Very smart young man. Very neat no excess junk. I love what he's doing. He is no longer a slave to a job or rent. He is living the good life.
@davidsiler55055 жыл бұрын
I didn't hear how he makes his money.
@dans81010 жыл бұрын
Congratulations!!! Your walking away from $1100 for rent and a job that caused unhappiness to seek happiness is truly enjoying your life and all its possibilities.
@bRadicalmagic19 жыл бұрын
One of the coolest parts about what your doing is you don't have to pay even one Nickel in property taxes ! ! ! Excellent ! Truly inspirational ! ! !
@aaronscrewme10 жыл бұрын
Did anybody notice how happy he is? He can't stop smiling! I've seen people miserable about their houses not being nice enough, that were 5,000 sq.ft., nice neighborhood, etc... yet this guy living in "his car" *gasps* society views that as bum class, yet he's living life to his fullest. This video teaches more about life than any reality show mortgage junkies.
@jf48725 жыл бұрын
To a degree, yes. Too many folks are duped into the....a house is a good investment. LOL! Investment? You mean the one you're going to be throwing money into for $$repairs and work$$ that you have to $$pay$$ for? LOL! And you haven't even gotten it $$paid$$ off yet...LOL! Most homeowners today will never have them paid off.
@zoeemiko81497 жыл бұрын
I had a Westfalia back in the 90's. Letting it go was one of my biggest mistakes ever! Road trips were hardly ever pre-planned since I didn't have to arrange lodging. My favorite road trip in my Westfalia was traveling Route 101 along the west coast one end to the other. 2 weeks of the most fun traveling the most beautiful country ever. A week in Zion national park came in a close second to Bryce Canyon. Had I not had my Westfalia there was no way I could have afforded to travel as extensively as I did. All this in the complete comfort of your own home on wheels. How I wish I still had it!
@jacks18328 жыл бұрын
This is the video that started my hunger to buy a westfalia van. Now I've planned a year long trip and Almost have enough saved up!! Thanks for the video!
@channelDD258 жыл бұрын
you will regret buying a westfalia. it is a money whole. always need fixing. not worth it just for the look. better to go with a sprinter or ford and convert it
@brettcannon77417 жыл бұрын
jacks1832 congrats on the saving! Don't listen to others who say they are unreliable and expensive. I searched 3 years non stop and I finally found my 84. I have 9 other cars (yea I know, and yes they all run) and I saved and saved like you to find my dream westfalia. I wish you luck and happiness my friend
@plantabundance10 жыл бұрын
I love the Westfalia campervans even more now after seeing how this guy does it. Great video!
@austinstarbuck502710 жыл бұрын
Just wanted to say that this video was the inspiration for me to buy my 1976 VW Westfalia that I will be moving into in a couple months. I had seen some of your videos before and loved them. I was browsing around one day and this video was in the suggested videos section of my KZbin. I'm glad I stumbled upon it and I'm very thankful for the amazing videos that you create!!!
@mightbesherwood13135 жыл бұрын
It's 4 years now - how was life with the Westfalia?
@yellowkidJL5 жыл бұрын
Also feeling the inspires!.. how much did you pay back 4 years?
@ifwecouldvote4 жыл бұрын
u there Austin?
@jp9148410 жыл бұрын
That captain's chair is just perfect for road head.
@phillip91945 жыл бұрын
how
@tuskedbeast10 жыл бұрын
I've lived in vans in the US and New Zealand for periods of up to two years. There are a host of benefits and drawbacks, hassles and joys. I think the point of this video is to show you one person having a go at it, his solutions and his attitude, and to spark these conversations.
@scoobdoob9 жыл бұрын
This is my favorite camper van video. Its so organised and spacious. :)
@sithembisomoyo51888 жыл бұрын
fitting the headlight bulb
@GuildF409 жыл бұрын
Lived in mine for 12 years saved a fortune. No trouble with loud music at night great views and easy parking on my door steep. Just upgraded to the T5 and missing my old trusty steed already. Good vid
@mtnride493010 жыл бұрын
Best of luck Sam! I have an 87 westy that I could very easily live in. I love the vehicle and really enjoy it when I am camping and meet other westy owners. Every time I am out in it I always have someone that wants to share a "Westy" story with me.
