No-build Minivan Camper | Van Tour
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- čas přidán 6. 07. 2024
- For over four years, Mary Ellen has been living full-time out of her 2005 Chevy Uplander minivan camper with a no-build build. She has everything a sticks and bricks home would have, just in a different format and she wouldn’t have it any other way! Her van features a bed over storage bins, a fridge, rear storage, plug-and-play solar with portable panels, and an outdoor kitchen.
If you’ve been dreaming of getting on the road, but aren’t able to get a cargo van built out, or maybe you don’t want to drive something that big, you may want to consider a no-build minivan like Mary Ellens.
LINKS:
Mary Ellen's Blog: cosmicnomadvoyager.com/
Wild Women on the Road book: amzn.to/3LOHo2f
Top Ten List for Nomads book: amzn.to/33ytAYe
Outdoor Life Creative Journal: amzn.to/3h0PXbW
Companion Journal to Wild Women on the Road: amzn.to/3s91Y5D
Here at TheGalavan I feature vans, primarily designed and built by women, to give you inspiration for your own van build. I’m always on the lookout for other van life enthusiasts who want to collaborate and share their love of this lifestyle. I also love to cook from scratch in my van and share accessories, tips, and tricks to make van life easier and more successful for you.
Gear & Accessories:
Canon G7x Mark ii: amzn.to/2FBCjYQ
Fotopro Flexible Tripod: amzn.to/2E7fjCV
Video Editing: iMovie
Prayer Flags by Lisa Kattenbraker: www.lisauntitled.com/
3qt Instant Pot: amzn.to/2VF15Ah
3qt IP Inserts: amzn.to/2xKJK0F
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission.
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"A word spoken in due season" thank you, I'm a 65+ woman who by circumstances beyond my control, ( my mentally ill brother destroyed and set fire to my home) became homeless 2 yrs ago and have relied on the kindness of my family and friends for shelter. I became aware of the nomad community and it was the first time I was able to hope for a future in quite awhile, signed, Van seeking!
I too am seeking my van. Sending you good vibes !! Blessings
Has your situation changed since a month ago ? 🙏🏽❤
YES! I purchased a used van while I am in New England for the winter with my son and his family and I will be on the road by the end of April,God is good!
Oh my goodness miss Charmaine tate I really do hope and pray 🙏that you receive a vehicle in your life a.s.a.p so God's plan for you to be lifted up off the streets and in your new safe nomadic life actuallyhappensforyou!!! Amen 🙏!!! And I would know how much life sucks when you are a homeless woman because I was 4 years ago exactly except I am a ♿handicapped.....and again I'll say it SUCKS!!!
Congrats to Maryellen for 4 years of "I CAN do this" on the road. And thanks for this thoughtful video Joni
I bought her book when it first came out, I truly enjoyed it. Now finally after retiring, I’m about to head out for my own mini van living adventure. I think it’s time for me to reread Wild Women On The Road.
Nice interview Joni. It's a process to find out what our needs are, not our wants, or perceived wants.
Maryellen you just described me and my mind trying to keep me safe! I bought the van in August 2020 had improvements done, installed insulation then got cold feet after living in it for a month sleeping on the floor. Moved into an apartment for a year, all the while arguing with my mind because I know I can do this and feel I will be more content. This interview is so timely for me because my lease is up in 8 days, I gave my notice, I’ve eliminated to bare bones, so I’ve got to leap despite the questions my mind creates. Your words are an inspiration, thank you! I just got a sample of Wild Women on the Road, and I’m going to join your FB page. Thanks Joni for another great and interview!
Thank you so much for this message. I'm sure you're speaking for a hundred women. There is a community out here to help.
You can do it! I almost didn’t buy my van, the night before I was supposed to sign the paperwork I almost backed out! I knew it was the fear part of my brain trying to keep me safe. I had to practice deep breathing and just keep telling myself that all was well, and that I know how to keep myself safe. Safety is an illusion anyway, but that’s a whole different discussion lol.
Now I’m so grateful I took the leap!
@@freestarr13 Thank you for the reply. I read the sample of Wild Women and will buy the Kindle edition on Monday. 👏🏽Monday is a huge day for me. I’ll be totally moved out of my apartment and into the van. I look forward to starting your book on Monday night. I have a few things to take care of before I leave Minnesota for nicer weather. The good news is that I have heat. I appreciate the encouragement.
