If this was mine I'd replace that wasteful toilet with a nature's head composting toilet. They look just like conventional toilets but they are waterless and they cost about what you'd pay for a really good flush toilet. Either than or buy a loveable loo. They don't look as nice but they're even cheaper than the nature's head. Both can be seen on youtube.
I wouldnt mind Living like that, if I had a decent job with those low monthy costs I could afford a nice Earthbound RV and live nicely and cheap and I can always relocate when ever I feel like it!! Shit I'm single anyways so no one to ask, hhmmmm!?
Everyone think about this no property taxes. We all do not need half the crap we have. If something breaks replace it. Fix what you need and get what you need and forget the rest. I found this out the hard way I live in a 32 ft Jayco Fifth wheel. my rent is 120. 00 electric 20.00 per mo water sewer and trash included in my rent. I have everything I need for 2 people living in hre we have enough room. Washer dryer hot water shower bed air heat its perfict. If I want to go some where I hook up
@TheGrayman1234 I don't think he has a youtube channel, though I agree, it would be interesting. I filmed a few videos with him and have added them as video responses here. My favorite of all 3 videos is called "Scavenging the trash of overconsumption: Bio-diesel Hauling". In this one I caught him unloading a truckload of trash from one of his clients (he's hired to try to recycle it) and he lays out some of his philosophies of life (happiness, why we consume, working hours, etc).
@boycottRAVENISE00 We use to travel in a old small school bus turned into a camper,back in my snowboard days.It does not matter what you live in you will FREEZE YOUR ASS OFF.Unless you buy one of those big 6 figure rv's.One more piece of advice never let the tanks run out.Oh yeah i heard it is easy to find an Obama supporter among in the Tea Party than it is to find a place for your RV.
Our electric bill is $60 average a month for a 1260 sq ft home. the gas is $60-90 in winter, $20 of that handles the gas water heater. Is your electric bill so high because the heating is also electric?
Excellent!, I wanna be a gypsy to. What kind of trailer is this and whats the specs. I'm going to get a 30 foot or larger bunkhouse model. Maybe a slide out if the price is affordable to my funny money. I just boughta tow vehicle for $5800 (2004 expedition) and a at large travel trailer is next.
Ya gotta pump up the noise with gypsy women by brian hyland when livin la vida loca.
@lennylexx If you look at the text for the video (above), you'll see a link to a blog post by Bakari on the faircompanies site where he gives a lot of details about his RV and other options that he has lived in in the past. Basically, he wrote the post in response to all the comments/questions he'd been getting from this video (i.e. basic types, size & price, insurance, registration, where to park, hypermiling tips...).
It seems like a great way to live. I am in a one bedroom apt that I am NOT in danger of losing -but I don't like being a slave to bills. On craigslist there are many livable RV's under 1500.00. The only problem is maybe not all are as as energy efficent as this one???
I live in a 16 x 70 single-wide mobile with another person and a dog, and really it is more space than I need. I need to get rid of stuff. This man is a real inspiration. I'm going to retire in about eight years, I may not be able to keep this place.
Nice. If you don't have kids this is the way to live! Work less (life becomes simple and cheap), live more. As long as you don't have a lot of big things to keep around this is great.
I live by myself in a 2 bedroom apartment and I suddenly feel like a space hog. Granted, the apartment is dirt cheap. I think I'll shut off a few lights and start purging. Thanks for a nice wake up call.
@jaster030 keeping in mind most RV parks include water. At most, it is $350 a month with water included more than likely. Water for our home in Portland is about $55 every 2 months. That is with us practicing the "brown flush it down, yellow keep it mellow" procedure to save water (toilets use a shit load of water). Garbage might even be a part of the deal. Beats a room in CA. I would do this in a heartbeat if we were not buying a house. I don't "need" 1200 sq ft, we sleep, eat, shower.
@DavidCraigHiser I also like this video more. I added it as a video response. It's a very simple explanation of happiness, planned obsolescence, simple living and an alternative to the 40 hour workweek.
@DavidCraigHiser You Can Stop Foreclosure Today CALL US TODAY 877-291-4645
Personal loan Alterations Rapidly suits persons behind on their particular mortgage using service providers who can assist all of them retain their particular residence by simply enhancing their particular current personal loan. There are various foreclosed reduction gives out there, even so were the first choice from the space as well as we offer you the very best payment to the least amount sort.
@DavidCraigHiser Hi, thanks for sharing this excellent video. I am curious about the place where you have your RV parked in. How much do/did you pay for it? I am interested in an RV like yours, but I read that trailer parks are quite expensive, whereas you claim you don't pay that much for the electricity and water. That's why I ask about the place you have your RV in.
great video we turned an mci bus into motor home- 40 feet long and very comfotable. we have our own power plants and 3500 wat inverters with solar.Oh and we added water osmosis system to use any kind of water.
He can save even more energy by getting some solar vacumn tubes and building a solar hot water heater the tubes cost 10 4 $100 delivered look in my videos I had mine delivered and they work I am in the process of retrofitting a tank for camping I plan to use a 5gallon bucket drill some holes for tube seal them in and build collectors to fit 2 tubes. To use I will fill lower bucket w1/2 cold the rest hot more than enough to shower. I will have outdoor screened solar led lit shower.
WOW thats alot more space than i have .You can see me living in a van an doing a online business.An on my video i have a great way to save gas up to 15 percent 5 mins into the video you will see GO 15 an its great thanks.
A small table fan on the floor and pointed down in the summer cycles the cooler air up and cools the trailer better. Point it up in the winter, and it cycles the warmer air at the ceiling, and makes the trailer warmer. Also, rig a small rain gutter off the end of your awning on rainy days and collect rain water in a barrel for outside projects like flowers, or a vegetable planter. 0.5 x rainfall (inches) x area (sq. ft.) = Gallons. A 10x15 awning, and 1 inch rain, equals 75 gallons of water
What model RV/5th wheel is yours? How much to buy and what year? Did you have to change out anything in the fridge, anything besides simple bulbs for the lights, facets, is the toilet standard in that RV as well as the AC? My Mom lives in a trailer a bit smaller and likely older than yours in Loreto, Baja Mexico with a Palapa/the leafy extension roof on top. She is happy.
