Don't Die Out Here While Living in a Van. 8 Rules to Staying Alive in Van Life. 

1. Don't panic. 2. Don't underestimate the weather. 3. Don't overestimate the roads. 4. Don't trust your GPS. 5. Don't keep going once you're lost. 6. Don't try to walk out. 7. Tell someone your itinerary + changes to it. 8. Bring a personal locator beacon. 9. Have a bug out bag with basic essentials.

People need to ask themselves one question: Can I walk 10 miles cross country, through the forest with nothing more than a map & compass and find my destination? For most folks the answer is no so listen to Bob and stay in your rig. Here's three more rules that will keep you out of a lot of trouble: 1. Keep your fuel tank topped off. I never let my tank go below the "half" mark. 2. Stay on hardtop roads unless you're absolutely sure you know where you're going. As Bob said a map, whether GPS or paper, can send you down the wrong road. You've been warned! 3. Violate this one at your own risk: DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT!!!! Someone once told when it comes to driving "Nothing good happens at night".

I lived off grid for 12 years and have been a nomad for 4 years. Every thing in this video is extremely useful for everyone, but as nomads we have to use caution and common sense, and always have the tools and key to help ourselves, and be prepared for no help. Because help is not always available. Top off water and propane at every stop, keep your food storage to at least 30 days and if the road seems questionable scout before you commit. Common sense goes a long way to keeping you safe.

I like not dying. I like talking and thinking about how to not die. More people should do it more often.

I live in Colorado and people die every week thinking they can hike the mountains. Listen to this man. You think you in shape and tough? The wilderness is tougher.

Man I always tear up when I see the father with the two girls and wife. He walked for miles and he walked far but died in vain. The search helicopter saw his footprints in the snow and followed it to his body then back to where he came from, thankfully saving his wife and daughters. Such a sad story and devoted father.

Bob Wells is a national treasure! Easy to listen to and smart about so much that can save your life! He has changed how America travels and enjoys this beautiful country! Thanks Bob!

Trucker here never use gps alone. Always look at at paper map AND Gps map before starting on any trip. Always check landmarks along the way to make sure youre headed in the right direction. These gps are prone to changing point of view mid-route, ie you may think youre going north, but really youre going west. Frequently comparing landmarks have saved my behind to many times especially up in those mountains. P.S. Those devices are definitely worth the money👍!

I've stopped people driving in my neighbor's hay field, they were following their GPS. I told them the last time a road went thru here FDR was president.

The first couple who decided to leave their motorhome and drive out breaks my heart. Why on Earth would they do that? They had everything they needed to survive in that motorhome. So terribly sad.

IM NOT YELLING BOB, MY EYESIGHT BAD. THIS WAS AN EXCELLENT LIFE SAVING VIDEO. IT AMAZES ME BECAUSE I WATCH A LOT OF NOMAD VIDEOS AND NONE OF THEM TALK ABOUT EMERGENCIES OR HOW THEY'RE PREPARED FOR IT OR NOT PREPARED FOR THEM. HONESTLY I THINK 99% OF THEM ARE NOT PREPARED.

Never leave home, no matter where you’re going , without a paper atlas. If you can’t read a paper map stay home.

This happened around 1955, I was quite young. My Dad was Army and we traveled a lot. He was a pedal,to the medal driver, long days in the car if we traveled. I think we were returning to Colorado from a visit to California for Christmas. We ended up following a semi on the wrong road…this was in the Rockies, and roads were not anything like the super freeways now. It was dark and a blizzard quickly set in. If it were not for the taillights of the semi, which also cut a trail for us, we could have frozen to death very easily. I’m sure the semi driver was lost too…but he made it through and us trailing behind. We finally descended into a tiny town, and did woke a hotel clerk to get shelter. The man was aghast! He said it was Mount Herman Road, and very dangerous any time of year!

PS.....As a longhaul truck driver, I IMPLORE everyone to have an ever growing stash of maps of all kinds.....and spend the money for a good Rand McNally road atlas! Every single time you can pick up a free paper map.....TAKE IT!!! County maps are a wealth of information.....for, they have listed a lot of side roads that a road atlas does not have. And, keep a stash of candles with you.....especially in the winter.....for, if you get stuck in the winter, they will not keep you toasty, but will keep you alive! Hope this information from an old trucker is helpful and useful. ☺

GPS warning is spot on. My 4 worst experiences have occurred because I relied on GPS. Thanks again Bob!

