TikToker Calls Out Van Life Influencers Lies

We've all seen the van life TikTok/Instagram posts, romanticizing living on the road. But the reality of living in a car/homelessness, is a tragical necessity of capitalism. And in most cases not on TikTok, it looks pretty bleak. Benjamin Carollo breaks it down.

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[JohnnyNoOne]

Been living in a partially converted shuttle bus for the past 6 years and these privileged, entitled people spending tens of thousands of dollars to professionally convert their expensive transit vans are absolutely selling an unachievable fantasy of constantly traveling to gorgeous places to frolic in nature! I love living my life this way, but it took a long time and lots of struggles to figure out how to do it practically and sustainably. It’s about learning how to get by without all the luxuries and lowering standards/expectations. Not glamorous at all, but can be done…

[iketheranter]

After all is said and done, the inequality in this country is obscene. The Workers need more pay and Power. GO UNION.

[briangarrow]

If you are living in a brand new 200K$ Mercedes conversion van with a built in shower and kitchen, it ain’t too bad. That’s a universe away from sleeping in a 20 year old Dodge and crapping is a 5 gallon bucket.

[shahjehan]

Van life was just rich people cosplaying poor people.

[kylebayes]

Love your work Ben. I live in my car, I'm 6'. I'm in Canada. I'm lucky I have a 5 door and can remove the front seat and lay down "comfortably ". Sleeping is stressful. And making meals is nearly impossible. The summer sucks because I can't keep food cold. Winter is better, food stays cold, you're less likely to be bothered at -20c. And it gets dark faster. I'm admittedly very luck to have a well paying job. But 1500$ for an apartment is not going to happen. If anyone needs some support I'm here.

[zainzoala]

She is honest and people should support honest people like her, instead of supporting those rich celebrities influencers lies

[melwoo]

There is a difference between making a choice to travel/live the van life, and being forced to live in your car or van due to economic hardships. I feel for the latter, but don’t really see the comparison between the two.

[appleseedxt]

Social-media influencers lie to you for a living? Who knew???😑

[evolveyourself]

Vanessa Van Life is the worst scammer out there. She's frightening.

[iketheranter]

Look, I've lived the van life, before it was "kewl". It Can be done much easier now than it was then. Cars aren't made to "live" in.
If you know how to survive on the streets to begin with, a van makes it so much easier.
It sure as hell beats living under a bridge or in wrecked cars in a junkyard.
Air Conditioning is your biggest challenge, heat is ez.
If you're set up right, you can sleep almost anywhere. Solid sided vans with only 2 front windows are what you want.
When you park, be quiet, lay down and sleep. Rise early before traffic and move on. Scout out your parking locations throughout the day. Don't wait to the last minute and just dive in somewhere.
Be smart. Food? Find the soup kitchens if you need to.
I rolled all over the country years ago without solar/batteries etcetc.
Shower? 5 gallon buckets and beach towels. Emergency toilet? A bucket with a lid. You don't have to make it over complicated. Don't try to carry too much stuff. Travel lite.
I reccomend to Anyone that may have instability in their living arrangements to BUY A MINIVAN.
If a landlord jacks your rent, or a room mate screws you over, or you lose a job, etcetc., you'll have somewhere to sleep and store some of your stuff.
Is it ez? Why hell no, it's not, but you can get by if you pay attention to your surroundings.

[weirdsciencetv]

I have seen so many vanlife channels that end pretty quickly with “we’re quitting vanlife.”

[vanlifewithGinaPayne]

There are all types of Van lifers rich and poor no different than living in a house!!!

[brandonfoster]

I know three Canadians doing it they are just doing fine. US just makes it harder to survive.

[ProgressivePatriot_Daniel]

After a few months of "vanlife" we came to the conclusion that it is not easy or much fun. We had to go with 5th wheel in a park because it cost similar to the cost of fuel moving from parking area to parking area, and we don't have to find a shower whenever possible. Thanks for pointing out this obvious "vanlife" hypocrisy

[BigRedsCrib]

People who live in their vehicle because of necessity are a bit different to people who live in a fully kited out van to travel.

[mitsyoconnor]

64 year old woman who lived in car for a year and a half. . . winter is easier. . . .no bees, no bugs, no bears. easier to warm up than cool off. cooking was easy for me cuz i'm a pickiy eater. been in a stable, reasonable rent, roomate situation for over 2 years extrodinarily grateful for the loving humanity of my roommate! wouldn't it be nice if greed could just die. . .

[lareneandpipsqueeksully]

After my divorce my ex-husband wanted to see me fail so bad. He lied in court, but I won control of my life back! I first lived in my car. Now I have converted my 2012 ford transit connect into a nice little home on wheels!
Domestic abuse survivor and recovering alcoholic/drug addict! I’m a winner baby!
My mother was all alone with five (5) kids to raise! She was awesome!

[NoahCMKMarket]

Lived in my van for 5 years. UK. The biggest problem for me is the solitude. Otherwise I'm reasonably content. I'll never be able to buy a house again and I refuse to pay rent and council tax. I'm in and out of work and in and out of depression.

The van lifer thing took off during Covid. Mostly these people are all about their soft furnishings. I call them instavantastics. 🤢

I live like this out of necessity. But it's doable.

[vansionliving]

I am a vanlife 57 yr old woman. If you do it right, you can live wonderfully. It helps if you work remotely or research how to work seasonal jobs that cater to vanlife. I have electric from solar, I have a sink, fridge, couch and bed. Everything was self built by my Aunts and myself. I am on disability so I’m not a rich influencer. Everything is possible when you do research

[leggomyeggo]

100% true. My fav van life youtubers are the ones who wear sexy yoga pants and use thumbnails that are soft core porn...