HOW WE LIVE IN A MINIVAN | Vanlife with Dogs
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
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We're Joel and Emma, converting our 2006 Blue Bird All American school bus to live in with our two dogs, Samantha and Colt. Follow along as we turn this bus into our perfect Cozy Living Machine! #LennyTheBus
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And, here I was concerned about fitting as a solo female camper with a dog. Thanks for this tour!
Glad you enjoyed the video! Hopefully it helps break that fear in a lot of women! ❤️
Solo female living in a trailblazer with a black lab & a husky/shep/demon.. they get the futon in the back, I'm in the front seat..love it!!
@@margaretkolesar104 I love it!
Have to add , haven't had a cold or flu in the time we've lived in the truck (knock on wood..😉)..peggy, Sammy & Jinx
Just for space I put a ton of my winter coats hats gloves, long Johns, mittens, down vest, in a pillow sham and use it as my extra pillow.
That’s a great idea!!
Ditto on the hand sanitizer and gum, LOL. Every time I grab the gas pump handle, I think about all the people that touched it in the last hour…. Nice setup and thanks for the mention!
That’s so true! Every time I touch a pump! I think I had read a part in your blog about how using hand sanitizer really changed how often you got sick during conventions. It didn’t click with me until I read that how little we’ve gotten sick since throwing sanitizer in the cup holder! Emma is back teaching elementary kids on-site again, so that’s bound to change, but every classroom has it outside, much like a hospital. Time will tell. 😬
you guy's are too cool , family of four living in a minivan and enjoying each square inch of it......have a great journey !
Thank you!! Will do. 😊
Two years later and your video still helpful. I will be traveling solo with German Shepard and Cat..if yall can do it - we can! Smooth sailing.
Glad it was helpful! Happy travels!!
Great setup.i can't believe you fit 2 people and 2 dogs! I feel cramped in my minivan just by myself.
Thanks! And it was surprisingly not a big adjustment for us. We had a Scamp previously and spent some time living in our Jeep as well, so having a dedicated bed felt nice! I can imagine for most folks, this would be a huge adjustment. 😂
Thanks for watching!
@@CozyLivingMachine That's probably it. I just moved out of my sticks and bricks in October. I'm still getting used to the vanlife.
@@woodsworldnomad4785 we watched one of your videos down in Quartzite, we’ll be watching more! Looks like you’re getting the hang of living tiny. Subscribed. 🤘
@@CozyLivingMachine Thanks so much. Appreciate the support. I'm loving it here in Arizona. ❤
@@woodsworldnomad4785 Of course! And we only spent a day there this year. Can't wait to go back!!
:) THANKS for sharing! LOVE MinVans! :) WELL DONE!
You went way back in the videos here!!
Nice Video. As a seasoned Odyssey owner and fan of that particular generation (I currently own/ have collected several). One of them I bought new in 2006 and currently has 335,000 miles and counting.
I do have to say it made me cringe when you called it an LX. The LX was the base model and what you have is the EXL. (There was LX/EX/EXL/Touring)
Here's a tip you might find convenient when sleeping......the windows can be lowered by the remote if it gets hot inside. Double click the unlock button and hold it down on the second press.
Good Luck with it!
I had no idea! I had to check our registration just before this and clearly it was titled wrong! 😂 that makes sense though!! Thanks! 335k miles is nothing to scoff at, that’s awesome. And I would not have known that window trick, thanks!! Funny they built that in. 😎
I’d live in that!! Great video!
I am looking for one to travel in, I will be living a good 8 months in whatever I find, right now I am using my truck for traveling and I live part-time with my daughter and her family, this was awesome, thank you, new friend here
Congrats!! I'm so glad you're taking the steps to live the life you want and you deserve ❤ We happened to find ours at a local dealership in Seattle based on an OfferUp ad, but there are great deals to be had on these vans! And I love the Hondas, because with very little maintenance they run forever!! Check out Odyssey Camper as well for some great ideas as well. He just did an updated tour of his build out and how he even has a shower for his van! Very smart man. czcams.com/video/Ke0ur89Oo5Y/video.html
A big maintenance deal on the Odyssey is the timing belt job at around 100 and 200,000 miles & it will cost around $1000. It's coming up for me soon. Mine is a no-build build as well & within a half hour I can have it back to being an empty van (I have no seats in the back). In the well where the back seat was stored a heavy duty 30 gallon tote exactly fits and another can stack on top of it & there's still room to see out the back window. I have a system where I use pvc hoops as curtain rods behind the front seats & in front of the totes to completely keep the living space dark. Reflectix covers never worked well for me so I just devised a long, skinny curtain rod that goes from the back all the way across the side windows on the driver and passenger doors. When my blackout curtains are up, you can't see any light from the inside on the outside.
