*Did you find anything great for your van build from a dollar store? Let us know in the comments* !

@CaroleFisher62

10 ай бұрын

And Goodwill!!

Absolutely. I can't get my head around these super expensive ones, I would rather get a decent van, some insulation and then do whatever it takes to make it comfortable and cosy enough to live in.

@miriamhawkins7825

10 ай бұрын

If you do a no build you can start all over when you figure out what works or doesn’t work. My sister and BIL have a nice Sprinter with no storage - I have more storage in my mini van than they do. But I don’t have a sink and a stove and a microwave. I use my back packing kitchen - works fine

@NoteFromSELF

10 ай бұрын

Exactly. My reason for wanting to do a van build is to be able to save money - as in put money away. I don't want to participate in the rent trap NOW nor the mortgage trap LATER. So why throw a big chunk of that savings into a van build to impress strangers on the internet?

@markeyosef1579

3 ай бұрын

​@@miriamhawkins7825For kitchen all you really need is a custom table you can make yourself​. You can make foldable or whatever. Place your cooktop on it and have very good counter space.

For my 71 b’day, I am converting a 2001 Toyota Sienna to my Vamper!! Got everything I need and putting together. Found a warehouse in L.A. that sells open boxes, last years models, ect. Found Black out curtains, $3.00 panel. 1 panel, cut to size, covers 1 side van windows. So for $9.00 I covered all windows and space between driving area and ‘living’ area. Found a brand new, in sealed box, last years model 58 quart IceCo 2 way cooler with cover, for $200, normally way over $500.00. My EcoFlo power box and panel, cost a bit more, but worth the price! I bought miniature kitchen utensils and storage containers for clothing (fits under bed) at my local Dollar General, everything else, including wood for bed, was already around the house. Have appts all next week, but after that, Bye! 😂. I can hardly wait! Happy, safe travels everyone!

@SwellerVanDweller

10 ай бұрын

This sounds absolutely fantastic! You are going to have a great time and I wish you all the best!

That watering can as a shower is genius sir!

@SwellerVanDweller

Ай бұрын

It's so simple, but it's fantastic!

@remirez2k3

Ай бұрын

it really is but also another cheap option walmarts usually have a 1-1.5 gallon solar shower for 5-7 dollars a good alternative

You are not a crazy lunatic! You are frugal!

@SwellerVanDweller

9 ай бұрын

Ha! Thanks so much!

Nothing crazy about not throwing tons of money around. Love your set up.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Helpful and entertaining. Can't beat that!

@SwellerVanDweller

3 ай бұрын

That's my goal! Thanks for your kind words!

5$ garden watering can for a shower. Why didnt I think of that? Damn thats smart.

@SwellerVanDweller

7 ай бұрын

I now use a modified weed sprayer (there's a dedicated video on my channel about it)... but the 'shower head' on the watering can is sooo good, I sometimes still use it just because of that! Ha!

@FrenchToastedz

7 ай бұрын

@@SwellerVanDweller I'll go check put that video! Great ideas! I'm not into instagram campers with 300$ faucets!

I've watched probably over 16,000 KZread van build videos and this is the very best! It's about the journey...

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

I'm humbled... thanks for this!

Very clever ideas. I just want a van for part time long distance travel. Nothing fancy, but functional and safe.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! And good luck with your van. 😃

Great job on the frugal van build. I'd like more details about how you took apart the lantern and wiring. 😊

@SwellerVanDweller

Ай бұрын

Thanks! Yeah, I was thinking of making a video on the lighting, but haven't got to it... but basically I just took the screws out and everything came apart... with the wiring, I just snipped each wire that I needed to make longer to place the light where I wanted and spliced in as much extra wire as needed.

Stop saying you are a lunatic. There is nothing "crazy" about what you are doing. I would call it ingenuity!❤

@SwellerVanDweller

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for your support!

Great ideas! You could even put a single days’s clothing in one bag. That way you only have to open one bag per day.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

You're super organized!

I have been building out my van for over 2 years now. I'm more than a year behind schedule because I got in way over my head. Ive become so depressed thinking I'll never finish. I need to finish it though because I need a safe, affordable environment to live in. Thank you for bringing me out of the rabbit hole. I actually feel like I'll be able to figure it out after watching this. I'm looking forward to checking out more of your videos, especially how you took apart the lantern to provide light along the ceiling. Liked and subscribed.

