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Still sounds better than working a 12 hour shift, then coming home to my apartment to sleep, shower, and go back to work for another 12 hour shift

Thanks for your honesty. It's easy to romanticize everything that's outside the norm.

This girl is spot on with her assessment of van life. I've been doing it over 3 years now. I'm 63, by the way . . . Despite the challenges - the level of freedom it provides is unparalleled.

You can park and sleep in the van pretty much everywhere in the US. As long as you dont have anything outside of the van, are plugged anywhere, have any open windows and throw outside any type of liquid. Im a Industrial engineer (specialized in catenaries and HIgh tension networks) worked in NY for 5-6 years. After a year of paying 3700$ for rent and having to walk each day for 40 minutes to work i decided to mae myself a stealth van. For less than a year of rent i bought myself a ford transit and made it a stealthvan during my month vacation. THE BEST INVERSION OF MY LIFE. I lived like a king. Parked rougly 10 minutes of my office, near a supermarket. And never had a problem (for 4 years parked in the same place). I Saved almost 60% of my income. INSANE. 5 years later i sold my stealth van and with the money i had saved i paid almost entirely a house in my hometown. Now im a Physics highschool teacher, earning less than half i did when i worked in NY, but i got a paid house, all afternoons free and summers off.

I've been on this kick for the past few months but this video has made me realize it's not for me. I see lots of deal breakers that would be more trouble than it's worth, for me, personally. I think what I'd prefer is having a permanent residence, owning a vehicle like this, and just take lots of vacations through the year. I'm glad someone had the balls to show what it's really like rather than making it look like you're living an instagram story every day.

In case you haven't tried this: Stop by the local "Cop Shop" and ask where you might be allowed to park overnight, hopefully in a low-risk setting? In my career as a LEO, it was more common than you might imagine to get these questions, most from truckers, but RV'rs as well. Not only would I help them to find a place, but when working "dog watch", we'd make it a point to increase our presence in the area the person was parked, especially if in a more remote or secluded location. Whenever I did that "dreaded knock", I always tried to offer alternative locations, or, depending on the area, I'd exercise my "discretionary powers" and allow them to remain with a reminder not to do it again!! (Insert sternly wagged index finger here). Fire Departments, EMS / hospitals may also be resource providers. Safe travels!!!

I feel sort of trapped in my current lifestyle, and recently I've been putting quite a bit of thought into transitioning to van life -- Videos like this are quite important, since it gets me thinking about potential problems down the road (all pun intended), and I really, _really_ shouldn't be rushing this kind of decision; hell, that's what got me in my current situation in the first place. Thank you for posting this!

Recession is often the result of external factors, and it appears that the United States is losing its grip as a federal reserve currency. With a decreasing ability to control inflation and a reduction in stock and oil trading, it seems that a new multilateral world order is on the horizon.

this is actually a gold mine for those who are planning to do van life, its either you'll get discourage from van life or learn from this video to minimize the problem

"Living out here on the road, you start to feel like your living on the fringe a little bit, kind of disconnected from society and a little bit of an outcast." YES!!!!! And that's exactly why I want to start living the nomadic lifestyle. Too much craziness in the world these days to want to be a part of "normalcy".

This was actually good. As an ex van-lifer I can agree to basically everything that was said here. The most irritating thing for me was STREET NOISE. Even though I tried to soundproof my van when I built it using special acoustic insulation and various techniques, the noise while parked caused me to constantly have elevated stress levels, which affected my health very negatively and ultimately required that I quit. It sounds extreme but I can assure you it was very real (even with ear plugs). Not having reliable access to hot baths, something I love, was also bad. Not having any friends because you're always moving is bad too. Lack of proper climate control or sufficient electricity were also things that really stood out, although the recent Toyota hybrid vans could solve these issues. edit: I'm actually considering a Tesla model Y instead of a hybrid, because the hybrid makes noise when it comes on to charge the battery. According to my calculations, a Toyota Rav 4 Prime plug in hybrid can generate about the same amount of electricity on a full tank as a Tesla stores in its battery. So I'm thinking maybe a Model Y with the rear seats removed and a James Baroud on the roof rack.

