Van Life at 72: Solo Nomad's 12-Year Journey of Wisdom and Inspiration

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  • čas přidán 5. 05. 2023
  • Today we meet Norm who has been helping people and living on the road for 12 Years! This incredibly resourceful man and van tour is full of inspiration and fantastic ideas for your van build!
    Norm's Info:
    - Norm Flowers Media - / marketingresources2020
    - Nomadic Info - profile.php?...
    Amazon Links
    -Adjustable Lap top Table
    amzn.to/4268REn
    - Butane Single Burner Stove
    amzn.to/3nDQZ4r
    -Clamp-N-Carry Lockable Chair and Bike Rack on Ladder
    amzn.to/3pfSFS6
    -Shower Pump
    amzn.to/42u1tm0
    -Metal Frame Cot
    amzn.to/3nzlFny
    -Telescoping Tarp Pole
    amzn.to/3LYC5iN
    - Mini Heater Warming Stove Cover
    amzn.to/3pfMbCK
    - Alpicool 12 Volt Fridge
    amzn.to/3HHZGS5
    - 600 Watt portable power station
    amzn.to/3VINyWT
    - 12 Volt electric blanket
    amzn.to/42bKFjY
    Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
    Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
    Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel.
    My Amazon Store:
    www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvli...
    AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
    ~Power Stations
    amzn.to/3P4S3YV
    ~12V Batteries
    amzn.to/3R16srM
    ~Portable Solar Panels
    amzn.to/3PzhK5z
    ~Hard Solar Panels
    amzn.to/45EVXPi
    ~Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
    amzn.to/3L8Ix5W
    ~Air Conditioner Units
    amzn.to/3P5wAip
    ~Pop Up Tents
    amzn.to/3sNkFyc
    ______________________________________
    Website:
    cheaprvliving.com
    My Book- How to Live in a Car, Van or RV:
    amzn.to/3LDxDWW
    Need a Cool Hat, T-shirt, or Sticker:
    cheaprvlivingstore.creator-sp...
    My Amazon Store:
    www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvli...
    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Socials:
    • Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
    • Instagram: @CheapRVliving
    • TikTok: / cheaprvliving
    ______________________________________
    Thanks for watching!

Komentáře • 456

  • @serenityjewel
    @serenityjewel Před rokem +331

    He seems to be living the life he wants on his own terms. May we all be so lucky. ❤

    • @RM-lk1so
      @RM-lk1so Před rokem +9

      And you can be as well.

    • @AnotherAnotherJosh
      @AnotherAnotherJosh Před rokem +9

      ​@@RM-lk1so Unfortunately, not always. Some of us have dependents and are responsible adults who have to wait.

    • @cathythornton6332
      @cathythornton6332 Před rokem +6

      Yes! He is inspiring. As far as dependents in our lives: it would be wonderful if those (dependents) would be willing to, at least TRY, camping/nomadic life! Personally, I have a husband I have tried to inspire in this way for a long time!! In my experiences, growing up, it was terrific having parents who exposed us to nature. I know my comfort levels in different outdoor scenery, and I can "sense" when conditions "aren't right".

    • @Mike-zt1yg
      @Mike-zt1yg Před rokem

      ​@@AnotherAnotherJosh 😅

    • @sully9681
      @sully9681 Před rokem +2

      @@AnotherAnotherJosh TY Joshua, so so true! Beautiful and heart warming comment!

  • @eleanoraquitaine2966
    @eleanoraquitaine2966 Před rokem +235

    Norm is either an engineer or just a super smart person. This is overall one of the smartest most functional builds I've ever seen.

    • @mbd6054
      @mbd6054 Před rokem +8

      He's definitely a very clever, organised man, and very nice.

    • @Botoburst
      @Botoburst Před rokem +3

      An former engineer would have a more expensive rig, unless he's one of those millionaires who lives frugal as hell.

    • @sad754yt
      @sad754yt Před rokem +15

      He said he was a truck driver.