What model RV/5th wheel is yours? How much to buy and what year? Did you have to change out anything in the fridge, anything besides simple bulbs for the lights, facets, is the toilet standard in that RV as well as the AC? My Mom lives in a trailer a bit smaller and likely older than yours in Loreto, Baja Mexico with a Palapa/the leafy extension roof on top. She is happy.
I want to put something off the grid on the beach property she has. There is lots of wind, the ocean is 100 ft away or so.
@risquecat You can find RV Sites to park your RV at many price points. Also, look for a private individual who will let you park at their farm or house. Check Craig's List. IU have seen them for as little as $150 a month in these private setting. Of course you can also stay on BML land out west but you must move every two weeks.
Yeah but then you have to look at the fact that you're not free to park where you want. You get constantly harrassed until you wind up paying for an RV parking space which in most cases runs you just as much as renting an apartment would. Believe me, one way or another, they're gonna keep that boot planted on ur throat. Trying to be sensible living like that and getting ahead is heavily frowned upon.
The newly unemployed RVers in CA are constantly harassed to move along
@T33V33 Wrong! I've been living in a 21 ft RV in Cal for years. There are numerous places to boondock...the hardest thing for me is to decide where. No, you can't park ANYWHERE or set up a campground, but just last night I parked at my gym's lot, the night before at the beach. I spend less than $2k year on necessities. Solar,wind,& a big Alternator keeps me off the grid with full satellite TV and Radio. If you prepare & research, it is so easy to live simple and cheap. I lack for nothing.
@wetboy5776 ............less than $2k a year on necessities? That sounds impossible. I believe you....I just have no idea how you do that. Please give me some tips if you can
@T33V33 I had exactly the experience you describe (finally giving up and paying rent) - except that it is no where near as expensive as even the smallest apartment. You may be able to rent a ROOM for what an RV space costs, but I prefer having my own kitchen, bathroom, and walls.
DO NOT EVER just go out and close your water main part way BAD IDEA!!!! The valves at the main and curb stop are specifically designed to be "Full Port" valves or to be in the fully open or fully closed position. If you were to partially close one of these valves over time water passing by the housing or disc would erode over time causing the valve jam in open or closed position. Doing this could cost u thousands!!!!!!!
@EcoWhale I use LP for water heating (instant / tankless heater)
I use electricity for fridge and heating. I run limited A/C in summer. I have a full entertainment center, high speed internet, and wireless home network. My bills average between $5 and $10 a month. I didn't expect people to take my word for it, which is why I showed you the bill!
I'm thinking of doing this because I lived in 3 different Apartments and I always get loud ass neighbors. plus I'll never have to pay rent again that's about $7000.00 a year saved.....!
My real name is Bakari Kafele (David Craig is a screen name)
I am the guy in this video.
People keep tracking me down and asking me questions after seeing this video, so I thought I would write a blog and share the answers with everyone who was interested all at once.
It is here: apps.biodieselhauling(dot)org/Blog/?e=56886&d=11/24/2010&s=Minor%20celebrity
@METALMAN4Wii AT&T basic metered service is $9 per month. Earthtones long distance is 0.13 cents per minute, no monthly fee. Cheapest cell phone plan is $45 per month. Plus, I get my DSL line ($15) through the phone line, and its cheaper with local phone than without.
@DavidCraigHiser Huh I didn't realise local home service became that cheap ? last time I checked it was $60 just for local. btw I also have AT&T DSL internet for $15 a month. I was paying over $45 for Comcast Highspeed until I told them where to go.....! ( it's not a happy place lol )
@METALMAN4Wii That's because they only advertise their top of the line bells-and-whistles plan. I don't have any need for caller ID, 3-way calling, or unlimited talk time.
No one talks on the phone for an unlimited amount of time (24/7) so why an unlimited plan? You would have to talk for over 13 hours before the unlimited plan was more cost effective, and I don't come remotely close to that.
@METALMAN4Wii AT&T basic metered service is $9 per month. Earthtones long distance is 0.13 cents per minute, no monthly fee. Cheapest cell phone plan is $45 per month. Plus, I get my DSL line through the phone line, and its cheaper with local phone than without.
Does the RV air conditioning unit work on 12 V? I am looking for an A/C unit for my new house built out of a shipping container. Should I get an RV unit? Do a google search for ECODALE. You will find me on blogspot. I want $5 energy bills too! I would prefer to be off grid if I could.
@jeeping32810 The A/C works on 120V (standard household current). There is no 12v A/C in existence. You can get a 12v evaporative cooler system (which fits in the same spot as a standard RV A/C), but they do not work well in humid environments. When I was on the road (as opposed to in a permanent mobile home park) I occasionally used the generator for A/C, but for the most part just tried to keep heat out (tinted windows, awning, insulation) and used fans.
@jeeping32810 you are not going to be able to have A/C and be off the grid. hey just use way too much power. However, if you aren't going to be traveling, you can make sure it is comfortable w/o energy input. And if you do end up using grid power, its cheap to heat and cool a small space, because there is so much less air volume. Either way, make sure to insulate as much as possible.
I am still living in my rv I go to my little job and everything is fine I have saved 8 thousand dollars in my bank account I should have done this many years ago I find living here cheep and my biggest expense is food and my cell phone bill now. my rent is 180 dollars a mo for the land and electric water sewage included. my 32 foot rv is paid for and I have a stress and tax free life now I really love living in my rv
Just so you know if you close thye valve off a little like you said after time it will wash it out and if you have a problem and need to close it to isolate the line you will not be able to stop all the water flow.
If you don't mind living in a small space, you can live cheap doing this. I know of some who bought a TT for < $5k, pay lot rent of $120/mo, a little more for water and propane, and enjoy a very simple way of life. Key is finding a place that caters to like-minded. The better places have seasonal or year round resedents who respect eachother's peace and quiet and privacy. Stck with a conventional 8' wide, not 'park models' that are trouble to move. And learn how systems work so you can fix them.
