Van Tour Solo Woman Living in a High Top Van!

In today's video, we look at a great van conversion done by my friend Beth. Working almost entirely alone she succeeded in building a beautiful van using minimum tools and money. She shows and tells us how!
Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel.
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
~Power Stations
amzn.to/3P4S3YV
~12V Batteries
amzn.to/3R16srM
~Portable Solar Panels
amzn.to/3PzhK5z
~Hard Solar Panels
amzn.to/45EVXPi
~Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
amzn.to/3L8Ix5W
~Air Conditioner Units
amzn.to/3P5wAip
~Pop Up Tents
amzn.to/3sNkFyc
______________________________________
Website:
cheaprvliving.com
My Book- How to Live in a Car, Van or RV:
amzn.to/3LDxDWW
Need a Cool Hat, T-shirt, or Sticker:
cheaprvlivings...
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Socials:
• Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
• Instagram: @CheapRVliving
• TikTok: / cheaprvliving
______________________________________
Thanks for watching!

[@ReX-Ray]

Hey Bob, nice to see another one of your "classics" back again. I wanted to share a cooking trick with you and your viewers. I had heard about this years ago, and was recently reintroduced to it. When cooking rice or pasta meals, put them in a canister with water an hour or two before dinner. When you remove the lid, the rice or pasta will be soft and hydrated. Then you warm it up and you're done. It uses about 1/4 the energy of boiling the noodles. It's a great trick for cutting down on fuel costs.

[@pearlllllgarcia]

There are neat Thermal cookers, really just an insulated pot that work well. Bring meal to a 15 min boil and place pot in insulated pot and let sit. You could use a wide mouth thermos also. There are cookbooks. It is a bit like crock pot cooking, slow cook over a few hours.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

@@pearlllllgarcia Yes! I bought one and love it. Cooks food in its own heat, preserves food several hours, meat is tender. Useful in an RV as it can 'cook' while driving.

[@randzopyr1038]

There's a few different tricks like this that I've seen from ultra-lite backpackers who are trying to make sure that their fuel stretches to the next town.

[@stewartboyle4910]

I haven't slept in 24 hours...can't stop watching these excellent videos..please stop.. :-)

[@kevins6418]

Stewart, hahaha...I've been bingeing for 3 days now, lol

[@wendyc1902]

Lol I know the feeling

[@kerlygerl]

Totally with you.

[@jmr152]

Who needs netflix when you have Bob's videos to watch allllll niiiiiight loooonnng? lol

[@artravision]

I've been bingeing for two months!

[@grannylyn757]

I'm so impressed with the cabinets she built herself! with limited tools! you go, girl

[@sfsf6837]

Eureka...a perfect toilet! The $1000 composting toilet is a jacked-up knock-off of the affordable Canadian marine toilet. Bob, pleeeezzz tell folks about these.... and about a natural plant-based enzymatic deodorizing spray called Bodhi Dog, which totally deodorizes the cedar shavings & waste. Please spread the word, Bob. You have such a reach...and add links to them . Will be a win-win. Love you, Bob!

[@BelindaTOV]

FINALLY A CANADIAN ! Smart woman and she did amazing work!

[@darryldrax606]

glad to see a twin size bed . I don't need a queen bed . been on a twin for 17 years now and the only things I have to fight for covers are my fur babies . Can't wait till I can get my stuff sold and then c'est la vie to this old life 👋😊

[@gpan62]

Ideal size van for one person. She did a great job.

[@noregretswithkim6729]

Nice setup. I was surprised at how much gear she had stored. She's thriving... living out of her van and not just surviving.

[@wilee.coyote3782]

I don't think I've ever been more blown away and impressed by the layout of someone's van. If this woman designed this herself, she's a genius. Her cabinetry with the pull out drawers is something I have envisioned for a similar type of van but don't recall ever seeing it. Really nice interview, Bob. This one's a winner!!