    • @juliec9
      @juliec9 Před rokem +3

      ​@@Botoburst $580. For the rig.... engineer or not only a fool would pass up a deal like that. The transmission cost more than $580.

    • @shiralleehaggart72
      @shiralleehaggart72 Před rokem +5

      Norm is the type of Gentleman that you could spend a good couple of hours having a chat with. He is an inspirational man and wish him all the best.

  • @shiningoutlight
    @shiningoutlight Před rokem +65

    I am 74, nomad-ing and I have a friend that is in his mid nineties, nomad-ing. ❤

  • @Soxandnicole
    @Soxandnicole Před rokem +104

    This is such a clever set up. You can tell this man has experience. I hope he keeps enjoying his freedom for many years.

  • @peaceloveandunderstanding
    @peaceloveandunderstanding Před rokem +104

    Norm seems like a genuinely nice guy and his setup is very functional. He reminds me a bit of Bob, with his desire to live his life on his own terms while also helping others to do the same. Great job, as always, Mr. Wells. You're truly an icon and a blessing to the nomad community. You're the Godfather of Gallivanting!

    • @flyinhawaiian7226
      @flyinhawaiian7226 Před rokem +8

      Norm,
      Is pretty well known through out the desert.

    • @SmoochieMcgoo
      @SmoochieMcgoo Před rokem +7

      I met Norm in Cobbtown Acres in Georgia. He is as nice as he seems. Truly a gentleman.

  • @jodiey4005
    @jodiey4005 Před rokem +176

    One of my favorite videos. If only there were more people in this world like Bob and Norm.

    • @mrbr549
      @mrbr549 Před rokem +9

      There are. They're called Baby Boomers. Some of the nicest, smartest people I have met. Thank goodness so many of them are still with us.

    • @mbd6054
      @mbd6054 Před rokem +8

      Very true. It would be a much better world if there were.

    • @cheflifevanlife
      @cheflifevanlife Před rokem +4

      True, true.

    • @ronmoore3987
      @ronmoore3987 Před rokem +4

      Definitely in the top 3 of Bob's van vids with other van folks. Thank you Bob Wells and Norm you're a super human being!

  • @pylonconstructor1833
    @pylonconstructor1833 Před rokem +61

    I'm coming up 52 in van life and if I'm still doing it at this fine gentleman's age I will die a very happy man. Being a nomad in a van is not an alternative life, it's the only Life!

  • @cheeto.1
    @cheeto.1 Před rokem +66

    I wanna be like Norm when I grow up

    • @DustyRoads
      @DustyRoads Před rokem +5

      Ah but I refuse to grow up, would spoil all the fun 😂

    • @Fulltimervgal
      @Fulltimervgal Před rokem +2

      Me too, love you Norm and see you next season at The lit cactus ❤ 😂✌️

    • @paulformaioni37
      @paulformaioni37 Před rokem

      @@DustyRoads cool van, love your attitude

  • @uwdawn11
    @uwdawn11 Před rokem +56

    This is right here is called contentment. Building a simplistic, happy life. Doesn't need fancy, just resourceful items. Must be a vet since the flag was blowing in the wind and he had an army sticker on his van. Thank you for your service and thank you for continuing to help others. This is one heck of a gentleman. Love the build out too.

  • @BarbellFinancial
    @BarbellFinancial Před rokem +26

    Norm sees like a real one.

  • @spaceforthesoul6286
    @spaceforthesoul6286 Před rokem +18

    He shows were he stores his adminstration and battery chargers and cabels. No instagram fakeness. A nomad shuttle 😊

  • @parkpllc
    @parkpllc Před rokem +46

    I feel happy just listing to you guys talking about helping others. Thanks!

  • @foxslayer321
    @foxslayer321 Před rokem +24

    This man will never be homeless he is brilliant ❤❤😊

  • @maddygvanlifer435
    @maddygvanlifer435 Před rokem +35

    Norm is such a loveable guy. He is so humble and seems content and happy to serve others. Great interview Bob. Thanks.

