Vanlife Renovations in B.C. - WHAT HAVE I DONE?! 🤦‍♂️

The dismantling of Lucky 1.0 continues - after a very important first step that helps to clear the mind and bring focus to the task at hand. Unfortunately, all that focus can't prepare me for what is to come.
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@donnamacleod2947]

Penny is earning her keep at Grandma's house! Great job on the mice Penny! Good luck with the build,Matthew! Keep smiling!

[@rockysmumakagma]

Oh my gosh, I’m overwhelmed just watching this from my couch 😂 Good job Matthew, and your sick 😷, that sucks! I’d be crapping my pants if my cat was playing with a mouse….inside the house 😮 That would not be comforting for me 😅 But high paws 🐾 to Penny for getting them,,,,I hope you gave her some extra treats 😂 Can’t wait to see the end result of Lucky 🍀 Safe traveling 🥰

[@Danielily1]

She’s a good cat for your parents catching the mice.

[@49Ljackson]

I don't know if I would get anything done with so much beauty surrounding me. ❤❤❤

[@VanlifePLUS]

It is a HUGE challenge some days for sure

[@jakkermanrn]

Matt…..I am just starting this video. I wanted to stop and tell you how much I love and appreciate your channel. All the work you put into your videos is amazing. These videos make my day. ❤️🥰

[@barbatkinson5822]

Mine too 😀

[@dross24MA]

Isn't it funny how many of us do that? It"s like being in a conversation with him: we start watching, we see something, or think of something on which to comment, except that we are days behind and it takes more days to get a response -- kind of like the old snail mail.🤪HA!

[@kerryand51]

2 years ago I gutted my van to reinsulate with wool insulation and did a whole new redesign. But I am constantly making new adjustments.....hello van life yeh!

[@debbiehards852]

Excited to see the end results for Lucky! Penny is so lovable. And that view of the lake!! ❤️

[@cassandramartin3671]

Good job Penny!! You can still catch the mice!

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

WOW!😳 ...what a BEAUTIFUL view in this opening scene, just breathtaking!👍🤗💖😇

[@trishat5361]

Matthew, you are going to single handedly cause an influx of people to move to the Kootenays 👌🏡

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

9:30 ...LOL, cameraman down!😆😂🤭😺

[@medic550]

Penny was just so nice to bring you a present. Maybe next time she will put a bow on it!!😻

[@Myconchinncreations]

Yes!!!!!!!! Take everything out…and get reorganized!!!!

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Matthew I'm sure Lucky 2.0 will just be lovely!!!😍 New home, new you, new life, wishing you abundant happiness my dear friend, always! 💞🙏💞🙏💞🙏💞

[@elaineeckes7429]

You were talking about putting Penny's litter box under the water station have you thought about that you use that space for cooking. Might not smell too good sometimes and wouldn't want that close to my cooking. Just a thought.

[@katreyes6358]

You can't say tally freakin ho without Brooklyn. This is great content, I love watching van rennos and builds.

[@titanican2731]

I bought some of that tea from Calgary, told them about you so 🤞🏻 maybe they will sponsor you! After thought/you made laugh so hard throwing vanlife out the door 😂😂😂

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Your intros are really beautiful the thought and time you put into making them really set the mood and often tugs at my heart, love it. It sets you apart from many other channels. You are doing what you were meant to be doing. You have found your calling I know I've said it quite a few times, it's just the truth. Thank you Matthew you have help me become myself. for so many years I had lost myself and hopes of ever being happy and motivated. Today I look forward to tomorrow, I see the positive in everyday even the darkest one. Much love 🤗 🤗

[@VaguelyMeandering]

That Forty Creek is for medicinal purposes, right Matthew? Watching the tearing out is nerve wracking and also oddly satisfying. I keep waiting for The Editor to make an appearance chiding you about not remembering where all the screws and brackets went in the first build. It's going to be amazing, and you'll have two sets of construction videos to look back and forward at all Lucky has been through. Amazing as always! Both Sheba and Penny rubbing against the camera...adorable.