I think you did a very good job of explaining the downside to full time van life. Brava! It is very true and comprehensive. I lived in my Class C for a year and had the same issues. No solar either so it was very tough with two lead acid batteries. The biggest advantage to van life is that you become very self sufficient and resourceful and an ace DIYer. You travel, see the world, learn to resolve problems and overcome fear of things going wrong. It builds character, enlarges your perspectives, and lowers the angst of living. It affords a view of your natural world, and if you have a small dog, it is heaven for them. You need to make sure: 1. Your tires have good stainless steel extension valves (for dually), and are strong enough to take the load. 2. You do not exceed the cargo carrying capacity (GVWR) listed on your van specs. If you do, you will get flat tires and sway. 3. Your power grid has to be reliable and work at all times. This is critical. 4. Take an air compressor along with you for remote location travel. Busted tires = being stuck. 5. Enough potable water and a filtration system like a Berkey portable filter. 6. Backup gas stove. Back up small cooler. 7. Fridge has to be 100% reliable - buy Novakool, Isotherm or Vitrifrigo with a Danfoss compressor. This only runs on AC or DC no propane and is very reliable and not so dependent on level parking. Have enough solar to run it. Get the largest fridge you can fit and your power grid can power up. Large fridge = more freedom. 8. Do not buy induction stoves. Stupid purchase. Stick to propane or butane stoves - big or small tank. They always work. 9. Extra tank of gas, shovel, mud ramps, levelers, 10. Travel with a SMALL dog. Best alarm system in the world! Also will wake you up if you have a gas issue, water issue, animal issue, mice, robbers, etc. Be ready to leave in a flash at nighttime. 11. Temperature control is important. Either have a generator to run for AC on hot days, or enough solar/battery power to run AC on solar only (tough one), or go north when its hot. 12. Finding a quiet place to sleep is critical or your health will suffer. Most urban locations are very noisy, so find a quiet urban place and match the rhythm of residents sleeping - early or late. Sleep early, rise early. Sleep is critical and the most important thing. This is what suffers the most. You need safety and quiet. Sometimes, being in a truck stop is good if you can run your generator all night, turn on the AC and just crash for 8-9 hrs of good, deep sleep. At truck stops they all run their gennys so you don't care about making noise. Or make a deal with a warehouse or business that you will be their nightguard for the property, if they let you sleep there. You will have access to water too. They can lock you in at night for your safety. Its a mutual benefit. You could also do house sitting for pets and be a mobile house sitting service (give them a permanent address and references). You get to stay in their house, pet sit, use shower and kitchen and rest. 13. Laundry is a major pain. I have a Class C 22 ft, so a bit bigger than this Class B. If I traveled a lot I would install that new Daewoo wall mount tiny washing machine. Else get a Panda washer and spinner, or just a spinner. Spinning the laundry is key. You can hang dry after that in your van or outside for fast dry. Pick a place with water, hot sun and cook and do laundry in one go. I found remote park sites where I could discreetly hang my laundry to dry on back of van, making it look like beachwear, and refill my tanks as I used up water for cooking, laundry, cleaning. Once a week. Living full time in a van is tough because you do give up comforts and also a lot of hobbies. But you can rent a space at someone's backyard to park in and use the bathroom, toilet, kitchen for a while between travel, and that is ideal. You can also rent a small space or buy a piece of land with a shed for storage and amenities.

Reminds me of the dream vs reality of things like running a food truck. There's this really romanticized ideal that I used to have about that but then I started learning about all the costs and permits and ruthless local competition and safety issues and pretty soon it was like, "well, maybe I should just host regular cookouts from my place".

This is absolutely the most honest, comprehensive explanation of van life that I have seen. I am years deep in watching van life vlogs. Thus, I hesitate to enter into this type of lifestyle. But when I finally do, it's vlogs like this that will help me properly prepare for van life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Very, very helpful!

