8 Years No Rent Experiment | Living In A Simple Minivan Camper

#vanlife #fulltimetravel
Eight years ago I started an experiment to improve my life. I stopped paying rent and moved into a Ram ProMaster City minivan. To make the van comfortable, I added a MaxxAir Roof Vent Fan, a sink with running water, a stove to cook and make coffee and a Solar power system for my electrical needs.
At first I wasn’t sure if I would be comfortable, but the van quickly became my home. And after a little over a year, I was able to quit my job in a hostile work environment. I left the hot Southern California desert for a cooler environment, and quickly found a much better paying job at a small well run family business.
Looking back over these last eight years, I can see that I was fortunate to be able to claw my way out of being in debt and living in an area that I didn’t want to be. Now I am able to move around a bit to find better weather. And these last several years have been the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever known.
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My name is Scott and in 2015, I bought a Ram ProMaster City to live in. Even though I didn’t know much about RV’s and campervans, I set about building the van out as a minivan camper. And in April of 2016, I moved into my minivan full time.
Over the years, I’ve learned you don’t need to have a big skill set to build your own campervan. And that living as a minimalist and utilizing solar power can be a less expensive way to live. I’ve also learned that a minivan can be a very comfortable home.
Please follow along as I document my journey.
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[StaticCamperVan]

Here’s a Playlist of videos for more information:

[SusiesRepeat]

How rare, someone actually telling the truth, both the negatives and positives on van life.

[madisonrae]

Scott, I usually watch you on my TV but I went onto my computer to let you know that I admire you for living life the way you want. I love watching all the beautiful places you travel to on the west coast. Thank you for sharing your life with us all.

[MargaretLang]

T.V., you ain’t missing much, I find myself watching more YouTube than actual tv, all the good tv shows were in the 80’s and 90’s to me.

[nomoremeetings]

Congrats on 8 rent free years.
From someone stuck in a death contract (mortgage)

[jacquethirlkel]

I have moved away from commercialized van life channels like vancityvanlife. Yours is just basic life. Thank you so much! God bless!!

[tybrady]

I recommend the Toyota Sienna minivan for anyone considering this. It’s a hybrid vehicle, so the gas mileage is much better. I get 36 miles per gallon. I can also use the AC while sleeping. The AC runs off of the hybrid battery. The engine comes on for a couple of minutes every ten or fifteen minutes to recharge the hybrid battery. It’s easy to be stealth in a minivan!

[WandaWorley]

So proud of you! I too am not van life... CAR LIFE... I am 50, turning 51... Getting away from evil people. I am a Care Manager. I work hard and saving to buy a home. (God Bless!)

[ChippiSweet]

As I edge closer to retirement, van life is becoming more appealing because of folks like you who took time to make quality videos about the lifestyle. So glad I found your channel. 😊☕️

[nowucmeu]

Congratulations Scott. I cringe every time I write a check each month for rent for a place to sleep.
Even if you had a cheap place you easily saved over 50 grand.

[violetatcontentboutique]

Congratulations on 8 years Scott!! I think this lifestyle suits you beautifully. You say hiking is your hobby, and I'd say photography is your art. You are a fantastic, keen eyed photographer with an innate sense for composition. ... perseverance furthers ...

[darladillaha]

You are my favorite van life YouTuber. Have a great week ❤️

[susie]

I love your life Scott. Your analytic and so smart in the way your home looks. It's homey and so cozy. You made a good decision. 😊❤

[markmccoy]

Key words-Happier and Healthy. You can’t put a price on that. I’m impressed. And great engineering.

[socaloutdoors]

Right on Scott! Been watching from the beginning. In my eyes you’re the TRUE vanlifer…everyone else taps out, buying land, buying big fancy rigs, trailers, etc. Great milestone and always appreciate your content and low key vids you put out.

[Kirbygal]

Hi from Australia. Van life here is getting more popular. There is a housing crisis (as there is worldwide). I retired two years ago and decided to give up my rental and hit the road. I almost accidently found house and pet minding which I do as well. Van life is not cheap. I have had a few expenses, but even though I haven't managed to save much, my emergency fund has remained the same.

[mralekito]

Really incredible that you have lived like this for 8 years. Your van has lasted that long too. Your content is always honest and relatable. You are true to yourself and your lifestyle. I wish you all the best for the future.

[margoburns]

Happy Anniversary Scott! I have been watching you for years and love your "real" content. Here's to many more years and videos! ❤

[conchscooter]

I had to rent a car recently and I was annoyed it didn’t come with a toilet so I suppose you could say we are used to living in a van. We’re retired, three years traveling in a full sized Promaster and full of admiration for you living in a mini van. I like standing up in my home! Best wishes.

[cdmbooks]

Great video. Those living in conventional homes will never be able to appreciate the freshness of outer air or how gorgeous the moon glides behind a sunset. That's what I miss most about living in my car. Many more years of happiness to you Scott. Thanks, for sharing.