  • @clairebourassa5943
    @clairebourassa5943 Před rokem +45

    Norm, you have a great setup! You are a genuine kind man and I wish you many more happy years doing the van life !

  • @dtm7909
    @dtm7909 Před rokem +22

    Living his life how he wants . Much respect .
    Many people his age have given up, but he’s still free to live where he chooses .

  • @JoyfulHope115
    @JoyfulHope115 Před rokem +10

    NORM! I started poking around after seeing this video because something about you seemed very familiar. I finally found what I was looking for. On November nineteen or twenty in 2021 you posted something that was very encouraging to me and I thanked you for it in the comments. You replied, "hang around us very long and we'll convince you to believe in yourself again." I believed you so much that I wrote it down!! Nice to bump into you again in the most coincidental way! 😊

    • @DustyRoads
      @DustyRoads Před rokem +1

      It's a small world after all 😃 Glad my post was beneficial and inspiring for you.

  • @davidpepin6443
    @davidpepin6443 Před rokem +12

    Cover up that back tire bud. That southwestern sun will dry rot it out terribly. Love the set up. Im driving a 97 e1500 van i built myself!

  • @jennalovecraftreeves9679
    @jennalovecraftreeves9679 Před rokem +17

    100%%% inspired!

  • @billboaldin
    @billboaldin Před rokem +8

    Norm is a smart man and good friend.

  • @mrs.onyango6504
    @mrs.onyango6504 Před rokem +5

    Very nice adaptable guy.

  • @Loud2013
    @Loud2013 Před rokem +42

    This is one of the best rigs I've seen, so many smart choices! So compact and organized. Blessings to you Norm 🙏🏾❤️

  • @bobrbrt
    @bobrbrt Před rokem +8

    A real treasure is this man! Thanks

  • @Vanrchy
    @Vanrchy Před rokem +18

    Norms an inspiration, don’t need to be fancy to be practical and functional. Thanks for the fold down desk idea! Safe travels! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

  • @roberthanna4882
    @roberthanna4882 Před rokem +25

    Outstanding setup Norm. Great video Bob.

  • @Lori32MK
    @Lori32MK Před rokem +8

    How down to earth and kind gentleman 😊

  • @tracybland2649
    @tracybland2649 Před rokem +12

    Neat set up sir.

  • @clevejason
    @clevejason Před rokem +7

    This guy is a genius talk about maximizing

  • @darkwhitedirewolf
    @darkwhitedirewolf Před rokem +5

    voice of experience

  • @livilou6165
    @livilou6165 Před rokem +5

    Nice Fellow!

  • @laurae6658
    @laurae6658 Před rokem +2

    NORM IS ADORABLE ALSO HE HELPS PEOPLE A WONDERFUL PERSON❤

  • @travisguide4516
    @travisguide4516 Před rokem +16

    Awesome man very inspiring

  • @paulbauswellsr3296
    @paulbauswellsr3296 Před rokem +18

    Out of all the builds I have seen and studied over the past couple of years, this, without a doubt, is maybe the best I have seen yet. If not, it is definitely in the top 3. I am 65 years old and trying to do this hopefully within a year. What a pleasant gentleman and a inspiring man. Thank you, sir, for your build. Happy trails and enjoy life. You deserve all the best, my friend.

  • @anneandrew3298
    @anneandrew3298 Před rokem +8

    This is a great setup

  • @AdirondackBroker
    @AdirondackBroker Před rokem +7

    Thanks for the ladder clamp idea!!! Ordering now! Thanks Norm!

  • @misshelloareyouthere
    @misshelloareyouthere Před rokem +12

    INSPIRATION! Any Childfree homeFREE nomad over 70 is an inspiration. Nomad over 70 have kids and grandkids to fall back on but homeFREE Childfree nomad over 70, there are really solo solo in life

  • @spaceforthesoul6286
    @spaceforthesoul6286 Před rokem +6

    Great guy.