Thank you! This is a highly underestimated subject. I live in Alaska, and the biggest take away here is NEVER underestimate mother nature. Dying is easy, living is hard.

Bob, a fellow in the amazon questions about the ACR PLB answered that when his battery died after 6 years, he got a quote from acr to replace the battery for $157. So it appears you do not have to replace the entire unit and, the seller also said that if you ever use your unit to be rescued, and submit your story to them, they will give you a new unit for free. Great information as always Bob, thank you.

The Kim's story still gets to me. At the time I was a dogwalker and one of my every day clients lived in the building nextdoor to Kati's shop in the Lower Haight. I used to see Jim and the older daughter outside the shop all the time. They were so sweet. I've gotten snow stuck even at rest stops on 80 going across country and a few backroads in Nevada before in my VW bus and just hunkered in until the snow cleared. I grew up in the snow, and knew better than to get out and walk. Having extra blankets and the ability to heat water is so important.

Personal Locator Beacon is top of my list. It should also be kept on your body if you go on hikes. It won't do you any good if you take a 2 mile hike and break your leg and the PLB is in your rig. Thank you for this video and its counterparts.

Wool is wonderful for heat. If it gets wet it still keeps you warm. Wool blanket, socks, emergency blanket, layers, lots of water and ways to purify water all will help you stay alive. ❤ 'b safe out there

Good advice for everyone - I live in the Upper Midwest and anyone could easily go off the road and get stuck in the winter. If you can't get out for a day or two because of a snow storm it pays to be prepared.

Well, frankly, this is one of the MOST IMPORTANT VIDEOS YOU HAVE PUT OUT! No apologies needed for highlighting the risks, in detail. Helping others to avoid potential suffering, or death, sometimes requires pointing out the gory details in order to get people to pay attention! Thanks, Bob and team, for putting out this Public Service Announcement, based on many years of nomadic experiences. 👍☮🌟💖

I remember the story of the family stranded on an Oregon mountain road. The mother was nursing her 7 month old so, when they got stranded & ran out of food, she also nursed the older child & that's how she kept those children alive. Unfortunately, the husband who was trying to walk for help, froze to death.

Taking into account different terrain/areas, I might remind those in the southwest desert areas to stay out of arroyos, low areas, dry crossings. A flash flood from the mountains can come without any warning and has taken many lives.

You should also have a way to start a fire as a signal. Even wet green wood can burn, though not necessarily easily. You can also use your spare tire. It will put out a large black plume of smoke.

I was driving a motorcycle over Wolf Creek Pass in July and a snow storm began. It was the 70s and I didn't have proper rain gear. I found a resort with a fireplace and stopped there to dry off. I was never so scared in my life. It can snow in July in the mountains.

Such an important topic. Thanks so much for all of the information. I remember the Kim family tragedy. I cried, because that poor man died within sight of a summer cabin. He just got dehydrated and hypo thermic which caused delusions. I have lived in Oregon my whole life, 60+ years and winter can start in the middle of October, like this year. I have been in Yellowstone park Wyoming in a blizzard on my sisters birthday, July 22nd. Don't take the West for granted ANY time of year.

Bob- As a 76 year old widower, I am preparing to start camping, mostly boondocking in a small pop-up in the Spring of 2023. Thank you very much for all the effort and thought you put into your videos. I have watched over 200 so far and have learned a tremendous amount from you. I hope to join you at the RTR next year. Thanks again and may God's richest blessing fill all your needs.

Since that happened to Ron and Bev which I stayed up with the search for them and cried my heart out when Bev told their story and how Ron passed away ,this is a tremendous video for you Bob so needed, on a trip in 2018 with just my grand daughter and I the traffic in Atlanta was horrendous so my grand daughter GPS us to our destination in Gatlinburg and it took us off our highway and out of Georgia into Carolina by late night we were completely lost in the mountains no rest stops or businesses not even homes winding dark mountain road,we were panicking we needed gas , almost to the top of one mountain we fell in behind two cars and stayed with them no matter where they were going we were sure it was outta the darkness and winding mountain roads and we followed them straight to Gatlinburg, it was a lesson to us , although not life threatening, but frightening to be lost . Great information Bob and very much needed 👍💕

My parents said from when I was a kid that the longest distance between two points is a shortcut.