I'm really grateful that you made this video, because it does remind me of all the times I encountered those uncomfortable situations that increase your blood pressure and tighten your sphincter. When you're young, it's definitely more of an adventure, but when you get older, there's nothing like having a homebase for peace of mind. Best of luck to you young lady and God bless.

I'm 23 years old here but full time van life sounds so rough and too hard for me. I crave the adventure and going to see new places, but I think having a "home base" is a good idea. Staying for a few weeks somewhere is a great idea however!

You really nailed this, I’ve been living in my van here in the UK for 2 1/2 years and yes the minute you open those doors someone sticks there head in to ask questions, and the decision fatigue, that really is getting to me, I always knew it was there bugging me but you put a name to what I am feeling, to constantly be aware of your surroundings takes it’s toll as does the constant water rationing and signal issues. Maintenance is a daily thing and a lot of work, my van Is 8 years old and everything is starting to break so things are getting expensive. I can’t afford a mechanic so I’ve had to learn how to fix things myself, everything from upgrading the suspension, changing the clutch to fitting a new timing belt I’ve had to learn myself to do as mechanics cost more than plastic surgeons. Thank you so much for this video, you’ve let me know it’s not just me feeling this way. ❤️

My 18 year old son watches all the 'van life' videos and thinks he should buy one and live his life like this. Of course all these videos make it look like so much fun and adventurous, which probably a small part of it is. Thanks for showing the truth!

I love the way you travel together, but separate. Your own space and less anxiety knowing someone is just in another vehicle.

So true. Decision fatigue. As a solo traveler, I'm so tired of making a million decisions every week. Some are easy with little impact: eggs or oatmeal? Some are huge: new tires or repair the refrigerator? and the long reaching impact can be disastrous. So tired.

Water anxiety, noise, and the dreaded knock….ultimately, these three factors caused me give up living in my van while trying to work full time in Silicon Valley. Thanks for all of the content you produce and share. Take care.

This is a good example of how living too simply makes things more complicated than if you lived more complicated.

7 year full time nomad here. You are spot on with this info. This is the best comprehensive video Ive seen that outlines the realities of being a nomad. I live in a 1999 30ft motorhome with my husband & our shih tzu(road dawg). Even though we have more room than you do there are 3 of us and Ive found we deal with these same issues. We have a full but tiny bathroom & if you want to stay remote you cannot be taking a shower every day & cook,wash dishes etc. You still practice water conservation and we use planet fitness for the bennie of a long hot shower. We instituted chore day where we pick up mail, shop, do laundry, propane, gas, fill water, empty tanks & shower. Depending on how the city is laid out sometimes it takes more than one day. You really nailed this video. I will be sharing with lots of curious peeps who are endlessly curious about living on the road full time. Thanks for this and new sub!

No shower , no composting toilet , no garage ... If you want to live this life more easily .,Would be a good idea to design a new camper more adapted to your needs 🙏 Hugs from New Zealand !!

As a long haul truck driver, I can relate on more than a few points. And what interested me while looking for van conversion like yours is that is the first time I’ve seen a discussion about degradation over time of the amenities (cracks, loose screws, etc). In a standard highway truck, material don’t look as good, it’s often plastic, but it seems to hold better over time. Which annoys me because I planned to get a custom sleeper, essentially with a shower because that's something that would be very practical in my line of work. It’s related to the same kind of parking anxiety you have, but with different parameters. Very interesting video overall.

I lived in my van for only a short time (about 8 months or so), and even in that short time, I can relate to this video: 1. "van life is not for everyone" - yup. Agreed. It is not an easy life, for sure. It is emotionally, physically and psychologically draining. 2. sleeping - that is one of the biggest challenges. Van life people are simply ostracized, and that is putting it mildly. One thing I found disturbing is when you wake up because you never know where you are. You open your eyes, and you go, "where am i?" I don't know if I could ever get used to that. It was ... depressing. 3. When I started, my brother encouraged me and he said, "go and be free". Actually, that is further from the truth. You are not free to do as you want. If you want to do anything (do a #2 or take a shower or eat or clean or even drinking water), you have to make an effort. You have to make sure you have supplies or you have access to facilities, etc. In a van life, you come to realize that nothing is free and living the van life, you are far from free. Instead, you are bounded by duty. Van life ... it may work for some people. I found out it was not for me. Kudos to those who can.

