Hello, My name is Brad. Today i'll be showing you how I have been living in a van for over 6 years. This has allowed me to save a lot of money by not paying rent or utilities. Would you ever consider a lifestyle like this? leave a comment and let me know.
0:00 why i sold everything
1:21 A look inside
2:07 How I started
3:30 What it cost me
4:57 DIY conversion
6:14 Free Electricity
7:10 minimalism mindset
8:55 Interior details
15:14 Monthly Expenses
16:35 What about retirement?
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Hello Brad :)- Welcome to life of minimalism!! :)- I am a single guy who just turned 51 a few months ago. I am never married, no kids and never owned a home and I work 7 days a week and living from paycheck to paycheck and I don't buy anything. If I did not have such high rent in a trash neighborhood, I could survive on a minimal lifestyle. Kudos to you for what you do for the rest of us stuck in a rut.
minimalism is calling you!
Bro, another source of income could be you being a van conversion consultant. Your van was one of the nicest ones at the San Diego exhibition.
Thank you! I’m definitely open to that 😎
@@nomadbrad503 MrNB503 I have followed the continual upgrades to your van.. To increase your MPG -SCT Tuner with a tube from 5 Star -SPD Y-Pipe -Shorty After-Market Exhaust Header -Synthetic Fluids .. oil, transmission, rear diff, power steering -75-80 psi front tires -85-95 psi rear tires At CCC Driving 61 mph on cruise control you can achieve 13-15 mpg convectively.. all with 85-87 octane gasoline The mpg doesn't seam as impressive but the drivability of your rig will improve drastically.. the trans won't drop shift as much... Cruise control speed will hold on slight grades... There are more improvements that can still be done to improve mpg and drivability
@@nomadbrad503 just like the rest, you wont last and go back to normal living in an apartment or something like that.
@@anamegoesherewhy so negative?
I've seen his first couple rigs and he has a natural gift. And, he is a talented designer and genuinely kind human.
Right on! My lease ends in a month ( rent is $1700 a month) and already looking at vans. Safe travels and great video!
Awesome! Hope to see you on the road
It aint the savings its the ability to create funds to retire early. not enough monies ? why? then get a better job. save invest then you are free..
Go for it!
Someone I remember, who died long ago, said, "Take your retirement as you go." He never made it to retirement age and he was not wrong. Plan for your exit, even if it's 40 years from now, and you will be a happy old man one day. You have a wonderful life now. Good video!
great way to say it! Im definitely taking it as I go
We used to party at my friends parents retirement home on the lake. Mom came down first and got it all ready. Cleaned and ready for retirement. Dad came down months later ready for retirement. He died the next day. I was 30, now 59 and “retired” in my van in Fort Lauderdale. That story/experience FOREVER changed how I view life. At 47 I said - THIS IS MY TIME. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and we are only doing this thing called life once, make it count! I am ! 🍺😃🎉🍺🎉😃😎😎😎👍🍺🍺🎉🎉😎😎😎👍👍👍👍
@@guybeingaguy thanks for sharing that story. I’m sorry to hear about your dad but this is exactly why I’m not waiting to retirement to enjoy myself. I’m happy to hear that you are doing the same
Really getting clean does not have to be a shower. Caught in a van durring the pandemic I bathed every day using a Home Depo cement mixing tub and two basins. I used washcloth in a clean water basin to wet myself and rung the washcloth into a dirty water basin. I would soap down with three and one shampoo and rinse and dried two to three times. Only used about 1/2 gallon of water. No sink in my van but this worked for me.
I agree with you!
The Front/Back door configuration is essential from the standpoint of security in case of an emergency or a fire to exit from the cabin
i absolutely agree
Best I've ever seen being able to run the AC all summer is the ultimate game changer
thank you! I am loving the AC right now
The richest person in the world is the one that needs the least to be happy.
WELL SAID
Yes, i love this!
That is so very true
When I heard "i shower once a week n I realise that I dont need to shower that often"😂😂😂 yall tripping
Good thing the dude lives alone and works outside. Showering once a week?
lol, im telling you...as long as your not running around getting all sweaty, you dont need a shower that often
i know its hard to believe...we dont need showers as often as society wants us to think we do
In europe scotland they dont shower as much, been ther done that.
@@peter-pg5yc Boarded a train in Paris at rush hour traffic on a Friday afternoon. Needless to say, my olfactory senses were pushed to the limits.
I'm coach surfing but am able to shower at a local park with a aquatic center. I register for their swim classes. I usually shower there monday to Saturday and take classes for $25 bi-weekly
That’s a great idea!