[@CindyCaVANas]

Sure is beautiful out there. But I very much enjoy watching a van makeover. 🙂🙋‍♀

[@bobtailedtrucker2521]

Getting started and pushing through on small projects makes the build easier. Sometimes it's that little push is all we need to get things going.

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

I love the way you did the trip to the store at the end. That would make a great short.

[@msanabria8159]

MY KID MATTHEW IS SOOO ROMANTIC....❤😊😅 That music is the best. All I need now is being 28 yrs old..😅😂. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🧜🤭

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Definitely easier to take it all out, while you have the chance

[@gingw7333]

Good job, Penny! Matthew. Wait til you open your eyes to a half gone mouse deposited proudly on your pillow three inches from your nose. I levitated out of my bed so fast! 😂

[@alberttrucking1047]

Sure u gonna love the changes after u are done u gonna feel so good it's like a new house ❤

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Love how you keep it real! Glad you're recovered from surgery and can take the time to work on Lucky while not having to live in her. All the hard work you put into v1 and living in it for 2 yrs. gives you what it takes to do v2! I'm starting a minivan no skill DIY - it's exciting and puzzling and thrilling and frustrating and empowering and all. Love all that scenery in beautiful Canada.

[@patchouligirl7954]

Friends, you can watch it over, and over, and over again....I love Chanandler Bong....

[@rockysmumakagma]

Friends will never get old, I actually was just watching it 😂

[@ctlittle82]

Overland Interiors was building flat pack van builds for vans. I wonder if he could do it for the Chevy Express? Check with Chrome

[@nancymoon1189]

Just an idea from fellow vanlifer. On the drawer under the bed, set drawer on wood rail (running board) then you can access from inside and outside.

[@karenbreslauer2053]

Great idea !!!

[@bobtailedtrucker2521]

Use paraffin wax on the sliders of the wood slides to keep them lubricated.

[@sunshine47476]

Good hunting Penny!!!!! Hi Matthew.

[@barbatkinson5822]

I live in a small space as well and what I’ve learned that whenever you bring something in new you have to take something out. Amazing how much you can live without. I agree with taking the time to clear your head. I just recently changed my space and I too had to step away and clear my head. My end result is a calming beautiful space. 👍😊

[@endlrls]

I don't drink personally, but the montage for the whiskey was pretty funny man. Keep up the good work, Matt!

[@billboyer7735]

Lucky, Chevy Express 2500, a van barely alive. We can rebuild it. We have the technology. We can make it better than it was. Better, stronger, faster. The Six Million Dollar Van Wednesdays at 6pm on KZbin.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Lucky may be an older gal but she's sassy as all get out and gives Matthew the kind of love that has him always coming home for more!😉🥰

[@sharonbaker2775]

The view is breathtaking.

[@davebottaro4867]

Mathew !!! Put the diesel tank under the hood and run the fuel lines down the firewall under the van and into the bottom of the heater … through the pump of course 😀

[@robertsummers753]

HELL YES DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AGREE WITHYOU ON THIS, YOUR DOING BETTER THEN WHEN YOU STARTED, TOU DID WHAT YOU HAD TO DO TO GET GOING.........AND NOW IM SURE YOUR RETHINKING A NEW LAYOUT NOW THAT YOU HAVE TIME IN IT..............................................AND YES I WANT SEE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lynnsellars7397]

Got the same water fountain for my kitty Olive, she's drinking more too! 😸

[@kennethskillings5036]

Matt if your going to shrink the water station mount the heater at the end of the cabinet raised up you can stand out side or inside to work on it and you can keep your other cabinet either way the draws

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Looking forward to the revamp Matthew.

[@andreathompson280]

That was funny! Thank you, Matthew and Hairy kid! ❤❤

[@LittleMo777.]