It has a lot of similarities to sailboat life. People always say your living the dream but as you show in your video it comes with a lot of inconveniences too. Like rowing to shore to get water, fuel, food etc. Still love it though. Thanks for your honesty.

Every lifestyle has its drawbacks. Thanks for being honest about it. Keep enjoying it while you can.

I understand your problems, dilemmas and need for solving your supply requirements on the road. I know this because, before I retired, I was a long-haul truck driver. And just know that living in a house requires lots of effort too. As an example I just had to have my chimney rebuilt. So my advise is don't sweat the small stuff. And enjoy the life you're living on the road while you're young. The first insulated coffee mug I bought when I first started driving said "the open road never looked so good." Still have it.

As someone facing homelessness, van life seems to be the alternative to soaring rent prices and requirements... 3x the amount of rent, good credit, landlord references for past 3 years. It makes it difficult wondering if you can keep up on your rent payments or if you'll be evicted which will make it even harder to find a new place. This video definitely helps show that it's not necessarily the "easy" solution to having some "sense of stability". However you do a great job of explaining the potential problems as well as the solutions showing that with some grit it is possible.

Glad I stumbled upon this video, I have been contemplating about the "Van Life" after selling my house due to insane house market, left my job because I got tired of working 10yrs in the same setting (I worked as a nurse in the busiest hospital in the city). Currently working as a travel nurse, so driving/travelling a lot and loving it. This would be a big adjustment for my family but at least we don't feel "stuck" or 'chained down'.

Hi Christian I just found your channel. This was a very good video. You mentioned a lot of things that no other van lifer has ever mentioned. It made me think of things that you actually wouldn't think of until it happens.

I could picture myself struggling a lot with temperature. Sleeping in a hot vehicle night after night just sounds brutal.

I was once sleeping in a motor home near Fresno, CA when I heard something and looked out the window. There coming through the trees I could see a group of guys with baseball bats. I ran to the front and nervously dug out my keys. Just as the gang reached the doors, I fired up the engine, threw the coach into gear, and sped out of there. I've also lived in my car and once had someone walk up to my door and watch me sleep. Another time out in the wilds of New Mexico, I awoke to gunfire. Turns out, I was camping on the back side of a mound used by locals for target practice! These are dangerous situation which should be avoided if possible. Anyway, security is one thing people need to consider when living on the road...

I’ve been looking into this for a couple of years. I have decided a tiny house is going to be best for me- and even then a tiny mansion. I’m living in 828 sqft now and totally feel I could cut down to 350-400, but for so many reasons…primarily my health I can’t be at the mercy of a van like this. But damn am I still considering one for extensive travel.

I'm a semi truck driver for almost 3 years now. A lot of these points made are a daily or monthly routine/concern/thought process. We feel at the edge of society and isolated with being on the road for months at a time. Working 7 days a week and getting 3 days off in a month. We have limited storage for clothes and food and other amenities. We don't have showers or toilets on our rigs and must plan around getting either of those. I've been thinking quite intensely on Van Life. And seeing all these cons she brings up, I see I'm already well adjusted to this lifestyle. It's makes me hopeful I'll someday be able to actually explore the land around the interstate highways.

From living on a boat I can suggest the bucket washing method. Fill bucket with warm water. Wash face then dunk hair in it to wash hair with shampoo and rinse in bucket. Then stand in bucket naked to wash all body. You may need a second bucketful to fully rinse hair. I preferred doing this to going into a cold shower room in the marina or campsite.