You have 2 dogs, but I have 2 cats and I don't know how I would ever travel with them as much as they hate riding in a car plus they are masters of escape. Let's face it, what do most pets have to do all day other than devise a plan of escape when the opportunity presents itself.
Were I ever forced by circumstances to live in my van it would mean a disaster had happened where I could no longer live in my humble home of 30 years, the place where my daughter grew up, a place full of memories. Even now it brings tears to my eyes when I think about the day that will come when I must leave it.
I have a 2004 Odyssey that I have set up to live in if an emergency arrived but I would never choose to do it. For cold Wisconsin winters I have come up with an interior design that makes it a warm winter tent rather than the pseudo house room design that so many choose. But it's my plan B for just in case as well as avoiding motel room fees. Oh, and I just reached 200,000 miles, the first time on any vehicle.
Weather tech for those window covers. They fit them all and ready out of the box so windows. Fyi😎
Good tip! We may be out of our van and on to our new motorhome within just at few weeks, but otherwise we might have done that!
I love mini van. Cheaper on gas maintenance taxes and food in garage. I engineered all 4 of us can sleep in it Comfy. Details coming on motorhomrning?
@@hauk3839 absolutely! That’s what got us into it as well. Live doesn’t have to be so dang expensive! I just posted a new video yesterday evening, that may be of interest to you!
Nice couple! Saw the dogs in the thumbnail and they're beautiful ❤️
Thank you. 🥰
Nice I plan on doing the same thing with the same model van👍
That’s awesome! It’s been great for us. A few improvements we’d make (small kitchen, fans in roof, small heater, solar) but it’s been otherwise awesome!!
@@CozyLivingMachine excellent. Probably save a lot of money too 😉. I can't wait to convert mine 👍 thx for the info. Happy holidays 🎆🎆🎆
I did OMAD, and I cooked my meal at City Parks.
I have the reflectix/felt covers on my Odyssey windows.
Good for u. U know how to make it and. Ya now u feel better. I wanted to try that go to Sanibel. Island. Bike ride around island.
I don’t know if they make them for all models, but I have a 12V charger for my MacBook Air. It uses a lot less battery.
I didn’t even think of that. Good point!! Less wasted energy in the inverting process!
I would love to see more so I will sub and I would love to be out there kinda homeless and alone, adventure for the rest of my year's sounds vantastic! Happy trail's from Texas y'all 💜
Life is far too short not to do what you desire. Thanks for following!! 🥰
From 11/21-8/22, I lived in my Jeep for 9 months traveling from FL to CA.
My family and friends found out and pressured me into getting an apt. Well, I don't want to keep paying $15K/year for rent. So I'm wanting to find a Box Truck or Cargo Van with no windows to travel 100% Stealth.
But I have a cat, but I'm not sure how to create a CATIO to keep her cool in the summers, while I'm away for 1 or 2 hours.
If I get a Box Truck, I will be able to hide an A/C unit above the cab with a Wind Deflector like the 18 wheelers have, then I can create a craw space there.
But if I get a Cargo Van, I was thinking of creating a small opening in the floor that leads down into a cage, so that she is Covered, Hidden, Protected, and has a 4way Cross Breeze.
Thanks for sharing! This is awesome.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊 Merry Christmas!!
I had never really thought of the point you made about ... b/c you live in a minivan, you leave it more often rather than hanging out in it, which gets you to the gym and other neat places. Do you snack in your vehicle to replace the two meals you're skipping (I'd do that too)?
Interestingly, during the week, we tend to snack much less because we’re working. Sometimes I’ll take a break and grab a snack for Emma and I and drive it to her, then find a place to finish my work day, then we will go ahead and find “real food” after work! But with limited space, it keeps me from wanting clutter and snacks as often. 😂
Hi! This is really awesome, thanks for sharing. Wondering how you keep the van cool for the doggos when away from them for many hours?
I have the same exact van 2008 Honda Odyssey XL and I love it. Where do yall keep your food?
