I Live, Travel, & Game Out Of My Van For $700 A Month | Unlocked
Trent Arant, 28, lives, works, and travels in a gut-renovated van. He pays about $700/month in loans for the van. In total, he spent around $10,000 towards renovating his van and turning it into a livable space. Trent is a digital nomad working as a visual effects artist and content creator.
Unlocked is a home tour series focused on how much people across the globe spend on their housing, what they get for the money and what they had to sacrifice to make it happen.
Check out Trent's KZhead channel @TTTHEFINEPRINTTT
Check out Trent's Instagram: / ttthefineprinttt
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Living In A Van For $700 A Month | Unlocked
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I like this man I dislike this media outlet
man going to things like EDC, burning man etc would be super fun in that thing, meet tons of people i bet a lot would be doing the same thing.
Complete propaganda. No one should love this lifestyle that's being pushed on young generations because they can't afford housing prices. This is pathetic.
@@eight7934 Yep and it's only going to get more popular I bet.
Its Jamie Davies I live in the UK I really really like your van video will you be my friend please CNBC Make it please my mate?
I think this movement toward alternative living situations is young people's solution to rising housing prices. I just started living in a van and I'm loving it.
With their massive numbers, society was build for boomers. Young people were left with the scraps.
I’ve been finding more older people living this lifestyle for 5+ years
Until the city finds a way to screw it up. The millionares club doesn't like us living at a fraction of the price that they pay.
So...being homeless is considered fulfilling now?
@@theglowcloud2215 if you live in a van, than technically it's your home. Why does a single guy need a 4 bedroom house? It's a great idea.
Bro took that heartbreak hard you can tell. Glad he seems in a better place. Absolutely adore Millie ❤️
She didnt deserve him or millie
He seems such a nice person ,Hope bro finds love again
Millie is the lifeblood of his channel ngl
Living in a van down by the river went from being the meme to being the dream!
In today’s market? Heck yeah. But I won’t lie. There’s definitely pros and cons to this lifestyle.
Jake! Another Poketuber in the comments!? Let’s Go!!!
Spot on!
Well said!!!
It was the dream before it was a meme now its mainstream.
What people are doing these days instead of throwing money away on cheap overpriced apartments is pretty amazing. Congrats my guy that’s a very cool set up. It is more efficient and makes more sense.
Yes, and good job for stating that. It's a financially wise move, taking an active role in steering his own ship and not being at the mercy of greedy property management companies.
yeah and ppl still call our generations wasteful. costs are rising, wages are stagnating. soon these alternative living situations like tiny houses, vans, minivans, etc will be forced to be the norm :(
Isn't it kind of crazy though, that not only are we tacitly accepting that it's ok for people in society to be living out of a van because rent and house prices are so expensive, but we are actually praising this behaviour. I think it would be more praiseworthy for the masses to be rioting in the streets that a basic human need has been turned into a speculative investment plaything for the rich to get richer. But instead we choose to act like we are just "temporarily embarassed millionaires".
@@liam9519 I completely get your point, but I don't think rioting is the solution. I wonder if anyone knows a reasonable solution?
Yeah, being homeless is amazing. Living in a fartbox on wheels with no space for a family. Hey, maybe he didn't want a family, am I right? At least he can play vidya games and eat tendies wherever the wind blows him!
$700 A month? In my dreams. I also have been living full time in a similar Promaster van for the last three years. My expenses is three times that and now with gas through the roof. Oh boy! The other thing I want to address is loneliness. I'm single and in in my early sixties, fit and healthy. Thank goodness, but the one thing I don't have anymore is the urge to merge , which is so absolutely overwhelmingly prevalent when you are younger. It is biology ...every age group has its own pressures , expectations, disappointments and joys. It is for that reason alone that I oftentimes wonder about young people travelling by themselves. With this lifestyle is meeting people not that easy and here today gone tomorrow. At my age do I not have the expectation anymore of meeting the love of my life and that is fine. Been there done that but for a younger person that dream is still very much alive, as it should be.