This is an informative video that people aspiring to live in a van must watch. When people post videos or photos online, they are posting their best ones for the internet to see. What viewers often don't see is the laborious, non-glamorous side of this lifestyle. If one wants to get into van life, they must understand all this or else they can inadvertently turn what they love into a grueling full time job with a precarious future.

When you park too long in a spot, it attracts attention and that is when people will look into your window. They want to know if you are up to no good and your reasons for being in the same spot for too long.

Great vlog. Very accurate. You are a person who adapts and looks for the bright side of things. I believe that these are survival traits. I loved how you made fun of your video skills from the early days of this lifestyle. Thanks Christian.

Never did the van thing, but did live as a “drifter” for awhile when I was taking a break from school. Was sleeping at different places, crashing at different peoples houses and basically in between jobs, apartments, and so on. I thought that this was something that’d be a fun adventure, as I thought that kind of spontaneous lifestyle would be liberating. In reality, I learnt it’s actually very disorienting to not have a stable sense of home over an extended period of time. Having a “home” I think is a basic human need, and I don’t think something like a van can truly feel like a home. After awhile I felt incredibly anxious, overwhelmed and experienced a lot of existential type depression.

it makes me realize the big picture: what humans have had to endure througout centuries in order to find some kind of confort and security. It's clear to me now that things "established" by society are there for a reason, to preserve ourselves: 1. people needed to be near water so they were nomads searching rivers. 2. Comunities got "settled" near water and it worked 3. people needed better acces to running water inside houses, so they invented aqueducts 4. People needed someone to give maintenance to those aqueducts and other amenities and government and law structures where established... So we have: bills and taxes to pay, roads to run, governments to vote for and so and so... Society was built over certain needs.

I have no intention of ever living in a van (especially being over 70); but I find your videos very interesting, and enjoy the warmth in your presentation. Thanks, and all the best.

So special! I love seeing and reading,hearing the lives of your generation! I am 77 and slowing way down from my life of vaning all over since my Navy hitch 55 years ago.Been there done that! Just keep goin don"t stop may God bless you and all your endeavors! 🥰

Well presented, I lived the lifestyle seasonally for about 20 years as a field biologist; familiar with all the difficulties as well as the bliss. The basics are the issues that can get you down: like a wet week and a space full of wet gear, or the looks you get in town after a week, or more, without a shower, ( I recall a visit to my sisters once after a month of timber cruising, she offered to do my laundry...then informed me it was a good thing she loved me because that is the only reason she could bear the stench) or having to eat the same food for days on end to reduce waste ( especially so if, like me, you demand real food and don't eat from a plastic bag or a can).

Most excellent! I'm often annoyed by the "perfect life" stories presented by others. It's not perfect, it has its challenges, and sometimes it's exhausting. But...I still love it! Really appreciate your honesty and hope "wanna be" nomads catch this.

I appreciate your perspective and experience in Van Life. I cringed with you when you said that the constant sound of people and traffic are annoying. These are great challenges to consider before transitioning to Van Life full time.

I just downsized from a 45 foot toy hauler to a host mammoth truck bed camper. I’m amazed at the room I have for everyday living, I just can have as much stuff with me. But that’s what it’s all about. Your van setup is amazing. Great job designing. Simple and clean. Except when the coffee spills!😵‍💫

This was a great video. You are down-to-earth and straightforward, honest without exaggerating or dramatizing. People romanticize nomadic lifestyles and downplay the little things that have a big impact on mental health. It's so important to anticipate these things, know yourself and know what you need to stay happy and fulfilled.

I like how authentic and honest you are about talking through all the challenges . I have lived for 10 days on the road in a car and tent in National parks and campgrounds. What you said makes so much more sense now. I used to think lack of normality is not that big a problem and going to laundromat is fine. But just 10 days of moving around camping makes realize it is definitely challenging. And the decision fatigue and the feeling of missing home (a somewhat permanent place to yourself )is very real. Sometimes I just want to chill and hide at home especially during crappy weather.

