WHY DID I GET SUCH A SMALL VAN?!
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5 жыл бұрынSupport This Channel: / elementvanlife
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Hey everyone! I’m Nate. I live the van life full time out of a Nissan NV200 self built camper conversion. In this video I explore Santa Cruz and discuss why I decided to get a compact cargo van for my camper setup. Please like, subscribe, and feel free to ask any questions below!
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@Needle620 3 жыл бұрын
Toyota needs to get in the cargo van business! I’ll buy one in a heartbeat.
@dianeibsen5994 2 жыл бұрын
Hi. Thank you for your comment. what do you mean by cargo van? I thought cargo meant the front and the back are connected.. easy access to the front in the back? When you say Toyota isn't cargo I thought their vans are cargo?
@invictuscrown4026 2 жыл бұрын
Toyota ProAce nowadays
@kyungkim2446 2 жыл бұрын
Two words. Chicken tax
@Needle620 2 жыл бұрын
@@dianeibsen5994 To me a cargo van is build for hauling things. Seats are for passengers, obviously. Example: I had a cargo set up on my bicycle to carry more things on my commute to work. Or, I can have it build for a passenger as well.
@Hankxiong Жыл бұрын
They have them. Just not here in the states
@joegaragozzo1640 5 жыл бұрын
The van looks great👍 . You got a nice little home and a massive front yard called the World . That's all u need ..
@tbz1551 5 жыл бұрын
It’s the backyard...
@kittykatcongregation 4 жыл бұрын
❤️
@scgs25 4 жыл бұрын
Beautiful
@moniquechristiansen6202 4 жыл бұрын
I like that. 😊
@KatrinaQuisilVlogs 3 жыл бұрын
I prefer small vans too because of my job in the city during weekdays. Traffic here in the Philippines is bad. Btw, the pop top is amazing. I wanna have that too.
@RVingLiveTheDream 5 жыл бұрын
Small van equals big adventures. That’s why we downsized from a class A to a Roadtrek. Happy travels. VanLife Rocks 🚐
@S.G..E555 4 жыл бұрын
It’s always been about the smaller living for me.. there’s something so great about having a compact space and really appreciating the necessities we own.. great van 👍
@age_of_reason 3 жыл бұрын
The single most important thing in a van is the bed and you killed it. Looks very comfy (one piece), looks like it can be leveled, and it stows away very easy and fast. Just perfect!
@tmckmusic8584 4 ай бұрын
Fun to click on a video while researching, and see my hometown of Santa Cruz!😉🌊
@macymango 5 жыл бұрын
For some reason I was against bringing my instant pot into my van build...your success has inspired me!
@raraavis7782 5 жыл бұрын
Couldn’t agree more. Living in Germany (where fuel is expensive), I‘ll certainly opt for a smaller vehicle and also pay close attention to the weight of what I put in there. No wood paneling and massiv wood furniture for me 😄 I‘ll use felt or fabric for the ceiling and plastic boxes for storage. And I‘ll definitely rather invest more in the vehicle itself and keep the inside simple at first. You can always upgrade that later...but you don’t want to put weeks worth of work into a van just to have it break down on you quickly.
@TheMcdrewb 4 жыл бұрын
EJSFilms2K how do you stealth camp in a trailer
@0xsergy 4 жыл бұрын
@@TheMcdrewb Can't in the city but there are definitely areas you can find. Also some walmarts are pretty lenient especially if you're not long time.
@taradead 4 жыл бұрын
@@0xsergy I'd imagine leaving a towable at walmart, without a vehicle, is not allowed.