Profound comment! All the best to you.
@joevil thanks for sharing. I find myself in a similar acceptance. And $2100 in living expenses seems more realistic. I wonder if $700 is just for the van cost and not including other expenses
@@aldreonsmith4268 How so?
The description says it’s $700 in loans so maybe all in might be the same total as yours.
@@aldreonsmith4268 it's probably for everything except for gas. Food, gym, WiFi and insurance is about all he has to worry about. His electric is paid for with solar power and water can be gotten for free in a lot of places. He mostly cooks in his van instead of eating out.
I think it’s easy to glamorize this type of lifestyle (thinking it’s like a vacation all the time) that people often forget this isn’t for everyone.
Precisely why most of us don’t live this way.
@@702thomas lol
May not be for everyone but most people should at least try it out for a week and see if they like it or not. People might be surprised and actually end up liking it. If I had the money to have one as nice as his I'd do it full time for sure.
@@Ohiostategenerationx if you have the luxury of time to build and a job you can do remote, sure why not. I don’t think an average person do though.
@@Musubee you don't have to work remotely. You can work seasonal jobs. There's some jobs that cater to traveling people. And if you have a regular job you can do the build on day's off. There's a whole community on KZhead about it.
I was ready to cringe for a bit, but he did a really great job and the van looks very clean and cozy. I hope he finds someone to enjoy his life with, too.
Go check out his channel. You will enjoy it
@@TheBenghaziRabbit Thanks, I will :)
Why would you cringe? No offense just genuinelt curious
@@tereseday4060 kzhead.info/tools/LGOiIudM7bGHXM652Pat7w.html
@@tereseday4060 kzhead.info/tools/LGOiIudM7bGHXM652Pat7w.html
You're just houseless NOT homeless ! Your chosen career blessed you with the funds to do whatever you desire. ENJOY it all. Adventures now ,with the freedom to BE working anywhere & not having the hassle of moving to each spot to pay rent etc AND have your canine companion with you always too. ....PRICELESS ! There are many folks living as NOMADS much "cheaper" ways. You are very very BLESSED !
💯
I’m glad you put it like that! I thought about doubt this and you gave it perspective
Agreed he's not homeless and should not feel like that. A person who is truly homeless is living outside and has no place to live in and also can't provide themselves with the basic essentials to live.
100% HOMELESS....but if delusional semantics make you "feel" better than have at it.
The cops still treat you like your homeless
"I don't know that I would be able to live this lifestyle without my dog Millie. She provides a lot of comfort for me. Whenever I'm having a bad day she's always there to cheer me up." (1:23) That's so sweet 🐶
Millie is awesome, she's the real star of his channel
Absolutely outstanding honest video on van life. It can be lonely but doesn't mean you surrender your freedom for compromise of another soul. The choice to follow with another van lifer and then go your own way, is the balance. Of Course having a dog, that gives unconditional love, is a reward you can not put a price on. Outstanding build of the van and great design of function for living, sleeping, playing and working. Thanks for sharing.
This man is brave enough to living his dream, and don't care about what society forces him to be like. we all should follow him and living our dreams. Respect
Nothing "brave" about choosing to be homeless. Soldiers are brave....
@@yoholmes273 dont judge
Cmon man, you just said a man chosing to be homeless is " brave". There are at least 500 adjectives I would use to describe that action...not one would be "brave".
@@yoholmes273 u the one saying Homeless, at least show some respect or say nothing. ✌🏼
@@SelfMadeTalks Show respect? He IS homeless & he IS not "brave". Welcome to real life.
Nice setup well thought out. Like how Millie has her own room. All the comforts if home.
So cool to see Trent and Millie on here! He’s a very fun, personable guy and I enjoy all of his KZhead videos. I’ve been a subscriber to his channel for several months.
Not to mention easy on the eyes😍
You don't need a relationship to be happy. You can make yourself happy.
Maybe that's true for you, but that doesn't make it true for everyone.