Hi Christian, great video that brings realistic perspective to anyone who's only thinking how great it is without remembering that there's always 2 sides to a coin. I'm so envious of tiny living & van life though I also knew that unless I could be financially independent + sustainable, my dreams of living in remote locations with breath-taking views gotta wait. Oh, I also wanted tell you that I've followed you on Instagram and noticed your photos are so beautiful! It's also a colour theme + nature theme that I love, I mean your photos on Instagram. Thank you for putting up this video, I'm sure it's benefitting many people out there as it so inspires one to consider what we want in our lifestyle.

Stumbled upon your channel, and really appreciate you sharing your experiences, and behind the illusion of Freedom (Van Life). Great production too! Thank you.

This is such an informative video! I almost bought a van 1 year ago, but my family told me to first use my car to experiment. I realized van life was not for me when my anxiety peaked on the first day from the overwhelming outside noises, my disgust of driving in traffic and fear of the dark. So, van life definitely is NOT for me. Good luck to you!

I think the biggest issue with the van life is finding a permanent place to park which is probably illegal. However if you can find someone who is willing to let you park on their property for a reasonable fee during off working hours it would solve a lot of problems and anxiety. You wouldn’t be 100% rent free but you could still save a good portion of rent money as well as being safe and be able to have privacy during sleeping and also feel more anchored in one place.

I think the “always planning” part is probably under appreciated. It is not “restful” to always be worried about where you are gonna lay your head at night!

Right from the get go I know I’d love this video cause you start off with answering all the questions I have! Thank you’

you are absolutely on the money about every one of these points, and they're virtually only things that people who've actually tried to live on the road actually understand the significance of

Thank you for the open honesty. I think it's so easy to dream of van life (I do it all the time) but stuff like legal, normalcy, and loneliness is soooo often overlooked. I appreciate the honest communication. It really helped put things into perspective!

Great video, you paint a clear honest, tough yet grand lifestyle. LOTS to it. Enjoy each day, good for you.

Hi Christian, I so far have listened to you living! I myself got a stroke, so my whole life changed. I would like to move every two months and then back to hospital. I would rather live in a forest, but not here in Washington, they would not let us. Living in a trailer or whatever is a lot of work. I have built a nice wood camper, now I am thinking of building a motor home with my truck. I am not into new rigs like campers and other, they have to many issues to go wrong sooner than ones know. I know lots of folks live in a rig and make money from whatever ones is doing to make more money. I am not a lot of extra buying anymore, in our state in Seattle Washington sucks! I have lived here 64 years and now ready to live on a rig every two months. I will keep watching your videos so far. Best of luck for you! Thanks! Fred

That looks like it would be fun, for 3 days. Glad to see some realism. I know a guy who uprooted his life for this and nothing panned out. He's not handy, stuff broke, he can't afford a house now, lost his girlfriend, etc. Also, people are awful. Avoid them at all costs.

For me personally, these specific inconveniences of Van Life are not that significant. Had tried living in vans temporarily for a month or two and always felt sad when it was over, times flies to fast when you travel.

The decision fatigue is so real 🙌🙌 I never knew how to describe this before!

been traveling only with a backpack and sleeping bag and less than 10$ budget per day , girl your hardships are my dream 😄

One of the most comprehensive well presented and casual yet professional deliveries of a "reasons why van life sucks" videos i've watched to date and I've watched a lot! 🤟😎 Well done.

I'm 70, been on my own since I was 10. Being an introvert, and used to independence, I can really relate to what you shared. Few have lived life as I live it. You are doing well. Keep it simple. Then, simplify.

Excellent, candid, balanced evaluation. Thank you, Lady!

This type of lifestyle probably has made you the most capable woman! I love the freedom of being able to go where I like. Not something I can easily do with kids but one can watch your videos and imagine :).

I agree with the outcast concept. I've been living in motels for 3 years travelling for work and it's the same feeling.

