Here's Why Van Life is Dumb
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- I've lived the Van Life now for almost 4 years. Here's all the reasons why it's not worth it.
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People definitely need to hear this, vanlife gets so romanticized that when people actually hit the road they have no idea what they are in for.
True Story: I converted a 1999 Sienna after it had 250,000 miles, someone smashed into it in my driveway, so I looked around and (in 2015) found another one with 39k miles!!! it was a take my money situation. took the fixtures I built and moved them to the new car.
I wouldnt switch out Van life for a normal home. But weekend van life is great!
Good points about the expenses. I want a Sienna to use as a camper just to go to the beach and short road trips. I wouldn't give up my house.
Awesome! I’ve been watching a long time. Glad you’re living a happy life 🎉
Vehicles in itself is expensive. It's your choice to buy 100 to 300,000 van or RV to go traveling. You don't have to do that. You can buy a used van or even travel in a car. I've gone on a 13 day car camping trip to 5 states, 2500 miles in a 2003 Mazda 6 with 220,000 miles on it. I saw the same epic places, camping at free BLM land campsites to die for. I had everything I needed in my trunk for food, bathroom, etc. The trip only cost me gas money at 30 miles to the gallon. No breakdown of holding tank, water tanks, sinks, showers, all the fancy stuff they build these "home" on wheels to be. Of course more crap you have the more stuff to break. Use common sense people. Start out small least expensive way and "slowly" build from there what you "really" NEED. You would be surprised how little we actually need.
Just like the big fancy expensive house. Most rooms you never use. Just collects dust, more money for what???
Those Sprinters sure are nice, but your box truck definitely got grit and love all over with bigger character and charm. 😊
If you're buying a used vehicle, especially one that costs less than $5k, with 100k+ miles on it, expect to do some maintenance/repairs. Got my 2006 Sienna for about $3k, did inspections and repairs that cost around another $1k(Drive belts, water pump, and some kind of steering linkage and an alignment), built it out for living in, lived in it for 3 months traveling the west side of the USA, and during that time I had to put another $5k into replacing tires, front brakes, suspension, and more steering components. Had to cut my trip short due to all the costs. The next year I spent about $3k in repairs. This year I spent less than $1k. Expecting to spend $1-2k next year for rear brakes, rotors, fuel injection cleaning, and a new battery.
Not sure I'd have been much better off buying a newer model for around $10k, but there's a chance I wouldn't have needed so many repairs if I had.
I drive a 2017 sienna . I love it and was one of the motivators that subscribed me to your channel. Thanks for the upload.
I guess I am an exception to your rule🎉
Yes to reviewing your generator…ugh, I know. I am fully off grid, but would be good to know if there are subpar options if need be.
All good points. Looking forward to hearing your review on the generator, I'd like to find a good quality quiet one.
Thanks for the real story on van life!
While I enjoy watching some van lifer's on YT, I put my money into buying wooded acreage, where I have a home, pole barn, shed, and it's all paid for. I never have to worry about where I'm going to sleep, where I'm going to hang out for the day, or racking up mileage on a depreciating vehicle. I've watched many channel's where they breakdown their budget's, and my cost of living is less, and in some cases, much less, than any of them. I can understand those choosing a different way of life, however, the way it's being glamorized, is just not the way it is. The people who live in these expensive built out van's have the ability to move into a house, or apartment, any time they tire of van life. The more honest representation are the majority of people out there, who are living in low value, unmaintained vehicle's, because of financial issue's, and are one costly breakdown away from living on the street.
100% True, I'm in the early stages of looking for land to build on and/or have temporary dwellings on and it's tough to know where to start..
There are a rare few that make this work. All vehicles are a depreciating asset that will, through time, just fall apart.
Houses depreciate and fall apart too
@DJNoMask This is very true as well. I watch different van life content creators every day. They are some of the most creative people out there.
12 years full-time, I parked my van at work.
Employers provide me everything I need including Internet.
Purchase travato 59K in 2017.($78,000)
It has less than 18,000 miles on it.
Maintenance cost, Oil change, that’s it!!!
zero debt and my only monthly bill is phone.
Sounds like the ideal setup. I used to park at my job as well and had to remember to start the engine every once in awhile bc my battery kept dying lol. Glad you found your "cheat code"
@@DaveOTG I still forget to start the engine and the batteries die!
So funny you said that!
I finally purchased a battery charger a few months ago.
If I was starting over,
I would outfit my rig with surveillance/security system.
There are a lot of locations to gladly allow you or even pay you to park overnight.
Observe and report, that’s it.
No cowboy stuff required.
I need to find something like that. Any key words to Google that can offer me insight? Ty
@@DaveOTG Job site security, housesitting,
Stuff like that.
It’s cheap and easy to become a licensed security guard online.
All it really requires is ;
Hand scan and background check.
This will add complete legitimacy for any businesses.
Hi Dave, serious question-do you ever miss the Sienna? I bought an 04 after seeing your original video. I set mine up like a washitsu room. I love it!
I miss the ease of parking, drivability & mpg. Your rig sounds peaceful. Would love to see pics @dave_otg on Instagram
Siennas are the best!
Dude ...Preach ! I did it for three years and Being old made me change my mind about living on the road...My biggest fear was driving around crazy people who might run into my home...and then people look at you like you are garbage...Maybe it makes sense in an apocalypse but as long as someone will rent me a place where I can bathe,eat,sleep without be harassed by the man and live without having to be a mechanical engineer ,I'll just pay rent and hope I die before America goes down the toilet...One good thing about it though...Mention to the people at The SS office that you are homeless because that's how they categorize you , and you will see your Disability claim expedited quicker...
Very good points although, not everything is 100% correct. There are a lot of way to RV out there, you just have to know what you are doing. Ex; Yes, you can boondock 100% of the time if you like and are equipped to do so. I do so I know.
No generator is quite as soon as your microwave go on it NOT 51 decibel that only trickle charge your batteries use sparingly when close to others thanks
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. Merry
Christmas
Dave!!
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Merry Christmas to you and yours Offair!! 🎄🎄
If ppl are so dumb that they think it’s all fantasy and wonderful every day, idk ridiculous. What are they 12?
Facts bro... I know several 'Tubers that show the van life for views (for the money) but really live in a house...
If I see another girl van life tour, that is obviously not even lived in. Imma scream
Lol
Logic
Find a different mechanic
I think it is perspective. You complain about a catalytic converter, well that can happen living in a brick & mortar. Vehicle repairs are costly.
You talk about waterfalls and falling snow but you flash pictures of the ocean..
Some people are just negative like this tirade. Other people are optimistic and see the positive and good things.
This is the first of your videos I have seen. I thought maybe you had some facts, instead of just a negative rant to get attention. 😢