Thank you Bob. My family went through a forest in northern Wisconsin on our way to Michigan to visit relatives. My father turned onto a side road that went into the forest and it was so narrow that he couldn’t turn around. This road was super long but we finally ended up in a tiny clearing. Night was coming so we had to sleep in our van; all seven of us and our dog. Luckily we had a cooler with some drinks and snacks. In the morning he turned the van around and we finally got out to the highway. I’m sure my parents were praying and praising God for His help!

Someone might have mentioned this already… I’m 70 and roll with a small travel trailer across the US. I tell my adult kids where I’m headed and allow them access to track my cell phone. My Dad was in search and rescue. He always told us to fill up at 1/2 a tank, carry all the things Bob mentioned, and never leave the vehicle! It’s the easiest thing to spot.

This is not limited to the West. Every year someone sets out hiking in New England mountains, a storm comes up and they die

I’m an Oregon/Nevada traveler and never trust gps! Once again, you’re spot on Bob! Thank you for all you do! Thank you for being You! Blessings to you! 💜👍👍

I'm an old mariner. All my ships had EPIRB so if we were to sink, we would be found. If you're going to be a nomad/explorer, I recommend the PLB. Small investment for staying alive as opposed to being "unalive." By 'old mariner," I mean I'm a retired Navy Sailor who spent almost 12 years on ships going in and out of port. I have been on a few ships that broke down, sometimes more than 1,000 miles from the nearest land, in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully, the engineers restored power and propulsion and we made way again, after a crazy 18 hours of DIW.

Oh man, those gps short cuts. I almost died on one of those too. No exaggeration. I even made a "goodbye" video for my family and info on what happened. GPS led me almost right over a cliff. My tires were right on the edge!! I stopped for some reason but don't know why bc the cliff was hidden. I don't know how to explain it but it was not visible. I had only a narror strip to back up without slipping over the side. I made it, but I'm not sure how. Just glad to be here. Needless to say, I bought a complete Rand McNally road map, and sattelite GPS can kiss my behind

As a pilot, I carry an ACR wherever I go, flying or driving. The first one I bought was over 5 years ago, and the battery was replaced by the service center for another 5 years. I bought a second one (that floats) for my daughter who does a lot of boating.

I feel it's better to stay on a main, well travelled road and take longer to get somewhere than to risk some of these shortcuts. Great advice in this video.

RIP James Kim. One of my favourite tech presenters from the days of TechTV.

I'm in Colorado. BEWARE OF "SHORTCUTS" IN THE MOUNTAINS. Yeah, I'm saying it louder for the people in the back. Years ago, before GPS, friends from out of state took a family road trip to visit our state. Made a rookie mistake, looked at a highway map and decided to take a more direct route from town A to town B in the state one day, because the Interstates and other major highways seemed to meander a bit. Didn't take the terrain into account. Yikes. Some of their route included logging roads, and most of it took them through some tough terrain (these are the Rocky Mountains, ya know). Not a tragic story, but I was meeting them in town B. They arrived late, looking exhausted and frazzled, survivors of a scary but thankfully successful mountain road trip.

We are RVers with a 30ft trailer. My husband has always tried to be prepared for many reasons. He is a retired police officer who saw many people fail for various reasons. After watching your RU-vid, this is necessary information for everyone that hits the road anywhere they may travel. You are absolutely correct don’t panic and engage your plan. Remember, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. Thanks for this excellent information which all RVers/travelers should be aware of.

Great video...I'm 75 and was worried about traveling alone. This video helps...I'm a new nomad...or hobo, as I have no home after paying for all my cancer treatments.....great Healthcare lol. But I am alive ...thks Bob.

This is the most important video you have ever made. the food bag is brilliant. I'm sharing this with all my travel friends. Even if you're not a nomad, having these things in your vehicle is GREAT advice. Thank you so much.

