WHY DID I GET SUCH A SMALL VAN?!

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Hey everyone! I’m Nate. I live the van life full time out of a Nissan NV200 self built camper conversion. In this video I explore Santa Cruz and discuss why I decided to get a compact cargo van for my camper setup. Please like, subscribe, and feel free to ask any questions below!
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[@joegaragozzo1640]

The van looks great👍 . You got a nice little home and a massive front yard called the World . That's all u need ..

[@tbz1551]

It’s the backyard...

[@kittykatcongregation]

❤️

[@scgs25]

Beautiful

[@moniquechristiansen6202]

I like that. 😊

[@KatrinaQuisilVlogs]

I prefer small vans too because of my job in the city during weekdays. Traffic here in the Philippines is bad. Btw, the pop top is amazing. I wanna have that too.

[@Needle620]

Toyota needs to get in the cargo van business! I’ll buy one in a heartbeat.

[@dianeibsen5994]

Hi. Thank you for your comment. what do you mean by cargo van? I thought cargo meant the front and the back are connected.. easy access to the front in the back? When you say Toyota isn't cargo I thought their vans are cargo?

[@invictuscrown4026]

Toyota ProAce nowadays

[@kyungkim2446]

Two words. Chicken tax

[@Needle620]

@@dianeibsen5994 To me a cargo van is build for hauling things. Seats are for passengers, obviously. Example: I had a cargo set up on my bicycle to carry more things on my commute to work. Or, I can have it build for a passenger as well.

[@Hankxiong]

They have them. Just not here in the states

[@deborahmc8682]

It’s always been about the smaller living for me.. there’s something so great about having a compact space and really appreciating the necessities we own.. great van 👍

[@age_of_reason]

The single most important thing in a van is the bed and you killed it. Looks very comfy (one piece), looks like it can be leveled, and it stows away very easy and fast. Just perfect!

[@Erikjoelalexander]

People should go for what they want no matter the price rather than compromise. Good on you!

[@macymango]

For some reason I was against bringing my instant pot into my van build...your success has inspired me!

[@RVingLiveTheDream]

Small van equals big adventures. That’s why we downsized from a class A to a Roadtrek. Happy travels. VanLife Rocks 🚐

[@tmckmusic8584]

Fun to click on a video while researching, and see my hometown of Santa Cruz!😉🌊

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

yor vids are so well edited! thanks again for doing KZbin

[@1101agaoj]

Quality of your productions is next level, really and truly. I can tell you that I look forward to every new video. Keep up the good work! You are living what so many folks can only dream. Thanks

[@24ZEN]

Beautiful cinematography.

[@Fab-wd4qq]

I love how you make great content and you seem like a nice straight forward honest guy. Safe travels buddy

[@KatyInNH]

Hi Nate, If you have a glass or metal leftover container that will fit in the IP, you can do pot-in-pot cooking - you can use anything you can bake in. Fill the stainless liner with an inch of water, and place you leftover container on the rack (take any tight covers off (one doesn’t wan to have a closed container in a pressure cooker), and cover loosely with paper towel or foil, etc. to keep pressure lid from getting dirty. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Then Do a natural release. That way, the food will heat through, and the only dirty dish will be the leftover container (careful when getting it out-will be hot). The water can be used to wash the leftover dish. This method works well. It takes a little longer to heat up than directly in the liner, but is a nice alternative. FYI, I use my IP to heat water versus running my propane water heater sometimes. One question on the van - how high is it inside with the pop top down? Thanks for the great videos

[@DT-ds7sc]

Scotty would recommend you get a 1994 celica and put a pop top on that🤣

[@waltertalbot9472]

D T ..and do it !”before is too late “!! .. haha . I have to confess, I replace my 4 Volvo’s for Lexus and Toyota.

[@eriktruchinskas3747]

Rev up your celica!

[@24hourtravellers]

Your cinematography has improved so much since you began. 💚

[@HPeterJi]

24 Hour Travellers I totally agree. Man, I haven’t watched his videos for quite some time and just watched this one, and I am very impressed by both the cinematography and his new home.