This could be a solution to the homeless problem in certain cases; maybe for a single person or a couple. Families with kids would obviously need more space, but this is a good, sustainable way to live. Great job Bakari!
Very smart man....My lady and I live on a 300-square-foot boat with very similar amenities. The thing I like most is we can motor 100 miles offshore and stay there for months at a time with the solar/battery/water-making/food storage capability we posess....
@FlyGuyFitzy We lived on our boat for a few years but dockage got so expensive unless it was in the middle of no-where making a drive to work too expensive. There are so many waterfront cities, towns and communities outlawing anchoring out and limiting stays! We gave the boat up for a camper! We both love the water and we still dream about living on the water again but it will have to wait until we retire!
Just as a tip, u can get land for as little as 2000 dollars for 10 acres in Cali/Nevada/ Arizona. It's raw desert like land, but with a little investment in solar (which isn't expensive at all when it's DIY) and a water well, it can be made into a very effective living area. Plus it's very private. I'm 15 and I'm planning on doing this in 2 years. To escape the governments control.
@Joey24x Yes have found some great deals on land out west but the land must be in the middle of no-where so the gas to town gets expensive. Monthly trips to the market may be required to reduce gas cost. Also remember states like Arizona have building codes that are terrible for those who want to build unique or just basic abodes. The Earthship Company founder tells about this. Anyway - - - Good luck and I hope your dream works out great!
ha! Perhaps I'm not entirely clear in the video. I have a real job. I am a hauler / mover / general handyman. The load I am sorting, a customer paid me to pick it up because they wanted the garage empty. Then I sort it, and end up selling some of the stuff I was paid to pick up. Other days I'm doing electrical or plumbing or drywall work, fixing things, repairing bicycles, etc.
this great good luck . i would like to do this but i have a little girl and would need more space .if it were just me i would do this in a heart beat.
@dimebag699 several of my neighbors have kids. A person only takes up about 1 or 2 square feet at a time - we don't need as much space as we think we do.
@1400deadwood yeah.... I really didn't prepare for that shoot in any way. I should have washed the dishes too. And prepared a script - or at least a rough outline; everything I said was just off the top of my head
I love scavenging, too! My dresser and bed were given to me, and all my other furniture was scavenged from piles of trash or dumpsters. I have a beautiful desk for my computer, a six-drawer cabinet for my art supplies, a wicker table that I put my plants on, two small bookcases (which I stacked to make a single tall one), and a few other smaller pieces.
@rachelsdimensions I did on my last RV, but my current electric usage is about 5kWh per month ($5), so its not really worth it to me. (I am the guy from the video)
@DavidCraigHiser If you customized you RV trailer to solar you electric bill could be 0. because you wouldn't have one but it's not a cheap set up.....!
@thedoors360 There are no tornadoes in California.
Here we have earthquakes - and living in a trailer is actually an advantage in an earthquake. It has built in suspension, so it won't collapse, and it is self contained if the water or power goes out.
I ran an ad on craigslist seeking a space on private land and got several responses.Then you go out and meet the people check out the spots and make a deal.Lots of people who own land need help maintaining, watching or paying for it.
These days the name of the game is to buy your own freaking property first and then you have power to do what the hell you wanna do on it. Then you can place a small home on it any way you wish.
I have not only walls and a roof, but also running water, electricity, gas, a shower and microwave and memory foam mattress, high-speed internet and surround sound / DVR home entertainment center, a mailing address and a garden.
Its just that if I wanted to, I could easily move my home to another location. That, and I pay less rent and use way less resources.
@jellybeanqeen I did very little to make it energy efficient. RVs are already efficient, because they have to run off batteries and stored gas and water when camping. The few changes I did make were easy to do (like LED lights)
I did make lots of changes to make my truck more efficient - I went from getting 15mpg (which is what is normal for it) to getting up to 30mpg on a tank.
I wrote about it here: instructables (dot com) /id/Vehicle-efficiency-upgrades/
I Live in a 32 foot Jayco 5th wheel I Love it I pay 180.00 a mo to park it and electric and water is included in south texas. 2160.00 per year thats all my morgage was 1200 per mo and home owner ass was 309.00 per mo in Florida I am so glad I sold everything and got this its a 1999 model and everything is working good heat central air I have a battery if the power goes off and 90 gal of fresh water. electric and gas water heater and the ref is 3 way electric gas or battery. washer everything I
@S0u11ess Yes. Al Gore uses recycled hot air that from his big mouth, and for heating and cooking he uses his own methane gas when he talks out his ass. Very green if you ask me.
Um, I guess because Gore is a hypocrite. Much like you. Although I'm sure you don't have several mansions which use the equivalent electricity from dozens of homes, you probably don't have several 70s era jets spewing garbage into the air, and you don't have a fleet of SUVs shuttling you to the next block over like Gore.
But you probably still drive a car, turn on a light, cook food on a stove, and turn on your computer.
See, this is just what I'm talking about. You call me a hypocrite as if that somehow makes being wasteful a-okay. I do drive car, and I do live indoors. I'm looking into downsizing, which is what led me here. I think downsizing is a good idea. I think reducing my carbon footprint is a good idea. And I don't care one jot whether it meets your (or Al Gore's) approval.
I use a laptop, btw. They use a lot less power. Did you know?
Where do you live?
ryan18mc 2 days ago
If this was mine I'd replace that wasteful toilet with a nature's head composting toilet. They look just like conventional toilets but they are waterless and they cost about what you'd pay for a really good flush toilet. Either than or buy a loveable loo. They don't look as nice but they're even cheaper than the nature's head. Both can be seen on youtube.
rawmark 3 weeks ago
I wouldnt mind Living like that, if I had a decent job with those low monthy costs I could afford a nice Earthbound RV and live nicely and cheap and I can always relocate when ever I feel like it!! Shit I'm single anyways so no one to ask, hhmmmm!?
myownruin187 1 month ago
Very cool video. I wouldn't mind living similar to this out on my own.
buysellstocks 1 month ago
Everyone think about this no property taxes. We all do not need half the crap we have. If something breaks replace it. Fix what you need and get what you need and forget the rest. I found this out the hard way I live in a 32 ft Jayco Fifth wheel. my rent is 120. 00 electric 20.00 per mo water sewer and trash included in my rent. I have everything I need for 2 people living in hre we have enough room. Washer dryer hot water shower bed air heat its perfict. If I want to go some where I hook up
jlwftl 1 month ago
@jlwftl Where do you live?
japanascope 3 weeks ago
This cat is so cool and he doesn't even care.