Very good advice. 1. Don't Panic, sit down and think, 2. Don't underestimate the weather, 3. Don't overestimate the roads, 4. Don't rely solely on your GPS, 5. Don't keep going once you know you are lost, 6. Don't try to walk out, stay in your vehicle and wait for rescue, 7. File your plan with family and friends then stick with the plan, 8. Buy and use a personal locator beacon, 9. Carry a go-bag which includes food, water, shelter, and fire. Bonus tip: Always wear clean underwear. 😁

I did my 1st trip finally retired got all my gear took my best friend ( He's 35 I'm 62) out to Montana he was just suffering a heartache from his little girlfriend so I thought I'd get him away We live in indiana. Come to find out I got the worst altitude sickness ever. At 1 point I slept for 3 hours and he did research on how he could help me for 3 hours while we were parked. It was a combination motion sickness and elevation sickness. He was scared to death for me. My lesson Learn to move slower when a flatlander goes to the mountains.

The new iPhone 14 has the capability to make a distressed sos type call via satellite.

When I first bought my RV, the sales person told me that I don’t need heat to exploring the west. On the same year, we took a family trip to Grand Canyon in early April. It snowed the day that we were about to leave. It was heavy snow, icy and cold. From that day on, I learned not to trust people, especially salesmen. Good thing we flew and stayed on a hotel on this trip. For exploring across the country, you should have AC and heat in your vehicle besides foods and warm clothings. Pay attention to the weather.

In Australia, the biggest rule we have for break downs etc in isolated areas is DON'T LEAVE THE VEHICLE!!!!!

This should be an “official” public service notice. Excellent advice. Thank you.

Great advice Bob. Never trust a GPS in the winter. Cannot tell you how many times I have run across cars and trucks out in the bush while riding my snowmobile. In every single instance the people were not dressed for the weather and had no idea what to do.

I was just at the 2023 RTR & WRTR. Had a blast! On my way home (Texas), I ran into some issues. Just outside of El Paso I started seeing signs on I- 1-10 saying, ‘Travel discouraged’ and ‘I-10 closed at mile marker 185’. So I counted on GPS to reroute me around whatever the issue was. I never questioned it, I just followed. Never again will I trust GPS! Always have an Atlas or maps! GPS took me backroads that eventually led me through Guadalupe Mountains National Park and ice fog! Visibility was 20 feet or less! My new windshield wipers couldn’t keep up with the ice coating my windshield. I managed to white knuckle it through there, then spent the coldest night of my life in my van! Lesson learned! Just like Bob says, “Never trust GPS!

I’m not a nomad I just watch the channels, but this is the first time I have seen such a life-saving video. I think if anyone posted just a small additional message regarding safety it could save lives. Even those who just travel it’s a great idea. Kudos to you for posting. You may save someone’s life✝️🙏

For 250.00 for 6 years is worth it ..'s also a great idea to tell a group of canavaners your route and if you don't hear from them on at least a daily basis that there's trouble and to immediately call for help

Such fundamental information. Know the risks. Know your capabilities. Be prepare. Don't turn your brain off.

Great job, Bob! Never underestimate the backcountry anywhere, even beautiful Oregon. The Blue Mountains are vast, and getting lost is easier that many think.

I just read an article the other day about hikers who got lost/went missing etc because Google maps showed them a shortcut trail that wasn't a traversable trail. Watching this video just now and hearing you hammer home the same point regarding driving shortcuts showing up on Google maps that shouldn't be taken is something I needed to hear. I've always been the adventurous, exploratory type who takes risks but I'm wondering if you just expanded my lifespan. Thank you Bob!

Whenever I'm staying in a motel, cabin or campground in a National Park, I leave a note on my bed saying when I left and where I was going. I figure if I fall and break my leg or something, within a few days if I don't check out on time housekeeping or the camp host will come in and find the note. I have done stupid things -- it is so tempting to just keep going "a little further", and that turns into an hour, and now you're totally lost and off the route you planned. I try to remind myself BEFORE I set out to stop if I am lost. Thank you for all you do!