[@chrism7067]

the casey neistat special He has changed how a lot of vloggers do their vids

[@michaelfedrizzi2544]

I received my sticker today, I will be putting it on my vehicle tomorrow. Thank you Nate

[@jasonpolski9966]

Him mentioning Scotty Kilmer just made my day lol

[@sean8051]

Looooool. So great

[@dwaynejones1555]

Jason Yep

[@markconger8049]

Scotty is a riot. Just watched his video on the 1994 (?) Toyota Celica being the best car. I think he might be right!

[@markconger8049]

@J G - this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h16wYYBsbtF8fLs

[@GiggleFishy]

Your filming and editing skills are top-notch.

[@cgretired6976]

Nate, This video FINALLY made up my mind…. for good! I soon want to start my own nomadic life and have contemplated just about every vehicle My 2003 Honda Element A minivan A small skoolie An older Dodge 15 passenger van A crossover SUV This video helped me realize key points on beginning and then sustaining this life style. One needs great gas mileage, great stealth capability, and a 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty - all while owning a vehicle you can afford to drive cross country or use as a daily driver. The ultimate utilitarian vehicle! Great choice and keep the videos coming!! Thank you so very much

[@RonInAVan]

Minimalist is what I love and would definitely be me if I was traveling by myself. Sometimes smaller is better and less stuff...you have the right idea for sure. Great video Nate.

[@andrewconway7730]

Could you do a video detailing the cost of your van with everything included?

[@potatopotatoeOG]

Your energy is so genuine. Keep doing what you're doing

[@loiswilson7474]

That was very very helpful I am considering exactly those questions. Keep the joy

[@raraavis7782]

Couldn’t agree more. Living in Germany (where fuel is expensive), I‘ll certainly opt for a smaller vehicle and also pay close attention to the weight of what I put in there. No wood paneling and massiv wood furniture for me 😄 I‘ll use felt or fabric for the ceiling and plastic boxes for storage. And I‘ll definitely rather invest more in the vehicle itself and keep the inside simple at first. You can always upgrade that later...but you don’t want to put weeks worth of work into a van just to have it break down on you quickly.

[@TheMcdrewb]

EJSFilms2K how do you stealth camp in a trailer

[@0xsergy]

@@TheMcdrewb Can't in the city but there are definitely areas you can find. Also some walmarts are pretty lenient especially if you're not long time.

[@taradead]

@@0xsergy I'd imagine leaving a towable at walmart, without a vehicle, is not allowed.

[@quietstorm8100]

Oh wowww thanks guy....im about to enter the van life...i am soooo exxcited...my kids think i have lost my mind but they are happy for me...once they got out on their own...i realized that i did not need as much space n things tht i thought i needed...😻🚬

[@okmmauh]

Rara Avis . I am in VW Caddy Maxi. Camp on the floor. Curtain hooks in the holes at the top of the walls. Soft zip bags hang on those hooks. Storage under the front seats. So comfortable

[@shawneeb3771]

I totally agree. Save gas, you have what you need, easy parking. I am now thinking about this van as a real possibility for me. Thanks for all the information. Great Video.

[@ChrisFactor]

Completely agree. You Sir, are my spirit human! Minimal Life!

[@georgek1954]

really nice vid, great editing, I appreciate your honesty and realism.

[@kodeywhitewolf4056]

Loved this video Awesome footage of surfing scenes Good reasons for your choice of van Thanks for sharing Keep enjoying

[@tegmapat11]

Yeah, Nissan's have gone downhill, but.... have you seen the videos of some of the most popular KZbin Nomads who have big fancy Sprinter's and Ram's, and yet have had major mechanical problems which have cost them thousands? Not everyone can afford what others say is the best, but are they really the best? Personally, I would never want a Mercedes engine myself, as I don't think they are any better than others yet cost far more in repairs. So, hang in there with your NV. Like you said, a lot has to do with how well you take care of your van and it sounds like you have good plans for the upkeep of yours. I think that is the secret to any vehicle, taking care of it properly and taking preventive measures BEFORE possible failures. Great video!

