VAN LIFE 101: What To Do BEFORE Becoming a Nomad!!

VAN LIFE 101: What To Do BEFORE Becoming a Nomad!!

#vanlife, #gloriouslifeonwheels, #rv
What do I need to do to prepare for van life fulltime is the question so many ask before starting out on the road as nomads. Well, in this video two women who are at different stages of van life as solo females share some valuable tips that will answer that question and so many more. Gracie is just starting out as a full time rver in her class C rv, but she researched and prepared for five years in advance. Bernae is still deciding if she wants to be involved in vanlife full time or part time or perhaps even choose tiny house living. They both bring a wealth if ideas and information to the table that will be helpful wherever you are in your decision making process or even if you have already started van life and having a few struggles.

50 Comments

  1. ska punk OI! alternative living on September 4, 2022 at 4:34 am

    I said this before with a woman or guy with sickness or you may have back problems if you do consider this lifestyle I highly recommend a high top van or a tall vehicle do not do it in a minivan or a regular van not at your age or you will pay the price down the road and make your back and your problems worse .. because remember in a small regular van you’re on your knees all the time and bending down using your back all the time that is not good especially if you have back or knee problems.

  2. Inspired to Wander on September 4, 2022 at 4:36 am

    It is important to consider the pros and cons of the decision to go full time, as these ladies point out. Trying out the lifestyle first before giving up sticks and bricks is wise. Great video of two lovely adventurous women, Carol. Thank you!

  3. cross roads and cats on September 4, 2022 at 4:39 am

    the problem with a firearm is going over different state lines I wanted to get one to, but it seems like it would be a lot of work figuring that all out

  4. Jill on September 4, 2022 at 4:40 am

    What wonderful women! Safe travels ladies…

  5. Raven Maniac on September 4, 2022 at 4:41 am

    Thanks y’all girls for the valuable advice on preparing to go Nomad!🥰

  6. Christina Merritt on September 4, 2022 at 4:41 am

    Yes keep in mind we see someone’s 15 to 30 min fabulous experience. We don’t see them digging the infamous cat hole, or riding around paying 20.00 for a shower at a truck stop…well some show this. We don’t see them on a daily basis searching every night for a safe place to sleep. All the batteries, inverters, and solor to keep basic connections available. The grueling heat sweating profusely all day and night. The diesel heaters appear to make winters wonderful. Repairs..flat tires when your alone, alternators out when your alone, transmission or even engine that won’t start after 2 weeks boon docking in the epic location. The weirdo that rode by several times in the night. Finding a place to wash your clothes so your not dirt bagging it as I’ve recently heard a van dweller put it. Oh and a compost toilet…think about emptying that. All of this to fight for a camp spot bc crowds are unbelievable. Camp grounds usually ridiculously expensive. Gas prices hindering adventures
    Cheers to those of you starting out in the best Van’s, RVs, campers and plenty of money to give this a whirl in style worry free from finances and prayers to those who are not but with the same dream.

  7. Sweet Lulu on September 4, 2022 at 4:42 am

    How do I find meet ups?

  8. RVWeekends on September 4, 2022 at 4:42 am

    Nice interview:) Friends of both of these ladies:)

  9. Lea Clayton on September 4, 2022 at 4:42 am

    She should turn her house into an air bnb

  10. Alma Paredes on September 4, 2022 at 4:43 am

    Hello Good eve

  11. Miss Mad Asia on September 4, 2022 at 4:44 am

    The Renee can consider VRBO her home so she can have an income to off set her household expenses while she travels.

  12. caroline loeser on September 4, 2022 at 4:44 am

    Thank you ladies for eye opening look at van life. I’m in the same prediction right now, have the van, but still have the house as well. Safe travels,

  13. Tosha Wise on September 4, 2022 at 4:45 am

    She’s awesome. And she should also consider Break downs.

  14. Laura GB on September 4, 2022 at 4:46 am

    Great insights and planning suggestions here. Thank you.

  15. julie c. on September 4, 2022 at 4:47 am

    Best advice: "try before you buy". Its not always cheap, its not always easy and its not always free as per all the YT nomads make it sound. My hubby and I have been traveling alot for the past year in our converted mini van, and yes, it’s work. We’ve had great adventures but love coming home, too. You can’t always shower, keeping food cold can be challenging in hot weather etc. We learn a little something new on every trip. Don’t jump in feet first, try a little at a time, it may not be for you.

  16. Shara Mills on September 4, 2022 at 4:47 am

    Thats what I figure I’m doing watching these videos, it’s like my fourth prong in prepping, I may live out in the world of nomads in the future, I want to have some sort of relationship/ community with them now.