2000everett4 2 months ago 2
Would love it if this guy had a youtube channel
TheGrayman1234 2 months ago
@TheGrayman1234 I don't think he has a youtube channel, though I agree, it would be interesting. I filmed a few videos with him and have added them as video responses here. My favorite of all 3 videos is called "Scavenging the trash of overconsumption: Bio-diesel Hauling". In this one I caught him unloading a truckload of trash from one of his clients (he's hired to try to recycle it) and he lays out some of his philosophies of life (happiness, why we consume, working hours, etc).
kirstendirksen 2 months ago 5
I am thinking buying something similar for my son when he decides to move out. At least he will always have it to fall back on.
TheGrayman1234 2 months ago
@boycottRAVENISE00 We use to travel in a old small school bus turned into a camper,back in my snowboard days.It does not matter what you live in you will FREEZE YOUR ASS OFF.Unless you buy one of those big 6 figure rv's.One more piece of advice never let the tanks run out.Oh yeah i heard it is easy to find an Obama supporter among in the Tea Party than it is to find a place for your RV.
jester1cp 2 months ago
Our electric bill is $60 average a month for a 1260 sq ft home. the gas is $60-90 in winter, $20 of that handles the gas water heater. Is your electric bill so high because the heating is also electric?
djkenny 3 months ago
use the showering water to flush the toilet!!
osmmanipadmehum 3 months ago
4 dollars for electric bill wow! mines is around $300-400 :(
CrayonBoxShorty 3 months ago 2
That electric bill is enough to make me cry. Our bill averages $175/mo in the summer for a 1600 sq ft house, which by today's standards is small.
Sassymarkrep 3 months ago
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GREAT FREAKIN IDEA!!!!
quest33613 4 months ago
GREAT FREAKIN IDEA!!!!
quest33613 4 months ago
Excellent!, I wanna be a gypsy to. What kind of trailer is this and whats the specs. I'm going to get a 30 foot or larger bunkhouse model. Maybe a slide out if the price is affordable to my funny money. I just boughta tow vehicle for $5800 (2004 expedition) and a at large travel trailer is next.
Ya gotta pump up the noise with gypsy women by brian hyland when livin la vida loca.
I like it....
lennylexx 4 months ago
@lennylexx If you look at the text for the video (above), you'll see a link to a blog post by Bakari on the faircompanies site where he gives a lot of details about his RV and other options that he has lived in in the past. Basically, he wrote the post in response to all the comments/questions he'd been getting from this video (i.e. basic types, size & price, insurance, registration, where to park, hypermiling tips...).
kirstendirksen 4 months ago
love the vid great way to live, must be warm climate. I think you have more square footage than you think, just looks bigger.
frankie2234 4 months ago
Wow dude, great job on keeping efficient. I think people in homes should try to cut back on all the waste. This video opened my eyes. Thank you..
stuntmanmike714 4 months ago
It seems like a great way to live. I am in a one bedroom apt that I am NOT in danger of losing -but I don't like being a slave to bills. On craigslist there are many livable RV's under 1500.00. The only problem is maybe not all are as as energy efficent as this one???
shootingstar67 4 months ago
I live in a 16 x 70 single-wide mobile with another person and a dog, and really it is more space than I need. I need to get rid of stuff. This man is a real inspiration. I'm going to retire in about eight years, I may not be able to keep this place.
robert3302 4 months ago
5 dollar electricity bill wooow the amount of money I would save
billnyethe1742 5 months ago
Nice. If you don't have kids this is the way to live! Work less (life becomes simple and cheap), live more. As long as you don't have a lot of big things to keep around this is great.
AnotherSchmoe 5 months ago
I live by myself in a 2 bedroom apartment and I suddenly feel like a space hog. Granted, the apartment is dirt cheap. I think I'll shut off a few lights and start purging. Thanks for a nice wake up call.
537garfield 5 months ago
keep up the great work, iam downsizing my home as soon as i sell this house, david , australia
nessadavison 5 months ago
1:15 pressure and flow is different dude
peptopro17 5 months ago
this is bigger than my flat in london..
and an air con , now thats a proper house
validfor1hour 5 months ago
Really? a 5 dollar electric bill? I would pass out if I had a 5 dollar electric bill. This is the way to live!
jap989 5 months ago
I notice he also has a 250 Ninja, which gets about 80 MPG.
SunsetSupermanRMB 5 months ago
manual toilet
smedheat 5 months ago
Dude--I would love to live in an RV like this--only I'd drive somewhere with good 4G/Wifi reception for my xbox lol.
RuggedSavior 5 months ago
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Check my comments for information about the Pre-January 8th dvds of Inception.
jamestargetedindiv 5 months ago
Just enough space for me!!
teghian271 6 months ago
Fuckin epic :D
SuperUFOfreak 6 months ago
Doi ti dude, "DO IT". You rock.
Fight the system.
Self Relaint.
BadassCeino 6 months ago
Where do you go when the weather gets bad.
1timby 6 months ago
I would like to live small but not that small I plan on building a 750 sq ft house 500sqft on the bottom and a 250 sqft loft
SoldierK4 6 months ago
damn... an electric bill less than $5? I'll admit that's awesome.
