Vanlife on a Budget: Best Cheap Van Conversion Under $900! Van Tour Fantastic Super Cheap Easy Build

DIY Budget Van Build! Daryl has built a brilliant van build for under $900 total, and so can you! What a gorgeous, thrifty tiny home on wheels! Daryl shows us some amazing ideas in this creative budget build.
AMAZON LINKS
* 12 Volt Refrigerator
amzn.to/3ACZS19
* Renogy 100 watt solar panels
amzn.to/3LAvZVv
* Renogy Rover solar charge controller
amzn.to/3Vdk3fH
* Renogy battery monitor
amzn.to/3AEpsD2
* LiFePO4 batteries
amzn.to/41Nfuv3
* Single burner butane stove
amzn.to/3Nnn6zP
* 12 volt electric blanket
amzn.to/422l4Ju
* 12 volt electric blanket
amzn.to/423e3Jb
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/shop/cheaprvli...
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:
cheaprvlivingstore.creator-sp...
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvli...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Socials:
• Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
• Instagram: @CheapRVliving
• TikTok: / cheaprvliving
______________________________________
Thanks for watching!

[@j3611]

That's not a van, that's a home. It looks very comfortable and the end result is so functional & was able to be created without spending thousands getting it to that level, Darrell did a great job on it. Well done 🙂

[@DinoTheDinosaurROAR]

Yep. And all that matters here is that HE is comfortable and likes what he made for himself because it damn Sho ain't nobody else's van! Haha right??!! And he did a great job for himself!! But, he seems lonely, could end up gettin brord and depressed!! So I would highly recommend that he go get a little Wire-Haired Jack Russell tho!!, Seriously! Foreal!!... Great little guard dish they absolutely frickin LOVE to protect rhrit owners, only Bark MG when a threat is near which is so crazy how they were breeds like that!! AND great for not just alerting but AMAZING little HUNTING DOG'S! They can get very active and excited to go hunting and I've had 3 in the past, before covd hit and she passed away but they also love to hunt lizards, birds squirrel, not sfftsif of foxes or coyotes not afraid of porcupines or skunks, they're careful when attacking and only go for the neck and face when the time is tight. Great at having it's own back but I'd still get two. Specifically two related ones so the bid is closer!! I had a brother and a sister and I tell you 3sht tho the sister was way more brave and attack to a bird for example or coyote this one time, she was always ready.. And what her and her brother rushed to do is hide their bones and extra food from their bowls under the couch and other places only she can fit till I liter the couch one dsyyo vaccum for my monthly cleaning and and sure enough she did exactly what I read online and hides her toys and food. It's just a Jack Russell instinct and they all do it. 3v3n her brother his a toy and his little food bits and places scrap paper over it from my printer.. 😮😮I mean how crazy is that!!.. Also, there was a rattlesnake one time I went camping right. She attacked it from it's neck and head knowing it was venomous as hell and I had no idea what theyebrr barking at till I finally come out the "bathroom" lol aka using the restroom behind the tuck on the desert, and she had already taken care of that Rattle Snake by herself, her brother was just watching her cuz he knew it was poison/venomous!! Not thstg he was scared but he just knew his sister had it.. I highly reccomend a female Jack Russell. No joke go get one and watch their behavior at home and outside at night or during the day.. I'd go for jobs at any time day it night and they'd follow Mr thru the desert cuz that where I jogged at across form my house is and they'd follow me so closely and always look around for dangers.. Once 3r got home or if we were already home and I let them in the backyard at any time to potty they'd get lizards off the all eat em, get birds off the patio table and eat rm( hahaha specifically pigeons!! 😅😂😂😂 HAHA).. And out of all the times they ate nasty animals even a cotton tail rabbit in the backyatd I was afraid of the G getting Rick or something like even that Rattle Snake one time we went camping at night just for a day. I got scared. Thought she was dead. But the doctor checked her n her brother out and I told them 4vrything the doctor AND nurses both and they both claim. They are Jack Russell's are MADE for survival instincts to eat anything it finds and catches.. Great at sneak-approaching to capture their prey as well like the Mountain Lion Tiger Bob Cat.. A that!!, even bears sometimes do it but catches mostly do what Jack atussekd do and they stair at their prey and do a slow quiet sneak attack till they have it!!.. Very very Survivalist Instincts. My god zi miss them. She passed before the Jab n all that and the 2 days later her brother literally died from depression. Smfh so sad even I got so hurt and I'm a grown ass man and I cried so hard.. They protected me from a mountain lion one time in the desert as I was jigging during the morning too!!... Etc. Etc etc.. Yeah yeah y'all probably don't even care not will y'all even trad this do I'm just gunna stop right here.. Just felt great to chat someone's eyes off HAHA get it?! 😅 😭😂🤣🤣🤣 Anyway,... Go. Get. Yourself. A. Jack Russell. Or. TWO!! OR. A. Whole. Pride. Of. Them! I. Frickin. Promise. That. You. Won't. Regret it. At . ALL!!!... Depending on how much room you got in you van or truck!!

