Westfalia campervan as minimal nomadic home in Santa Barbara

Last year Sam Jacquette was paying over $1100 a month in rent and working a job he didn’t enjoy to pay the bills. For his New Year’s resolution, he vowed to stop doing things he didn’t enjoy so he quit his job (and found a new one with Airstream restorers HofArc), gave up his apartment, and moved into his Westfalia campervan full time.
“The beauty of living in Santa Barbara out of your vehicle is that for 90 dollars a year you get a pass. It’s a waterfront pass, basically, it’s my beach condo,” explains Jacquette.
His 1985 VW Westfalia (“Westy”) comes loaded with a two-burner propane stove, on-board water and sink, a refrigerator (which he’s replacing with a 12V fridge), 2 beds, and tons of storage (including a mini-closet). For bathroom and showers, he uses the gym.
At night Jacquette pulls into the driveway of some good family friends and pops the top of his portable home. He sometimes shares the space with his girlfriend (he has found storage space for her pilates gear). He hopes one day to upgrade to an Airstream, but for now, he’s happy with a minimal mobile home.
Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/view/...

[@aaronscrewme]

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.

[@jf4872]

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.

[@dans810]

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.

[@tamaraweber3296]

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.

[@davidsiler5505]

I didn't hear how he makes his money.

[@bRadicalmagic1]

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 ! ! !

[@jp91484]

That captain's chair is just perfect for road head.

[@phillip9194]

how

[@mikesmith5375]

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:)

[@plantabundance]

I love the Westfalia campervans even more now after seeing how this guy does it. Great video!

[@jacks1832]

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!

[@channelDD25]

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

[@brettcannon7741]

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

[@zoeemiko8149]

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!

[@austinstarbuck5027]

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!!!

[@mightbesherwood1313]

It's 4 years now - how was life with the Westfalia?

[@yellowkidJL]

Also feeling the inspires!.. how much did you pay back 4 years?

[@ifwecouldvote]

u there Austin?

[@tuskedbeast]

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.

[@scoobdoob]

This is my favorite camper van video. Its so organised and spacious. :)

[@sithembisomoyo5188]

fitting the headlight bulb

[@busry001]

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.

[@K9River]

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.

[@jf4872]

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!

[@emeldamcdowald8521]

K9 they are they smart ones who've woken up

[@bw2442]

TPTB. Don't want people like this to be a billboard to others and get off the treadmill and quit being taxed to death.

[@luc2118]

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

[@johnconnor2402]

Really nice, neat and simple setup. I like the fact that he keeps everything really clean!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

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 =)

[@msmaxisings]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing his story.

[@Vicky_Montes]

Great tour. Thanks!

[@lancedaniels]

Hi Kirsten, Thanks for sharing this young man's story. Good luck to him.

[@curtismarean6963]

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!

[@mtnride4930]

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.

[@ajgalosmo8510]

one of my fave camper van vids!! interesting life you have!

[@rolandviado]

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!!! :)

[@daluxman77]

sam, you rock! i aspire to do the same shortly, thxs for the upload

[@como5555]

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...

[@ratroddiesels1981]

you are way ahead of the curve, you have made logical choices. seeing state st. and pch brought back memories.

[@GuildF40]

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

[@daniel_8181]

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.

[@RateMyEmployerorg]

Nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@Pamelab0215]

Very nice. Santa Barbara is the perfect city to do this!

[@dansivertson]

Great video!

[@omfgjb]

great vid, thanx for sharing

[@isabelmagellan7309]

that's fantastic man... the freedom to live like that...well done..

[@kush_kowboi5283]

Right on man. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@caryngayfield6218]

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.

[@stormygirl1704]

Good for you!!

[@laudalady61]

great outlook on life dude! you seem very content with life! more power to ya!

[@sarahb.2080]

Intelligent, sensible and he's adorable!

[@paulhunter546]

Great video..more people need to live simple like that..within their means and not taking up too much space.

[@mayaaung6671]

He is beautiful!! A minimalist, a vegan, a hippie, somebody who's worldly and open minded, defo my dream man!!

[@brandont5995]

This seems like the way to go!

[@stringbender57]

I love the Westphalia! VW rocks!

[@qristv1912]

that's a cool van. first time ive seen inside of one.

[@jimsteele7108]

Absolutely practical. I love it.

[@thomasrainbow]

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 :)

[@mlmredstripe]

Well played, sir.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

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!!