@quietstorm8100 4 жыл бұрын
Oh wowww thanks guy....im about to enter the van life...i am soooo exxcited...my kids think i have lost my mind but they are happy for me...once they got out on their own...i realized that i did not need as much space n things tht i thought i needed...😻🚬
@okmmauh 4 жыл бұрын
Rara Avis . I am in VW Caddy Maxi. Camp on the floor. Curtain hooks in the holes at the top of the walls. Soft zip bags hang on those hooks. Storage under the front seats. So comfortable
@fernwehforevertearofjoy409 5 жыл бұрын
No explanations necessary, Nate😊. Especially having added the pop-top, your choice appears to be the perfect little home for YOU!....and that's all that matters! JOY! 💚
@DT-ds7sc 5 жыл бұрын
Scotty would recommend you get a 1994 celica and put a pop top on that🤣
@waltertalbot9472 5 жыл бұрын
D T ..and do it !”before is too late “!! .. haha . I have to confess, I replace my 4 Volvo’s for Lexus and Toyota.
@eriktruchinskas3747 4 жыл бұрын
Rev up your celica!
@WeatherPilot 5 жыл бұрын
Make sure to keep that seal between the pop-top and the roof of the van clean and treat it with Sonax Gummipfleger, 303 rubber seal protectant or something similar to keep it from drying out and pliable so that it doesnt leak.
@oscarmike4596 5 жыл бұрын
Leaks are definitely in the future, simply a matter of time
@DeerheartStudioArts 5 жыл бұрын
yor vids are so well edited! thanks again for doing KZfaq
@loiswilson7474 5 жыл бұрын
That was very very helpful I am considering exactly those questions. Keep the joy
@24ZEN 5 жыл бұрын
Beautiful cinematography.
@Fab-wd4qq 5 жыл бұрын
I love how you make great content and you seem like a nice straight forward honest guy. Safe travels buddy
@tegmapat11 5 жыл бұрын
Yeah, Nissan's have gone downhill, but.... have you seen the videos of some of the most popular KZfaq Nomads who have big fancy Sprinter's and Ram's, and yet have had major mechanical problems which have cost them thousands? Not everyone can afford what others say is the best, but are they really the best? Personally, I would never want a Mercedes engine myself, as I don't think they are any better than others yet cost far more in repairs. So, hang in there with your NV. Like you said, a lot has to do with how well you take care of your van and it sounds like you have good plans for the upkeep of yours. I think that is the secret to any vehicle, taking care of it properly and taking preventive measures BEFORE possible failures. Great video!
@dwaynejones1555 5 жыл бұрын
Teg Tru Dat
@Kevincrow420 5 жыл бұрын
Fo Sho.
@whackwhack9853 5 жыл бұрын
Shiz niz
@Kevincrow420 5 жыл бұрын
@@whackwhack9853 That's what's up!
@lecsu131 5 жыл бұрын
You don't trust Mercedes engines as they are not better? What hole have you been living in? Sprinter Diesel engines easily go beyond 500.000 km without repair, just common sense care. The Sprinter is not famous because of the Camper-Van-Conversion world, it's famous because it's a cargo hauler with decades of history behind it and being a cargo-hauler you can imagine those guys are doing millions of miles - if there was a problem with a line of engines it would be a massive problem for Mercedes. And 90% of people doing Sprinter conversions start with a Second Hand Sprinter, which means it's got at least a few hundred thousand kilometers on it and some years and some thousands of tonnes of cargo that was hauled back and forth. YOU WILL have some mechanical issues, especially if the owner before you treated it badly.
@1101agaoj 5 жыл бұрын
Quality of your productions is next level, really and truly. I can tell you that I look forward to every new video. Keep up the good work! You are living what so many folks can only dream. Thanks
@kodeywhitewolf4056 5 жыл бұрын
Loved this video Awesome footage of surfing scenes Good reasons for your choice of van Thanks for sharing Keep enjoying
@michaelfedrizzi2544 5 жыл бұрын
I received my sticker today, I will be putting it on my vehicle tomorrow. Thank you Nate
@GiggleFishy 5 жыл бұрын
Your filming and editing skills are top-notch.
