Young Professional Tries Vanlife | Custom Van Build & Tour

[@RickyScoles]

"houses are just expensive storage units" - so true ...

[@spicybrown75]

This rang so true to me as well. When I look around my house I see literally, baggage 🤣

[@troyp9485]

BAMBAM RICKY doesn’t help when he gets an eviction notice cause they didn’t pay the rent.

[@pbnak]

Houses also gain value and help set up retirement, but that’s not even on the mind of a #vanlifer. Live in the moment, taste that dirtbag lifestyle!

[@pbnak]

Michael Martin , sure do and it’ll probably happen again, just like the stock market crashes and it comes back. The van will never do that, but that didn’t stop me from buying one as well.

[@kaptein1247]

Not really

[@SiMPLYHaZZaRD]

Shia Lebeouf really seems to have gotten his life together.

[@The_Sampler]

best comment I've seen yet 🤣

[@CrafterMaker]

HA! 🤣

[@cooperwatkins6063]

Tbh anything he does at this point with a positive connotation is improvement

[@talemire258]

ROFL! I was thinking the same thing.

[@Rowmega]

👍

[@VanCan]

I really need to stop watching van life videos, I like it too much!

[@bencuraza6503]

VanCan Follow Your Dream

[@nate1933]

Don't think it's out of reach. If they can do it so can we!

[@suzersebastian5535]

Same

[@masada2828]

Me too! I so want to drive around Au in a van.

[@troyp9485]

VanCan I can’t be shitting in toilets all over town. I need a home with my own toilet. The van life ain’t for me.

[@The_Sampler]

This one took some late night editing sessions in my own van! I hope you all enjoy it :D

[@alpinesender1569]

and the hard work shows man! Great job!

[@jev2867]

Impressive quality production, sir! 👌👌

[@stevoaw]

Very well done.

[@Ach476]

It shows on the end product! Very well put together video

[@timgarland8619]

One of your best videos. (Maybe even THE best one.)

[@Marvelfunfaqs]

Love how They use “dirtbag” as a positive term. Luv it

[@egoy34]

why not. it is a very useful piece of equipment.

[@snekjuce]

you're such a fucking dirtbag i love it

[@jhwwebster7273]

That sliding bed is so clever. I laughed when he said he was working for 'the man' - while getting a Masters degree in Business Admin.

[@jauxro]

Tfw you wanna work for the man but also be your own boss

[@mochamommyATX]

So his clientele respects him

[@fanoftoast]

I’ve watched endless van videos over the past 3 years, but THIS ONE. This one is by far the most realistic I’ve ever seen. I love that it’s still a work in progress and he’s just going with the flow. AS A 6’ 0” PERSON I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS SLEEPING SITUATION omg. And as a 26 year old who wants to live the van life but is currently working hard to get out of debt in the next 2 years, I think my new goal is to do what he did, and do this by age 30. And as a traveling archaeologist, this living situation would be perfect for when companies don’t pay for my hotels on the weekend. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@kaybyrne5312]

Ash love that he has minimal cooking space

[@snekjuce]

totes just came up with this. too good to not use haha. are you an archaeologist, cuz im totally diggin you. lmaoo

[@Andrew-oq4oh]

I was concerned about being a professional while living in a van, seeing this made me feel better about wanting to go for the van life. Great vid

[@estherstrategicadvisor749]

Andrew PLEASE put in a toilet though! Peeing in a bottle is gross!😝 There's space in THIS Van if you copy this one

[@AuRowe]

Esther StrategicAdvisor women-.-

[@dandeliondragons9616]

Whatever works works. Just have to take care of it

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

"people have this weird anxiety about where your toilet is going to be" Watching this during self isolation covid 19, I found it particularly funny, given the toilet paper freak out

[@shawnpitman876]

Finding a toilet for number 2 may have actually been a bit challenging during that time too. With most large public spaces being closed down, which is where the toilets are.

[@victorperez213]

All city's should allow sleeping in your vehicle.

[@TheRoamingHazard]

Sadly not everybody that does is as discrete, respectful, and clean as shown here.

[@masada2828]

As long as people are ‘responsible’!!

[@NicholsKT]

Lampdoctor 3 The. Just make laws that require people to be respectful, clean, and discrete.