[@gr8light]

That's a great conversion. Having a high top is such a bonus for using the space differently. Thanks for the video Bob.

[@daleannharsh8295]

That has to be one of the most organized and well thought out builds I've ever seen! Nice work.

[@scandaliez]

Love the white and gray color and how organize her van is looks spacious

[@annettefournier9655]

What a great job that nice lady did designing and building her own van. Live and learn 3/4 inch plywood. Honest rookie miscalculation. Still I bow to her for great clean and functional design. Those who do not wish to empty their Doo Doo when they go go never need get a composting toilet of any kind but they are so much better from a public health standpoint than just going and disposing solid wastes in plastic bags to landfills or digging a hole to use that can contaminate ground water, rivers and streams before the heat of the sun dried and breaks it down.

[@annparis4981]

Rebecca Conn im a biochemist/molecular biologist and you are absolutely correct. Animals defecate on the ground. Mother earth WANTS our excrement to grow beautiful roses and to recycle it back into nice healthy leafy greens and fruit for us. Our germaphobic society is truely clueless. However, I will say that feed lots DO contaminate the surface, but only when not following proper procedures, which is man made over production of too much cattle in one spot, and not following the health codes. So even all that surface excrement is fine when following the laws. Our poop gets contaminated when allowed to rest and gather moisture. The stiring prevents that, and the wood chips keeps it dry. There's no health hazard in there. She could just dump that on a few cacti and they would bloom like rose bushes.

[@msruby68]

They spray tons of soupy cow manure on the fields every year. A little bit of human poop buried can't really be that bad.

[@annettefournier9655]

Vicki Red ruminators and humans have different intestinal bacteria. That's why even composted human waste is not used as fertilizer on vegetable garden but only on fruit trees with large root systems and fruit far from the compost.

[@annettefournier9655]

Rebecca Conn e.coli

[@MegaKhelditia]

Yes, E. coli... requires moisture to thrive. Without it, death. That's why, as has been mentioned previously, the best part involves the solid and liquid components' separation. That's why the dried-out poo is safe for manure, but butt slushies aren't.

[@janicehart5397]

She did a great job on her van build. I like her layout.

[@wolfsmith2865]

I have forgone many of the self-build videos by women as the few I watched were useless for info, this lady not only built it herself, it was purposefully designed. I applaud her, its awesome!

[@CheapRVliving]

+Wolf Smith yes, she did a brilliant job!

[@mcomeslast]

Wow, I didn’t realize leaving part of the original roof, to use, was even an option. Love that idea.

[@princessOfblah]

Wow! Add a solar panel and this is pretty much ideal! Once she has her water going. Awesome video, thanks.

[@judithneeley5229]

She's got that well thought out and functional. Thanks for the video.

[@62WILDCAT]

WOW ! really cool home on wheels ! Glad to know high tops can be added ! Since I've injured both knees ,squating is a,big challenge ! Really want to be able to stand up inside ! I'm visualizing finding MY home on wheels !

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

In regards to the swivel seat pedestal I suggest for those who are thinking of adding one using a boat seat pedestal which are available at most fishing/ boat stores and a lot cheaper than having one made. Thanks for the video.

[@davesullivan8073]

This is really about the coolest van I’ve seen….from every aspect, practical and expensive ,stuff, everything somebody could use this ladyHas done an outstanding job just really can’t say enough nice things about this

[@janicepeck4828]

WOW!Now there's an very nice DIY! CONGRATS to Bob,excellant vid. to Beth,you've given me "good food for thought on marine toilet. as well arrangement for shorts! I like feeling like a "princes" .excellant craftmenship. Love the window high and sewing machine is important for some of us . Safe travels and adventures y'all.

[@mmarti2x]

Janice Peck Yes! Gotta have my sewing machine when I travel, I am a quilter. We're planning on hitting the road in the next year and I'll be bringing my sewing machine, plus a backup machine or three. lol

[@bingo1232]

Thanks Bob! Again (as always) you’re keeping it real. The van’s owner demonstrates that, with some planning, you (we) can make a super go of it. OK!!