[@dwaynejones1555]

Teg Tru Dat

[@Kevincrow420]

Fo Sho.

[@whackwhack9853]

Shiz niz

[@Kevincrow420]

@@whackwhack9853 That's what's up!

[@lecsu131]

You don't trust Mercedes engines as they are not better? What hole have you been living in? Sprinter Diesel engines easily go beyond 500.000 km without repair, just common sense care. The Sprinter is not famous because of the Camper-Van-Conversion world, it's famous because it's a cargo hauler with decades of history behind it and being a cargo-hauler you can imagine those guys are doing millions of miles - if there was a problem with a line of engines it would be a massive problem for Mercedes. And 90% of people doing Sprinter conversions start with a Second Hand Sprinter, which means it's got at least a few hundred thousand kilometers on it and some years and some thousands of tonnes of cargo that was hauled back and forth. YOU WILL have some mechanical issues, especially if the owner before you treated it badly.

[@A1DJPaul]

That Small Van is Very Practical. More Stealthy for Town & city Camping. I like the Bed.

[@dee5331]

Your parents must be proud of you! Very informative and helpful thks for sharing

[@mr.145]

Makes so much sense, from a very experienced camper.

[@CarrieJo5916]

Beautiful Photography! Good info on your van choice too.

[@iamallmy1]

its mahh-jik

[@merson812]

People like you, who are few and far between, are so motivational.

[@simplyrise5217]

As long as is works for you. It doesn't matter what's your choice. That includes price too👍

[@kaylalevesque186]

I think he is so adorable!!! His personality shines thru and he seems so kind and humble❤️

[@zanesutherland406]

Beautiful videography. And I love Scotty Kilmer, watch him everyday 👍🏼😄

[@combatmedic91-b76]

Was surprised to hear Nissan has lost the quality it once had??!! I owned a Nissan truck 1993 it lasted until 2018 I sold it for 1,700. I wanted small van never thought Nissan would dive, but the warranty sounds good & the warranty I had in 93 truck was good. I like your videos thank you good 👍jod! I want a pop top also & something small to drive you did a great job on converting your van for camping!

[@pedex252]

My Chevy express van 2500 has been getting 18.x - 20mpg on the highway pretty consistently. They don't do as bad as many think. I have had full size vans that got like 10mpg but the modern engines and transmissions make a huge difference. Also the NV200 has a weight capacity of only 1500lbs........which much equipment boondocking for long periods you'd be overweight probably unless you go incredibly minimalist. The NV200 also has short legs, about 350 miles per tank, out west in the high prairies that will be an issue. It is a trade off no matter what you pick.

[@taradead]

The tank is small, but high mpg helps make up for that.

[@pedex252]

@@taradead Well, until you hit the Dakotas, Wyoming, or Montana then it would be wise to get a extra 5 gallon fuel can to carry with you. Out there 350 mile range is pretty small.

[@justwannasay5454]

I recently bought a 2017 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van with added fiberglass (bubbletop) hightop and I love it. Came with a rollover warranty. 🤗

[@kimberlydavis5034]

I like how you set up the inside of your van.

[@tildibu9087]

I love minimalist living. Love your van and amazing how you got such a big bed in there

[@debbiejansen1178]

I appreciate your enthusiasm!

[@Detroitblue]

You literally addressed every concerns I would have voiced if I had voiced one.

[@eganfo]

Looks great. I love the pop top. So nice to hear Scotty's voice.

[@charleswayne7221]

I like your outlook and why you chose your van! and the build is so well done! keep living the dream! your vids are well worth watching.

[@tracycampbell7868]

Great video. The way you put together your shots is amazing!

[@mixflip]

Great video. Pop tops are so functional. Worth every penny.

[@Gamebit450]

not at that price lol that is half of what the van cost. No way that top is worth that imo.