[@whatabouttheearth]

In some cities in California its illegal to sit on the side walk, its a way the screw with homeless...its also illegal to sleep in a vehicle in some cities.

[@chavvy9074]

Fuck all of that. This is America. And some states have laws against driving while tired too such contradictory rules but nonetheless you should be able to sleep where you want.

[@petef15]

I love these simplistic builds where i could actually see myself doing it.

[@Dave435l]

"World's most expensive storage unit." I love it, just wish I wasn't so intimidated by electrical work

[@mochamommyATX]

You can also do a Class B RV and not bother with the conversion.

[@forrestthroughdatrees]

Will Prowse has some awesome vids on solar and electrical! It’s really something anyone can learn.

[@raraavis7782]

A Harper Same here. I can handle most renovation projects, but electricity and plumbing...🥴

[@journey565]

I know what you mean. The electric scares me the most too :/ But, there is nothing that says that you have to do all the work yourself. If you search "RV tech" on Craigslist, you may find someone close to you who can do the electric and the plumbing on an hourly rate once you decide on your design. Good luck!

[@hwezda]

A Harper Pay an electrician for that. Probably a good idea, if nothing else, to pay an electrician to check it out once it’s in. Power is critical to get right.”

[@cryptochristo1780]

I’ve been living in my Prius C for the past year. Removed the passenger and back seat. Foldable platform for sleeping. Lost of storage. Built a solar shower on the roof. Got a portable solar power generator 220w. Solar foldable 60w panel. Two 3.5 gallon tanks by water brick.org. Lots of power and hand tools in the back above the spare tire. I can heat or cool the car for less than a buck a night. Extra storage on in the roof rack with the solar shower. It rocks. 78 cubic feet. Who could ask for anything more, Toyota.

[@uyenLe-vy3yf]

I always dreamed about doing this but I never thought it would be possible working as a young professional, thanks for sharing your story!

[@zombiecatX3]

uyen Le SAME!

[@motarded4214]

Instead of folding towels, you should roll them up. You can cram more towels in the same space that way ;)

[@rheamorales1329]

There aren't that many towels. With high humidity, rolled towels may hold moisture and smell funky. Rolled towels might roll around.

[@jacobbogardus6006]

I had the same dream three years ago and have been living in my fifth wheel camper ever since and learned a lot so far. Best decision I’ve ever made. If you guys have any questions I wouldn’t mind helping and that goes for anyone in general. I will be subscribing. Keep living free guys let me know if your ever in Ohio.

[@alchemists4443]

Hey! I have a few questions! 1) is this lifestyle cheap? Is it easy to save up money doing this? 2) where do you park/live usually? Do you pay to park somewhere? 3) how’s cooking like in a camper? I’m 17 and I’m planning on living in some kind of camper/van when I get out of school, I find it very freeing and cozy!

[@danielrmorenop]

I love how everyone in van life describes the smallest things..... "this light switch is great, it switches on the lights which is really useful, definitely a must have for any van"

[@CJinsoo]

there’s likely an idyllic-phase during van life transition, as well as an opposing aspect where you deal with being along much more. I can see both of these making one more appreciative of the basic attributes of modern shelter.

[@andrewpm2]

You gotta admire people like you guys that take the leap and live out a dream that isn’t dependent on wealth to make your life simple yet challenging

[@quentinrufin4025]

10:04 Rembember guys that circuit breaker are usually sold for either DC or AC. In others words, DC circuit breaker for DC, AC circuit breaker for AC. It is dangerous to switch.

[@Gruvmpy]

Yeah, one of the few things I almost refuse to DIY is electronics, lightbulbs, and switches I'm ok with, but anything more and I'll get a professional, I just don't think it's worth the chance of messing it up.

[@rlam4648]

I’m moving into a camper van soon. By this next winter. I’m nervous and excited. I work full time and I have a big financial plan. Looking forward to this adventure.

[@daveywaves5325]

don't forget to have some sort of portable crapper.

[@mochamommyATX]

I am living in an RV with my family, so freeing. We just pull in the slides and have seen incredible stuff when they have long weekends.

[@andresil8330]

Cool man. You doing it because you want to save money?

[@marcial.1636]

Good luck. Make sure you have carbon monoxide detector installed . Be safe.