[@shaunhall1838]

Wow! Really nice build and very well thought out! Everyone video you do Bob has a wealth of information! Still have tons of videos to watch and by the time I’ve seen them all I will be ready for the nomad life. Thank you so much Bob and all the wonderful Nomads out there. You all have given me the life I crave! ❤️

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

I compost mine at home. It does break down pretty fast, but I use soil. Soil has all the proper microbes to break down feces. I like your box. I bought a used wooden chair with a removable padded seat, mine fits perfectly under the seat.

[@johnnycakeslim]

Excellent and positive reporting and interviewing ...thanks

[@garypitonak5340]

I agree, this van conv. is PLANNED OUT so well !

[@DonnieDarko1]

I remember this video! Still a great video many gems in here to learn from.

[@KRParr]

I'm always impressed how people customize and maximize their space. The "lessons learned" is especially helpful.

[@69kevroletfastback33]

Beth you did a fabulous job on everything! The purchase (tow vehicles are all hwy miles!), the build, and all your choices! I would love to see the finalized project! Great video Bob. now I know exactly what toilet I am going to get!

[@congerscott6064]

I know a guy that made a high top van with a john boat, he said it was great, everyone thought he was going fishing and it was waterproof 👍🇺🇸.

[@lorismith3072]

Nice looking van and I really like the C-Head. She has a nice set up.

[@katherinekelly5380]

I like how practical this conversion is - I love, love, love the use of white and gray! I love she keeps her drawersfrom rolling out

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

great van and I am impressed by her cabinets. I am a cabinet maker so I love my tools and I do know the difference in quality between what you can do with proper tools and adequate skills and what you get without them but I will give her great credit for doing pretty dang good on very basic tooling. I also love that toilet, very cool alternative to a chemical toilet using a ton of water and chemicals that have to go somewhere. if I was full timing I might very well get myself one of those! PS right now fantastic fans are on sale at camping world, I just replaced mine and it was like 150 bucks , its the basic one but still great, it changes everything to be able to have that draft coming thru and the white noise.

[@curliefro]

Me too - I like the storage they have

[@babze912]

AsTheWheelsTurn I

[@joanwistinghausen696]

Wow, LOVE this! I especially love seeing that a woman did it, since I'm looking forward to doing this. :) On a down note, the toilet.... I think I'd rather have one of the ones that you empty every few days. Too much work and what do you do if/when you have diarrhea? There is PLENTY of liquid in that.

[@noviceprepper5397]

I like it, thanks Beth and Bob for sharing another great rig (remember this video from Bob's old channel).

[@shirleyrice7093]

I’m on my third day of binging on these videos. Thank you so much.

[@vanskizzy]

LOL Bob, it's always amusing when you talk about potties and peoples' deposits

[@garydavis786]

For everyone --- if you can't say something nice, don't say any thing at all!

[@tootz1950]

Bike Cycle I agree with people expressing their opinions, but it can be done without being denigrating to others. And what is 'nice'? If you don't know then you mustn't have very many people who like you.

[@CHoggsVideos]

What an inspiration, Beth ! What a beautiful build !

[@wandachandler8331]

I have a c head. I took the paddle out of the bucket and just put in a bag. It is so easy to just take it out and throw it away. Doesn’t require any cleaning other than wiping down the pee side down occasionally

[@annag467]

Nice! Yes I have the c-head as well! I dont compost in it, I eliminate waste after every use. It's super comfortable and I think it's a beautiful toilet. Because I'm removing waste every time, I just put epsom salt in the bucket and it makes the van smell Iike a spa - citrus and bergamot 🌱

[@lorismith3072]

It just clicked for me today when I was over on CRVL looking at high top conversions: That's Lady Arabella!! I thought she looked familiar. Beth has given me some of the best advice on the forums and I am impressed with her knowledge and skills. Hi Beth. I'm mothercoder on the forum.