@SwellerVanDweller

9 ай бұрын

You'll get there! You might want to watch my video on the idea of a "Minimum Viable Build" to take the pressure off yourself: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fJ1mpqaMnrK2fZs.html

@solovantravel

16 күн бұрын

You SHOULD consult a psychiatrist... Such a weird comment

2:26 you can hang that jug from a branch or something and attach a rope or wire (connected to your foot) to make it tilt, then you have an automatic shower .

@SwellerVanDweller

3 ай бұрын

That's a great idea! I visited a backcountry ski chalet once that had a shower exactly like that.

I like the cargo net

@SwellerVanDweller

11 ай бұрын

Yeah, super handy... I think I'm going to try it up against the inside of the roof, next.

9.13.2023 OMG your video just made me super happy. I love this. You are awesome.

@SwellerVanDweller

10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

I like how you talk.

I suppose spending & making it like home is ok for remote workers living in it full-time. I just want a place to sleep for camping safe from bears, cougars, mountain lions and up off the ground as I am getting older. Excellent ideas. Thanks.

While I have found a lot of stuff at yard sales in on Facebook marketplace, I have also spent thousands of dollars over the last 10 years on Amazon and at Walmart and has accumulated way too much stuff for my minivan camper I am a disabled senior that travels for suicide awareness since losing my son Jeff in 2016, in my wheelchair modified 2010 dodge grand caravan with my four Chihuahuas. I have a wire cubby in the Hatch area for storage. I also have a platform bed with some storage space underneath. I have kept the smaller section of the backseat as well as the two front seats for when my grandchildren travel with me. The rest of the floor space is taken up by my power chair. I am by no means a minimalist and definitely travel with too much stuff. And I still have more stuff for camping and emergency gear at home outside Palestine TX, for the day I can score a larger rig. Unfortunately, due to the wheelchair modification, I cannot have a rear hitch for a tiny trailer or even a storage box on the back, and being in a wheelchair it is hard to access anything on the roof. But I do have 2 100 watt solar panels and a roof box up top (for when other people travel with me). As well as a Bluetti EB70 n EB3a solar generators n a 100 watt Yargo portable solar panel. My dream vehicle is a short wheelchair Bus conversion with plenty of storage space! Safe Travels & Enjoy YOUR Journey ❤️🐾🚐👍🏻😁☀️🇺🇸🔥 youtube.com/@JeffeysMom FB Jeffeys Dawn A Burton

@scubaval08

9 ай бұрын

Hi Dawn. I just subscribed to your channel. Would appreciate a fb bc I’m just starting up my channel for my soon to be vanlife. I’d also be very interested in your suicide prevention work, possibly join you for some events.

Thank you for sharing.

@SwellerVanDweller

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

That was good man. And highly motivating. Thanks for keeping it real

I'm just getting ready for work and I found your channel I will be binge-watching later!! A couple years ago I did my no build for my 2009 Dodge caravan and I couldn't agree with you more it's not about the hundred-thousand-dollar build and all the glamorous Instagram shots and projecting some fake perfect life that wouldn't even be perfect anyways lol I made my van functional so I can enjoy going places and experiencing the travel the hiking to camping!!! But I never built it to live in it life happens outside. 💯

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Great comment, thanks for sharing! Sounds like you and I are on the same wavelength. Enjoy your exploring!

Yeah. I'm not financially restricted and tye dollar tree has a lot of sketchy people who buy food from there. I purchased a few things that I modified. Looks fantastic too. I like the automotive section and I'm very creative but not often

For my build, my inspiration is coming from the orient express trains/Belmond... I have the foam project boards and the wood grain contact paper (both from dollar tree). Making panels to tack up. I figure I could hit them with some high gloss lacquer finish from a spray can... I should probably film it but I find it to be a hassle. 🤷🏾

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

That's super creative and I bet it'll look cool - all at a bargain price! 👍

@josephineokujeni8414

Жыл бұрын

Same here. I just got a bus and very inspired by the Orient express trains. I’d love to see how you build yours!

@vanrey6258

Жыл бұрын

what do you use to tack them up with? Sorry maybe a stupid question....newbie here with very limited budget and kiddos! I want to get on the road quick and with little to spend and want to use some creative ideas such as this! Thanks :-)

@thecorbettchronicles

Жыл бұрын

@@vanrey6258 amazingly, 3M command strips. I cut some strips in half to see if they would hold well, doing great! Now, there's nothing hanging on the walls though... So the foam poster boards aren't supporting anything. But it looks cool 😎

I like you already from the intro. I hardly can afford a huge place like some of those vans. It's definitely a tool to me too. I'm looking to do something like this or a small camper type thing.

@SwellerVanDweller

6 күн бұрын

Nice! You'll have a great adventure!