HammerOfTheSun 8 months ago 4
Sure he saves money on electricity, but his land rent must be a few hundred dollars a month.
jaster030 8 months ago
@jaster030 keeping in mind most RV parks include water. At most, it is $350 a month with water included more than likely. Water for our home in Portland is about $55 every 2 months. That is with us practicing the "brown flush it down, yellow keep it mellow" procedure to save water (toilets use a shit load of water). Garbage might even be a part of the deal. Beats a room in CA. I would do this in a heartbeat if we were not buying a house. I don't "need" 1200 sq ft, we sleep, eat, shower.
djkenny 7 months ago
all you need now is an "eco urinal" see on you tube
1marceltony 8 months ago
nice! great video! very impressive
itsmuSic91 8 months ago
This video is so popular! My other one only has 1200 views, but personally, I like it better: youtube.../watch?v=UkFXgg2XnI8&feature=relmfu
DavidCraigHiser 8 months ago
@DavidCraigHiser I also like this video more. I added it as a video response. It's a very simple explanation of happiness, planned obsolescence, simple living and an alternative to the 40 hour workweek.
kirstendirksen 8 months ago
@kirstendirksen i am going to buy a camper and live in it BUT i will always work daily
chamblizi 4 months ago
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@DavidCraigHiser You Can Stop Foreclosure Today CALL US TODAY 877-291-4645
Personal loan Alterations Rapidly suits persons behind on their particular mortgage using service providers who can assist all of them retain their particular residence by simply enhancing their particular current personal loan. There are various foreclosed reduction gives out there, even so were the first choice from the space as well as we offer you the very best payment to the least amount sort.
pttugasuk 5 months ago
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@DavidCraigHiser Hi, thanks for sharing this excellent video. I am curious about the place where you have your RV parked in. How much do/did you pay for it? I am interested in an RV like yours, but I read that trailer parks are quite expensive, whereas you claim you don't pay that much for the electricity and water. That's why I ask about the place you have your RV in.
yourdamntube 2 months ago
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@DavidCraigHiser Hi, what about the bedroom? I did not see any bedroom in your RV. Where is it?
yourdamntube 2 months ago
way cool, I'm in!
gsmarcano 8 months ago
great video we turned an mci bus into motor home- 40 feet long and very comfotable. we have our own power plants and 3500 wat inverters with solar.Oh and we added water osmosis system to use any kind of water.
hightekredneck50 9 months ago
I'm with you dude. I lived in a trailer in the woods for about 3 years, and I loved it. I spent a lot more time outside, and that was good.
Belle19700 9 months ago
Great Video...Whats the best place for RV living in south Florida?
bigdaninorlando 9 months ago
I want to live like this! thank you for this video :)
Leeanne4debate 9 months ago
3 neo hippies took offense and gave a thumbs down...rawwwwwr
jedirifleman 9 months ago 14
@jedirifleman LOL i hope he didnt mean it to offend hehe
BRISCO66 4 months ago
He can save even more energy by getting some solar vacumn tubes and building a solar hot water heater the tubes cost 10 4 $100 delivered look in my videos I had mine delivered and they work I am in the process of retrofitting a tank for camping I plan to use a 5gallon bucket drill some holes for tube seal them in and build collectors to fit 2 tubes. To use I will fill lower bucket w1/2 cold the rest hot more than enough to shower. I will have outdoor screened solar led lit shower.
cdltpx 9 months ago
WOW thats alot more space than i have .You can see me living in a van an doing a online business.An on my video i have a great way to save gas up to 15 percent 5 mins into the video you will see GO 15 an its great thanks.
glpiv7 9 months ago
@glpiv7 funny you mention saving gas - ecomodding and hypermiling are hobbies of mine.
I get 100% better mileage than stock: (doubleyouX3)instructables(dot com)/id/Vehicle-efficiency-upgrades/
All the more important with a giant vehicle with terrible mpgs (like an RV)
DavidCraigHiser 9 months ago
amazing...now the challenge is finding a partner who is willing to live in a trailer.
HariVIyer 9 months ago
@HariVIyer my girlfriend is in the process of moving in this week :)
DavidCraigHiser 9 months ago
A small table fan on the floor and pointed down in the summer cycles the cooler air up and cools the trailer better. Point it up in the winter, and it cycles the warmer air at the ceiling, and makes the trailer warmer. Also, rig a small rain gutter off the end of your awning on rainy days and collect rain water in a barrel for outside projects like flowers, or a vegetable planter. 0.5 x rainfall (inches) x area (sq. ft.) = Gallons. A 10x15 awning, and 1 inch rain, equals 75 gallons of water
sergeantsailorman 10 months ago
@sergeantsailorman I do have a rain water collection system: instructables(dot com)/id/Large-Self-Watering-Planter-made-from-recycled-mat/
DavidCraigHiser 9 months ago
They do make Air Cards (USB port plug in )for internet now , and most are cheaper then the average cell phone bill.
manapartt 10 months ago
I can't see how that toilet would flush my morning 2x4"...... Good job though.
szita2000 10 months ago 2
This is awesome.
InvisiMan2006 11 months ago
I was just getting interested when the video stopped.
timmieturner 11 months ago 27
I dont like the toilet.. but your lucky cause you got small bills
julia19905 11 months ago 4
I so want to live like that!!!!
zekehooper 11 months ago
What model RV/5th wheel is yours? How much to buy and what year? Did you have to change out anything in the fridge, anything besides simple bulbs for the lights, facets, is the toilet standard in that RV as well as the AC? My Mom lives in a trailer a bit smaller and likely older than yours in Loreto, Baja Mexico with a Palapa/the leafy extension roof on top. She is happy.
I
djkenny 11 months ago
What model RV/5th wheel is yours? How much to buy and what year? Did you have to change out anything in the fridge, anything besides simple bulbs for the lights, facets, is the toilet standard in that RV as well as the AC? My Mom lives in a trailer a bit smaller and likely older than yours in Loreto, Baja Mexico with a Palapa/the leafy extension roof on top. She is happy.
I want to put something off the grid on the beach property she has. There is lots of wind, the ocean is 100 ft away or so.
djkenny 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@djkenny everything besides the leh bulbs is stock. Many more details here: tinyurl(dot com)/95jayco
DavidCraigHiser 9 months ago
this is great But you did not show the led bulb you were talking about
thepvcbikeguy 1 year ago
@thepvcbikeguy its at 0:47 seconds
DavidCraigHiser 11 months ago
How much does the space cost?
risquecat 1 year ago
@risquecat You can find RV Sites to park your RV at many price points. Also, look for a private individual who will let you park at their farm or house. Check Craig's List. IU have seen them for as little as $150 a month in these private setting. Of course you can also stay on BML land out west but you must move every two weeks.