@ExploringAlternatives10 жыл бұрын
That's a great set up! Thanks for the video. Our van is much simpler and smaller but we're totally comfortable in here too =)
@luc21188 жыл бұрын
oh my god this is cool, I live in the Netherlands and it is my dream to just ride around Europe in a van like this
@busry0018 жыл бұрын
I have a 1985 Vanagon Hard top. I got some cabinets and a skim board I made into an RV table removed the middle seat tinted the windows and put in curtains and I have basically the same thing except way more low profile. The problem with a Westfalia is when you pop the top it attracts law enforcement officers that say you cannot be there. I imagine a Westfalia would attract cops even without popping the top. But in my straight hard top van it doesn't give off the camper vibe at all and the end result is I can sleep anywhere without attracting attention of police security and nosy neighbors.
@curtismarean69634 жыл бұрын
I once had a '77 vw camper, it was awesome. Me and the wife lived for 4 months in one as poked around down south. They are the best!
@mikesmith53759 жыл бұрын
Truly saving over twenty million dolars a year with that location for $90.00. I was BRAIN washed too and ONLY now can see past the MATRIX- I will be there too and SOON:)
@daniel_81817 жыл бұрын
Certain places are awesome as they allow you to have this lifestyle. I am Italian and I live in Italy and back here nobody in his right mind would live this way, mostly because everything revolve around appeareance. I really appreciate people who follow their dreams and live the life they dreamed off.
@caryngayfield62189 жыл бұрын
I learned something here, this young man said there are LOTS of people in Santa Barbara living in vans around the city. I have not been to Santa Barbara for about 30 years but when I went through years ago it was in a small pick-up truck with a camper shell on the back with my boyfriend at that time. We were spending 3 months away from "real-life" just off-roading and camping here and there across the Southwest. It is good to see more people trying to live with low carbon footprints in mind.
@como55558 жыл бұрын
Wow...very nice campervan...very well organized and the van is actually in great shape..I am trying to do this as well...just purchased a small bus to turn into a camper....one of the best videos I have seen...very inspirational...
@rolandviado10 жыл бұрын
i like his vibe and outlook on simplicity. he seems to have a kind energy and chill vibes. i wish him the best of luck in whatever he does!!! :)
@VanlifewithAlan8 жыл бұрын
As a full time RVer - and former resident of Santa Barbara - you have my admiration. What got me there was seeing how many vans were moved on by the police. I lived in a VW too but I needed a shower, toilet and much more space for clothes! Regards from Norwich, UK!!
@ratroddiesels198110 жыл бұрын
you are way ahead of the curve, you have made logical choices. seeing state st. and pch brought back memories.
@sarahb.208010 жыл бұрын
Intelligent, sensible and he's adorable!
@lancedaniels10 жыл бұрын
Hi Kirsten, Thanks for sharing this young man's story. Good luck to him.
@K9River10 жыл бұрын
It's a shame that people who aren't hurting anyone and who choose to live a frugal, modest, mobile lifestyle are often shunned and sometimes turned into criminals. This is supposed to be the Land of the Free. As long as he isn't hurting anyone and still contributing toward society, I can't see any reason why he shouldn't live a life of his choosing.
@jf48725 жыл бұрын
More often than not though these type of folks throw trash all over, defecate in areas they shouldn't, commit property crimes, throw drug needles/paraphernalia allover. I'll bet the $1100 in rent included roommates. LOL!
@emeldamcdowald85215 жыл бұрын
K9 they are they smart ones who've woken up
@bw24424 жыл бұрын
TPTB. Don't want people like this to be a billboard to others and get off the treadmill and quit being taxed to death.
