Hey there! I have some exciting updates to share with you, including a minivan tour of this awesome 4×4 Sprinter van that has been my temporary home while my own van gets rebuilt. Huge shoutout to @brett_mccarthy for lending me his van during this time! If you’re interested, you can actually check out this van, which is for sale, as well as his other amazing builds at www.brettmccarthy.art. In this video, I’ll take you along on my adventure, starting with a good morning from Mammoth Lakes, and then hitting the road again to explore Alabama Hills. I’ll also share a life update, a story time moment, and of course, give you a tour of the minivan. Plus, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of living in this specific van and show you a stormy sunset in the Sierras. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it! So let’s get started and embark on this exciting journey together.
Currently, I find myself in Alabama Hills, which is quite unexpected for August. I assumed it would be scorchingly hot, but to my surprise, it’s actually amazing here. There’s a cool breeze and some cloud cover, and I think a storm might be rolling in. The best part is that there are hardly any people around because there’s a road closure that requires a fairly long detour to reach this camping area. So, it’s mostly deserted, and I’m absolutely loving it. Anyway, I promised you a tour of Brett’s van, and living in it has been such an interesting experience. It’s completely different from mine. I’m getting spoiled with little luxuries like not having to make my bed every morning and having this fancy elevator bed. Plus, there’s even an oven!
The van has a beautiful minimalist design and offers plenty of open space. Brett is really talented when it comes to building vans, and it’s been such a cool experience staying in his creation. However, let me tell you about something that happened to me recently. I was exploring Mammoth Lakes in search of a new campsite, and I ended up going down a road that was a big mistake. The road was narrow and winding, not suitable for tall vans like mine. I found myself sliding down the road like a bobsled, and it was quite terrifying. I had to dig myself out of a sand pit at the bottom and make my way back up that hill. Thankfully, I managed to do it and felt incredibly grateful when I reached the top. So yeah, it’s been quite an adventure living in this van for the past weeks while my own van is being rebuilt. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to show you more of the minivan tour. And don’t forget, if you enjoy these videos and want to support my travels, there’s a link in the description where you can leave a tip. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and who knows, maybe one day we’ll cross paths on the open road!
Good morning from Mammoth Lakes
Table of Contents
Hey there! Good morning from Mammoth Lakes! I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to give you a quick update on my current location. Mammoth Lakes is absolutely beautiful right now. The weather is perfect, with a nice breeze and some cloud cover. I have to admit, I never expected to be here in August, but I’m pleasantly surprised by how great it is. The best part is that there aren’t many people around, which makes this experience even more special.
On the road again, Alabama Hills
So, guess where I am now? I’m in Alabama Hills! Can you believe it? I never thought I’d be here in August, but it’s actually amazing. The weather is great, with a nice breeze and the potential for a storm. The best part is that there aren’t many people here, which means it’s not crowded at all. I have to tell you, getting here was quite an adventure. There was a road closure, so I had to take a detour to get to this camping area. But it was totally worth it.
Life update
Before I give you a tour of this amazing van I’m currently living in, let me give you a quick life update. As you may know, my own van is currently being rebuilt, so I’ve been lucky enough to borrow this 4×4 sprinter van from a friend named Brett McCarthy. I’ll let you in on a little secret: this van is actually for sale! You can check out this van, as well as Brett’s other builds, at his website www.brettmccarthy.art.
Story Time
I have to share a story with you. Yesterday, I found myself in a rather precarious situation. I was looking for a new campsite and ended up going down a road in Mammoth Lakes that I probably shouldn’t have. The road was narrow, steep, and meant for ATVs and dirt bikes—not a tall van like the one I’m in. Long story short, I ended up sliding down the road like a bobsled and got stuck in the sand at the bottom. It was quite the ordeal, but I managed to dig myself out and make it back up the hill. Talk about a heart-pounding experience!
Mini Van Tour!
Okay, now let’s get to the exciting part—taking a tour of this incredible van! I have to say, living in Brett’s van has been quite the experience. It’s completely different from mine, and I’m getting spoiled with all the amazing features. Let me point out a few things that have really stood out to me.
Pros and cons of the van
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of this van. There are definitely some incredible features that I absolutely love, but there are also a few drawbacks that I have to mention. Let’s start with the pros.
Stormy sunset in the Sierras
Just a quick update on the weather. As I mentioned earlier, there’s a storm potentially moving in, and the sky is looking absolutely breathtaking. The colors are so vibrant, and it’s creating the perfect ambiance for a stormy sunset in the Sierras. I can’t wait to capture some incredible shots!
This was terrifying
I have to be honest with you. The experience I mentioned earlier, sliding down that hill and getting stuck in the sand, was absolutely terrifying. At that moment, I didn’t know if I would be able to make it out of there. It was a huge relief when I finally managed to dig myself out and make it back up the hill. It’s definitely a story I’ll be telling for years to come.