Engineer245 11 months ago
Hi! what is the model of your RV?
motherpopcorn504 1 year ago
omg thats so cool i would live like that if my electric bill was only $4.97 lol
Boogiemann9557 1 year ago
@Boogiemann9557
Yeah but then you have to look at the fact that you're not free to park where you want. You get constantly harrassed until you wind up paying for an RV parking space which in most cases runs you just as much as renting an apartment would. Believe me, one way or another, they're gonna keep that boot planted on ur throat. Trying to be sensible living like that and getting ahead is heavily frowned upon.
The newly unemployed RVers in CA are constantly harassed to move along
T33V33 1 year ago
@T33V33 Wrong! I've been living in a 21 ft RV in Cal for years. There are numerous places to boondock...the hardest thing for me is to decide where. No, you can't park ANYWHERE or set up a campground, but just last night I parked at my gym's lot, the night before at the beach. I spend less than $2k year on necessities. Solar,wind,& a big Alternator keeps me off the grid with full satellite TV and Radio. If you prepare & research, it is so easy to live simple and cheap. I lack for nothing.
wetboy5776 1 year ago
@wetboy5776 ............less than $2k a year on necessities? That sounds impossible. I believe you....I just have no idea how you do that. Please give me some tips if you can
Andreas748 1 year ago
@Andreas748 The answer to your question lies here:
earlyretirementextreme (dot) com
happy reading
come see us on the forum sometime (My name is Bakari. I am on the forum, and also the guy in this video)
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
@DavidCraigHiser .....thanks for the link
Andreas748 1 year ago
@T33V33 I had exactly the experience you describe (finally giving up and paying rent) - except that it is no where near as expensive as even the smallest apartment. You may be able to rent a ROOM for what an RV space costs, but I prefer having my own kitchen, bathroom, and walls.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
You sir, are an example to be followed! Excellent video and cool house
InuvikPhil 1 year ago 2
Very nice... So efficient...
TheEsotericDesi 1 year ago
that's bigger than an expensive studio apartment lol....very nice...now just add some solar panels that recharges the battery and you're good to go
lucirz 1 year ago
@lucirz I had them on my last RV. At $5 a month electricity though, it's hard to justify the upfront cost for me right now.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
DO NOT EVER just go out and close your water main part way BAD IDEA!!!! The valves at the main and curb stop are specifically designed to be "Full Port" valves or to be in the fully open or fully closed position. If you were to partially close one of these valves over time water passing by the housing or disc would erode over time causing the valve jam in open or closed position. Doing this could cost u thousands!!!!!!!
OneMindsEye 1 year ago
no way $5 a month unless you use a lot of LP gas for water heater, etc.
EcoWhale 1 year ago
@EcoWhale I use LP for water heating (instant / tankless heater)
I use electricity for fridge and heating. I run limited A/C in summer. I have a full entertainment center, high speed internet, and wireless home network. My bills average between $5 and $10 a month. I didn't expect people to take my word for it, which is why I showed you the bill!
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
I'm thinking of doing this because I lived in 3 different Apartments and I always get loud ass neighbors. plus I'll never have to pay rent again that's about $7000.00 a year saved.....!
METALMAN4Wii 1 year ago
I think im gonna live in a motor home
bgg22bdrtyg 1 year ago
you are inspiring, much respect to you.
deemortiz 1 year ago 2
How much do you pay for this house?
prettyrosedl 1 year ago
Hello Commenters!
My real name is Bakari Kafele (David Craig is a screen name)
I am the guy in this video.
People keep tracking me down and asking me questions after seeing this video, so I thought I would write a blog and share the answers with everyone who was interested all at once.
It is here: apps.biodieselhauling(dot)org/Blog/?e=56886&d=11/24/2010&s=Minor%20celebrity
and/or here:
myspace(dot)com/pyrococcus_furiosus/blog/540882390
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
@DavidCraigHiser I scene you had a regular house phone wouldn't be cheaper to have a cellular one......?
METALMAN4Wii 1 year ago
@METALMAN4Wii AT&T basic metered service is $9 per month. Earthtones long distance is 0.13 cents per minute, no monthly fee. Cheapest cell phone plan is $45 per month. Plus, I get my DSL line ($15) through the phone line, and its cheaper with local phone than without.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
@DavidCraigHiser Huh I didn't realise local home service became that cheap ? last time I checked it was $60 just for local. btw I also have AT&T DSL internet for $15 a month. I was paying over $45 for Comcast Highspeed until I told them where to go.....! ( it's not a happy place lol )
METALMAN4Wii 1 year ago
@METALMAN4Wii That's because they only advertise their top of the line bells-and-whistles plan. I don't have any need for caller ID, 3-way calling, or unlimited talk time.
No one talks on the phone for an unlimited amount of time (24/7) so why an unlimited plan? You would have to talk for over 13 hours before the unlimited plan was more cost effective, and I don't come remotely close to that.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@METALMAN4Wii AT&T basic metered service is $9 per month. Earthtones long distance is 0.13 cents per minute, no monthly fee. Cheapest cell phone plan is $45 per month. Plus, I get my DSL line through the phone line, and its cheaper with local phone than without.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
Does the RV air conditioning unit work on 12 V? I am looking for an A/C unit for my new house built out of a shipping container. Should I get an RV unit? Do a google search for ECODALE. You will find me on blogspot. I want $5 energy bills too! I would prefer to be off grid if I could.
jeeping32810 1 year ago
@jeeping32810 The A/C works on 120V (standard household current). There is no 12v A/C in existence. You can get a 12v evaporative cooler system (which fits in the same spot as a standard RV A/C), but they do not work well in humid environments. When I was on the road (as opposed to in a permanent mobile home park) I occasionally used the generator for A/C, but for the most part just tried to keep heat out (tinted windows, awning, insulation) and used fans.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
@jeeping32810 you are not going to be able to have A/C and be off the grid. hey just use way too much power. However, if you aren't going to be traveling, you can make sure it is comfortable w/o energy input. And if you do end up using grid power, its cheap to heat and cool a small space, because there is so much less air volume. Either way, make sure to insulate as much as possible.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
That is better than living in an appartment.
mcculloughboondocks 1 year ago
@mcculloughboondocks Smaller but true......!
