the original bed from the van conversion or did you add something for the bed? Regards, Mark

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Mark Soho we've been thinking about doing something similar (about the solar panel + grey water container behind the drivers seat). We might also add something to the passenger seat base so that it can swivel to face the back. The bed is the original bench/fold down bed from the conversion. We added a couple of foam camping mats + a memory foam topper to make it a bit more comfy, but that's it.

[@marksoho298]

well it sounds like we have the same idea on it all. I was thinking about the swivel thing as well. I think I have ruled it out as the swivel has become "not legal". So I have read. A safety issue I guess.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Oh really? That's too bad - we were really looking forward to a swivel seat one day!

[@ambermosler7684]

Could you do a video on how and where to park your van overnight. I know some places don't allow overnight parking and the police view it as a safety concern. Maybe a video on good places to go and what to expect. Thanks!

[@bonniemullins6769]

awesome way to live. were do u store ur clothes?

[@benjaminsomogyi4269]

Awesome!!!