@potatopotatoeOG 4 жыл бұрын
Your energy is so genuine. Keep doing what you're doing
@pedex252 5 жыл бұрын
My Chevy express van 2500 has been getting 18.x - 20mpg on the highway pretty consistently. They don't do as bad as many think. I have had full size vans that got like 10mpg but the modern engines and transmissions make a huge difference. Also the NV200 has a weight capacity of only 1500lbs........which much equipment boondocking for long periods you'd be overweight probably unless you go incredibly minimalist. The NV200 also has short legs, about 350 miles per tank, out west in the high prairies that will be an issue. It is a trade off no matter what you pick.
@taradead 5 жыл бұрын
The tank is small, but high mpg helps make up for that.
@pedex252 5 жыл бұрын
@@taradead Well, until you hit the Dakotas, Wyoming, or Montana then it would be wise to get a extra 5 gallon fuel can to carry with you. Out there 350 mile range is pretty small.
@justwannasay5454 5 жыл бұрын
I recently bought a 2017 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van with added fiberglass (bubbletop) hightop and I love it. Came with a rollover warranty. 🤗
@Luvrbug 5 жыл бұрын
So happy I came across your channel - can life has been calling my name
@charleswayne7221 5 жыл бұрын
I like your outlook and why you chose your van! and the build is so well done! keep living the dream! your vids are well worth watching.
@georgek1954 5 жыл бұрын
really nice vid, great editing, I appreciate your honesty and realism.
@sylviajones4907 5 жыл бұрын
You chose rightly. Good video. Beautiful surfing footage. Music spot- on!
@motogirlz101 5 жыл бұрын
I love the cinematography at about 10:00, such beautiful shots.
@zanesutherland406 5 жыл бұрын
Beautiful videography. And I love Scotty Kilmer, watch him everyday 👍🏼😄
@CarrieJo5916 5 жыл бұрын
Beautiful Photography! Good info on your van choice too.
@iamallmy1 5 жыл бұрын
its mahh-jik
@debbiejansen1178 4 жыл бұрын
I appreciate your enthusiasm!
@tildibu9087 3 жыл бұрын
I love minimalist living. Love your van and amazing how you got such a big bed in there
@KatyInNH 5 жыл бұрын
Hi Nate, If you have a glass or metal leftover container that will fit in the IP, you can do pot-in-pot cooking - you can use anything you can bake in. Fill the stainless liner with an inch of water, and place you leftover container on the rack (take any tight covers off (one doesn’t wan to have a closed container in a pressure cooker), and cover loosely with paper towel or foil, etc. to keep pressure lid from getting dirty. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Then Do a natural release. That way, the food will heat through, and the only dirty dish will be the leftover container (careful when getting it out-will be hot). The water can be used to wash the leftover dish. This method works well. It takes a little longer to heat up than directly in the liner, but is a nice alternative. FYI, I use my IP to heat water versus running my propane water heater sometimes. One question on the van - how high is it inside with the pop top down? Thanks for the great videos
@mr.145 4 жыл бұрын
Makes so much sense, from a very experienced camper.
@eganfo 5 жыл бұрын
Looks great. I love the pop top. So nice to hear Scotty's voice.
@combatmedic91-b76 2 жыл бұрын
Was surprised to hear Nissan has lost the quality it once had??!! I owned a Nissan truck 1993 it lasted until 2018 I sold it for 1,700. I wanted small van never thought Nissan would dive, but the warranty sounds good & the warranty I had in 93 truck was good. I like your videos thank you good 👍jod! I want a pop top also & something small to drive you did a great job on converting your van for camping!
@Yodaismycopilot 4 жыл бұрын
Very fine video. Really interesting to hear your philosophy and reasoning on the smaller vehicle. Thanks much.
@TheDanVan 5 жыл бұрын
Great reasons! Thanks for the explanations.
@pennyblea2705 5 жыл бұрын
You have made some great video's and enjoyed your taking us to many great places...thanks
@kimberlydavis5034 4 жыл бұрын
I like how you set up the inside of your van.