@@ask_why000 wanting a relationship when you're unhappy is the worst idea and will make you even more unhappy.
You can have all the happiness alone, but if you ain't sharing with anyone, you still feel like you aren't completely happy!
Probably not $700 anymore with the gas prices 😂
That’s higher prices for everybody but his monthly bills are still probably lower than yours
@@donnelljohnson2247 Wasn’t a knock on him lol
Those Ram vans are horrible they drink gas.
now $2100 a month
EV/Hybrid/Hydrogen cargo vans will be the way to go 🙌🏼
It's quite impressive that he renovated his van himself. That's the hardest part of doing what he does.
I think your truly blessed even if your living in a van. Never feel homeless you have a family with your dog. I hope you find a significant other.
The first house I rented in 2009 was $700 a month in a bad neighborhood. I shared it with 3 other 18yr olds. That same house now rents for $2400 a month.
so in 13 years the rent went up by 8 percent...
@@agnidas5816 Exactly, you nailed it!
@@agnidas5816 from $700 a 100% increase would be $1400 so it'd be around 180%. Just so you understand, it wasn't $700 each. It was $700 split 4 ways, so $175 each.
@@crevetta6128 lmao no he didn't. Learn math
@Despicable Al Pretty much every country in the developed world has something similar happening in their country. Some places it's $2400 a month for way less room than American apartments, so it cost even more per square meter.
I really give this guy so much credit I started out as a filmmaker and traveled around with my best friend from film school all over the country for about a year what a wonderful and worthy experience it was! Much props!
This is a great van build out. Love the decor too
This is an amazing story and truly inspirational! I love it!
Safe to say, the modern worker has been reborn. The pandemic just gave people more time to reconsider those "sacrifices" we were all told had to be done. This is only one transformation of many. May the Great Resignation continue!
It's refreshing to watch an informative video like yours where you can actually hear the audio nice job
Trent, thank you for sharing your story. Your tiny home is beautiful. Reminds me of a cabin in the woods. All the best to you & Milly.
🌸 I’m absolutely fascinated by anyone living on their own terms like this. I keep binge watching tiny homes & living from converted vans I’m currently buying new home this year, I’m actually envious of the nomadic lifestyle living in a transportable home can offer actually more freedom to explore and live rather than just exist. I need a pet definitely ✨
I plan to do both! No reason I can't save up and go on extended trips while remotely working :)
Absolutely gorgeous build, you did an amazing job.
Trent that is an awesome van buildout. You did a great job. Continue to enjoy life with Millie and be safe! I'll be following you.
Van very neat.Looks as if it came completely that way.Good job with your installments.One person, wanting to see the country, this could do it for me.Love it.Thanks for shareing.May you be Blessed with your someone.
This is probably the first video of van life in which the owner doesn't paint the story as if it was all wonderful and rainbows. Looks like quite an honest review to me, good for him
Great video brother! Hope you are safe and enjoying life. I've always wanted to do something like that. If life fell apart from the way it is now, I'd seriously consider doing it. Stay well my friend.
All you need, tightly packed into one van. Love the solar powered gaming set up
Add some tendies and a waifu pillow and you've got the Sadness Special!
@@theglowcloud2215 uh oh, somebody is jealous!
Been watching him for a while and never knew the full story sad to see but im happy that it lead to this amazing life for him and I love his mindset about it all
Wow.... this is actually a dream. I wish I could live like this. Seems so peaceful and stress free. Love it.
it seems that way, but talk to any of these people who live out of vans and you will quickly find out it has its own set of problems which you may or may not think are worse than ordinary life
@@HOBOsnake yeah you're probably right.
@@HOBOsnake only loneliness
You are legitimately living one of my life fantasies! *You should be so proud of what you have built, I am stunned at how well it came together!* 😳🤩🙌
What's stopping you Anthony?