When Im on the road community pools are the go to place.. Get a workout in , a hot tub , shower etc.... gold
“Couch”
I've been planning for 2 years. I'm 100 percent convinced. I have 1 year till full soc. Security of 2400 a month. Once i sell after cap tax ,etc. I'll have 600k. Ill be starting my build this fall. I only wish i did it sooner. I'm jealous and encourged by you.
Bravo Brother! keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you do.
Thanks! I appreciate you brian!
Brad, you continue to show amazing growth in Off Grid Architecture. You have also, by example, continued to educate yourself as you enjoy the freedom of Nomad life. I can't wait to see what you do next!
thank you so much journey! im happy to see youre joining me for this ride 😊
Such a good point about retirement. Awesome set up. I work 7 days a wk 2 shifts a day n can't wait to retire because if it! Your living the dream!!!❤
the dream is alive! you can live it too!
The same boat here 😂
Retirement isn't just about getting to the finish line. I can tell you, once you get older, you want a peaceful and comfortable place. You're a young man, but when you hit 60+, you may change your mind about living on the road. Believe me, physically, it gets harder and harder, just bending over and getting on your knees on the ground isn't easy.
I hear ya, my dad is 76, still travels in a 40' Class C RV. hoping to follow his path
You don't have to travel. Live in the van in the city.
You could definitely do what Chuck Cassidy does for schoolies but for box trucks. He has a pay by the hour kind of deal over the phone I think. Helping people get their layout or help them with troubleshooting solar systems
I would love to do that!
Great video Brad. I work in a converted warehouse (to office space) and there are no windows in the room where I work. It's soul crushing.
That is indeed soul crushing! You gotta get out of there John!
Humans aren’t meant to be locked up in windowless boxes wasting precious time making someone else money at their own expense. Run!
@@shaggyterrell8460 agreed!
Set up a 32" or larger LCD with a Chromecast or Fire TV stick. Then control it with an old phone and a hiking/camping, nature view, fish tank etc playlist. It'll make a HUGE difference to your mental health.
@@edwardfletcher7790 -- Or just get out there in the real world and actually see and do those things! At least 100 times better!
Excellent video after over forty years as a mechanic I cannot wait to get out of that increasingly noisy smelly garage and see the sites in this continent
I can’t wait for you to get out!
By then youre body is not as able..i traveled in my 30s to 40s. expat 2 xs, million air miles. glad i did it then, young able and it was fun.
I worked in my 20's 30's 40's Now my knees are shot. Hard to stay healthy. Your point is taken. I think sometimes I did it backwards
The retirement quote is so accurate. We only look forward to retirement when we don’t look forward to our everyday
absolutely! im glad you understand
I learned a few things on this video and I like how your outlook in life is. More power to you.
glad you learned something 😊
Well said brother! As usual great informative video! Some day I'm gonna jump into box truck life for sure! And you are my go to for ideas on setting up my box platform! You are a true professional sir! Thanks very much Mr. Nomad! 👍
I appreciate that! I look forward to seeing you on the road 😁
What a fantastic video! ❤
Thank you Nichole! I hope you’re enjoying Washington 😊
Your house was an investment that grows in value year after year, especially if you weren't there much
I hear ya!
One of the most well thought out and well executed van conversions I've seen. Bookmarked for future reference. Great job, thanks for the video!
thank you so much for the kind words !
Thank Your Brad for sharing your incredible life with us. Great ideas and a great build.
Hey Walt! thank you for the kind words. I hope you're enjoying the international travel
Excellent video. It covered a lot and made van life make more sense. Good job.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome van setup! Thanks for sharing!
thank you for being here !
I did a kitchen remodel last year & put in the same sink. I love it!
It’s been a great sink!
G’day from Australia Brad, very admirable how you’ve combined your profession into your home, that is quite something. Keep on living a good life mate
That van is one of the nicest I've ever seen, well done.
Thank you so much! That means a lot. This was hard work 😅
Brad, this video is the most informative one I've seen on van life and how to make things work successfully. I appreciate you sharing your experience. 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Looking forward to following Brad wherever he goes.
I appreciate that 😎
Best regards from Indonesia
Enjoyed this. Love your life attitude.
Thank you! I appreciate that
Fantastic video. Super zen. Love and agree with your philosophy on life.
Thank you kindly!
Yeeeeesssssss I 100% agree with your thoughts on retirement. Beautiful home you have built, it is exactly what I am looking to buy and build, it will make remote work so much easier! Thank you for sharing! 😁
it's perfect for remote work!
I love watching your videos. I'm really happy for you that you found your niche😊
Thank You!! i appreciate having you here 😊
This video has real depth, and is quite insightful on so many levels. I am so glad I watched it.