@lostman65 5 жыл бұрын
thanks for the info... i was looking at nissan a while ago, then my wants escalated me to looking at big vans... but now watching your videos ... i think i want a nv200.
@Detroitblue 5 жыл бұрын
You literally addressed every concerns I would have voiced if I had voiced one.
@cgretired6976 5 жыл бұрын
Nate, This video FINALLY made up my mind…. for good! I soon want to start my own nomadic life and have contemplated just about every vehicle My 2003 Honda Element A minivan A small skoolie An older Dodge 15 passenger van A crossover SUV This video helped me realize key points on beginning and then sustaining this life style. One needs great gas mileage, great stealth capability, and a 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty - all while owning a vehicle you can afford to drive cross country or use as a daily driver. The ultimate utilitarian vehicle! Great choice and keep the videos coming!! Thank you so very much
@JackieL7474 5 жыл бұрын
You made the right decision with your new home. My 05 Element is a gas hog but I wish sometime to convert it into my home. I love your beautiful videos a lot! I want to be a minimalist but don't know how to accomplish that yet. I look forward to each video you make!
@dee5331 Жыл бұрын
Your parents must be proud of you! Very informative and helpful thks for sharing
@RonInAVan 5 жыл бұрын
Minimalist is what I love and would definitely be me if I was traveling by myself. Sometimes smaller is better and less stuff...you have the right idea for sure. Great video Nate.
@tracycampbell7868 5 жыл бұрын
Great video. The way you put together your shots is amazing!
@A1DJPaul 5 жыл бұрын
That Small Van is Very Practical. More Stealthy for Town & city Camping. I like the Bed.
@andraslibal 5 жыл бұрын
Cool little van, makes sense the way you explain it.
@predator6707 5 жыл бұрын
Awesome cinematic beginning love your videos are getting better and better every day not to say they weren’t any better or worse before I like them just as much have a great week see you in the next one
@jasonpolski9966 5 жыл бұрын
Him mentioning Scotty Kilmer just made my day lol
@sean8051 5 жыл бұрын
Looooool. So great
@dwaynejones1555 5 жыл бұрын
Jason Yep
@markconger8049 5 жыл бұрын
Scotty is a riot. Just watched his video on the 1994 (?) Toyota Celica being the best car. I think he might be right!
@markconger8049 5 жыл бұрын
@J G - this one: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h5N9Y7BnntKtdo0.html
@mt.bikeher270 3 жыл бұрын
Great drone shots and editing. You're so cute and humble, thanks for the insight on the pros. I'm leaning towards a smaller van when I make the leap. Just discovered the pros of pop tops so thanks again.
@dianeibsen5994 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video! So helpful!! Great information. I love that you're a minimalist. And I love the idea of low gas mileage, low emissions, easy to repair💗👍🤗
@shawneeb3771 5 жыл бұрын
I totally agree. Save gas, you have what you need, easy parking. I am now thinking about this van as a real possibility for me. Thanks for all the information. Great Video.
@simplyrise5217 4 жыл бұрын
As long as is works for you. It doesn't matter what's your choice. That includes price too👍
@kaylalevesque186 2 жыл бұрын
I think he is so adorable!!! His personality shines thru and he seems so kind and humble❤️
@cogwun 4 жыл бұрын
Nice! Thanks for the video, looks like an awesome little setup. I've got a small van that I'm about to start converting. It's fun figuring out ways to maximise the space. I never really intended to have a small van, it was just a good deal, haha. But I'm actually glad that it's small. Whatever size vehicle you have you can find ways to make it work for you. I spent 5 months travelling with everything I needed on a bicycle and loved it.
@24hourtravellers 5 жыл бұрын
Your cinematography has improved so much since you began. 💚
@HPeterJi 5 жыл бұрын
24 Hour Travellers I totally agree. Man, I haven’t watched his videos for quite some time and just watched this one, and I am very impressed by both the cinematography and his new home.
