You do van life in the thick of it. The east coast is tough. I did Rhode Island and Connecticut this summer. Mostly I did campgrounds… $18 a day. It was great. But for the winter I went west. As soon as I crossed the Mississippi it got way easier. I’m enjoying it. I might do the east coast again, but probably not 😂
@nxoeed15 күн бұрын
I'm one of those older folks (52). I'll tell you how you gained me as a subscriber. I'm a visual artist living and working in the middle of the desert. My art studio is a 180 square foot shack. Storage and maintenance is a constant issue. I feel like I get more useful information out of something like a van life video than a studio tour, so I'm constantly being fed these sorts of things by the algorithm. The problem is that the vans tend not to be very interesting. I don't like how everybody tries to make their van look like a spa or a cabin retreat. One night I was recommended one of your vids, so I clicked on it and saw that the van looked legitimately cool inside. Then about halfway through, you were wearing a Skinny Puppy shirt. That did it. I subscribed immediately. Any friend of Cevin and Ogre is a friend of mine.
@Theythinkweareidiots14 күн бұрын
I did van life beginning in 1990 working gigs all over the US. I wouldn’t trade a day. Your channel is wonderful and provides great insights for those interested in the lifestyle. But I would encourage retirees to consider living in another country. Unload everything and challenge yourself with new people, places and experiences. It’s not for everyone but for me it has been awesome. If you immediately tell yourself that’s impossible you are an excellent candidate. We get one chance might as well make it an adventure. Peace in and out 😊 And all about.
@aneciakrabbe94139 күн бұрын
Found your channel by dumb luck. You and your sense of humor are my kind of people. Love your videos.
@undertheradarvan9 күн бұрын
Thanks
@johnkivlen320614 күн бұрын
Matt you are so entertaining and real. I'm a recent subscriber because you and I live a similar life and we both started 2 plus years ago. I have a super clean 19' Transit high roof and spend 90% in the city (Orange County CA) street camping rotating between 3 safe spots (NOT in front of houses) in a popular beach town. I retired and am living on my social security check. No other income. If you use neighborhood common sense that will pave the way to peaceful nights. Like you mentioned I can walk to all my stores, sports bars and the beach. No need to drive. I save tons of money by not filling my tank all the time. I've never been approached by a negative person in over 2 years. In fact all my interactions are with curious neighbors who are interested in my lifestyle. Vans in beach cities are commonplace not to mention the great weather year-round. Keep up the good work. You do a great job with showing how you exist in this lifestyle. Good luck with the interview process.
@undertheradarvan13 күн бұрын
That's awesome thanks for sharing your story. Agree on all points.... For all the paranoia and fear I've never once had a negative experience or any kind of trouble. Just curious onlookers.
@garyadair727415 күн бұрын
I am a travel nurse converting out an econoline. It has to fit in a parking garage
@JimTogher14 күн бұрын
Good talk. I would say that van living is much harder than living in a home. The freedom comes at a cost. When you add KZbin work, it must be very challenging and time consuming. I’m surprised to hear you don’t check out other van lifers who are also full time KZbinrs. Roaming Reckless does some of the best editiing and producing IMO. You have the coolest kit by far and are so authentic. I bet a lot of folks like me would love to see you youtube full time. Alas, we’ll take what we can get. Good luck on the job interview! Very mysterious!
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
I appreciate your kind insight. Yes I should really check out this other KZbinrs at some point but I just never have the time.
@ExploreLifeForever15 күн бұрын
Funny thing Matt! I've lived that life as a Forest Service employee for over 35 years. Through the ups and downs, it's been more ups, and I can't count the times visitors, contractors, etc. would say, "wow, it must be great to work in the forest, outdoors within nature every day". LOL! Yes! But it can be stressful too. As an engineer, unfortunately, the last 10-12 years of my career has been primarily managing, supervising others, working out of an office, miles away from the forest, or after the pandemic, virtually working from home. I made the pre-retirement purchase of a RV, so now I'm looking forward to spending more time (while I have it) traveling, exploring, see whatever I can see and not having to rush back home to prepare for work. Maybe our paths/ trails will cross one day while I venture to explore the New England area. Great video!
@Liimpy15 күн бұрын
Wife and I became empty testers this year, at 44/42 yrs old, raised 6 sons, and I've spent the last 6 months building us a sprinter van
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
Awesome! It takes so long to build them out right! I'm sure you're having. blast with it though, I know I did!