[@philiq18]

I'd get one of these for some crazy road trips!! Compact space, but its functional.

[@colinbodine9426]

theres no way that hammock would hold a person attached to the swing arm on the back hatch LOL this guys killin me

[@ryansmith9688]

tinpan alley I know right! I'd be fixing it to a sturdier point that is for sure!

[@colinbodine9426]

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

[@edmilization]

+tinpan alley glad im not the only one who saw that.

[@btankful]

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.

[@colinbodine9426]

he said "i sometimes even connect it to my van"

[@heart4Pahoa]

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!

[@thecrazymanfromireland]

Cool it looks great

[@wnickelson]

Hooking the hammock to that piston? Monumentally stupid idea. No way that'll take the stress of the hammock for very long.

[@SteveSherron]

I saw that and thought the same thing. Obvious he had not tried to do that yet.

[@jacobb7218]

I wana van like that. Been talkin bout changin my life. real shit

[@hungarian35noyfb19]

Yeah that was awesome ! Can't wait to build my tiny house

[@Rocky1765]

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-]

Harsh, but whats your sq footage of house?

[@Rocky1765]

(edit, woops gave you my old townhouse sq ft) This house is 2,150 sq ft

[@Rainaman-]

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.

[@ebfabulous]

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

[@Rocky1765]

elizabeth barrett That is awesome Elizabeth!!

[@manuelsanchez-fb5nf]

Awesome living...

[@fxcoconut]

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

[@meddlesomepriest]

He's a modern-day hippie! Not a bad-looking guy either.

[@robinsonvancrusoe1339]

Love this video! Could you do more van dwelling or car dwelling videos?

[@VoytekR1]

Pretty cool.

[@Reddylion]

i like your 2014 resolution... good. anil Reddy.

[@hilmir]

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!

[@yogini34]

Freedom. Love it. Talk about living outside of the proverbial high-priced box.

[@jesterkittycat]

When it hits the fan, this will be the ideal home/vehicle.

[@jamesaustin7943]

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.

[@cristianalpha7257]

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.

[@gingischan1951]

fantastic !!!!!

[@016012345a]

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!!!!

[@meridianfx6263]

Love love love this

[@nickgennady]

This is the first van that has everything I need / want.

[@kieranjam]

Love it

[@indieartstar7161]

A freakin genius... I'm so damn envious

[@exoticfruitsandmore]

I hope one day I can live in my van! I gotta fix her first 🤗

[@jaynodjames6851]

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 .

[@Spookyb329]

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.

[@bencuraza6503]

VAN LIFE RULES ‼️👍👍⬆️🚙💪

[@Haybaybay7]

The second he said pillow I knew he was from Michigan : )

[@MerridethHawk]

LOVE it!!!

[@skullboyy]

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.

[@virginiaalvarez6424]

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 ,,

[@erwinlee3171]

priceless female reaction at 1:25

[@dannyhuynh99]

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?

[@austinsullivan7891]

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

[@laleki9]

pretty cool...

[@qristv1912]

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

[@thebigoaktree8401]

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!"

[@lasaventurasgames4803]

Fantástico!

[@JoeCubicle]

Level 4 Awesome!

[@MegF142857]

Santa Barbara is ridiculously expensive. Yep!

[@TildaSwintonPlayingThomYorke]

omg this is the guy that parks in the harbor and at leadbetter beach park!!!

[@damianvan4285]

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

[@TheDtfamu89]

It's hard to let go of perceptions of how life should be lived and actually do what you want.

[@momenshakerhameed9362]

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!

[@lajjvo]

Fantastic! On a side note, do I hear some Trailer Park boys quotes here and there? ;)

[@leilal8053]

A small cassette toilet concealed as an ottoman 2 rest my feet and I'm game! 👍😊🙃

[@cooldesertknight]

How do you get around the need for toilet and showering ? Is there a public/paid toilet and shower near by?

[@extraextrareadallaboutitth8460]

Thats exactly what I want to do but how do you cool off if live in 100 % weather when living in it can you sleep with a/c on?

[@cmb271]

I'm thinking of adapting the basic configuration of this van to build a THOW

[@stedmans4christ]

I love love the part where he said it felt unhealthy to be in that house...house sitting.

[@ian99943]

Fantastic, you are living the dream m8, you are free, what do you do for money for food, do you still have a job.