This Simple Modification to the Van could have saved me $60,000 😂

Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @vanlifeplus
Support Craze Outdoors!
www.crazeoutdo...
Use code VANLIFEPLUS at checkout to save 10% off your first order!
Support the Channel:
Patreon: / vanlifemovies
Paypal: PayPal.me/vanl...
MERCH STORE: vanlifeplus-sh...
AMAZON WISH LIST: www.amazon.ca/...
Stuff I LOVE:
Rviita Energy Tea: www.rviitalize...
Dixxon Flannel: www.dixxon.com
www.dixxon.ca
www.dixxon.com.au
www.dixxon.co.uk
Mailbox:
Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
DISCOUNT CODES:
VTOMAN JUMP 1000 Portable Power Station:
vtoman.com/pro...
Use my code for 10% OFF (not combined with flash-sales): VTOVLP
On Rumble: rumble.com/use...
VanlifePLUS Q.A. Back Up Channel: / @vanlifeplusq.a.2206
Contact
Instagram: @vanlifeplusmovies
Facebook: / vanlifeplusmovies
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!

[@JoFoxynHomer]

Great flask story. You've had it for over 20 years! You have the memory that came with it, which makes it even more special.

[@ceebee987]

I stole your "not just a hat rack" and my girl friend ended up spitting her coffee out when I said it. Thanks!!!! 🤣

[@markclaudia2973]

My 8 year old daughter and I use that one now, too😂

[@kittanygames]

lol that's great

[@bonniepelletier9990]

That saying has been around a long time. My father in law used to say it too.

[@piersstronge1441]

Joey Tribiani, 1999 I use the gif all the time 😄

[@paulinegreen-1812]

Aww Penny just so gorgeous.

[@LisaStarrVA]

Hi Matthew, Penny and Amber! Love all the Brooklyn gifts! I love your ability to talk about some deep moments so openly. Love watching your day to day!

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Beautiful vlog as usual Matthew, the level of authenticity is like sitting down with a buddy on days that you need one the most. Having a cup of coffee on a cold winter blues not feeling very optimistic got cured up how can it not with such a melt your heart ending. Thank you Matthew and Miss Penelope. Much love 🫠😻

[@kaytoka717]

Smart to mount your diesel and gas tanks on Lucky, and spray foam your back doors before the cold snap and snow. That way you can “hunker” down. When we get the Artic Chil for a week o more, you should consider a camp site that has power for a couple of days during the coldest days, that way you can plug your vehicle(s) in and keep your power units charged up and an electric heater as backup to the diesel heater if it failed.

[@tracymac1111]

Another great vlog…I felt a hidden message being imparted in this video regarding the flask and big sister. It’s a painful episode in Matthew’s life, sadly still hurting him. I pray his big sister realises the damage and makes good for the sake of her little brother that loves her, even now.

[@sonyak9879]

I felt something very 😢

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Hello sweetie, hope you’re having a great evening 🌮. I love these longer vlogs (& shorter vlogs & medium…..🤦🏼‍♀️). Your last scene with P was so sweet😹. Hearing you talk about your sister had me in tears (I know how much your family means to you). Big hugs, Matthew, you are so loved 🥰💞😘🍀🏴‍☠️

[@mervettefarid3357]

i hope one day, sooner rather than later, you and your sister are happily reunited again. if you want to that is. i found myself crying while you were telling your story. you too be happy.🙂

[@michellepotter6760]

Who knows, maybe something happened to her?

[@cathymc8365]

All the 'Brooklyn' gifts were very cool and I hope B got a kick out of them. It's nice to have a couple nice warmer days in the middle of winter...it gives us a tiny glimpse of how nice spring will be when it finally shows up!

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Heyyyyy Matthew and PRETTY Penny!👋😺 ...GREAT gifts, YUMMY snackies and a very NICEEEEE jeep sticker! The roto pax look good on Lucky 2.0 ...well worth the task!👍🤗💖🎉. Thank you for another adventurous episode of VanlifePLUS ...I'm truly LUV'IN it!☺️. Take care, stay safe and God bless U!🙏

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you Sheron!