@johnconnor240210 жыл бұрын
Really nice, neat and simple setup. I like the fact that he keeps everything really clean!
@mayaaung66718 жыл бұрын
He is beautiful!! A minimalist, a vegan, a hippie, somebody who's worldly and open minded, defo my dream man!!
@heart4Pahoa10 жыл бұрын
Great video. Looks just like our 83 Westy minus the captains chairs. While we (me +3) use ours almost every weekend, it would be tough to live in. But the wife and I dream about it. I am sure there are many out there doing more with less. Great mini documentary. Keep up the great work!
@thomasrainbow10 жыл бұрын
Honestly I was skeptical at first but throughout and the end of it I was like this dude's got it all figured out! Airstream would be great but that's a cool little rig! Awesome :)
@hilmir7 жыл бұрын
Hi Kirsten, this video seems to be one of the more polarising stories you have shared. Any updates on this gentleman here, and how he has progressed or upgraded his set-up? Thank you and keep up the excellent work, it take so much effort and dedication. Thank you for sharing your passion!
@Pamelab021510 жыл бұрын
Very nice. Santa Barbara is the perfect city to do this!
@cristianalpha725710 жыл бұрын
My family used to take camping trips in this van when i was a kid. Brought back some great memories. If i had the opportunity to get one these Volks i would, although would be nice if it were new/modernized. The only downside i recall about this van is that it only has a 3-cylinder engine, so going uphill while being packed full was sluggish.
@msmaxisings9 жыл бұрын
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing his story.
@jamesaustin794310 жыл бұрын
Sam has an excellent attitude. I'll be surprised if he can do this all is life as he says he would like to. Time will tell.
@isabelmagellan730910 жыл бұрын
that's fantastic man... the freedom to live like that...well done..
@qristv19128 жыл бұрын
that's a cool van. first time ive seen inside of one.
@dannyhuynh9910 жыл бұрын
This is so awesome, I love the idea of having all of your possessions parsed down to fit in a small space like this. Agreed, a bathroom would be nice, maybe like an RV?
@austinsullivan789110 жыл бұрын
I agree but didn't he mention something about this Vanagon is much simpler to park compared to an RV? I'm not sure but that's my take-I myself would prefer and RV but we make do with what we can right? lol
@016012345a9 жыл бұрын
Very nice presentation. Gosh your van is very awesome and wonderful. I suggest if got portable toilet and maybe shower room will make your van perfect for living. Also, the way you describe about the van is awesome. Cool voice tone and attractive. MASSIVE THUMB UP!!!!
@paulhunter5469 жыл бұрын
Great video..more people need to live simple like that..within their means and not taking up too much space.
@nickgennady6 жыл бұрын
This is the first van that has everything I need / want.
@jesterkittycat10 жыл бұрын
When it hits the fan, this will be the ideal home/vehicle.
@Spookyb3299 жыл бұрын
Looks great :) Good practise to just turn on your gas valve one or two turns, that is normally more than enough for the hob/fridge, and its much quicker to turn off in a hurry if you can't get near the hob due to smoke/heat.
@philiq1810 жыл бұрын
I'd get one of these for some crazy road trips!! Compact space, but its functional.
@yogini3410 жыл бұрын
Freedom. Love it. Talk about living outside of the proverbial high-priced box.
@fxcoconut10 жыл бұрын
Good work bro. Better then Michigan , I know cold or muggy , SB is heaven . U figured out the housing deal and having a good life
@thebigoaktree840110 жыл бұрын
Great story. "It forces you to get out and explore each day as it is" I really like that thinking! I'm starting a minimizing plan that requires me to donate 5 things that I own (big or small) each week for the next year. I think that getting rid of a small amount of my things will slowly prepare me for a more healthy life existence without a lot of stuff. At the end of the year I am looking to move into a 320 sq ft Studio (as a home base), buy a Cricket Trailer so that I can see North America on a really personal basis throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. "If nothing changes, nothing changes!"