Good advice. I live in Canada. There is a place I go to camp down a Forestry road. At one place long the way Google maps always insistently tells me "turn left!" There is not even a road there, just a steep 300 ft cliff. Stephen King could write a book about GPS killing people lol. Watching RU-vid has been very helpful to gain safety tips. Last year I car camped in Arizona for 2 months by myself. People had talked about nails on BLM camping sites. I brought a magnet with me. At Palm Canyon I gathered 4 handfuls of nails before I pulled into the site. I brought a tire inflator and tire patching kit which I didn't use on the trip. The other day though I got a flat. I could have just taken the punctured tire to a shop but decided it'd be good practice to use the kit. It worked like a charm. The inflator and repair kit cost me around $30. I hope to make it to the RTR this year to meet some of you.

Paper maps are your friend. Stay on maintained numbered roads. Stay with your vehicle... no matter what that vehicle is. As I've heard before, "Stay with your wreck".

I would recommend everyone get their Ham Radio license and have a HF rig in their RV. This will provide comms anywhere. You may have to wait until night time but you’ll get out.

Possibly saving a life for $50 a year for travelers is well worth it. Great video, Bob. You always give advice to people on how to survive as well as options. You are a loving, caring soul.

Not nomad (yet) but I am a deep camper. I always check in with the local ranger station with a single sheet of paper listing the following: my info, emergency contact info, my route and destination, my timeline, my car info, and basic identifiers of my gear like my tent and backpack because if something happens, that heavy gear will be located faster. I make two copies and give the station one then have one of the staff sign my copy and I leave. If you make them sign, they're accountable.

9. USGI Extreme Cold Weather Sleeping Bag (for each body) 10. 5 Gallons of water for each body, and water purifier. 11. 5 lbs. of trail mix for each body.

I recommend maintaining a healthy BMI, not smoking, or drinking. It's amazing how much this can do for health and personal safety. No special gear needed.

These are sad stories for sure and I have been in a situation like this but fortunately I was younger and prepared with some recovery equipment. I did learn from this because it did scare the hell out of me! Very important information Bob thanks 😊

I think keeping your Go Bag in your vehicle at all times - even if you’re just going on a quick errand is wise. I’m really glad you did this video. It’s important life saving info for sure. Thanks, Bob.

I got a license for ham radio after a trip to a very rural wildlife management area. We had NO cell signal despite having three different cell providers serving the group. However, my partner's handheld ham radio (think a "walkie talkie") with a portable antenna stuck by magnet to the vehicle roof could pick up numerous amateur radio repeaters and we made a radio contact with someone for fun.

Absolutely 250 to $300 is definitely worth my life. I will be purchasing one.

Good stuff Bob! A couple of extras to add: -If you search the survival "Rule of Threes" it gives good insight in to order of priorities for survival. Most people in survival situations die of exposure in a matter of hours or dehydration in a matter of days. Regulating body temperature and staying hydrated are critical in all conditions. -Jerky/meat is often thought of as a survival food. It can be a morale booster, but for energy and shelf life, higher calorie foods like the peanut butter you showed is a solid choice.

Great great video! thank you so much. I truly appreciate everything you put into this. it is much needed and deeply appreciated and I will get everything together as you suggested. I was actually up in the Colorado State mountain with a van and it was after dark when I got there. A man told me I was allowed to sleep there overnight and so I was so tired from the drive from Florida I just parked I went to sleep. I was told I had to leave at like 3:00 in the morning by a park ranger. I did not know where I was going I was dead tired and actually told the ranger that I was so tired and could not see well in the dark, I begged him to let me just stay for the next couple hours to rest. He refused and I had to drive off. I was up in the mountains, that alone was so scary let alone to drive in the dark. I could barely see terrified of driving off the narrow mountain road. I was following my GPS which took me in circles for like 3 hours and finally a police officer pulled me over which I made every effort for the police officer to pull me over and he did and I asked him for help and the greatest help he gave me was do not use your GPS in the mountains because it just leads you in circles . He said just take this road down a few miles and you will be in Frisco Colorado there's a Walmart there you can go to sleep. Boy I was so grateful to that officer, I was so tired and needed to sleep and I did and I woke up in the most beautiful place and ended up living in Colorado for at least 8 years. So everything you put in this video is so important and so right on. One of the other things I learned in my years in Colorado which I ended up living in Leadville Colorado. What I learned is you really have to pay attention to the details your wiring electrical items will freeze your food will freeze. Even all the residents because they live in the mountains carry in their vehicles blankets and backpacks with food and emergency, just to travel a mile or two back n forth. That tells you how important it is. I ended up getting a job out there closed up the store my coworker had a little Toyota in 2 seconds a gust of wind blew his Toyota five parking spaces over and my van with me in it flew across the street onto a snowbank with one wheel hanging on to the road it was a whiteout that's how fast the weather changes. Anyway I just wanted to share that it's so important to pay attention to what's going on and to know when you drive up into the mountains most of the time there's snow even though there's nothing at the bottom and it's sunny weather. There's a lot of good people in the world and one of the biggest things we're learning these days in life is to learn how to fend for ourself. You can't wait for other people to take care of you and save you. Your only goal in life is to be the best you and live a great life. your life is not about other people it is about you and you have to make that important you have to believe in yourself and understand how to live your best life through any circumstances. Anyway thanks so much Bob I look forward to the go bag set up video.💯✌️