[@admichell9756]

Beautiful set up ,practical, roomy, light weight ! Initially thought there was a pull out bed above lower bed . Plenty of room if needed ! Loads of well planned storage .

[@ldsphotodude49]

Very impressive! Both the van conversion and the woman who did it one of the nicest I've seen here. Thanks Bob

[@vanillaorange1]

best van conversion and organisation i have ever seen

[@ChemtrailsAreKillingUs]

Really good setup. On her cabinet that is bowing, could put supports across the middle left to right (if room between the drawers) to pull those side back to where they should be.

[@CalBoomer1]

WOW ! I A "marine" toilet ... cool. Very nice 'config' !

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Finally two people, not afraid to really show the separating toilet! (Sometimes I think the Victorians must be dominating vanlife).

[@thomasg5103]

Beth, you did a great job. I am impressed.

[@arriagada1957]

Nice looking Van ! that what you need Bob The high top..!

[@janicehart5397]

So did I!!

[@Kim_gs1206]

Love how organized she is, this shows you don't have spend mega amounts to have a nice and neat van, love that🙌

[@AnnBellinger]

I recognized the sewing machine. I'll be carrying one with me, too. Lol

[@noviceprepper5397]

If Beth is still looking to buy a fridge/freezer, I went to Engel's online store and they were having a sale yesterday.

[@candeffect]

The metal drawer slide-outs add a lot of weight. I use the clear strong moving box tape. Drawers slide in/out very easy.

[@maehay4065]

A very nice van!! She is lucky to be able to build her own van in manner that suits her her needs👍👍👍

[@princessoyl]

She has done an amazing job, thinking about how to setup the van and about the usefulness she needs with it. she considered the type of toilet she needed carefully, how the space needed to be used, and the types of machinery she needed. Great job!

[@katekuma7074]

Thank you for sharing your gorgeous van build. The information on the toilet was very helpful, thank you! Great job!

[@earlhaupenthal2444]

I prefer a minivan but this is the nicest build I've seen. Cabinetry alone easily 2k , if you were to buy. The compartments in the high top, very good. Love the windows.

[@beauroberts3623]

I'm going to keep this video handy to copy the idea of doing my future van home. Thanks to both of you.

[@captaindingbat]

Really like this set-up. One thing we want to do when we do our next van, is have a permanent bed with some sort of small 'garage' at the back, so the bed would be higher. Not only to have tools, but a place to store wellies boots, wet coats etc. And accessible from some sort of small door from the living space end as well as the back doors.

[@kodeywhitewolf8528]

She did a great job..Gives me some ideas

[@reeblesnarfle5443]

Neat Granny conversion... although, with all the sporting goods, she hardly acts like a granny! Simple, straight foward, I like it. I'd have to have solar panels up top & converter. Electronics. She's a go getter...😎👍♥️

[@smallfootprint2961]

Thanks for posting, Bob. A place for everything. Good for her.

[@janetkoball44]

Thanks Bob for a wonderful your.

[@PWlangford1]

Nice to see a fellow Canadian on the show 🇨🇦

[@cathymiller3086]

Excellent information! Thank you for sharing!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@duesouth180]

Just ordered a c-head based on this video. Getting ready. Thanks for all the great info.

[@joybickerstaff194]

I really perked up when she mentioned kayak paddles, I wanted to see where she put it, because I have a kayak and want it to take it with me, I’m thinking maybe she had an inflatable one. She has a very sweet setup, she did an awesome job doings it herself, gives me hope. Thank u both!!!

[@randzopyr1038]

Wow, what an amazing amount of storage. I wish she would have been able to share the build process on those cabinets with us.

[@donnaportelli1277]

Great van! Love the gray &white, thats what i was thinkin gray&white. Just perfect. Stay safe out there.