Beautiful vistas! Good luck on redoing Lucky!😊

[@karenbreslauer2053]

Hi Matthew Saw a great idea from a van tour of Michele Silvers van ( she also has a channel) she has a bench and the top lifts up to reveal her fridge It gave her a nice place to sit and easy access to the Fridge/freezer “ out on a limb with Kim did the interview. Thought I’d share seeing your not quite sure which road your taking in the way of design Good luck. Hope you feel better soon 🌴💕

[@karenbreslauer2053]

Matthew I’m still watching your video When you measure the wheel well box ( when you put that piece of wood to see where you would have to cut make sure you mark underneath the board that will give you the same height get as the bed. I like the idea of the puzzle piece. Would be interested in what your other viewers think HGN. 🌴💕

[@ricksgypsy2512]

Oh, how I love BC. The PNW has a way of relaxing you and encouraging you to stop and feel life. Your troubles melt away, and you enjoy moments of clarity. Your Lucky face lift gives you an opportunity to make your home comfortable and functional. Enjoy the process. You are creative, so I know it will turn out great. Safe travels as you go back and forth across those glorious mountains. ❤

[@charylliss3741]

Once again some of my favorites in your videos are your music choices❣️

[@rythemzlatin]

• Your local Marina should have the bulkhead fuel port you need. You'll need a mirror ( velcro to the side of the Passenger seat?) to watch the tank as you fill tho. • Very NICE of Penny to police the house of pests. EVEN BETTER that you got to the situation before she " gifted it " to you ( typically _on_ _your_ _pillow_ so you'll easily find it😳 ; oh how thoughtful our kitty's are ! ) • You're right. It's probably BEST to take most-everything out , even if 60-80% goes back-IN. it was so off-the-cuff @ the 1st Ver. , you had no way to easily recall what was attached to what. Now you can "finish" each individual section as its OWN modular unit for eazier future mods & tweaks. • Hope you feel well soon. Being ill can slow you down , & that 6 weeks will fly-by ! ☘🍀 🪚🛠🪛👷‍♂️🖌🔩🧰 🍀☘ Best o' LUCK 🥃

[@shawnoutcelt]

Could you have the passenger seat as a swivel? Maybe an editing area somehow? That would be awesome! Your ideas are going to be so good!

[@leed119]

I do enjoy that lake... and the music you use with it.

[@williammullensarge]

Matthew, as a newly retired contractor trust me, it is so much easier starting with a clean slate. I know you have a lot on your plate right now, but when you have the opportunity is there any way you could do a full video on how you create your videos. I am amazed by the quality that you can produce. The aerial shots are so amazing and everything blends together so well. I am a true fan and would love to learn from you as my daughter says I need to start a KZbin channel since I just hit the road and I'm sitting in quartzsite Arizona!

[@lindaterrell5535]

Pepsi and hooch. Outstanding

[@KristiinaKasepaluHarakas]

Big project. Nice.

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Penny.

[@Red-Robin4]

I think it’s a great idea to just redo everything in your van well everything but the bed & clothing cabinets.😊

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

FUN, funny, exciting & entertaining ...this is such a 'blast'!🎉. I'm on edge participating your next tear-down, thought process and remodel idea ...your TRULY onto something here!?🤔. Change is good for sure ...HOLY Dinah!👍🤗💖😇

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

GREAT video/vlog, Matthew!☺️

[@ObjDriven]

Rip Matthew Perry such a funny guy Friends is such a good show the back and forth between Joey and Chandler was always top notch. 😂

[@andreagalvin7386]

Hey Matt I really appreciate your written information posted at the beginning of your site. The "higher vibration shift" is so refreshing. Making new kinds of ripples and I am feeling uplifted thoughts about our world, despite the naysayers of a "hopeful future" world for our young kiddos. By the way, chronic pain wears on the Soul, I see your pain which makes me appreciate your efforts even more. 💖

[@gregorysmith8240]

Thanks for great all the quality content Matt. These videos are especially interesting to me now as I am currently in the planning stages of a total renovation of my own tiny home on wheels!!

