Van Life - Couple Survives 2 Canadian Winters Living in a Van!

Derrick & Paula started living in a van 2 weeks before they got married and then travelled across Canada in the camper van for their 2-month honeymoon. They loved the Van Life so much that they decided to keep living in the van when they got back; taking it one month at a time. To-date they've lived in the van for 19 months and spent not 1 but 2 full Canadian winters living in their van.

Their Dodge Pleasure Way camper is a tiny house, but it has almost all of the conveniences of a conventional home: a large bed, a flush toilet, a sink, a propane furnace and propane fridge, 2 solar panels, rotating captains chairs, and more.

They came up with solutions to living in the van during winter, the most interesting of which was to fill their RV system with burst-proof antifreeze so that they could still flush the toilet during the winter. For water, they fill 4-liter jugs at work and bring them home each night. For heat, they use their propane furnace as well as a battery powered heating blanket in the bed.

By living in a van, the couple was able to reduce their expenses, especially by eliminating the cost of rent. This allowed them to aggressively pay down their debt and get themselves into a financial situation that is allowing them to consider purchasing a home in the future.

Derrick & Paula have made an incredible series of vlogs about their van life adventure and you can find these videos on their YouTube Channel, Back to Reality, at:

Thanks for watching!

Mat & Danielle

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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat Dubé of Exploring Alternatives.

[susanjeep]

when you really love someone you can be happy anywhere.

[Haybaybay]

I love the way they look at each other. What amazing people.

[biancaramirez]

I'm 38 and lost everything in my life except for the desire to continue.
It turned from survival to joy. I'm in a Subaru Impreza hatchback and it's small, food with no refrigerator is kinda hard, but the money saved over the cost of rent has allowed me to use the money for whatever I want instead of waking up working and going home for years on end with no breaks and no vacation time.
I have a vacation every single weekend.
Its bliss and all you have to do is just turn the key and go.
As Nike says, just do it.
Gym shower, free water at most gas stations with purchase of gas food or beer, and a map with a usable finger to point to a spot.
I'm never going back!

[daboodeef]

stove. fridge. toilet. sink. bed. lights. heater. solar panels. what an awesome van.

[jenniewilliams]

The beautiful personalities of this couple are deeply refreshing to watch. Good luck to you both. Yay Canada!

[veliagarcia]

No rent, but lots of wow. The very best to you

[fishingwithfroese]

I was sold when they said they've seen all the provinces, territories and 3 oceans! Thanks for keeping this Canadian Exploring Alternatives. So refreshing to watch.

[Rossithailand]

all that counts in life is health and happiness

[alo]

It is amazing, before even reading the comments I said to myself " these 2 love each other". Its warming that you enjoy each other and get to have adventures together. Congratulations.

[bratbrodert]

I cant remember how many times I watched this two. They deserve the best in life. They look soo genuine and kind.

[ObidiahGoldshekelsteinovitz]

Not sure why YouTube is recommending all these "live in a van" videos. But I really want to live in a van now.


Damn it.

[TheMusachioedBrony]

This couple is such a pleasure to watch. It just goes to show how important it is for couples to have the same values in life. I completely understand what Paula means about being more in love than when they first got married-because they are so compatible, all these amazing experiences and sacrifices have just bound them more closely together. They really are amazing.

[chriswilby]

Love the way they hang on each other's word .the way they look at each other is adorable they look really happy and it's lovely to see.

[nbookie]

all 3 oceans of Canada. now you have my attention. never thought about driving to the artic ocean. bucket list!!!

[oswaldoreyes]

As long as they are happy. That is the most important thing.

[gramcc]

Totally off subject, but love to see the love in your hubbies eyes when he looks at you. Continue to be blessed!

[ManWander]

I too have followed Paula & Derrick since they began their journey. I have found them inspiring and quite entertaining to boot. I think they may be onto something... honeymoon in a camper van and then see where that leads you...

[liviaa]

I love these guys! Discovered them a few months back and have watched all their videos. Very sweet people, great attitudes and great videos- some of the best van life channels out there for sure!

[davidgraham]

I lived in a cargo van for about two years with my Wolf-hybrid doing construction work. I LOVED it. I stayed at a Flying J truck stop. They were the nicest people working there. They gave me free showers, and would come out to say hey to Cheyenne. The police that frequently came through were all very cool with me, and I felt safe sleeping there. Great way to save money. Most of my meals were from the truck stop, or at the Denny's restaurant. I stay in touch with the friends I made there on facebook.
It was a special time for me, and I had no worries, which is a wonderful blessing.

[GeorgeGiann]

The way his eyes glow whenever he looks at her!