@Liimpy14 күн бұрын
@undertheradarvan absolutely, you know, there's so many companies making kits, wall panels, flooring, cabinets etc, its really just a matter of picking out pieces and assembling them how you want them
@TheVespap200e14 күн бұрын
Hi Matt, I love hearing your perspective on van life. I'm a retired 64 year old looking to get into van life. I have learned a lot from your videos. Best of luck with your job interview coming up! I hope you nail it.
@undertheradarvan13 күн бұрын
Thanks!
@phillipthesing14 күн бұрын
Good luck on your upcoming JOB INTERVIEW..., clearly you evince positive, adventuresome, mature energy..., I hope you let your viewers know how the interview goes.
@gerardnatale238714 күн бұрын
Good luck on the interview!
@k8barkley14 күн бұрын
LOL loved this... i m retired n 2 mos away from 5 yrs living in a minivan. ❤👍❤👍❤
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
Congrats, that's awesome!
@davemenard508914 күн бұрын
I like the idea of spending time in a city. Find your rotation of spots. Experience the culture over 3 to 4 weeks then move to the next interesting city with some camping in between. Go to the desert for extended down time in the winter. I wish there was a nomad/vehicle dweller app so we could connect wherever we are.
@undertheradarvan13 күн бұрын
That’s an awesome idea for an app, I’d definitely use it.
@karenbelaire40214 күн бұрын
Thank you I like the van talk! I’m 57 and I think you have a good outlook on life.good luck with the job interview.
@zoeazsss503514 күн бұрын
Yes I am def an older groupie. I watch your vids bc I also live in Mass, and I wonder how you manage van life traveling back and forth between Western Mass and Boston,, not to mention you are interesting, and funny. too. I love to see parts of Mass that I have never seen,, and you also give me courage to think about possible van life here in Mass and elsewhere.
@BubbaStaines15 күн бұрын
Good Luck with the interview!! That's exciting to hear.
@MotherShip-u3k15 күн бұрын
I’m definitely in the older category…. I think I watch because it’s just interesting/entertaining watching these alternative ways younger people are managing/navigating through this crazy new world we are living in. I have to say also… you really crack me up 😂. The “older” van lifers are not nearly so entertaining! (Intentional or not) I’m not sure if it’s your seriousness or dry sense of humor.. maybe it’s a combination combined with the New England culture. Anyway, I really enjoy your channel!! 😊
@MotherShip-u3k15 күн бұрын
Like the “wild animals” are “the people” 😂 I know it’s real but the analogy makes me laugh!
@melissalane-q7m15 күн бұрын
Really enjoyed this video! Thoughtful comparison of city vs country van life with a number of interesting points. Like others have said, your videos are stamped with your unique perspective and charm, which we find addictive. So don’t worry about awkward or rambling, we appreciate it all!
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
That's reassuring! Thanks Melissa!
@vanessalow-or4rj14 күн бұрын
I find people who live van life very interesting. Your videos are very informative. Good luck with your interview.
@undertheradarvan13 күн бұрын
thanks Vanessa!
@darlaseidel776715 күн бұрын
Yep I'm an empty nester. 60 years old and have my van, just trying to work and finish my van. I pay rent to my parents and they have the typical attitude twords life and it's not in a van. I feel so suffocated and do have money from a house sale. My goal, finish van and run away this summer!! Im a caregiver and it's the hardest job!!! I love your opinions and your adventures!!
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
You will need some income in vanlife but maybe 1/3 what you'd need in a house or apartment lifestyle. Good luck finishing the van, it'll be an adventure.
@dennispadiernos15 күн бұрын
Good luck with your interview!
@geralynbreault464315 күн бұрын
I am 55 so getting closer to retirement and kids are grown 😊. I watch these videos to be able to enjoy through you all the life / lifestyle I so very much have wanted for years now . Unfortunately for me now that the kids are grown and I am in a position where this would work out actually very well for me … I am not in the position financially to achieve this 😕. Still holding tight to my “ One Day “ Dream 🙏🏻🥰 but for now this is my enjoyment so again big Thank you to yourself and all others who make these videos and again as always Best Wishes & Safe Travels 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
@davidohlsen199614 күн бұрын
Hi Matt, good video mate, I am 65 retired and own my own place. I have a van which I use as my daily run around,also I travel away for up to 6-8 months away. I do enjoy watching your media and see how you live .I live in Australia, it's summer down here at the moment & hot .cheers mate,David.😃
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
Sounds like a pretty sweet retirement!
@mythicalnomadadventure96915 күн бұрын
Haha, the phrase is: "Carrins and Clydes". I boondock and stealth fulltime. 5 years now and in the west exploring 🌞.