We tend to keep snacks and such up front. Because it’s a rig we only intended to keep for a few months, we don’t have a fridge or anything. If we were to stay in it much longer, we’d have a 12V fridge in between the front seats!
And it’s such a good little van!!
Have you tried a UCO lantern to deal with the humidity? Is is simple, cheap and effective!
I haven’t, but we’ll have to check that out! Thanks!!
Excellent video. Love the 2 companions as well. Great thinking. Can you advise what Nation Wide Gym Membership would be the best to purchase? Like your ideas of showering opportunities as well as keeping health and fit. Good luck
We really like Planet Fitness, but Anytime Fitness may be a good one as well! Whichever has more locations where you are most likely to frequent! And thanks!
I run your fridge off of a Jackery 500.
I’ve heard good things about those!
Gum. Dogs. Xylitol. Please be very careful. It only takes a tiny amount.
Do you happen to have the name of bed setup from IKEA? Mattress and frame please. Thank you!
top should be raised for best utility
I cannot agree more! 😂
Ive been considering doing this with my dog..what do you do with ur dogs when ur working?
Emma works on site and I (Joel) work remotely. When I leave for a few hours at a coffee shop, they are generally pretty good in the cold. In the heat, I just find places that they can sit with me in the cool. Depending on the hotter temps, I wouldn't want to leave them in there for any period of time really. They have nice thick coats which aren't so helpful in the summers 😋
@@CozyLivingMachine Do you worry about theft? I have two dogs and would be devastated if they got stolen. I bought a van but have not traveled yet. I hope to be able to do certain things without them but if I have to worry the entire time..... Ugh.
@@daughterofthemosthigh3366 I haven’t thought of it once. In fact, they are a deterrent to theft! People are quite afraid of Colt upon first sight and Samantha barks as though she’s a much more angry dog! A beware of dog sign might be helpful though, in your circumstance!
Where/ how do you exercise them? Without leashes
Hey super no build rig! I have a quick question: how do you get enough energy to power your macbook for a full workday? Do you have to drive around a lot for that? How does that work. (I want to work from a minivan too, though not full-time and I am worried I wouldn't be able to keep my macbook topped up if I am not driving all the time)
Your pups are so adorable!
Hi, thanks!! At the time, we would charge the van batteries from the alternator and run the engine for a few minutes every hour while working, or go to a coffee shop. 200W of solar and a separate battery would likely have been much more efficient. 😊 and thanks, these guys know they’re cute and like to use it against us. Hahaha
@@CozyLivingMachine Good to know! I am trying to figure out so many little things (which are not so little when it's about also working on the road) Thanks for the info 🌻
Als: My dog knows I am the weakest link in our family hahaha. How can one resist!?!?!
@@lynnemarie7885 slowly but surely, I’m sure you’ll work through the pain points! Feel free to ask anything. Happy to help! And no joke. 😂😂
Roll that baby to florida,,80-degrees and sunny in key west
We LOVE Key West!! 😍
How tricky is staying stealthy in Seattle? I'm in a Dodge grand caravan and fit it fine so far and id love to try Seattle next.
So everyone may have differing opinions on this, but here's mine: It's not tricky at all! In that van, we found a quiet area out of the way, stayed the night and then hung out at a park, coffee shop, etc for the day and then found another spot for the evening. I would suggest good window covers, of course, washing your van when the dirt starts to build up, but honestly, there's so many people out here and cars, and everyone is sort of in their own world, it really is easy. I would also suggest only staying in neighborhoods without graffiti and nonsense. If there's a Tesla, Porsche or a lot of Subarus in the area, you're probably okay 😂 We are always conscious of the area and it has certainly helped us avoid car prowls and all that.
If you have specific questions once you're here, I'm happy to help!! I think you'll enjoy your visit, especially if it's between mid-late spring and summer!
@@CozyLivingMachine Thanks so much! Yes van is 2018 always pretty clean and Weathertech window coverings at night. Do you have any experience ferrying your van over to Friday Harbour or Orcas??
@@LisaBeatsCancer oh that’s perfect! Sounds like a simple and effective setup. Never been over to Orcas or all that, though I do know that the ferry is a bit of money so if you can hang out over there for a few days, that will help! We stay in Anacortes (where you catch the ferry to go over) quite often and LOVE that area! It’s so beautiful!!