@robinsonvancrusoe13397 жыл бұрын
Love this video! Could you do more van dwelling or car dwelling videos?
@daluxman7710 жыл бұрын
sam, you rock! i aspire to do the same shortly, thxs for the upload
@ajgalosmo85109 жыл бұрын
one of my fave camper van vids!! interesting life you have!
@Rocky176510 жыл бұрын
Overnight parking, walmarts or most 24 hour stores (just don't abuse it). Actual commodes, walmarts or any fast food chain. Showers, any local gym. If I was not married with kids, I would definitely do this to save money and say screw you to the tax man (almost $6K last year in home taxes, what BULLSHIT).
@Rainaman-10 жыл бұрын
Harsh, but whats your sq footage of house?
@Rocky176510 жыл бұрын
(edit, woops gave you my old townhouse sq ft) This house is 2,150 sq ft
@Rainaman-10 жыл бұрын
Sounds about as avarage sq f. Those taxes are high as hell :O With those taxes alone (1 year) you could buy VW T3 or T2 lol. T3 (the same model as in video) are super cheap right now and not so rare as T2 as they became collectables.
@ebfabulous10 жыл бұрын
Reinis Miks Thats the same size and amount I pay for taxes. I live in suburban Ohio which is apretty affordable/ kinda large city. In 2 days I head to a tiny house workshop. I plan to sell the main house and live out of my vacation home and build a tiny house house on wheels as my vacay house is usually rented out to pay for the thing
@Rocky176510 жыл бұрын
elizabeth barrett That is awesome Elizabeth!!
@colinbodine94269 жыл бұрын
theres no way that hammock would hold a person attached to the swing arm on the back hatch LOL this guys killin me
@ryansmith96889 жыл бұрын
tinpan alley I know right! I'd be fixing it to a sturdier point that is for sure!
@colinbodine94269 жыл бұрын
its just funny cause he said he's been living in the bus for 2 months but he's acting like he's been doing it forever and like he sets his hammock up aaaall the time lol he's obviously never actually set up a hammock before
@edmilization9 жыл бұрын
+tinpan alley glad im not the only one who saw that.
@btankful8 жыл бұрын
He clipped it there to demonstrate. By your logic you think he holds up the other end with his hand when he uses it. You're trying to cut off somebody else head to make yourself taller. It says more about you though.
@colinbodine94268 жыл бұрын
he said "i sometimes even connect it to my van"
@stringbender579 жыл бұрын
I love the Westphalia! VW rocks!
@jacobb721810 жыл бұрын
I wana van like that. Been talkin bout changin my life. real shit
@skullboyy10 жыл бұрын
I lived in my VW microbus in Whistler, BC, Canada for 2 and a half years. I liked it, it wasn't easy especially in winter... or when the van broke down. Which with VW's is about once every couple months.
@hungarian35noyfb1910 жыл бұрын
Yeah that was awesome ! Can't wait to build my tiny house
@kush_kowboi52837 жыл бұрын
Right on man. Thanks for the inspiration.
@peggydehne6139 жыл бұрын
Not a bad idea. Find a close campground for shower facilities. Some I think sell yearly passes. Might be more cost effective than the gym membership and gives a place to sleep at night. Usually a grill, picnic table and fire pit.
@laudalady619 жыл бұрын
great outlook on life dude! you seem very content with life! more power to ya!
@brandont599510 жыл бұрын
This seems like the way to go!
@momenshakerhameed93628 жыл бұрын
few months ago I started wanting to own a westfalia and live in it in LA,just like this guy!but after more searching I realized that it's actually horrible to live in because it's always breaking down,always needs fixing and it is expensive to fix it!it catches on feir sometimes!it don't know.....maybe it's better to search for better options!
@wnickelson10 жыл бұрын
Hooking the hammock to that piston? Monumentally stupid idea. No way that'll take the stress of the hammock for very long.
@SteveSherron10 жыл бұрын
I saw that and thought the same thing. Obvious he had not tried to do that yet.