@DEATHREBIRTHREPEAT

6 күн бұрын

@@SwellerVanDweller Thank you! I hope your adventure is going great as well! ❤️

First vid watching, and I’m in love, (metaphorically) I agree too many of these can builds are just boogie rich people flexing their expensive setups, I want to see more like this, since I’m working two jobs to save up and move out of my apartment and into a van.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! And good luck on your pursuit of a van for yourself!

@donnaheinz199

9 ай бұрын

I am set to start collecting SS, I will continue to work for a while, while I'm building my van ( serching for a good buy now) I'm so excited! I can't wait till I hit the road. Hope Ms Kitty will learn to live mobile- she hates to ride.

Temu has portable camping shower 🚿.and portable solar lantern fans chargers .

Refreshing to know that you do not have to deck out your van walls just because..., you can enjoy life no matter what, Well done.

@SwellerVanDweller

9 ай бұрын

And leaving my ceiling the simple white metal... one of the best decisions I've made!

This guy is very smart and ingenious, his idea very clever for saving money, time, and avoid extra weight to the van. Well done!!

@SwellerVanDweller

10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Omg so refreshing to see realism! 👍

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

Great video ❤

@SwellerVanDweller

2 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!!

I'm a bag saver too!!!

@SwellerVanDweller

4 ай бұрын

Ha! Nice! Welcome to the club... pull up a chair and hang around a while!

What you did with the hanging lamp was awsome! Taking it apart like that. Smart. I don't know what those "coat hooks" are or what makes them able to hang on the hail of the van there, A close up pic would have been helpful. I'm going to try to look through your videos and see what that strip is that keep your tubs from sliding on the floor.

I love the dollar store and also second had donated items. I have a futon in my van for my bed and couch. It works well for me.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, the Dollarama chain of stores here in Canada is amazing!

Smart man

Excellent ideas. Even for us city dwellers that enjoy equipping our cars for small comfortable trips to mearby Parks your ideas are great. The point of it The freedom of travel

@SwellerVanDweller

5 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

Everyone should stroll through a Dollar Store ($1.24 now) occasionally!

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! There's treasure to be found!

Lookit at you go with that lantern. Don't forget about your local thrift store. You would be amazed at what people give away.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Ha! Yeah, just the other day I found a bicycle in the garbage. It's pink, but that didn't stop me from tuning it up and riding it into the backcountry on a 3 day mountaineering trip to summit three peaks... stay tuned, those videos are coming soon!

Awesome😍

@SwellerVanDweller

9 ай бұрын

Thanks 🤗

Excellent minimalist living ideas!

@SwellerVanDweller

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Love your crazy lunatics ideas !

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them! Hope on board the crazy train because there's lots more to come...

You are an effing GENIUS mate. Stay safe awesome message

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, friend!

I absolutely love this! ❤

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Great ideas, thanks!

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

I like your crazy lunacy its only crazy cause in contrast people are wasteful.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Much appreciated!

this looks simple and nice

@SwellerVanDweller

10 ай бұрын

Thanks! That's exactly what I'm trying to achieve!

Love ur content..u have a great sense of humor!!

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your support. It means a lot!

Great ideas thanks. I saw another video and a couple were using magnets to keep the window covers up. The covers looked like cloth place mats with magnets inside. They probably just added the magnets.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, make sure not to grab any old-style magnet - you really need to get neodymium magnets as they are MUCH stronger.

I must be a crazy lunatic too - I’ve saved those zippered plastic bags for years! Now I’m prepping for #vanlife & already have several filled.

@SwellerVanDweller

9 ай бұрын

Ha! That's great! Van Life is a huge adventure!

U such a great genius, lovers Ur van ❤

@SwellerVanDweller

11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Thanks so much for the advice and encouragement. Just got an '07 E-250 that I'll be living out of indefinitely.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Great news. Econoline is a great vehicle!

@therevolutionoflove8575

Жыл бұрын

@@SwellerVanDweller I appreciate the reassurance, brother.

I bought a 98 Sienna le right . Every single seat comes out without tools. I took the one middle seat and the bench and. Put a futon and some milk crates for storage and a few collapsible shelves an Uber customer gave my wife and no lie I really spent nothing to make it a camper van and it’s comfortable. And I not paid $750 for the van running and driving . Ac blows just no cold air . I think it needs a charge . But other than that I’m happy with my stealth camper but I only use it to go to the beach

@SwellerVanDweller

11 ай бұрын

Nice! Sounds good!

I’m a crazy lunatic as well…. I use the sheet set bags as well. I must say I’m so disappointed that quality Rubbermaid containers are so damn expensive.