[@misamisa2677]

Rlam 46 make sure you hav heat those small heater like the the big buddy do not work

[@NOSfusion]

Very powerful stuff - emotional even- hit too close to home for me. Tired of the rat race. More power to this guy. Thanks for sharing man

[@WhitePillDave]

Hunks always go on adventures. I just want a van to play video games in

[@MrTonka]

Seems your video production skills are progressing right along side with your riding progression! yeewww!!

[@TheDebymoore]

I’ve watched hundreds of vanlife videos . I got so much inspiration by the way you hung your dress shirts and the sliding bed finally answers a lot of questions that I had . Thank you

[@gjonesii]

Very clever solutions for storing hanging clothes and accessing the garage.

[@jauxro]

Definitely. I haven't seen something like that before.

[@kwombok]

my new favorite van vid on youtube. as a 31 year old who's seeing a lot of things start to click into place . . . . this one resonated hard.

[@VertellDavis]

Toenails on FLEEK!!!! I love this. I talk about living van life everyday. It makes so much sense. You could save so much money!

[@legallyrequired]

I like how theres an even distribution of two types of comments: “Wow I love this setup hes got his life together” and “HIS TOES!!! TOES!! TOES!!”

[@stuartjenkins4380]

The sliding bed is Genius! Where did you get the hardware?

[@okmmauh]

You have struck gold. Doing everything you want. A beautiful community for all

[@MasterOfSparks]

I used to stealth camp in San Diego. Awesome to hear they legalized living in your vehicle. It could be a nightmare at times 20 years ago.

[@karlosxzy]

"houses are just expensive storage units" someone put this on a tee shirt!

[@deandrewilson3752]

So we just not going to talk about his toenails being painted two different colors?

[@patriciafisher3108]

LOL

[@ElleBellsChannel]

Self expression.

[@kellie1993]

Kara Eddy I know, right!! That’s why I scrolled down. They should definitely both be the same color.

[@beardgangdee4877]

😂😂😂 male foot fetish model trying to get some extra cash 😂😂

[@jbdragon3295]

That seems a little strange but to each their own. Bored in the van with nothing to do, paint nails, Check!

[@jackadler5941]

If there are KZbin awards, I nominate this video for Production and Cinematography.

[@SpencerBerke]

This was awesome. Makes me want to try this lifestyle. Rad to see La Jolla. Grew up there.

[@thesarahjewel]

Omg. Sliding bed is GENIUS. Thank you so much!

[@boccaratonful]

Nice video Alex and a great job on the van. You guys are very inspirational. One thing though, you guys need retainers of some kind to prevent all of your stuff from plowing into your back in the case of a head on crash. Think of the platform you use for your bed coming loose and inserting itself into the back of your head!

[@maggiekowalczyk3914]

I am also addicted to this kind of videos. I must stop watching them. It's a great van udjusted to its owner's needs. However, from my experience it is so difficult to finish all the necessary work in your flat, van etc once you've moved in. I have so many unfinished things in my appartment. I've been living in it for 12 years now. I hope you will finish your van and enjoy living in it. Hi, from Poland.

[@PaulCarterArt]

It’s great to hear that San Diego allows mobile living🗝 I look forward to seeing more towns and cities do the same. Spread the word everyone.🌍Great time capsule and if anyone wants to break through the conditioned lies of life, I recommend living in a van for 12 months minimum and you will truly know thyself. Thanks guys

[@jg-zi9xw]

I am thinking of living in a van after 23 yrs marriage..I am 40 yrs old.. can't afford to live in North California..you guys got any tips on making it? Everything I work for is gone after divorce in just a few Weeks..any inputs? Ideas? Sugeetions?

[@ori3200]

j g you’re still young, just do it💪🏾

[@menaj7349]

j g you’ll be okay! Just keep watching as many videos as you can. Pick out different things you like from each video to customize your van. Good friends and family to help and hire an electrician if you can’t do the electrical yourself.

[@erick.8287]

I think I'll have to move to San Diego...in a van.

[@cadenwu852]

This is such an inspiration! I am 16 and when I am able to do more things and be free I want to go out and explore a ton more and travel to do the things I love such as mountain biking and anything outdoors!

