Tour of the Van I Live In Full-Time - Class B 1999 Dodge Xplorer 230 XLW - RV

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  • čas přidán 25. 05. 2015
  • Here's a quick intro to my channel and a tour of the Class B RV van I live in full-time. She's a 1999 Dodge Xplorer 230 XLW. If you like this video, please subscribe and follow along with me on this Vandwelling adventure! Thanks for watching!
    CZcams: asimplekid.com
    Facebook: simplekid
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Komentáře • 303

  • @nasilamak2201
    @nasilamak2201 Před 9 lety +76

    Here is a tip. Buy a small piece of land in your area. You can get land in Atlanta for less than 10000. Then put a small parking pad on it. Make sure you get it permitted. Then you can legally park your van on your land and camp out. It is legal in all states to camp on your land. Next, purchase a small Honda eu1000 generator to provide power. It is very quiet. Get a gym membership so you can shower any time and work out. Lastly, you can eat very cheap at Denny's. Eat two meals a day and snack on heathy fruits in between meals. The one thing van dwellers overlook is owning land. If you do that, you can live debt free in your van and be legal.

    • @nasilamak2201
      @nasilamak2201 Před 9 lety +3

      Donna Ranger Donna, what I recommended to A Simple Kid is a LEGAL alternative to what he is doing. According to his video, he is making use of private property without the land owners consent, which could land him in hot water and fees could date back to the video published date. The only way he can do what he is doing is on approved public land. He has a job, meaning he is staying put, therefore owning land in his area is a viable solution. No one said anything about trying to live for free. I said living debt free; with the minimum requirements and cost to do it legally. If this means connecting to water and sewer to ensure public health codes are met, then so be it. I did not say anything about a tiny house. I said put a parking pad on his land, which it is legal to do so. He would not be parking permanently there without moving his vehicle daily; in which case, he may be required to build a garage. The gym membership will give his a legal location to shower. Eating out will give him a legal alternative to cooking in a van without waste water requirements.

    • @ChrisCooling
      @ChrisCooling Před 9 lety +8

      1AmericanInAsia wow; hope you're ready for heart and kidney failure eating at Denny's twice a day.

    • @nasilamak2201
      @nasilamak2201 Před 9 lety +3

      Chris Cooling Just an example of eating cheap. There are plenty of other places as well Chris that includes eating healthy. The idea to that part of my reply was to give options to cooking and not costing a lot of money. It is so easy in the US to eat for US10 or less per day and not go hungry.

    • @ChrisCooling
      @ChrisCooling Před 9 lety +3

      1AmericanInAsia true; but its still FAR cheaper to buy groceries and prepare your own food.

    • @nasilamak2201
      @nasilamak2201 Před 9 lety

      Chris Cooling That's true Chris if you have the facilities, access to water, refrigeration, and the time to buy things fresh. Living in a van and eating healthy and cooking can become somewhat of a choir. I did it on a three day trip, and thought it was a nightmare. I realize that does not apply to everyone, so I recommend anything that provides more than just cup of noodles, etc. The whole thing about living in a van is trying to do it legally, healthy, and at low cost. Looking at this video, at least one of those things is missing don't you agree.

  • @CJPalmer
    @CJPalmer Před 9 lety +8

    Great first video and initial tour of the van! Really interesting and looking forward to more. Keep it up!

  • @Bookohms
    @Bookohms Před 8 lety +2

    Excellent ! A very detailed tour of real living... I did not notice it was 25" tour. Thanks!

  • @wmrustycox
    @wmrustycox Před 9 lety +1

    Thanx for posting....really great info. I am thinking about getting a camper van similar to yours in the future and your video provided me with lots of info and insight into the lifestyle.
    Thanx again !

  • @JulieAiken
    @JulieAiken Před 9 lety +6

    Very, very nice tour -- one of the best and most informative I've seen. Thanks! I'm hoping to get a van or Class B in about a month and a half and go full time, so this is extremely helpful!

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety +2

      Julie Aiken Thanks, Julie! I'm especially excited when I meet a female buying a van and/or Class B. Good luck on finding the right fit for you.... feel free to let me know if I can help in any way. Thanks for watching!