@SwellerVanDweller

9 ай бұрын

Yeah, they sure are expensive... and they don't really optimize space because the sides are not vertical so you're losing out unless you pack stuff right up against them on the outiside.

@Terirn65

9 ай бұрын

@@SwellerVanDweller I have not been able to have a build or anything that I want as of yet but I’m enjoying getting ideas from people and I save those ideas for one day when my dream comes true!

Sometimes you can find those plastic bags with zippers at the Dollar Tree.

Not yet .. its my first watch ..

What's crazy is spendong to much on a van ❤

@SwellerVanDweller

11 ай бұрын

Some people have lots of money and want/need lots of stuff, and that's fine - but some of us don't have a lot of wants/needs and don't want to spend a lot, and that's fine too - and van life is certainly still possible!

I built my van out with milk crates. After I folded it to size, I covered the box a water heater came in with fabric to go on top of the crates. Then I put a very nice air mattress on top. Then there is plenty of space for other stuff.

@SwellerVanDweller

10 ай бұрын

Milk crates are very versatile! Good job!

@miriamhawkins7825

10 ай бұрын

It’s also pretty light weight

@SwellerVanDweller

10 ай бұрын

Yeah, and that's key, too.

Gorgeous! What do you call this style cut?

😊🙋‍♀️✌🏼

well, I do think you are a crazy lunatic... but it takes one to know one ;-) and I subscribed anyways! love the lantern take apart...

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Crazy lunatics unite! Take apart perfectly functional stuff... and upcycle it to something even better! 😆

@struswell1

Жыл бұрын

@@SwellerVanDweller yeah, I just built a beer brewing tank out of an old Molson keg!

Dollar Store Van Life, LoL! Epic Van, Sweller… nice job! btw, mind if I steal some of your ideas?

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Go for it! And while you're in the Dollar store, if you find any other treasures, leave a comment about it! 👍 There's so much to be found there if you're a little creative.

Most people start vanlife by building themselves, because they want to save money. And expensive rigs in the back of a van, why not just buy a caravan? I buy second hand carpets, or when it's on sale, for covering the walls. I use pillows with zippers to store clothes and such. I reuse wood I have, to build in the car. Got an old desk at the thrift store, which is now in my car. I watch for items that are given away, to see if there's anything I can use.

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like you are great at finding deals as well... I love good deals!

🤘🤘👍👍

The dollars store.

Can you please tell me how you made your bed? Thanks for your videos very helpful

@SwellerVanDweller

4 ай бұрын

If you browse my channel, I have a dedicated video about how I built my bed!

It’s a good start but not cozy enough

@SwellerVanDweller

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, sometimes I think I should make it more visually comforting, but I'm only in it to cook and sleep... but if I hung out in it more, I'd definitely do some interior decorating - I've been tempted by all kinds of little touches at the dollar store! One day I'll cave in and work on it.

No sound? What did you put under the totes to keep them from moving?

@SwellerVanDweller

3 ай бұрын

There's nothing under the totes. If you watch my bed building episode, you'll see that there is a brace running right down the length of the middle of the bed. The totes are pushed right up against this brace and don't have room to move around. You'll also see in the bed build video that I built the cubby for the totes to be just wide enough to fit them so they can't move sideways, either.

I do to keep those plastic bags. It is a shame to throw them out. I recycle them and keep using them

@SwellerVanDweller

10 ай бұрын

Yeah, such a waste to throw them out.

What about moisture... You are breathing all night, and the metal roof is exposed.. What about mold growth?

@SwellerVanDweller

10 ай бұрын

I realize condensation can be a big problem in certain climates. I reside in very dry climates that are neither too hot or below freezing for long so I've actually never had condensation.

👍🫶👏

@SwellerVanDweller

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for your support!

Vans you showed are like over 50 thousand dollars. I don’t understand why anyone would need a shower in their van. Are you really going to shower daily in this tiny space? Clothes and stuff would get moldy. There’s a problem with mold in small apartments and sure as hell there’s gonna be mold in your van if u shower there. It’s 21st century. There are portable sinks and showers, stoves, washing machines, composting toilets, solar panels, solar grill, portable heaters, LED lights, and even foldable/modular beds. You could even buy expensive stuff, and it would work out cheaper than converting your van into a crappy apartment with electricity and shower that you’ll hardly ever use. And let’s not forget that vans and caravans are a crappy investment. So unless you’re loaded and have 50 thousand dollars to basically throw away… It’s not a good idea to invest it in a van. Oh and the cost of maintenance of all of that stuff.