[@teddybumps]

The ending of this Vlog with all the quick cut edits made me belly-laugh so hard! 🙂 Well done. 👍🏾 🥃

[@BigV96220]

Giday Matthew how exciting watching your Van Transformation, and when done and you look back at it you will be happy you did it ❤It is fun watching you because you are Fun 😂now with penny she brought you food not once but twice be greatfull ,dont bite the hand well in this case the penny paw that feeds you 🤣🤣🤣❤❤🫠Take care Sunshine Stay Safe Stay Focused and Most of all Stay Happy sending Blessings from Me V Australia 🇦🇺 GODBLESS ❤

[@gailhitson7340]

Penny is protecting you from rodents while you sleep, Matt. She's a little Super Hero! : )

[@ThorMoller-t4c]

Well done penny

[@Ladythyme]

Omg I am overwhelmed for you! Oh Matthew …hang in there……Just one screw at a time 😳….yes EVERYBODY JUST CALM DOWN 😁❤❤❤ Wish we could FF until it is all done 😀

[@helene1779]

Penny is a good hunter! Take care and stay safe!❤️🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼✌🏼❤️🐈🐈‍⬛❤️

[@elanapeterson3665]

"That's what the side of Becky's...who the hell is Becky?...That's what the side of Lucky's bedframe looks like!" This made me laugh so freaking hard that I had tears in my eyes! I laughed for about 5 minutes, off & on, don't know why, but I just did! Maybe it was just the way Matthew sounded so surprised when he said "Who the hell is Becky?" See, just typing that made me laugh again! Oh, jeez, thanks for the belly laughs, Matthew!

[@chrissylee4476]

Matthew, anything you want to do, but aren't quite sure...KZbin it! You'll find all sorts of interesting DIY van building help!

[@mkatyo]

Loving this series! I can't wait to see the end result of Lucky 2.0!

[@rajanikumari3672]

An idea for moving the diesel tank, they do make an auto/rv hatchfor access. But, try a marine store. You could get a hatch door & a new tank. Get a marine tank with a gauge on it that way you can have more capacity. Getting rid of the sink completely or just redesign the water station?

[@douglashoward5738]

Let the redesign begin. I see more of the Captain Morgan in your future😂

[@MelissaJohnson-s7k]

Matthew lucky is going to look fabulous im so very excited for you thanks for sharing 😊❤

[@connieshutts7074]

I so enjoyed your thought process for the remake of Lucky..can’t wait to see what you come up with. 😮😮😮

[@peggybaker69]

Well this IS getting exciting nothing better than a nice new change. Looking forward to what will come.

[@ddcornell1019]

That view is prime. Fly fishing spot.

[@ramfrancisuk]

I was thinking the same - rip everything out including the battery and heater - and start again from an empty van. Using the knowledge you have now about what works for you and what you need going forward.

[@therealjenso]

Good opportunity to insulate the floor.

[@canadiannat8960]

🍀🌼🍀🌼🍀 Exciting! Can't wait to see if future Matthew has choice words for past Matthew!!

[@marcklemens9152]

So excited to see your new van build. Everyone loves a good van build. Perfect time for you to do it.

[@markrobbins293]

Hitting the like button before I even started watching.. you know its gonna be an excellent video ❤

[@lifes.way.too.short-au]

New lucky 2.0, new Chapter

[@Ms.CynecaJames]

Ahhhh Matt, and his movie star good looks 🙂

[@loudybelle]

Keep going Matthew its going to be so much better! It was time for an update! organisation helps the mind re focus. Your doing great even though your feeling sick great job. ❤❤

[@davidcolley2855]

Beautiful drone work Matt 😮 you really do very well in putting together your content and filmography/,, photography skills. It's truly an inspiration to all of us.

[@chicago280803]

So excited! I wish it were done already… so I could fast forward to see the finished build😊

[@Ny_kellz]

Hey Matt, Sorry You Feel Ill Hope You Get Better Soon. Can't Wait For The New Build I Kno Its Going To Be Great!!!!