[@Fitforacting]

@@Gamebit450 depends on how much you use it

[@donkeyballs3307]

Pop top is mostly useless in northern Canada 🇨🇦,, ud b lucky if u used it 2 months per year & u would freeze to death , because of it , in the winter, here ,

[@Asator66]

I don't see the point. If it's cold you're not going to want to open it, but if it's good weather you're going to want to be outside. Standing in your van is hardly a perk when you can only take 2 steps down its length, when you can literally just step outside?

[@mixflip]

@@Asator66 not all...but some people like to change clothes standing up. Sometimes standing feels good on the joints and bones too if you have older bones or previous injuries from your youth.

[@christysittig1200]

Sold our NV200 and bought big Ram Promaster with extended warranty... love the room.. now we both can stretch out and love the inside potty...

[@hiker57]

You made the right decision with your new home. My 05 Element is a gas hog but I wish sometime to convert it into my home. I love your beautiful videos a lot! I want to be a minimalist but don't know how to accomplish that yet. I look forward to each video you make!

[@lostman65]

thanks for the info... i was looking at nissan a while ago, then my wants escalated me to looking at big vans... but now watching your videos ... i think i want a nv200.

[@MrMinimalst]

"...it's pretty rare that I actually want to eat the food I cook for myself." 😆😆😆 Nate your decisions to get the NV200 make so much sense to me. You're a master level minimalist for certain, I always enjoy hearing you speak the good word. Take care man!

[@cogwun]

Nice! Thanks for the video, looks like an awesome little setup. I've got a small van that I'm about to start converting. It's fun figuring out ways to maximise the space. I never really intended to have a small van, it was just a good deal, haha. But I'm actually glad that it's small. Whatever size vehicle you have you can find ways to make it work for you. I spent 5 months travelling with everything I needed on a bicycle and loved it.

[@Luvrbug]

So happy I came across your channel - can life has been calling my name

[@Yodaismycopilot]

Very fine video. Really interesting to hear your philosophy and reasoning on the smaller vehicle. Thanks much.

[@dianeibsen5994]

Thank you so much for this video! So helpful!! Great information. I love that you're a minimalist. And I love the idea of low gas mileage, low emissions, easy to repair💗👍🤗

[@motogirlz101]

I love the cinematography at about 10:00, such beautiful shots.

[@WeatherPilot]

Make sure to keep that seal between the pop-top and the roof of the van clean and treat it with Sonax Gummipfleger, 303 rubber seal protectant or something similar to keep it from drying out and pliable so that it doesnt leak.

[@oscarmike4596]

Leaks are definitely in the future, simply a matter of time

[@pennyblea2705]

You have made some great video's and enjoyed your taking us to many great places...thanks

[@sylviajones4907]

You chose rightly. Good video. Beautiful surfing footage. Music spot- on!

[@robertsegura6451]

I applaud your decision to go small. Less is more, the more we have, the more we want to fill it with more stuff.

[@divinelyled8269]

I just bought mine ! 2019 nv200 , can't wait to convert it ...not sure if I'm going with the pop top but it does look awesome 😎

[@dbeskan]

You're good. Thanks for vlogging!

[@clovelly1946]

I like the smaller Van's,I still cant understand not having bunk beds,such space SAVERS.but yours in great.

[@nomadicexperience9742]

The NV is one of the best options out there. No doubt. Im personally considering the FJ Cruiser and that's slightly smaller than the element. Fully customizable interior in a commercial van is very enticing.

[@andraslibal]

Cool little van, makes sense the way you explain it.

[@ericwilliams626]

I was going to get the transit connect, then decided on the Transit. Upgrading never creates a problem down the line. Accepting less usually does.

[@quirkyclarke6423]

I always love your videos! Your B roll is always amazing and your editing is💣💣 Thanks for the informative and entertaining videos.

[@105cathy]

We have had excellent performance from two Nissan vehicles. We tow our Casita with aPathfinder. Traveled almost 70,000 miles with zero problems. Have 230,000 miles on and going strong ! Looking at the larger NV for our next....

[@TheDanVan]

Great reasons! Thanks for the explanations.

[@Randylj1]

I love the Nissan vans even though I get more recommendations towards the other mini vans. Thank you for the excellent information.

