We quit being ‘slaves to society’ to live off-grid in a gypsy wagon – people are shocked when they see inside
A COUPLE have told how they have quit being “slaves to society” to live off-grid in a van.
Billie and Steve ditched the rat race to travel the world in their “gyspy wagon” for free.
Billie says that the pair’s main motivation for going off-grid is to escape being trapped in a life they don’t want to lead.
She told YouTube channel Liveration : “We are not trapped in a society that controls us and living this life is freedom.”
“We don’t want a lot, we just want to live a simple, humble life.”
They now have no mortgage and say they are able to live in the moment without worrying about bills.
Billie said: “It’s not right for everybody, but for us it’s the best thing.
“All that stress you carry with you, the bills coming in, getting up in the morning to go to work you can’t stand – it’s all gone.”
Instead, in their van, named Luna The Green Goddess, they only have to worry about finding a good spot to sleep each night.
The converted Volkswagen LT35 has solar panels on the roof and a skylight so they can look out at the sky or stars.
The conversion, which cost about £5,600, has added plenty of storage throughout the £2,400 motor.
It also has an electric cooker, a gas stove, and even a sink.
They can sleep inside the van in a cosy section that can be shut off.
Each night they find somewhere to sleep which they try to make as beautiful and scenic as possible.
But some nights they go to campsites, especially during the winter when they can’t use solar power.
Despite having low overheads they also have to work for short periods during the year in order to fund the lifestyle.
But that could be wherever they choose as they can take the comforts of their home with them – including their spice rack, books, and artwork.
They’re now planning to put in a wood burner into the van to keep them warmer during winter.
We’re happily married & live in a converted removals van
By Ryan Merrifield
A COUPLE who’ve lived in a converted removals van for two years say it’s like living in a cosy cottage – but costs way more than you think.
Liam Day, 38, currently lives full-time with wife Janine, 41, in a van named ‘Morgan’, which they use to drive around the UK and park overnight in campsites.
The pair run YouTube channel @ThoseHappyDays in which they document their travels in the Citroen Relay Luton, which cost £15,000.
They have spoken before about the costs of running the vehicle, which replaced their first van, a Transit.
Liam said diesel costs £2 a litre, with a full tank – which they use every week – costing around £150.
While a diesel heater costs £15 per week, and parking in a campsite can cost up to £25 a night, and £20 a week on road tax and insurance – not to mention the groceries and other essentials they need.