Article w/ Bob Wells in today's Guardian

[SLB_SA]

There are a few people in this world that are happy without many material things. Bob appears to be one of those, after all he is driving around and living in an old van most of the time on public land. He has done a ton for this community for many years. Thank you Bob Wells!

I agree.  I have never met Bob but he makes me wonder how I can help the community.  I have helped a (very) few vandwellers and others but this didn't amount to much.  I do wonder if vandwellers could coordinate with environmental groups to slow climate change.  Could vandwellers work with Trees for Life, the Arbor Day Foundation, One Tree Planted or some other nonprofit and get paid to plant trees?  I also think that "industrial agriculture" needs to be reformed UN report calls for end to industrial agriculture but I worry that many people would starve without the use of nitrogen fertilizers, huge combines, etc.  Without lots of people living "ordinary" lives and doing "ordinary" jobs, where would vandwellers get food, gasoline, internet, vehicle repairs, medical care, etc.?

 

[Cammalu]

He worked his butt off over the years on the web, forum, all the videos, etc. There will always be jealous people out there that don’t want someone else to do well. So much reverse snobbery it’s ridiculous. 100 years ago I had a tiny 10’ camper and surfed the web looking for ideas on how to maximize storage and also how to live cheaply. I don’t think he even had a forum then but he had a website. I got tons of ideas I’m grateful for and people were all pretty decent for the most part. It’s many years down the road now and I’m in a large RV for medical reasons and I’m saddened when I hear people bashing anyone with a larger vehicle.

It’s really nobody’s business how he spends his money and nobody’s business how anyone else spends their money.

Good for him for being successful.

 

[Cammalu]

I agree.  I have never met Bob but he makes me wonder how I can help the community. 

You can volunteer with HOWA. I’m not sure if they need anyone however.

 

[Freelander]

If Bob was driving around in a big fancy Diesel Pusher and asking for money like a TV preacher, it would be different. But Bob is sincere, down to earth, and really believes in the work he doing.

He mentioned on at least of his videos, that the reason he moved the RTR was because BLM wanted too much money.

Bob has to Rent a stage, and rent a PA system, one of the videos I saw he had a row of Porta-Potties, I am sure he has trash service and probably water handy. And I'm also sure he has to have some Liability Insurance so if somebody gets hurt, he doesn't get sued.

And when he set up HOWA as a Non-Profit, I am sure there was an Attorney involved. That was more than likely to add some protection for the RTR.

I think HOWA is doing a great job, and will continue to do so.

 

[GypsyJan]

Bob has earned every penny....so many of us are grateful for his hard work and sharing ideas....I am so looking forward to retirement now instead of wondering and worrying about how I was going to manage it.

 

[Tony's Dream]

I have always been one step behind the trends. By the time I get out there.......the numbers will surge and it will not be fun. The places I want to stay might be closed or heavily regulated. I too like sliding under the radar and it seems with each passing year that is becoming harder and harder to do. I do like Bob's spirit and I can tell you really enjoys this lifestyle and helping others.

 

[user 423]

He worked his butt off over the years on the web, forum, all the videos, etc. 

It’s really nobody’s business how he spends his money and nobody’s business how anyone else spends their money.

Good for him for being successful.

X2!!

 

[Dingfelder]

^^^ l think since the pandemic has caused a revolutionary change in where people work living in an RV remotely working may become the norm for many probably more affluent new middle class people as they realize how cheaply they can live compared to a $300,000 house in town. If low wage workers end up making enough with the increase in minimum wage to afford rent as opposed to living in their car many will do that as those jobs tend to be in person and stationary. I think it is likely we will see some changes in life on the road.

$300k in town is preposterously cheap in so many many places these days.  And has been for so long.

 

[bullfrog]

According to my Goggle search the median price for a house last summer in the USA was $280,000 but you are right there is a large difference between the states. Location, location, location!

 

[SLB_SA]

$300k in town is preposterously cheap in so many many places these days.  And has been for so long.

My 3500 square foot (4 bedroom, 3 bath) house cost under $190,000 five years ago.  This is in a city with excellent healthcare (level 1 trauma centers, lots of medical specialists, speciality hospitals, etc.).  Where you choose to live has a huge effect on what you get for your dollar.  Get away from the coasts and save some money. 
But $190,000 is still a lot of money and more than many people can afford.  Bob talked about having a "HOWA facility" in each state where vandwellers could rest, do repairs, install solar or something else; I wish I could help with this but my HOA prohibits RVs, boats, work trucks, etc. from being parked in the HOA and covid makes meeting stranger very risky.  Plus the (vandwelling) community has some unsavory people just like any large human group and I already put up a "moocher" (nice guy and friend of my son) for three years in my old house; I am wiser now.  
What is going on with this idea of "HOWA resource centers" anyway?  I would love to help with this.

 

[Cammalu]

Bob talked about having a "HOWA facility" in each state where vandwellers could rest, do repairs, install solar or something else;
What is going on with this idea of "HOWA resource centers" anyway?  I would love to help with this.

I have space in KY for that (when I’m there).

 

[Super_Dave]

I started my planning last year. I knew about this lifestyle and did quite a bit of research. With a seemingly collapsing life around me, I have decided to start the journey. Halfway through, I see the trailer for Vagabondland and thought, crap! This is bad timing. As with the economy in the crapper, looming evictions, fewer job options, I fear this may be a perfect storm for many to try this out. Sure, many will regret it and go back , but if there's noticeable influx of campers, I fear more laws will be implemented, more restrictions and of course a possible untapped resource to tap for cash by the government.
I'm an outdoorsman and experienced in hunting, fishing, offroading, all around outdoorsman, so I'll be fine. I'm just concerned my timing is too late as I wont be on the road for several months. I still have lots of stuff to sell, ends to tie up, etc.
Yes, like many others, I'd rather fly under the radar, but I'm afraid the radar will become too large.