I can honestly say that even though I currently own and live in a house, I still feel like I live on the fringe as an outsider of society, and get lonely. Living in a van doesn't mean you're less of a person. I admire what you do and the scenery in your videos is amazing. I can't wait to get on the road and travel myself.

thanks for the honesty, these need to be discussed more than the good stuff, to help people. great filming and editing, looks awesome. the mouse stealing the knife was wild.

Wonderfully thorough and candid. Thank you for this deep dive. My wife and I live in a tiny house on wheels (off-grid) and I can relate to more of what you said than I expected to.

I recently took a 16 day southwest road trip and was largely inspired to do some of it alone by you and your videos. I got the tiniest taste of what you must experience and wanted to say thank you because your videos really prepared me for an experience that was outside of my comfort zone. The decision fatigue was a big one and it might sound silly but I thought many times, if Christian can do this everyday, I can certainly do it for 16 days. As always, love your videos 😊

I think having a homebase piece of land or a little cabin somewhere while doing this will be reallly nice. I still want somewhere to get mail and hang out awhile see family etc.

the one thing that sounds like a REAL deal breaker for me, the pests and bugs at certain locations 😣

I think the travel thing in general can be a challenge. I travelled through south east Asia. I would often wake up feeling really unsure of where I was. It would take seemingly a long time to think and look around my sleep space and try and remember. Until you have experienced this it's hard to explain but it can be quite an anxious feeling.

I was nomadic for roughly five years of my life so I understand the ups and downs of the lifestyle firsthand. For the last four years I've lived in a more "normal" lifestyle and I've come to realize that neither life is perfect. I think it's fair to say that life will always have those moments of pure joy, and also those moments of pure frustration thus creating a contrast that gives value to life itself. I have a saying that became my mantra: "Attitude determines altitude," which to me meant that how I chose to perceive my conditions was the way they would be judged in my reality. I think that those of us with the "nomadic" chromosome will always crave the adventure of the road even though we need the rest of a more typical life from time to time. Great video and I definitely thank you for your time and effort!! I pray you stay safe and blessed as you walk about :)

Thanks for the honest and authentic content. Everything in life has it's compromises. For some it may not be the right decision . For me, It's worth the tradeoffs. Going full time in a few years when I retire. Keep up the great work Christian!

Thank you for pointing out the parking issue, I couldn’t agree more. Van life vids rarely address this topic and it’s the most obvious challenge when living in a vehicle.

I've been on trips, vacations, and camping out but I always went back home afterwards and could rest from all that crap. So, I understand how hard it can be. I remember once talking my family up to the Sequoia Forest and pulling up to a store once we got there and finding out my transportation had totally drained on the ground. We had to sleep or try to all night right there; it was a nightmare. Had to take a bus greyhound down the mountain and a cab to the airport then rent a car and go back up the mountain to retrieve our goods drive all the way back home to Southern California and later go through all the hassle of having our car towed & fixed. I have more trips that I could tell you about but you get the gest of it. We still had a good time.

Great video, brutally honest! While many of us understand "van life" is trendy and the cool thing to do these days, I absolutely love my class A motorhome (fully equipped home on wheels) while towing my Jeep 4x4...Don't feel like I'm missing or stressing about anything you've mentioned. Of course every version of RV life has it's unique challenges, tough to park 36' class A anywhere you want, but that's where the Jeep comes in! Kudos to you for living your life, keep up the great content...Safe travels!

Thank you so much for this video. My husband and I are struggling with literally almost everything you said but instead of in a van we’re in a class a with 3 dogs. The decision fatigue and constant noise is really real. Sometimes you just want peace and depending what you do for work you can’t get that when you need it. I honestly don’t know if I’m cut out for this ….. I feel like it’s dimmed my spark. One thing to is sketchy people. We have ran into so many people high out of their minds even in nice camp grounds. It can be a really dangerous situation. Just the other day a lady high on meth was threatening a fellow camper in the campground

I extremely like the video, man. Very helpful and informative. Thank you very much. It is presented so well too. Great, positive work.

Thanks for the terrific video. You have a great van. I appreciate your honesty, and know that van life is a good experience overall.