[@polychoron]

​@@DinoTheDinosaurROARThanx for the story 💗

[@bodaciousmo]

@DinoTheDinosaurROAR Bro!! I have one- he is 13 and I felt like I was reading a story I wrote. They are beasts and so sweet. I’m now coming to grips with his age and man did we have adventures- car camped around the western US. Funny story- he turned 11 and started howling/singing vibrato and all. He has to have the window down and he cheers people up all over town with his singing. Da best! Thank you for the stories!!

[@joellekarma]

I commend Him for helping his family. I am a double amputee and disabled. I live in an apartment but I'm building a 78 Chevy G20 van. I really enjoy your videos. He built an amazing van.

[@vonscharf6395]

I recently built out my Dad’s 79 Chevy van . You can pretty much repair anything yourself on these vans . No sensors no computers . My only real issues is the fuel economy . I get 12 mpg in the warm months and 10 in the winter.

[@robertlutz2244]

UGO KraZy Joe 67! Cheering for ya!

[@user-ru2uf6ji2r]

Thanks. My father is an amputee, which is why I keep the wheelchair lift.

[@errata101]

Hip hip!

[@errata101]

I used a VA automobile grant..... Added to it and now I have a mint 2018 GMC Savana 2500. Ah, a dream after modding....

[@jollymatilda5890]

These low cost self builds in second hand vans are my favorite. You get to see people's creativity with simple and inexpensive things. It's my absolute favorite part of these interviews. He did an excellent job on his van. His curtain rods are definitely my favorite thing. Thank you all for sharing.

[@bodang158]

Mine too. I'd much rather watch these types of videos than videos of professionally built ones any day.

[@BrooklynAlien]

​@@bodang158 yeah I follow a few people i like but they only show expensive super modern builds. And I see people in the comments all the time that are intimidated saying they could never do this. And I send them here lol

[@jimhinds]

​@@BrooklynAlien2:53

[@sad754yt]

Seems like a real decent guy. Wish him well in his travels.

[@kathrynb4683]

Boy! Please let this guy be an inspiration to anyone who thinks they are physically spent. I'm sure he is in pain, but just think. He is out in the healing environment to live his best life and not sitting in a lounge chair watching TV. Good for him for also taking care of his dad. 🤩

[@kennethgardner3090]

I liked it best when he said, he built the van for himself. Some people do things to impress others. The best way to impress me is to live your own life, and let others live theirs.

[@barrygalbraith1836]

I love how you explained your personal situation because I've been through the same thing in the same way. I had four back surgeries, i broke my neck, a total knee replacement it just goes on and on and on. Also I've been disabled for over 15 years. My rent has gone way up and I had to scramble to put together a semi work van. Just getting it set up enough to live out of, basically sleep in with some sort of heating. In Connecticut it does get Cold, and next week in Jan. I've got to be out of my place. You overlook all these little things that are used daily and to set them up. Note ; When you all broken up like us, is when you find out who your true friends are. Hang in there we have made it this far. Also Great looking van and the story.