@chrism7067 5 жыл бұрын
the casey neistat special He has changed how a lot of vloggers do their vids
@adavell 3 жыл бұрын
Looove the murphy bed, really clever!!! Thank you!
@merson812 5 жыл бұрын
People like you, who are few and far between, are so motivational.
@clovelly1946 3 жыл бұрын
I like the smaller Van's,I still cant understand not having bunk beds,such space SAVERS.but yours in great.
@Randylj1 4 жыл бұрын
I love the Nissan vans even though I get more recommendations towards the other mini vans. Thank you for the excellent information.
@dbeskan 5 жыл бұрын
You're good. Thanks for vlogging!
@quirkyclarke6423 5 жыл бұрын
I always love your videos! Your B roll is always amazing and your editing is💣💣 Thanks for the informative and entertaining videos.
@MikeAndNary 5 жыл бұрын
At 0:45 "that's the ocean" I would have never figured that out had you not said something.
@Erikjoelalexander 4 жыл бұрын
People should go for what they want no matter the price rather than compromise. Good on you!
@nv200camper4 4 жыл бұрын
Nice job and well filmed, thanks for sharing
@ricks.1318 5 жыл бұрын
Hey there Nate ... Glad to see that things are going well for ya .... SAFE travels ... (Rick from Massachusetts)
@happyhappyjoyjoy55 3 жыл бұрын
VERY well done video. You did a great job. You're also a very nice, resourceful guy. You thought through want you wanted to do with the van, and you DID it. And a job well done.
@theresapurnell5126 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing. I'm inspired. 👍🏽
@EE-fl5dz 5 жыл бұрын
Great honest info. And really like the vehicle. 👍🏼
@stevewoods7299 4 жыл бұрын
At the end that was so honest! It was refreshing and nice to see. About the possible lack of quality of your rig. I think I want an express in 9 years when I retire. But been thinking a lot about getting a Honda or Toyota mini van a few years old to do some weekend and week long camping in. And possibly as a daily driver too.
@rndmparker561 5 жыл бұрын
Great video! Thanks for the views! I'd love to visit this state.
@RachelSchell 4 жыл бұрын
I feel the same way about the convenience of a smaller vehicle. Really like this conversion.
@jillk2316 5 жыл бұрын
Another great video!!
@robertbidochon7949 5 жыл бұрын
Happiness is elevating our mind, by living and meeting good or bad souls. Materials are only tools for us to live this life.
@itsantiagois 5 жыл бұрын
Agree and I'll add...We are what we see, not what we do.
@rhondalyn100 5 жыл бұрын
Great vid! Lots of great info and variety of daily life. Surf shots were fun to watch...:-)
@andrewconway7730 5 жыл бұрын
Could you do a video detailing the cost of your van with everything included?
@mixflip 5 жыл бұрын
Great video. Pop tops are so functional. Worth every penny.
@Gamebit450 3 жыл бұрын
not at that price lol that is half of what the van cost. No way that top is worth that imo.
@Fitforacting 3 жыл бұрын
@@Gamebit450 depends on how much you use it
@donkeyballs3307 3 жыл бұрын
Pop top is mostly useless in northern Canada 🇨🇦,, ud b lucky if u used it 2 months per year & u would freeze to death , because of it , in the winter, here ,
@Asator66 3 жыл бұрын
I don't see the point. If it's cold you're not going to want to open it, but if it's good weather you're going to want to be outside. Standing in your van is hardly a perk when you can only take 2 steps down its length, when you can literally just step outside?
@mixflip 3 жыл бұрын
@@Asator66 not all...but some people like to change clothes standing up. Sometimes standing feels good on the joints and bones too if you have older bones or previous injuries from your youth.
