Bob's most recent youTube

[mpruet]

I'm glad to hear Bob talking about the reality of a nomadic life.  I highly recommend that anyone thinking about becoming a nomad watch this and think about it for a while before doing it...

 

[travelaround]

I just watched that video and also thought it would be something we might like to discuss here on the forum. I like his suggestion to live well below your means. It is the goal, to be satisfied with less.

 

[RVTravel]

Helluva sermon Pastor Bob!

 

[LoveCareThinkDo]

Any time anyone asks, "What vehicle should I get?" I always tell them, "If the car you have now is reliable, then stick with that. Even if you can afford something more, still stick with the reliable vehicle you have rather than swap it for something you don't know about."

I worked for over two years at a night job that I hated, just to pay off my minivan. I paid another $1500 or so to get everything fixed up so it will be as reliable as possible. I also bought really nice glasses that finally work and are comfortable, and two laptops. Only after I had all that completely paid for, did I even think of going out on the road. I was urban boondocking that whole time, but that is not the same as living out on BLM land.

 

[MrNoodly]

Yup. No miracles, and wherever you go, there you are.

 

[phyllisindallas]

Thanks for the link! Great video, and great info for those of us thinking about making the transition. In some ways it made me more sure this was right for me.

 

[WanderingRose]

A great video, and excellent practical advice.

 

[MrNoodly]

Any time anyone asks, "What vehicle should I get?" I always tell them...

And I feel like telling them, "If you can't figure out that and many other things for yourself, then this is probably the wrong life for you." This life requires self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.

 

[bullfrog]

There is a big difference between living like Bob does in his van and fulltiming in an RV. A lot of people think RV living is cheap and it can be if done right with a good reliable, well built upscale RV that you have the ability to maintain and replace RV componets that don't last as long as most sticks and bricks house hold items (such as waterheaters, freezers and 12 volt circuits) as they wear out quicker bouncing down the road. Roof on a house might last 20 years with no maintenance even new RV manufactures recomend yearly checks and if one gets a leak the damage can be much worse if not caught and fixed immediately. It is not unusual for brand new RVs to leak. Add to that motorhomes that have heavy duty and difficult to repair mechanical drive trains that are more costly to buy parts for and you have a perfect storm situation. Several on here have needed or wanted more room than Bob has in a van for more house like utilites and appliances as well as multiple pets that need heat and AC while the master is away. They have found that large cheap Class C van type motor homes abound for sale and figure it is just the same as van with an RV on the back. It is not. All those things that make it convient weigh a lot and cause a lot more wear and require more maintenance especially when boon docking is required to live as cheaply as Bob does in a van. Jimindenver has been able to adapt his RV, a trailer to boon docking but because of additional weight and places he wants to take it uses I believe an Expidition with 4 wheel drive to get to places you could probably get to with a high clearance van and a locking differential as Bob has had in the past. RV Sue uses a light weight trailer towed by a heavy duty van but still uses the trailer much like Bob uses his van as well. Several people have used cargo trailers built out but still can't do it as cheaply as Bob and others do in their vans. Some are able to do with less than a van which requires even simpler living such as trucks,cars,bicycles and even just a backpack. To do this is difficult for one person. Harder with an animal companion and almost impossible for a couple. Some couples have even tried using two vans which works but increases the cost of a single vehicle. RV living can be cheap for some and may be necessary for a lot but will never be as cheap as a van living simply which requires a big change in attitude which most people have a hard time accepting in my opinion. I really like Bob's comment about himself when he say's "I live in a van and poop in a bucket."

 

[GraceinMotion]

Two things I learned from my parents: 1) you can only be in one room at a time and 2) you don't need much to survive. Too much S&B square footage and too much stuff stresses me out. Probably the most satisfying project I assisted my dad with as a teen was digging a hole and building an outhouse over it. Indoor, flush toilets are for pussies (in a manner of speaking; no pun intended)! One of the most endearing things about Bob is the gusto with which he declares that he lives in a van and poops in a bucket! The man is a benevolent sage for our time. The Elder Statesman of Modern Nomadism. Long may he live and prosper!

 

[RoamerRV428]

cool video.

 

[jimindenver]

The biggest reason I chose my truck and trailer to be in out here is I owned both. The second is I had used them for years and knew I was comfortable in them. Third is that I had made modifications and knew the limits of their capabilities. Last is they offered the space and storage that I require.

The upside is having the ability and supplies to sit for a month without resupplying. The downsides are MPG, cost and the loss of any sense of stealth. The balance works for me and it would not confined to a van. I can imagine that there are those that give up on the lifestyle simply for lack of comfort too.

 

[phyllisindallas]

I have learned a bit from reading the responses here. I am planning on becoming a nomad in three years (after my kid is out of high school and established in college), and want to make sure I am being realistic, and at first I didn't understand when Bob was saying that you can't live on $1k per month, but y'all have clarified that that refers to using a large rv with grand expectations.

My plan now (of course could change) is to get a cargo trailer (likely 6x12), trick it out myself, and pull it with my current 4runner. I will be living off renting out my house (I figure that is safer at first rather than selling my house), which I'm rough figuring to be about $800 per month conservatively. It could be more. (I am figuring in property taxes, insurance, and a property management company into that calculation.)

I have no debt at all (including my house, which I own outright). In a few years after I start this journey I can collect my pension and ss, and will be sitting pretty as far as I'm concerned. I am not a big spender in general, and never have been. I will have about $5k in savings after I have bought and built out a cargo trailer (one of the good reasons to plan this far ahead is planning my money!