[@gurubhaikhalsa9337]

The little sign he has by the door "adventure awaits" truly says everything about him. After a disabling fall, he still was positive and kept going!

[@joannejohnson6393]

I admire people who are good to other people, who persevere through adversity, and who stay true to themselves. May Darrell's journey continue to be blessed and filled with love.

[@OverlandOne]

What a beautiful and functional van. He really made it his own. Thanks for showing it to us Bob.

[@FidoHouse]

Thank you, Darrell, for sharing your cabin home on wheels with us.

[@ann66pearson4]

Darrell I hope we run across each other somewhere someday. I want to hear more stories. Love love your home. Stay safe.

[@XiLi-xl5fs]

Seems like a wonderful way for an older person to spend the last few decades of their life. Or even for a young person to spend their entire life.

[@janetkoball44]

Darryl has a real gift of finding some little things and making a beautiful art piece. Very nice man. Thanks Bob for all your time and talents helping all who you can.

[@seanharley6432]

My stepmother said “ your home is what you make it “. Daryl definitely made a great home on 4 wheels! I would be happy living in his van.

[@BirdSpotter43]

This man is inspiring. Im a young guy who broke his hip in a car crash, I have trouble walking and in pain a good bit of the time. I've been thinking about this type of life style and he's showing it is possible.

[@catherinelauda6948]

I really like the way Daryl hides all his stuff to make a visually peaceful and clean living space. Only beauty to look at and so simple. Talented men. Thank you for the tour.

[@bigtim7627]

He is living my dream. I only would add me a little base camp just to unwind and know that it's mines. Oh well 1 of these days 😊

[@melissasalsbury4705]

Match your curtain color to your interior color for a more natural look!--Good advice. Primo setup.

[@salvagebeast5975]

These are the types of builds that are the most fun and most relatable. Congrats on making it your own and living your best life!

[@olisk-jy9rz]

One of the best videos in a while! Darly is a great person and so are you Bob. This was nice.

[@user-ru2uf6ji2r]

Thanks Bob! It was a pleasure meeting you and interviewing for you! We will definitely see each other down the road!

[@user-hz6jo8lx9m]

Are u daryl??

[@user-ru2uf6ji2r]

Yes. I am the guy in the interview with Bob.

[@user-ru2uf6ji2r]

Yes. I am the guy in the interview with Bob.

[@Wanderlust246]

You did a great job with that van. It is beautiful!

[@Wanderlust246]

And it really does look like a cabin!

[@CMenzy]

Lovely van done wonders on a budget and Darrel seems a lovely man

[@kele1264]

Daryl's van is really something! I love those canes and sticks. Smart insulation, and cross-ventilation with fans, to keep van roof intact. It's too bad he was injured to the point of disability, but he really seems to have rallied and is making his life work. Good luck and safest travels to you, Daryl!

[@shaunhall960]

I never stop learning something new here. Love our community so much!

[@fairlady5117]

This man has such a beautiful soul. This is the first Van that I have seen that really feels like home. His creativity is admirable.

[@brandonGCHACHU]

I have an old Dodge van in my backyard just sitting. 121k miles v8. This guy just inspired me to go build a camper van. Thank you!

[@janet1744]

I envy you that van.😂

[@sharilambeth9062]

So nice! I wouldn’t call anything about this build cheap. It may be inexpensively sourced, but the value is so evident when Darrell talks about it and what it means to him. Thanks for the great tour!

[@jamiedenton4492]

This build is perfect. Ingenuity always saves money.

[@sallyplus4]

This man was born with vision.

[@JoanOfArgghh]

Love that license plate on the front!