  17. Trippin on September 4, 2022 at 4:47 am

    I have been tempted to do this but what holds me back is safety. There’s a lot of crime and I would hate to be stranded somewhere that I’m not familiar with having van troubles

  18. Glenna Sandhoff on September 4, 2022 at 4:49 am

    Great video Carol

  19. Leilani Adams on September 4, 2022 at 4:52 am

    Thank you for sharing this with us.

  20. Libby Gardner on September 4, 2022 at 4:54 am

    So many talk about keeping houses or having emergency funds that just aren’t an option for some of us. Due to disability (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, similar to long Covid), I’ve been very low income for 25+ years while raising 2 kids half time. Any $$ for savings has gone towards keeping my now 16-yo minivan running and my kids, and even “affordable” housing is now often out of reach. Van life is what I want to do, but also my best option to otherwise grim circumstances when kids turn 18. I can only educate myself, prepare gradually, and work for the best—and I’m confident that I will be fine!

  21. N B on September 4, 2022 at 4:54 am

    Thank you so much for the great info! 💜I’ve researched the nomad van life for over two years and excited to say, my house is in the market! I’m a 70 year young woman and chose to sell my house because a big part of this lifestyle for me is the freedom. Freedom from dealing with someone in my sticks n bricks that would just be a drag on me…
    Love to all of you Amazing Globies! 🤗

  22. E Chaisson on September 4, 2022 at 4:56 am

    I’d keep the house. Good luck

  23. Ann J - Sunday Drives on September 4, 2022 at 4:59 am

    Great interview. Two very great people. I am so excited for them both and will be following a long on their journeys. Much respect.

  24. M Sanabria on September 4, 2022 at 5:01 am

    Thank you ladies. You have really helped me a lot. BLESSINGS

  25. ska punk OI! alternative living on September 4, 2022 at 5:02 am

    The lady with the back problem also she’s made a great point keep the house I recommend have or have a base so if you back problems or you get sick worse you have a base to relax and stay in… or what you can do is sell the house downsize use the money from the house to buy a small piece of land of course I know I’m going to say that I always say that and do that way but always have a piece of Base to fall back on if you need to..

  26. Graham Whittaker on September 4, 2022 at 5:02 am

    New sub from Albury Australia girls, I’m already enjoying Gracie,s content and I’m looking forward to seeing more 🙏❤️. Can’t wait to see what you girls get up to and watch you become more relaxed and fall completely in love with the choice you’ve made for yourself . I’m tipping that in six months time you’ll both be saying we should of done this year’s ago. 👁👁🙃🙃🐕‍🦺🙏❤️🦘🐨🇦🇺

  27. Esther stephens on September 4, 2022 at 5:03 am

    You could never prepare enough for nomad life. There is so much of the unexpected/emergencies but having savings/emergency funds is a great help. I couldn’t help but think is short term rental of sticks and bricks is an option? 🤔 Thank you for sharing

  28. ska punk OI! alternative living on September 4, 2022 at 5:03 am

    Gloria you are absolutely right I was saying the same thing a lot of people jump into this lifestyle and think it’s free and simple it is not.. and then they run into a roadblock and run out of money thinking it’s free and simple it is in a way but it has its own rules and costs money as well to always be prepared when you choose to do this lifestyle nothing is free.. you are so right Gloria you should always prepare yourself before you do it just don’t jump into it blind… and be careful of watching van life YouTube videos where they think and tell you everything is Awesome Everything Is Awesome that’s not true..

  29. Linda Jordan on September 4, 2022 at 5:06 am

    Great video. Thanks so much for putting this together. Lots of useful information for us older single females who dream of living a nomad life!

  30. Michele Brown on September 4, 2022 at 5:06 am

    How do you find the meet ups to socialize with other nomads? We have been on the road for 2 years and have problems meeting people.

  31. Roxanne bond on September 4, 2022 at 5:07 am

    hi Ms G. I luv ur channel. can’t Renée rent out her house and have a realtor manage it 4 her n their fee is taken out of the rent. thks rox

  32. Christina Merritt on September 4, 2022 at 5:07 am

    Keep the house

  33. Keeping An Openmind on September 4, 2022 at 5:08 am

    For those that haven’t figured out how much solar and battery power they will need. If you travel full time, you will need at least 300 watts of photovoltaic panels and 300 Amp hour using Deep Cycles ( Lead Acid ) 200 Amp hours if you use Lithium’s. This will run your 12 volt DC fridge ( I have a CF55 Portable Refrigerator 58 Quart(55 Liter) You can run the fridge and some LEDs and a small 12 Volt TV and fan, but you will not be able to run them all all night long .. But you can manage them all reasonably on what I wrote above daily.. long term .. For those that are asking about this subject " Power " You’ll need batteries, charge controller ( 30 Amp ) fused, wiring ( make sure to use only the proper sizing on wiring gauge wise ) and your panels and batteries,,, All total you can build this system out for between $ 1,200.00 to $ $ 2,000 give or take a few depending on type of battery, brands etc.. but this I hope helps some to get the idea of what they will need.. to have power.. on board that will keep them going.

