A VANLIFER shared how he followed his nomad dream to live on the open road – but there are some downsides.
Vinnie made the move to transform his 2008 Toyota Sienna, into a cosy house on wheels three years ago after a difficult divorce.
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Speaking to RV enthusiast Bob, who runs YouTube channel CheapRVliving, Vinnie revealed how he renovated the minivan into a practical home.
He told Bob: “There’s a lot of challenges, I’ve been through a divorce and so I’ve had a hard time with loneliness alter 20 years of marriage.
“It’s been a journey and an adjustment.
“I would have it both ways, I’m a nomad at heart, my first live in vehicle was in 1981. I didn’t know what vanlife was back then.
“However, I would love to have a home base.
“I had a business but decided to close it an follow my dream, I saved up about £10,000.
“It did run out so I got another job, so I’m still working.”
Vinnie also has his own YouTube channel, VinnieVan, which details his time on the road and offers advice to fellow nomads.
His trusty Toyota Sienna has seen him through winters in Idaho and front wheel drive powers through heavy snowfall.
The owner also added larger wheels lifted the vehicle to avoid snagging things on the road.
There is also a rigged swing away attached to the boot which boasts a fold out table that Vinnie cooks on.
Inside there is a generator for power and a convenient mini fridge that can be accessed while in the drivers seat.
A 24inch smart TV has also been hung over the twin mattress sleeping area, on which Vinnie can watch YouTube and buy movies.
“I have endless WiFi on my phone because of an unlimited hotspot,” he added.
The flooring also looks more stylish than a typical minivan, with modern grey linoleum panels.
“Anybody could do this, I took out the chairs and threw down a twin mattress, and I put this in recently,” he explained.
“I’ve got wooden boxes for storage, it forces me to be neater because I don’t have room for mess.
“The wall I built to hang the tv can also be used a coat rack.”
Underneath the fold-away bed there’s more storage space accessible from the front and boot.
He has a two burner stove, blender and extra five gallons of water all stowed away in the trunk.
“I’ve learned that I used to take way too much stuff with me,” admitted Vinnie.
However, the bathroom – or lack off – was slightly less sophisticated.
“This is my emergency toilet,” said Vinnie as he pointed to a large white plastic bucket, “and I have a bottle too”, he added.
Nevertheless vanlife fans hailed Vinnie’s journey, one said: “Loved his truthfulness about the downside to living the nomadic lifestyle with loneliness.”
“You found another great guy doing what he can to live comfortably. Well done Bob,” penned another.
“Love how Vinnie started with the basics and then figured out what works, what is needed and how to be comfortable. Always like to see minivan layouts buildouts and modifications since I just got my used minivan,” agreed a third.
Someone else wrote: “Bob, you are doing a great job removing the stigma of living in your vehicle.”
“He probably has the best use of minivan space I have seen so far, love the wood cut for storage/floor/bed/TV design and plugin idea,” said another.
One impressed viewer commented: “I love how creative nomads are about their space. Everyone has a different way of approaching it. He is a natural at it.”
Many other people are making the same jump into vanlife.
Some Brits are embarking on the same journey to save money on bills as the cost of living sees millions across the nation struggle.
A man who made the bold move said he loves the freedom of going off-grid – and escaping the cost of living crisis.
Paul, aka, The Off Grid Nomad, was fed up being left with just £100 to play with at the end of every month amid soaring bills.
The proud “lorry life” community member now travels across the British countryside in his ex-military converted truck.
Meanwhile, another couple converted an old van into their dream tiny home on wheels.
Tom and Iz, known as the Lost in Transit duo on social media, share what life is like living on the road.
Another woman revealed she lives in a van and absolutely loves it because she can travel and save money.
And, a custom built camper truck with military grade wheels, full wet room, washer and dryer has been hailed the “perfect” van life vehicle.
The F550 from Rossmönster, a company that specialises in creating the best campers for adventuring the great outdoors, has impressed with its practical and stylish features.
Meanwhile another vanlifer opened up on how easy and care-free his life is while living full-time in a converted camper.
Posting on TikTok, Richard (@indi_van_a_jones) revealed what his day-to-day life is like while living in a 2019 Volkswagen Crafter.
And a family of four had the same idea and ditched everything to live in a van.
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