[@zeuswrld9547]

Right when I saw that opening shot I was like yuppppp I know exactly where this is 🙌🏽 I love traveling but there’s no place like home

[@RipsterSA]

Howdy. At the back end consider making some long drawers on rails; perhaps two levels. You will then be able to use less large box type containers (which waste space). You can pack items into smaller containers into the drawers. Smaller containers would be more 'fit for purpose' and hence more space efficient. Items in the top drawers can still be accessed from inside the van when you slide the bed forward. Could work I think.

[@huntstyle]

This is like a short film! Outstanding work, Alex!

[@katlinhua]

I love it. His build seems so no nonsense also achievable. I like the hidden closet behind the bench, mainly because the lack of cabinent building needed.

[@timfarness5136]

Alex thank you for telling a great van life story. I first came to your channel interested in your van build and now I'm looking for a bike.

[@linbeek815]

This is the DREAM I’m constantly broke due to housing costs, the freedom and minimal style of living is really appealing to me

[@megancampbell3914]

If you mostly do “hot water cooking” (tea,ramen noodles), you might consider a counter water kettle. They are fast. Nice job

[@MotoMatthew]

Americans don’t really have kettles

[@saskia.h]

Matthew Sharples Yes we do

[@jacob1121]

They draw a ton of power though, gas is the way to go.

[@bluerabbit1236]

Megan Campbell Or just stop by at a 7 eleven or a fancy gas station. All of them allow you to leech hot water.

[@jhonatanalvarez05]

Finally a video I can relate too.. A becoming professional who is also an adventurer. My "gear" is basically, business and product information that I would carry to share with other people as well as products, laptop, books, dress shirts, pants- the whole nine yards in order to be presentable and also my camera gear. Finding a way to combine how to set that up along with your life activities is hard.. I am still in search of a "perfect" van.. I do not want something too big or too small, too expensive or too cheap. I need to fit my MTB. I want comfort but will have to sacrifice in order to stay low profile, which will be top priority which brings me to not being able to set up anything outside the van other than 1 or 2 small fans on top.. Big questions - Hi-top? Cargo? Windows? Conversion van? Early 90s or late 80s? Early 2000's? All white? Family van?..Lots of hard decisions.. Thanks for the video upload. I subscribed.

[@NK-ox9uo]

Great rig. This is an excellent idea for your situation. I agree a house is just a very expensive storage unit for someone who only uses it for sleeping, and bathing. Very wise decision.

[@ankurpatel8372]

Nice to see someone living the life they want to, still being productive and educating themselves for future as their needs might change.

[@redbyrom2254]

I'm just a teen and I have my heart set on living in a van, I have a "bucket" type thing that I've been saving up money for it :')

[@RayComMed]

hope u get to do it. and hopefully i get to see it by then.

[@steveindorset]

I totally agree with him it’s great for a few years. I used to bum around a lot when I was young surfing, motorcycles rallies & rock festivals and absolutely loved it. I didn’t even have a van I had a small car. I did have a bed to fall back on when I need. But generally I was always out and about at the coast or sleeping in a tent in a field. When you’re you young it’s awesome! But trust me when you get older things change an awful lot and you want creature comforts. But if it’s in your system to do it, definitely GO DO IT!! You only live once & if you don’t do it when you’re young you’ll definitely regret it. I now live in a nice house. But I have some hilarious memories of great adventures. You gotta have something to tell your children and your grandchildren!! 😍😁😉👍

[@tamaraweber3296]

Yes, the house is the most expensive storage unit🤣😂🤣 For outdoorsy energetic people that want to have the freedom for ongoing weekly adventures Vanlife is the perfect way to go. Enjoy your life of freedom from a mortgage.💜❤️🖤💚💙

[@ellencha5975]

I recently bought the exact same van and I am just now starting to go out in it. I plan to drive for months at a time but not years. My build isn’t quit the same but I don’t have your life style. I’m a 65 year old single women. I love driving the van much better than a car.

[@qwasertyyuuuii]

Alex, you need to make a van construction company. Maybe called "Vans by Sampler" or "Singletrack Designs."

[@ceahan8233]

That's a great idea

[@delightful75]

The bed setup alone makes this one of the best I’ve seen. Even unfinished!

[@edensgardenshed9622]

Totally thought you shaved your beard and hair when i saw the thumbnail.