@christysittig1200 5 жыл бұрын
Sold our NV200 and bought big Ram Promaster with extended warranty... love the room.. now we both can stretch out and love the inside potty...
@oldmanonroad.7843 3 жыл бұрын
This is great I have a small van and you have a great plan good job
@dltjdms 4 жыл бұрын
I could relate a lot to your points. I have a Transit Connect 2012 camper. It's great for urban camping.
@ChrisFactor Жыл бұрын
Completely agree. You Sir, are my spirit human! Minimal Life!
@elizabethbrundagemediajour150 5 жыл бұрын
I think you made a great choice in the Nissan NV 200 with the gas mileage. You did a great interior setup and the pop top is great. Love your cinematography!
@baygrl518 5 жыл бұрын
Very enjoyable. Thanks for the content
@nomadicexperience9742 5 жыл бұрын
The NV is one of the best options out there. No doubt. Im personally considering the FJ Cruiser and that's slightly smaller than the element. Fully customizable interior in a commercial van is very enticing.
@divinelyled8269 5 жыл бұрын
I just bought mine ! 2019 nv200 , can't wait to convert it ...not sure if I'm going with the pop top but it does look awesome 😎
@MrMinimalst 5 жыл бұрын
"...it's pretty rare that I actually want to eat the food I cook for myself." 😆😆😆 Nate your decisions to get the NV200 make so much sense to me. You're a master level minimalist for certain, I always enjoy hearing you speak the good word. Take care man!
@yohann1155 4 жыл бұрын
Liked the video...... $9000 for the pop???? Thats were you lost me!! 1/2 the price of the van.
@youarehere1251 4 жыл бұрын
Yo Hann higher resale value, just like home improvement. And he got a huge discount by doing promotion for the company.
@porkchop1343 4 жыл бұрын
Lost me too.
@eduardoleon2106 4 жыл бұрын
@@youarehere1251 the van is still garbage those 9k are completely lost smh.
@age_of_reason 3 жыл бұрын
Wow, that's highway robbery.
@djcolt100 5 жыл бұрын
I think it’s a great choice! Murphy bed + pop-top = versatility
@lynnej.9357 5 жыл бұрын
I really like what you've done. The small van is economical and the pop top gives you good flexibility. Also the murphy bed allows more space inside. I think it's great.
@blessedbeyond2118 4 жыл бұрын
You look healthy and happy SO i would say you made the right choice for your inner peace and that is all that matters...You have a lot invested in that so you have to love it...I love love love the murphy bed thanks for sharing you are well spoken clear and very smart...ty again
@niluferwajeeh4352 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your nice vlog.
@myjoyquest 4 жыл бұрын
You're on the westcliffs in Santa Cruz! My hometown 🦋
@Declare57 4 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed your video and lifestyle. Good conversion! (I have a 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab that I bought new. Never had a lick of trouble, so far)
@mychannelnotyours 3 жыл бұрын
Nice! I am buying a small van.I just started travel nursing. And this is so perfect.
@elaineevans7126 5 жыл бұрын
I love your van! Great video! Just use the sautee function on the Instant Pot; it’s even faster and you don’t have to put the lid on so can control how hot it gets.
@debbiejansen1178 4 жыл бұрын
Also, I recently moved to Santa Cruz, so enjoyed your video of the West side.
@deborahsalazar3286 5 жыл бұрын
I use the saute mode a lot with our Instapot for reheating, or food that only require a quick heating.
@silentxcure 5 жыл бұрын
im so glad you made this video...im currently looking for a van and i contemplated on getting a bigger van...i've lived in nyc and bangkok for the past 7 years so i've definitely acclimated to the city life but also would love to be out in nature as well. i'm considering the ford transit connect.
@105cathy 5 жыл бұрын
We have had excellent performance from two Nissan vehicles. We tow our Casita with aPathfinder. Traveled almost 70,000 miles with zero problems. Have 230,000 miles on and going strong ! Looking at the larger NV for our next....
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