I started full time last year after I finished my military service and sold my house. Moved into my Honda Element and just been traveling since. I've loved it. Just the absolute ability to go where I want, whenever I want. Of course, it has not been without its challenges. But I've risen to those challenges. As for monthly expenses, I don't think I've ever managed to get a low as $700. My cheapest months are about $900 and that's mostly due to being stationary in one city so my gas expense is very low. But on average, I'm somewhere between $1200-1400 a month when traveling and around $900-1100 when stationary. I have chosen to be jobless for the past year, just taking the year off to enjoy my time. But I'm likely gonna jump into instacart soon while I review my wifi options to begin considering online jobs.
How do you have money?
hi
I really enjoyed your video. You were so natural and honest nothing staged - no phony laughter and arm waving. I hope you find a nice lady to share your life with.....
I'm subscribed to this guy, he is so wholesome and makes great content!
Vanlife is a great way of living if you're still learning about yourself and reaching your long-term goals
Also a great fit after you have finished "finding yourself" it's a great way to press forward without the pressures of a complicated life.
Nice!!!! Hello from Virginia, I plan on buying one this year in dark red with windows. Right now I have a 2011 Toyota Sienna Premium Limited that I have converted. I love what you have done with your Van built.
This guy's KZhead channel is awesome so you guys need to check it out. You'll find that his video makes you feel happy, comfortable, and funny as well. For me, it really helps me out of stress thanks to his positive energy and I feel enjoyable while watching his videos.
Losing the girl was the best thing that ever happened to you.
Usually that is precursor to a happy and more fulfilling life.
I wouldn't say it was the best thing to happen to him but good things can come even after you feel you have lost it all
Attention CNBC writers: It costs him a lot more than $700 a month when you clearly admit that $700 is JUST THE MONTHLY VAN PAYMENT
I'm surprised they let him build out a van like that with permanent installations when he still owes $ on it lol
@@stevejeffrey11 once you buy a vehicle, the dealer doesn’t really know what you’re doing with it, nor do they care, as long as your payments come in.
Pay no attention to CNBC's clickbait propaganda.
> 700 a month for living in a van is crazy
@@AndyPotts0 is 700 the cost per month to lease the van? That doesn't include gas, insurance, the conversion, groceries, etc. probably more like 1600 a month lol
I love what Trent does, he is just living his best life and he enjoys what he is doing. I love how many people call this cringe when these people live the boring life style. Yes what Trent did is definitely a big risk but it turned out okay and his KZhead channel is thriving next to his filming work!
Hello Trent I glad that I waiting your video I live in Augusta ,Ga when you said you from here I had smiles on my face keep doing what you doing everyday you experience something different enjoy your life
Hey CNBC, I've been living in my van for 3.5yrs. Currently in NYC (have been for 4 months). Have been in 40 US states and 2 Canadian provinces. Would be happy to share my story if ya'll are looking to interview someone who's living vanlife in a less flashy, but still very fun way.
Be safe in NYC
Love the simplicity of his life-goals!
That van is amazing! GREAT JOB!!!!! Enjoy... be happy on your own.
Don't do it bro ..your young I've been in my van for 3 years now single and loving it . Settle when your older .for now travel and save money and live life while your able ..love and family and settling will come ..just don't rush it ..enjoy drive and travel safe and many run into each other some day ..peace
Love this! And Millie is the cutest!
Hey it's really funny how everything you said was pretty much in line with my thoughts exactly exactly. I'll be in Tennessee here pretty soon outside of Nashville there's this camping ground Anderson campground... was gonna check it out today But I'm headed to Myrtle Beach. One thing I haven't been able to figure out is where do all the road liferz go?
What a lovely guy! I wish him all the best.
This is fantastic! You are living your best life Trent! All the best to you.
This is great. The van looks amazing and I love how he created a small own space for his cure god ☺️
Living in a van down by the river never looked so good.
Amazing job. The best van conversion to a home I’ve seen.
I love the office aspect of the van...that's what I'll put in mine when the time comes...well done!
you are doing it right! enjoy life :-)
Love this !