  • @johnbecay6887
    @johnbecay6887 Před rokem +4

    Norm is an articulate, handy, interesting, altruistic individual

  • @ninotcprimavera1702
    @ninotcprimavera1702 Před rokem +4

    I R 72 also... just about to live in a van for the third time.
    First was in 1968 (2 yes)...then1980 (2yrs).
    This will be the last time...I love life...got to live it!!!

  • @ramontoro
    @ramontoro Před rokem +25

    Hello everybody from Puerto Rico, all the information that Bob brings to us it’s completely educational, motivational and interesting, it helps a lot if us to continue our journey on the road, thanks Bob ,

  • @rebelgirl7289
    @rebelgirl7289 Před rokem +16

    Wow, what an interesting man. He has thought of everything and even helps others. The nomad community sure needs people like him with a wealth of information. Happy travels, Norm. Thank you, Bob, for this great video.

  • @marcbee1234
    @marcbee1234 Před rokem +8

    This is the first time I've seen Bob forget to ask how he goes to the bathroom! This guy's build is amazing!

    • @kjkayjay
      @kjkayjay Před rokem +2

      He mentions it at 3:57

    • @DustyRoads
      @DustyRoads Před rokem +2

      Ye Olde 5gal bucket with toilet seat lid. 🙂

    • @rustyholt6619
      @rustyholt6619 Před rokem +1

      he mentioned a bucket on the front floor , looked like a seat shape

  • @jimmyrants4342
    @jimmyrants4342 Před rokem +10

    What a great set up Norm has. I am very impressed. Thanks Bob.

  • @cchoi108
    @cchoi108 Před rokem +3

    Swing out kitchen on the van door is genius.

  • @bernfran1313
    @bernfran1313 Před rokem +6

    Thanks. A practical simplistic set up.

  • @greentea7037
    @greentea7037 Před rokem +6

    Rarely comment about the RV Nomads but Norm is Spot On!!! Had to comment
    Norm Knows- lightweight, multi-functional. Good Job Norm. His head and heart are in the right place.

  • @janetkoball44
    @janetkoball44 Před rokem +13

    Norm is a real nomad. No frills type of man and that's great. This inspired me to get off my duff and get some more done on my build no matter that I'm not good at working on things that I do not know much about. A great guy that wants to help others. Thanks Bob for this video.

  • @cotter9751
    @cotter9751 Před rokem +12

    Many clever ideas for the nomad life. Thanks for introducing us to Norm and his rig.

  • @ToriLynnH
    @ToriLynnH Před rokem +7

    That's really useful!

  • @SuperJimid
    @SuperJimid Před rokem +4

    What a Great price for a nice man. Gives me hope when i upgrade to a Transit Van. Thamks Norm.😊

  • @nunyabhissness8481
    @nunyabhissness8481 Před rokem +6

    I want to start a van life just to meet people like Norm.

  • @Tricksofatrade
    @Tricksofatrade Před rokem +7

    This man has it all figured out I am so jealous! helping others!We need so many more !!

  • @starswonderland6928
    @starswonderland6928 Před 9 měsíci +2

    A nomad shuttle? Norm you are a GEM and light in this world! Protect this man at all costs

  • @Lisa-ud6qz
    @Lisa-ud6qz Před rokem +4

    I like norm what a sweet man and a great van build nice love his cabinet white one pretty thanks for sharing ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @davidmcfatridge
    @davidmcfatridge Před rokem +4

    Nomad Fengshui = living in balance, let the space tell you what to build

  • @brianjones7521
    @brianjones7521 Před rokem +4

    I am bookmarking this video to use as my Van Build Reference. Thank You for sharing your Hard Earned Wisdom Norm Flowers.