METALMAN4Wii 1 year ago
I am still living in my rv I go to my little job and everything is fine I have saved 8 thousand dollars in my bank account I should have done this many years ago I find living here cheep and my biggest expense is food and my cell phone bill now. my rent is 180 dollars a mo for the land and electric water sewage included. my 32 foot rv is paid for and I have a stress and tax free life now I really love living in my rv
jlwftl 1 year ago
Just so you know if you close thye valve off a little like you said after time it will wash it out and if you have a problem and need to close it to isolate the line you will not be able to stop all the water flow.
mrmagoo560 1 year ago
Very good info. thanks for sharing and your so right about there is so much excess in this country today...:)..
Douger4u777 1 year ago
al gore recycles his semen to butter his garlic bread.
ibusthymens 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing your house, very cool.
sjdehner1 1 year ago
This RV is bigger than some apartments in London!
alecsmith 1 year ago 2
If you don't mind living in a small space, you can live cheap doing this. I know of some who bought a TT for < $5k, pay lot rent of $120/mo, a little more for water and propane, and enjoy a very simple way of life. Key is finding a place that caters to like-minded. The better places have seasonal or year round resedents who respect eachother's peace and quiet and privacy. Stck with a conventional 8' wide, not 'park models' that are trouble to move. And learn how systems work so you can fix them.
snowbird29803 1 year ago
im a tash picker toi but i have garge sales so i do not pack rat junk as there is no space
vivitar45 1 year ago
This could be a solution to the homeless problem in certain cases; maybe for a single person or a couple. Families with kids would obviously need more space, but this is a good, sustainable way to live. Great job Bakari!
elainebmack 1 year ago
I like the idea, no huge bills, no worries. If your happy then that's all that matters.
Keagieandme 1 year ago
ahh yes my dream house...
janegaspar 1 year ago
It would be cool to live that way but after 11 years I finally paid off my condo, so I'm staying here.
vention4wh 1 year ago
Wow, now that is being smart.
Timothy2035 1 year ago
i love this. tell me more!!! are you hooked up to city. and how do you run your ac with the battery only?
naturalboi 1 year ago
Trailer trash propaganda. Hm. At least it's new.
oneiros666 1 year ago
You're a big time hippie! =D
FunnyficationTV 1 year ago
Very smart man....My lady and I live on a 300-square-foot boat with very similar amenities. The thing I like most is we can motor 100 miles offshore and stay there for months at a time with the solar/battery/water-making/food storage capability we posess....
FlyGuyFitzy 1 year ago 38
@FlyGuyFitzy Dude, you should do a video tour of your boat home!
BJ219 1 year ago
@FlyGuyFitzy yes, a video of that would be too amazing! Shoot one while you're out on the sea!
hardstyle905 1 year ago
@FlyGuyFitzy We lived on our boat for a few years but dockage got so expensive unless it was in the middle of no-where making a drive to work too expensive. There are so many waterfront cities, towns and communities outlawing anchoring out and limiting stays! We gave the boat up for a camper! We both love the water and we still dream about living on the water again but it will have to wait until we retire!
Engineer245 11 months ago
@FlyGuyFitzy awesome
mindfull777 8 months ago
@FlyGuyFitzy So, I guess in event unlikely event catastrophe , you could survive on your own indefinitely.
kahrytan 7 months ago
this is so cool about to buy a motorhome to live in soon tried of these high rents
spellerlittlewing 1 year ago
@spellerlittlewing My uncle and I are going to invest in a RV home soon and now is the time.
Mr291229 1 year ago
Very inspiring indeed.
HorizSvcs 1 year ago
Just as a tip, u can get land for as little as 2000 dollars for 10 acres in Cali/Nevada/ Arizona. It's raw desert like land, but with a little investment in solar (which isn't expensive at all when it's DIY) and a water well, it can be made into a very effective living area. Plus it's very private. I'm 15 and I'm planning on doing this in 2 years. To escape the governments control.
Joey24x 1 year ago 51
@Joey24x You're smart, me and my uncle are doing the same thing here in Florida, we are going to try and get one of these RV's soon.
Mr291229 1 year ago
@Joey24x lol I love that last bit on the comment
belatedconformr 1 year ago
@Joey24x Hey me too¨! i'm 16 and i'm planning on building a yurt a working to buy land somewhere in europe!
Rhinoch8 1 year ago
@Joey24x Yes have found some great deals on land out west but the land must be in the middle of no-where so the gas to town gets expensive. Monthly trips to the market may be required to reduce gas cost. Also remember states like Arizona have building codes that are terrible for those who want to build unique or just basic abodes. The Earthship Company founder tells about this. Anyway - - - Good luck and I hope your dream works out great!
Engineer245 11 months ago
@Joey24x Could you let me know who you are buying from?? I'm curious about rurual land for cheep as well.. peace
wwood14 10 months ago
@Joey24x And what will you do for internet? (assuming you appreciate world wide communication.)
Bulldog22031 10 months ago
@Bulldog22031 I have DSL. There is water and electricity and phone in trailer parks. If you live in the middle of nowhere, there is satellite.