Thank you so much for watching 😎
Great video and chat. Stay safe and TFS.
Thank you so much 😎
Best regards from Indonesia
Love your sharing bro, subscribed immediately. Looking forward to your next video.
thank you, I really appreciate that 💪🏼
I love how organized you are .. well done
Thank you! 😊
This video is so inspirational! I love it! Thank you.
Im so happy to hear that :)
Wow Brad, great channel! I have a feeling you're gonna light the fire (so to speak) beneath others living similar lifestyles ie "happy houses/fancy cars/major debt/stuck" to make the change(s) they've been fantasizing about for far too long! Safe travels, Pam
thank you! I sure hope I can
Best regards from Indonesia
You’re my dream man!! So organized…..and cute! Love your home!!
Thanks so much!!
Those Mini-split heat pumps are a must. Cool video.
Thanks! I agree, I love the mini split. It’s so quiet compared to the other options
You've done good Brad, real good.
thanks! I appreciate you 😎
you seem to have it figured out. Good job!
haha I sure hope so
You have an excellent perspective of your van life, and your mindset on retirement. Kudos enjoying life.
Thank you Mo!
Great video. Love the build. Thanks for sharing😊
Thanks for watching!
Best regards from Indonesia
Your concept of retirement is awesome! Very cool
Thank You!! i appreciate having you here 😊
Great truck. Great job. Great life. Living the dream!
Thank you!
I really enjoyed your video. With heating/cooling/electrical skills, you are set for success!
I believe so too!
This guy is above most in thinking and living. Brilliant. A born business owner. Super van. The only thing I would do differently, being shorter, is I'd have a smaller vehicle with better mileage. But he certainly has his electrical needs down pat. To be able to run an a/c 24/7 in the summer is amazing. I truly admire this guy's abilities and thinking.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Love your videos and what you represent - intentional living
thank you! I appreciate that
The inside design is perfect……good taste,bravo!
Thank you very much! I put a lot of time into it 😎
I think you have it worked out pretty good , good luck.
I appreciate that. It’s been great so far 😊
You’re doing it right my friend. Running your own business solo is the biggest key to your freedom. Van build is well thought out, clean and minimalistic as well. The mini split is a game changer. Much to be proud of here.
Thank you! I’m very proud of my accomplishments 😎
Great video! Very knowledgeable.
Glad it was helpful!
New sub, great van, and content. I’ll be following along!
Thank you Shannon! I’m glad you’re here
This is a beautiful built. You are mechanically inclined and a natural as an internet personality. If ever I realize my dream of van life, I know who to call for my solar!!
Thank you very much! I hope to see you on the road 😊
Beautiful and well spoken video
Thanks, I appreciate that 😊
Best regards from Indonesia
Thanks Brad, you have helped me to get closer to RV life ! I have been studying thr RV life since this winter. I retired ( accident 2007) and been living on SSD. It works good for me. I have been doing auto paint and body work for 47 yrs now. With my experience and alot of KZhead episodes, it is going to make it real.Hope to see you on the trail some day !!
im happy to hear that youre figuring it out 😎
This is a brilliant idea and it is like a little apartment if the neighbors bother you move away, very nice.
thats exactly the point 😎
NIce work on the van, looks great. 👍
thank you !
Amazing space and extraordinary philosophy! Thank you for sharing, very inspirational.
Thank you so much!
Love your van! The door between the cab and living space is an awesome idea. I think a shower would be a good idea as I shower daily. Beautiful setup otherwise!!!
thank you!
It’s a great layout and design it allows you to travel your career allows you to work anywhere your knowledge of solar technology compliments your lifestyle well done friend
Very true!
i love your working space. awesome!!
thank you! I love it too!
Very good video, I appreciate you!
thank you!
Great job. Cheers 😎🥃
cheers! i appreciate you
Beautifully done. I like your lifestyle.
Thank you! 😊
I'm really enjoyed learning about your "why" and your setup. As I prepare for grad school, I'm contemplating the idea of living out of my SUV. I already have a few essentials from my previous camping trips, but I still need to iron out some logistics.
Thanks for following along !
You should be very proud of yourself. Amazing job. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
thank you so much! i am very proud if how far i have come 😎
Bravo! Excellent video that covered so many bases of van life. Thanks for sharing your philosophy! Fantastic rig you built. I only seem to hear complaints about reliability from vehicles purchased from a dealer. All the self-builds seem to hold up OK.
Glad you liked it!
Nice one bro! I envy you 😅 keep it up and RS! from the Phils. 🇵🇭🙏🤙
Thank you! How are you liking phi?