About the Author
Oh, before I forget, let me introduce myself. My name is Christian Schaffer, and I’ve been living on the road full-time since May 2018. After leaving the corporate world in 2013, I pursued my passion for outdoor adventure and travel photography. I spent 14 months living in an SUV before buying my own van, which I now call home. The van life has allowed me to experience and document the beauty of our natural world while still having the comfort of a home and office nearby. My hope is that by sharing my highs and lows, I can inspire others to embrace the open road and spend more time outdoors.
Cheese Christmas
Okay, I have to take a moment to address something that caught my attention. Cheese Christmas? It’s an interesting phrase that definitely piqued my curiosity. Not entirely sure what it means, but hey, I’m always up for a cheesy celebration!
Living in a Borrowed Van
Let me tell you, living in a borrowed van has been quite the experience. It’s given me a whole new perspective on van life and allowed me to compare it to my own van. Let’s take a look at the differences between the 4×4 sprinter van I’m currently in and my own van.
Comparing the Sprinter to the Author’s Van
The most notable difference between this 4×4 sprinter van and my own van is the size and layout. This van has a more open and minimalistic design, while my van is slightly smaller and more compact. Each has its own advantages, but I have to admit, I’m really enjoying the spaciousness of this borrowed van.
The Kitchen and Cabinetry
Let’s talk about the kitchen in this van. It’s absolutely stunning! The cabinetry is well-designed and offers plenty of storage space. There’s even overhead cabin storage that latches securely while driving. And get this—there’s a stovetop and an oven! Can you believe it? I’m definitely spoiled with this luxury.
The Stove Top and Oven
Having a stovetop and oven in a van is a game-changer. It allows for more variety in cooking and makes it easier to prepare meals. I’ve been taking full advantage of the oven and trying out some new recipes. It’s definitely been a treat.
The Fridge and Sink
Another great feature of this van is the fridge and sink. The fridge keeps everything nice and cool, and the sink makes it convenient to wash dishes and clean up after cooking. It’s these small touches that make van life so much more comfortable.
Electrical and Water Features
Now, let’s talk about the electrical and water features of the van. These are essential for living on the road and making it feel like home.
The Remote Control and Diesel Heater
One feature that I really appreciate is the remote control for the max air fan and the control for the diesel heater. Being able to control the temperature and ventilation from the comfort of my bed is a game-changer. It adds a level of convenience and comfort that I didn’t have in my own van.
Storage Compartments
Storage is always a challenge in a van, and this one has some great storage compartments. From smart cabinetry to extra storage space, there’s plenty of room to keep all my essentials organized. I especially love the sliding door window, which has a built-in screen door. It allows for great airflow and a nice view outside.
Favorite Features
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let me tell you about some of my favorite features in this van. These are the things that really stand out to me and make me appreciate the thought and effort that went into its design.
Elevator Bed and Convenience
One feature that I absolutely love is the elevator bed. It’s a game-changer when it comes to convenience and comfort. Not having to make my bed every morning and night is such a luxury. It’s the small things that make a big difference when living on the road.
Open and Minimalistic Design
The open and minimalistic design of this van is something that really appeals to me. It’s beautifully done and creates a sense of space and tranquility. Brett McCarthy truly has a talent for building, and it shows in every aspect of this van’s design.
Cons of the Van
Of course, no van is perfect, and there are a couple of drawbacks that I have to mention.
Height Limitations for Taller Individuals
If you’re on the taller side like me, you might find the height limitations of this van to be a bit uncomfortable. I have to duck down a little when I walk underneath certain areas. It’s not a major issue, but it’s something to consider if you’re taller than average.
Limited Storage Space
One area where this van falls a bit short for me is storage space. I have a lot of camera gear, backpacking gear, and other outdoor equipment, and it’s been a challenge to find enough space to store everything. If you’re a minimalist or don’t have as much stuff as I do, then this van would be perfect for you.
Van for Sale
If you’re interested in this van, I have some great news for you—it’s actually for sale! You can contact Brett McCarthy for more information and check out the van for yourself. Trust me, it’s a beauty and definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new home on wheels.
Contacting Brett for More Information
If you want to learn more about this van or any of Brett McCarthy’s other builds, you can contact him directly. His website www.brettmccarthy.art has all the information you need to get in touch with him. He’s a talented builder, and I can vouch for the quality and craftsmanship of his vans.
Conclusion
Well, that wraps up my minivan tour and review of this incredible 4×4 sprinter van. It’s been an amazing experience living in it, and I’m truly grateful to Brett McCarthy for letting me borrow it while my own van gets rebuilt. Living on the road is such a unique and fulfilling experience, and I hope that by sharing my own journey, I can inspire others to embrace the van life or spend more time outdoors. Thanks for joining me on this adventure, and maybe one day, our paths will cross on that open road. Safe travels!