  • @dianemurillo6017
    @dianemurillo6017 Před rokem +5

    best ive seen

  • @AnnieGill7
    @AnnieGill7 Před rokem +6

    Nice set up!!! Well thought out, it does just what he wants/needs. Great job! This man is content, that’s a gift‼️

  • @ronachadwick7908
    @ronachadwick7908 Před rokem +6

    Gt vid and well designed layout. Thankyou norm.

  • @OverlandOne
    @OverlandOne Před rokem +11

    Lots of great ideas in this build. I like it as it is very functional for Norm and he seems very comfortable in it. What a great fellow. I wish him many years and many miles of safe travels.

  • @bucky1996
    @bucky1996 Před rokem +7

    Never underestimate the ingenuity of people! A very nice van build tailored to the needs. Well done sir! Thank you Bob for sharing.

  • @uncontrolledspeech1858
    @uncontrolledspeech1858 Před rokem +6

    Excellent van set up.

  • @clarkleakins879
    @clarkleakins879 Před rokem +4

    Those short file cabinets are great sturdy light weight storage.

  • @gratefulgram
    @gratefulgram Před rokem +6

    He did his van very well. What a wonderful soul. Bob have you ever met a not so nice nomad? It seems that they are just happy, wonderful and interesting people. Much love and many blessings

  • @saturninc3786
    @saturninc3786 Před rokem +15

    What an amazing and brave man, to manage his life this well and be happy. I have tremendous respect for someone on this age to master a Nomad life so well as he obviously does. Very friendly kind man too. Thanks so much for sharing Norm and Bob - kind regards to you both.

  • @gailbutler483
    @gailbutler483 Před rokem +9

    Very clever and thoughtful build. Simple and serviceable. Love the philosophy of helping and serving!

  • @HolySpiritWantsYou
    @HolySpiritWantsYou Před rokem +6

    Oh what a wonderful Gentlemen .. Love the cabinet on the door ❤
    Blessed travels Norm !!!

  • @cdespey
    @cdespey Před rokem +14

    Wow! What a great setup Norm. You’ve created a fantastic home, and so organized. Really, I can’t think of another diy build that works so well.😊

  • @josephmurolo5656
    @josephmurolo5656 Před rokem +8

    Awesome video, great information. This nomad really has it figured out! Thank you for sharing!

  • @lyndasmith593
    @lyndasmith593 Před rokem +7

    Is it this is really amazing Norm. You've obviously thought this through every single aspect of it is incredible how you've found the space and the equipment to build it out just the way you need it without any extras and without the extra weight. Very impressive. Stay safe

  • @eleanorcramer7986
    @eleanorcramer7986 Před 11 měsíci +1

    His modest yet generous spirit is refreshing. What a special resource. Thanks for Normalizing the nomad choices and sharing all info to support this community.

  • @louisepotier2784
    @louisepotier2784 Před rokem +4

    I love it - very functional and simple. There's nothing fancy and in this case - there's nothing that is not useful in this van. I Think many vanlifers would like to be so clutterless! The wires over the top grid 🙂 The telescopic pole 🙂 Have a great day! 🙂

  • @curliefro
    @curliefro Před rokem +10

    What an inspiration this gentleman is for living one's best life ❤

  • @jocelynvincent3609
    @jocelynvincent3609 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Norm sounds like a man living his dream, he is also a very happy man. Bless you sir!, take good care of yourself! ❤

  • @wrylife57
    @wrylife57 Před rokem +12

    I love this video! An efficient build with so many great ideas. I've been looking for a simple way to keep my barn doors open and now I have a visual of what to look for, even though it is not linked in the description.
    Norm is an amazing human being, resourceful and compassionate. 💗

  • @andrewmeitner4818
    @andrewmeitner4818 Před rokem +7

    I love what Norm does to help people ❤

  • @micheleapplegate3473
    @micheleapplegate3473 Před rokem +3

    He sounds like a very intelligent interesting man. He reminds me of my husband who is also a retired truck driver and Jack of all trades. I think he is awesome!!