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

@@VanlifePLUS ☺️

[@SallyHanson-n6k]

Hey Matthew: very much enjoy your videos =Music when you do your drives ,fur baby penny,all content about lucky ,protecting pirate princess privacy,Not easy to talk about some family dynamics,oh yeah from what I observe / assume a dislike of veggies 😂.Does the shop where you get your frozen meals have any that do any servings of veggies? Have a great day/ noon/ night: Stay safe / warm ps: enjoying the longer videos

[@VaguelyMeandering]

Another great vlog Matthew. Families are complicated. Be true to yourself, which I know you always do. Looking forward to the update on the spray foam situation, once it warms up again. Be gentle with yourself and try not to give any attention to the Asshats...they don't deserve it.

[@marcellaenglish-ockletree5967]

Hi Mathew, Keep working on your health so that you can continue to pick up Brooklyn. Don't worry about the nonsense comments , if massages help you, Do it !!!!!

[@LaurieB1976]

Hi Matthew and Penny. I love the hour long vlogs!!!! Great content. Never a dull moment and fun to watch❤

[@JoeZyzyx]

the opening and closing scenes were well done!

[@dianestreet5363]

Don’t Listen to the Dummies Matthew! I’m from the States and people love to be in the business of other people 1:00:24 even if it’s not true! LOVE YOUR QUALITY CONTENT QUALITY CONTENT! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jsiman1970]

You are a very sweet daddy to a beautiful daughter She will remember this for life You are a very sweet person

[@laurastewart2418]

As usual, penny makes some supervisory comments and enjoys an ear scratch in appreciation❤❤❤❤

[@BrendaBlystone-ur6fy]

Hello Matt and Penny it's always amazing to watch you're amazing video I really enjoy watching you 😊

[@danbulmer]

if you're ever out in Surrey BC I"d love to buy you a beer. Keep on keeping on. Appreciate your sharing your life's journey.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thanks man! And I appreciate you watching!

[@MsSoozy]

Have a good evening everyone and stay warm and cozy. 🥃🍀🏴‍☠️

[@BigV96220]

Gday Matthew and precious Miss P .Definitely loving the longer content what captured my attention in this one especially was when you where standing at the waters edge talling us about your Sister not only that but your surroundings made it more special ,ABSOLUTELY STUNNING d make for a beautiful still Picture and Framed 🤗🥰

[@MPKenney2000]

Loved the final shot. Heart grabbing.

[@ruthiep21]

Families can be very confusing for sure. Keep the faith, Matthew .. that flask will even have more meaning in your 50s and 60s ❤

[@Biggja22]

My experience with spray foam in my van is it doesn't fully expand in the cold. I had mine finish expanding when the weather got warm months later. It kinda squirted out in some areas

[@christinamann3640]

😳

[@Kristina_Gisela]

Good evening to the one who doesn’t sell us anything and the one we all want to buy for (aka The Dynamic Duo)!

[@DoreenGregory-sj3df]

You bet,the cold snap is happening. Shit it is cold. Haven’t left the house in a few days. Stay warm Matthew and penny….cheers….

[@susanrachel5583]

Mathew I read that Comment when this a video first came out and it really made me go ‘wow’ some people’s kids honestly

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Miss P. Stay warm my friends. ❤❤

[@wendyrobertson-c6m]

Hey Matthew, Byron needs those for his extension cords that he strung out to the barn. I think he did 3 or 4 extension cords. He didnt have anything to cover his connections and i didnt know they made the covers so i mentioned he might use either zip bags or seran wrap to cover the connections to keep fron electrifying the whole field, sort of, well you get the picture. Very well done video today! Happy trails and safe travels to you and the Pirate Princess!

[@dunspitz]

You may have too reduce the packaged meals if you are going to transition to Sticks and Bricks With your Kido . Maybe start to transition to cooked meals to prep for that transition .