  34. Angelica on September 4, 2022 at 5:08 am

    Nice video. Good luck 2 both these ladies

  35. Judy Collins on September 4, 2022 at 5:08 am

    Great video and good information.😊

  36. Naj ruQwi on September 4, 2022 at 5:10 am

    Great interview 👍. It gave me a lot of insight on Van life.

  37. Jo Harmon on September 4, 2022 at 5:10 am

    Wish them both happy, safe travels!

  38. Glorious Life On Wheels on September 4, 2022 at 5:13 am

    A.number of folks have asked about how to find meetups. If you look up Van Life meetups on the internet some will come up. I personally really like Lolapalooza in October in Abilene, Texas. Lola from Lost On Land is the host. Look up her channel for details in a video a little while back. Also, if you look up Vacay Vans she posts a list online. Of course there will be mine in Quartzsite, Az. in January. You can always look up Home On Wheels Alliance, HOWA Facebook group and website to find out about the caravans, and I have heard the Escapees Group is a great one for meeting people. There is also O’22 that will happen next June in Oregon. Hopenthisnis a good start.

  39. Brian leonard on September 4, 2022 at 5:13 am

    Fantastic xoxoxo

  40. ska punk OI! alternative living on September 4, 2022 at 5:14 am

    The ladies saved the money is smart she’s put money aside and everything that is smart definitely good and definitely have a fun if you decide to stop doing it you can buy a piece of land..

  41. mommadw2010 on September 4, 2022 at 5:14 am

    Although my home is paid for, I’ve always wanted to be full time out there. Hopefully I’ll get land or something small for a home base. I’m part time I’m waiting for the house to sell so I don’t have to worry about keep coming back here.

  42. Just LiveLoveLaughFrugally on September 4, 2022 at 5:17 am

    I think the young lady with her back problem should keep the home. Back problems are a huge problem. She could be on the road and start having horrible spasms(at any time). Once she sell that reasonably priced home, she’s not getting that back. People under estimate how important the back is.

  43. catskill49murphy on September 4, 2022 at 5:17 am

    I think you might have missed an important step to take before becoming a solo vanner, car dweller, old school bus occupier or RVer…First and foremost: GET A CAT SCAN AND A FRONTAL LOBOTOMY….
    Having said that I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that I applaud their courage and enjoy watching their adventures. I’ve hosted more than a few at my humble Florida campground and it’s been a gift to meet every one of them..Stay safe out there ladies..

  44. Judith Williamshudson on September 4, 2022 at 5:17 am

    All of comments, well said

  45. Skoolie Carol on September 4, 2022 at 5:19 am

    Thnx…Great video and info….my biggest comment….youre Only.alone….if you choose…I,m 73,solo female…traveling Alone,No dog ( bus gets too hot)…for Three years now…I meet people,almost Dailey…at gas stations…lots of grocery stores…paint store,laundromat,parking lots..BLM LAND,.cant tell you how many times I,ve been invited to dinner,or lets go have lunch,coffee and share more stories…or go exploring…been invited to stay on peoples property…and More..I must have at least 20 plus text #,s of people I stay in contact with…and we meet…."down the road"…including.Ms.Carole here….we met in a parking lot….and we meet up when we can..NO reason to ever be loney…Just say hello to people…where ya from…do you live here or are you traveling,etc.

  46. Cheryl Hamilton on September 4, 2022 at 5:20 am

    Hello All! Very nice and informative interviews. Wishing both ladies the best whatever they decide. But like Bernea, with chronic back issues, or anyone 65, 70, or older, I’m really thinking we should forget the minivan and go for the larger, with room to stand up and move more freely in van. 🤔
    My first thought is it would be costlier to drive and maintain. So for frequent driving no. But if settling in somewhere for a spell, maybe.🤷‍♀️

  47. Vera on September 4, 2022 at 5:23 am

    No one talks about how to find these meet ups? Please talk about it

  48. Serenity Jewel on September 4, 2022 at 5:23 am

    Thank you for this. I have a house and I never once thought about selling it. I want to have a place when I get old plus a house is a great financial asset. I just hired a property management company to rent out my house. My rent payment pays the mortgage, the property management company, and I put the rest in a savings account for repairs. There’s no reason to sell your place.

  49. Cheryl DeKoevend on September 4, 2022 at 5:24 am

    Thank you Carol for doing this series. It’s very helpful.
    Thank you for highlighting the real concerns that women face.
    I really appreciate what Bernae said about her disability.

  50. Jenny Leiviska on September 4, 2022 at 5:28 am

    Great interviews

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