[@sandymckee8917]

I love how he made it rustic looking with so many sentimental items! 🙂

[@SirPanda86]

I love the rustic look of his van build and it's amazing he was able to do it so cheaply.

[@bonniecreevy2642]

I’ve met him! Very nice guy, let me tour his van which was awesome and answered so many questions for me. Cool dude.

[@user-ru2uf6ji2r]

You are pretty cool too!

[@joshlynkaufman8653]

Great build. I love how he talks about his sense of peace now, that was the best part. Wish the video could've been longer and went into greater detail.

[@hopefulkitty]

Great job with the van! He had back injury, stroke in the past. Wishing him better and brighter years ahead.

[@H4lminator]

This is a very beautiful van. Very cosy! The most beautiful van I have seen for under a 1000 dollars I think.

[@janet1744]

That was the build cost.

[@62WILDCAT]

It is a wonderful NOMAD home. And provides a way to help his Dad too.

[@TheRock-xj7hs]

What a nice man and what a nice van! another good find Bob! Thank you both

[@Mike-01234]

I admire people who see life as a challenge and find a way to be happy.

[@SabrinaDawn444]

I very much enjoyed every aspect of this tour.❤ Bob you're an amazing, kind, and respectful interviewer. Daryl was so thoughtful in his answers and seems like a good and intestinal man. Thank you for introducing him and his van to us. The van is incredibly done♡

[@brendakaye34]

One of the best videos I've seen in a while. So much to applaud here, I dunno where to start! I am searching to learn which vehicle i want to invest in and in searching that I learn so much more! Thanks Bob and thanks to Darrell for sharing his home with us! Beautiful build man - much applause!

[@lindaward5281]

If I wasn't really old I would propose to this man.

[@alexpeters1080]

Great van. For someone whos 100% disabled hes got a lot of abilities.

[@jinaw1557]

This is the most touching video about a man and his van I have ever seen. I love you, Daryl. (Another great video from Bob!)

[@conniewaite1371]

Stay safe Daryl,enjoy your life,you are a good man

[@tiffanysmith1174]

This van is an amazing built. One of the best I've seen

[@whocares4464]

I was thinking the same thing!!! Very nice and simple without a bunch of clutter

[@astrodb4487]

Very nice. Love the branches as curtain rods and the extra thick window insulators. When there's a will, there's a way.

[@happydays9613]

Love Daryl and his van. Down to earth and the most sensible van dweller that makes it clear he carries every singe vehicle fluid. I do the same and only part-time car camp but did this before I car camped as common sense.

[@mayamikolynn6825]

I don’t usually comment, but the felt the need to with this one. Such an inspirational story! Thanks for sharing

[@starbubbli]

I have 1999 Ford, e150 and been in it for 2 hrs and love it. Thank you for showing this. I've waited along time to see an e150...

[@peaceloveandunderstanding]

Very inspiring. Love the personality he put into it. Another great Bob Wells video!

[@LaughingblueSu]

I like the way Solar is mounted. It creates shade on van roof.

[@tinamckeage6665]

This van looks so cozy.

[@melissasalsbury4705]

Ceramic tinting...wow! Very nicely done. Everything.

[@mandyjemes8547]

I've watched many of these videos. This one is my favorite build!

[@lonestarlaurel]

Well, Bob, you so often hit them out of the park, and you’ve done it again with this video. Thanks D, for your great Share. Happy trails to all 🙏🏼🐾🎶

[@njanderson4342]

Thanks Bob!