  • @gaius8077
    @gaius8077 Před 9 lety +5

    Can't wait until I can afford an Xplorer--it's like the holy grail of class B RVs (to me). It's just the right size.

  • @Fartdemon
    @Fartdemon Před 9 lety +4

    I love to see some more vids on your van life fine sir, I really liked the depth you go into!

  • @56Axis
    @56Axis Před 8 lety +1

    I lived in a 40 ft. Dodge explorer for 8 months and off and on again for a year..I loved it. Really nice way to live and travel. :) Good video. :) Brought back memories. :)

  • @desertbuzzard3531
    @desertbuzzard3531 Před 8 lety +24

    Great Video!!! I was homeless and forced to live in an $11,00.00 RV. I got a job and am now not homeless. But now I'm considering living in an RV or trailer permanently because I like the freedom over possessions. Vedeos like yours help others like me tremendously! Stay in the Word and Trust God! Good luck!

  • @sunnypumkin
    @sunnypumkin Před 9 lety +1

    Very Cool can't wait to see the improvements as they come! Love the Toilet Idea! Saw only one other Nomad have one!

  • @nncoco
    @nncoco Před 9 lety +8

    Smart to go compost toilet. I saw the RV's lined up at the free black water dump on the highway yesterday and thought, "I do not ever what do that."

  • @TheJeeMan
    @TheJeeMan Před 9 lety +4

    This has to be the most intelligent lifestyle I've ever seen! You can learn a lot about maintaining a house in small spaces!

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety +2

      Gordon Campbell Haha, thanks. You can also bang your head several times a day if you're taller than those small spaces. ;-)

  • @dannegeorge6442
    @dannegeorge6442 Před 9 lety +2

    Great video, and I subbed. Glad I rewatched and got to see and hear what I had missed. LOL!

  • @sgarcata
    @sgarcata Před 6 lety

    I'm really enjoying your videos. You do a great job. I've got a class B Dodge Sprinter, but have been way too slow getting up on it all. Starting to dig into it now and expect to hit the road in it this spring with a pooch or two. Your videos are helping me gain confidence. I had a larger RV before but it was way too cumbersome. However I've got to put more thought into what I take along as mine is a shorty and not much storage.

  • @joshuatravels2684
    @joshuatravels2684 Před 8 lety +5

    Very awesome tour dude. I'm also looking for something like this to live in :) it's like were Japanese living small lol. Keep safe good bless!

  • @AlexisFurtak
    @AlexisFurtak Před 9 lety +9

    Welcome to CZcams!!! :D That's too cool. And even if your videos are only two minutes long, post them! Your viewers will wanna watch anything you have. Keep it up!

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety +1

      Alexis Furtak Thanks Alexis!! ..and congrats on the graduation! :)

    • @AlexisFurtak
      @AlexisFurtak Před 9 lety +3

      That was Madisynne. Haha, I graduated last year. I just started college yesterday though. :)

  • @jasonchu3632
    @jasonchu3632 Před 9 lety

    What's up man, van is looking good. I'm actually looking for a late 90's Xplorer myself. Thanks for the upload. I've seen the tour of this van many times through Justin Credible, Happily Houseless, Xplorer Steve, etc, but I never get tired of watching van tours lol. Looking forward to more videos.
    -Cheers

  • @markjulius2006
    @markjulius2006 Před 9 lety +6

    Thanks for the video. Not bad for your first one. ☺ I know it can be tough posting a video about your personal life, so ignore any hateful comments. You can't please everyone. Keep up the good work and good luck with your projects. Thumbs up. 👍

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety +1

      Mark Julius Thanks, Mark! Lots of room to grow and lots of content to share... I'm glad folks like you take the time to send some encouragement. It means the world to me.

  • @baileemclachlan122
    @baileemclachlan122 Před 6 lety

    I really like the bed idea, very nice van!

  • @brandlylenard789
    @brandlylenard789 Před 8 lety

    Great video man , i really dig your channel and will be tunning in my man .

  • @jpeterson2150
    @jpeterson2150 Před 9 lety

    Don't let the trolls get you! So happy to see your video. Heard about you thru Justin Credible. Looking for more from you. Living in a 1988 Bounder and LOVE it!