Wonderful. Well wishes!!
@@gavinsnana How exciting! Hope you're doing well out there. 💙
What a cheerful home! Just goes to show there are as many ways to do this life as there are nomads. Very nice interview. Thanks!
Hi Joni, have always enjoyed your tours because you guide, if needed, but also keep quiet and actively listen. You an feel how comfy you make your interviewees feel. I hope I get to meet you on the road or at an WRTR. It would be a blessing.
Thank you so much! I do like to let the women shine!
Thank you for sharing this. She seems like a woman I’d like to get to know.
There was a woman with Bob wells some time ago, she wore a prosthetic and was high spirited. AND, offering to help with a van build.... I’ve been trying to find her and make a donation.
In the meantime, I’m going to check out the book, Wild Women on the Road.
Y’all stay safe!😊
Great video Joanie, really shows the ruth about how van life is a lifestyle, not a way to get views for youtube.
Love her positive attitude. Thank you for sharing. Blessings!
Nice little home & lovely interview as always.💜
I had just come to the same conclusion with my thetford toilet. My choice was due to the height of the toilet and where to dump. Great video. Hope to hit the road again soon.
Great video! I just bought a minivan - upgrade from my SUV - and I love the idea of just having totes supporting my bed. I just went and bought the Kindle version of her book so I can't wait to read it. Thanks for introducing her to me.
Nice interview. Well thought out van.
Thanks Joni ! Mary Ellen's story here is encouraging me LOTS.
I've been watching videos & dreaming of NOMAD life for several months ( since September ) when my current situation changed lots.
Currently am searching for MY van. Have a good 2008 Toyota convertible in need of a new top !
Look forward to seeing more of your videos .
I'll be on the road one way or another by September ! Have always loved tent camping .......so if necessary I'll do that for a while. Or may be able to trailer a small pop up camper. If you run across anyone doing similar ,I'd appreciate knowing ! Thanks so so much !
What a neat set up! I really like seeing these videos to realize this is possible. Stuff just clutters our lives. This lifestyle is very appealing
You can do it!
I wish MaryEllen could do some coaching on CZcams. We could always use that info.
Shes got it down! Awesome ❤️
I loved this thank you. It takes the fear out of actually doing this! I am going to get her book, as soon as I leave here. I am nearly 64. A new widow. limited, and I mean LIMITED resources. I would have liked more on finances though. I will peruse your other vids. Just found you! And I have been researching this for 7 years! Yes...on youtube! And the net. ♥
Welcome, Nikki. Even though finance info would be helpful, I always feel like it's a bit of an invasion of privacy, especially since they are already opening up their home to my viewers. You may find relevant information in a Facebook group like "Solo Women Vandwellers". Or, join my group, facebook.com/groups/galadventurers, and ask in there. 😊
Hi Nikki. I'm Frances, a widow of 26 years. Never remarried. I had a few casual relationships, however, they have all passed, too. The skills you have are still valuable, even on the road. Use discernment when sharing information. Your safety is always first. Stay Free.
Stay 💪 strong. You can do it. Faith over Fear.
Blessings from Meema and Jessi Beagle 👵🏽✌🏽🐕
I love Mary Ellen s sweater / coat. It looks so cozy. She really knows what she is doing. Thanks
I just ordered her book🙂🙂🙂
Love the Jackery! I like the way she uses her space.
Omgoodness I bought an uplander to make a no build out of!! So glad to have found this
Thanks ladies❤️
This vid is enjoyable.
Thank you - I really enjoyed making it!
Great video
Thanks!
❤!
Maybe put the books in a milk crate and just move the crate around. Just a thought. Nice video.
vanlife4ever!
❤️❤️❤️
I had a 2007 Uplander as a daily driver...Such a good minivan! I think Chevy stopped making them though 😕
Hey Gal and a Van!! Still watching when I am able Joni. Good to see you!
👍🏻❤️
♡
Does anyone try dates whilst living nomadically or semi nomadically?
🙂
Is it harder to drive if you can't see out the back window?
I'll say this towing a 17' Caravan is worse, and only upset one biker when overtaking a lorry when I thought "All Clear"
❤️❤️❤️