Hi Bob, I'm slowly working my way through your videos. Here in Australia, I consider the outback to be our biggest danger. You go out there unprepared, & it would be nothing short of a miracle if you survived. I think survival skills should be taught from an early age. Its frightening how so many people get lost, hurt or die just because they're not prepared. Living in cities, with everything at our fingertips, people have lost the ability to survive on their own.

I'm in New England and my SUV is literarily filled with extra clothing, coats, boots, socks, gloves, couple of fleece blankets, one of them electric and water, never leave home without it. I'm actually thinking about buying a Bluetti, even though my SUV is a Hybrid and could easily carry me through a few hours until help arrived if I got stuck. I can't imagine being out in the mountains and not having provisions. I'm also a little miffed as to why there is no such thing as cell service in that part of the country? You do such a great service by making these videos and raising awareness!

Excellent video, Bob. As someone who went out with my dog for a short hike and got lost with no supplies, I do think all the points you mentioned are really valid. My German Shepherd actually found our way back but I would definitely pay to have the product that would send my location so that we may be rescued. I would look at that product's necessity like a medical kit. You really need it.

Great video. In Australia, the rule is "never leave your vehicle". It offers shade, shelter, the road for rescuers and even water from the windscreen washer bottle if needed. (Used to say radiator as well but with coolant these days are not drinkable). Always have 1 week or more supply of food and water with you, always let someone know where you are going and what time you are expecting to be there. The PBS is a superb idea. Thanks Bob.

You’re like the benevolent father of all nomads. 😊

Excellent video, Mr. Wells. I'm sharing it with my sister that took a 'short cut' without telling her family. Thank goodness she didn't have any negative outcome, but I don't want to lose her in this life. Her adult children need her, and I do, too.

Thanks! I'm an, " an older Girl Scout", so, " being prepared" has usually always, been a part of my thought process. Years go by, we get older and not always wiser so this video is a much-needed reminder FOR ALL AGE GROUPS!! Stay safe and happy everyone!! Peace.....💜💙💜

Very good video Bob, yes, people need to know that roads shortcuts are not always a smart choice. Think more videos of hidden dangers while traveling need to be made. Thanks for sharing

Happened to me! I was stranded for four and a half months 60 miles from Yellowstone North Idaho. My idiot friend talked me Into going. I got up there it started snowing and did not stop. I have an old RV I finally had to walk to the road three and a half miles down the mountain. I could have died more than once. I took the Trek back and forth about eight times each time was risky because the weather can change at any time. I had my pistol with me there was a lot of wildlife grizzly bears coyotes moose mountain lions all sorts of animals that was a cool part! I could have walked off a large snow drift and been buried and one time I did in a deep snow drift and almost drowned in it. It was the middle of the night total dark and my flashlight went out halfway back that sucked! I had emergency food and when I ran out of the propane it was pretty damn cold but I had five blankets on me even had my kitty cat with me once in awhile my idiot friend would come up and get me supplies but a lot of the time I was on my own with no heat the only good thing my cell phone worked so I was able to call out and also I watched lots of Two and a Half Men on RU-vid it was beautiful up there but now that I'm out of that situation I realized what danger at times I could have been in I did make a sled with skis on it to make it easier getting into town when I had to go to buy beer and tobacco once in awhile for my sanity! It was quite the experience now I need two knee replacements from walking in the snow back and forth I seen some tracks of very large animals and wolves right by my camper but I survived! A couple times I was going to abandon my RV home but stuck it out finally in the spring a snow plow came in and in the morning I was able to get out when it was still ice mud what a crazy time