  • @plutobeliever
    @plutobeliever Před 9 lety +2

    just discovered your channel...good vibes your way...

  • @ChristineBEACHCRICKETLowery

    Good First Video! I just subscribed. Keep the videos coming. I really like the van layout.

  • @vanoramarv4193
    @vanoramarv4193 Před 9 lety

    Thanks for the tour. Glad to see you kept the van stripes and paint. I think it looks good that way and won't be a deterant regarding stealth. T-Rex is keeping his stripes.

  • @karenharvey2549
    @karenharvey2549 Před 7 lety

    Nice first video. I like your van. Following.

  • @knoopsylvia
    @knoopsylvia Před 9 lety

    Enjoyed you video and I love long video's. Don't care wat cutie Justin says!
    Hope you have more then one shirt! And yes tell the boss, before problems arise.
    Looking to see more!

  • @unclearless
    @unclearless Před 9 lety +4

    Congrats on your first video! You seem cool, so I subbed. Man, I miss sleeping in the back of a van. I will be getting another. I love the way the bed in back looks like a fort we all made as kids, lol, I bet that is just too easy to snooze in! ~ Kevin

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety +4

      unclearless Thanks, Kevin. Yeah, I always feel like I'm in a treehouse back there - especially when it rains. Funny how certain things can take us back to those days as kids. :-)

  • @judithneeley5229
    @judithneeley5229 Před 9 lety +3

    I've got a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with the same engine, 5.9L. My mechanic loves my truck...so do I. When he changed the spark plugs, they were clean. Recently replaced the front brake pads, and there was no need to do the rotors, they were flat and practicly in new condition. I have replaced the radiator, and he had to jerry rig one of the connecting gizmos (sorry, I don't know the proper term). But other than being a gas guzzler, it's a great engine. I intend to get another travel trailer eventually, and a piece of land up north for the summer, and then head south in the winter.

  • @NomaddUK
    @NomaddUK Před 6 lety

    Nothing wrong with the sound. You speak at a good rate and are clear in your diction. The van is really cool and I will be watching the rest of your videos to see how you develop it. Well done. Great first vid and amazing that it was so accurate in just one take. I would suggest a gimble for your camera though.

  • @extrastops
    @extrastops Před 9 lety +1

    Just found your channel. Nice rig and grats on getting the videos uploaded.

  • @georgiamule
    @georgiamule Před 8 lety

    Great van, well presented. Thanks

  • @toddcouchman4344
    @toddcouchman4344 Před 9 lety

    Good job. Keep the videos coming.

  • @michaelsmith9308
    @michaelsmith9308 Před 5 lety

    Looking forward to a updated video simple kid:)

  • @1gettojoe435
    @1gettojoe435 Před 6 lety

    Great video, nice job

  • @pennyblea2705
    @pennyblea2705 Před 7 lety

    Love your van home, cool video. .

  • @curliefro
    @curliefro Před 9 lety

    Great set up! Definitely get a small couch to put against the window so you can accommodate guests. Another Rver uses a sham-wow cloth to dry the shower area after use

  • @dehyrkas
    @dehyrkas Před 9 lety

    Thanks for the tour! I'll we watching for more..... ; )

  • @tamonettX500
    @tamonettX500 Před 7 lety

    I love your van, I'm so jealous! :)

  • @dilbotmacguillacutty4849
    @dilbotmacguillacutty4849 Před 9 lety +4

    Thanks for this and congrats on your first vid. I've been checking regularly!
    I often find myself forgetting to record footage as I'm working away...
    Just a thought... I think you can run deep cycle batteries lower than regular starting batteries... not sure about the 50% tho...
    Looking forward to more!

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety +2

      ***** Thanks man! ..and that's good to know about the deep cycle batteries. I'm going to do more research before spending any serious money on a battery bank. This Costco deep cycle battery was $89 so I'm not too worried about it now, but I will definitely have to have a solid plan before dropping serious cash on a set of AGMs.

  • @Schimms
    @Schimms Před 5 lety

    Just subbed! Sound was perfect.