@Gary-um8bp14 күн бұрын
67 retired and spent 3 years living in Asia… design8ng my campervan for mobile life now and appreciate the perspective. Did 2 years in a pickup with a camping setup, so I appreciate the challenges and the benefits… great video
@undertheradarvan13 күн бұрын
That sounds like an amazing retirement!
@RuthAnn-f4j14 күн бұрын
Thanks for the talk. I enjoy hearing about what you have experienced. Your insight on parking in city and parking out in the county. Gave me something to think about. 🙋🏼♀️
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@RuthAnn-f4j14 күн бұрын
Good luck on your job interview!
@markbradley587315 күн бұрын
Cool t-shirt day😊love the red van glow! Good van living advice but i think if at some point if you can buy an inexpensive piece of property for a home base for when get older not a bad idea?
@robb6188714 күн бұрын
Mid 40s and just wrapped up a couple years as digital nomad. Back in Boston in my own house and work downtown hybrid. Nice to learn there are vanlifers in northeast too (not just all in southwest/CA).
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
Yeah hard to meet full time van dwellers up here. Not that I don't understand why though
@mikewatts101415 күн бұрын
Country. We mainly go to hunter northlake area in Catskills NY. You have the sticker 🤙🏽
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
Love N-S Lake and ALL the hikes around there. Have staid at that campground a couple of times
@jeffreykreiley726515 күн бұрын
Good luck with your interview. Sincerely hope it aligns with your life.
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
thanks bro
@hotheadedjoelhaha15 күн бұрын
Good video!
@williamprice154215 күн бұрын
58 years young 😂, and I don't have a van, but I have an overseas container on a 40 acre parcel, in the north woods...and it's super interesting to see how you live in such a small space...taking notes 📝
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
I love the small space, I genuinely feel uncomfortable in big bedrooms / hotel rooms now
@maryzaletel492815 күн бұрын
I like your van chats. 💯❣️
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
Thanks
@darqnomad15 күн бұрын
I've lived the nomad life Boondocking mostly in the desert southwest for close to four years now. I wouldn't give it up for anything. I was in law enforcement for 28 years. I can do without human interaction. Just me and my dog. The only time I go into town is for water, groceries and to pick up mail. To each their own but I prefer the wilderness above urban life.
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
Much easier when you have access to boon docking lands. If I didn't have to work, I'd probably be in AZ too, love it there.
@mari.gbailey-day235215 күн бұрын
good luck on your job interview
@sherricarpenter315 күн бұрын
Hi Matt. I think a lot of people that boondock for free out in the country go to national forests and stay the free 2 weeks and then move on to another national forest for another free 2 weeks and so on. They have done the footwork to know which national forests they like and which camping spots they like and they have a driving circuit mapped out till they can get back to the original national forest. Theres more people boondocking these days so more competition for camp spots. And they all have Starlink so their able to use wifi etc in the most remote areas. I think Quartzite is popular bc people can boondock there for months at a time for just a small fee and it's warm and and they don't have to put a lot of thought into where their going to go next for a couple months. That only works if you like desert environment. Good luck with your new job adventure! Keep us posted! 😊
@darqnomad15 күн бұрын
That small fee is gone from $180 to $600 next year. I made the decision to move every two weeks and save my money as have many others.
@nedyarb200015 күн бұрын
I gotta say your videos are a bit quirky and awkward. But I love every one of them. The goofy jokes make me laugh. I’m 50 with a sprinter van that I’m converting.
@DottieStanley15 күн бұрын
Another good video! I am 68 and really enjoying your perspective about van life. I have learned a lot listening to your channel. It feels real and not scripted at all and that is one thing I like about it. Plus you do not candy coat the reality of the lifestyle. Best of luck to you on your job interview. If I had started this lifestyle when I was your age, I would have really enjoyed it! I plan to enjoy in retirement. Thanks!
@speckles195614 күн бұрын
i am 68 also and planning on doing this when i retire
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
Thanks Dottie! I'm glad I pulled the trigger... I hesitated for years but it has been so rewarding. I fully encourage you do it in retirement!
@karinheart15 күн бұрын
The rambling is great. I listened and learned. Good luck on the job interview
@JoeAstuccio13 күн бұрын
Good luck with your interview! There is tiny house legislation coming up quick in Mass. Most towns are going to neuter it with requirements like the home owner must also own the tiny house, it has to a on a permanent foundation not wheels. The people in charge are doing well. they don’t see the need for any real changes. Have fun fighting that 🤪
@undertheradarvan11 күн бұрын
That's sucks.
@donnacrosby535814 күн бұрын
You have a very interesting life so if you ramble sometimes its okay!