[@78twood]

I love the natural touches, like the curtain rods ! That’s SO me 🥰💜

[@fishypictures]

I respect your abilities to create your mobile home. I have a homemade camping van myself. Yours is crowded but it’s understood why, you explained it well. My bed is more midship and is a van conversion type so I have more space in back. I use Rubbermaid buss tubs to slide under the bed. It’s surprising how well they work. In back I keep a camp toilet that flushes and a small knack box for secure storage and when the lid is up, it serves as a partition for private toilet time. Also holds toiletries. I spread three or four sleeping bags opened across the bed and keep soft pillows around. I hung PVC tubes up high one split for odds and ends and full pipe for fishing pole and .22 cal. take down camp rifle, I hung a hook on the back door with a tool carrying HD backpack fully loaded to perform almost any repair. For power a new technology… a solar generator box. Affordable at 500watts ( $400 ) but 1000watts ( $1000) and up are available. They come with folding solar panels and are foolproof and awesome. Never needed more than 500 watts, just camping. Only advice is keeping it simple. By the way , my van is a 1990 Ford Econoline 150 4.9 liter 6 cyl. Fuel injected, gear drive ex commercial van. Paid $2000 for it. Not bad for the “ million mile motor” Happy van living sir.. you have my respect.

[@user-cp4jb5oz4c]

Great van!! Absolutely Beautiful 👍❤ That front licence plate made me laugh like Hell... Your living the dream most would really like to live. All the Best guy!!😉👍

[@artemisiagentileschi2400]

Love the upcycle & natural materials concept!!! He can build up a nice savings account this way too.

[@evilhairlessmonkey7700]

The names, Bob and Darryl. Reminds me of the Bob Newhart show and The Brothers Darryl. A classic comic skit.

[@wanderingrenegade771]

Creative and comfortable, very inspiring.

[@jennifercampbell742]

Bob, your little boy Cody is starting to show his age. God bless your little sweetie!

[@akowboyshippielife7405]

Stay strong 💪 Mighty Warriors 🤠 Much love to everyone and their families from Cedar City Utah USA currently 🤠💪🙏🏵️🤠🙏

[@tracymarie5]

What a nice van and a good man taking care of his dad and step mom

[@tonyastokley5165]

Wow he’s got just enough and the best we’re it matters and you can can tell that he’s carefully planned this out for the best price !

[@janineivey03121]

It’s a beautiful and very personal build. He has worked so hard, and it is truly a work of art. Safe travels

[@Kristina-mm9ih]

This masculine style fits this man perfectly! Being a foo-foo goddess myself, I appreciate having a living area that reflects your personal style. Very nice!

[@Always_sojourning]

Fantastic,simple build. Off grid power, and freedom.

[@AnMarie711]

Love the van build. This video is the reason why I started watching van builds in the beginning. Repurposing reuse. Being creative with your living space. Thank you

[@MargaretHardy-dt3ge]

14:28 Good job Daryl. You are so smart and creative. Wish you the best.

[@louisepotier2784]

Thanks for the van tour. I love when the van has a personality and doesn't cost much! Lots of thought was put into this van, good luck to you, Darrell and thank-you Bob Wells. I love this channel 🙂

[@saturninc3786]

Great guy this Daryl; what an amazing way to turn your life around and create a lovely and functional new home for yourself, that van even help your dad with transportation when needed. You sure have a generous heart Daryl, and I think you did a wonderful job. Just one thing I was wondering about is if you have any water onboard. I love the woodwork you made in the van. It gives everything such a natural and cosy look. I admire how you managed your life and got into a new phase after getting injured so much. You are an inspiration and a great guy. Was a joy to watch this video. Thanks Daryl and Bob!

[@annemarie3636]

I was also wondering about the water and where je keeps his food. The fridge seemed to only have drinks.

[@saturninc3786]

just watched this again after 8 months, and I am still inspired, completely amazed and totally loving your beautiful wonderful van!!! Hope you are doing well, Daryl - happy new year to you and Bob! Jason

[@user-if7xw5lm6g]

Yeah, that’s genuinely a really nice home. Well done Sir, really smart build 👍

[@AlejandroSanchez-rx6gv]

Aloha Always, awesome!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait believe me. RTR 2024

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

There is a skill in making a house a home. The same applies to a van. Great job, loving it.

[@2bleavin]

I really prefer the creative self builds they have character, his is a work of art gave me a few ideas...