  • @TommyboyGTP
    @TommyboyGTP Před 7 lety

    Wow that's an awesome van. Subbed

  • @DaiOng
    @DaiOng Před 8 lety

    good job simple kid! were starting out ere in west coast soon hope to exchange info. with ya, thanks for sharing!

  • @donthompson9862
    @donthompson9862 Před 3 lety

    Dam that shower and composting toilet are awesome.I cant believe how much room you have

  • @mraratapa
    @mraratapa Před 8 lety +1

    Nice van. I need one like that.

  • @fortunateadventures3664

    Great video,I learned a lot from it.I'm searching for my lil house on wheels,kinda torn between the Explorer and a Chinook 🚙🐿

  • @lebon2002be
    @lebon2002be Před 9 lety +3

    Subscribed ! Cool !
    Cheers from Europe,
    Roger.

  • @au5sie
    @au5sie Před 9 lety +12

    Living in a VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!

  • @jeepfvr
    @jeepfvr Před 2 měsíci

    This is exactly what I'm looking for (the dedicated bed in back and dinette (removed) so i can have a small, lightweight recliner and opposite it for a short, 12" board attached to wall for use as an office desk or at which to eat. The two things still I would want is the style of van with the bed loft to use for storage and the second is 4x4. I know, that's asking a lot but they are out there. Oh well. I can dream. I said I'd never use a wetbath, but the fact that you can practically park these vans in a standard parking space means more than doing business in such a tiny area.

  • @yarvette2703
    @yarvette2703 Před 9 lety +2

    I'm tagging along with the YarrVee and I do have to say you got more counter space in your kitchen than we do in a Class A..hahaha...Before I meet the YarrVee I have wanted a Class B just like yours!

  • @TheRjjrjjr
    @TheRjjrjjr Před 9 lety +2

    Good job! I enjoyed your video but you didn't talk about your heat and air! I'll look forward to that. Keep 'em coming, I'll be watching!

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety +1

      TheRjjrjjr Thanks! Yeah, totally forgot the heat and air, which is kinda major! I'll cover that in an upcoming video - especially now that I'm using my a/c almost daily to make it through the crazy Hotlanta summer. :-)

  • @123Dixiedog
    @123Dixiedog Před 9 lety +2

    Cool van. Great video.

  • @Camperhollow
    @Camperhollow Před 9 lety +1

    That had to be quite a lot of money to have it shipped that far. I've heard good things about those motor homes though and I hope you have it for as long as you want it.

  • @paulsjunkcars
    @paulsjunkcars Před 9 lety

    Good job on the video. Looks like a lot of room for a van.

  • @vincepanico2223
    @vincepanico2223 Před 6 lety

    Great stuff brother 😊👍

  • @emmonstrex65
    @emmonstrex65 Před 5 lety

    Good job!

  • @karenolson5556
    @karenolson5556 Před 4 lety

    Your video was good! No problem with the sound or anything!

  • @3gmom408
    @3gmom408 Před 7 lety +2

    Very nice van. Neat and nice. However do u need to get rid of the waste like pouring them out once the waste tank is full ? I m referring to the composting toilet.

  • @wwvette
    @wwvette Před 7 lety

    Great Job! Audio Best Than Most! Look Forward To More Videos...

  • @ramongonzales4969
    @ramongonzales4969 Před 6 lety

    love your videos

  • @jeffthompson8663
    @jeffthompson8663 Před 9 lety

    to fix the table brainstorm table---- hinge the table top to the wall and make it a bit wider, but cut the length so when not using it you can take the support pole out and it will just fall down alongside the wall. when you use the table just reach down pull table up and attach the support pole.

  • @GoodasGuilty
    @GoodasGuilty Před 7 lety

    i like it.. Thank you for sharing.

  • @mreco7896
    @mreco7896 Před 5 lety

    I love your video, thank you.

  • @FoxyStealth
    @FoxyStealth Před 8 lety

    That was cool!

  • @johnson8danny
    @johnson8danny Před 9 lety

    cool good job on ur first video

  • @JeweLinHisHans
    @JeweLinHisHans Před 4 lety

    Install deep pull out drawers in the pantry. Get hardware that lets you pull them out all the way and make them deep enough to hold everything in.