Trent rips! Long-time follower of his KZhead channel. Such a great, geniune dude.
You're living my dream in this gorgeous van. ♡
Numbers don't line up. Just the payments they mentioned in the video are $1100/month. Didn't even mention fuel and food. He's atleast $2,000/month
I'd like to know how much time and money he spends on maintenance... Not just on the van itself but on all of his home implements. I used to do warranty administration for an RV dealer and you'd be amazed how wrecked some of those things were when they arrived from the factory. Even if he spent more time and care in construction (which is likely since RVs are mass produced by factory workers who really couldn't care less), as we used to say he's still basically subjecting his house to a low scale earthquake every time he puts it in drive.
I know one thing for sure: your pup Millie absolutely loves this life I’d bet. You’re her whole world and she has you all the time. That’s a great relationship to have. Dogs are the best.
Super nice build! Beautiful! Love your dog! My side kick is my little dog named Tinkerbell. We have been living on the road for 4 years traveling and making videos. Take care and safe travels!
What others don't know is millie is the true star! Way to go trent glad to hear your getting out there!
She really is. 😂
Scam
@@Ryan-yi5ro scam?
@@Ryan-yi5ro lol big L Millie is this dudes pet dog. Rekt+touch grass+no fair ladies.
She has a stun collar so she cant run away
Sub to him seriously one of the best van life KZheadrs his personality is just insane
Im 26 and i sold my house in Florida last year. Been living in a camper and loving it ever since. It definitely has its pros and cons but I have no regrets.
One of the best gaming PC’s van life I’ve came across. I’ve been thinking about doing this & I want to build the same exact one like you! deff going to work until I have my own build completed…
I follow these two. If I need a mood adjustment, I go to his channel to cheer up. He's hilarious! Also a very nice guy that has a great voice. If you're a gamer (I'm not, I'm old. Lol) He's a great source of information. His van is beautiful. Check him out. 👍
What’s his KZhead
@@ceairriaturner1995 TTTHEFINEPRINTTT
@@ceairriaturner1995 hi it’s me!
happy he's living his dream and enjoying life. always good to experience different ways of living. it's not for everyone.
Thanks for sharing! I love your videos and you make us feel like we are there with you!
Great perspectives. I agree having a sense of not belonging. It gets very lonely on the road. Tfs your story
I think about this type of living alot.wish I had your courage😎
I love Millie🐕, she's the best.
Much respect to this man. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Congrats on getting on CNBC make it trent! Keep it up man -random person from high school
This is pretty cool, i would buy one to travel more conveniently.
This bro plays full halo game without lag in the wilderness while I'm struggling to connect to one game in metro area
True😂
This is the most livable van build I’ve seen. Cozy too!
Inspiring video man! Love it
I see a lot of van content but what about tiny homes !? I’d love to see a video on that
I want a tiny home 😩
By the time tiny homes become a mainstream thing they will probably cost a mil anyways :( I'm currently looking into van life as well
@@PrayTellGaming really? But the land itself is not a lot with a tiny home that being said lol I’d love a tiny home but a large area for greenery and grass. We don’t even have to make tiny homes a mandatory thing if we just make energy efficient homes and not mansion sized/ American consumer sized suburban homes
Check out the Living big in a Tiny House channel, they got tons of videos on Tiny Houses
@Rui PTG toured a tiny home village in Texas with my dad when we was looking to buy. The tiny was $180,000 and the communal use spaces was an extra $5,000 a year. It's was an overpriced trailer park.
I really enjoy his KZhead channel. Relaxing and sometimes he makes special videos of haunted places and abandoned places
Wow, one of the nicest self made mini home van set ups I have ever seen.👍🏻❤
I sold my home and bought my new 2019 ProMaster, I have been living in it full time now for about 28 months. I built my van to fit my needs and am fully self contained, I have plenty solar and battery power. I host for a State Parks and Recreation department, that gives me full hookups and also allows me to travel the state and meet lots of people and see many great and beautiful sights.