[@mt.bikeher270]

Great drone shots and editing. You're so cute and humble, thanks for the insight on the pros. I'm leaning towards a smaller van when I make the leap. Just discovered the pros of pop tops so thanks again.

[@djcolt100]

I think it’s a great choice! Murphy bed + pop-top = versatility

[@theresapurnell5126]

Thanks for sharing. I'm inspired. 👍🏽

[@jillk2316]

Another great video!!

[@oldmanonroad.7843]

This is great I have a small van and you have a great plan good job

[@stevewoods7299]

At the end that was so honest! It was refreshing and nice to see. About the possible lack of quality of your rig. I think I want an express in 9 years when I retire. But been thinking a lot about getting a Honda or Toyota mini van a few years old to do some weekend and week long camping in. And possibly as a daily driver too.

[@RachelSchell]

I feel the same way about the convenience of a smaller vehicle. Really like this conversion.

[@EE-fl5dz]

Great honest info. And really like the vehicle. 👍🏼

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

No such thing as "too small" if you works for you! I've gone coast to coast in a minivan before on long trips. Plus, it's still more space than you've been used to....safe travels!

[@happyhappyjoyjoy55]

VERY well done video. You did a great job. You're also a very nice, resourceful guy. You thought through want you wanted to do with the van, and you DID it. And a job well done.

[@predator6707]

Awesome cinematic beginning love your videos are getting better and better every day not to say they weren’t any better or worse before I like them just as much have a great week see you in the next one

[@robertbidochon7949]

Happiness is elevating our mind, by living and meeting good or bad souls. Materials are only tools for us to live this life.

[@itsantiagois]

Agree and I'll add...We are what we see, not what we do.

[@dwaynemeroin3101]

Instantpot. A must have.

[@elaineevans7126]

I love your van! Great video! Just use the sautee function on the Instant Pot; it’s even faster and you don’t have to put the lid on so can control how hot it gets.

[@therhetoricalman8936]

The split back door is cool.

[@MikeAndNary]

At 0:45 "that's the ocean" I would have never figured that out had you not said something.

[@adavell]

Looove the murphy bed, really clever!!! Thank you!

[@dltjdms]

I could relate a lot to your points. I have a Transit Connect 2012 camper. It's great for urban camping.

[@elizabethbrundagemediajour150]

I think you made a great choice in the Nissan NV 200 with the gas mileage. You did a great interior setup and the pop top is great. Love your cinematography!

[@rndmparker561]

Great video! Thanks for the views! I'd love to visit this state.

[@nv200camper4]

Nice job and well filmed, thanks for sharing

[@trump9028]

NV200 has been a great van for me! Only complaint I have, is the stock rims and tires. Expect to throw away the stock tires in 25,000 miles or less. I bumped up tire size a notch and it not only improved the look of my van, I'm getting much more mileage out of them!

[@lynnej.9357]

I really like what you've done. The small van is economical and the pop top gives you good flexibility. Also the murphy bed allows more space inside. I think it's great.

[@deborahsalazar3286]

I use the saute mode a lot with our Instapot for reheating, or food that only require a quick heating.

[@ricks.1318]

Hey there Nate ... Glad to see that things are going well for ya .... SAFE travels ... (Rick from Massachusetts)

[@steveb1972]

The NV200 is a popular choice in the UK for a micro camper. There are plenty of YT vids of conversions. If well laid out with a pop-top roof with bed shelf you can make it a 4 berth with full kitchenette.

[@rhondalyn100]

Great vid! Lots of great info and variety of daily life. Surf shots were fun to watch...:-)

[@dd3651]

So cool. In this video you were really close to me.

[@MrQbenDanny]

BRAVO!!! Nate, I worked in a major advertising company which I won't mention for many years, I had a top vehicle account, and YOU are the spokesman I always searched for and never found. There were castings in Hollywood and New York City, we never found a "NATE".!!!

[@Steelers88Maxima]

The fact that you included a clip from Scotty Kilmer in this video tells me you produce and appreciate quality content.