  • @TheWoodensong
    @TheWoodensong Před 5 lety

    FYI - Re: Generator…low 'hours' is not good. They are designed to be used. The carburetor can get "shellacked" by additives in your fuel…this can clog the carb and it won't work. If nothing else, you should at least run your generator for an hour or so every month, just to prevent this from happening. I learned this the hard way back during my 14 years of RV living. I also used to be a Service Writer at two different Camping World Stores and did wholesale RV parts & accessories with StagParkway which is based in the Atlanta area…hope this helps! Also for what it's worth just remember, any and all changes you make to the layout, etc can dramatically impact your resale value down the line…all in all looks like you are off to a great start. Have a good day and enjoy your Class B RV adventure! - "Scooter" in East Texas!

  • @michaelturnage3432
    @michaelturnage3432 Před 9 lety +4

    One of the nicest vans I have seen. Really nice and well laid out. I can tell you are going to be a good YTer. You are so comfortable in front of the camera.

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety +1

      Michael Turnage Wow, thanks for that encouragement! I'm just starting out with learning how to shoot and edit videos but everyone's gotta start somewhere! :-)

  • @kim021159
    @kim021159 Před 6 lety +2

    I am seriously considering this lifestyle in a van or small rv. Thank you for your in depth tour. Less stuff more life is my mantra. I am wondering if I will save money if Im paying more for gas and paying for a storage unit? Will you suggest the best way to find a reliable used van or rv?

  • @hikerdude1000
    @hikerdude1000 Před 9 lety +1

    I love the idea of living "in a van down by the river " i took all my expenses and added them up and then looked at what a new to newish van would be per month and i would save like 60% per month I'm not sure if I could live like that but I love the idea . Good for you awesome. I would have to move somewhere else New England winters would freeze my bones at -30 deg winter nights so cool i will enetertain this idea in a big time way.

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety

      Michael Remillard Thanks, Michael! I did have a really tough time this past winter. Staying warm in the van wasn't a problem but I woke up a few different mornings with frozen pipes. I know of some vandwellers on CZcams who make it through winters like yours but they have to take extra measures like using special antifreeze in the water system.
      Keep on calculating, brainstorming, and dreaming. Something will eventually rise to the surface that will be perfect for your particular situation. :-)

  • @vasel208
    @vasel208 Před 7 lety

    Excellent!

  • @joegaragozzo1640
    @joegaragozzo1640 Před 6 lety

    Kidding aside...good luck kid✌🇨🇦

  • @georgepurdy6493
    @georgepurdy6493 Před 9 lety

    I take it you are in the Atlanta area. Go down to the I think it's the Sealy or Simmons plant on the south side of town and you can custom order a mattress to size for a few extra dollars. I think Denver Mattress will too as they made one for me at the "Denver" main plant on the east side of town years ago for my truck.

  • @CombatDoc54
    @CombatDoc54 Před 7 lety

    Great video. Love the full size crapper and shower combo and the "bedroom" for a class B Have you upgraded the solar ye?

  • @debthern
    @debthern Před 9 lety +2

    great first video.....in fact i thought it was so go I don't see why you would do anything different for any coming videos. I will enjoy watching you continue to personalize your space. I noticed a couple of trolls commenting.......PLEASE ignore them.....we all know they deserve none of your attention.....be safe, deb.....oh, best BR explanation and set up on utube.!!!

    • @asimplekid7387
      @asimplekid7387  Před 9 lety

      deb the RN Thank you for that incredible comment, Deb!!! How encouraging! :-)

  • @dickjohnson696969
    @dickjohnson696969 Před 9 lety +1

    Simple kid, I have a question for urban van dwellers, where do you get water from? where do you fill up your water tank at do gas stations have water? Thanks, cool videos too.

  • @Ethiomii
    @Ethiomii Před 9 lety

    20:36 those mustache hangers doe XD

  • @houselessnothomeless6685
    @houselessnothomeless6685 Před 7 lety +1

    Since you are no longer using your "black water" tank, would it be possible to tie that to the "gray water" tank to give you more capacity? Just wondered.....