@undertheradarvan13 күн бұрын
thanks
@m.l.e.895614 күн бұрын
I think in the eldest😂😂😂😮
@soniadowney742714 күн бұрын
How do you know what ages ?
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
My Analytics screen tells me so. How KZbin knows, I'm not sure. I imagine its in your cookies somewhere in your cache.
@Gama25515 күн бұрын
Because we set back here in our perfect world's knowing that if we did move in to a Van that the forms they make us fill out require us to live in the county, we live in, in order to have things like the free food every month and the doctors, that we see ,or even go to the. Community center that serves us a hot meal every day, which means a lot. And a little bit of interaction all of these things are like based on your residency and your address and they mail you stuff... Also once you get older ,you're not gonna be hopping up and down like you are needing to get out of the van to stretch your legs and go on all of these hikes, because if your lower back hurts or even if your mind hurts you just wanna feed some birds and look out the window... You'll need a cane to walk and hike, it's too scary on those slippery icy roads... Have you yourself had a car?Come out of nowhere at seventy miles per our tea bowling while you were part... This is normal in l a and orange county california... Hit-and-run's wipe out 6 cars in a row parked on some of those side streets.You're on... Yeah, it's scary.And when you're old you can't just bounce right back.... I just watched blue Dan Van and he said Goodbye to his partner of 4 years.She just gave up on the van life to go see her sons and that was it... So we watch you do it and you're doing great.Thank you... Please be safe and definitely start thinking about like where you park.Because there's always that idiot,That's a drunk ,who's going 80 miles per hour,Wiping out side swiping out ten cars in a row....scary.....OR THE GANGS DOING POT SHOTS...KEEEEP SHOWING us your amazing happiness and vibrance and meals...love it!!!
@raymondwilliams961215 күн бұрын
I am definitely not headed for Van-life. I have horses. However, I am considering of making some places for you guys to stay and have services in my area (Arkansas). I am your demographic though. :)
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
That would be awesome dude! I've been meaning to do a return road trip to the ozarks.
@MaryWenzel-z3p14 күн бұрын
✌🏻💯
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
thanks!
@ltsfly2914 күн бұрын
🥰😍
@aidantech15 күн бұрын
Nine inch nails shirt. This guy gets it…
@damkayaker15 күн бұрын
I'm baffled on why you don't have that Boston/New England accent ... cahhhs (cars) , like on the tv show Northwoods Law? I know from my travels across the country I was told I didn't sound like I was from NJ so I guess there's always exceptions to having a regional accent. 🤔
@undertheradarvan14 күн бұрын
That accent really only comes from a handful of shore towns nowadays, none of which I grew up in.
@michaelanthony179715 күн бұрын
A male Karen can also be called a Darren.
@rgreed2008114 күн бұрын
The male version of a Karen is often known as a Richard.
@PJL709514 күн бұрын
Been watching you for just a few short weeks & I have to say that I see you as a bit of a nut. Not your typical peanut or almond… but more of a macadamia. I’d never live in a van. Too small. Too many headaches. Who besides you wants to cook up a weeks worth of food inside a 5’ x 15’ van. I see you always worried about where to shack up for the night. It’s my opinion you overthink it & are way too paranoid over the whole sleep situation. I get the whole ‘under the radar’ stealth thing but dang… just park. Anyway, I’d personally would never do the whole live in a van life for 5 years.
@waynecmontgomery15 күн бұрын
The hobo lifestyle does NOT appeal to me. I like indoor plumbing and electricity. I only have to pay my condo fee and electricity. By the way, I live in East Boston in a condo overlooking Boston Harbor with a view of the city. Living in a vehicle will do crazy things to your health and it's NOT hygiene-friendly.
@landy53115 күн бұрын
So if you're ever homeless you're done for, it's better to be prepared for anything ✌️
@waynecmontgomery15 күн бұрын
@@landy531 You can rent a small office suite for much cheaper than sleeping in your vehicle. Sleeping in your vehicle is expensive and unhealthy. You can also move to a cheaper part of your state.
@darqnomad15 күн бұрын
@@waynecmontgomeryI've been doing it for four years and in April I started the carnivore diet. I've never been healthier and came off of Type 2 diabetes and blood pressure medication. You're a bit misinformed about health issues. I associate with people who've live this lifestyle for over a decade. They're still here with zero health issues. Clean air and lack of stress are much healthier that urban living with pollution on top of each other.
@waynecmontgomery15 күн бұрын
@@darqnomad Congrats on the HOBO life however you are at risk of arthritis and certain autoimmune diseases.