[@theoldfarmerswife5915]

This is one of the nicer vans I've seen. I like all the storage she built in & how she has planned for upgrades

[@lesliekendall2206]

Wish I hadn't been eating my breakfast on this one. 😊

[@dianeibsen5994]

🤣😂😃

[@ItsJustMyWeigh]

Nice haul my sweet friend ❤! Definately helps me to see my macros and calories. It's very important to have proper stuff to pack & go. I can't do without my containers. Nice dollar tree haul. I am also big on weighing my food. It's a good habit to form. Sometimes measuring spoons & cups aren't even accurate. This extra calories creep in quick. ❤

[@laberynthe]

XD I use the same sheets as she does. Small world.

[@dianeibsen5994]

Thank you so much for this video! Really good information on the toilet, and thank you for not using chemicals!!

[@CarmineCroons]

Really good ideas for us on a budget. I'm looking for an ambulance after I watched the ambulance walk through you did with the gentleman in the bandana in BC. Great stuff Bob

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Remember that most ambulances are very low in height. Try a shuttle bus instead.

[@serenityalways9882]

You go, Beth! Very nice job! Would like to have an update if at all possible. You inspire me to seriously consider this. Best wishes for safe travels! 💗

[@tinavestal2154]

Still one of my favorite builds, definitely worth re-watching.

[@hermitld]

Really simple design, but well thought out, great job Beth and good video too Bob, thanks for sharing.

[@Camilla_Sundholm]

Lovely esthetic, love the grey and light colors. Really thought trough smart and beautiful design with good storage neatly tucked away behind nice doors

[@1shirleynewman]

Hello Bob, getting ready to go on the road.

[@sarahj.5970]

Beautiful self built van...just lovely .

[@KRoseB]

Great build out! Efficient and cozy. Looking forward to seeing how you'll choose to build yours out Bob. Thanks for sharing this tour!

[@emilyhart2252]

That separating loo is brilliant! You can even make your own compost -- a bonus!

[@luannp7839]

What a great setup, and I do love the color combination. Funny, I painted the cabinets in my old camper the same combination. What a great find/buy on the high-top van, love what you have done with it. You are very inspirational. Thanks, Bob, for the great video.

[@expressivepets1]

Very nice. love how she organizes her drawers and the rest of the van. impressive.

[@philcapling8268]

Great van setup! Love the cabinets constructed for the van! She has taken a practical approach to the organization of her van.

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

Beautiful interior configuration. Thank you for sharing. Much great ideas and inspiration here. Especially love the blue window shade coverings to complement the predominant grey interior. Lovely.

[@markdemelo7643]

Wow wow wow amazing work i can't believe how good it came out this lady is freaking awesome!

[@andrewconway7730]

I might be the best of all the vans that I've ever seen on this channel. I love it.

[@bealynn2258]

Bob Wells ..I think if you still were wanting a Hightop..just save up and get one installed on your New beautiful Van!! Then you'll have a New Van....I watched the Video you did on Why a New Van...and eventually a HIGH TOP!! Lots more Comfortable and you're DESERVE that!! If I chose the Lifestyle I hope to meet you someday!!😀👍👍👍

[@ronwerner2229]

Bea Lynn do not do that bad news

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Nice job, and I especially like the added storage space that makes use of the original roof sections.

[@grandmaris]

Well done van. Thanks for sharing your setup.

[@shrimptempuraasmr3742]

I love the ASMR on every video of walking on the rocks 🥰 you can find ASMR in anything...

[@vansionliving]

loved seeing this video,Bob. I'm building out my hight now. Very nice.

[@carrieb5745]

one of the best set ups i have seen. very nice

[@Lotuslaful]

So many great design ideas. What a wonderful find also, great price and with a high top to boot!

[@alicehopkins5567]

Smart,good job of setting priorities for a good life.Thanks for sharing.

[@troylynn2686]

Wow she’s done an awesome job

[@vanillaorange1]

so well organised and so neat, the van is like canada