Hey did you ever end up going to seattle?
@Grant Brayley-Lestarpé unfortunately no. Currently battling breast cancer so it all got put on hold.
How you guys do it?
My husband and I are living in our mini van with only one dog
N is a little crazy
It was crazy, but we managed!! We spent a lot of time not in the van- taking the dogs for walks, going to the park and things like that. Everything had a home in the van so we could access easily. We only had what we needed. It really was all about the mindset of it!! We enjoyed it while we did it!
What do yall do for work? I am going to have to do this soon due to my position!
IT System Admin and Elementary Special Education Teacher!
It’s fun until you really get sick😟
I take it that happened to you? And yep. We found out the hard way that having COVID in a minivan during the summer was not going to work for us. For that week, we went and got a hotel, only because it was far too hot in the van! Otherwise, it might have been fine. Having unlimited access to a shower and bathroom was nice too! 😂
What would u do with dogs if u had to leave them in van for a little?
What if it's hot or cold?
That's a great question! For Colt, you can see the dogs have very heavy coats and we have never once been concerned about this (down to about 20 degrees). But we're in Washington, so that is rarely an issue. Heat is certainly more of an issue. In the past what we will do is leave the sunroof open, all windows cracked, and the USB fans on. We don't go out for very long (less than one hour at a time) and they always have water. I work from home, and in the summers Emma is on break from work. This has worked out quite well! When we were in Nashville, Samantha was just retiring as a Service Animal, and would accompany me at work. That's the hottest place we've been, and the timing worked out well there. By the time I got Colt to train as her replacement (which thankfully has no longer been needed), the weather had turned and we were soon in winter! In an RV, this is much less of a concern for us, so long as they always have water and full fan(s) blasting!
@@CozyLivingMachine thx so much I'm looking to do vanlife and I have a Chihuahua am going to get him a friend if I do my worries is I'm single and what to do with them if I have to work. Hopefully I can door dash or something lol
@@katymakropoulos2226 Absolutely. I would look into window tint (if you're on a budget, this is even something you can do yourself!), and install at least one Maxxair fans with the cover built in to keep that hot air moving! That should help significantly, I'd bet! Our van wasn't modified at all, but if we were to be living in it long term, we'd absolutely do that! There are also cooling mats that they can lay on to lower their temps as needed. I'd have no concerns with the cold as well, that's what little blankets are for! :)
I think this is great, but wondering who takes care of the dogs if both are at work? I have two dogs, and wanted to try to lifestyle, but worried about the dogs in the. vehicle all day.
That's a great question! I (Joel) work fully remote, so the longest I'm away is a few hours at a coffee shop or the like! This would certainly be a concern in many climates, but in the Pacific Northwest, other than for a few months in the summer, this has never been a concern for us! We would certainly have to find an alternative if we were somewhere like Nashville and both worked on site! In that case, having an RV had been a huge help because of the options for airflow. Also, being able to hook up, have AC and a remote monitoring camera (like a Wyze Cam) is a huge help as well!
Is there legs under your bed? How high are they so you can fit clothes underneath and yet still be comfortable?
Did you take the seats out and where did you put them if you did? :]
We laid the rear seat down all the way in to the floor to make that even, and then stored the middle seats at my mom’s house for safe keeping! 😊
@@CozyLivingMachine thank you! Thinking about doing something like this in the next few years so it helps alot!
@@_0zymandias_ best of luck! Feel free to ask any questions of course!
What is the model of the ika bed?
It’s the “Balkarp” model, and we got it $70 off because it was returned. Couldn’t find a scratch on it, it’s perfect!
Full time? Food, bathing, toilet, etc???
We do full time! Though I thought to put more details on those things in another video. Around here, we eat out most often, unfortunately, shower at the gym and bathrooms are usually Emma’s work while she’s there, parks or businesses and such before we go in for the night! 😂 it’s mostly about routine at this point!
Hi What it’s is your bed
That was an IKEA futon! I completely forget the size and such, but if one is hoping to be comfortable, that’s a great start. Throw a memory foam topper atop as well, and you’ll be nice and cozy!
It's easy. Just live in a tent for a few years. Then it's easy to live in a van . I don't understand why you use a inventer. To change things that you can change on 12 volt dc. That's the same as spending $1.20 on some thing you can get for 12cents. A waste of power. Peace ✌️