[@derrickmuhammad4278]

Wow , the creativity of people always amazes me

[@ritawoodfork3086]

Wow i really love this very well organized and cozy comfy van! Its original and not over done. Take care and stay safe and blessed!

[@liltorchapache6496]

Darell's home/van is the most kik a$$ one I've ever seen and I've seen some expensive fancy ones but this one beats them all for so many reasons and the Chris Farley plate just shot the rest out the water ❤😂😂 I absolutely can see why Darell is so proud of his home..its better then the damn house I live in 😂

[@christinascire-roberts8960]

Fantastic job Daryl! Love your cabin on wheels! Thanks Bob for sharing this ✌️☺️👍🫶🌲⛰🚐🌞🌈

[@walksandwheels]

Your guest Bob is an inspiration. Thank you Daryl!🫶😻

[@mitziflyte]

AS a retired RN with a ruined back who is waiting for back surgery, I think you're n inspiration. I love the cane. My husband and I have a large collection.

[@frogmoonmama]

Absolutely amazing. I love all the branches. This is my favorite type of van, definitely what I would like to find someday. Thanks for the tour!

[@kimsargeant8126]

Really very nice! I’m so glad he is comfortable in a van that is “him”. It’s great that he keeps the wheelchair to be able to help his Dad out.

[@juliec9]

Great build!! Simple, beautiful and smart use of materials. Thanks for sharing.

[@sydneyvrana]

Fantastic and inspiring! All the important elements don’t need tons of money wow! Also a very beautiful home on wheelS! ❤️🙏 near retirement at 65 and can’t wait to bring my suv and trailer down from our Canadian winters here in Montreal to the mid January Quartzsite RTR either next November at the earliest or at the latest November 2024! Probably working as a public school teacher and musician one more year age 66 max! Can’t wait to meet you all and learn in person! My dream since 20 years is to Boondock and become a happy nomad! ❤️🙏

[@robinw285]

Personalized, top notch. Love this.

[@donnawoodham868]

The van with a heart .

[@wmscottd]

$900 is great.... however I'm sure adding the 2- lifepo4 batteries and the 4 - 100W solar panels added some.. ( but you can move those from build to build so that's just a one time expense )But I like the fact he doesn't have an inverter which really reduced his electrical systems cost... either way.. great budget friendly build for sure !!

[@Cill441]

Living the life one cane at a time.💛

[@Cill441]

Your canes came from folks that needed them to walk again. To you, and you have stories of your walk with them today, and you help yours folks and the circle of life continues. How life is loved, lived well done well.💛

[@mariadmaldonado7979]

The curtain branch rods...genius. it also gives the van that extra cozy look to it. I love the setup.

[@joyjournal6157]

Thank you for this video. I am disabled by ill health and it's encouraging to have examples of other van lifers who have health and mobility issues. I started out watching these videos to figure out a "plan B" if I have to leave my home because of a natural (or unnatural!) disaster. Be an introvert and the idea of spending weeks crammed in a rescue centre with a hundred other people does not appeal! I'm already putting van life ways into practice. I switched off the hot water on Saturday.

[@BDZ559]

There’s plenty of good cheap options to get hot water in a van, they make these small water heaters that kick ass from what I hear that aren’t too crazy complicated or expensive if I find the link I’ll post it

[@laurirohr5364]

Kudos to you on a job well done Daryl. Safe travels!

[@nancyllowe4]

I am disabled as well. Still trying to get a van. Chronic pain but being outdoors, being in nature, calms me. I have a Native American walking stick and my van will have a cabin like feel. You have such nice pieces. Really great job❣️. 🏕️🚙🔥

[@Eirene-vw1dt]

Bob says every van is just the best.

[@jeremytorgersen]

Inspiring! The nature integrated simplicity of this design is awesome and similar to how I want to incorporate my no-build.

[@nancycain4434]

I ❤his van! Original and his personality comes through in all the details. Nice guy.