  • @michellesmith8912
    @michellesmith8912 Před rokem +3

    I give this gentleman a 10/10. His set up is great. Thanks Bob.

  • @GypsySoul2023
    @GypsySoul2023 Před rokem +8

    Such a practical living space. Great ideas! Thanks for a great walk through and all the best for your service operations. Love the expandable pole for shower privacy!

  • @mhayes6864
    @mhayes6864 Před rokem +3

    What a lively man! May God bless him n keep him safe!

  • @mair815
    @mair815 Před rokem +3

    Norm! So glad to "meet" you. I've seen your name and finally have a face for the name. I love your build. I have been inundated lately with all the fancy builds and was getting discouraged. Your van has inspired me to get a move on! Hope to meet you one day as well as the rest of the nomadic community.

  • @timgoodsell4053
    @timgoodsell4053 Před rokem +5

    Wow, what a great guy, very clever, good hearted. Bob didn’t have to work very hard on this one. Norm’s a talker!

    • @lynnkosmakos2191
      @lynnkosmakos2191 Před 11 měsíci

      Sharing useful information is what Norm's all about.

  • @TheMillicentgray
    @TheMillicentgray Před rokem +5

    Absolutely love your van and your outlook and attitude Norm. You are a very thoughtful and intelligent man. Thank you for sharing your home! Hope to have the chance to sign your board one day. Take care in your travels.

  • @morrisshepherd1637
    @morrisshepherd1637 Před rokem +1

    Excellent Norm’s shuttle! Can be such a blessing when needed by others. Thanks Bob and Norm.

  • @NelCooper
    @NelCooper Před rokem +3

    Great guy and van tour! Thanks!

  • @findingtruth2717
    @findingtruth2717 Před rokem +2

    Norm your a great guy always helping others. I'm so glad I met you !!

  • @FidoHouse
    @FidoHouse Před rokem +4

    Impressive! Especially like the swing-out kitchen leaving wide opening and the usefulness of the hooked bar.

  • @stormdavies250
    @stormdavies250 Před rokem +3

    Nicely organized!

  • @brianleonard6885
    @brianleonard6885 Před rokem +3

    Great stuff right here 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Norm, you're very awesome. Keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you do.

  • @CihaPet
    @CihaPet Před rokem +6

    all those years of OTR have given him a serious "one up" on doing what he does today. Nothing fancy, everything functional, and empowering himself to do what he loves to do.

  • @suzmaca650
    @suzmaca650 Před rokem +3

    Wow! He’s really made a comfortable home out of that van

  • @Out_GalliVANtin
    @Out_GalliVANtin Před rokem +3

    I love this! I hope I get to meet him on the road somewhere.

  • @aaaa-pe1zi
    @aaaa-pe1zi Před rokem +4

    Amazing setup 👌

  • @teresaforsyth6185
    @teresaforsyth6185 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Nice to see a guy successfully living well!

  • @barbarajoyhuhtala3495
    @barbarajoyhuhtala3495 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Absolutely Astounding use of space! This is THE Swiss Army Van to beat all others who name themselves as such.

  • @nullhill6486
    @nullhill6486 Před rokem +3

    Nothing fancy wonderfully practical. The best life.

  • @browneagle2393
    @browneagle2393 Před rokem +3

    Quite a few excellent ideas. I like his storage bin in place of his passenger seat....and the bar for the window. Thank you both!

    • @cheflifevanlife
      @cheflifevanlife Před rokem

      Yeah, he really does. I might incorporate a few into my minivan camper.

  • @bonniemullen4990
    @bonniemullen4990 Před rokem +1

    Norn is such a nice guy, and is very helpful 😊

  • @ThePossumone
    @ThePossumone Před 11 měsíci +1

    I personally love these shows
    And
    I know not everyone could live like this but it looks like a wonderful alternative to tents or homeless

  • @sweet_iris
    @sweet_iris Před rokem

    out of all the videos of vehicle living I've seen he's the first to call attention to a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Good man.