I remember hearing a story a number of years ago about a couple that got lost on a back road in Oregon and got stuck, and then ran out of gas trying to stay warm, and eventually tried to walk out and died. And I remember thinking, they could have taken the tires off the car, and burned them, which would provide heat (although not pleasant) , but also would have sent out a black smoke signal. Five tires, including the spare, one burnt each day at a peak time when the most people are likely to see it, might have drawn someone to them. Especially if someone was looking for them. In the meantime, they could have found fuel to add to the fire overnight to stay warm. And if there was no, they could have melted it for water. Car seats burn nicely also. Just something to keep in mind if you ever find yourself in that position.

Great advice! My family was driving in Southern Arizona one spring and my husband went to take an unpaved service road the GPS recommended. I had heard the stories about people getting stranded doing that. We were wholly unprepared to get stuck in the desert with no water or food. Thankfully he listened when I insisted he follow paved roads., I have never fully trusted GPS after hearing these stories. Be prepared is our motto now.

Second comment. I am driving 1800 miles across country to move back home after my husband's death, and I am 100% buying the McMurdo plv for my trip. This has given me such a better sense of Peace than I had! Thank you Bob Wells @CheapRVLiving.

Take on a backbackers mentality. Have a bag with a sleeping bag, extra warm clothing for layering. Dont have to worry about a tent because you have a car. A few meds, some food, a sleeping bag. Even a micro backpacking stove with fuel container to be able to boil water in a pinch or make a hot drink to warm the core. We really dont require a lot to sustain life lol. Some may have been groomed different lol.....but we dont. We're a pretty hardy species.

Really great advice. Each of these points is so true. I got stuck in the winter following the gps on a small road that was meant for snowmobiles. I kept going, trying to find a place where I could make a u-turn, but had to keep going. Eventually I was rescued. Very scary, thought I was going to die.

In the winter of 2000 I was driving truck delivering tires. I got caught in a bad snow storm between Culbertson MT., Williston ND., 47 miles of hell on highway 2! With a howling North wind, and deep snow it was miserable. I always carried gallons of water, food, and a single mantle lantern, with extra propane in my truck. The next morning I left Williston early, and back tracked to Culbertson. I saw power poles that were broke off for miles.

Great advice! I’d also say that if you are on meds or have allergies that might require, for example, an inhaler or epi pen, then you should have spares of each of these in your Go Bag. No good having food and water if you are having an asthma attack or a seizure of some kind etc, etc. 👍🏻

it used to happen regularly here in Australia, breakdowns remotely could be the end of you. actually even bushwalking here is still sketchy in the Blue Mountains, NSW, for international tourists. deaths almost every year, its only a 2 hr drive from sydney, but its remote, its basicaly a green grand cannon, same size . its all in the Education. Your not a drama king, your a good teacher, love your videos

#8 is imperative for single nomads.

Bob - I've seen a lot of your videos, and this is probably the best one of the bunch. All of this is EXCELLENT advice. As someone who has spent A LOT of time outdoors as well as worked with Boy Scouts and others on Emergency Preparedness, Wilderness Survival, etc., your info is spot on. Unfortunately, we also had a family friend's dad pass away in the coastal mountains of Oregon 30-35 years ago when he got stuck in late Fall during an early snow with a lot of the same circumstances you talked about with these other families (he was pre-GPS) but he also was taking a "shortcut" over the mountains in a passenger car. The only things I would add is that your #7 probably should be #1...ALWAYS let people know where you're going and (approximately) when you expect to arrive...so if you don't, someone knows to look for you! THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT. It also happens to be the cardinal rule that the guy who they ended up writing the movie '127 Hours' about totally violated...and would have saved him for having to cut his arm off! Finally #8, I've had a ACR Personal Locator Becon for 10 years, after I had some unexpected medical issues crop up while I wasn't on a trip and I knew that if it had happened in the backcountry, I would have been in BIG trouble. If someone wants to get a SPOT or Garmin device to communicate while out in the wild (and can afford the monthly fees), go for it, but they are not a replacement for a PLB. Spend the $$ to get an ACR PLB and you can be assured that if you have to use it, help WILL BE on the way!