  • @nightcoder2633
    @nightcoder2633 Před 6 lety

    this is my ideal van.

  • @lezbriddon
    @lezbriddon Před 9 lety +2

    wished i could have an explorer... nothing that size in the UK, everything is smaller or bigger, but i think those are the ideal size

  • @pac21989
    @pac21989 Před 8 lety

    i really love explorers.

  • @kadogshowtv7222
    @kadogshowtv7222 Před 9 lety +2

    Nice!

  • @hldye7442
    @hldye7442 Před 3 lety

    on the sink issue / maybe just use a basic plastic tub for soap washing and then the sink for rinsing ?

  • @wayne6004
    @wayne6004 Před 8 lety +1

    love the van,, I've been back n FOURTH between diff.. size vans/ small motor homes even buses,, do mind me asking how much you paid..

  • @norasteel5353
    @norasteel5353 Před 9 lety +2

    I should have wrote...I like your home!

  • @smilingbabs6752
    @smilingbabs6752 Před 9 lety

    Have you thought about removing your black water tank and replacing it with a secondary, new white water tank? This would give you more fresh water and longer time without hook ups. I'd be interested in your thoughts on this as I'm considering doing it myself.

  • @Mayas.Palace
    @Mayas.Palace Před 8 lety

    I just got a 91 xplorer. Looks pretty similar. Does the new fan and the main air conditioner run on the van battery? Or does the generator have to be on? Same with the all the outlets. Does the generator have to be to charge up things like phones and laptops? Please get back to me if you can mate. Cheers

  • @AngTheCanadianPilot
    @AngTheCanadianPilot Před 7 lety

    Can you tell me more about your toilet ? Great vid thank you .. Planning on purchasing a van- form lay had an RV

  • @SuperDusty111
    @SuperDusty111 Před 9 lety

    Cool video. Question: Can a 6 foot tall person stand straight up in that van in all areas? Thanks.

  • @scottjayson72
    @scottjayson72 Před 5 lety

    Retail Systems? My restaurant group uses Posi:) Nice video!

  • @BillandJennTraveling
    @BillandJennTraveling Před 3 měsíci

    Do you still have your van ? I've been noticing one exactly like yours that's been in our neighborhood for about the past 8 months parked on someone's property they are from out-of-state I was curious what it looked like inside and I found your video I appreciated it that you put this on youtube.
    If you had to do it all over again would you purchase the same van?
    Also do you still have this van? It looks like a keeper.

  • @ravholly
    @ravholly Před 9 lety +2

    Congrats dude, trying to get me an Xplorer, or Pleasure Way myself!

  • @loneranger2813
    @loneranger2813 Před 4 lety

    Good Job

  • @MrsJones-bf8cj
    @MrsJones-bf8cj Před 2 lety +1

    Is it necessary to use wheel chalks when storing your van?

  • @debracleary7390
    @debracleary7390 Před 4 lety

    Great video! Lots of details. Does the air conditioner work?

  • @superbmediacontentcreator

    I enjoyed your video although I don't want to fulltime (I'm old and a whimp) and have a couple of questions. Have you had any extra charges due to having the dually wheel configuration? Here in the NY Metro area they charge extra on all the roads, bridges, tunnels and so forth for duallies. Also can you do a video on how you edit and finish your videos?

  • @karenmessinger9609
    @karenmessinger9609 Před 6 lety

    I like having a bed in the back. Nice!!

  • @19Mariko57
    @19Mariko57 Před 9 lety +1

    Do you EVER have to do anything with the composted waste? Doesn't it build up after awhile?

  • @mmarczuk1976
    @mmarczuk1976 Před 8 lety

    is there a furnace in the van to keep warm during winter

  • @TheGbortnick
    @TheGbortnick Před 8 lety

    you said you might upgrade your generator , so what kind would you go to ?

  • @8digitPDX
    @8digitPDX Před 8 lety

    I like the idea on that toilet since I would rather not use the one in my Travco which uses the same dump tank as the shower and sink but in all honesty, I try to never use the on board toilet unless it is a dire emergency.