[@VanlifePLUS]

Oh I’m not worried - I love cooking and used to do it all the time before Vanlife so I don’t need to practice 😂 right now it’s all about saving money (my amazing community has gifted me with cards to purchase these meals) and time for my sanity 🤪 before getting back to an apartment

[@Tamac1979]

Wow that’s a lot of spray foam. Stuff ain’t cheap. However that stuff works the best, and can pay for itself. Used about 15 cans when I was building my house. Best Matthew and Penny, great content….great content.

[@d.r.o.p.b.e.a.r]

Vid called with my bro 2 days ago who is in Calgary and got to witness your -25°C weather, eeep! Deep freeze and tariff craziness, you Canadians aren't to be fucked with that's for sure!! 💙

[@christinamann3640]

There was snow in Florida not long ago, and we were calling it our weather tariffs 😁

[@PandaWheel2]

My take: weddings are personal, esp. for the bride. Brides don’t ask insignificant people, to do anything at their weddings. They love to include family, wherever they can. Bonds run deep. She showed how much she valued you, by including you. Maybe, you weren’t technically in the wedding party, but you were a unique brother to her, with some amazing skills. It’s common in the US, to give gifts to everyone who shares your joy on that special day. I’m sure it mattered a great deal to her.

[@davidwoodard2967]

I liked the look Penny gave him when he made the right turn .You could almost see her thinking hey ass.im a lady, slow down before i leave you a surprise on your bed. 😂😂😂

[@sonyak9879]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lisacanterbury7189]

Howdy y'all, sending love and light and pawsitive vibes from Northern Arizona 😘

[@bobtailedtrucker2521]

As far as your shoulder, what side do you carry the go bag/shower bag? Maybe it's ofer loaded and causing strain on that side and could be causing the redness. Old straps may absorb sweat and cause chaffing to the area.

[@christelena1783]

😄 3rd straight over an hour tyvm! 😍

[@ovangal3852]

@VanLifePlus - 00:02 & 13:00 - Matthew - 😮You must have been inspired music-wise after watching 5 episodes of ur self-filmed series! 😊❤

[@robhamilton5057]

regarding your comment on the person saying you could afford a massage but not rent, do they not realize people actually live in vans by choice? i know you want to get back into sticks and bricks but van life certainly has a lot of perks, vanlife plus's if you will :)

[@kath2606]

And…big difference between affording a massage session and affording monthly rent…apples and oranges!

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

They're still working on those bathrooms? WOW 28:40 Are you able to replace the non locking handle off Lucky and switch it out for one on Grace? LOL...the book of words let's you know it is a CD/DVD player...so you can listen to the gifted CD at 1:07:00 Thank you for the smile! 🤣

[@NomadicDee]

Thank you for the fun vlog! ❤

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you for watching!

[@jacquelineeick5986]

I like the fact that when the world issues and everything that is horribly bleak, then comes a person who is rightly detached from it all. Thanks again Matthew from California mainly and England.. Dual Citizen.

[@patrickfrantz2466]

Another good video Mathew. For what it's worth it looks like the black disk should be on the outside of the door..

[@VanlifePLUS]

You could do it either way for sure! And that may very well be the “proper” way to do it - I just liked the structural integrity that the door being pinched between the disk and the handle provided 😊

[@patrickfrantz2466]

@VanlifePLUS did you notice my comment the other day where you might be able to charge your jackery off of pacman? Worth a try in a pinch??

[@laurastewart2418]

I thought i saw penny almost reach up and hold your arm to keep it still so she could get the treat😊

[@JimmyLars-nj6kl]

Did it make the doors heavier to close? I was thinking of insulation for the doors, I was going to just stuff wool in the doors or pink insulation. That's more seal a foam than I've ever bought combined lol. It would be a great sound deadaner too

[@VanlifePLUS]

Nah nothing noticeable in terms of weight

[@JimmyLars-nj6kl]

@VanlifePLUS That's a good idea, won't hold moisture, I may use that idea. Good job.