It's been always my dream to live in a RV 🏞️🛣️🚵

Common sense ain't common anymore, Thank you Bob for talking sense to those who need it.

We live in Southern Oregon. We make sure we know the route and do not take “GPS suggestions” unless we know the route.

Growing up in Southern CA, I always carried with me, and taught others to always carry a "10 essentials" bag. I worked in downtown LA, and if a substantial earthquake was to every hit while I was at work, I could be trapped in who knows what situation. I had two bags, one always under my desk and one in my car trunk. And walking shoes was a must. The bag had a windbreaker, space blanket, some food, a bottle of water and a empty container, basic first aid kit, flashlight with batteries kept separate, gloves, hat and medications. I follow this same principle in our RV, keeping a go bag in our car and water and food in our RV that does not require refrigeration.

For those who don’t have cash immediately but can afford $25 a month, the new Apple Watch Ultra has an emergency satellite locator built into it, as well as backtrack mapping and other useful features for people who are out in the backwoods. (I’m sure other smartwatches either already have this function or will follow suit soon, since this seems like such a useful thing!)

These stories are genuinely heartbreaking. You are doing a great service by talking about this. I personally have lived my entire life in Florida. I have no knowledge of mountain conditions so this is great information.

Bob, Travelling don't underestimate Summer snow. Growing up in the middle of the Rocky Mountains of Montana, I have been up there in July and August when a snowstorm moved in. Maybe not inches and inches, but Sudden drop in temp, then roads are muddy, slick, stuck. Always keep extra socks, (Jockey Box)❣️

Yes, don't trust a GPS for shortcut roads. Many years ago I consulted my GPS on the shortest route from near Tillamook to interstate 5. Several miles into the route the road went from nice gravel to impassible logging roads. I turned around but someone less experienced driving mountain back roads could have easily gotten stuck and stranded in this remote area.

Great Video Bob! Being a former back country horserider one of my main concerns for having to walk out of the mountains (if I had no choice) was having the proper cold weather clothing and shoes to do so. To this day I carry clothing, food, and emergency gear packed around the spare tire compartment of my SUV. Growing up in the mountains you learned to be prepared in all seasons. I think your absolutely right about an emergency beacon, your not gonna get a cell phone signal in a remote area.

I use the Garmin inreach mini. $15 dollars a month subscription. Each night I send a free preset message to several friends/family members with a message saying I am ok and the message includes my gps coordinates. This way if I miss my check in 24 hours later, and perhaps I can't get a SOS out for what ever reason, SAR has a starting point. I also like that there is two way communication with the garmin inreach. I can let them know if I am in dire trouble right now or I can hang in for a day or two and that may end up being a safer situation for the rescue people as well.

Good advice as usual Bob and also a reminder that you just can't get too comfortable out here with what you are doing. Things can and do happen if you don't keep situational awareness at the forefront of your thoughts. I was out foraging this past spring in a holler and just naturally stepped over something on the path. Then (my instincts, I guess kicked in) and realization kicked in after I took when a couple steps away. I turned around to look and what I had just stepped over was a snake stretched out across the path. It was quite large (I could neither see it's head nor it's tail) but fortunately it was a rat snake or possibly a black snake. It could have just as easily been a Eastern diamondback... I'm very used to walking around these mountains and especially in this area and this was a reminder for me (again) that anything can happen and just because you've always done stuff like this doesn't mean you can't get yourself in a whole passel of trouble if you don't keep situational awareness at the forefront when you're out in nature or the city for that matter! Always have a go bag in your rig and an additional bag as Bob displayed of ready to eat food and a gas can and other fluids for your home/vehicle. Great video!