DavidCraigHiser 9 months ago
@Joey24x awesome
mindfull777 8 months ago
ha! Perhaps I'm not entirely clear in the video. I have a real job. I am a hauler / mover / general handyman. The load I am sorting, a customer paid me to pick it up because they wanted the garage empty. Then I sort it, and end up selling some of the stuff I was paid to pick up. Other days I'm doing electrical or plumbing or drywall work, fixing things, repairing bicycles, etc.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
Anothercoilgun 1 year ago
I admire your lifestyle
jws54 1 year ago
this great good luck . i would like to do this but i have a little girl and would need more space .if it were just me i would do this in a heart beat.
dimebag699 1 year ago
@dimebag699 several of my neighbors have kids. A person only takes up about 1 or 2 square feet at a time - we don't need as much space as we think we do.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago 2
you gotta wash that toilet - yeech, it was ugly
1400deadwood 1 year ago
@1400deadwood yeah.... I really didn't prepare for that shoot in any way. I should have washed the dishes too. And prepared a script - or at least a rough outline; everything I said was just off the top of my head
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago 2
I love scavenging, too! My dresser and bed were given to me, and all my other furniture was scavenged from piles of trash or dumpsters. I have a beautiful desk for my computer, a six-drawer cabinet for my art supplies, a wicker table that I put my plants on, two small bookcases (which I stacked to make a single tall one), and a few other smaller pieces.
ElveeKaye 1 year ago
@rachelsdimensions I did on my last RV, but my current electric usage is about 5kWh per month ($5), so its not really worth it to me. (I am the guy from the video)
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
@DavidCraigHiser If you customized you RV trailer to solar you electric bill could be 0. because you wouldn't have one but it's not a cheap set up.....!
METALMAN4Wii 1 year ago
that is cool and cozy until a tornado hits
thedoors360 1 year ago
@thedoors360 There are no tornadoes in California.
Here we have earthquakes - and living in a trailer is actually an advantage in an earthquake. It has built in suspension, so it won't collapse, and it is self contained if the water or power goes out.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
You should be on a Sundance Channel documentary. Great job!
MGM12 1 year ago 2
we will all have houses like this if we dont fight the new world order
kevbro321 1 year ago
@kevbro321
in a way, having a dwelling like this is fighting the new world order.
you make it sound like it would be horrible to live this way....
he looked rather comfortable, to me.
ZebZachary 1 year ago
I ran an ad on craigslist seeking a space on private land and got several responses.Then you go out and meet the people check out the spots and make a deal.Lots of people who own land need help maintaining, watching or paying for it.
MrSafetymeeting 1 year ago
These days the name of the game is to buy your own freaking property first and then you have power to do what the hell you wanna do on it. Then you can place a small home on it any way you wish.
bisexualbuffthug 1 year ago
Isn't that borderline homeless.
Charles2337 1 year ago
@Charles2337 Not even a little.
I have not only walls and a roof, but also running water, electricity, gas, a shower and microwave and memory foam mattress, high-speed internet and surround sound / DVR home entertainment center, a mailing address and a garden.
Its just that if I wanted to, I could easily move my home to another location. That, and I pay less rent and use way less resources.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
@DavidCraigHiser
Thats true... I'm very curious about this lifestyle. I wouldnt want to live in a campground though because I remember going to one for camping.
I would love to get a bus.
Charles2337 1 year ago
Hi Everyone. My name is Bakari Kafele.
I am the person in this video.
I didn't realize this video was hosted on youtube, so I never saw all of your comments, until Kristen of Faircompanies (who shot it) let me know.
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
this is amazing - did you get help to make it energy efficient or did you just teach yourself ?
jellybeanqeen 1 year ago
@jellybeanqeen I did very little to make it energy efficient. RVs are already efficient, because they have to run off batteries and stored gas and water when camping. The few changes I did make were easy to do (like LED lights)
I did make lots of changes to make my truck more efficient - I went from getting 15mpg (which is what is normal for it) to getting up to 30mpg on a tank.
I wrote about it here: instructables (dot com) /id/Vehicle-efficiency-upgrades/
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
Good for this guy. Living small will catch on as everything continues to rocket in price. Live smart, not large.
VideoGuyNC 1 year ago
I want to live near a beach in an RV... to bad I have to work lol
Charles2337 1 year ago
I Live in a 32 foot Jayco 5th wheel I Love it I pay 180.00 a mo to park it and electric and water is included in south texas. 2160.00 per year thats all my morgage was 1200 per mo and home owner ass was 309.00 per mo in Florida I am so glad I sold everything and got this its a 1999 model and everything is working good heat central air I have a battery if the power goes off and 90 gal of fresh water. electric and gas water heater and the ref is 3 way electric gas or battery. washer everything I
jlwftl 1 year ago
@jlwftl Hey, my trailer (the one in the video) is a 32ft Jayco too!
DavidCraigHiser 1 year ago
I'm ready to sell my house now (cheap) to buy an RV & love your tips will go check out the other vids
explorr1 1 year ago
Al Gore is sucking up the energy that this guy doesn't use in order to power one of his several mansions.
Good job, guy.
bosszeroboss 1 year ago 36
@bosszeroboss
His "mansions" use alternative energy. FYI.
S0u11ess 1 year ago
@S0u11ess Yes. Al Gore uses recycled hot air that from his big mouth, and for heating and cooking he uses his own methane gas when he talks out his ass. Very green if you ask me.
devildoc225 1 year ago 2
Devildoc225, that's nothing. Repubes use their own feces to spread their tall tales around and make them grow!
GodCreatesGays2 1 year ago
@bosszeroboss
Why does the subject of Al Gore always come up when your responsibilities are mentioned?
GorillaDesperado 1 year ago
@GorillaDesperado
Um, I guess because Gore is a hypocrite. Much like you. Although I'm sure you don't have several mansions which use the equivalent electricity from dozens of homes, you probably don't have several 70s era jets spewing garbage into the air, and you don't have a fleet of SUVs shuttling you to the next block over like Gore.
But you probably still drive a car, turn on a light, cook food on a stove, and turn on your computer.
Um, right?
*shrug*
bosszeroboss 1 year ago
@bosszeroboss
See, this is just what I'm talking about. You call me a hypocrite as if that somehow makes being wasteful a-okay. I do drive car, and I do live indoors. I'm looking into downsizing, which is what led me here. I think downsizing is a good idea. I think reducing my carbon footprint is a good idea. And I don't care one jot whether it meets your (or Al Gore's) approval.
I use a laptop, btw. They use a lot less power. Did you know?
GorillaDesperado 1 year ago