[@jacquelineeick5986]

love and hugs to you and family Mattew.. Penny ❤😻

[@rajanikumari3672]

Howdy Matthew & Ms Penny 👋👍🫶🍀🌮🌯

[@TLAR24]

I wonder if the CD\dvd drive is for the cd you couldn’t play and gave to Happy Coffee. Hmmm?

[@will89687]

"Chocolate starfish" glad I wasn't drinking at the time... 😆

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Hello Matthew and Penny 😊😊❤

[@douglaswhite1306]

It's probably too late, but you could put a piece of cardboard inside those holes with a hole for the spray foam through so it doesn't slump out. Don't fill it up, though. I did between 2 2x4 studs, and it bowed the studs with the pressure of swelling foam.

[@thender1622]

Hey Matthew, Teri is short for Theresa. Enjoy your chips 😊

[@VanlifePLUS]

Way to confuse me! Lol thank you

[@thender1622]

Sorry LOL

[@Freedom2Paws]

I am starting a new job Friday and I can't wait to be able to follow you on patreon!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Congratulations! Don’t feel like you HAVE to come over there but of course I would be happy to have you. Well done on the new job again, hope you’re having a great week!

[@Freedom2Paws]

​@@VanlifePLUS I know I don't HAVE to I really want too and thank you!

[@Billiebeader]

My granddaughter is the same age as Brooklyn, and my son has made the same decision not to post any pictures of her on social media. It’s been hard, but I have honored his wishes, even though I would dearly love to show off my granddaughter.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Unfortunately in this day and age there are too many pedophiles around and children being taken, therefore it's best to keep your children's pictures off social media.🤷

[@HiIAmBetty]

I only have grand dogs and I don't post them. 😂

[@sunshine3914]

There’s been undesirables who have blackmailed children. Pretty sick.

[@susanrachel5583]

My son and daughter in law do not want my 3 yr old grandson’s pictures on the internet and I absolutely respect that 😊

[@christinamann3640]

You are definitely protecting your granddaughter from online predators by keeping her image off social media. May she always be safe 😊

[@kathylenn9153]

Matthew, the Canadian snow is awesome however being a Floridian for most of my 80 yrs, my blood has thinned from Florida heat, therefore our 84 degrees F. Feels far better than fridged weather. Haha! Love your videos

[@jacquelineeick5986]

love Penny so much with her silent meows . miss my Roger and Lily pussie cats. love Amber!!!!!!

[@troywantland6239]

U forgot the end U CANT MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY CAUSE UR NOT TACOS❤❤❤😂😂😂

[@ruthmalcolm6626]

Oh my goodness Matthew... lol lol

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video

[@taniajonathan1019]

the list of the books I should read is growing its a new things to do cheers (not new)

[@ClydeEconoline]

Beautiful .. .. TY.. TYVM

[@melisa8256]

Happy Wednesday Matthew

[@ddcornell1019]

Good evening Mr. Matthew and Mrs. Penny.

[@judymoyer3093]

If you're watching Please like, subscribe and leave a comment. It helps the channel Thank you

[@msanabria8159]

HOLA FROM PUERTO RICO..AND MANY BLESSINGS❤❤

[@stacynoble3909]

I have not been in fcp this week as this weather hurts my face and freezes my nose hairs....maybe next week ?!?

[@taniajonathan1019]

since I started watching your bro channet other things have come up supprise Adam family Homseat supprise love you guys I binged watched they amazing

[@richlouie99]

Hi Matthew. For the first time in almost five years, I'm wondering about the title "This Simple Modification to the Van could have saved me $60,000" and where in the VLOG I can make the connection? Is it adding the RotoPacks to Lucky so that Grace is no longer necessary? That's my guess, but I'm really not sure. Great Vlog though. I've actually watched it twice already. Glad you figured it out to use the backing plate as a template on the OUTSIDE of the back door! I was sitting here saying that as soon as I saw you attempt to use the inside to drill. LOL.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Haha ya that was the joke of the title my man 😎 thanks for watching so much! Hope you’re having a great week

[@richlouie99]

@@VanlifePLUS I just looked at the thumbnail!!!! Hahaha, Incidentally, I haven't created the Facebook Fan Page yet because I'm afraid it would steal people away from joining Patreon. (which I am sorely late on joining myself; but that's going to change real soon) I still might create the Group on FB, but promote Patreon in it as well. Stay warm!