I have been an avid camper for decades, and my favorite room in my house now is my patio. I had almost convinced my ex to sell our house and move into an rv when we were married, but then we decided to have a child, so that went out the window. I'm just saying these things to show that living alternatively is not a recent wish.

I'm sorry if this is long-winded, but I'm still absorbing a lot of info from both this website and all of Bob's great videos, and would love to hear anyone's input on my situation and plans, and whether or not my expectations are reasonable.

Thanks for reading

 

[phyllisindallas]

One more comment and I will stop lol.

I wanted to mention one thing among many I have learned from Bob's videos- I don't need a toilet! I would love to get one of those $900 composting toilets, but wow that's a lot for what seems like a fancy bucket. I have been very happy using my bucket with a toilet seat on it while camping, and now I know how to trick it out with a funnel, jug, and plastic bags!

If anyone passing through Dallas needs a driveway for the night, please let me know! I'd love to pick someone's brain in person, especially if you have a converted cargo trailer. I live near highway 67 and I20.

 

[slynne]

I have been dreaming about getting out on the road for years. I have to admit though that I almost certainly have some unrealistic expectations.

At any rate, I was saving money to buy an RV with the idea that I would rent out my house or possibly sell it. Then my old car started showing some serious rust damage and even though it was still pretty reliable, I could tell that it was going to need some work soon and I wasn't sure it would be worth it considering the rusting away body. So...I took my RV fund and used it to buy a mini van!

This video has made me feel better about that choice. Now, I am converting the minivan into a camper but it is still my daily driver. I am not going to sell or rent out the house for now. Basically, I am going to ease into the lifestyle instead of jumping in with both feet! I figure this will allow me to see how much I like it and if I don't like it, I will still have my sticks and bricks to go back to. Keeping my job too since that is a nice steady income plus health insurance. I have talked them into allowing me to work remotely for the winter and that helps. (I am hoping to join up with one of those caravans on my way out to California in December).

 

[Minivanmotoman]

Imho, best video Bob has ever done.
Many, including YouTube videos, focus on the fantasy of travel, exploring new wonders every day, the rig and setup. YouTube is for entertainment and information purposes.
But the reality is, like everything in life, financially based and limited. More cash, bigger newer rig, the farther and more frequently one can travel to live the dream. No money, no candy.
Vehicle ownership is a huge cost. Buy, depreciate, fix and maintain, insurance, parts, fuel, finding camping/ parking spots, supplies and going into town for supplies, monotony of camping in one spot due to limited funds, cost of cell phone and entertainment,
on the road breakdowns, towing service, the list goes on and adds up to 100s of dollars a month. Cheap RV living is only, CAN be, cheaper than sticks and bricks living. It is not CHEAP.
Living in a tent in the forest with a bicycle is the only way that is cheap. Or homeless in the city.

That is the reality that is never focused upon or discussed more than superficially on YouTube.
The first step is separating your wants from your needs. That big gas sucking RV is going to cost you and why they can be had for cheap. Cost to own,, maintain, fix and repair will drain a bank account and emergency fund quickly.
Another reality seldom mentioned, living in the forest or BLM is against the law. You are allowed to camp there for 14 days, not live there. To get around this, people move from area to area, costing gas. But it IS illegal and not looked favorably upon by rangers. Moving masks this reality, but it still is what it is nonetheless. Living in one place for 14 days and moving to the next is not being a tourist fyi. Rangers stop and question on this, knew one person got an $800 fine for this. No one discusses this reality. One LEO ranger stop and question, and you will be made aware.

That's why I travel with a minivan. For solo, max benefit of space, fuel economy and lower cost to repair. That's why Bob runs a van. The next best thing, easy to repair, reliable, good space, not too bad on gas. And why many women are buying the new Transit and Promaster, good on gas, lots of space, warranty and new reliability ideally.
A trailer or cargo trailer is another option championed by Bob and had one. But towing has it's issues and why Bob no longer has one. More efficient to live without.
The choice is always yours. Choose wisely.
Else, crash and burn....
IMHO, the name should be changed to
Cheap RV travel, not living. Fwiw.

 

[phyllisindallas]

Another reality seldom mentioned, living in the forest or BLM is against the law. You are allowed to camp there for 14 days, not live there. To get around this, people move from area to area, costing gas. But it IS illegal and not looked favorably upon by rangers. Moving masks this reality, but it still is what it is nonetheless. Living in one place for 14 days and moving to the next is not being a tourist fyi.

Hi Mini
Could you elaborate on that? It was my understanding that it was legal to camp for 14 days at a time on BLM land and move to another BLM site.

 

[Minivanmotoman]

This is open to interpretation, difference between camping and constantly camping or living on BLM / USFS land.



Yes it is doable and allowed. But many bounce back and forth between two spots. Is this camping or living? Many setup a camp that is a residence.
See pic.
Is this camping or living on public land?
If you have no home, where are you living if not on public land? Go to a campsite for a day, week or a month, are you no longer living on public land?
Semantics and legalities, just be aware that this is a grey zone, legally speaking. Authorities don't like grey zones and may interpret this differently. Fyi.
It's a debate. Just be aware is all.

 

[phyllisindallas]

Well, you did say it was illegal, which is what I was responding to.

There is a very large gap between "semantics" and illegality.

 

[MrNoodly]

Another reality seldom mentioned, living in the forest or BLM is against the law. You are allowed to camp there for 14 days, not live there. To get around this, people move from area to area, costing gas. But it IS illegal and not looked favorably upon by rangers...

They consider it "living" rather than "camping" if you don't have a sticks & bricks address. That's why it's important to have ID that DOESN'T have a PO Box or PBN number as part of the address, and why it's good to have your DL and registration addresses match.