Everything About Chad DeRosa
Joshua Smith | Updated March 2024
Author and Van Life Enthusiast
This is the ultimate guide on Chad DeRosa (Living The Van Life) for 2024.
Over the last 18 months, I have watched a staggering 75 hours of YouTube videos created by Chad.
I’m definitely impressed by how much effort he puts into each and every video.
Most important, he gives value to his audience as much as he can.
If you’re curious to know:
👉 How Chad afforded his van and fitouts
👉 How he makes his money (including YouTube income stats)
👉 Where he has traveled to in his vans
👉 What issues and controversies he has handled
👉 How you can live van life within the next 90 days
Then you’ve definitely come to the right website.
Before we begin, a quick intro from the Van Life Freedom author…
The Van Life Freedom Author
Hello there fellow van life enthusiast. I’m Joshua.
I’ve discovered the ultimate business model for remote workers.
With this business model, I’m able to:
👉 Own my own van completely debt-free
👉 Survive for several days without wifi
👉 Create semi-passive income online
👉 Run my business from any parking lot
But hey, let’s talk about that later. Back to Chad…
Living The Van Life FAQs (March 2024)
Van Name
Unknown. Chad hasn’t named his new van yet.
He previously drove an old 1991 Wolkswagen Westfalia which became famous for drifting in the winter snow. He actually still owns this!
Creators
Chad DeRosa
The Van
Chad owns a 2020 4×4 Sprinter Van which he fitted out himself:
It’s certainly an impressive build for those going offroad.
What’s more impressive is his stats on YouTube. He’s been going since 2011 and is one of the early pioneers of the movement, long before #vanlife became a trendy lifestyle.
Upgrades
There is an extensive list of inclusions that Chad has added to build his dream 4×4 van. After all, this isn’t his first rodeo! 😉
Most notably, his equipment list includes:
👉 Battle Born GC2 LiFePo4 Batteries
👉 Victron Inverter, Charger, Distributor and Solar Controller
👉 Wakespeed Alternator Regulator
👉 Battle Born Batteries
👉 Engine and Rear Diff Skid Plate
👉 315/70r17 BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain Tires
👉 These are fitted to Black Rhino 17″ Wheels
👉 Lifted with Stage 6.3 2” Lift and Shocks
👉 Baja Designs LP9 and XL Pro LED
👉 WARN 95960 Zeon Platinum 12-S
👉 Happybuy 5KW Diesel Air Heater
👉 Rugged Designs Concepts Side Steps and Roof Rack
Affording It
How did Chad afford to do all of this? He has been working full-time for many years and currently lives a single life. He previously had a girlfriend who was featured more than 3 years ago:
He has two teenage boys from a previous relationship, proving that you can still do #vanlife if you have kids. They live with their mom.
He paid $9,000 for his first van and $39,000 for his Mercedes.
The fitout cost him an additional $22,000. Most people would pay $30,000 or more but he was able to negotiate some discounts due to the size of his YouTube channel.
Net Worth
YouTubers living the dream in the van life community are often quite wealthy.
As of 2024, Living The Van Life (Chad DeRosa) has a net worth of $670,000 USD.
This is based on the value of his van and online business.
Making Money
How much does Living The Van Life make on YouTube? It’s difficult to know his exact numbers, but we can make a fair estimation.
Chad DeRosa makes $7,200/month. This is comprised of:
👉 Revenue earned from his YouTube ads
👉 Amazon affiliate links under each video
👉 Selling branded merch such as clothing
Chad occasionally gets free parts and equipment from a handful of brands but does not actively get sponsored.
Collabs
Living The Van Life hasn’t collaborated with any other YouTubers, apart from close family and friends. He has made mention of some accounts over the years who have helped him with his build process and travel tips.
Location
Chad’s current location is North Cascades in Washington State. This is one of the most beautiful places to explore.
Past Travels
Chad has driven across many countries in his pursuit for true freedom, all the while staying as simplified as possible.
He has been as far as Australia while also spending a lot of time exploring in the snow.
Big Moments
Some of the biggest moments in Chad’s journey include:
👉 Having his battery die in winter while in an isolated location
👉 Living (temporarily) in a Uhaul truck in the city (super stealth!)
👉 Building the remarkable 4×4 Mercedes for 6 mega 4batteries
He has avoided the click-baitey content, controversy and drama that other YouTubers bring to the scene. This is a strong reason why he has so many loyal subscribers.
He hasn’t had anything stolen to date, nor has he been attacked.
Future Plans
Chad is continuing his journey across North America. It’s likely he’ll venture south into Mexico and beyond.
Key Lessons
What can we learn from Chad’s journey? Most importantly:
👉 Simply buy a cheap van if it’s your first time
👉 Keep things as simple as possible
👉 Your plans may not be set in stone
And don’t forget – you can still do #vanlife if you have children!
Conclusion
Chad has inspired many of us to live dream through whichever means necessary. We’ve come to realize that we don’t need fancy and elaborate vans to get started – just the will to make it happen.
And to Chad – thank you for all that you do for our community. You’ve helped us in more ways than we could ever imagine.
Working Remotely With Van Life
Hey! 😃 It’s Joshua again from Van Life Freedom.
Obvoiusly I’ve been hugely inspired by Chad, his Mercedes and the channel.
It’s clear that he is living the dream because he has online income.
Earlier I mentioned my excitement towards a specific business model…
It’s an exciting opportunity that allows you to:
🔥 Work from your van from anywhere in the world
🔥 Share your passion and enthusiasm with others
🔥 Start your own business or simply work remotely
🔥 Create a schedule that represents more freedom
Curious to discover more? Attend the free training right now! 🤩