[@williamthoby8697]

Matthew if you had taped up those holes. so much off the foam wouldn't come out and you would have saved a lot of the foam

[@VanlifePLUS]

It’s all good! None of it fell out completely and the spots that expanded out I was able to shove back into the door cavity so it’s all in there!

[@paulhart9921]

The rum goes in the flask😊😊😊

[@christineviens8567]

Good evening Matthew and Penny👋

[@laurastewart2418]

Massage for therapy....!!!!its a medical thing!!!! And needed!!!!Sheesh!!!

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Matthew, has it been warmer by your back doors since spray foaming them? I ask because I know you were struggling with the cold back there when sleeping!🤔

[@VanlifePLUS]

Perhaps a little but nothing world changing

[@TheLeopardGirl]

​@@VanlifePLUSThat's a shame!

[@wiki189]

Good evening Matthew

[@JoeZyzyx]

Vodka and/or CC, best pain killer, LOL.

[@kathylenn9153]

Matthew, for future use, for you & your followers, it may be helpful to note that "closed cell" spray foam is far superior for use in van or home insulation as it is more dense & more water resistance & is better at sound absorbing. I don't know where all it can be purchased other than multiple bottles in kit at Amazon

[@christinamann3640]

It looks like several contractors in town use it

[@barbatkinson5822]

It’s freaking freezing now 🥶🥶🤬🇨🇦

[@christinamann3640]

😂

[@ElsieFlannery]

Great vlog, I miss my sister too

[@taniajonathan1019]

I'm biding my time my van will be the best cheers, simple

[@mariannejennisch9293]

Those are great

[@aussiejac]

Long from when you had the diesel on the back of Lucky on top of the kitty litter

[@taniajonathan1019]

I love van, farm, creative, + + +

[@laurastewart2418]

Ive got a feeling this is gonna be a 5 smiler again...most of them are ...only 2 duck 🚙 jeeps😊

[@app103]

Remember when you said you didn't have a CD player to listen to that CD with? We all heard that, and someone (not me), bought you something you can use to listen to that CD. (I almost bought you one, too)

[@taniajonathan1019]

with that box of yummies you could feed walmart

[@connielentz1114]

Sometimes it seems like you’ve drilled so many holes in Lucky that there can’t be anything left of it

[@robertsummers753]

NOW YOU CAN FILL THAT UP INSTEAD OF HD ON LT

[@Kristina_Gisela]

While the 60 fps made for a nice viewing experience, it’s just not a VanlifePLUS vlog without music.

[@rakim275]

Nice, BX in the house. “The Bronx”

[@taniajonathan1019]

your views are beyond

[@alanshaffer6724]

Hey Matthew

[@VanlifePLUS]

Hey Alan

[@taniajonathan1019]

sorry was emersed in something diffreent your amazing always friend cheers

[@bigbadjohn2543]

Will your ladder still go over to the left side ?

[@christinamann3640]

At the end of this project he closes both back doors and the Jerry cans don’t leave any other place for it, so I think it will stay put.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

🍀Please Like, Subscribe & Leave a Comment🍀 🍀It Really Does Help The Channel, Thank You!🍀

[@canadiannat8960]

🍀🌼🍀🌼🍀 Lots of spraying, not too much splooge today! I thought you wanted to move the ladder back to that side?

[@kevjones-bb1mj]

Your rock n 80s rocker

[@staceygiometti9680]

Wondering If You Talk To Your Sister, We Can Hear How Much You Love Her.😊