[@samclark5500]

EdensGardenShed he should do it. I thought it was him aswell 🤣

[@TGameMaster1993]

Me too 😂😂

[@bhuff86]

You mean the Toenail?

[@edensgardenshed9622]

Bryan Huff yeah whatever its called i am from the years just before computers.

[@isaactooman8592]

Bryan Huff its called a thumbnail

[@samtei9903]

So great. I moved into a bus recently and it’s been the weirdest and best experience of my life. So good for you buddy

[@Defender_Tom]

Wow Alex, you really turned up the production value on this one! Impressive.

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

I like that you kept your van easy & basic. I agree that people think they need a ton of counter top space. Like you, I don't cook a lot so need minimal "kitchen" space.

[@CeIinky]

Why do i find it encouraging that men can appreciate stuff like dim lights? Lol love this build!

[@LuCkiiEsZz]

Because it's a feminine touch I guess

[@kimberlydavis5034]

I love how you designed everything and your storage ideas for all your clothing is incredible.

[@melbinargueta1785]

Let me know when you get bored from it, I'll buy it.Great job.

[@linhgt]

The interesting of this kind of video is seeing how they manage the space and some solutions for living comfortable in a van.

[@PaulThePunter]

Alex this is so well put together! The b-roll, the structure - please picture me doing the hand-to-mouth-kissing gesture haha!

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks dude!! Was very passionate about the story on this one, so made sure we did it right. All the time we spent getting the b-roll was SO NICE and totally worth it when I sat down to organize the editing. Always having the right clip to go with the story is priceless! 😘

[@PaulThePunter]

@@The_Sampler Oh yeah for sure, you can never have too much b-roll!

[@suzocomo7707]

I love what you did! So appreciate that you shared your story and included some of the pricing involved. Would like to know more about how you built the metal rolling bed and what parts it took.

[@ryans8907]

now thats cinematic Alex!! love it and keep it up

[@thegroovypatriot]

This is so awesome. Thanks for sharing the story. I'm in Sand Diego. It's great. I pick up litter to thank everyone for letting us park here.

[@wcovey25]

The production .... OH MAN, it has progressed like crazy, this is a proper documentary style video that makes you feel some type of way, well done 👍

[@The_Sampler]

Man Will, to be able to make someone feel something while watching my videos... that is one of the best compliments I can hope for!

[@vondahe]

I love what you did with the van and how you turned an unpleasant situation into something good - that says a lot about your attitude to life. Van life is not for me but I can see the qualities and the freedom it gives you.

[@yellowsirocco]

I love this build. Not too many out there having to work within the professional attire constraint.

[@sbmwa12]

👏👏👏👏 FINALLY, someone who is a professional and needs to wear suits, slacks, etc. Love the bed setup! I want to be able to get to the “garage area” without leaving the inside of the van. San Diego’s Beautiful! Good Job. But, I have to have a toilet. Lol

[@wanderingwilderness6997]

Amazing editing! Genius bed on tracks and that hanging closet!

[@danajohnson6273]

I really enjoyed this video. AND all the comments! I would LOVE to do this when I retire. That sliding bed though- badass. Keep it up- you've inspired me.

[@Imjussaiyanbro]

Need to access my gear without going outside: Goes outside to unhook bed from being locked into place. Good idea 👍

[@ahlivetuhsidamaro150]

I laugh so hard young people who criticize people who are living like you. They think if you’re not paying rent and locked into a horrible, soul sucking job, that you’re not really living. It’s amazing how incredibly spoonfed were taught to think a certain way. I think you’re wonderful for doing what you do!

[@umairmahmood224]

The cinematography on this video was amazing, the editing too

[@JM-bl3ih]

Why is there always a group of morons talking about KZbin camera work on nearly every video that's not first person view? The shit isn't that difficult to do. HD cameras and editing software are standard and come with editing templates

[@tinieplanet9762]

Love how practical your van is! Great video as well :)

[@TommyHuynh]

This is a great edit Alex. I can tell you put in tons of time on it and it came out awesome 🤘

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks Tommy!

[@alexapostolos]

Cool little testimony of some van life action! I basically did and do the same thing:-) I’ve been in Ventura, Ca mostly; 2016 sprinter crew conversion

[@WanderingNature]

I love Vanlife, less is more, I’m in a tiny van

[@whyjustwhy2168]

What kind of van....can you make any van livable?