[@JessicaFerri-um4hf]

Great job on the OG walls , ceilings, floors etc. also, really nice effects while sweeping, poetic. I like what the new design might be good 🤞 luck

[@garynewton2016]

great detail vid I remember my van(move one thing and the rest follows) Cant wait to see more of the reno. Enjoy the outdoors and Keep om Cooglin"😁

[@danielellington8407]

The wheel well box makes sense buddy. When you’re back in Calgary you ought to map out what you want done! I’m loving this, hopefully you are! Hopefully you’ll get done before mom and dad get home! I just got done watching Chromes Van almost being done with the engine made me think of you. I hope everything goes the way you dreamed it to be. And go back to these videos just to relisten to your ideas? Just food for thought. Quality content. Be Safe and Be safe, by the way….BE SAFE!!. lol.

[@richardvirchow2757]

Just put the diesel heather in the rear of the van which will make it easier for you to work on it. I would try to make two sleeping areas which means your little one would have a separate living area which is the most important. Anyway, I will say do what you can do I just get bigger units for both of you do what you think is best although I would move the heater to the back of the van. Sincerely! R.S.V.

[@MsSoozy]

I remember when you were building all that and how long that took and in a few minutes, it’s out! 😮 I think you have some good ideas.good choice on the whisky. 🍀🥃

[@Impala_Lily]

Your brain sounds like mine …. I know where we’re going, have the picture (sort of) drawn in my mind, but cannot express it in a way that makes it sound logic LOL. I’m excited to see the rebuild / facelift, and of course the end result 🎉

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦 🎉😂❤

[@BionicLesbian]

SAME 🇨🇦

[@Lisa-on3ee]

LOOKING GREAT!!! Inspiration trumps EVERYTHING!!!💜

[@jamelcampbell4984]

An electrical inlet (RV) that has a 2" hole with slight modification will work to have the space or whole to fuel up the tank from the outside but have the tank inside. I did it then changed my tank to the front outside of my homebuilt trailer so now the electrical inlet will be for my propane hose for my stove or a water drain line.

[@Hakliva]

Hey Matthew, If I was redesigning the bed platform and wanting to keep that wheelwell box accessible like you were saying, I would build an extension onto the end of the box and make more storage where the litterbox was... and then attach a rail onto the side of the box and have the bed platform hinge open onto the rail instead of puzzle piecing it. I would also put a rubber strip along the rail to stop any potential squeak from the woods rubbing together. Loving those nature shots!

[@NomadicDee]

You are going to have a great “new” van!

[@billboyer7735]

Was thinking about the bed. The bed extending to the cutdown wheel well cover with cutout to fit the wheel well cover top which would form the top part of the bed. Good idea. To make life easier, why not add a third plywood panel just for that. Use another piano hinge so that the third panel would fold inward then the middle panel would still fold just like it does now to the first panel. Would allow for room still to fold it all up and work in the future on anything underneath. I know you were thinking about using that plywood for the long pull out drawers. But if you bought another piece of 4 x 8 plywood (1”?), that might be enough for that third piece and drawer material. Please file with the other 10,000 suggestions.

[@carolynrivera9745]

Excited to see what you do next 🙌 ❤

[@christinamann3640]

Lucky: “WHO IS BECKY?😡” 😂😂😂

[@relevanttraveler6263]

Beauty vid Matthew! U mentioned the fan/roof leak still... I thought Ud start with that... but WOW Dude!

[@katherinespong8139]

Noooooo .... You put pepsi in your Forty Creek. Rocks and FC only, man. Yikes.😂

[@dollylehman1247]

Well hello Mr Matt. Love the scenery, being from Prince George BC and now in Ontario for years I soooo appreciate your BC shots. Can you please tell me who is singing the song at the starting of your video?? I think the Kitty litter should go under the bed " litter box with lid " plus a few long narrow draws on roller bearing tracks. Thank you for bring us along on your adventures to the lake and kitty sitting. Until next time... Cheers from my house to yours 🍻 😊 PS. Maybe mount the diesel tank just above the heater.