Fantastic van design! The only question I would have is why go with a range top when you could do a 2-top induction and not have to worry about gases inside your tiny domicile ? I think you have enough power for induction.
When you cook a lot, you also want an oven... induction is fine but doesn't compare to a 3 burner gas stove on the long run or a rainy/cloudy day.
@@georgemitchel23 yeah, I have an electric Miele speed oven at my house, it's great. Induction works as long as your batteries are charged! My main gripe with gas is that you're literally pumping out toxic fumes into your tiny domicile. Both the WaPost and NYT have covered the benefits of induction vs gas in the past month or so. My other gripes with gas are that it requires gas, and that it takes longer to cook things. I am feeling that induction is like switching to an EV - there is a learning curve, but once you cross over, there's no going back. But hey, that's me.
@@mikeshafer He doesn't have enough solar panels for that and all the other stuff, probably.
Cooking with electricity requires hookups. You aren't cooking on solar unless it's very quick on a sunny day at about noon so you have time left to top your batteries back up so you can run your fridge overnight.
@@felicianomiko I suppose it would depend on how much battery capacity a person has. I've been cooking using my Rivian for over a month now, but I have much more power than a typical Vanlifer. I still can't imagine going back to gas, it's just one of those things that once you cross you don't go back.
Man Trent started in 2020 or at least that's what I recall! I always believed that he was going to rise famous! He's the best!
Man, that shot of the van at 2:26, with the stars as backdrop, it's sooooo dreamy!
Cue up all the indoctrinated folks that can't even begin to understand this lifestyle (saving money, seeing the world, meeting all kinds of people all across this beautiful nation, being free to live the way you want, when you want, where you want): "Hurrr hurrr van by the river!"
You seem mad. Sounds like someone didn't agree with you on something and you're still salty. Why act like there are no issues with a van lifestyle? There are issues with every lifestyle. Christ.....
@@HOBOsnake I'm not mad, I'm laughing at you.
@@WotanSkyFather ok
@@WotanSkyFather you seem mad
I hope you find someone to live the life outside you wish so much for :)!!
beautiful build! I am now a new subscriber!
Love your spirit. Beautiful job on your van! Classy 🥰
The fact that he built this on his own is incredible
@MilkShakeFryDip get a life
@MilkShakeFryDip building a van like this completely alone is remarkable. I've built several and I could never do it just by myself regardless of tutorials. The practical difficulty of not having an extra pair of hands makes it so much harder day to day
his brother helped him
Breakup stinks, I'm waiting to get my heart broken so I can move into a van
Great build! Very talented production and sound quality; such a pro. Awesome. Doubt you will have any trouble finding ms right to share yourself with. What a beautiful life.
Good luck convincing Ms. Right to live in a van with you and start a family in your shitbox.
Hi i watch your channel! Love your content, glad to see cnbc did a vid on you
Interesting video. I have no interest in "van life," however, this video held my attention. Whereas at certain points it began to sound like a "van commercial," I do appreciate seeing a different perspective of what's possible.
Having to constantly looking for a place to park, shower, and toilet major turn off.
@@lifesabeach5405 Again, there are organizations like 1000 Trails, Army Corp of Engineers sites, various websites and apps to find free camping sites, KOAs, a service club, think it's the Lions were you can find places to park, county, state and federal parks and even places that you can buy the space, although many parks limit you to living only 9 months a year but will rent out space for you (after all you live this lifestyle to travel, they are NOT mobile home parks which is for houses that do NOT move.) Class C and A's and a few B's have self contained toilet /shower facilities.
As a PC gamer, this is the best conversion I've ever seen. Be safe out there.
Van Life is the 2022+ studio condo life style on wheels. You made a great choice. Congrats!
Trent is an ambassador for many of us who've chosen to exit the rat race, or at least reduce its impact on us. I've been living in a similar set (mine has shower/compost toilet) and I don't think I'll ever rent an apartment again. When I visit friends and relatives, I stay in my rig---it's that comfy.