This is an eye opener for me honestly❤
Im happy to hear that !
Good for you. It's the best.
Thank you!
🙋🏽♀️Brad this was a great informative video 🔥🫶🏽✌🏽
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it
I need the same van, this will help my life a lot!
yes you do!
Brad, Nice video! thanks for sharing. This is my dream to follow! and many of the viewers as well. cant wait to see you build the new truck in the future :D *Wink Wink*
haha it might happen
Very inspiring. I hope to hire you when I finally get that RV I've been dreaming about for years.
I would love to help!
We both like Le Cruset flame! It's fun to see the same teapot and skillet I have.
no way!? I love it so much
Your rig is so very organized.
thank you! its a daily process but i enjoy a tidy space
Wow Brad, great video, love are nomad freedom, hopefully you can make it to northwest nomads this sept,Oct in lapine oregon area
I hope so too!
Hey Brad, just found your channel and enjoyed seeing your unit. Love the sleek minimalist look in side. We retired at 50 debt free and love that we can still venture out through the year (coming 70). I still have a couple online businesses so it doesn’t matter where we are. Life is too short to be stressed or in debt. Congratulations on choosing your lifestyle. Cheers
Thank you so much! Congratulations on landing some location independent income 😊
Love your build.enjoy your home.🎉🎉
Thank you! 🤗
Your life seems great. When you get old your needs can change dental work is very expensive but sounds like your thinking I worry about that for me along with of course saving but im sure your able to to do that part better nice video love your rig
thanks! i know the body starts to fall apart. Just enjoying the ride while it's still good
Great video 👍👌✨ really common sense. Investing in my preferred retirement. I would advise , from personal experience, not to put to much trust in banks. Good luck 😊
I agree with you! I dont trust the banks
I love your home ❤ god blessing you
Thank you so much!
Love your van.
thank you!
One of the best vanlife vids i ever watched.
thank you, I really appreciate that 😎
Great talk
Thanks for listening, I hope you found some inspiration
@@nomadbrad503 You help me on my project ♥ Free food, free healing and free education. You contribute on the free housing
I lived in a minivan for most of 10 years. I traveled a lot and spent winters in the Phoenix area and one winter in Southern California. I spent 2 springs and summers in Boulder , Colorado. I worked 2 summers at the Grand Canyon and I worked temp jobs, day labor, restaurants. I was a professional sign waver on the side of streets. My van had room for clothes, sleeping bags, food, etc. I could stretch out and sleep well, protected from wind, rain and insects. I locked my doors at night and parked near apartments, motels or hotels. I did not park in front of private homes at night because they'll call the police. If you live in a vehicle get your windows tinted extra dark so people can't see inside. I ate free food at St. Vincent free food kitchen and the Salvation Army in Prescott, Arizona. For 1.5 years I had a 24 hour fitness membership to use their showers. Although I was homeless, I had plenty of money saved and my clothes were relatively clean. Nobody knew I was Homeless !
very nice, you were doing it right!
Excellent explanation of why someone should get into Van - Life and maybe also why not! Very down to earth & realistic about retirement! Thank you! I never use the term "inspiration" ... but now I am "inspired" to think about Van-Life/Boat-Life in the immediate future! Thank you for the "inspiration"! All the best! Oliver
Yes! Whatever way you want to find your freedom. Just get out there!
Just bought an 82' E350 getting ready to convert it, your build is the best I have seen for my needs! I plan to replicate you and appreciate your content greatly.
I’m so happy to hear this! I’m sending you good vibes for the build 😎
Good vibes received! Is there a more budget friendly inverter you recommend for a 1200w max system? Not planning on using shore power.
Excellent video. Thank you Dude
Glad you liked it!
I agree with you 100%.
😎
Awesome video and beautiful van! I live in my rv and try to travel when i am not working, but thinking of going into a small box truck myself. I am in the process of installing solar on my rig and it is a fun project and i enjoy it. During my project i already have several people come up to me and asked me if i want to install solar on their rigs. I did not realize that the demand is pretty big for installers, I may consider it but I'd rather stick to board level repairs.
yes, theres a huge demand for solar and a limited amount of folks actually installing it on vehicles.
This video is personal confirmation for my Van Life Journey and Experience. Your video and presentation from start to finish is encouraging and the best I have seen yet. Thank you for posting truth and being evidence for “society” to see that Van Life the best way to live abundantly! I’ll see you on the road.
im so happy to hear this! I hope to se you on the road soon
Really nice build!
Thank You!!
Like your altitude lol. Subbed
Thank you, I appreciate that 😎
Really nice video. Fabulous van. Thank you 😊
Thank you! 😃 im glad you like it