5 HARSH TRUTHS About VAN LIFE You Need to Know Before Starting #vanlife

Social media has cultivated a glamourous viral image of simple but luxurious living in freedom by travelling in a camper van - but that Van Life is not reality. This has set many people up for a situation where they invest a lot of time and money into embarking on van life, only to be jolted back into reality once they spend a few days in their new van. This video attempts to correct this false image by outlining five things people should know before they think about starting van life.

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*This video description includes affiliate links which help support the channel at no extra cost to you! All opinions are my own. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

[SwellerVanDweller]

*I think seasoned van lifer's will agree: social media has created a lot of misconceptions about van life, so I made this video to paint a more accurate picture of the reality.*

[topofhelist]

Pump sprayer is so water efficient for everything. I also like the 3 gallon buckets make great bathrooms storage or sinks.

[williambianchi]

I like this approach to van life. Doesn't have to cost so much. Here are a few more ideas that might or might not work for some.
For an inside shower, you might try a pet tub that folds flat when stored. Could sit in that and bathe using your plant watering jug. If careful, you shouldn't splatter water everywhere. Dump it out afterward, let it dry, then fold it flat against the wall.
Camp stove to cook meals, heat water, and heat a pot of sand (sand battery) for hours of radiant heat in cold weather.
For water, a 5 gallon jug (water cooler type jug) with hand pump ($20) should work.
For a bed, a $25 hammock could work for some. Use an under quilt for cold weather. Hammock can store in a hanging bag when not strung up.
Two power stations (Jackery type) would provide needed electricity. 2 of them, preferably, so 1 can charge via solar while other is being used. USB rechargeable devices, like lanterns and fans and phones/tablets could be charged with a power station.
A fold up card table and folding chairs should work. Table used as desk, to cook on, to eat on, to do dishes on after a meal, and set a mirror on it and shave/brush teeth.
For luxury, an out door, fold up (stores against wall) gravity chair to lounge in. (Freaking things are more comfortable than my Lazyboy recliner)
In hot weather, try a large hot water bottle filled with cool water. In cold weather, put hot water in the hot water bottle. (They make hot water bottles that are several feet long, which are good for sleeping with, warm or cool.)
For refrigeration, could try a standard cooler and get ice from a small, counter top ice maker. (A Jackery 500 or above will power a small ice maker)

I think a van has enough room to sleep, cook, sit at a desk and work, bathe, relax in a lounger (gravity chair). Just, not all at the same time. Fold away furniture/hammock could free up a lot of space, I think.

[Roadghost]

🤣 Another great vid. Thanks for the reality check. I see so many van life sales vids extolling the virtues of an expensive van that is the key to endless happiness. I see they're busy pushing $WD for off-road and so many other frills and do-dads you don't need. Consumerism never seems to sleep. Someone has realized there's a lot of money to be made in van life. Keep it real.

[igit_]

Tried vanlife for around six months and gave it up for a condo. It was fun seeing new things and exciting at first, but gave it up.

1) it was too hard to maintain my professional life while living in a vehicle.

2) power is a major problem. In the south it’s very hot and I had constant anxiety about electricity for my AC and fridge.

3) being clean and staying clean was difficult. It’s kind of grubby life on the road. Smellyness did me in.

[hopehope]

I do honestly agree with you some van life home builders have both over spent and over built. To the point where there is no way they could not prove the point that they do not live in them 24/7.
I have watched most of your you tube videos and I have honestly learned a important lesson from you live humbly with in your budget!

[tracyLoJo]

I like the way you think! 👍

I'm just starting my research into living rent free after retirement next year by doing a minivan camper conversion. I think some folks who think this lifestyle gives them "freedom" haven't thought enough about the infrastructure that makes it possible; such as the legions of folks who build and maintain the highways, bring petrol to the gas pumps and snacks in the convenience stores. I want to be helpful along the journey, so I plan on visiting the small parishes in my faith community along the way to volunteer my time and labor in exchange for staying overnight in their parking lot. I have a lot to do yet, though! Thanks for your very helpful observations! ❤

[KS-oudu]

Excellent advice! We've spent the last two years living and travelling full-time in our van. Since we were travelling around Europe and Western Asia the challenges of being introduced to a new country, the rules and regulations made it sometimes even more difficult. It's great but it definitely has it's downsides as well. And definitely not every park up is insta worth, quite the contrary 😁

[barbarad]

Thank you so much for honest talk on van life. Trying to learn as much as I can before starting on my own journey in the next few years. Much appreciated

[MrDionappling]

This is my first Sweller video, I like this first impression. Gonna be checking out more,

[Kimbers]

Have Gratitude and Maintain Respect Absolutely! I may not know you personally, But You Sir are one that I Trust 😊 Thank you for another great video 👍 Stay Safe and Enjoy

[dianeericson]

Excellent points for consideration, especially the part about the need to focus on the lifestyle rather than the vehicle.

[raydonica]

I have spent 15 years driving over the road in. A sleeper unit pulling 53 ft trailers. I love my van. I can stop. And see things that I had to drive by in the truck. Love my van.

[cadence]

I’m in year 5 in my ford transit van and my life has never been easier!! It’s not hard at all! I did a very simple build that I can maintain and it’s wonderful. 🎉

[livefree_with_vinnie]

The only problem I have with van life is throwing food away and finding a place to park.

[Bigrossaustin]

Great video and thanks there some people I know that are forced to live in there vehicles 😁✌🏼

[ptfbtuu]

Thank you for the message and your content.

[NoWayBreow]

I just love the intro!
Ahh so awesome

[avelinomiseray]

Best thing about van life in SF Bay Area.. is not paying the $2000 rent every 4 wks.. I can pretty much buy whatever I need in my van with the money that would have went into the property owners pockets 😮

[VanventureswithKaia]

I love watching your videos you’re so funny 😂