This was one of the best videos I’ve seen regarding van life. I also gotta admit I kept watching because your van is super cute. But you highlighted some real sacrifices that come with a nomadic lifestyle and only a few people get to even attempt to do it. You have a great eye for directing and editing and that’s something that deserves merit all its own. Cheers to you and your adventures.

I’m currently saving for van life, and I have accepted that there are pros and cons. I’ve seen (almost) all of the pros and cons. One of my closest friends promised she will let me stay at her house when I have a problem, of any sort. She is also a architect and a mechanic, so she will be my number one option, heh!

Love this video. I love the idea of living in a super small space where I could go when I want but after watching a few videos like these I think I need to reconsider. I appreciate you talking about the mental stress of having to figure out where you're going to park, sleep, poo, shower, get groceries, throw away waste etc stood out to me. I'd prefer the ease of knowing where I'm going to do some things I consider basic and not having to think hard about it on a regular basis.

Really do appreciate the honesty regarding van life. I don’t think I want to be a full-time van-lifer, but I do want to spend a few months at a time out on the road once I retire. With that said, you have provided some great insight into dos and don’ts that will help me prepare my rig (whatever type that may be) and mind for when that day comes. Thanks again for the honest perspective, and be safe out there.

I’m going to be living on the road for about a year in an RV and have been researching how some of these logistical problems can be handled. Receiving mail is my latest obsession. Thanks for the video and for keeping thing real, even if you love the life.

Love it, 5 years in a motorhome travelling round Europe. It really is romanticised and not for everyone.. I do love it but I've always been an outdoors/low maintenance kind of person. #realvanlife

This was a super interesting video and definitely brought up some stuff id never really thought about with van life. Im too much of a collector to ever consider it seriously. Id rather lose a hand than my books and such, but i have always considered getting a van for extended travel. The thing i really applaud you for though is the laundry. I lived for a while in an apartment with no laundry facilities and had to rely on laundromats. After a few momths of that i swore to myself NEVER AGAIN

Trying to decide if this is a good fit for my first year or two of retirement. Great content. Will watch more as I consider, and I appreciate your honest insights. Thx.

Hey Christian, as someone who lived on the road for 3 - 4 years. What was my life saver, was the climbing community. I’d highly recommend picking up the basics (harness, shoes, chalk bag) and venturing to well known climbing destinations: red rocks, Joshua tree, Smithrock, Bishop, Yosemite, Moab, Lander, WY, to name a few. The HUGE advantage is there’s many climbing van dwellers who commune up. So you have community. The experience of climbing is transformative and puts you directly in the present, a sort of moving meditation. I’m all too familiar with the whoas and drawbacks of vehicle living as you’ve mentioned here, having this climbing community was a life saver!!

I’m in college but I always wanted to spend a year or two (realistically: a summer) on the road with a friend or SO and just explore the country. I could never see myself doing it permanently, but much respect to those that do!

Switch to Merino or Alpha clothes and you won't need to hit the laundry very often and can wash them just using cold water, they also help keep you clean and prevent you from getting smelly. Internet was hugely problematic but Starlink I heard was moving to support mobile setups. Having a reliable place for BM is honestly #1, you solve that and everything else is trivial.

Great video, thank you for putting this info together and sharing ❤

Wow this has been so helpful. I’ve never even thought about things like decision fatigue and lack of community. Thank you for sharing!

I've been trying to write a story about a group of young adventurers living on the road, and this information has been amazing.

Thank you for posting this. It does neutralise the glammy way of van life a bit, making it feel more real. I've been a nomade for more than one decade. But I prefer to stay atleast a few months/half a year on the same place. Some of the points you bring up are the same for short-term contracters too. Like for instance signing up to a regual activity, establishing an irl network, creating your favourite spots where you can return to, regardless if it's a café, dentist, optician or just a general health clinic. That being said, you get comfy by changing places and adaptable, quick to find your base. The yoga has been my foundation, as for simple things like colorful carpets and pillows and curtains. It makes a home anywhere.