[@debs7679]

I love his wardrobe set up. Definitely having that in my van

[@mizzfamouz1]

I would love the van life. Ive seen plenty of college students doing the same when they paying for their student loans vs apartments. I think the hardest thing for me is finding where to park each night to sleep. People seemed to be creeped out when they see a van parked in a neighborhood. Walmart is always free parking. Lately ive been seeing alot of security people rolling around certain parking spots and areas for the sake of fishy business and drugged out people. I just want to sleep 😅 Wouldn't be awesome if there was a pod like system of houses one day or mass parking area like the size of a bus parking area that you can rent a week at a time. Bounce between areas. Minimize the house industry to smaller houses. Like tiny houses. Who needs a living room anyways lol. I mean, in hopes that it wouldn't invite crimes or drugies.

[@andrewbrown6653]

For water, why not do a gravity-fed system? Put a tank of water on the roof in one of those roof rack storage systems, with a hose that runs down to your sink. You can also put another tank under the van in some of the dead space down there so you don't have to use your storage space in the van.

[@scottandtaylormtb]

Damn, the final product turned out soooo good!!! Nice work brother.

[@paulawooden9417]

I watched another van life persons youtube. She said she rolls her sweaters and putts them in her pillows that have a zipper. They make a good back rest and look good at the same time. It gives you storage for other things.

[@thegooniverse495]

Dude Alex! This video was shockingly good! I'm super impressed and hope you do a ton more videos of this nature! Good shit my dude!

[@chicago48001]

Impressive decision. BTW get butane at Asian grocery for about 1-1.25 instead of 3-4 at Walmart. Butane is C4H8 no matter what language is on the label.

[@DMills-un1tl]

I live in my travel trailer for long stretches at a time, and will never understand these van-builds who don’t prioritize a small, under counter porta potty. They can roll out and in, have a carry case for privacy when emptying them, and cost a mere $75.00. The convenience and comfort is without question.

[@Jennifer-ru5kb]

Yeah. We’re women. They don’t have our problems. Smh.

[@gisellegonzalez2628]

Best of luck!!! I live in my Promaster and I really lucked out I love it!!! It’s not an easy life but it is doable. Safe travels

[@punkbloater]

Wow your video making skills are impressive man! Really enjoyable to watch. Also nice buddy you got there.

[@trevinkurgpold5213]

Totally didn't realize this was uploaded today, took me a second to process that it only had 24k views... Insane job on this.

[@MISS1JONES]

Just a tip since the bench storage isn't full yet, how about a lift lid that opens to a composting toilet and a out door shower 🤔😉, wouldn't that be nice

[@masada2828]

MISS1JONES - that would depend on your life style.

[@MISS1JONES]

You’re right if it’s not necessary do without right, the minimalist way of living, still a skill I have to master.

[@TheMr880]

Yes!! Love the build. Glad to see others thinking about doing the pro-life/van-life combo.

[@The_Sampler]

I like that: pro-life. A great alternative to just calling it vanlife as Sean and I both agree it's less about the living in the van part and more about the doing what you love part.

[@TheMr880]

@@The_Sampler Exactly. I plan to do my build in the next 6 months. I work as a Dietitian, and there are options but I don't know of anyone else doing precisely this. I'm excited to give it a go. Maybe I'll see you guys out on the road!

[@christinarico6668]

Hes so handsome. 😍

[@cassienicole9236]

Whoa! That dropdown closet😯😯😯😯😯💕💕💕💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💥💥💥

[@jeremie8730]

Amazing vid! Fantastic edit! Very professional and fun at the same time!

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks Jing! I definitely want to have that mix of character and style coexisting.

[@IamNomadSauce]

Love your channel. Former dweller now living in SD after meeting my forever person. Still have the van and we are going to rebuild it for us and then take off.

[@nanettebarling1222]

I'm so glad that wasn't our "dirt bag" with a trim and a hair cut! Could of pulled that off on April fools day! Nice job Alex!

[@fin_jan]

Interesting twist: Living the nomad life, and thumbing your nose at society, with a lot of help from your grid-locked friends. The bed/closet is f'n genius! As is the air flow. I don't see how you could live in a van without it.