@exoticfruitsandmore4 жыл бұрын
I hope one day I can live in my van! I gotta fix her first 🤗
@jimsteele71086 жыл бұрын
Absolutely practical. I love it.
@Vicky_Montes3 жыл бұрын
Great tour. Thanks!
@qristv19127 жыл бұрын
i saved this to a playlist. i would be interested to hear an update on his situation. like if the van is still working properly and if he got tired of living this way. i would like to do something like this someday or get a smaller rv
@jaynodjames685110 жыл бұрын
Great video I hope to be living the lifestyle in months , can't wait because paying rent is like putting money in a paper bag with a whole in it , it has to come to a point when people just say the hell with it .
@MegF1428577 жыл бұрын
Santa Barbara is ridiculously expensive. Yep!
@Haybaybay710 жыл бұрын
The second he said pillow I knew he was from Michigan : )
@meddlesomepriest10 жыл бұрын
He's a modern-day hippie! Not a bad-looking guy either.
@rory85858 жыл бұрын
To cabinetry or not to cabinetry - that is the question. There's something to be said for just the laundry basket for food, another for clothes, another for pots and pans lined up in a row under the camp cot bed in the back of the van with no panelling, just insulation showing.... Lighter, roomier, cheaper, more flexibility....although I realize bathroom privacy is appreciated when there is more than one person involved.... I've always loved the Westfalias though, and I would definitely want a stove with oven for long term living.... Would I really need an electric fridge though? Sometimes I think an icebox would work just as well. I'm just dreaming today....
@77Tadams8 жыл бұрын
This guy does it right. He doesn't have too much useless crap crammed in there and he keeps it simple. I have seen a few of these videos where the person or couple don't have a place for all their stuff and are swimming in stuff still! This is a perfect living situation for a single person in the warmer climates of California. One thing to keep in mind, he has a nightly parking place and does t pay to park because of that. In California it can be really pricy to find overnight parking. In this regard he is lucky. He seems the right personality to not cause a problem parking in a family friends driveway...many neighbors would complain.
@tcorourke20078 жыл бұрын
Yeah, just the minimum stuff like a silverware for 8 and sports memorabilia.
@KevAndHisJeep8 жыл бұрын
lol
@77Tadams8 жыл бұрын
well I suppose he has his priorities... :) What if he has a dine in tailgate party/ for 8? Has to have silverware and something to decorate the table with.
@tcorourke20078 жыл бұрын
77Tadams What table?
@77Tadams8 жыл бұрын
tcorourke2007 well...er. The picnic table at the park! Imagination people! Or the stump of a tree he pulls up to! 😄
@RateMyEmployerorg10 жыл бұрын
Nice. Thanks for sharing.
@Reddylion10 жыл бұрын
i like your 2014 resolution... good. anil Reddy.
@damianvan42854 жыл бұрын
I was in Santa Barbara 2 months ago for a job interview, I realized a 1 bedroom condo was almost 8K/mo. I interviewed the next day, got on the plane and went home. I will never pay that kind of money for a rat hole with a 1 car garage, my Ford Raptor truck didnt even fit in the garage, much less my Honda CBR collection. or my tools. I would have loved to do a little surfing, ride the canyons on my bike or just chill on the beach (Im originally from San Diego). I stayed in Arizona, kept my job, bought a 4K sq ft home with a 4 car garage and still saving plenty for retirement. California has always been the place I wanted to come home to but visiting is fine with me. Van life? ..... not for me, I got too many toys
@mlmredstripe5 жыл бұрын
Well played, sir.
@dansivertson9 жыл бұрын
Great video!
@virginiaalvarez64248 жыл бұрын
I know this video is old ,, and he might have found out by now.. but if he hooked that hammock to that little bar on the back hatch door he would break it right off it and the person would be on the ground,,LOL.. city ,,boy..,,but I do like the little van ,,
@danpit200110 жыл бұрын
at 4:11 there were military base sticker he should scrape them off before he gets in any trouble
@indieartstar71619 жыл бұрын
A freakin genius... I'm so damn envious
@bencuraza65033 жыл бұрын
VAN LIFE RULES ‼️👍👍⬆️🚙💪
@omfgjb9 жыл бұрын
great vid, thanx for sharing
@lajjvo8 жыл бұрын
Fantastic! On a side note, do I hear some Trailer Park boys quotes here and there? ;)
@DFthepolarbear9 жыл бұрын
In Florida there are places on the water you can stay over night :)
@bio20209 жыл бұрын
Denise W Really? That could help me out a lot, will you personally show me where? I"ll bring the RV and some wine
@ryansmith96889 жыл бұрын
bio2020 Get a load of this guy ^^ ;)
@pk139109 жыл бұрын
+bio2020 It's right in the middle of hurricane alley.
@stormygirl17046 жыл бұрын
Good for you!!
@curliefro9 жыл бұрын
LOL! " That's your closet?!" - That would be one of the best areas to life as he does. Great weather, near the beach - why would one want to be stuck in a house?
@bonvivant559 жыл бұрын
BTW, he is lying about the hammock set up. You can't attach it onto the hydronic, especially one in that position.
@michaelluciano19809 жыл бұрын
bon vivant Yeah I was cringing when I saw that hammock strapped to the rear strut. Not a great idea...
@colinbodine94269 жыл бұрын
bon vivant haha i just posted a comment about this and then scrolled down and saw yours. ya no way that would hold lol he's trying to sound all cool "ya sometimes i even attach it to the van" if i were the filmer id ask for a demonstration
@DENMONKEY9 жыл бұрын
yes I thought the same. makes you wonder how much of the rest is Bullshit. I also bet he uses him friends laundry etc when he parks in their driveway. I'm am for the concept but if you're using friends facilities, it's almost like your saving money and living the life style whilst they pay the bills and you benefit.
@001Neal1009 жыл бұрын
+DENMONKEY Unless you pay them to use their facilities...
@meridianfx626310 жыл бұрын
Love love love this
@BratcherLev10 жыл бұрын
I wonder what the legality is of drinking alcohol and/or open beverages while parked in one of these (as mentioned at about 7:10 . Even though it acts as your living room area it is still a vehicle.
@TheDtfamu8910 жыл бұрын
It's hard to let go of perceptions of how life should be lived and actually do what you want.
@thecrazymanfromireland10 жыл бұрын
Cool it looks great
@alankoza19177 жыл бұрын
Bro me and my wife are in our 50s we admire how u live .. we want to do the same .. tired of drama and bills .
@cmb2719 жыл бұрын
I'm thinking of adapting the basic configuration of this van to build a THOW
@thehumanchris7 жыл бұрын
"THATS YOUR CLOSET ?" ahahahhaha that was funny ;D you dont really need a lot of clothes anyway...
@manuelsanchez-fb5nf9 жыл бұрын
Awesome living...
@steviekent192110 жыл бұрын
What does he do to make a living? I watch these videos about people living out of their vans or tiny houses, but they never say how they support themselves.
@mattronan274610 жыл бұрын
Stevie, the description mentions that he works for an Airstream Restoration company - hence all the airstreams.
@steviekent192110 жыл бұрын
I missed that, thanks for pointing that out.
@MarilynCrosbie10 жыл бұрын
***** I asked him that question directly. I read a book about a woman who lived like that and she was a writer. She lived a modest life. Did a lot of travel writing.
@simonlagree465510 жыл бұрын
Mommy & Daddy allowance .
@stanw9099 жыл бұрын
stevie kent P.O. Box
@ian999439 жыл бұрын
Fantastic, you are living the dream m8, you are free, what do you do for money for food, do you still have a job.
@TildaSwintonPlayingThomYorke10 жыл бұрын
omg this is the guy that parks in the harbor and at leadbetter beach park!!!